Inside WGSD

Give someone the joy of knowing they are appreciated. We're launching a brand new program designed to recognize Webster Groves School District employees, citizens, residents or community volunteers. The deadline to submit a nomination is March 1, 2023.

A WGSD Inspires Award recipient is someone who:

• has made a long-term commitment to WGSD (5 years of service minimum is suggested)

• demonstrates consistent leadership and exceptional performance

• motivates and inspires others

• goes far beyond what is expected in their role

• exemplifies the ideals of their role

• is an active and positive role model

• has vision beyond the immediate

• has provided extraordinary service to the WGSD community

  
  

The nomination form and more information about the WGSD Inspires Award can be found here.

We are excited to announce that the Internship Academy has been named the 2023 Distinguished Program in Teacher Education by the Association of Teacher Educators!

This program is built on collaboration between elementary schools, including those in Webster Groves School District, and Missouri State University with a unified goal to develop interns into exceptional educators. Each student intern is in WGSD schools for the entire school year and is paired with a classroom teacher. Learn more about this program in WGSD here.

Something special is coming Friday. Students in our Thrive entrepreneurship program who created the business Solemates will be joined by Tim Ezell of Fox 2 live between 5:30-8:30 a.m.

We'll be sure to share in case you miss it!

LaNita Harrison is the director of staff services for WGSD. In this role, LaNita interacts with virtually every employee of the district. Dr. Pamela Washington, who is the curriculum coordinator of gifted education, nominated LaNita and said, "LaNita warmly and graciously takes care of every staff person that calls her, emails her and has questions about anything HR related. She is kind, patient and genuinely caring. When you talk to LaNita (no matter the subject) about very personal topics, you are left with a feeling that she cares about you and will do what she needs to get you the proper information. She's been doing this for so long and with a spirit of excellence that she needs to be shown appreciation. We all love LaNita."

LaNita has worked for WGSD for 15 years. Before coming to WGSD, she worked in human resources for the President Casino. When asked what she likes most about her job, she said "I love interacting and helping our staff and mentoring students. I especially want our new staff to feel the care and camaraderie that I felt as a new employee when I first started here at WGSD." She said that what she finds most challenging is "taking my own advice I give to others about being self-full. To me, being self-full is focusing on your own selfcare; honoring your needs first and also being able to help others. I like using this word instead of using selfish. I truly enjoy helping others but just like the flight attendant tells you on the plane; you have to put your oxygen mask on first so that you can survive and be able to help others."

LaNita, thank you for all you do for WGSD. And a special thanks for welcoming so many of us into the WGSD family with your warmth and kindness. It's good to know we can always count on you -- we are grateful that we have you in the district!

To nominate someone, please see the information below.

Pictured, LaNita Harrison, Director of Staff Services

Introducing WGSD Cares, our new employee recognition program. We will be launching an exclusive pin to honor all those who receive this special nomination as well as new guidelines for nominating your peers.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Let us know by filling out this form here. Nominees will receive a WGSD pin, and will be asked to pay it forward by nominating a colleague.

The board of education recently approved our 2023-26 strategic plan. We launched this strategic planning process that culminated in the winter of 2023 with the development of a three-year strategic plan.

The strategic planning committee was composed of students, staff, family members and community members who met to ensure the district's purpose, principles and priorities remain relevant for students and their lives after graduation. To be the best school system we can be, it is critically important that our students' educational experience aligns with the diverse and dynamic world in which they now and will one day live in and lead. The results of this process guide the steps and strategies district leaders take in support of creating such a learning environment for all students from preschool through 12th grade.

View the 2023-26 Strategic plan here.

WGSD will host #WGLearns, a professional learning experience, on Friday, February 17 from 8-11 a.m. at Hixson Middle. This opportunity will involve multiple sessions around a variety of topics for all instructional staff.

The sessions are currently being finalized and registration will open on Monday, February 6. Sign-up will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Keep an eye on Monday for the registration link!

Black History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate and recognize the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. In the coming weeks, we will be sharing these unique stories and experiences in WGSD and showcasing the impact on our community. Follow us on Facebook.

February 4 Kindergarten Orientation 10 a.m. + Community Open House 10:30 a.m. (All elementary schools)

February 9 Board of Education Meeting 6:30 p.m. (Service Center)

February 13 All District Late Start

WGSD Cultural Calendar

If you have a group photo of your school staff or department that you would like to be featured in an upcoming staff newsletter, email connect@wgmail.org.