Fredbird, Andy Benes promote healthy eating for kids – Bulletin Board

Devoted to the community

Westminster Christian Academy students devoted themselves to making a difference in the community through participation in the school’s annual “In The Spirit Of Giving” campaign. Each year during the week of giving, students are asked to give items and funds to bless those in need. Items collected included spare change, gently used shoes, food, cleaning supplies, baby items, toiletries and kids’ pajamas and toys to help individuals who benefit from the services of local organizations.

 

Giving thanks by helping others

Kindergarten students at Mason Ridge Elementary celebrated Thanksgiving by giving back to their community. After a performance of Thanksgiving songs and poems, students and their families worked together to make bags of bean soup mix. Students went down an assembly line, packaging a variety of beans and seasonings along with a recipe card.

The students prepared more than 100 bags of soup mix, which were donated to the local Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.

The experience helped the kindergartners understand the meaning of being thankful for what they have and the importance of giving to those in need.

Helping Sandy victims

Fifth-grade students at Parkway’s Mason Ridge Elementary collected $669 for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. The students in Connie Binder’s class collected money during morning and afternoon drop-offs.

The money will be donated to the American Red Cross.

 

Search for head of school

Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill is announcing a national search for its next head of school. The school has retained Education Access Strategies to assist with the search. Candidates will be identified and interviewed in the coming months with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2013.

Lucie Nordmann, RSCJ, who has served since 2009, retires as head of school for Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill on June 30, 2013.

“We remain most grateful for the leadership and contributions of Sr. Nordmann in collaboration with the leadership team, faculty and staff, and friends of Villa Duchesne and Oak Hill School,” said John Hanichak, Board chair.

 

Celebrating culture

Laughter and smiles, the smell of treats from around the world, the beats of popular Mexican tunes, and the sparkle of gold-threaded saris filled the classrooms and hallways of McKelvey Elementary on Culture Night.

Students and parents proudly shared their culture with peers and the community.

More than 400 participants enjoyed the festivities, including food, crafts, clothing, music, literature, photographs, games and sports. Students performed African drumming and karate and were entertained by Mexican music.

“The connections being made between parents of our students across cultures added to the excitement of the evening. Culture Night is an opportunity to share everyone’s culture directly from the community,” a Parkway press statement said.

 

New president

Carmen Fischer, director of child nutrition services and warehouse in Rockwood, was named president of the Missouri School Nutrition Association. A registered dietitian, Fischer is nearing her 12th year in Rockwood. Prior to that, she worked in school food services for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

As president of the Missouri School Nutrition Association, Fischer will help the organization in its mission to provide healthy meals to students.

“It’s great to create healthy habits in children that will last them a lifetime, and schools are perfect for that,” Fischer said. “I’m looking forward to leading the Missouri School Nutrition Association forward in offering educational opportunities to our members so that we may all serve the students in Missouri with nutritious foods they enjoy.”

 

Fredbird, Andy Benes promote healthy eating

Tess Wheeler, a third-grader at Oak Brook Elementary, won the Kids B.E.E. Healthy Better Eating and Exercise contest through Dierbergs Markets. Her essay about how she stays healthy by eating properly and exercising on a regular basis was selected out of numerous applicants. Part of her prize was an assembly for her entire school, featuring Fredbird, former Cardinals player Andy Benes and Team Fredbird members. She also received a new bike.

The assembly with Fredbird and Andy Benes was a high-energy program where students learned about healthy food choices and how exercising can be fun. Wheeler was presented with her new bicycle at the assembly, and another Oak Brook student won a bike through an all-school raffle. To top it off, Oak Brook was awarded a check for $1,000 for new outdoor playground equipment.

 

Distinguished Principal

Geggie Elementary Principal Dr. Mary Kleekamp was chosen as the St. Louis Suburban Elementary Principals Association’s “Distinguished Principal of the Year” for 2012. Kleekamp is in her seventh year as principal of Geggie.

SLSEPA recognizes principals for their achievements and honors the role elementary principals play in ensuring students receive a quality education. Colleagues select the recipients based on criteria that the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the U.S. Department of Education established.

Nominees must have completed five years as a principal when nominated, maintain high expectations for students and staff, show evidence of outstanding contributions to the school and the profession and be involved in the community.

“It’s an honor to be chosen by my peers for this award,” Kleekamp said. “Over the past seven years, I have been fortunate to be a part of this amazing school community.

“It pleases me to know that the work and dedication I strive to give in serving this school community empower and make a difference to others. Geggie Elementary is an excellent school because of our caring students, staff and parents.”

 

Teacher of the Year

Fifth-grade teacher Katy Schubert was named the St. Louis VFW Teacher of the Year.  Schubert was nominated for the award based on her teaching of the unit, “Why We Should Remember,” at the Center for Creative Learning. A ceremony was held on Dec. 8 to recognize her achievement.