Northwest School District

At the April 17, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Northwest High School Principal Dr. Stella Viehland recognized the excellence of the NHS World Languages Department.

We want to congratulate and welcome Andy Williams on his election to the Northwest R-I Board of Education. We look forward to the insight and leadership he will bring to the role. We also want to congratulate Gary Bonacker on his re-election to the Board of Education, and thank him for his continued service and commitment to our district.

At tonight's meeting, the Northwest R-I School District Board of Education recognized the Northwest High School Student Council for winning the Honor Council Gold Award from the Honor Council Committee of the Missouri Association of Student Councils. Only 66 student councils across Missouri earned this award. The advisors for the NHS Student Council are Dan Durso and Morgan Siebert. The Board also recognized seniors Lillian Hardesty, Madison Mauzy, and Riley Schwantner. These three students have earned the Distinguished Student Leader Award from the Missouri Association of Student Councils. This honor recognizes students who demonstrate superior student council leadership skills and knowledge based on MASC criteria and evaluation procedures. These group and individual awards are a testament to the positive impact our student leaders have on our school culture and community.

Northwest employees are proud to continue their philanthropic endeavor, “The Northwest Way.” Employees have the opportunity to participate by donating a payroll deduction at an amount they select. This month’s recipient of The Northwest Way donation is the Northwest Alumni Association.

High Ridge Elementary School held their Leadership Day today. Students took pride in showing families the progress they have made this year. Synergy was the theme toward the end of the day, as several classrooms worked in teams, including parents and guardians, on building marshmallow towers and how they incorporate the 7 Habits into their work.

This week's #SupportStaffSuperstar is Woodridge Middle School administrative assistant Heather Pond! WMS principal Dr. Liz Green said of Mrs., Pond, "She is detail-oriented and efficient at her job, but most importantly, she brings an energy to our school that without, we would be lost." Thank you for all you do for the students and staff at Woodridge, Mrs. Pond!

Is your 5th grade student interested in joining the middle school band next year? Not sure which instrument is the best fit? Join us next week for Instrument Rental Night! April 22, 2025 Woodridge Middle School Gym 5 – 7 p.m. This event is the perfect opportunity for you and your child to explore different instruments and receive expert guidance to set them up for musical success!

Congratulations to this week's #TeacherProudTuesday honoree, Jerilee Banks, second grade teacher at High Ridge Elementary. HRE pincipal Heidi Mackey said "HRE is fortunate to have her educate our students....Jerilee will always find a path to student success!" Thank you for all you do for our students, Mrs. Banks!

Join us for a special session called "Get Ready for Kindergarten" on Thursday, May 1 from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Northwest Early Childhood Center (6180 Hwy. MM, House Springs). Presented by Parents as Teachers, this event will cover: Making Learning Fun, Hands-On Activity Demos, How to Help Your Child Prepare for School, A Day in the Life of a Kindergarten Teacher, and more! PLEASE NOTE: This event is for parents/guardians only. To register or learn more, email ssherman@northwestschools.net.

Five House Springs Elementary Art students placed in the statewide Missouri Art Education Association Student Show. HSE students swept the 1st-3rd grade Digital Art/Photography Division awards. Grayson G. received Honorable Mention, Jace W. placed 3rd , Vinny B. with 2nd Place, and Mason A. in 1st place. Lyla M. took 2nd place in the 4th-6th grade Digital Art/Photography Division. Their art teacher is Michelle Howard.

Northwest R-I School District is seeking certified Special Education teachers to join our team for the 2025-26 school year. New for 2025-26: A $3,500 stipend for qualified Special Education teachers Competitive Salary: $43,500 starting base pay Experience Matters: We honor up to 10 years on the salary scale Supportive Environment: Professional development, mentorship, and strong district support Take the next step in your teaching career and make a difference in students’ lives! Apply online today at https://www.northwestschools.net/jobs and bring out the Lion in you! #SpecialEducationJobs #TeachingJobs #NowHiring #EducationCareers #TeacherOpportunities #MissouriTeachers #SPEDJobs #JoinOurTeam

We want to give a BIG shoutout to the Northwest High School Student Council and their sponsors, Dan Durso and Morgan Siebert! Each year, these students dedicate their time and energy to planning and hosting the Senior Citizen Prom, turning it into a community tradition of which we can all be proud. You’re an essential part of Lion Nation, and we couldn’t be prouder! THANK YOU!

We had a wonderful evening at the annual Senior Citizen Prom! Congratulations to Senior Prom King Norm Schumacher and Queen Ann Wors! A big thank you goes out to the amazing community members who attended and make this such a fun event each year. And of course, a big thank you goes out to the Northwest High School Student Council students who planned and hosted this wonderful community event.

Maple Grove Elementary 4th grade students presented their Living Museum projects today. We learned about Abraham Lincoln, Harry S. Truman, Billie Eilish, Elvis Presley, Suni Lee, Betty White, and more! The students all did a fantastic job presenting and creating their projects made from 2 liter bottles and craft materials.

Now is the time to enroll your child in Summer Journey summer school! Simply use the parent portal used for online registration on the Northwest website. Summer Journey begins June 2 and goes through June 30. Deadline to enroll is May 2. https://vimeo.com/1073566773

This week's #SupportStaffSuperstar is Northwest Early Childhood Center paraprofessional Ashley Goldbaugh. ECC director Susan Wingenbach said of Ms. Ashley, "She takes the time to build relationships with each child and supports them outside of the school setting." Congratulations, and thank you for all you do for our youngest Lions, Ms. Ashley!

Northwest High School welcomed New York Times Bestselling Author April Henry this morning. Ms. Henry discussed her books and the process she uses in writing with students, and held a question and answer session afterward.

Looking for a career that makes a difference? The Northwest R-I School District is now hiring passionate educators and staff members who want to inspire the next generation! Be part of a supportive community where you can grow and thrive! Apply online today at https://www.northwestschools.net/jobs and bring out the Lion in you! Base salary for first-year teachers: $43,500. We honor up to 10 years on the salary scale. Employer-paid health insurance. New for 2025-26: $3,500 stipend for qualified special education teachers. Positions include: Special Education Teachers, Elementary Teachers, ELA/Yearbook, Industrial Arts, Counselor, Social Studies Teacher, Science Teacher, Math Teachers, School Support Interventionist, Alternative Teacher, Preschool Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Custodians.

We’re having a great time at Kindergarten Round-Up tonight at House Springs Elementary! If your child is starting kindergarten at Northwest this fall, come join us at your elementary school! Meet the teachers, explore the school, and enjoy fun activities. We’ll be here until 6 p.m.!

About 60 Northwest High School students joined us in the cafeteria this morning for the NHS Trades Fair. Representatives from several local trade unions came to discuss career options in the trades, meeting with students and answering any and all questions. Thanks to Sheet Metal Workers Local 36, United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 2, Mid-America Carpenters, Painters and Allied Trades International Union, and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 513 for their time and expertise!