Northwest School District

INCOMING FRESHMEN: Don't forget that TOMORROW is the Freshmen Kickoff, hosted by NHS Lion Crew. The event runs from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Students should be dropped off curbside at doors 2, 3, 4, and 5.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A STUDENT-ONLY EVENT!

INCOMING SENIORS: Don't forget TOMORROW is the Senior Parking Pass Pre-Sale from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the main office.

Please make sure to bring your driver's license, license place number, and proof of insurance.

THIS IS FOR INCOMING SENIORS ONLY!

Incoming Freshmen: Only one week until the Freshmen Kickoff on Aug. 1 from 8am - 1 p.m.
Lion Crew student mentors will be there to greet you for campus tours, details about the first week of school, tips and strategies for success as a high school student, plus snacks and fun!

THIS IS A STUDENT-ONLY EVENT!

The Upperclassmen Open Campus event is one week from today, Thursday, July 31 from noon to 4 p.m.

Students have the opportunity to purchase parking passes, pick up information about purchasing a yearbook, pay their senior fee, drop off medicine with the school nurse, or take a campus tour (must request in advance).

THIS IS NOT A MANDATORY EVENT.

The 2025-26 Free and Reduced Price Meal Application is now available in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you completed an application before July 1, 2025, you must complete another one to be valid for the 2025-26 school year. Should you need a paper copy, you can get it from the Free and Reduced Application page of the district website under "How to Apply". Please complete the application as soon as possible to avoid a gap in benefit coverage/to begin benefits before the first day of school if you qualify.

Completing the Free and Reduced Lunch Application not only allows for free and discounted meals, but it
Allows the district to receive additional funding for student support and services
Allows us to keep class sizes smaller and provide more staffing for programs
May provide discounted college application fees. local scholarships, and tuition assistance for dual credit and AP classes
May provide students with free or reduced costs for ACT, AP and/or SAT tests
Allows the district to receive discounts for educational field trips

For questions regarding the application process or Food Service in general, visit https://www.northwestschools.net/page/free-and-reduced-application. You can also call Food Service Administrative Assistant Christina Carden at 636-677-3473 x 21126 or email ccarden@northwestschools.net.

We had a great time at the Leader Publications Senior Expo today! Visitors enjoyed a variety of vendor booths, learned from several community agencies, and were treated to entertainment from J.B. Louis and the Legends. Our own Superintendent Dr. Hecktor even joined the fun as a guest Bingo caller! A big thank you to the Northwest High School Student Council for their outstanding help in making the day such a success!

Congratulations to Kristen Price, Early Childhood Center teacher, Northwest District Teacher of the Year, and now a 2026 Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year!

There are 34 Regional Teachers of the Year who have been selected by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)to represent their regions in the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year Program. The Teacher of the Year program spotlights the positive impact excellent teachers have on their students. The Teacher of the Year selection process began with the nomination of nearly 500 teachers who represented 284 school districts statewide. Next, DESE will announce the semi-finalists for the 2026 Missouri Teacher of the Year award in August.

Congratulations once again, Ms. Kristen! We are SO proud of you!

Have a safe and happy Independence Day, Lion Nation!

School Supply lists for 2025-26 are now available at https://www.northwestschools.net/article/2294044.

The lists are also available on the home page of each school.
Please note that Northwest High School students will receive their supply list for each class on the first day of school.

At the June 26, 2025 Northwest R-I Board of Education meeting, Woodridge Middle School principal Dr. Liz Green recognized behavior interventionist Sarah Bouchard for her positive impact and success in working with WMS students.

Northwest High School art students completed their lesson about abstract expressionist artist Jackson Pollock by creating their own abstract expressionist painting. Students used paint brushes, cups, bowls, and paint bottles to drip, splash, and pour paint onto their paper.

Maple Grove Elementary students had a fantastic time at their bubble party this morning! Laughter, music, and lots (and lots) of bubbles made for an unforgettable day. Nothing but smiles all around!

Cool treats for a hot day! Our High Ridge Elementary Summer Journey students beat the heat with ice cream and popsicles today!

Brennan Woods Elementary welcomed Kassie Knight from the Missouri Botanical Gardens today. Miss Kassie spoke to the school about recycling and sustainability, playing games with the students to demonstrate what is recyclable and what is not.

Summer School students at Cedar Springs Elementary had a fun time this afternoon as they took part in Safety Land, a giant board game which teaches kids about safety ranging from microwaves and barking dogs to household chemicals, bicycle helmets, and using crosswalks. Safety Land will continue through the week at CSE, with each class getting to play and learn. Safety Land is a part of the Safety Street program, sponsored and presented by St. Louis Children's Hospital.

Looking for fun, healthy things to do with your kids after summer school ends? Our community partners at the Jefferson County Health Department are offering a free Summer Wellness Program designed to help families stay active, connected, and well this summer and you’re invited to join! The program includes: 3 wellness categories with fun activities to choose from Free wellness activity supplies A chance to win awesome prizes An opportunity to improve family health and connection Participation in a community-wide effort with local partners How it works: Choose at least one activity from each of the three categories (you can do more if you'd like!) Complete an activity, take a photo, and email it to communications@jeffcohealth.org with your name Each activity = one entry into a grand prize drawing! Program runs July 14 – August 15. Winners will be drawn August 18! Sign up now and join the fun: https://forms.office.com/r/HgyFnxkL63

We are looking for a Speech Language Pathologist for Maple Grove Elementary School, located in Dittmer, MO. First-Year SLP Base Salary: $54,656, and we offer up to 10 years on the salary scale for experienced SLPs. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or higher and the appropriate certification from the State of Missouri. Apply online at https://www.northwestschools.net/jobs Benefits include: Employer-paid health insurance Late-Start Wednesdays to support teacher professional development No-cost Employee Assistance Program for staff and family Numerous mentoring and professional development opportunities available for all teachers and staff. A great life-work balance

Parents as Teachers is now enrolling for 2025-26 School Year. This is a FREE program for families with children from birth to kindergarten. The program includes home visits, developmental screenings, and family events. For more information and to enroll online, visit https://www.northwestschools.net/o/ecc/page/parents-as-teachers. You can also call 636-671-3382 or email program coordinator Sarah Sherman at ssherman@northwestschools.net.

Murphy Elementary 4th graders explored their creativity with a 3D art project using mixed media, including chalk and crayons. We love seeing their artistic talents shine!

The Eye Thrive Vision Van will be at the High Ridge branch of the Jefferson County Library on Aug. 6, 2025 for first-come-first-served free eye exams and glasses (if necessary) for school aged children. Appointments will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m., and registration closes at 11 a.m. All services provided at no cost. The services include a comprehensive eye exam and prescription glasses if needed. Most glasses are made and dispensed onsite. Only patients are allowed on the van. For more information and additional dates at additional locations, please visit https://eyethrive.org/mvc/