a ritenour school district publication x march 2015

6-7Fifth-GradeRoboticsProgramIN THIS ISSUE March

2015 4 KRHS Media in Full Swing 9 Ritenour

Spotlight

A Ritenour School District Publication x March 2015

10-11SchoolBoardCandidates

Extracurricular activities play an

important role in the growth and

development of Ritenour students.

Whether students are interested in

sports, music, technology or Japanese

art, there is something for everyone in

the Ritenour School District.

There are a number of benefits to

getting involved in activities outside

of the classroom, including higher

attendance rates and better grades.

Ritenour High School (RHS) Activities

Director Jerry Nolen has witnessed the

positive correlation between student

involvement and student success first

hand.

“Students who participate in

extracurricular activities do better in

school,” said Nolen. “As a whole, their

Grade Point Averages (GPA) are .5

points higher than those who don’t

participate, and attendance is better by

about 5 percent.”

Student athletes know that their GPA

and school attendance have a direct

impact on their eligibility to participate

in sports. Talented student athletes can

even use their sport as a springboard

into college. Maintaining a good GPA

and attending school regularly are

necessary in order for them to advance

both their academic and athletic careers.

RHS senior C.J. Stevenson aspires to

go to college and own his own business

someday. He attributes much of his

academic success to his participation in

basketball and football. He says that

being on a team motivates him to show

up to school on time and study harder.

“I had to get on top of my grades so I

could stay eligible,” said C.J. “When

you’re on a team, everybody is held

accountable for their actions, and you

don’t want to let your team down.”

Studies show that many students who

get involved in extracurricular activities

have higher self esteem, better time

management skills, better social skills

and more focus. One of the most

important life skills a student can learn

is time management. Time management

and prioritizing are key components in

effectively juggling school, home and

social life to succeed in the classroom.

Students who struggle with prioritizing

in high school will often face the same

struggle in college or a career.

After-school activities give students

the opportunity to practice balancing

their time.

Students experience the benefits of

long-term commitments when they’re

involved in extracurricular activities,

as well. Middle school students in

Ritenour have the opportunity to play on

volleyball, basketball and floor hockey

teams after school. They’re learning at

a young age that being good at a sport

requires time and dedication. In high

school, marching band students learn

the importance of staying committed

to a goal. Success at competitions is

dependent on putting in long hours of

practice outside of the classroom.

One of the best ways for students to

boost their self confidence is to get

involved in after-school activities that

challenge and excite them. Students

who believe they are capable of great

things will achieve great things. For

students who enjoy public speaking and

meeting new people, there’s no better

outlet than speech and debate, a club

that exists at both the high school and

middle school level. At the elementary

level, Girls on the Run is a program that

teaches life skills to young girls and

inspires them to feel healthy and

confident. After-school engineering

programs are now being introduced to

fifth-grade students who are interested

in science and robotics, as well.

Ritenour schools are continually

increasing the number of extracurricular

opportunities for students to ensure that

every student can have a passion they

commit to outside of school hours.

For a list of extracurricular activities

at the middle or high school level, use

your smart phone to scan the QR code to

visit the district website.

(l to r) Zaire Davis, Elexis Hubbard, Abigail Gordon and Zaria Dukes run the concessionsstand while hosting the Greater St. Louis Conference Speech and Debate Tournamenton Jan. 17 at Ritenour High School.

Ritenour Students Who Join After-School Activities See Boost in Confidence, Grades

Scan the QR code withyour smartphone for alist of extracurricularactivities at Ritenourmiddle schools andhigh school.

Visit ScanLife.com to download the reader app.

March 2015 x x www.ritenourschools.org

Bob YoungVice President

Dr. Thao Dang-WilliamsDirector

Penny DegardinDirector

Tom DrennanDirector

Ruth Bell GrecoDirector

Brad ThomasDirector

Gary SteinPresident

Extracurricular Activities Help Ritenour Students Achieve Success

Dr. Chris Kilbride—Superintendent x Michelle Clover—Secretary x Douglas Baum—Treasurer

RITENOUR Board of Education

The Ritenour School District has a

history rich in tradition, tracing back to

1867. We are quickly approaching our

150th anniversary during the 2016-2017

school year and look fondly on the

significant accomplishments our

graduates have amassed after graduating

from Ritenour High School (RHS).

From teachers to inventors to doctors

and lawyers, our Ritenour graduates

exemplify our vision, which is to

produce leaders prepared to lead lives of

personal integrity and fulfillment.

While our Ritenour graduates come

from diverse backgrounds and may have

different beliefs and skills, there is one

commonality – most were highly

involved in their school beyond the

classroom.

Learning does not take place only in

the classroom, but rather extends to the

athletics and activities offerings made

available to students. At Ritenour High

School alone, we offer more than 20 state

sanctioned athletic teams and more than

40 other extracurricular activities. Our

district offers many more at both the

middle and elementary school levels. We

must help students realize that learning

takes place all day, every day and that

some of the most valuable lessons come

from extracurricular activities.

While I reflect on my school

experience, I admit the first thing that

comes to mind is not my American

History class. While my classes were

Superintendent Dr. Chris Kilbriderigorous and prepared me for success in

college, it was my experience on baseball

and basketball teams that comes to the

forefront of my high school memories.

In American History class, I learned

lessons in leadership through reading

about the words and deeds of American

presidents like Abraham Lincoln,

Theodore Roosevelt and John F.

Kennedy.

I also find myself reflecting on a

quote from one of my basketball coaches,

Jim Fair, who said, “You may spend

30 years building the railroad and never

see the train.” This is an important

leadership lesson, that we may not see

the benefits of our work immediately,

or ever, but it is crucial to remain

committed to the task. When working in

education, the results of our work are

never immediate; rather we are working

to develop skills and abilities in our

students that may not be realized in one

week or one month.

Research shows that grit is one of the

most important attributes of successful

leaders. Grit can be defined as resilience,

commitment and inner strength. Grit

is developed through overcoming

challenges and working through failures.

Students involved in athletics and

activities are presented with opportunities

to overcome the fear of failure and

achieve success.

I observed grit when I attended a

recent speech and debate tournament at

RHS. Students were placed in a stressful

situation, having to present their

positions to a large group, knowing they

“From teachers to inventors

to doctors and lawyers, our

Ritenour graduates exemplify

our vision, which is to

produce leaders prepared to

lead lives of personal integrity

and fulfillment.”

-Dr. Chris Kilbride

would be required to defend their

positions when challenged. Each of the

students I observed exhibited grace under

pressure, which is a key leadership skill

the 21st century economy demands.

Please encourage your students to

become involved in one of the many

athletic and activity opportunities at

many grade levels. Our goal is to

extend learning beyond the school day,

providing experiences that promote

leadership, integrity and personal

fulfillment.

Annual Report Available on Ritenour Website

The Ritenour

School District’s

2013-2014

Annual Report

is now available

on Ritenour’s

website under

the “About Us”

tab. Prepared in accordance to

guidelines established by the

Missouri Outstanding Schools

Act, the report includes student

demographic and achievement

data and district information from

the past school year. More

information, including the latest

district news, upcoming events,

alumni information, links to school

websites and calendars can also be

found on Ritenour’s homepage.

www.ritenourschools.org


Ritenour Earns 13th Consecutive National Budget AwardFor the 13th consecutive year, Ritenour School District has

earned the prestigious Meritorious Budget Award for excellence

in the preparation of its 2014-2015 annual budget.

In addition the award, the district received a clean financial

audit of its financial records, accounting practices and

compliance with state and federal requirements during the fiscal

year that ended June 30, 2014. The audit, which was conducted

by the Daniel Jones & Associates accounting firm, reported no

findings or questioned costs. The Ritenour Board of Education

approved the audit in November.

While every school district has an annual budget to manage

expenditures and revenue, the Meritorious Budget Award is

only given to school districts that meet or exceed the rigorous

award program criteria. Less than 1 percent of the nation’s

school districts receive the award presented by the Association

of School Business Officials (ASBO) International.

To earn the award in consecutive years, applicants must

continue to improve their budget and implement ASBO’s

suggestions for improvement. No other organization or award

program is specifically designed to enhance school budgeting

and honor a school system for a job well done.

“The Association of

School Business Officials

International commented

that our annual report met

the highest standards and

presented a wealth of

information with

user-friendly graphics

and narrative formats,”

said Ritenour Chief

Financial Officer Doug

Baum. “This award

supports the district’s

longtime commitment to

being good stewards of

the funds we receive from our

taxpayers and other public sources.”

Ritenour also received the award for its annual budgets from

2002 through 2014.

The Ritenour Legislative Advocacy Committee is keeping the best

interests of Ritenour students and community in front of Missouri

politicians who impact educational legislation.

Since the fall of 2013, the Ritenour Legislative Advocacy

Committee has met on a regular basis to learn about and discuss

the latest political topics that will affect Ritenour School District

students and the entire community. Ritenour’s politically-neutral

group is comprised of nearly 30 educators, parents, state

representatives, local civic leaders, elected officials and

community members.

Guided by the district’s vision and mission, members give

feedback to Ritenour Superintendent Dr. Chris Kilbride, take a

position on educational legislative issues, communicate with

elected officials and educate other parents and citizens on issues

that impact Ritenour students and staff. The group receives

regular updates from state and local elected officials and

education experts from the Missouri Department of Elementary

and Secondary Education and Education Plus.

“By examining the issues and working together, we provide

feedback to our legislators so they

know our district’s perspective and

needs,” said Brian Jackson,

committee member and pastor

of First Baptist Church of

Elmwood Park.

Members of the Ritenour

Legislative Advocacy Committee

have traveled to Jefferson City to meet with

legislators to better understand the impact of legislation on

Ritenour and issues facing Missouri schools. The committee has

also met with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon.

“We are excited about the work we have done so far, and the

work we will continue to do for our students to succeed in

Ritenour and beyond,” said committee member Cathy Nickens.

“Our children deserve a great future, and that is what this

advocacy committee is about.”

To learn more about the Ritenour Legislative Advocacy

Committee, visit www.ritenourschools.org

Special Committee Advocates for Ritenour Students and Community

The Ritenour Business office includes (l to r): Dana Vault-McPherson (payrollspecialist), Mary Mahn (office professional), Doug Baum (chief financialofficer), Jerra Matney (accounts payable)and Celia Pearson (accountant).


Ritenour High School students enrolled

in radio, TV news, video production, and

print journalism courses in the school’s

Media Convergence Center are building

portfolios this year that many college

students and young media professionals

would envy.

A year after the opening of the

school’s Media Convergence Center,

KRHS Media students are mastering

convergence journalism. Gone are the

days when KRHS Radio, Pepper Box,Melaureus, and video production

students operated separately. Today’s

RHS media students are working

together, creating and sharing videos,

audio and printed content for their

RitenourLive.org website, tweeting

@KRHSMedia and posting on the KRHS

Radioactive Radio Facebook page.

The RHS students’ high-level

journalism and media technology skills

have been recognized by area education

leaders, who have selected them to lead

sessions and discussions at regional

educational technology conferences as

well as to cover their events as student

journalists.

“After our kids spoke on a panel at

EdSurge (a regional educational

technology conference for educators

and administrators) in October, their

schedule has been packed,” said Media

Convergence teacher Jane Bannester.

“They are constantly being asked to share

what they know with outside educators,

and they’re also being asked to be the

student media team to cover big events.”

The digital media tools that KRHS

Media students are using have allowed

them to reach new levels as journalists

as they tackle difficult news stories that

span beyond what happens at their own

school.

In January and February, the KRHS

Media students were selected by

EducationPlus to cover the Student

Summit on Race, which engaged about

140 student leaders from area schools in

difficult conversations about race.

“The whole point was teens’

perspectives and what they were doing

to make change happen,” said Brandon

King, an RHS senior and KRHS Media

producer.

KRHS Media students divided into

teams to cover the event and conduct

one-on-one “confessionals” with

students. Some were charged with

posting updates on social media, while

others shot video, collected sound bites

and wrote stories for larger projects.

After an exhaustive process of

reviewing and editing more than seven

hours of video from the January summit,

students worked together on deadline to

produce a 7 1/2 –minute video about the

day’s event, and two 3-minute videos

highlighting individual students from

different schools. Plenty of audio taken

throughout the day led to several short

clips for KRHS Radio-90.1 FM. The

Pepper Box also featured a story. All

content can be found on

www.RitenourLive.org.

In addition to the Student Summit on

Race, KRHS Media also covered another

Teen Speak Summit sponsored by the

Ferguson Commission. These events

gave students real-world journalism

opportunities of interviewing dignitaries

such as Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon,

Ferguson Commission member Dr.

Grayling Tobias, and award-winning

motivational speaker Koran Bolden, to

name a few.

Will Rivers, a RHS junior and lead

producer for KRHS Radio, says he is

enjoying his real-life experiences as

a broadcast journalist. He says

interviewing people like the Missouri

governor, student leaders who are

focused on improving the racial climate

in schools and in their communities

and other dignitaries has added a new

dimension to his learning.

“It’s easy to apply what we learn,”

says Rivers.

Rivers has started a new weekly

program for KRHS Radio called

“STL Teen Speak.” The program is “a

series of interviews dedicated to teens

and those who affect teens in the St.

Louis region to give voice to stories,

opinions and hopes,” Rivers says each

time he introduces the program on the

radio.

In addition to being the journalists

who are the producers of news content,

KRHS Media students also have been

on the other end of news stories.

Local media such as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Nine Network’s StayTuned and St. Louis Public Radio (NPR)

have featured their feats in recent

months.

Their schedule of covering local

events and producing news content under

deadline as well as meeting with local

media have kept KRHS Media students

on the go all the time.

“It has been exhausting, but this is

showing them real life,” said Bannester.

“For them, it’s ‘let’s go to work.’ They

don’t realize the magnitude and

importance of what they are being asked

to do. They just see it as an extension of

their class.”

KRHS Media Convergence Students Using Skills inReal World

KRHS media students from RitenourHigh School run the eNews StudentBureau at the Midwest Education Technology Community (METC) Conference in February in St. Louis.Students interviewed conference presenters and attendees for multimedia stories and social media.(Printed with permission from METC.)

Scan the QR code withyour smartphone tosee a video and readmore about the Student Summit onRace.

Visit ScanLife.com to download the reader app.


The Ritenour School District is

committed to taking proactive measures

to ensure the safety of our students and

staff members. Ritenour has made

preparations to deal effectively with

emergency situations that could occur

in or around schools while classes are

in session.

Last December, all Ritenour School

District staff members took part in a

safety training drills to teach them what

to do if an armed intruder enters a school

or district building. They learned how to

use the 4E’s (Educate, Evade, Escape,

Engage) in situations involving an armed

intruder. Local emergency responders

taught Ritenour staff different ways to

secure and barricade a door, as well as

how to quickly decide whether the safest

course of action in a given situation

would be to remain inside a barricaded

room, try to escape or to engage the

intruder.

“This was a valuable experience for

our staff,” said Mike Wieland, Ritenour’s

assistant to the superintendent for

facilities & support services. “Attendees

came away from the training with

many strategies to keep them and their

students safe and secure. More than

400 of our staff members took a survey

following the training, and 100 percent

of them said they would recommend

this training to others who work in a

school setting.”

This session was the second of three

phases in Ritenour’s rollout of the

simulated training that is now required

by law in the state of Missouri. Phase

one was in October 2014, when a group

of more than 40 Ritenour teachers,

support staff and administrators from

each building completed the two-day

“Train the Trainer” program.

In phase three, Ritenour students will

participate and learn what they can do to

protect themselves. This training will

begin this spring and become a regular

part of intruder drills conducted at

Ritenour schools.

“We take this very, very seriously,”

Wieland said. “When students and staff

feel safe – and when parents

know their children are being

taken care of – it makes it

easier for kids to learn and

for teachers to teach. And,

that’s what our entire mission

is, it’s what we are

all about.”

Safety a High Priority for Ritenour School District

Save the Date: 2015 Homecoming set for Sept. 18-19 The Ritenour School District will celebrate Homecoming from

Sept. 18-19, 2015.The Huskies will take on the Rockwood Summit Falcons following the annual Homecoming Parade. The weekend festivities will kick off on Sept. 18 with the

Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony. The 2015 Hall of Fame honorees willbe announced in the summer of 2015. For more information, call (314) 493-6105.

Ritenour works hard every day to make

sure that students feel safe when they

are in school. There are a number of

drills that schools participate in every

year, including regular fire drills, severe

weather drills and lock-down intruder

drills.

Because safety and security is a top

priority for all students, staff and

families while on campus, the Ritenour

School District takes the following

safety precautions:

• Each school has a video intercom

system at the main entrance where

visitors must buzz in and identify

themselves before the door is

unlocked.

• Intruder alarms are installed in

every building.

• All schools have video surveillance

cameras in and around the buildings.

• Middle and high school students

and Ritenour employees wear

photo ID’s at all times.

• Ongoing training with district staff

prepares them for multiple hazards,

including fires, severe weather,

intruders, etc.

• Regular safety drills for all students

and staff.

• The district meets at least two

times a year with local law

enforcement agencies to keep

current on best practices for safety

and security.

The district’s Safeline – (314) 493-6205

– allows students, staff, parents and

community members to report safety

or security concerns anonymously

24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(top) Wyland Elementary staff reviewsafety training tips during a professionaldevelopment day.

(bottom) Students practice the earthquake drill, “drop, cover and hold on.”

March 2015 x Page 8 x www.ritenourschools.org

Creative art pieces from hundreds of

students in pre-kindergarten through

high school will be showcased during

the annual Ritenour School District Art

Show May 4-17. The free exhibit will

be held in the art gallery and lobby of

Ritenour High School Auditorium,

9100 St. Charles Rock Road.

Drawings, watercolors, sculptures,

ceramics and more from each of the

district’s schools will be featured at the

event. Judges will select pieces for Best

of Show at the elementary, middle and

high school levels, as well as for Best of

School from each of the nine schools

and each media group for Ritenour

High School.

An opening reception will take place

from 3-6 p.m. on Monday, May 4.

During the reception, new members

elected to National Art Honor Society

will be introduced.

The exhibit will be open to the public

from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 9, May 10

and May 16, as well as from 10 a.m. to

2 p.m. on May 17. The show can also be

viewed during any event taking place in

Ritenour Auditorium from May 4

through May 17.

For more information on the

2014 Ritenour student art show, call

(314) 493-6082.

Annual District Art Show Set for May 4-17

The Ritenour Pride & Promise Foundation

continues to provide grants to Ritenour

teachers to enhance learning opportunities

for students at all grade levels.

Marking its fourth anniversary in

January 2015, the foundation has provided

a total of more than $23,000 in grants

to Ritenour educators in the district’s

10 schools to improve educational

resources in math, science, social studies

and English language arts for thousands

of students.

The foundation is a tax exempt,

nonprofit organization that supports

education in Ritenour. The organization

was established to provide supplemental

funding for programs to enhance the

educational excellence of the district.

“There is no greater investment you

can make than in the education of our

children,” said Ritenour Pride & Promise

Foundation President Jeri Schneider. “We

hope you share the belief that our youth

represent the future of our community and

deserve your support. Not only are you

helping our students, you will ensure the

next generation continues the outstanding

tradition of Ritenour pride.”

To donate to the Pride & Promise

Foundation, please call (314) 493-6017 or

visit www.ritenourfoundation.org.

In just four years, the Ritenour Pride& Promise Foundation has donatedmore than $23,000 to Ritenourteachers and students.

Ritenour Pride & Promise Foundation CelebratesFourth Anniversary

Scan the QR codewith your smartphoneto see a video aboutthe Pride and PromiseFoundation.

Visit ScanLife.com todownload the reader app.

Ritenour Graduation May 30, 2015 Graduation for the Ritenour High School

Class of 2015 is set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at

Chaifetz Arena on the campus of Saint Louis University.


The RHS robotics team (above) TheRoboHounds earned the Judges Award

from among 36 teams that competed in

the FIRST Robotics FTC (FIRST Tech

Challenge) competition on Dec. 6.

They made it to the final round of

competition and took home the Judges

Award for their team spirit and growth

in membership from two members last

year to seven members this year.

The team also qualified for the state

competition. Members are: GabrielleAnderson, Dylan Neely, JenniferPham, Sami Rishmawi, JeremySmith, David Wright and ReineBenita Zossoungbo.Wyland Elementary third-grade

teacher Stacey Wilson earned the

Emerson Award for Excellence in

Teaching, an award that recognizes

St. Louis-area teachers for their vital

role in shaping their students’ lives. She

was selected by Ritenour administrators

for her contributions to the teaching

profession and for her role in the

education of Ritenour students.

RHS senior Zaria Dukes was one of

about 30 students selected by

Congressman Lacy Clay for his

Congressional Youth Caucus. RHS

teachers nominated five students to

apply this year, and Dukes was selected

by Congressman Clay and his staff

from a pool of over 200 applicants. The

induction ceremony took place Nov. 5

at Harris-Stowe State University.

Eight RHS sophomores are among

25 students in the St. Louis region to be

selected as EXPLORE Energy externs

at Ameren. Cydnei Anderson, J.C.Biayi, Daniel Carroll, MichelleGoana, Haliee Keys, Mai'sahMcMillen, Antonio Mitchell and

Kailyn Ware were chosen to

participate in this engineering program

based on their academic achievement

of attaining above a 3.0 grade-point

average and being in the top 10 percent

of their class, as well as on their four

outstanding essays about their interest

in engineering.

Buder Elementary third-grader

Matthew Conners was recognized by

the Board of Education for his quick

thinking and doing the right thing. In

October, Conners awoke at 3:30 a.m.

to find his neighbor’s garage on fire

outside his bedroom window. Conners

woke up his parents, who then called

the police. His neighbors were still

asleep when the St. Louis County

Police kicked in their door and saved

their lives.

Iveland ElementaryProject Challenge

teacher Beth Zimmermannhas earned the

profession’s top

honor in teaching excellence, National

Board Certification.

Three students from Buder Elementary, Liah Kahn, BriannaShepherd, and Dublin Collins, won

the 2014 Show-Me a Movie Contest in

the Show Me Something New category.

Janel Hubbard and Christine Phillipswere the sponsoring teachers who

helped produce their movie How toMake a Checkerboard from RecycledMaterials. RHS senior TimO’Leary signed a

letter of intent on

Jan. 15 with Logan

Community College

in Illinois to play

baseball. O’Leary is a four-year varsity

starter as pitcher and catcher for the

Ritenour Huskies. He was named first

team all-conference in both 2013 and

2014. Last year, he hit .455 and was

named best offensive player and most

valuable player for the Huskies.

Two students from Ritenour MiddleSchool, eighth-graders Raven Manahan and Dani Walters, won the

CJ’s Journey Cinema for Students short

essay contest in conjunction with the

St. Louis Film Festival. Each student

won $125 for their essays titled “PoetsPositivity” and “Prejudice,” respectively.

RHS athletes who earned all-

conference honors this fall include:

Cross Country: Victoria RicoFootball: Carl Garmon, De’DrionThomas and Seyvon KennyBoys Soccer: Kody Nicks and

Zaine YardleySoftball: Joyrdynne Frost, NicoleProuhet, Kiersten Billington, ElliePreis, Kaleigh Robinson, Alexis Ferren, Alyssa Noble, Sarah Goersand Ali FarleySwimming: Luke Shocklee, ZackShocklee, Ge Juan Womack and

Alec DishawVolleyball: Hannah Baker and

Jessica Poelker

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RITENOUR x SPOTLIGHT

Ritenour News is published

by the Ritenour Community

Services Office in the interest

of better communication

between school and

community. If you have a

disability and need this

publication in an alternative

format, please call

(314) 493-6080.

Ritenour Community Services 2420 Woodson Road

St. Louis, MO 63114-5499(314) 493-6010

www.ritenourschools.org

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Selena Amerson3476 Eastridge Lane • (314) 757-2375

[email protected]

Age x 42

Spouse x Rodney Amerson (deceased)

Length of Residence x 14 years

Education x Riverview Gardens High

School (1990); some college

Place of Employment x Missouri

Department of Mental Health,

Developmental Assistant I Certified Med

Children x Alyssia Amerson, 21 (2012 Ritenour High School

Graduate); Rodney Amerson II, 18 (senior at Ritenour High

School); Asha Amerson, 15 (freshman at Ritenour High

School); Joshua Amerson, 12 (sixth grade at Hoech Middle

School); Ahmad Amerson, 10 (fifth grade at Buder Elementary

School)

Civic & Professional Organizations x AFSCME Union

member 13 years, Ritenour Strategic Planning Committee,

Trust Alliance Committee, Leadership Team at Buder

Elementary School

Reason for seeking election x I believe in the district and

the community here. Whole heartedly, I believe it is truly a

partnership. I would be honored to represent this community

which I love, to be on the school board and be a part of this

awesome experience.

Three Residents File Candidacy to Serve on Ritenour Board of Education

Three Ritenour residents have filed their candidacy for the Ritenour Board of Education. These candidates, one incumbent and two non-incumbents,

are vying for two positions on the ballot this year. The election is Tuesday, April 7, 2015.

The terms of two current board members – Dr. Thao Dang-Williams and Bob Young – will expire in April. Dr. Dang-Williams is not seeking

re-election. Selena Amerson is seeking to be elected to the Board for the first time; Montez Fitzpatrick notified the district on Feb. 24 that he is no

longer seeking election.

To serve as a board member for a public school district, Missouri law requires a person to be a U.S. citizen, at least 24 years of age, a resident tax

payer of the district and to have resided in the state of Missouri for one year immediately preceding the election. Board members serve three-year

terms and are not paid for their service.

All information contained in these statements was prepared by the candidates to better acquaint the voting public with their background and

qualifications. Candidate information is also available on the district website at www.ritenourschools.org.

Bob Young 10426 Niblic • (314) 550-1315

[email protected]

Age x 53

Spouse x Tammy

Length of Residence x 33 years

Education x High School (Pattonville ‘79)

Place of Employment x Firefighter/Driver Operator,

Maryland Heights Fire District

Children x Chris (2002 RHS graduate), Heather, Brad,

& Alex (2006 RHS graduates)

Civic & Professional Organizations x Firefighter for 35 years with the

Maryland Heights Fire District; Member, International Association of Fire

Fighters Local 2665; Member, St. Louis Metro Regional Heavy Rescue Task

Force Strike Team 3; Member, St. Louis County Hazardous Materials

Emergency Response Team; Past President, Ritenour Board of Education;

Certified Board Member, Missouri School Boards’ Association; Missouri School

Boards’ Association Region 7 Regional Executive Committee Chair; Board of

Directors and Founding Member of Ritenour Pride and Promise Foundation;

Founding Member of the Ritenour Legislative Advocacy Committee

Reason for seeking re-election x When I first ran for the School Board, I did so

because I wanted to make a difference at a higher level, to see that all children

have an equal opportunity to a quality education. Today, those reasons still exist.

I have had the opportunity to work with people who put their focus on kids

first and believe that all kids can learn and be successful. I've had the pleasure

to serve in a community that believes that our children should have equal

opportunities and to be a part of a team that makes decisions for the good of

all our kids.

Ritenour is a quality school district with a quality staff. It is financially stable

and has received full state accreditation. Ritenour continues to make great

progress in many areas as reflected in the Ritenour News and on our website.

Even with these successes the scrutiny and attacks on public education

continue at both the local, state and national levels with many of the same, as

well as new challenges that will effect our District and education as a whole that

require continuity, collaboration and experience. It is my desire to continue to

be a part of Ritenour’s ongoing success and to continue to advocate for equal

opportunities for all kids. I will continue to serve this community and its

children as I have, with my passionate and proven commitment.


Montez Fitzpatrick2305 Ashby Road • (314) 918-5151

[email protected]

Age x 35

Spouse x Sarah

Length of Residence x 5.5 years

Education x Mehlville Senior High School (1997);

University of Central Missouri (2003) – Major:

Computer Information Systems

Place of Employment x Director of Information

Security & Compliance, Keystone IT Consulting

Children x Liah (10, fifth-grade student at Buder Elementary); Cedar (6,

kindergarten student at Buder Elementary); Macy (4); Maya (4).

Civic & Professional Organizations x Lupus Foundation; SANS; ISC2; Infragard

Reason for seeking election x As the father of four daughters, I have a vested

interest in the quality of education they receive. I am running for the Ritenour Board

of Education so that I may positively impact a significant portion of my daughters’

lives. I believe that quality education is an investment made critical to shaping the

next generations workforce. I am fortunate enough to be in a position, if given the

opportunity, to assist in the direction of the administration of the Ritenour School

District.

My strengths lie within technology and information security. I am the Director of

Information Security and Compliance with Keystone IT, a top local consulting firm

which specializes in health care and education. Recent technological advancements

have changed the way classrooms are taught and the way students learn. I

understand the technology and its implications; we must allow our children every

advantage gained by fully utilizing this new gateway to learning. We must be

vigilant, ensuring confidentiality, integrity and safety of our children in cyberspace.

Highly dedicated, quality teachers, support staff, and advances in technology

will propel our students to succeed in their future endeavors. As a member of the

Ritenour Board of Education the success of our students, teachers, schools and

community are my priority.

Election Day isTuesday, April 7, 2015.

The Ritenour School for Early Childhood Education (SEC) is now accepting

registrations for full-day and half-day classes for the 2015-2016 school year.

Enrollment is for children who are 3, 4 and 5 years old. Families can enroll their

children as soon as they turn 3 years old and are potty trained.

Openings are available in the following programs for the 2015-2016 school year:

• Full-Day Preschool – Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Half-Day Preschool – Monday-Friday;

morning or afternoon classes available.

Before and after care are available Monday

through Friday.

• Before care hours are 6-8 a.m.

• After care hours are 4-6 p.m.

For more information, or to enroll in classes,

call (314) 493-6240. Financial assistance is

available for those who qualify.

Register Your Child for the Ritenour School for Early Childhood Education

The Ritenour School for Early Childhood Education again received national

accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children

(NAEYC). Along with the accolades of being nationally accredited, Ritenour’s

program received top marks (all A’s) from the NAEYC assessment team. The school

has been nationally accredited since 2005.

On its recent accreditation renewal, Ritenour’s early childhood program received

top marks (all A’s) in all 10 standards reviewed by NAEYC team members during a

two-day visit earlier this school year. Those criteria are in: promoting positive

relationships, curriculum, teaching, assessment, health, teachers, families, community

relationships, physical environment, and leadership and management. The

accreditation is valid until February 2020.

School principal Dr. Gyniquea Davis said she is proud of Ritenour’s program and

the strength of its teaching and support staff who help children learn and grow each

day.

“Our goal is to nurture all of our students so they are excited and engaged with

learning each day they are here and to continue that sense of wonder at home,” said

Dr. Davis. “Our teachers and support staff give 100 percent every day to build a solid

educational foundation for our youngest learners. Although we are proud to receive

high marks in all of the accreditation standards, we will continue to push ahead and

make improvements to ensure that we meet every child’s needs.”

Ritenour Early Childhood Again Receives National Accreditation

On Feb. 24, 2015, the Ritenour School District was notified by Mr. Fitzpatrickthat he was no longer seeking election to the Ritenour Board of Education. He provided the following message:

“I resign my nomination for Director of the Ritenour Board of Education.After consideration, I have some other obligations that may move me and my family out of the district in the near term. I believe that the candidatesrunning will serve the board well, maximizing the opportunity for the children of Ritenour to succeed onward and become the leaders of the next generation.”

ECRWSS

POSTMASTER PLEASE

DELIVER March 25-29, 2015

RESIDENTIALCUSTOMER

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSt. Louis, MO

Permit No. 0133

A Ritenour School District Publication x March 2015

Marvin Elementary fifth-graders Michael Madrid and Janiya Scott build a robot during a new districtwideafter-school program.

Read more about the program .........................................................................Pages 6-7

Ritenour Launches Elementary School

ROBOTICSPROGRAM

Ritenour Accepting Kindergarten Registration for 2015-2016 School Year The Ritenour School District is now accepting

kindergarten registration for the 2015-2016

school year. Children must be 5 years of age on

or before July 31, 2015, to enter kindergarten in

August. The district offers only full-day

kindergarten for all incoming students.

Families can register their child at the

Ritenour Administrative Center, located at 2420

Woodson Road in Overland, Mo. Registration

hours are Tuesday and Thursday from

8:30-10:30 a.m. and Wednesday from 1-3 p.m.

Parents or guardians must bring the following documents for registration:

1. Proof of residency, which includes the

following:

• Occupancy permit, current signed

lease, or current mortgage statement

• One current utility bill in owner/lease

holder's name dated within 30 days

(Telephone and disconnection notices

are not accepted.)

2. Child’s state-certified birth certificate

3. Parent/Guardian’s driver’s license or

state-certified photo ID

4. Legal guardianship or legal custody

documents (if applicable)

Immunization records are required before

students can attend kindergarten in August

2015. Please bring your most current records.

For more information regarding enrollment,

please contact Ritenour School District Student

Services at (314) 493-6048.

a ritenour school district publication x march 2015

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