Inside WGSD

We celebrated IT Professionals Day this week, taking a moment to appreciate the incredible work done by the our technology team.

Did you know?

• Technology staff support upwards of 6000 devices between students and staff.
  
• Our network handles terabytes of traffic.
  
• Thousands of clients are connected to WiFi at any given time.
  
• Technology supports dozens of essential apps and software used at all levels of K-12 education.
  

Thank you for keeping our students and staff connected and empowered!

The Webster Groves School District Foundation is accepting preliminary applications for Innovative Projects.

These are grants are:

• Available to any teacher, staff member, parent or student of the Webster Groves School District
• A principal or teacher must be the grant contact listed on the grant application
• Budgets for innovative projects should be in excess of $1,000
• Requests for funds less than $1,000 are more appropriate for school PTOs/administrators

Learn more and apply here.

What is the WGSD Cares program?

WGSD Cares is our ongoing employee recognition program created to acknowledge team members who inspire others with a smile.

Who can be nominated?

Anyone who works for WGSD can be nominated. Last year we received nominations for staff members including teachers, administrators, custodial staff, teacher assistants, principals, support staff -- this is an acknowledgement that includes everyone!

Why would I nominate someone?

You would nominate someone to let them know you are noticing their positive attitude and that you care. Maybe they make you smile or laugh. Perhaps they have a relationship with students that motivates you to do your job better. Or maybe they have a quirky sense of humor that is infectious. The reasons are endless, but what matters is that you nominate someone who you believe makes WGSD a better place to work.

What happens if I nominate someone?

We will contact individuals who are nominated and, as a token of our appreciation, we present each nominee a WGSD lapel pin. We may profile them in our newsletter and on social media.

So, what are you waiting for? Nominate someone deserving today!

Pictured, WGHS teacher and varsity football head coach Conner White receiving his lapel pin during the 2022-23 school year.

We're extending an invitation to all dedicated individuals in our district to engage and contribute your expertise to our various committees. Your active participation can help shape and improve our district in a variety of areas. Here's a list of committees with current staff openings:

• Administrator Compensation

• Budget Planning

• Calendar

• Curriculum Coordinating Council

• Equity in Action

• iDEA (Professional Development Committee)

• Insurance

• PBTE (Performance Based Teacher Evaluations)

• Safety and Security

• Staff Recognition

• Strategic Planning

• Support Staff

• Wellness

  
  

To express your interest in these committees, please reach out to your building leader or administrator. Thank you for your commitment to Webster Groves School District.

Pictured, staff at Opening Day 2023

Flu shots will be available for staff at these locations on the following dates and times:

• Ambrose - 10/02/23 from 9:30am – 10:30am
• Avery - 09/25/23 from 7am – 8:30am
• Bristol - 10/06/23 from 7am – 9am
• Clark - 09/29/23 from 9am – 10:30am
• Edgar Road - 10/02/23 from 7am – 8:30am
  
• Givens - 10/04/22 from 7am – 8am
• Hixson - 09/28/23 from 7am – 9am
• Hudson - 09/29/23 from 7am – 7:45am
• WGHS - 09/29/23 from 3pm – 4:30pm

• WGSD staff insured by Anthem need to bring their insurance card so that the member ID can be documented on the consent form.
• SSD staff insured by Coventry need to do the same.
• Please let Rachel Huertas know if you need a preservative free vaccine (recommended for pregnant women).
• If you do not have the district health insurance, the provider will submit to your insurance. However, you will have to fill out some paperwork and you will need to bring a copy of the front and back of your insurance card along with a copy of your driver’s license. Accepted insurance providers include Aetna, Cigna, Essence, Humana, HealthLink, Medicare and United HealthCare.
• If you don’t have insurance the cost is $30 (cash or check payable to VNA) for the Quadrivalent shot, $32 for preservative free and $55 for the high dose (for persons 65 years and older).

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) is based on an all- hazards approach as opposed to individual scenarios. The premise is simple - there are five specific actions available during an incident. The SRP is based on the following actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

Notifications

In addition, we have begun to use the Raptor Emergency Alert system to rapidly alert staff of incidents in our schools and buildings. The system also allows leaders to effectively manage drills and instantly notify first responders of potential incidents. The district is able to utilize Raptor due to state funding.

More information on keeping our students and staff safe can be found here.

By now you have heard about ParentSquare, the all-in-one communications platform in our district. This unified communications platform is designed to keep staff informed as well as parents and guardians. ParentSquare allows us to to:

ParentSquare is not just for parents, it's for all employees as well. All teachers and staff should have received a signup email. We will resend this a few more times. Signup is not required to receive communication from us.

Learn more about ParentSquare here.

Sept 27 Tax Rate Hearing 6 p.m., Service Center

Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Service Center

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.