What's Happening Weekly @ MRH

Dear Maplewood Richmond Heights School District Community,

We are excited to share the results of the latest Annual Performance Report (APR) for the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District under the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP-6). The 2024 APR is based on data from the 2023-24 school year and we are thrilled to announce that MRH has earned 97% of the total APR points, placing us among the top 1% of Districts in the state. This accomplishment is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and collaboration between our staff, students, and families.

This year's APR not only highlights our successes, but also serves as an additional data point to support our continuous improvement efforts. While APR data is beneficial, our local benchmark assessments are instrumental in helping us identify trends, illustrate areas of need and inform our ongoing efforts.

We are especially proud of the growth we've seen from last year to this year. Our students and staff have shown an incredible commitment to learning, and it is because of this partnership that we are able to experience such growth.

Highlights from 2023-2024:

• Increased from 53% to 88.5% of possible points for student growth

• Increased from 50% to 75% of the possible points for attendance

The 2024 APR includes points (weighted) for both performance and continuous improvement standards. MRH earned approximately 96% of the possible points in the performance category, and 98% of the possible points in the continuous improvement area, for a final weighted average of 97%.

The full 2024 reports, including the District's strategic plan, can be found on the MRH website.

A district's APR score is created from a wide range of data based on results from academic achievement and growth on state standardized tests (MAP scores), student group achievement and growth, college and career readiness (K-12), attendance and graduation rates. The APR score provides a practical tool for the Board of Education, administrators and teachers to identify strengths and needs in the District.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also remain committed to addressing any areas of need revealed by our data. This continuous improvement process is essential in ensuring that every student has access to an equitable, high-quality education.

While we celebrate our success, we also acknowledge the tremendous efforts our neighboring districts have demonstrated as they work to improve outcomes for their students. While we are proud of our efforts at MRH, we are also part of the larger St. Louis education community. Let us model what it looks like to stand together in solidarity, supporting one another for the benefit of all students.

Congratulations to our entire MRH community, students, families, teachers and staff. Your hard work and dedication to learning have made this achievement possible. Together, we will continue to make MRH a place where all students are Supported, Educated, Encouraged, and Nurtured (SEEN).

In partnership,

Dr. Bonita E. Jamison
Superintendent
Maplewood Richmond Heights School District

MRH is asking all families to complete the semi-annual MRH School Climate Survey: Families developed by the University of Missouri. We share this information with the entire community: our school board, administrative team, building leaders, MTSS teams, and families. We use the data to create District/building climate goals.

• How long does the survey take? 5 minutes or less.
• Is there a deadline? It will close on Sunday, December 8.
• Is the survey anonymous? We do not collect email addresses and have no way of determining who completed the survey.
• Do I have to answer all of the questions? Based on the feedback from you, our families, we did make some questions optional. If the question is marked with an asterisk, it must be answered.
• How many are we trying to collect? Last fall, we received 385 completed surveys. This year, we would like to collect 500+ surveys. There are approximately 1,500 students at MRH (representing about 1,000 families).
• If I have more than one child in the district, do I fill one out for each student? The survey has the capacity to be completed for an entire family, but if your student is having vastly different experiences at their schools, feel free to complete one per student.
• Will the results be shared publicly? These results are shared publicly at our school board meeting, and posted on the school board agenda.
• Will other stakeholders be taking a school climate survey? Students (grades 3-12) and all MRH staff members will also be taking a survey this month.

Note: if you do not want your student taking the school climate survey, simply contact your child's principal or assistant principal and they can opt out.

MRH Families:

Are you ready to open the door to the potential of personalized learning? We invite you to join us for a community conversation on Personalized Competency-Based Learning (PCBL).

Imagine a world where students learn at their own pace, following their passions and interests. PCBL is a groundbreaking approach that empowers students to take ownership of their education, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

Date: December 10, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom video conference

RSVP HERE

Together, let's explore how PCBL can benefit our community's students by:

• Empowering student choice: Students learn in ways that suit their interests and learning needs.

• Fostering collaboration: Educators work with students and community partners to create unique learning plans.

• Promoting flexibility: Students can learn at their own pace and through a variety of pathways.

• Enhancing meaningful assessment: Assessment is a positive experience that provides students with timely, relevant evidence.

• Embracing equity: Schools and education systems embed equity strategies into their culture and pedagogy.

Join us for an evening of discussion, exploration, and inspiration. Let's open the door to a brighter future for our students!

If you missed our first session on 11/6, check out the summary HERE.

On November 19, the MRH counseling team, led by Student Services Director Vince Estrada, delivered a public presentation on District supports for students with social/emotional needs. The presentation was the latest installment in the ongoing Community Conversations series. For those unable to attend in-person, you may download the materials by clicking the button below.

The next installment of Community Conversations will take place virtually on December 17.

Students from MRH Elementary brought learning to life by participating in "Docent for a Day: Kids Takeover at the St. Louis Art Museum." Twenty-four 6th-grade students, selected through a competitive application process, embraced the opportunity to serve as docents for the day.

Over the past two Thursdays, these young leaders underwent docent training, collaborated in small groups to study specific works of art, and designed interactive activities to meaningfully engage their peers with the art.

Armed with knowledge and enthusiasm, the students led engaging tours for their grade-level peers, presenting interactive lessons that not only educated but also sparked curiosity and a newfound appreciation for art. By blending research, creativity, and public speaking, the students stepped confidently into the role of curator, inspiring connections that resonated across their audience.

This hands-on experience powerfully reminds us of the transformative impact of student-led learning and the incredible potential of young minds when given the chance to take the lead!

Many more photos can be found on our Flickr site.

The MRH Boys Basketball Program is leading the charge to raise funds to acquire a unique technology called Hudl, a platform that helps teams and individuals capture, organize and analyze video and data to improve performance. But the Hudl package will allow MRH to showcase much more than athletics; it will be used to highlight other groups, clubs and events (i.e. graduation) via live-streaming.

The first 100 donations of $20.00+ receive an original, limited edition digital art print from sophomore Em Watkins (samples below).

District Central Office and school building phone numbers

The MRH Communications Tree: Find the right person to contact with your questions/concerns.

MRH Calendars for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026

Absence Reporting/Why Regular Attendance Matters

By popular demand, the boys basketball store is back open until midnight TODAY (Monday, November 25). The goal is to get orders in before the holidays. Especially popular are our "zip code" t-shirts and hoodies and our retro "Always Hoopin" gear. Act right now!

This week, the Blue Devil trains his spotlight on MRH Elementary School 5th-grader Mia Monolo. Mia stepped up as a student representative for the November 9 ribbon-cutting at the new MRH Central Office. At the ceremony, Mia accepted a Key to the City from Maplewood Mayor Barry Greenberg, on behalf of ALL of the students in the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District. Thank you, Mia, for making a special event even brighter!

November 27: No school for students, teachers

November 28-29: District closed for Thanksgiving

December 5: Board of Education work session; end of 1st semester

December 10: PCBL Community Conversation (virtual)

December 17: Community Conversations with MRH Admins

December 19: Board of Education monthly meeting

December 20: Teacher work day (no school for students)

December 23: Winter break begins

MRH Youth Sports' wrestling registration for 1st-8th grades is open through January 6, 2025, at MRHYS.org. Financial aid is available. Reach out to mrhyouthsports@gmail.com with any questions, and we’ll see you on the mats!

MRH Youth Sports

7616 Williams Ave

Maplewood, MO 63143

The City of Maplewood is excited to announce the launch of its Comprehensive Plan update, an important document that will help shape the future of our community for the next 10-20 years! This updated plan will serve as a roadmap for Maplewood's growth and development, guiding decisions related to housing, land use, community and economic development, infrastructure, public services and more. By setting clear objectives and action steps needed to achieve them, the Comprehensive Plan will ensure Maplewood remains a great place to work, play, and call home.

THIS SURVEY provides an opportunity for community residents and stakeholders to get involved with the process, providing feedback and insight based on your experiences in the City. Please take a few minutes to answer the questions.

Questions? Visit the City's website for more information.

Enjoy traditional holiday tunes courtesy of MRH Elementary School choir members at the Mid County Chamber of Commerce holiday event on Friday, December 6. Students will take the stage at CNB Park at 5:50 p.m. Following the lighting of the Maplewood tree, enjoy merchant open houses, visits with Santa, carriage rides and more throughout downtown Maplewood.

Saturday December 7, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Build a gift for family and friends for FREE! For children ages 3-12 years; free coffee & breakfast foods for adults & children while you wait! Gift options for children to handcraft include: Reindeer Food, Bead Icicles Ornaments, Water Bottle, Look & Find, CD Snowman Ornaments, Dragonfly Button Craft, Wood Photo Holder, & other crafts.

Maplewood United Methodist Church

7409 Flora Avenue

Maplewood, MO 63143

314-781-5902

The Maplewood Richmond Heights School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation and/or perceived sexual orientation, or genetic information in its programs and activities. View Notice of Non-Discrimination or Board Policy AC.