Education Matters Summer 2022

SUMMER

2022

EDUCATION MATTERS On the Cover: Valley Park High School Class of 2022

VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT One Community. One Campus. Limitless Learning.

EDUCATION MATTERS VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Pete Coates, President Faye Peats, Vice President Phyllis Geary, Secretary Nicole Martinez, Treasurer Kim Bellchamber, Director Lisa Finder, Director Jeremy Picker, Director Dr. Tim Dilg Superintendent of Schools Jaime Gast, Editor Director of Communications

Congratulations to our Valley Park Seniors!

Annalise Schnitker Valedictorian

Maggie Menley Salutatorian

VALLEY PARK EDUCATION FOUNDATION AWARDS 24 SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING NEARLY $20,000 TO THE CLASS OF 2022. THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GENEROUS DONORS, MANY OF WHOM WERE ABLE TO JOIN US IN PERSON THIS YEAR TO CELEBRATE!

Jane Wairia Charles L. Ford Memorial Scholarship

St. Louis Post Dispatch Scholar Athlete

Emily Geary Dr. Dave Knes Family Scholarship Megan Maloney, Gracey Mosley & Mason Sears Emma O'Brien Scholarship Meramec Valley Bank

EMILY GEARY Michelle Manegre Guy & Anna Marie Zoghby Scholarship

CUMULATIVE GPA: 3.972 Sports: Softball, basketball, soccer College: St. Charles Community College.

Goal: “My future goals after college are to work hard, enjoy life, and be a positive role model to others. I don’t know exactly what I want to become, but I know that as long as I work for it, persevere, and have fun with it along the way I'm bound to be successful.”

Favorite subject: Math and P.E.

Emily Geary

Principal's Leadership Award & Hawk Award Recipient

Abigail Schmitt Dr. Dennis Lea Family Scholarship James Eversole & Shane Plummer Fenton Masonic Lodge #281

Tamera Harvey James and Betty Bauer & VP Masonic Lodge Memorial

Annalise Schnitker James and Betty Bauer & VP Masonic Lodge Memorial Michaela Chittakhone & Maggie Menley Larry Wexelman Scholarship

Kyndal Christy Kiwanis Club of Meramec Valley Community

Claudia Brickey Melanie Hedrick Scholarship

Anna Sumpter Ray & Katherine Dains Memorial Scholarship

Isabelle Lencz The Nicholas T. Jenkins Memorial “Overcomer” Award

Nya Reeves Valley Park Lions Club

Emily Geary VPSD Teachers' Scholarship

Isabelle Lencz William G. Gouty Memorial Scholarship

WELCOME TO VALLEY PARK!

New Faculty & Staff!

Meghan Aydelott College, Career and Success Ready Director Meghan has a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Education from the University of Illinois, a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Lindenwood University and an Educational Specialist in Career and Technical Education from the University of Central Missouri. To learn more about Meghan, visit www.vp.k12.mo.us/aydelott.

Brandi Greenhaw Early Childhood Center Teacher Brandi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University and a Master’ s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Missouri.

Kay l een Kr i ef al l Val l ey Par k Hi g h S c hool S c i enc e Teac her Ka y l e e n hol ds a Ba c he l or of Ar t s degree in Biology from the University of Missouri - Columbia, a Bachelor of Science in Education: Biology (9-12) from the University of Missouri - Columbia and a Master's Degree in Education in Learning, Teaching, Curriculum from the University of Missouri - Columbia.

Gloria McDonnell Valley Park Middle School Science Teacher Gloria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Central Missouri and is pursuing a Master's Degree in Science Education from Western Governors University.

J ul i e Paul s en Val l ey Par k E l ement ar y S c hool F i r s t Gr ade J ul i e hol ds a Ba c he l or of S c i e nc e degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Join Our Team!

We a r e de di c a t e d t o pr ov i di ng a s a f e & s uppor t i v e e nv i r onme nt of be l ong i ng whe r e pe r s ona l i z e d l e a r ni ng e x pe r i e nc e s pr e pa r e our s t ude nt s f or l i mi t l e s s oppor t uni t i e s ! Che c k out our j ob oppor t uni t i e s he r e : www. v p. k1 2 . mo. us / c ar eer s

2022 VALLEY PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Stars

Each year, two students from each grade level are chosen to be "Valley Park Stars." A Valley Park Star is a student that demonstrates the character traits respect, responsibility, peace, caring, integrity, courage, patience, service, self-control, goalsetting, honesty and cooperation. Congratulations to all of our Valley Park School District STARS! You make our school district a better place.

Talley Schumacher

Juliette Tripi

Ben Frierdich

Luke Schott

Carley Simon

Bowen Milne

Ali Patterson

Will Rhodes

Lenore Newman

Avery Turner

Mahdiya Jaffaie

Jack Patterson

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HAWKS! GIRLS SOCCER - DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!

The Girls Soccer Hawks were on fire this season! Finishing their season with an 14-6 record, and securing their first District Title in the history of Valley Park High School for girls soccer Class 1 District 3!

They finished their season out falling 4-0 against Whitfield High School in the Class 1 Girls State Soccer Tournament. What an amazing run, ladies! A special thank you to the coaches, Tom Probst, Katie Libby and Luke Kriefall for their commitment and dedication to our girls!

Congratulations to all!

BOYS BASEBALL - 4TH PLACE STATE CHAMPIONS!

The Boys Baseball Hawks had an incredible run this season! Finishing with an 19-6 record, and securing not only the District Title but winning 4th place in the Class 3 Spring Season State Baseball Tournament.

The boys battled hard for each victory and the Valley Park community couldn't be more proud of them! A special thank you to the coaches, Mike Menley, Thomas Rauls and James Bielicke.

Congratulations to you all!

CONGRATULATIONS TARRON WALKER-TOWNSEND

VALLEY PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADE PROMOTION!

Congratulations to our 8th grade class!

Cong r a t ul a t i ons t o T a r r on Wa l k e r - T owns e nd who r e pr e s e nt e d t he Va l l e y Pa r k T r a c k T e a m a t t he s t a t e t r a c k me e t . T a r r on r a n ha r d but c a me up s hor t of qua l i f y i ng f or t he f i na l s i n a n i nc r e di bl y f a s t f i e l d! We a r e s o pr oud of y ou T a r r on. T ha nk y ou a l s o t o Coa c h Wi l s on & Coa c h Pa y t on f or a l l y our g ui da nc e a nd s uppor t !

Join us this summer!

Some camps still available! www.vp.k12.mo.us/campregistration

Cong r a t ul a t i ons t o our Va l l e y Pa r k Mi ddl e S c hool 8 t h g r a de r s on t he i r pr omot i on t o Va l l e y Pa r k Hi g h S c hool on Ma y 1 8 , 2 0 2 2 . S t ude nt s pe a k e r s J e r mi s ha L e wi s , T i m Col e ma n, Ans l e y Pi c k e r ( v i r t ua l l y ) a nd L a ur e n Ka l i nows k i a dde d s pe c i a l t ouc he s t o t he c e r e mony wi t h t he i r r e ma r k s . A s pe c i a l t ha nk y ou t o our VPMS Choi r di r e c t e d by Al l i s on Hung a t e - Wood f or t he i r a ma z i ng pe r f or ma nc e of " S ome whe r e Onl y We Know, " by Ke a ne a nd t o t he Va l l e y Pa r k Ba nd di r e c t e d by L a ur a Por t e r . We a r e s o pr oud of y ou a l l ! Good l uc k on t he ne x t c ha pt e r of y our a dv e nt ur e he r e a t Va l l e y Pa r k S c hool Di s t r i c t !

CONGRATULATIONS VALLEY PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK TEAM!

Anot he r Va l l e y Pa r k Mi ddl e S c hool c e l e br a t i on f or our t r a c k t e a m! T hi s y e a r , e v e r y r unne r s e t pe r s ona l r e c or ds a t t he f i r s t me e t a nd br ok e t he i r pe r s ona l be s t t i me s a t t he s e c ond me e t . A s pe c i a l t ha nk y ou t o Va l l e y Pa r k Mi ddl e S c hool T r a c k c oa c h, J a c l y n Z i e g e r , who l e d t he s e s t ude nt s t o s uc c e s s ! Cong r a t ul a t i ons , Ha wk s !

2022 LASTING IMPRESSION AWARD WINNER, JEAN HANTAK We are grateful that Jean is part of our VP team.

The Lasting Impression Award recognizes SSD staff whose work has made a positive impact in ways that may not be directly associated with student support. These staff members are often people whose work is done either outside the classroom or in support of teachers, counselors, and therapists. Much like a leaf can create an imprint on stone, their contributions leave a lasting impression that shows how much they care about the District and its mission.

Congrats to our own, Jean Hantak, our VPES physical therapist who was honored as a Lasting Impressions Award winner through SSD. Jean does amazing things for kids every day and is passionate about her work. Thank you, Lisa Finder, for taking the time to nominate her.

Social workers, therapists, bus drivers, maintenance workers, administrators, operations staff, and many more, are critical and ensure SSD equips and empowers each student to excel to their greatest potential. This year's honorees reflect the vastness of this talented group and the many ways in which every job at SSD is an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Congratulations, Jean!

2022 TEACHER OF THE YEAR, JILL ELDER!

2022 SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR, EVAN DELIA!

Valley Park Early Childhood Center Teacher Master’s Degree in Education Lindenwood University - St. Charles, MO 22 years at Valley Park School District

Maintenance Technician "Evan is one of the hardest most dedicated individuals I have ever worked with."

"He always goes above and beyond."

"Evan always has a smile on his face"

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION All-day Kindergarten Children who are five years of age before August 1, 2022.

Valley Park kindergarten is a FREE program. Bus transportation is provided for all kindergarten students who reside in the attendance area. To register, visit www.vp.k12.mo.us/onlineregistration.

Preschool Program Children who are three to five years of age by November 15, 2022.

Children may attend for full-day sessions or half-day sessions morning or afternoon, MondayFriday. Parents may choose 2-5 days.

Early and Extended Care is available.

For more information, please visit the district website or contact VPES at (636) 923-3600.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS Parent partnerships with the Valley Park PAT can help lay a strong foundation for your child’s future success in school.

PAT is offered at no cost to in-district parents. PAT features education about developmental expectations and observations, parent meetings and group connections/family events, health and developmental screenings, and community service referrals. Please call (636) 923-3600 to set up an appointment.

CONG R A T ULATION S, DR. DILG! NAME D M ASA'S 202 2 EMER G I N G SUPERIN TENDENT OF T H E Y E AR! Congratulations to Dr. Tim Dilg, Valley Park Superintendent, for being name Emerging Superintendent of the Year by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA).

Each year, MASA presents an award to an outstanding Emerging Missouri Superintendent of Schools from each MASA region. The award is in recognition of outstanding performance in the demonstration of those skills that reflect the best in educational leadership.

When asked about Dr. Dilg, Doug Hayter, Executive Director of MASA said, “Dr. Tim Dilg is a collaborative and thoughtful leader in his role as Superintendent of the Valley Park School District. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he has been a participant in leading the efforts in the Greater St. Louis Region. His additional professional development work and positive example as a school district leader makes him a worthy choice for this recognition.”

His nominations explain Dr. Dilg’s work ethic and dedication to the Valley Park School District flawlessly.

“Dr. Dilg has quickly demonstrated that he is not only a great leader for Valley Park but a leader among the regional superintendents. He assumed his superintendent's role during the most difficult time in history and has simply been amazing. Dr. Dilg leads his staff and community with integrity and a relentless passion and energy.

His laser focus on what is best for his students is evident in every conversation he is part of it - he always brings it back to his students. He is thoughtful, kind, and courageous in his words and actions. Dr. Dilg is undoubtedly one of the next superintendent icons in the St. Louis region and is deserving to be considered the Emerging Superintendent of the Year,” Dr. Desi Kirchhofer, Northwest R1 Superintendent.

Congratulations, Dr. Dilg!

VPSD TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT EARNS A 100% APPROVAL FROM THE MISSOURI HIGHWAY PATROL.

We are excited to share that Valley Park High School was selected to receive a $16,000 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Grant to implement PLTW Engineering Courses and a $14,000 grant to implement PLTW Biomedical Science Courses! A special thank you to Dr. Stryjewski and Dr. Luhning for completing the application process to expand and enrich our course offerings. PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and make the leap from dreamers to doers. PLTW Biomedical Science empowers students to build knowledge and skills in biomedical science, as well as in-demand, transportable skills like problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, and collaboration. These courses will begin this coming fall.

Congratulations to our Valley Park School District transportation department who earned a PERFECT SCORE, 100 percent approval rate in the annual Missouri State Highway Patrol inspection process.

State inspectors judge school buses based on criteria such as brake performance, lighting, steering mechanisms, windshield wipers, tires and more.

Thank you to our Lead Bus Driver, Katie Henderson, and all our district bus drivers for keeping our buses in great shape and helping ensure the safe, efficient transport of our students, daily. Great job!

VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE MAIN STREET VALLEY PARK, MO 63088

Class of 2022

STAY UP TO DATE ON DISTRICT NEWS Valley Park School District www.vp.k12.mo.us Facebook.com/Valley.Park.School.District Twitter @ ValleyParkSD Instagram @valleyparkschools

Valley Park High School Facebook.com/valleyparkhs

Valley Park Middle School Facebook.com/Valley-Park-Middle-School

Valley Park Elementary School Facebook.com/valleyparkelem

Valley Park Early Childhood Center www.vp.k12.mo.us/ecc

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