2009 annual report

www.clayton.k12.mo.us

School District of Clayton

2009 Annual Report

2009 ANNUAL REPORT

Table of ContentsHighlights from 2008–09 ....................................................... 2

District Information .............................................................. 4

Student Achievement ............................................................ 9

The Family Center................................................................12

Captain Elementary .............................................................14

Glenridge Elementary ..........................................................16

Meramec Elementary ...........................................................18

Wydown Middle School ........................................................20

Clayton High School .............................................................22

Professional Development ...................................................26

Contact Us ...........................................................................28

Our MissionThe School District of Clayton will strive to develop in all its children the strength of character, the skills, the knowledge and the wisdom necessary to build creative, productive lives and to contribute to a global society.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF CLAYTON 2009 annual reporT 1

WelCoMe MESSAGEThis year’s Annual Report is unusual in that there isn’t a specific theme. Instead of a theme, we are featuring a variety of highlights from throughout the District. These highlights reinforce the fact that our school district is truly about teachers teaching and students learning. It’s that fundamental.

Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, refers to this as the “hedgehog concept” — identifying the one thing that an organization is best at and sticking to it. It’s grounded in the tale of the tortoise and the hare. The hare gets distracted and loses the race to the tortoise who, while slow, wins by maintaining a single focus — finishing the race.

In Clayton, our “hedgehog” is student learning. In 2001, the District adopted what we refer to as the “Kid Check Statement.” It says:

We are responsible for student learning by knowing students well, valuing every child and placing students at the center of every decision.

One of the most important things about the statement is that it does not include any qualifiers. In order to finish the race, we must accept the responsibility — the unqualified responsibility — that every student learns. That does not mean just the smiling, freshly-scrubbed, ready-to-learn kids, but we must also reach all the surly, non-traditional-family, not-ready-to-learn kids. It is about every student learning, and it only happens when a school or a school district uses a filter that ensures all decisions are made considering what is best for kids. It is something we do here in Clayton and something of which we’re very proud.

Take some time to review these highlights and we think you’ll agree.

Don Senti Omri Praiss

Superintendent 2009 President, Board of Education

HIGHLIGHTS FroM 2008–09

The academic achievement • of Clayton students was consistently higher at all grade levels in all academic areas than that of students in the state, as measured by standardized assessments highlighted in this report.

The District and Metro Theater • Company announced their cultural partnership, bringing together the District’s facilities and resources with the topnotch artistic excellence of Metro Theater. Students, staff and families benefit from workshops, professional development and cooperative ventures with theater students.

Clayton’s elementary science • program became connected, coherent and consistent thanks to the addition of a dedicated science teacher at each elementary school.

Clayton adopted national • standards in the area of instructional technology, helping teachers better utilize technology in the classroom to fully embrace technology as a curricular tool and engage and educate 21st century learners.

Clayton received a perfect score • on its Annual Performance Report from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Courses in Chinese language • were successfully launched at the secondary level.

Standard and Poor’s upgraded • the District’s bond rating to AAA, the highest rating available for school districts. Only 39 other districts in the nation have achieved this rating.

The Lab Classroom Leadership • Program was launched to promote and sustain teacher leaders by developing expertise through job-embedded professional development within the classroom setting.

The District refined its • collective commitment to forming collaborative teams — Professional Learning Communities — to focus on the common goal of improving student achievement using data and evidence to inform and guide professional practice.

The 2008–09 school year continued a tradition of distinguished achievements for School District of Clayton students, staff, programs and schools. Below are some points of pride for the District from the year, all highlighting the rich educational experiences available in your Clayton schools.


Clayton participated in Kids • Voting, a national program designed to get students involved and ready to be educated, engaged citizens.

Together with the Clayton • Chamber of Commerce, the District hosted a forum for the candidates for Attorney General of Missouri in CHS’ Auditorium. Jeremy Bleeke, the editor-in-chief of CHS’ student newspaper, served as a panel member.

Proposition S, a $51 million • bond issue and Clayton’s first in over a decade, was approved by Clayton voters in April. Prop S is funding renovations and additions at the Family Center, the three elementary schools and Clayton High School in efforts to align the quality of the facilities with the quality of education offered.

According to the rankings • published in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Clayton came out on top in both the math and communication arts 2009 Missouri Assessment Program index scores among all districts in St. Louis County.

David Walsh, Ph.D., one of the • world’s leading authorities on parenting and the impact of the media on children’s health and development, presented to Clayton families.

According to the results of a • community-wide public opinion survey, nearly 90 percent of residents believe that Clayton’s schools provide a world-class education.

The District earned the state’s • highest level of accreditation — Distinction in Performance with High Achievement — for the tenth consecutive year.

Students’ talents and creativity • were featured in the annual District-wide Visual Arts Exhibit. For the past two decades, the event has brought together student work from art classes at every Clayton school.

The District’s partnership with • Cultural Festivals continued, and the Big Read was held on Clayton High School’s campus for the first time.

A data warehouse was installed • as a tool to allow teachers to gather student data to allow for comparisons and trend analysis, as well as the tracking of individual student progress.

Nominated by her colleagues, • CHS teacher Doris Smith was selected as Clayton’s 2008 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award winner.

Elementary students enjoyed • African dance lessons, while secondary students participated in Clayton’s “dance in residency” program through collaboration with COCA.

An online electronic tool for • housing, organizing and sharing District-wide curriculum was launched to better align curriculum across all disciplines, courses, schools and programs.

Students formed the group • Student Ambassadors Vested in the Environment. Their collaboration with students from the DAV School System in India helped them to become agents of global social change, especially when they traveled to Mumbai and New Delhi to share ideas on the environment, social justice and the world.

our BOARD OF EDUCATION

ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER • #2 MARK TWAIN CIRCLE • 314.854.6000

2009 Board of Education A. Omri Praiss

President

B. Sonny Buttar Vice President

C. Susan Buse Treasurer

D. Robert Kerr Secretary

E. Jane Klamer Director

F. Lily Raymond Director

G. Steve Singer Director

B.A.

F.E.

C.

G.

D.

We are responsible for student learning by knowing students well, valuing every child and placing students at the center of every decision.

As a public school system dedicated to the education of all children who come to our schools, the School District of Clayton makes decisions using the following guiding principles:

The primary responsibility of our schools is teaching and learning.•

Every member of the school community is both a learner and a teacher.•

The individuality of every learner is recognized and welcomed.•

The school culture nurtures both the joy of learning and the satisfaction • of achievement.

Decisions are based on the best interests of students, balancing individual • and group needs.

We value all members of our learning organization and demonstrate honesty, • respect and trust in all of our relationships.

Our schools promote equitable access to educational opportunities.•

We encourage effective partnerships with parents and the broader community.•

We allocate our resources in a prudent manner consistent with our principles • and goals.

Our shared vision of education empowers us to explore, experiment and grow.•

Effective assessment informs our decisions.•

Learners accept responsibility for their learning and feel confident in their • ability to create a positive future for themselves.

We provide a solid academic foundation, a broad choice of programs and maintain • high standards for all learners.

We are committed to diversity in our school population because it enriches our lives, • mirrors our world and reflects our future.

We strive to develop thoughtful citizens who contribute responsibly to their global • community.

our GuIDInG PRINCIPLES


our SCHOOL CALENDARStudent Attendance

• Elementary –

179 days, 6.00 hours

• Middle School –


• High School –


Parent-Teacher Conferences

• Elementary – 3 days

• Middle School – 1 day

• High school conferences

are not scheduled on the

District calendar

Staff Development

Four days are devoted to staff

development, which includes

time set aside during teacher

preparation week and time

during late start days.


our FINANCESAverage Per Pupil ExpenditureThe District spends $15,385 per enrolled student.

Adjusted Tax Rate$3.4206 per $100 of assessed valuation

Fund Rate

Teachers $1.9390

Incidental $0.9630

Debt Service $0.3330

Capital Projects $0.1856

Assessed Valuation $1,068,560,530 (as of Dec. 31, 2008)

2009 Operating Revenues$48,084,024

Local Funds* .....................83.58%

Desegregation Funds ..........8.70%

Proposition C Funds ............3.24%

State Funds.........................2.93%

Federal Funds .....................1.55%* The District’s local revenues are generated by

local real estate and property taxes.

2009 Expenditures*$47,012,524

Employee Salaries and Benefits .....................76.34%

Supplies ...........................10.15%

Purchased Services ............8.30%

Equipment/Capital Outlay ...5.21%

*Excluding Debt Service

Federal Funds

State Funds

Proposition C Funds

Desegregation Funds

Local Funds

0 20 40 60 80 100

Federal Funds

State Funds

Proposition C Funds

Desegregation Funds

Local Funds

0 20 40 60 80 100

Equipment/Capital Outlay

Purchased Services

Supplies

Employee Salaries

Federal Funds

State Funds

Proposition C Funds

Desegregation Funds

Local Funds

0 20 40 60 80 100

Federal Funds

State Funds

Proposition C Funds

Desegregation Funds

Local Funds

0 20 40 60 80 100

Equipment/Capital Outlay

Purchased Services

Supplies

Employee Salaries

our STAFF

Average Teacher’s Salary

Clayton .......................... $66,509

Missouri .............$44,249

Average Administrator’s Salary

Clayton ........................ $120,037

Missouri .............$82,274

Small Staffing Ratios

Clayton K-5 ..................13:1

Clayton 6-8 ...........9:1

Clayton 9-12 ...........11:1

Missouri ............................. 17:1

The student-to-teaching staff member ratios include classroom teachers, specialists and special area teachers.

Our Teachers are ExperiencedClayton .......................................16 years

Missouri ............................12 years

On average, Clayton teachers have four more years of experience than teachers statewide.

Our Teachers Have Advanced DegreesClayton ................................87%

Missouri ....................54%

Seven out of eight Clayton teachers hold a degree above a bachelor’s level.

EnrollmentThe Family Center....................... varies

Captain Elementary ........................ 314

Glenridge Elementary ..................... 365

Meramec Elementary ...................... 367

Wydown Middle School ................... 573

Clayton High School ........................ 868

District ............................... 2,487

Student AttendanceFamily Center ................................N/A

Captain Elementary* ...................95.8%

Glenridge Elementary* ................95.6%

Meramec Elementary* ................96.7%

Wydown Middle School* .............95.7%

Clayton High School** ................93.4%

District ..............................95.0%

Missouri .....................................95.1%

*with 179 Days of Attendance **with 181 Days of Attendance

Our StudentsWhite ..........................................65.9%

African American ........................22.4%

Asian ........................................... 9.4%

Hispanic ...................................... 2.3%

Indian .......................................... 0.1%

Eligible for Free or Reduced LunchDistrict .......................................16.1%

(393 students)

Missouri .....................................43.7%

The School District of Clayton is

accredited by the State of Missouri.

FaCTS & FIGURES STUDENT aCHIeVeMenT


One of the hallmarks of Clayton students at every

grade level is strong academic achievement. The

District demonstrates its commitment to continuing this

tradition by evaluating student performance through

a comprehensive assessment process that includes

multiple-choice, constructed response and performance-

based testing. Each one of these types of assessments

measure student achievement in slightly different ways. Together, they supply the District

with a more complete profile of student achievement than any one of them could alone.

In 2009, Clayton participated in the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP), which uses four

achievement levels. The scores provide a description of what students can do in terms of

the content and skills assessed for each area. They are a means of comparing test results

with standards of academic performance.

The next pages review Clayton’s 2009 MAP results, as well as

provide information on Adequate Yearly Progress.

STUDENT aCHIeVeMenT

ADEquATE YEARLY PROgRESSThe No Child Left Behind Act set a series of annual benchmarks, referred to as Adequate Yearly Progress, that school districts must achieve as they progress towards the goals of having 100 percent of all students performing at grade level in communication arts and math by 2014. AYP is reported for each school as well as the district. To meet AYP, all groups must meet the state goal and more than 95 percent of the students must have taken the test.

2009 MAP ACHIEVEMENT DATA BY ETHNICITY

Science

School District of Clayton Adequate Yearly ProgressProficient in Communication Arts Proficient in Mathematics

State Goal – 2009 51.0% 45.0%

All Students 76.3% 72.4%

Asian/Pacific Isl 83.3% 93.0%

Black 42.3% 35.3%

Hispanic ** **

American Indian ** **

White 86.9% 82.5%

Other NSA NSA

Free/Reduced Lunch 39.7% 34.2%

IEP 42.9% SC 44.5%

LEP 73.2% 79.7%

** = Fewer than 30 or 50 students in the group

NSA = No Students Assessed

SC = Met Goal Via Confidence Interval Unsing Safe Harbor

2009 MAP ACHIEVEMENT DATA BY GRADECLAYTON STATE

Below Basic/ Basic

Proficient/ Advanced

Below Basic/ Basic


Communication Arts – Grade 3 35.6% 64.4% 59.0% 41.0%



Mathematics – Grade 3 36.7% 63.3% 55.0% 45.0%



Science Grade – 5 35.7% 64.3% 54.8% 45.2%

To view Wydown Middle School’s achievement data by grade, flip to page 21, and to view Clayton High School’s, flip to page 25.

Clayton StateNumber of Students

Below Basic/ Basic


Below Basic/ Basic


Grade 5

Asian 26 30.7% 69.3% 43.5% 56.5%

African American 36 72.2% 27.7% 82.9% 17.1%

White 125 26.4% 73.6% 47.4% 52.6%

Grade 8

Asian 21 23.8% 76.2% 43.3% 56.7%


White 127 26.0% 74.0% 47.8% 52.2%

Biology

Asian 13 0.0% 100.0% 36.2% 63.8%


White 156 3.8% 96.2% 38.7% 61.3%


Additional Achievement DataAdditional data from Clayton’s 2009 MAP and AYP scores and other assessment data can be reviewed online at www.clayton.k12.mo.us/StateReport.

MathematicsCommunication Arts


Below Basic/ Basic


Below Basic/ Basic


Grade 3

Asian 22 9.1% 90.9% 47.9% 52.1%


White 94 27.7% 72.3% 53.9% 46.1%

Grade 4

Asian 16 31.3% 68.8% 41.2% 58.8%


White 126 15.1% 84.9% 48.0% 51.9%

Grade 5

Asian 23 17.4% 82.6% 36.8% 63.1%


White 124 10.5% 89.5% 45.1% 54.9%

Grade 6

Asian 18 27.8% 72.2% 38.2% 61.8


White 123 9.7% 90.3% 46.6% 53.4%

Grade 7

Asian 13 0.0% 100% 40.4% 59.6%


White 126 11.9% 88.1% 43.4% 56.5%

Grade 8

Asian 21 23.8% 76.2% 41.0% 59.1%


White 127 16.6% 83.4% 44.0% 56.0%

English II

Asian 12 8.3% 91.7% 21.9% 78.1%


White 131 3.8% 96.2% 22.8% 77.2%


Below Basic/ Basic


Below Basic/ Basic


Grade 3

Asian 23 8.7% 91.3% 38.8% 61.1%


White 94 28.8% 71.2% 49.5% 50.4%

Grade 4

Asian 16 12.5% 87.5% 38.0% 62.0%


White 127 11.0% 89.0% 49.2% 50.8%

Grade 5

Asian 26 11.5% 88.5% 34.3% 65.6%


White 125 10.4% 89.6% 46.1% 53.9%

Grade 6

Asian 18 0.0% 100.0% 31.6% 68.3%


White 123 12.2% 87.8% 43.4% 56.7%

Grade 7

Asian 13 0.0% 100.0% 30.6% 69.4%


White 126 13.5% 86.5% 41.3% 58.7%

Grade 8

Asian 21 14.3% 85.7% 34.2% 65.8%


White 127 24.4% 75.6% 46.7% 53.3%

Algebra I

Asian 20 5.0% 95.0% 31.5% 68.5%


White 93 17.3% 82.8% 41.3% 58.6%

301 NoRTh GAy • 314.854.6900 • DEbbIE REILLy, DIRECToR

THe FAMILY CENTERThe Family Center provides programs for families with

children from infancy through high school. Positive parent-child,

parent-teacher and child-child relationships are the core of a

healthy and productive family. The Family Center is a place where

families — children and parents — grow together and learn

together. Through involvement in the Family Center, families

build connections with other families and with the District as a

whole. Nationally recognized for its parenting education and early

childhood education programs, the Family Center offers a wide

range of learning opportunities, including parenting consultations,

short-term counseling and early childhood special education.

Family Center classes are held in environments that welcome,

encourage and nurture friendships and communication. Beyond

the early years, its programs support a child’s smooth transition

to kindergarten and continue to support the parenting process

throughout the years of a child’s attendance in Clayton’s schools.


2008–09 HIGHLIGHTSResponses to a public opinion survey affirmed the Family Center’s role in providing • strong, multi-faceted educational experiences to families and children. More than 85 percent of Clayton residents agreed that it’s important that the District continue to provide early childhood education and parenting education.

Community-wide restoration efforts for the Nature Trail — a strong education • resource for Clayton children and families — continued to thrive thanks to students, staff and parent volunteers.

A new collaboration with OASIS brought another literacy opportunity for Clayton’s • youngest learners. Volunteer readers continue to be welcomed by small groups of Family Center children every week.

Joined by Clayton’s police and fire departments, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, • Washington University, S.M. Wilson & Co. and Schnucks, the Parents as Teachers program combined cool vehicles and safety resources at the Family Center’s Tons of Fun Vehicle Fair. The event had record attendance.

Children from the early childhood education program presented “dinner” to City of • Clayton Mayor Linda Goldstein at the Clayton Farmer’s Market. The dinner basket was filled with cherry tomatoes from their garden and pesto made in their classroom.

The Family Center hosted an international delegation of early childhood teachers • as part of the St. Louis Reggio Collaborative. Teachers exchanged ideas and experiences and the visitors observed the Family Center’s classrooms in action.

Staff engaged in professional development with an occupational therapist and • learned strategies for sensory integration and encouraging fine motor growth for young children.

Parenting Education Classes • Discussion groups and workshops for parents of children from infancy through high school. Programs are also offered in the elementary, middle and high school buildings.

Parents As Teachers (PAT)• A nationally recognized free home visit program that supports all District families with pre-kindergarten children. Developmental screening for children and a lecture/activity series for families are also provided.

Early Childhood Programs • A rich and varied preschool program for children 16 months to five years with strong parent participation.

Open Times • Informal, drop-in opportunities for adults and children to play and learn together.

Learn-and-Do-Together • Specific learning activities for parent and child together.

PROGRAM ForMaTS

RALPH M. CAPTAIN ELEMENTARy SChooL (K–5)

6345 NoRThWooD • 314.854.6100 • SANDRA RoSELL, PRINCIPAL

Ralph M. Captain Elementary School is a

community-based, open-space school that serves five distinct

neighborhoods: Concordia Seminary, Demun, Hillcrest, Richmond

Heights and St. Louis City. Students with a variety of different

needs, interests, cultural heritages and learning styles make up

the rich tapestry of Captain. While maintaining small class sizes,

teachers work deliberately to implement the rich, challenging

Clayton curriculum. All teachers differentiate learning activities for

students to accommodate unique learning needs. Students have

many opportunities to develop talent and potential. Captain’s staff

members are vibrant, energetic, diverse and constantly seeking

to improve what they do for students. Parents who value diversity,

high expectations and rich learning experiences for all children

support the staff and students. Working together, Captain parents

and staff aim to achieve excellence by building community and by

providing for the diverse needs of each student.

2008–09 HIGHLIGHTS


CAPTAIN STATE

Below Basic/ Basic


Below Basic/ Basic


Communication Arts Grade 3 34.8% 65.3% 59.0% 41.0%



Mathematics Grade 3 37.0% 63.1% 55.0% 45.0%



Science Grade 5 45.2% 54.8% 54.8% 45.2%

MISSOURI ASSESSMENT

PROGRAM

Each grade level celebrated traditional activities that build community, • reinforce character education themes and build academic skills: kindergarten’s Thanksgiving Feast, first grade’s Storybook Picnic, second grade’s Fairy Tale Theatre, third grade’s Prairie Day, fourth grade’s Missouri Studies and fifth grade’s transition activities to middle school.

The life of Martin Luther King, Jr. was brought to the stage at the annual • Black History Night. The event culminates a month of activities, studies and preparation and allows the school to celebrate its diverse community through the lens of black history.

Students chose four-legged friends as their Valentines for the school’s Dog • Lovers’ Club and Student Council sponsored “Valentine’s Day for Animals” drive. Students opened their hearts for the cherished tradition and collected pet care items and money for a local animal shelter.

Cardinal Hall of Famer Joe Cunningham and Fredbird paid a special visit as part • of the St. Louis Cardinals’ character and anti-drug education program.

Students participated in Girls on the Run, a life-changing, experiential learning • program for girls. The program combines training for a running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts and encourages positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.

Faculty hosted six schools from the Rockwood School District to share literacy • practices. The visits focused on Captain’s implementation of The Daily Five, a book that describes how students develop sustained focus and stamina. Visitors expressed admiration for Captain’s intentional classroom practices that are in place to help children acquire a love of reading and writing.

7447 WELLINGToN WAy • 314.854.6200 • bETh SCoTT, PRINCIPAL

GLENRIDGE ELEMENTARy SChooL (K–5)

glenridge Elementary School is a diverse

community where students, teachers, staff and parents work

together to meet students’ academic, physical and social needs.

At Glenridge, every child is taught, supported, cared for and

appreciated. The school is a place that encourages discovery,

belonging and goal-setting for every child. There is a tradition

of academic excellence at Glenridge with high expectations

for all students’ achievements. Much emphasis is placed on

building a sense of community for everyone at Glenridge. The

PTO is supportive of the school’s efforts with their time, energy

and financial backing for events throughout the year. The entire

Glenridge community is enriched by the cultural diversity of its

student body, which includes a large international population. A

hallmark of Glenridge is its focus on learning, with a variety of

experiences and resources for all students.



GLENRIDGE STATE

Below Basic/ Basic


Below Basic/ Basic








Science Grade 5 22.8% 77.1% 54.8% 45.2%

MISSOURI ASSESSMENT

PROGRAM

Built in 1929, Glenridge celebrated its history of serving Clayton students for • 80 years in 2009.

Glenridge welcomed a new principal, Beth Scott. She brought a strong • combination of classroom experience and proven leadership.

Students met monthly in small, cross-grade “CLAYMO Connections” groups to • reflect and model character education traits of teamwork, collaboration and care for one another. The program is modeled after the CLAYMO Promise: “I will take good care of myself, all the people around me and all the things around me.”

Glenridge had 77 students from 20 different countries in the 2008–2009 school • year. Students’ native countries are represented by a display of international flags. Glenridge’s ELL program strives to make all students and their families feel connected and involved through parent coffees, monthly meetings and holiday celebrations.

An after-school program, titled “The African American Student Leadership • Team” was initiated for interested students. Students meet once a week to organize service projects, take field trips, listen to guest speakers and discuss and celebrate the attributes of “leaders” within their school and community.

Families enjoyed community-building events, such as the Ice Cream Social, • Science Fair, Pancake Breakfast, Lip Sync, International Taste of the World Feast and the long-standing tradition of the Strawberry Festival.

The PTO’s author-in-residence program included visits by James Otis Thach, • Anson Montgomery, Laura Numeroff and Tim Green.

Fifth graders participated in a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum • videoconference, exploring some of the great moments in rock and roll history.

400 SouTh MERAMEC • 314.854.6300 • ANNETTE ISSELhARD, PRINCIPAL

MERAMEC ELEMENTARy SChooL (K–5)

Meramec Elementary School maximizes student

academic achievement and character development by building

a foundation for lifelong learning within a flexible, positive and

caring learning community. The school is proud of its 70-year-old

tradition of offering children an education with high academic

standards in a student-centered, diverse school. Meramec is

a school where students are valued for their individuality —

every student is recognized for unique strengths and talents

and is encouraged to aspire to and achieve their goals. Parent

involvement is a hallmark of Meramec. The Helping Hands parent

group partners with the Student Character Council in service

learning. Students embrace the “4 Rights” — doing the right

thing, at the right time, in the right place, with the right people.

Responsibility, respect, kindness, cooperation and safety are the

“Meramec Five” core values that are modeled, taught and practiced

throughout the school year.



MERAMEC STATE

Below Basic/ Basic


Below Basic/ Basic








Science Grade 5 41.4% 58.5% 54.8% 45.2%

MISSOURI ASSESSMENT

PROGRAM

A freshly renovated library re-opened thanks to the PTO’s “Check It Out” • community campaign. Much talent, dedication, time, resources and positive energy fueled the fundraising and renovation efforts.

To deepen the understanding of and enrich Meramec’s caring community, • Meramec 5 Assemblies were initiated. Each month, the community assembles to focus on service learning, recognizing the accomplishments from the previous month and launching into the new month of learning about service to others.

The Helping Hands group spearheaded a project to revamp a pediatric waiting • room into a child-friendly space that inspires and encourages a love of books and reading. The group worked in conjunction with the entire Meramec student body, staff, families, the Character Council, Girl Scouts and Daisy Scouts. The community outreach program was part of the nation-wide Reach Out and Read program.

All students were afforded unique learning experiences from a professional • dancer and teacher from the Ivory Coast. Students learned the basic movements of West African dance while improving their fitness, learning the cultural context of dances and developing an appreciation of African culture.

Family gatherings, including International Night, Special Friends Day – • Education, Then and Now, the Family Pancake Breakfast and the Summer Send-Off, were creative, educational and social experiences.

As part of their school-wide professional development, teachers read several • inspirational and practical guides for teaching from the heart. Parents participated in “Community Book Studies” with the principal and counselor to become familiar with the same readings to strengthen the school-home partnership.

6500 WyDoWN • 314.854.6400 • MARy ANN GoLDbERG, PRINCIPAL

Wydown Middle School is a community of student

and adult learners. Enrichment and support activities enhance

students’ academic interests — activities that include intramurals,

performing arts, clubs, tutoring and study opportunities.

Developing strong parent partnerships and ensuring proactive

communications provide a firm foundation for an education at

Wydown. The school has a living curriculum and co-curriculum

that grows, changes and is constantly reviewed to meet the

educational needs of an eclectic body of middle school students.

Wydown offers community service opportunities through Student

Council, advisories and classroom units of study that focus on

contributing to solutions to problems that face our community

and the world. With numerous individual, team and whole school

achievements, Wydown’s focus remains clear: to continue the

tradition of excellence and growth through exploration, academics,

community service and activities based on student needs, interests

and development.

WYDOWN MIDDle SCHool (6–8)



WYDOWN STATE

Below Basic/ Basic


Below Basic/ Basic








Science Grade 8 34.9% 65.1% 54.8% 45.2%

MISSOURI ASSESSMENT

PROGRAM

Students and staff marked individual and collective progress toward building • peace at Wydown’s celebration of Peace Day. Cultural, educational and peace-building activities represented school-wide efforts to understand what the global community demands.

A strong fine arts elective program allows students to develop their artistic • talents with a variety of opportunities, including: the Integrated Arts program to introduce sixth graders to the fine and practical arts; all-school musical and theater productions; the Developmental Show to highlight the visual arts; and the Semester Art Show, an event combining student art work and band performances.

Nearly half of the seventh grade class qualified for Duke University’s Talent • Identification Program. To qualify, students tested in the top 95-percentile nation-wide on standardized tests such as the Terra Nova part of the MAP test.

Missouri State Senator Joan Bray joined students for a discussion on issues • surrounding the use of alternative energy sources and how the state legislature is addressing the issues.

Two seventh graders earned the highest award given on the National Latin Exam, • which was taken by 135,000 students in the U.S. and in 11 foreign countries.

Teacher Sandra Sermos received the Outstanding Science Teacher Award from • the Science Teachers of Missouri because of her demonstrated excellence in science education in the middle level grades.

Jennifer Hendricks, a SSD teacher, was recognized with the Special School • District’s 2009 Lasting Impression Award because of her achievements in making a difference both in and outside of the classroom.

#1 MARK TWAIN CIRCLE • 314.854.6600 • LouISE LoSoS, PRINCIPAL

Clayton High School is nationally recognized for its

academic tradition and its commitment to developing well-rounded

students who are fully capable of constructive citizenship in a

global society. CHS offers a strong academic program with a wide

range of opportunities and high-level programs in all curricular

areas. Co-curricular programs allow students to gain the essential

tools for their next steps in the world and the skills needed to be

lifelong learners. Honors and Advanced Placement courses are

offered in nearly every discipline. CHS students are well prepared

to attend some of the most competitive colleges and universities.

The faculty is the cornerstone

of success at CHS. Together,

teachers and students create

an atmosphere of academic

excellence and achievement, as

well as an outstanding place to

learn and to grow.

CLAYTON HIGH SCHool (9–12)

Students Stay in SchoolClayton ....... 0.5%

Missouri ................. 4.3%

Our dropout rate is more than eight times lower than the state average.

Dropout Rate for African American Students

Clayton ....... 0.5%

Missouri ................................ 9.5%

Students graduateClayton .......................... 99%

Missouri .................. 85%

Nearly every member of the Class of 2009 graduated.



CHS was one of 13 Missouri high schools to be named to • Newsweek’s list of 1,500 top high schools in the nation.

The Class of 2009 had 11 National Merit Finalists and 11 Commended Students.•

CHS offered 22 Advanced Placement courses. Students took 552 AP tests, with 90 • percent of those earning a 3 or higher, which is the required score to earn college credit.

CHS was honored with a Silver Medal from the • U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, CHS earned the highest college readiness index of any Missouri school in the listing.

CHS teamed up with Campbell’s Soup and the Professional Football Players Mothers’ • Association to end hunger by organizing a food drive. They collected 2,607 pounds of food, which served 2,086 meals to people in need throughout the St. Louis area.

Student journalists once again took away many awards from the national JEA/NSPA • convention. The Globe took fifth place in the Best of Show newspapers of 17+ pages contest and The WORKS was recognized with Best of Show Award: Third Place for literary magazines.

Students had outstanding performances at the Missouri State Large Ensemble • Festival: the Freshman Concert Band received an Excellent II rating for their floor performance and a Superior I rating for sightreading and the Large Percussion Orchestra and the Brass Choir both received unanimous Superior I ratings, the highest honor.

Students participated in the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering’s Academic • Challenge competition and for the third year in a row finished first in their region, first in their section and first in the state.

The marketing and leadership skills of CHS students were showcased at the DECA • State Career Development Conference. Mack Su received first place in Marketing Management Series and Dylan Cockson received second place in Food Marketing. Mack went on to win first place in his event at the international competition.

Student-athlete Paige Meneses won first place in the diving competition at the Girls • Swimming and Diving Championships, becoming the fifth CHS female diver to win the State Championship.

The Special School District honored sophomore Marquise Griffin with its Rosemary • Zander Award for his remarkable achievements and outstanding attitude.

CHS musician Ben Portner was selected from students across the nation to attend the • prestigious Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead at the Kennedy Center.

Senior Tom Maxim was a second place finalist in the 2008 U.S. Congressional Art • Competition.

CHS Drama presented “(Anon)ymous” as the Fall Play and • the musical “Peter Pan” to very enthusiastic audiences. The Student Run Musical, “Urinetown,” also experienced a very successful run.

CHS hosted its fifth annual Vietnam Day with guest speakers, • films and breakout sessions.

Student productions were featured in the first CHS Film • Festival. The 17 entries were judged by categories, including comedy, drama, cinematography and more.

#1 MARK TWAIN CIRCLE • 314.854.6600 • LouISE LoSoS, PRINCIPAL

CLAYTON HIGH SCHool (9–12)

Adelphi University Alabama A&M University (1) University of Alabama American University (1) Arizona State University University of Arizona (3) Art Institute of Colorado Auburn University Ball State University Bard College Barnard College (1) Barry University Baylor University (1) Belmont University Beloit College (1) Benedictine College Berklee College of Music (1) Boston College Boston University (2) Bowdoin College Brandeis University Brown University (1) Bryn Mawr College Butler University University of CA at Los Angeles University of CA at San Diego University of CA at Santa Barbara Carleton College (1) Carthage College Case Western Reserve University University of Central Missouri (2) Chapman University College of Charleston (1) University of Chicago (3) Christian Brothers University (1)

Clemson University (1) Coe College University of Colorado at Boulder (2) Colorado College Colorado Mountain College (1) Colorado School of Mines Colorado State University Columbia College - Chicago (2) Columbia University (2) Concordia University - Irvine Concordia University - Seward Concordia University -Wisconsin Cornell College Cornell University (2) Creighton University (1) Cumberland University University of Dallas Davidson College University of Dayton Denison University University of Denver (4) DePaul University (4) DePauw University (2) Dominican University Drake University Drexel University Drury University Duke University (3) Earlham College Elmhurst College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

University Emerson College Emory University University of Evansville (1)

FIDM-Los Angeles (1) Fisk University Florida State University University of Florida Fontbonne College (1) Fordham University Full Sail University Furman University George Washington University Georgetown University (1) Georgia Institute of Technology Greenville College Grinnell College (1) Hampshire College Hampton University Harris-Stowe State College (1) University of Hartford Harvard University Hendrix College Hofstra University (1) Hope College Howard University University of Illinois- Urbana-

Champaign (3) Illinois College Illinois Institute of Art Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana University at Bloomington (4) Iowa State University (1) University of Iowa Irvine Valley College John Carroll University John Hopkins University Kalamazoo College Kansas State University (1)

University of Kansas (1) Kenyon College Knox College (1) Lake Forest College (2) Lawrence University Lehigh University Lewis & Clark College Lincoln University (1) Lindenwood University (1) Loras College (1) Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University New Orleans (3) Luther College Lynn University Macalester College Manhattan School of Music Marietta College University of Maryland-College Park Maryville University (2) MA Institute of Technology (1) University of Massachusetts-

Amherst McDaniel College (1) Menlo College Meredith College Miami University-Ohio University of Miami (1) Michigan State University (1) University of Michigan (6) Middlebury College (1) Millikin University (1) University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of Mississippi (2) Missouri Southern State University

One or more members of the Class of 2009 were admitted to the institutions listed below. The numbers in parentheses indicate the number of students who are attending these institutions.

grads go OnClayton ............................95%

Missouri ......... 63%

Class of 2009 graduates continue their education at a two or four-year college or university.


CHS STATE

Below Basic/ Basic


Below Basic/ Basic


Communication Arts English II 12.2% 87.8% 27.4% 72.5%

Mathematics Algebra I 26.1% 73.8% 47.4% 52.6%

Science Biology 12.0% 88.0% 45.0% 55.1%

MISSOURI ASSESSMENT

PROGRAM

Missouri State University (3) MO University of Science & Tech. MO Western State College (5) University of Missouri - Columbia (13)University of Missouri - Kansas City (4)University of Missouri-St. Louis (9) Morehouse College College of Mount St. Joseph University of Nebraska-Lincoln New School for Jazz and

Contemporary Music (1) New York University (1) University of NC-Asheville University of NC-Chapel Hill Northeastern University Northern Arizona University (1) Northern Michigan University Northwestern University (2) Oberlin College (1) Oberlin Conservatory of Music Occidental College Ohio University Oregon State University University of Oregon Oxford College of Emory University Palomar College Park University Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University (1) University of Pennsylvania (2) Pomona College Princeton University (2) University of Puget Sound (1) Purdue University Quincy University Ranken Technical College (2) University of Redlands Reed College Regis University (1) Renesselaer Polytechnic Inst.

Rhodes College Rice University University of Richmond Ringling School of Art & Design (1) Roanoke College University of Rochester Rockhurst University (1) Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech. College of Saint Benedict Saint Leon University Saint Louis University (2) Saint Mary’s College San Diego Mesa College San Diego State University (2) University of San Diego University of San Francisco (1) Santa Barbara City College (2) Santa Clara University Sarah Lawrence College Savannah College of Art & Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1) University of South Alabama University of South Carolina Southeast MO State University (1) University of Southern California (3) SIU - Carbondale (1) SIU - Edwardsville (2) Southern Methodist University Southwest Baptist University St. Ambrose University St. Louis College of Pharmacy St. Louis Community College - Forest Park (6) St. Louis Community College - Meramec (6) St. Olaf College Stanford University (1) Stephens College Stetson University Stevens Institute of Tech. SUNY College at Geneseo Syracuse University (1)

University of Tampa Taylor University Texas A&M University Texas Christian University (1) University of Texas-Austin (5) Trinity University (1) Truman State University (10) Tufts University (1) Tulane University (2) University of Tulsa Vanderbilt University (1) Vassar College University of Vermont Virginia Polytechnic Institute Warren Wilson College Wartburg College Washburn University - Topeka Washington University (11) University of Washington Webster University (8) Wellesley College (1) Wesleyan University Western Illinois University Wstrn State College of CO (2) Western Washington University Westminster College (1) Wheaton College - IL (1) Whittier College Willamette University (1) William Jewell College William Woods University Wilmington College (1) University of Wisconsin-Madison (2) Wittenberg University Xavier University Yale University (3)

SAT Math

Means CHS Missouri National

2007 648 594 515

2008 657 597 515

2009 661 600 515

CHS Missouri National

2007 644 594 502

2008 633 597 502

2009 672 595 501

CHS Missouri National

2007 25.3 21.6 21.2

2008 25.4 21.6 21.1

2009 25.4 21.6 21.1

ACT Composite

Means

SAT Critical

Reading

ACT & SAT ResultsClayton students perform at a high level when compared to students who take the SAT and ACT in Missouri and throughout the nation.

College Admissions Testing • 90% took the ACT test• 16% took the SAT test

The School District of Clayton is committed to

ongoing and continuous improvement focused on student learning.

Professional development is embedded in our practice and builds

capacity for learning through reflection and inquiry. Staff members

develop new awareness and deeper understanding of their work

with students when provided with opportunities to learn.

Professional development in Clayton is focused on responsibility for

student learning through access to high-quality learning opportunities.

These professional growth experiences support the District’s

curricular directions and allow members of the learning community to

develop individual and shared visions of teaching and learning. New

Teacher Orientation, conferences, internal workshops, Late Start Days,

District-wide PD days and Summer Institutes are just of a few of the

professional development opportunities available for Clayton’s staff.

Clayton’s professional development process is critical in

supporting the learning work of the adults in the District.

PROFESSIONAL DeVelopMenT

#2 MARK TWAIN CIRCLE • 314.854.6023 • LEE ANN LyoNS, DIRECToR


Professional development promotes student learning in a positive way when it is:

Sustained over time•

Data-driven, based on student • performance

Grounded in proven research•

Aligned with goals•

Able to be assessed for • impact on student and teacher learning

Flexible and differentiated • through a variety of structures and resources

Built through communication • among structures

Connected to classroom • practice

The process is shaped, in large part, by the District’s foundational

mission and its guiding principles, the Comprehensive School

Improvement Plan (CSIP) and the policies and procedures that

guide our work.

By ensuring that professional development is not an isolated

activity, but the work of all the adults in the District, the quality

of instruction is enhanced in every classroom. Classrooms do not

function as isolated cubicles thanks to peer observation, teacher

and administrators walking through classrooms in action and the

collaborative examination of student work. Additionally, individuals

participate as members of curriculum committees to gather data

about student learning, explore research on effective instruction

and experiment with promising practices.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), study groups,

collaborative inquiry and other strategies all support and sustain

the improvement of instruction.

Student learning is the center of the professional development work. By focusing on student learning in our dialogue, we build organizational capacity and maintain momentum toward our mission.

Our StaffDon Senti Superintendent [email protected]

Dottie Barbeau Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning [email protected]

Sharmon Wilkinson Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Student Services [email protected]

Mark Stockwell Chief Financial Officer [email protected]

Chris Tennill Chief Communications Officer [email protected]

Devin Davis Chief Information Officer [email protected]

Heidi Shepard Director of Assessment [email protected]

Lee Ann Lyons Director of Professional Development [email protected]

Tim Wonish Director of Facility Services [email protected]

Our SchoolsThe Family Center 301 North Gay Ave. 314.854.6900 Debbie Reilly, Director

Ralph M. Captain Elementary 6345 Northwood 314.854.6100 Sandra Rosell, Principal

glenridge Elementary 7447 Wellington Way 314.854.6200 Beth Scott, Principal

Meramec Elementary 400 South Meramec 314.854.6300 Annette Isselhard, Principal

Wydown Middle School 6500 Wydown 314.854.6400 Mary Ann Goldberg, Principal

Clayton High School #1 Mark Twain Circle 314.854.6600 Louise Losos, Principal

School District of Clayton Administration Center #2 Mark Twain Circle Clayton, MO 63105 314.854.6000

CONTACT uS


School District of Clayton#2 Mark Twain Circle Clayton, MO 63105-1613

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 175St. Louis, MO


2009 annual report

Documents

district information

student learning

student achievement

wyd middle school

clayto high school

family center

variety of highlights

g elementary