Inside WGSD
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
As we approach spring break, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the hard work and dedication each of you has demonstrated this year. You have continued to go above and beyond to ensure our students receive the education, care and support they deserve - and I can’t be more grateful for you and your work!
While evidence of your work is reflected in the most recent APR scores and rankings and in the work getting ready to take place as a result of our communities' resounding support of Prop. S last August, there’s no more important evidence of your positive impact than that which is on display in the classrooms, hallways, fields and stages throughout this district each and every day. Your care and support for our young people as people and as students is second to none. On behalf of our students, their families, my administrative team, and our board - THANK YOU!
It’s my hope that the upcoming week affords you the opportunity to rest, recharge and accomplish whatever else you seek and need from the time away.
With care and gratitude for you…John
WGSD earns high scores
The Annual Performance Report (APR) for Missouri schools was released this week and Webster Groves School District earned 92.3%. The scoring places WGSD among the top four districts in the area and the top 5% out of 553 school districts in the state.
The APR measures areas of academic achievement growth for students in math and English language arts, as well as graduation rates, and culture and climate. The scoring this year can’t be compared to previous years because it’s a new system.
The APR is one of many data points the district uses to measure student growth and achievement. The district is guided by its strategic plan and purpose. To learn more about the strategic plan, click here.
New director selected to lead Walter Ambrose Family Center
Amanda Reading has been named director of Walter Ambrose Family Center, effective July 1, 2023.
Reading brings a wealth of experience in early childhood education to the Webster Groves School District. Reading currently serves as principal for East Early Childhood Center in the Hazelwood School District, a position she has held for the past six years. From 2017 through 2021, she was Parents as Teachers Administrator for the district. Prior to that, she was the director for Kiddie Academy in Des Peres and director for the Lemay Child and Family Center.
Reading’s passion for early childhood education is evident in her extensive experience working with young children and their families. She has a proven track record of developing programs that promote early childhood development, and her leadership and expertise will be invaluable to the preschool, Parents as Teachers, and Adventure Club.
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Reading to the Webster community. Her leadership and dedication will help us continue providing exceptional care and education for our children.
Revised 2023-24 and 2024-25 calendar approved by the board
At the March 9 meeting, the Webster Groves School District Board of Education approved a revised academic calendar for the 2023-24 school year and the 2024-25 academic calendar.
Calendar highlights include:
- First day of school - Tuesday, August 22, 2023
- No school - October 19-20
- Thanksgiving break - November 22 to 24
- Winter break – December 22 to January 2; students back to school Thursday, January 4
- Spring break – March 15-22
- Last day of school – May 24
Here’s a link to the revised 2023-24 calendar.
16 late start days are on the 2023-24 calendar for teacher professional development.
Background on the change to the 2023-24 school calendar
In November 2022, the district calendar committee sought feedback from stakeholders on important items to consider when developing district calendars.
We surveyed for feedback and here is what our community said:
- Nearly 87% of respondents want school to end before Memorial Day.
- 80% of respondents wanted to align days off across all levels.
- 79% of respondents believe it’s important to continue to have finals occur before winter break.
The 2024-25 calendar reflects many of the same changes and can be viewed here.
Our People | WGSD Cares
Conner White is in his second year as an academic lab and physical education teacher at Webster Groves High School. He also completed his first year as the head football coach this past season. Before coming to St. Louis to teach at WGHS, Conner taught strength and conditioning at Helias High School in Jefferson City, and coached college football at Central Methodist University previous to working at Helias.
Assistant Principal Maddy Craig, who nominated Conner, says he "has gone above and beyond for our students. He listens to our kids, figures out what they need, and goes to bat for them in so many circumstances. He's a coach, but he advocates for his non-athletes just as much as his athletes. He cares about the overall well-being of kids and their academic success. He's helped students turn around grades from all F's to A's and B's. I wish every student could have a Conner White in their corner."
Conner says what he likes most about his job is "helping students reach their goals and find success. Giving someone the tools they need to be successful, and then watching them enjoy the fruits of their labor, is why you get into teaching." He says that what he finds most challenging is "patience, patience, patience." But, as he adds, patience is required in teaching all of the time and is a "universal truth of teaching."
If you don't know Conner yet, be sure to say hello next time you see him. We are happy he chose Webster so that he could be in our students' corner in the classroom and also on the field. Thanks for making a difference, Conner!
Personal Health and Wellness
Over the next few months, we will be highlighting each goal in our strategic plan. Goal 3 is Personal Health and Wellness.
As a microcosm of society, WGSD has experienced a marked increase in the number of children and adults needing assistance with their overall health and well-being. If not healthy and well, students and staff are unable to thrive in the classroom or beyond.
In partnership with families, professional organizations, and one another, we will ensure practices, structure and systems in place that support the health and happiness of all, while providing individualized care and resources for those in need.
Learn more about Goal 3 and the entire WGSD strategic plan.
