
Join our team!
The Northwest R-I School District is now hiring for the 2025-26 school year! We are looking for elementary teachers, elementary art teacher, kindergarten teacher, special education, math interventionist, and a critical need paraprofessional (autism).
Visit https://www.northwestschools.net/o/nsd/page/human-resources and click Apply Online to apply for these and other positions in our district.


Join our team!
The Northwest R-I School District is now hiring for the 2025-26 school year! We are looking for elementary teachers, elementary art teacher, kindergarten teacher, special education, math interventionist, and a critical need paraprofessional (autism).
Visit https://www.northwestschools.net/o/nsd/page/human-resources and click Apply Online to apply for these and other positions in our district.


Northwest Lion Nation, we wish you all a happy and joyous holiday season!


Northwest employees have continued 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 Sunny Hill.
Pictured is Maple Grove Elementary principal Aubrey Bauer, Sunny Hill representative Terri Green, and Northwest superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hecktor. #NWcommUNITY


We are thrilled to share that House Springs Elementary art teacher Michelle Howard will receive the National Elementary Art Educator award from the National Art Education Association!
Howard will be honored at the 2025 National Convention this March in Louisville, KY. This award highlights her outstanding dedication to fostering creativity and artistic growth in our students.
Please join us in celebrating this incredible achievement!


Congratulations go out to Loressa Krolak, lead custodian at Valley Middle School. She is this week's #SupportStaffSuperstar! VMS principal Dr. Spencer Storey said, "VMS would be lost without having Loressa in our building guarding the night shift!" Thank you, Ms. Krolak, for all you do for our students, staff, and making VMS look its best!


Congratulations to Northwest High School social studies teacher Keiler Swartz, this week's #TeacherProudTuesday honoree! "He shares his love of history with students through stories, hands-on artifacts, and new resources he is constantly seeking. His classes are engaging and well-thought out," said NHS principal Dr. Stella Viehland. Thank you, Mr. Swartz, for all you do for our students!


If you feel that your child demonstrates gifted characteristics and would benefit from being referred for further testing, please visit the district website for more information about the C.A.T.S program and testing.
Click on Menu then Academic Services and then choose Gifted Education. The Parent Referral Form is at the bottom of the page. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Sult ksult@northwestschools.net.


This week's #SupportStaffSuperstar is Northwest High School paraprofessional Madison Vickery! NHS principal Dr. Stella Viehland said of Madison, "She has a wide array of strategies and is a resource to other paraprofessionals in the building."
Congratulations and thank you, Ms. Vickery, for all you do for our students and staff!


Congratulations to this week's #TeacherProudTuesday honoree, Brennan Woods Elementary behavior specialist Cara Kirby! BWE principal Annie Hammond said of Ms. Kirby, "Each and every day, she can be seen all around the halls of BWE supporting both students and staff." Thank you for all that you do, Ms. Kirby!


Donate to the Santa’s Little Snackerz Food Drive and help ensure Northwest students have enough to eat over the winter break! Santa's Little Snackerz Food Drive takes place Dec. 2-13, 2024. Students can leave their donations at the Cashier Desk at participating Northwest schools, or at the front office at the Early Childhood Center.


Happy Thanksgiving, Northwest Lion Nation!


On Thanksgiving Eve, with our eyes shining bright,
We pause to give thanks for this year’s sight.
Through plans and effort, the machines have been moving
In real time seeing our schools are improving.
The bond issue projects are coming together
In spite of sometimes uncooperating weather.
So here is an update on what we’ve got going,
Let’s get as much done before it starts snowing.
At High Ridge Elementary, with entries secure,
A welcoming place, so strong and sure.
The counters are installed, the lights are aglow
It won’t be long ‘til we’re ready to go.
At House Springs and Maple Grove, there’s laughter and play,
On new playgrounds built for joy each day.
A new, safer entry at Woodridge, so prudent,
Now open and ready for all of our students.
At Northwest High School, what a sight to behold,
An addition to the gym, both strong and bold.
The foundation is laid, the walls are in place,
Our Lions will love their brand new space.
So as the feast begins, let’s give a cheer,
For progress made throughout the year.
Lion Nation united, our bond holds true,
For a brighter tomorrow, built by you.
Thanks to your support of Prop S: Safety and Security for Our Schools bond issue in 2023, we are able to make crucial improvements to enhance safety and security across our district. We truly appreciate your commitment to our schools and students. While we are grateful for the progress we've made this year, we are also deeply thankful for the continued support of our community.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Northwest Lion Nation!











Thank you to @northwest.stuco for hosting students from across the district at Special Day today at Northwest High School! Everyone had a rollicking good time with smiles and laughter all around!











Congratulations are in order for Woodridge Middle School music teacher Nate Boxdorfer, on their recognition at the November 2024 Northwest R-I Board of Education meeting as an #Emerson 2024 Excellence in Teaching Awards honoree! Mr. Boxdorfer joins over 100 educators across the St. Louis area who are examples of exceptional dedication to students.


Today, we celebrate our substitute teachers! Your dedication and flexibility ensure our students continue to learn and grow. We thank you, and appreciate all you do for the students and staff of Northwest Lion Nation!


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 Ladies of Charity.


Members of the Northwest Administrative Center staff, administrators, and Board of Education members volunteered at each of our schools today to help serve the annual Thanksgiving Lunch!
A big shout out goes to our Food Service staff for the work they do day in and day out, feeding our students and staff. We are thankful for you!











Northwest Administrative Center staff members Lisa Barnhart and Michelle Adams were recognized at the November 2024 Board of Education meeting this evening for their professional development achievements. Ms. Barnhart recently completed the first phase of the School Board Secretary Academy from the Missouri School Board Association and Ms. Adams graduated from the School Business Certification program.



Our #SupportStaffSuperstar for this week is Murphy Elementary School lunchroom and playground aide Kelly Vickery! "From the moment Ms. Kelly walks into the building until the end of the school day, you can always count on her to have the warmest smile on her face!" said Gretchen Gorgal, MES principal. Congratulations, Ms. Kelly, and thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and families at Murphy!
