Aug 2013 Newsletter - Valley Park School District

Valley Park School DistrictOne Main StreetValley Park, MO 63088636.923.3500Central Office StaffDr. Dave Knes ............... Superintendent of SchoolsKathleen Neal .........Admin. Asst. to Superintendent &Board Recording SecretaryVickie Pardeck ................Assistant SuperintendentSuzann Scott ... Admin. Asst. to Assistant SuperintendentChris Finder ...................... Director of BusinessGail Shepard .................Business Office AssistantPatrick Jones ................... Director of TechnologyMike Fox, Zach Hardesty . . Technology Support SpecialistsKathy Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . Director of Community & PublicRelations & District WebmasterOfficer Toni Mullins. .............School Resource OfficerEllen Beary, R.N. .......................District NurseDenise Violett ............ Secretary to the District NurseAnna Marie Zoghby .Guidance & Athletic Director SecretaryCarolyn Martin. ...................... Copy TechnicianBill Werton. . . . .....................Lead MaintenanceLaurie Henderson .................... Lead Bus DriverAmy Ryan* . . . . . .Secretary to Maintenance/TransportationCustodial Staff: LaDonda Adams, FadilaCapra, Sue Druckenmiller, Anna Jessen,Cathy Kimball, Merima Kukic, Don Leicht, DarinRoss, Jasminka Seferovic, Andy Skaggs, FayeSkaggs, Randy Statler and Dennis Werremeyer.Transportation Staff: Karen Brooks, Laurie Henderson,Anna Jokuti, Cathy Kimball, Andy Skaggs,Faye Skaggs, Lynn Vellios, Frank Wilhite and RyanWilhite.Dena French. ..................Director of Food ServiceMelanie Wood .......Secretary to Director of Food ServiceFood Service Staff: Michelle Buhlinger, JoAnnBeard, Bettie Carroll, Laurie Cotton, Mary Cotton,Edna Curtner, Sue Druckenmiller, Pat Finder, GloriaHicks, Missie Johnson, Tricia Phelps, Judy Piotraschke,Faye Skaggs, Irene Sutton and Sandi Whitney.SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICTJulie Schroeder. ................S.S.D. Area CoordinatorElementary: Amanda Colletti, Shannon Combs,Michelle Earney, Christina Gaeta*, Cathy Hammerman,Susan Hammett-Sears, Kristi Hempen, Olga Hill,Nadine Johnson, Susan Lowe, Phyllis Salvaggio, KarenTrimble and Holly Wait. Middle School: Kerry Bonastia,Sheryll Cristancho, Tammy Jones, Lisa Perea, AllysonWerner and Jill Gail. High School: Nate Hardee,Jill Gail, Jill Karagiannis, Cara Lenk, Jill Payton andCorrin Sachs.Dr. Bryan PearlmanValley ParkElementary SchoolPrincipal - Dr. Bryan PearlmanAssistant Principal - Michele ReighSecretary - Karman CraderSecretary - Melinda CoatesMichele Fuller* (Grades K, 2, 4 & 5). . . .Guidance CounselorMichele Fitzpatrick (Grades 1 & 3). . . . .Guidance CounselorPeggy Witt ...........Early Childhood Center CoordinatorMelissa Reiter ..............................PreschoolAmy Hopper .............................KindergartenSarah Sprague ...........................KindergartenCarly Warhurst ..........................KindergartenChristie Weber ...........................KindergartenKelli Ellis ...................................Grade 1Kayla LaBeaume ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grade 1Stephen Schwartz ............................Grade 1Michelle Wirick ..............................Grade 1Courtney Amen ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grade 2Stacy Castro .................................Grade 2Laura McCoy ................................Grade 2Carol Wolf. ..................................Grade 2Dawn Fenwick ...............................Grade 3Amanda Grittini. .............................Grade 3Aubrea Grundstad ............................Grade 3Mary McKelvey ..............................Grade 3Trish Alexander ..............................Grade 4James Bielicke ...............................Grade 4Susan Biffignani. .............................Grade 4Jan Monroe. .................................Grade 4Julie Kulik ..................................Grade 5Jane Marchi .................................Grade 5Mary Patton .................................Grade 5Amy Robinson ...............................Grade 5Kacey Patten ....... English for Language Learners (ELL)Lynn Vellios .......................... Art - Grades 1-5Jill Elder.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. .ReadingTricia Cwiklowski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .ReadingKaren Clark .................................ReadingJessica Plass. ................................ReadingKelly Kaiser ...................................GiftedStephanie Buscher* .................... 5th Grade BandBecky Custard ..............................LibrarianLatonya Davis ......................Physical EducationMichael Menley .....................Physical EducationMatthew Ketteman ........................Vocal MusicLorraine Edwards ..............Teacher Asst. - PreschoolJulie Daniels. ...........................Extended DayCaryn Maloney. ...................Teacher Asst. - Pre-KLois Jacobs ................................ Art-Kdgn.Parent Educators: Olga Hill, Amy Hopper and ShellyWoodworth.8BACK TOSCHOOL2013

From the Desk of Dena French, director, V. P. Food ServiceDena French, MFN, RD, LDDirector of Food ServiceThe Valley Park School District Food Service Department provideshealthy, well rounded meals at a low cost. Also we provide free andreduced priced meals to students from qualifying households. Last yearwe made many changes to our menus in response to the new school mealregulations set forth by the USDA which require more whole grains,fruits and vegetables and aim to lower the fat and sodium in foods. Thesestandards are necessary due to the overwhelming amount of researchshowing that the foods we eat play an important role in living a long,healthy life. School meals provide the nutrition necessary for childrento feel good, perform better and lay the groundwork for lifelong healthyeating habits.In addition to the new standards, we have considered the suggestionsfrom parents and students when planning our menus for the upcomingyear. The result is healthy meals that are well balanced and taste great!Please feel free to call, (636-923-3633), e-mail (dfrench@vp.k12.mo.us) orstop by the Food Service Department if you have questions or comments.Also, you can complete an online comment form located on the website.What is Parent Portal?The Parent Portal is a wayfor Valley Park parents toview their child’s informationthrough a secure onlineenvironment as a tool forschool-home communication.Using the Parent Portal,parents can display theirchild’s attendance andlunch information on theircomputer screen. Also,grade books are availablefor elementary, middleschool and high schoolstudents. Parents are encouragedto use this site tostay well informed and upto date on student information.The information providedwithin the Parent Portalsite is confidential material.For access, parents mustcomplete a parental consentform for each child in theirfamily.For more information,please visit the “Parents”section on the district website: www.vp.k12.mo.us.Valley Park Food ServicePayments & AccountsStudents and staff use a computerizedsystem for purchasing meals.Funds are deposited into meal accountsusing cash or check, or onlinethrough the Parent Portal. Youmust have an account on the ParentPortal to use the online option.Please visit the Parents section ofthe website to fill out a consent formfor Parent Portal.Parents are encouraged to sendmoney to cover meals for the entireweek, or month. If sending money,please write the student’s name, andhis/her teacher’s name, on the outsideof the envelope. Payments forelementary students may be placedin the payment box located outsidethe elementary school office. Middleand high school students may givetheir deposits to the cashier whenthey purchase their meals.The amount of each meal is deductedfrom the account each time apurchase is made using the student’sassigned PIN number. The PIN israndomly assigned by the computerand tracks each participant’s runningaccount balance. Also, it assuresprivacy for those receiving freeand reduced price meals.Parents may check their child’saccount balance by using the ParentPortal or by calling the food serviceoffice at 636-923-3633 between thehours of 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.Also, students may ask for theiraccount balance when purchasing ameal from the cashier.Menus & Meal Pricesfor 2013-2014Breakfast and lunch menus changemonthly. Copies of the menu will besent home with students along withthe District calendar each month.Updated menus and other informationabout the program are alsodisplayed on the Food Servicepage of the District web site.BreakfastStudent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1.55Adult. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . $1.95LunchElementary student. . . . . ..$2.15MS/HS student. . .. . . . . . . $2.49Adult. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2.95Breakfast is FREE for all studentsapproved for the free or reduced mealbenefit. Lunch is $0.40 for studentsapproved for reduced meals; and it isfree of charge for students approvedfor free meals.10BACK TOSCHOOL2013

Parents As Teachers, Early Childhood Education & Full-day KindergartenParents As Teachers (PAT)PAT is a free voluntary parenteducation and family supportprogram for all families in theValley Park School District. Theprogram serves families, singleparents and expectant parentsuntil their child enters kindergarten.PAT provides:Personal VisitsCertified Parent Educatorstrained in child developmentand home visiting come to yourhome. They will help you understandeach stage of your child’sdevelopment. The visit includesdiscussion of child development,age appropriate activities anddevelopmental handouts.Parent Meetings/ActivityNightsOpportunities for parents to gainand share new insights from educators,professional presentersor shared experiences. There areplay groups in the PAT room thatfocus on socialization, creativityand movement.Developmental & HealthScreeningsScreenings check overall development,language, hearing andvision. They also help identify areasof difficulty for children early.This allows the parent to provideactivities to build skills in weakareas, or seek professional help ifnecessary.Referral NetworkingReferrals are given at a parent’srequest to link parents to servicesneeded for their children orfamily. Phone: 636.923.3531.Preschool ProgramFor children who arethree to five years of agebefore August 1st, 2013.Children may attend for halfdaysessions morning or afternoon,Monday - Friday. Parentsmay choose 2 to 5 days. ExtendedCare is available for childrenneeding additional care.Valley Park Preschool offersa caring and friendly environment.Children are providedwith developmentally appropriateactivities that stimulatephysical, social, emotional, andintellectual development andhelp children construct theirown knowledge.Play is the powerful way childrenlearn and the curriculumoffers a good balance of socialand cognitive learning. The childrenare encouraged to developemerging skills in writing, numberconcepts, patterns, naturalsciences, color and shape recognitionand effective problemsolving skills. Concepts suchas using manners, communityresponsibility and awareness,and being a friend to others areexplored in each classroom.For more information, includingdates, please visit the Districtwebsite; or contact PeggyWitt, coordinator, Valley ParkPreschool, at 636.923.3632 or636.923.3519; or via e-mail:pwitt@vp.k12.mo.us.All-day KindergartenFor children who arefive years of age byAugust 1st, 2013.The Valley Park kindergartenprogram is a FREE full-dayprogram. Door-to-door bustransportation is provided for allkindergarten students. Kindergartenoffers:• Academic, social and physi--cal development;• Curriculum which addressesthe areas of language,reading and mathematics;• Children learn the alphabet,letter formation, storysequencing, listeningskills, organizational skills,counting, shape identificationand simple addition;• Art, music, computer,science, and physical educationclasses and• Experiences in social developmentand work habits.Peggy WittEarly ChildhoodEducation Coordinator12BACK TOSCHOOL2013

Public Notice: Students with Disabilities ComplianceAll responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate andidentify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of theagency regardless of the severity of the disability, including childrenattending private schools, highly mobile children such as migrant andhomeless children and children who are suspected of having a disabilityand in need of special education even though they are advancingfrom grade to grade.The Special School District of St. Louis County in partnership withComponent Districts assures that a Free, Appropriate Public Education(FAPE) is provided to all students with disabilities between theages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction. Disabilities include: autism;deaf/blindness; emotional disorders; hearing impairment and deafness;mental retardation; multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment;other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speechand language impairment, traumatic brain injury; visual impairment/blindness; and a young child with a developmental delay.The Special School District in partnership with the ComponentDistricts assures that it will provide information and referral servicesnecessary to assist the State in the implementation of early interventionservices for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri’s FirstSteps Program.The Special School District in partnership with the Component Districtsassures that personally identifiable information collected, usedor maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation,placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities maybe inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if theparent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate/ misleading, or violatesthe privacy or other rights of their child. Parents have the rightto file complaints with the U. S. Department of Education or the MissouriDepartment of Elementary and Secondary Education concerningalleged failures by the District to meet the requirements of the FamilyEducational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).The Special School District has developed a Local Compliance Planfor implementation of State regulations for Individuals with DisabilitiesEducation Act (IDEA). This plan contains the agency’s policiesand procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retentionand destruction of personally identifiable information and theagency’s assurances that services are provided in compliance withGeneral Education Provision Act (GEPA). This Plan is available forpublic review during regular school hours on days school is in sessionin the office of the Superintendent of Schools.Local school districts in the State of Missouri are required to conductan annual census of all children with disabilities or suspecteddisabilities from birth through age twenty-one (21) who reside in theDistrict. This census must be compiled by December 1 each year. Thisinformation is treated as confidential and must include: name of child,parent/legal guardian’s name/address; birth date and age of the child;the child’s disability and services provided to the child.This notice can be provided in native languages as appropriate.Equal Opportunity at V.P.The Valley Park School District(VPSD) is committed to the conceptof equal opportunity for all individuals.For that reason, the districtwill not discriminate against individualsin employment practicesand educational programs.School districts throughout theU.S. receive funds from the FederalGovernment in varying amounts.The government requires that therecipient abide by certain rules andregulations.Sex discrimination in federallyassisted educational programs isprohibited by Title IX of the EducationProgram of 1972. The VPSDwill not discriminate on the basisof sex in its programs, activitiesand employment practices.The Rehabilitation Act of 1973states that no institution receivingfederal funds can discriminateagainst handicapped persons.The VPSD does not discriminateagainst handicapped persons in itsprograms, activities and employmentpractices.Inquiries by persons concerningthe protection against discriminationshould be directed to:Dr. Dave KnesSuperintendent of SchoolsValley Park School DistrictOne Main StreetValley Park, MO 63088Phone: 636-923-3695The Family Education Rights andPrivacy Act of 1974 states that parentshave the right to review educationalrecords of their children.When a student reaches the age of18, the rights become those of thestudent, with certain exceptions. Ahearing may be requested by theparents to challenge the content ofsuch records and parents must givewritten consent for the release ofinformation from the record.School principals are responsiblefor maintaining the privacy andsecurity of student records.BACK TOSCHOOL201313

FERPA Notice: Your RightsThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords to parents/guardiansof students, and to students themselves who are over 18years of age (“eligible student”), certain rights with respect to the student’seducation records maintained by the Valley Park School District.These rights are outlined below:1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within45 days of the day the district receives a written request for access. Parentsor eligible students should submit to the school principal a writtenrequest that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principalwill make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible studentof the time and place where the records may be inspected.2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education recordsthat the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading.Parents or eligible students may ask the district to amend a recordthey believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the Superintendentof Schools clearly identifying the part of the record they wantchanged and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the districtdecides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligiblestudent, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decisionand advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request foramendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedureswill be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of theright to a hearing.3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable informationcontained in the student’s education records, except to the extentthat FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception whichpermits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials withlegitimate educational interests. A school official includes a personemployed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor,counselor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff andlaw enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the district’s schoolboard; a person or company with whom the district has contracted toperform a special task such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant,or therapist; or a parent, student or other person serving on an officialcommittee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or assisting anotherschool official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has alegitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educationalrecord in order to fulfill his or her responsibilities for the district.The Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) and its officers,employees and agents are also school officials with legitimate educationalinterests, because they act for and on behalf of the district withrespect to transfer students and the transfer program, and because theyseek to advance the interests of both. A transfer student’s attendancerecords and other educational records relevant to the student’s participationin the program or to the program itself may accordingly be disclosedto VICC without obtaining written consent from the parent/guardianor eligible student. Upon request, the district also discloses educationrecords without consent to officials of a school district in which a studentseeks or intends to enroll.4. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Educationconcerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirementof FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPAare: Family Policy Compliance Office, U. S. Department of Education,400 Maryland Avenue, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20202-4605.SAFE Schools Hotline314.889.SAFESt. Louis County in partnershipwith Valley ParkSchool District provides theS.A.F.E. Schools Hotline.This Hotline is available 24hours a day, 365 days peryear, to anyone wishing toreport any gang or drug activity,weapons, physical abuse,violence or any other type ofpotential problem that mayaffect our children while atschool, home or play.The Hotline provides anavenue for anyone with informationabout these types ofactivities to report them. Thismethod is especially usefulwhen the caller wishes to remainanonymous. The informationis strictly confidentialand will be shared with theappropriate school or policepersonnel.School Picture Days!Photographers will be oncampus taking school photoson the following dates:Middle SchoolThursday, August 8th,4:00 to 6:00 p.m.High SchoolTuesday, August 13th,7:50 a.m. to 1 p.m.Elementary & PreschoolThursday, September 5th,8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.14BACK TOSCHOOL2013

Activity BusResident students stayingafter school for school-sponsoredactivities will be transportedhome on the activity bus Mondaythrough Thursday. Thebus leaves at exactly 3:40 p.m.(Secondary, only) from the buscircle. To ride the bus, studentsmust sign up with the supervisingteacher.Students are required tohave a boarding pass which isobtained from the supervisoryteacher. Students will not beallowed on the bus without aboarding pass. There is NO activitybus on Fridays or the daybefore a holiday.Bus Fleet HonoredFor the 11th consecutive year,the District’s transportationdepartment has been awardedthe Certificate of Total FleetExcellence by the Missouri StateHighway Patrol.State inspectors thoroughlyexamined each of the District’sbuses, including brakes, steering,safety equipment, emergencyexits and lights, as well ascrossing control arms. More than150 individual items are checkedon each bus during their yearlyinspection. All of the District’sbuses were approved, indicatingthat there are no defects.Childcare AvailableBefore- and after-schoolchildcare is available inthe elementary school forschool-aged students enrolledin the Valley ParkSchool District.Hours available:6:30 - 8:30 a.m. &3:00 - 6:00 p.m.,Monday through Friday.For details, please contactthe YMCA (Kirkwood) at:314-965-9622.School Bus SchedulesFor parents’ convenience, thelatest bus schedules will beposted on the District website,www.vp.k12.mo.us.Also, routes will be distributedat the Elementary OpenHouse on Thursday,August 8th.Please Note: Bus schedulesare subject to change.Special School DistrictCompliance PlanThe Valley Park School District,along with the Departmentof Elementary and SecondaryEducation, recognizes the needfor providing free appropriateeducational programs for variousdisabling conditions throughspecial education programs.The Valley Park School District,through Special School District,is responsible for providingappropriate services to childrenbirth to 21 years old who have adiagnosed disability.The Valley Park SchoolDistrict Local CompliancePlan is available for publicinspection in the ElementarySchool principal’s office from8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., by appointmentonly.If you know of any student inthe Valley Park School Districtwho falls into the areas listedand is not receiving assistance,please contact ElementarySchool Principal Dr. BryanPearlman, 636.923.3632.BACK TOSCHOOL201315

Valley Park School DistrictOne Main StreetValley Park, MO 63088Postmaster: Please deliver by August 3, 2013NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGEPAIDVALLEY PARK, MOPERMIT NO. 392013-2014 SCHOOL CALENDARFIRST SEMESTERAugust 5-6 New Teacher OrientationAugust 7-9 Teacher Work DaysAugust 13 ~ FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ~Sept. 2 Labor Day ~ NO SCHOOLSept. 11 Staff Development - Early Dismissal(MS/HS - 12:20 pm) (Elem. -1:05 pm)Oct. 1 & 3 HS Conferences (3:30-7:00 pm)Oct. 4 Staff Development ~ NO SCHOOLOct. 11 First Quarter EndsOct. 21-24 ES/MS Conference WeekOct. 25 Staff Development ~ NO SCHOOLNov. 1 Conference Break ~ NO SCHOOLNov. 27-29 Thanksgiving ~ NO SCHOOLDec. 18-19 High School Finals (1/2 day)(12:20 pm dismissal - H.S. Only)Dec. 20 First Semester Ends - H.S. FinalsEarly Dismissal (MS/HS-12:20pm)(Elem.-1:05pm)Dec. 23-Jan. 2 Semester Break ~ NO SCHOOLNOTE: DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.Please check the district web site,www.vp.k12.mo.us, for the latestinformation on school activities.SECOND SEMESTERJan. 3 Teacher Work Day ~ NO SCHOOLJan. 6 School Resumes – Students ReturnJan. 20 Dr. Martin L. King Day~NO SCHOOLJan. 29 Staff Development - Early Dismissal(MS/HS - 12:20 pm) (Elem. -1:05 pm)Feb. 10 & 13 Middle School Conferences(3:30-7:00 pm)Feb. 11 & 13 High School Conferences(3:30-7:00 pm)Feb. 14 Staff Development ~ NO SCHOOLFeb. 17 Presidents’ Day ~ NO SCHOOLMarch 5 Staff Development – Early Dismissal(MS/HS - 12:20 pm) (Elem. - 1:05 pm)March 7 Third Quarter EndsMarch 10-21 ES Conference WeekMarch 17-21 Spring Break ~ NO SCHOOLApril 11 Conference Break ~ NO SCHOOLApril 25 Staff Development ~ NO SCHOOLMay 16 High School GraduationMay 26 Memorial Day ~ NO SCHOOLMay 28-29 High School Finals(1/2 day, H.S. Only; 12:20 pm dismissal)May 30 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (tentative)Early Dismissal (MS/HS-12:20pm) (Elem.-1:05pm)June 2 Records Day - Last Day for Teachers~ First Day of School ~ Tuesday, August 13th ~In case of an emergency. . .Occasionally, severe weather conditionsor other emergencies make it necessaryto close school. The Superintendent triesto make the decision to close school by5:30 a.m., or earlier if possible. Whenclasses are postponed or canceled, a phonemessage will be sent out to all students’parents or legal guardians, through theschool’s automated message system,SchoolReach.School closings are also broadcast onKMOX (AM 1120) and TV stations, KSDKChannel 5, KMOV Channel 4 and FOXChannel 2 & Channel 11; and are postedon the district’s web site.NOTE: If school is closed, all otherschool-related activities are canceled forthat day.Site for Evacuation of CampusThe district’s Emergency Plan includesprocedures for the evacuation of studentsfrom campus. If a situation arises thatwould necessitate evacuation, students willbe relocated to Twin Oaks PresbyterianChurch. Parents will be directed to pick uptheir children at the church located at 1230Big Bend Road, Ballwin, Mo.