What's Happening Weekly @ MRH
On April 17, MRH School Board members heard a presentation by Superintendent Dr. Bonita Jamison about the upcoming bond sale schedule. With the April 8 passage of Propositions B and E, the District has to plan for the schedule of events required to sell the bonds.
Our website will be updated weekly to reflect the steps underway to make the bond projects a reality.
Maplewood Richmond Heights School District Operations Director Dr. Michael Dittrich recently hosted first responders from Maplewood and Richmond Heights to review key safety updates from the past two years and gather expert input on improvements to emergency response and school security. Another focus was signage and “wayfinding” systems in all buildings.
Two presentations guided the session:
One outlined districtwide safety updates, including enhanced communication and how the District has expanded communication protocols with walkie talkies, cell phone boosting systems, and cellular notification response systems.
The other presentation from Cordogan Clark Architects focused on both student and emergency responder signage and wayfinding, ensuring that police, fire, and EMS can quickly and effectively navigate all MRH buildings during an emergency.
Thanks to the passage of Proposition B on April 8 with 83% voter approval, MRH will now move forward with:
Purchasing additional Automated External Defibrillator devices for broader campus coverage
Installing secondary door locks to enhance classroom security
Expanding interior and exterior wayfinding signage to assist emergency responders and staff during critical incidents
Expanding and updating cameras across all campuses
Adding additional electronic door access
The insight from our first responders was invaluable. Their partnership helps us make smart, informed decisions that place student and staff safety first. MRH plans additional meetings as these improvements move forward. This is work that will continue over the coming months as we leverage Prop B funding to elevate the security and emergency readiness of every MRH building.
At a special reorganization meeting on April 17, the MRH Board of Education swore in two members and elected new officers to serve through next April. Former Board member Julie Francois and incumbent Brian Matz will now begin full three-year terms. Serving as Board President will be Jenny Schmidt; Vice President is Ms. Francois; Secretary is Katie Kaufmann; Brian Matz will continue his current role as treasurer. The directors are Trent Colbert and Joshua Miller. The Board will soon begin reviewing applications from six individuals who applied to fill the 7th Board seat.
Community Conversations Series Resumes Next Week
All are invited to join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 at Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Avenue in Maplewood) for a unique interactive workshop designed to enhance your understanding of Competency-Based Education at MRH. Participating families will step into the learner's perspective by engaging in hands-on activities that mirror the learning experiences their children encounter. Through exploring MRH metaphors, participants will gain a deeper understanding of curriculum standards, learning processes, and assessment methods. This session, led by Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Dr. Chris McGee, will combine brief informational presentations with active, collaborative experiences, culminating in a practical application of rubrics and a Q&A session.
There is no charge to attend; appetizers and non-adult beverages provided.
MRH kindergarten teacher Dr. Alicia Davis will receive the Dennis and Judy Jones Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Connections To Success, where Dr. Davis serves as a peer-to-peer advisor. Connections to Success provides a comprehensive network of services and support to help people living in poverty become economically self-sufficient.
“I became a participant of the Professional Women's Group of Connections to Success in 2012,” says Dr. Davis. “I started attending regular meetings and then became involved as a speaker, volunteer, and then selected as the 2018 Midwest Delegate. I currently still actively volunteer and have been asked to serve on the board of the Professional Women's Group for Dress for Success Midwest.”
Dr. Davis and her kindergarten students were recently visited by a video crew preparing a presentation for the awards ceremony on May 15 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton. The crew followed her to MRH Elementary School, where she serves as a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run.
Each spring, MRH High School juniors receive the STEM Girls of Promise Award. Recipients are selected by their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) teachers for this honor presented by the local branch of the American Association of University Women. This year’s honorees are Riley Sabath and Emily Stone. Each received a $100 check, a medal and a certificate. Past awardees Odessa Javier, Dakota Colbert and Marlie Duggin also attended the April 18 presentation.
Learn more about the program on the AAUW website.
Congratulations to all!
When it comes to networking, the harder you work, the luckier you get.
These students in Joe Sausele’s ”Intro to Internship” class have been studying the value of networking all semester. Their first session of the course focused on networking with peers. At this session, they interacted with MRH staff members with a focus on informal education development opportunities during high school… in other words, using internships, job shadowing and mentoring to develop themselves beyond what they learn in formal, graded education settings.
“Intro to Internship” is designed to help students develop a professional identity in the workplace in preparation for internship placement. Students write resumes, practice interviewing skills, develop a concept of work ethic and work narrative, and study workplace behavior expectations. Students also learn to develop professional communication skills - phone, email protocol, business letters, online profiles and other social media tools.
Summer Journey 2025
Registration for 2025’s FREE Summer Journey is here! Complete the Summer Interest form to let us know you would like to join us. Summer Journey offers fun educational opportunities aimed at keeping children engaged in learning! This exciting opportunity offers fun, hands-on educational experiences designed to spark curiosity and create lasting memories.
KA-KAW! See the Battlehawks, Support MRH Track & Field!
The St. Louis Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades at the Dome at America's Center on Friday, May 2, and when they do, you can not only watch exciting United Football League action... but you can support MRH Track & Field athletes at the same time. With every ticket purchased, $10 directly supports the Maplewood Richmond Heights High School track & field team, helping our scholar-athletes achieve their goals and reach new heights.
Join Our Crusade for Mental Health Awareness
On May 10, 2025, MRH will once again participate in the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walk in Creve Coeur Park. Founded in 1979, NAMI is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of people affected by mental illness. They provide support, education, and awareness through events such as the annual NAMIWalks St. Louis. Last year, NAMIWalks St. Louis was a record-breaking event, with over 1,300 participants including MRH employees and families representing Team Blue Devils. EVERYONE is welcome to join us again this year! Tap here or on the image to get started with registration.
Remember, 1 in 5 adults live with a mental health condition, making your efforts even more impactful. We hope to see you on May 10!
Host an International Exchange Student
Hosting an exchange student gives families a chance to connect with a teen who represents the very best of their country’s young people and culture. Welcoming a student to your home not only adds to the enrichment of your family’s knowledge and appreciation, but is an opportunity to share our culture with students destined for leadership in their home countries.
For decades, American Councils’ exchange students have shared meals, holidays, and laughter with host families. These students spend an academic year at local high schools, eagerly sharing their cultures, contributing to their new communities, and joining school activities.
If you are considering hosting or would like to refer a family any time, contact American Councils for more information. Or CLICK HERE to reach out to a family currently hosting a student.
April 25: No school for students; professional development for staff
April 29: Community Conversations: Understanding Competency-Based Education
May 9: No school for students; professional development for staff
May 16/17: Taste of Maplewood (visit the MRH tent and hear great music by MRH students)
