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Message from Your Principal
Welcome Edition!
![Message from Your Principal Welcome Edition!](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/bf61/thumb-88373beee89386cead766b3376a2297e.png)
Dear LHWHS Families,
I am happy to welcome our students back to the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year! We have many important events coming up this month, starting first with academic planning for the 2024-2025 school year.
Our counselors are meeting with students this month and into next month to help them build a schedule for the next school year. This is a great time for students to explore possible career interests, to take classes in their areas of passion, and to design an appropriately rigorous schedule. It is critical that students design their schedules based on their personal interests and goals and not based on the interests and goals of their peers. Students should ask about graduation requirements, NCAA-approved courses if pursuing D1 or D2 athletics, and classes that will help them reach their post-secondary goals. They will finalize their course selections for the 2024-2025 school year in April. After this, we will begin to build our master schedule which means optional schedule changes will not occur. Therefore, it is important that they reflect on their choices with you and confirm them by the deadline that will be shared with you and them in the near future.
We would like again to take this opportunity to partner with you to focus on the wellbeing of our students in a world of competition and achievements. We promise that our students will leave our halls well equipped to face the challenges of the world. Balance is the key to success in high school and beyond.
We would like to congratulate our Ladue boys’ basketball team on a historic start to the season! We would also like to honor Coach Chad Anderson for setting a new all-time wins record, beating the record set by legendary Coach Michael Ramming. If you haven’t seen a game yet, come out to our Community Basketball Chili Supper on Friday, January 26. You will have a chance to see all levels compete for both the girls and boys.
We will host our Snow Ball on Saturday, January 27 from 7-9:30 p.m. Students can purchase tickets during lunch January 22-January 26 for $10 (cash or check only). No tickets will be sold at the door. Students may bring a guest provided they have a completed guest form and return it no later than Tuesday, January 23. Those are available from our activities office.
Our annual Dance Marathon is coming up on Saturday, February 3. Our participants are raising money for our local Children’s Miracle Network. It is wonderful to see all of the teams’ hard work come to fruition at the big event. Please consider donating to help them achieve their goal of $70,000 for this year. FTK!
We continue to share attendance and tardy data with you on a bi-monthly basis. This most recent report shows an accumulation of absences and tardies for the entire school year despite being labeled as only semester 2. We are rectifying this, and the corrections will be noted on the next communication.
Stay warm, and thanks for your partnership!
Sincerely,
Brad Griffith, Principal
School Closing Procedures
Be Prepared!
Unplanned school closings are usually related to winter weather but can occur for many other reasons, such as power failures or flooding. Please take time in advance to determine your individual plan for your children when schools are closed. The following information outlines how Ladue School District makes decisions and communicates regarding school closings.
Alert/Communication Methods
The following communication methods are used when there is a need to alert families and staff of school closings and early dismissals.
- Local Media: KSDK TV (Channel 5); KMOV TV (Channel 4); Fox2 TV (Channel 2); and KMOX Radio (AM 1120)
- The decision will be communicated to staff and parents via ParentSquare (phone call from (314) 983-5500, text, email, and app notification). Please ensure your phone number and email address are correct in Infinite Campus. Contact your building registrar if updates to your information are needed.
- District Website Home Page
- District Answering Machine: (314) 994-7080
- Twitter: @LadueSchools
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ladueschools
Before & After School Care (BASK)
There will be no before or after school care when schools are closed due to inclement weather or early dismissal days.
School Closings
- Every attempt is made to make school closure decisions the night before or by 5:30 a.m.
- The decision will be communicated to staff and parents via ParentSquare (phone call, text, email, and app notification). There is no practical way to change call delivery times to suit the preferences of individual schools, families, or people. Individuals can make adjustments to their notification preferences in ParentSquare to determine which methods (phone call, text, email, and/or app) to receive notifications and the frequency (instant or digest).
- It is important for the district to have accurate contact information for all families. Please make sure you have chosen the number you would like to have called in the case of school closings as your primary number. You can check or change this information through your student’s school building office.
- It is not possible to remove the contact information from the school closing call list without removing the contact information from the calling system entirely. The district highly recommends against removing an entire family from the calling system. Emergencies of all types can occur and may require the district to get in touch with groups of parents and guardians very quickly.
- The severity of winter weather and road conditions can be very unpredictable, and the district’s primary concern is keeping all students and staff safe. As a result, decisions must be made with all students and staff in mind. While your driveway, street, or neighborhood may be fine, other roads in the district may pose problems for pedestrians, buses, or staff members coming to work.
Events and Activities
Generally speaking, if schools are closed for the entire day or early dismissal, all events, practices, and activities in which students participate (regardless of where they occur) are canceled, and district buildings are closed. The superintendent or coaches may make exceptions in special circumstances.
Accomplishments
2024 Missouri State Thespian Conference
Mr. Kurt Knoedelseder received the State Thespian Hall of Fame Award. Mr. Knoedelseder was a previous Theatre Teacher & Director.
Ella Hamlin received a Technical scholarship from MO State Thespians.
Gray Baker earned a Superior (highest rating) on her monologue Individual Event.
YoungArts
YoungArts identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom. Gray Baker was one of four young artists from Missouri to win an award in Visual Arts. Click here learn more about YoungArts. Here is a list of all winners. Congratulations Gray.
Yearbook Information
LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK
The deadline to order a 2023-24 Yearbook is Friday, January 26. This is the LAST DAY to guarantee your child will get a yearbook. Quantities after this date are not guaranteed. Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com to place your order today. Enter our school code, 8041. Not sure if you've already bought? Go to the website above and click "Find Existing Order." Please email Mrs. Kirksey at skirksey@ladueschools.net if you have any questions.
Ladue Basketball Chili Supper
UNICEF Snowball Dance
Please save the date for the annual UNICEF snowball dance. It will be on Saturday, Jan 27th from 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale for $10 starting the week of Jan.22nd! All proceeds will go to the UNICEF organization which helps children all over the world in more than 190 countries.
National Signing Day
Are you a senior that has signed a letter of intent to continue athletics at the collegiate level next year? If so, please contact the LHWHS Activities Department immediately with this information by emailing Mrs. Strohbeck at jstrohbeck@ladueschools.net.
We would like to recognize these student athletes for this amazing accomplishment!
The LHWHS Athletic Signing Ceremony is currently scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 in the Ladue Horton Watkins High School Multipurpose Room at 3 p.m.
Class of 2024
Graduation Information
Graduation: Sunday, May 19, 2024
*Please note that graduation will be held at 2 p.m.*
No tickets are required for admission to graduation.
Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103
Graduation/Senior Field Trip Fee
Each senior will be assessed a $70 graduation/senior field trip fee to pay for graduation-related costs. The cost of your cap, gown, and tassel are included in this fee. You may pay on MySchoolBucks.com, cash, or check. If paying by cash or check (please make checks payable to Ladue High School), please give payment to Ms. Takami in the main office as soon as possible. Before paying, please confirm with Ms. Takami if payment has already been received for your senior. If you have any questions please contact Ms. Takami at ktakami@ladueschools.net or 314-983-5402.
Class of 2024 Sweatshirts
Senior Class Sweatshirts are on sale. Sweatshirts are $25.00 and can be purchased with cash, check, or MySchoolBucks! Limited numbers and sizes available. Show off your senior’s 24K Magic with Senior Swag! Please see Mrs. Mortland in the library if you have any questions.
Important Dates
Monday, February 26 - Senior scholarship meeting during seminar. (Scholarship applications will be available on the high schools website for seniors to fill out after the meeting).
Tuesday, March 12 - Scholarship applications due.
Wednesday, April 17 - Senior field trip.
Thursday, April 18 - Senior awards night at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. If your senior is receiving an award you will receive a letter in the mail prior to the awards night.
Tuesday, May 7 - Seniors Last Day
Wednesday, May 8 - Thursday, May 9 - Senior Finals
Friday, May 10 - Senior Day of Service
Friday, May 17 - Graduation rehearsal at 8 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Immediately after rehearsal senior's will go to their elementary schools.
Sunday, May 19 - Graduation at 2 p.m. at Chaifetz Arena.
Class of 2025
Library Information
College and Career Corner
Chad Sisk, College Advisor Diana Redden, College Advisor
Seniors: Finish strong! (no senior slump) If you have questions about post-secondary options such as the military, gap year, or entering the workforce, please come and speak with the College and Career Advisors.
Juniors: Sign up for your junior College & Career Meeting with Mrs. Redden Last Name: (A-K) or Mr. Sisk (L-Z).
Sophomores: Review the College & Career hand-outs from the Planning Ahead/Sophomore Meeting. Contact Mrs. Noll to set up a Naviance account: gnoll@ladueschools.net
Freshman: Maintain your grades, get involved in extracurricular activities, and maintain good attendance.
College and Career Financial Aid Night
The College and Career Advisors will host a Financial Aid Night on Thursday, February 15th at 7:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room/Cafeteria. We will discuss financial aid topics such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the CSS Profile, trends in college costs, and how to create a list of colleges based on financial factors. The program is designed for parents of freshmen and sophomores, but is open to all grades.
Thursday, Feb 15, 2024, 07:00 PM
Ladue Horton Watkins High School - Performing Arts Center
ACT and SAT Testing Information
Ladue Education Foundation
Made possible with your generous support, we are thrilled to announce we have achieved the capital campaign goal of $350,000! The West Campus Plaza, located near the athletic fields at the Fifth Grade Center, will soon become a reality! Construction is underway with an expected completion date of March 28, 2024. The West Campus Plaza will include a covered area with seating, permanent restrooms, drinking fountains and water bottle fillers, and more.
We are grateful for the strong partnership with the Ladue School District and support of the Board of Education which made this possible. We would especially like to thank David and Karin Caito for their leadership gift of $150,000.
Honor a Ladue Coach
Parents for Scholars on-line auction is right around the corner!
Parents for Scholars is a need-based scholarship fund, organized by the Ladue Horton Watkins
Parent Association. The on-auction will run from Sunday, February 4th at 9am to Sunday,
February 11th at 10pm. All funds raised will help Class of 2024 Ladue graduates pay for books
and other day-to-day costs of attending college.There is still time to get involved! We are actively looking for sponsors, auction items (tickets to sporting and cultural events, vacation get-away, themed gift baskets, gift cards, etc.) and volunteers to help.
Ready to donate? Visit our website. Questions? Contact Parents for Scholars Chair,
Kash Morgan (parentsforscholarsauction@gmail.com). Thank you for your support.
Dads' Club
WHO ARE WE?
The Club was started, over 60 years ago, as the Letterman’s Club to support our school’s sports teams. In the late 1950’s our name was changed to the Ladue Dads’ Club to encourage fathers to get involved and help, not just the athletic programs, but also the clubs and other activities.
HOW TO JOIN?
As a current or former dad, or granddad, of a Ladue High student, you are already a member. Visit www.laduedadsclub.com/get-involved to join by donating via PayPal. We only ask for donations to help us continue the financial support of LHWHS activities, a donation is not required to be a member. We hope that you can give your money, time, and/or talents to help us in our mission. Please share your contact information via the form found online at www.laduedadsclub.com/get-involved so that we can keep you informed of our upcoming activities.
WHO RUNS THE DADS' CLUB?
The Dads’ Club is run by an Executive Committee consisting of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Director of Development. Officers are elected as part of a multi-year succession plan, with the President typically having a student that is a Junior. Additionally, our Board of Directors consists of thirteen dads who are motivated to help us enrich our students’ high school experience. We are always looking for more members and hope, if you are interested, that you will contact us.
WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT?
We realize that everyone is busy with work, family, friends, and other organizations. For this reason, we recognize that “more hands create less work” and hope to continue to grow this Club and ensure it does not require too much time from any one member. We are happy to get as much or little help as you can provide, and we are always willing to work with your schedule.
WHAT DO WE DO?
- We provide talented students with $9,000.00/year in scholarships.
- We fund professional tutoring for ACT preparation.
- We assist student organizations and clubs by funding activities & trips.
- We run the concession stand for fall activities and other times throughout the year, and allow student organizations the opportunity to earn revenue through service.
- We host/co-host events such as the Back-To-School BBQ, Blue & White Night, Chili-Supper, Trivia Night, and other great community events.
- We collaborate with LHWHS Administrators and Staff We network & host happy hours
MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION LEVEL
Ram’s Level $500 +
Ladue Level $200 - $499
Century Level $100 - $199
Director’s Club $50 - $99
Regular Member $25-$49
CONTACT
Email: laduedadsclub@gmail.com
Twitter: @ClubLadue
Facebook (Group): Ladue Dads’ Club
Will Dempsey — President, 2023-2024
We would encourage you to visit www.laduedadsclub.com to sign up or donate.
Knit and Crochet Club
Ladue Theatre
Ladue Theatre is proud to present the spring musical: The Drowsy Chaperone. Performances will be February 22-24, 2024 in the Performing Arts Center.
Showtimes
2/22 - 7 p.m.
2/23 - 7 p.m.
2/24 - 1 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m.
Senior Directed One Acts Information
Senior Directed One Acts informational meeting: Tuesday, February 27 at 2:45 p.m. in the Black Box.
Senior Directed One Acts auditions: Monday, March 4 2:45-5:00 p.m. in the Black Box.
Senior Directed One Acts callbacks: Tuesday, March 5 2:45-5:00 p.m. in the Black Box.
Senior Directed One Acts cast and crew list posted: Friday, March 8 at 2:30 p.m. List will be posted outside of the Black Box and on the website.
Senior Directed One Acts performance: Friday, April 26 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Black Box.
Senior Directed One Acts performance: Saturday, April 27 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Black Box.
Senior Directed One Acts performance: Sunday, April 28 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Black Box.
Save The Date For Prom!
Volunteer Opportunities
The co-sponsors of the National Honor Society have started a universal location for any and all volunteer opportunities. We are calling this Volunteer Ladue. The purpose of this hub, located in Google Classroom, is to give Ladue students and staff a place find volunteer opportunities. Students/Staff are welcome to share opportunities with their clubs, friends, and families. Our goal is to connect the Ladue community to any organizations, events, or people in need of service. Volunteer Ladue is not a club; we are an informational hub for anything community service related.
If you have any volunteer opportunities you would like posted in Volunteer Ladue, please email
Volunteer@ladueschools.net with the following information: Name of Event/Volunteer opportunity, date and time, number of volunteers requested, contact information for organizer.
Seal of Biliteracy
From the World Language Department
The following information is regarding the graduating seniors hoping to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy. This is an award granted by the state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. In addition, to obtain this award, students must demonstrate social-cultural competence through a project-based local assessment. Please speak with your language teacher to inquire about the project. There are two options for the Seal of Biliteracy in Missouri: the Seal of Biliteracy and the Distinguished Seal of Biliteracy.
Seniors interested on receiving the Seal of Biliteracy, please add the following dates to your
calendars. These dates are crucial for fulfilling the steps required by DESE to obtain the Seal of
Biliteracy:
March 8: Last day to complete the Project to receive the Seal.
March 29: The names of the students who have fulfilled the requirements are sent to the registrar’s office so the SOBL can be added to their official transcripts.
April (TBA): Celebration!
For students seeking the Seal in a language for which there is no available assessment, they will need to compile a portfolio containing evidence of academic language use and comprehension in all applicable language domains: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The district must assess the portfolio using a rubric correlating with ACTFL Intermediate-Mid descriptors for the standard Seal and the ACTFL Advanced-Low descriptors for the Distinguished Seal. *ACTFL - American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
If you have any questions please contact Maritza Sloan at msloan@ladueschools.net.
Student Parking
Parking permits are available to students to park on the LHWHS parking lots as a matter of privilege, not a right. Parking permits are required during school hours for all motor vehicles that are parked on school lots, except those belonging to visitors. Parking permits will only be sold to seniors and juniors on a space available basis. Sophomores and freshmen are not eligible to apply for parking permits. The cost of a parking permit is $125. The cost of a replacement permit is $20.
In order to purchase a parking permit, a student must complete the registration process. Permits are issued at the discretion of the principal and may be denied due to individual circumstances. Eligibility will be reviewed every nine week period. Parking permits are non-transferable.
Students that have been issued a parking spot, as well as students on the waitlist, must meet the following criteria every nine weeks in order to continue parking.
• No out-of-school suspension in the last nine week period;
• No more than 12 unexcused tardies during any nine week period;
• No more than 7 unexcused absence periods during any nine week period.
If the above is not met, the student will lose their parking privilege for the next nine week period. Permits will be reissued for the following nine weeks if the student meets the above criteria. If a student does not meet the attendance criteria for two consecutive nine week periods, they will lose their parking privileges for the remainder of the school year.
In addition, revocation of parking privileges for the remainder of the nine week period and the following nine week period will occur if a student receives an out-of-school suspension of any length as well as if the student leaves campus without permission and without following the proper signout procedures even if they do not drive the car.
Permits must be displayed on the rearview mirror with tag number facing out. Parking permits are to be used only by the person to whom they are issued and only on family-owned vehicles that are properly registered with the school. Students using any permit other than their own are subject to disciplinary action.
The school district retains authority to conduct routine patrols of parking lots and inspections of the exteriors of vehicles on school property. The school district may inspect the interiors of vehicles whenever a school official has reasonable suspicion that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside the vehicles.
Students are to park in their assigned spot only. The speed limit on the school parking lot is 10 miles per hour, and cell phones should not be used while driving. Careless driving will be subject to disciplinary action. All accidents should be reported immediately to the main office. The Ladue Police may be called. Insurance information should be exchanged any time there is an accident on campus. Students are not permitted on the parking lot without a valid parking permit.
Parking Lot Violations and Consequences
Parking without a valid parking permit:
• First Offense - Warning and asked to move vehicle off campus.
• Second Offense - Referral to Administrator and parent contact.
• Third Offense - Vehicle will be towed at owner’s expense, and student will be ineligible to park in the future.
Improper parking:
• First Offense - Warning and asked to move vehicle to assigned parking spot.
• Second Offense - Referral to Administrator and parent contact.
• Third Offense - Loss of parking privilege for remainder of the semester.
• Subsequent Offenses - Loss of parking privileges for the remainder of the year.
Other violations:
• Leaving campus without permission
• Opening doors for others. You must enter the school through the front doors at all times.
Attendance Procedures for Student Sign-Out
Students may not leave campus during school hours without checking out through the Attendance Office.
• Student Early Dismissal: Any person requesting release of a student must present proper identification prior to release of the student.
• Pre-Arranged Early Dismissal: Should a student need to leave school early for a pre-arranged reason, such as an appointment, the parent/guardian can send an email or handwritten note, indicating the student’s name and dismissal time, to the attendance office at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled early dismissal. A pass will be delivered to the student on the morning of the early dismissal so that they can leave class at the appropriate time and be waiting in the office for their parent’s arrival. The parent/guardian must come into the office, present proper identification, and sign out their student on the electronic form.
• Regular Early Dismissal: If a last-minute need arises for an early dismissal, the parent/guardian must come into the attendance office, present proper identification, and complete the electronic sign-out form. The student will be brought down to the office as quickly as possible; however, please note that, depending on the time of day, this may take as long as 10-20 minutes. If the student is in lunch or Seminar, the wait time may be significantly longer.
Cell Phone Policy
In an effort to maintain a positive learning environment that is safe and free from distractions, cell phones may not be used during class. At the start of every class period, students will silence cell phones and place them in a designated area where they will remain until the end of class. If students need to leave a classroom during class time, their cell phones must remain in the classroom. Cell phones may be used before school, during passing periods, during lunch, and after school. Cell phones should be put away during Seminar. See Board policies JFCF and KKB.
Cell Phone Violations and Consequences
• 1st Offense: Student loses phone privileges for the remainder of the school day. It will be stored in the front office and may be picked up at dismissal.
• 2nd Offense: Student loses phone privileges for the remainder of the school day and one day after the violation.
• 3rd Offense: Student loses phone privileges for the remainder of the school day and an additional three days following the violation. In addition, a parent/guardian meeting is scheduled with the grade-level principal to outline a behavior plan.
• Subsequent violations will result in additional consequences including suspension from school.
Note: If a student is seen with a phone at an unauthorized time, they are to surrender their phone to the staff member without incident. Students who receive consequences for cell phone violations and who disregard the terms of their consequence will be subject to additional discipline.
2023-24 Daily Block Schedule
2023-24 Ram/Blue/White Calendar
2023-24 High School Calendar
January/February/March Events
January
January 26 - Chili Supper 5 p.m.
January 27 - Snowball Dance 7 p.m.
February
February 16 - No School: Professional Development
February 19 - No School: Presidents' Day
February 22 - Spring Musical 7 p.m
February 23 - Spring Musical 7 p.m.
February 24 - Spring Musical 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
February 26 - Senior Scholarship Meeting during seminar
February 27 - Band Chamber Concert 7 p.m.
February 29 - Jazz Concert 7 p.m.
March 7 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 4 to 8 p.m.
March 8 - Early Release White Day (Records Day)
2023-24 Principals and Counselors
Principals and Counselors are assigned to students grade levels as follows:
9th Grade Students - Principal: Dr. Andy Ross and Counselor: Lauren Fisher
10th Grade Students - Principal: Annette Hayes and Counselor: Joe Serot
11th Grade Students - Principal: Mike Tarpey and Counselor: Shana Bobbitt
12th Grade Students - Associate Principal: Dr. Beth Rapoff and Counselor: Leah Jones