https://meea.org/missouri-green-schools/honorees/

Four Named National Merit Commended Students

Board of Education Sets 2021 Tax Rate

The Board of Education has set the school district tax rate for 2021-2022 with a slightly lower residential operating levy for homeowners.

The board approved a residential levy of $3.6584, plus $0.5699 for debt service for a total $4.2283, following the tax rate hearing before its meeting Sept.24. A taxpayer who owns a home with a market value of $400,000 will see a decrease of $339 over the previous year, assuming the home’s assessed valuation doesn’t change.

The commercial operating levy will be $4.3367 plus debt service for a total of $4.9066, a decrease of $0.2351. The personal property operating levy plus debt service also dropped to $6.0088 from $6.4699.

Pam Frazier, district chief financial/operating officer, said that the operating tax rates and the growth in assessed value of property are projected to generate $39.6 million in operating revenues, as compared to the original 2021-22 budget of $41.4 million.

Revenue for all funds is projected to be $1.67 million less than the budget because of the recent Blankenship court ruling that found that a section of state law that allows tax rates to be raised above voter-approved rates if the assessed valuation decreases, in order to keep revenue at the same level, is contrary to state law. A one-time recoupment rate in which the district is able to receive revenue from 2019 and 2020 from assessed valuations that had been lowered after appeals will help offset the revenue reduction. The district’s total maximum blended tax rate would be $3.8863.

WGHS Seeking Military Veterans to Speak to Students Fri., Nov. 12

Webster Groves High School is seeking military veterans to participate in a special Veterans Day program Fri., Nov. 12 at the school. The social studies department is putting together panels of veterans who can speak about their experiences to classes throughout the day. Participants can stay for the whole day or part of it. The day will begin with breakfast in the cafeteria, an opening program honoring veterans, then classroom presentations.

Veterans who'd like to participate should call or email Terry Verstraete, 314-963-6400, ext. 11282 or verstraete.terry@wgmail.org . Masks will be required in the high school building.

WGSD Parents as Teachers Program

The Webster Groves School District Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program has been supporting families with young children for over 30 years. PAT is an extended support system for all families, promoting family and community engagement. Services are free and programs are play-based and offered in the home, at the Ambrose Family Center and throughout the community.

Parents and caregivers are their children's first and most influential teachers. The caring PAT staff promote child development, learning and health of children by supporting and engaging their parents and caregivers through fun activities, developmental/health screenings and resources.

WGSD PAT is dedicated to advancing equity in our community. Being responsive to individual needs of each family, Parent Educators strive to cultivate positive and supportive relationships.

Opportunities are also provided to connect with other families in the community through open play times at Ambrose Family Center, parent learning nights and community events.

Contact Chris Steger, 314-963-6440 or steger.chris@wgmail.org for more information.

WGSD Now Hiring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Register Now for Run for Webster!

The Ivory Crockett Run for Webster is BACK in-person, with a virtual option as well! The in-person event, sponsored by the Webster Groves School District Foundation, features a one-mile fun run/walk, a 5k and a kids 100-yard dash (ages 12 & under). While you’re out on the course, the High School band, cheerleaders and Dance Team will all be out there to cheer you on. After the run, enjoy brunch from some local restaurants, along with quality time with Fredbird and Louie. Who knows, maybe they’ll try to beat Ivory Crockett’s world record!

You can also choose from a series of virtual 5k runs, with one starting from every Webster Groves School District school, and a special Ivory Crockett Challenge 5k, starting from Ivory Crockett Park in historic North Webster. For information and registration, please visit the Foundation website https://www.wgsdfoundation.org/  . 

The Ivory Crockett Run for Webster was established in 2004. It honors Ivory Crockett, a 1968 graduate of Webster Groves High School. On May 14, 1974, he participated in the Tom Black Classic held annually at the University of Tennessee. On a wet track and against world-class competition, Ivory Crockett sprinted to a world's best 9.0 seconds in the 100-yard dash, a record which still stands today.

Additional Benefits for Families Who Qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Lunches

If you think your family qualifies for free or reduced-price meals at school, please be sure to fill out an application. This year, the district is offering free meals to all children ages 18 and under because of a nationwide COVID waiver. However if your family would qualify even without the waiver, you could receive additional savings. (A family of four with an annual income below $49,025 will qualify for free/reduced meals.)

Additional opportunities for savings for families that qualify:
• Up to $50 off your Monthly Internet Bill
• Bus transportation
• Emergency – P-EBT Benefits
As a reminder a new application needs to be on file each year for the additional savings and discounts. Meals will continue to be free, however your family may not receive the additional benefits if the 21/22 free and reduced application is not on file with the Food and Nutrition office. The application is at the link

https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/Page/3088

Expectations for Spectators Attending Statesmen Football Games

Friday night football games are a great way for the school community to come together and show school pride. In order to keep these events safe and enjoyable for all of our community members as well as our guests from the opposing schools, we would like to pass along a few reminders and expectations for this season.

Facemasks are optional while attending outdoor events, however, all spectators are encouraged to have a mask with them in case they are not able to space out adequately.
Parking is allowed on the lots and on the surrounding streets where permitted.
Vehicles are not allowed to access and park on the practice field behind and between the stadium and Hixson.
Tailgating is only allowed on the main parking lot.
Set up any tents, grills, etc. in the grassy area between the lot and the stadium fence.
Please remember that the use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs is strictly prohibited anywhere on school district property which includes the Moss Field parking lot.
The Moss Field ticket booths will open 60 minutes prior to kickoff.
Admission for all regular season home varsity football games will be $5 per person. Children under 6 years of age are free.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at https://wghs.rschoolteams.com/page/3068
There is no re-entry allowed at the varsity football games.
Spectators are asked not to bring backpacks or other large bags into the stadium.
Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the stadium.
Students under high school age must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Personal footballs, soccer balls, or other athletic equipment are not permitted.

School rules will apply for all Webster Groves School District students at the games. Once again, thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you at Moss Field for another great season of Statesmen Football.

'Intelligent Lives' Screening and Panel Discussion Tonight