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Ladue Schools e-Connect | May 1, 2025 Edition
Ladue Schools e-Connect Not displaying correctly? View in browser May 2 Edition This Week's News Student and Staff Standouts Information for Parents & Community Quick Links Board Briefs In Case You Missed It In the latest See. Serve. Connect. Podcast, Dr. Jim Wipke sits down with members of Viva Voce, Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s powerhouse all-female a cappella group, and their incredible director, Leah Alrutz. Featuring Kate Sheley, current president and alto/bass, Maya Mathew, incoming president and alto, Emma Bangert, bass, and Kayla Wallace, bass, these incredible students discuss competition nerves, lifelong friendships, mentoring moments, and a surprise performance at the end. LISTEN NOW and get inspired by the harmony happening at Ladue Horton Watkins High School! And don’t miss their Spring Concert – May 3 at 7 p.m ., Black Box Theater, LHWHS Performing Arts Center. Only $5! Apple Podcast Spotify Sometimes the best moments happen when we stop avoiding the mess and start embracing it. In his latest From My View blog, Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke reflects on a rainy trail run that turned into a powerful life and leadership lesson. “Run Through the Puddles” reminds us that growth comes when we lean into the challenges—even when it means getting a little muddy. Read the blog and get inspired. The Ladue Schools community is excited to celebrate an extraordinary achievement for Ladue Schools! Both the Ladue Middle School (LMS) and Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) Science Olympiad teams captured 1st place at the Missouri State Science Olympiad Finals this past Saturday at the University of Central Missouri — and both teams have earned the right to compete at the National Tournament in Lincoln, Nebraska this May! Read more about their impressive performance here. After a season of hard work and rigorous preparation, the Talking Rams, Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s speech and debate team, delivered an impressive performance at the state level. Notable Highlights from the Tournament: Sahil Chatwal captured 1st Place in International Extemporaneous Speaking, exemplifying world-class public speaking and analytical excellence. Shang Jiang and Franklyn Yang earned the title of State Runners-Up in Policy Debate, demonstrating incredible teamwork and critical thinking. Emery Mao placed 6th in Dramatic Interpretation, showcasing extraordinary poise and performance skills. Read more Ladue Schools congratulates James Palanca, a Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) senior, on being named a recipient of the 2025 James E. Westbury Memorial/Special School District Board of Education Scholarship. This $2,000 scholarship is a one-time award given annually to outstanding students in the Special School District who exemplify academic excellence, community service, and leadership—qualities James demonstrates in abundance. Read more about his academic and athletic achievements. Congratulations to the Ladue Middle School Planet Protectors , who have been named the Middle School Rookie Category Winner in the 2024-2025 Green Schools Quest , an annual sustainability challenge sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council-Missouri Gateway Chapter ! Read more about the Planet Protectors’ Award and mission. Congratulations to Vincent Hsiao, a junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS), for being named one of eight winners in the 2025 St. Louis Public Radio (STLPR) Teen Photojournalist Prize contest! Read more about Vincent’s victory. The deadline for registration is June 20. Additionally, it's important to note that if a parent is looking to coach , we have a new policy that coaches must follow. Please find the information below: Are you wanting to be a coach this season? If so, do NOT register your child online, call Christof at 314-994-2804! New COACHING Forms: All coaches must complete two forms as part of our updated policy. Please see the links to the forms below: Coach Volunteer Form Coach's Letter with Background Check Do you have any questions, or are you ready to get started? Call Christof at 314-994-2408. Sign Up Clothing, Toys, and School Supplies Drive | Deadline is May 23 Donate very gently used and new clothing and new shoes to students impacted by Hurricane Helene. Click on the image below to make a monetary donation Calling all golfers! It’s time to dust off those clubs and join the Ladue Schools community and former Rams at the Ladue Alumni Golf Tournament on Monday, Aug. 4, at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course in beautiful Forest Park! All skill levels welcome, and open to the public! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just in it for the fun, grab your friends, form a team, or sign up as an individual—we’ll pair you up! Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those looking to support this exciting event. Not a golfer? No problem! Join us for the Alumni Reception after the tournament to catch up, network, and celebrate together! Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Get them enrolled now for kindergarten in the fall! Congratulations! If your child will be 5 years old before Aug. 1, 2025, it’s time to enroll for kindergarten in the Ladue School District for the 2025-26 school year! Thank you for choosing Ladue! Sign up now, spaces are limited to 100 students! Camp Legacy is a fee-based summer camp for students entering grades 6-9 held at Ladue Middle School. Camp is offered for six one-week sessions, with the first and last weeks being excursion-only weeks. Camp placement is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed until a $175 deposit per student is received (full payment will be due by May 5). The e-cards are free and easy to use! Before & After School Care ParentSquare Tips 2024-25 and 2025-26 Academic Calendars (printable version) LMS & LHWHS Fine Arts Performance Schedule Interested in Subscribing? Receive email notifications when new “briefs” are posted by signing up on the Board Briefs web page — just click on the bell icon and enter your email address. In the latest installment of our Fail Forward. Learn Forward. Live Forward. Love Forward. video series, we shine a spotlight on our Ladue Middle School students as they lead, innovate, and grow in extraordinary ways. From guiding Character Strong lessons, to building robots and winning tournaments, to participating in the Superintendent’s Advisory Council meetings—our students are boldly stepping into the future. Embracing the unknown, anticipating the possibilities, and proactively acquiring the skills to make them leaders in our community. They aren’t just learning for today — they’re learning forward: With curiosity With courage. With a vision for impact. Watch how our students are mastering their potential and becoming the change-makers of tomorrow! In the latest "Don’t 'Due' Drugs" video, Ladue Horton Watkins High School students depict examples of greatness that students can choose rather than drugs. This video campaign is a powerful and creative initiative by the Superintendent’s Ladue Horton Watkins High School Student Advisory Council. This student-written, directed, and produced project is designed to raise awareness about the importance of making smart, healthy choices. Created by students, for students, this campaign delivers an important message in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and impactful. Check out their “Choose Greatness, Not Drugs” video. We stand with other local school districts in support of public school education. Look up your local legislators Legislative Updates District 2024-25 Calendar (printable version) District 2025-26 Calendar (printable version May 1: National Principals' Day May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week May 7: School Nurse Day May 9: School Communicators Day May 14: Board of Education Meeting | 6 p.m. May 18: Speech Pathologists Day May 18: LHWHS Class of 2025 Graduation | 2 p.m. Ladue Schools Communications e-Connect provides weekly communications to the Ladue Schools Community
Thursday, May 01 2025
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Ladue Schools e-Connect | April 25, 2025
Ladue Schools e-Connect Not displaying correctly? View in browser April 25 Edition This Week's News Student and Staff Standouts Information for Parents & Community Quick Links Board Briefs In Case You Missed It In the latest See. Serve. Connect. Podcast, Dr. Jim Wipke sits down with members of Viva Voce, Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s powerhouse all-female a cappella group, and their incredible director, Leah Alrutz. Featuring Kate Sheley, current president and alto/bass, Maya Mathew, incoming president and alto, Emma Bangert, bass, and Kayla Wallace, bass, these incredibly students discuss competition nerves, lifelong friendships, mentoring moments, and perform a spontaneous jingle (yes, really!) This episode is all about student voice, leadership, and the joy of music as these talented musicians open up about what it means to be part of a group that’s as much a family as it is a performing ensemble. LISTEN NOW and get inspired by the harmony happening at Ladue Horton Watkins High School! And don’t miss their Spring Concert – May 3 at 7 p.m., Black Box Theater, LHWHS Performing Arts Center. Only $5! Apple Podcast Spotify In the latest installment of our Fail Forward. Learn Forward. Live Forward. Love Forward. video series, we shine a spotlight on our Ladue Middle School students as they lead, innovate, and grow in extraordinary ways. From guiding Character Strong lessons, to building robots and winning tournaments, to participating in the Superintendent’s Advisory Council meetings—our students are boldly stepping into the future. Embracing the unknown, anticipating the possibilities, and proactively acquiring the skills to make them leaders in our community. They aren’t just learning for today — they’re learning forward: With curiosity With courage. With a vision for impact. Watch how our students are mastering their potential and becoming the change-makers of tomorrow! This past Tuesday night, nearly 100 community members attended our Board of Education Legislative Update Special Work Session. It was an evening filled with thoughtful conversation and collaboration around important legislative topics impacting our district and community. Events like this reinforce just how strong and invested the Ladue Schools community truly is. Here is a copy of the presentation that was shared with the attendees. If you have questions or need additional information after reviewing the presentation, please contact us at input@ladueschools.net . We stand with other local school districts in support of public school education. Look up your local legislators Legislative Updates Sometimes the best moments happen when we stop avoiding the mess and start embracing it. In his latest From My View blog, Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke reflects on a rainy trail run that turned into a powerful life and leadership lesson. “Run Through the Puddles” reminds us that growth comes when we lean into the challenges—even when it means getting a little muddy. Read the blog and get inspired. In the latest "Don’t 'Due' Drugs" video, Ladue Horton Watkins High School students depict examples of greatness that students can choose rather than drugs. This video campaign is a powerful and creative initiative by the Superintendent’s Ladue Horton Watkins High School Student Advisory Council. This student-written, directed, and produced project is designed to raise awareness about the importance of making smart, healthy choices. Created by students, for students, this campaign delivers an important message in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and impactful. Check out their “Choose Greatness, Not Drugs” video. Miyasi Welivita, an 8th-grade student at Ladue Middle School, is being celebrated after being named a first-place winner in the Missouri Peace Officers Foundation (MPOF) Essay Contest. This prestigious contest invited eighth-grade students across Missouri to reflect on the topic: "Today's Challenges & Threats: Explain Your Three Greatest Concerns That Your Generation Faces." Miyasi's thoughtful and insightful essay stood out among submissions from all over Missouri, earning her the top distinction for the state's east side. Read more Ladue Horton Watkins High School junior Amelia Drake has earned a spot in one of the most competitive and prestigious youth leadership programs in the country — the 2025 Bank of America Student Leaders Program. Each year, Bank of America selects just 315 students nationwide — from more than 12,000 applicants — who demonstrate a deep commitment to service, leadership, and community impact. Amelia’s selection places her in the top 2% of applicants across the U.S. Read more about her journey and how she credits Ladue Schools for helping her grow into a strong leader. We’re thrilled to celebrate Asiya Mahmoud, who earned 2nd place in Short Fiction at the Muslim Interscholastic Tournament (MIST) held at Washington University this past Saturday! Asiya’s powerful original story, inspired by this year’s MIST theme — “A Legacy of Learning: Turning Knowledge into Action” — was a standout among many brilliant entries. Her ability to creatively connect theme, audience, and message earned her a top spot and the honor of advancing to the national level competition! Her work beautifully reflects MIST’s vision: "a vibrant community of creativity, knowledge, and mutual respect." Her success reminds us all of the power of words—congratulations Asiya! Earlier this month, our incredibly talented Ladue Middle School Band and Orchestra students took the stage at the St. Louis Suburban MMEA District 5 Solo and Ensemble Festival, where they performed for a panel of judges and received ratings based on their musical skill and presentation. And what a performance it was! We are thrilled to announce the outstanding results of our students’ hard work and dedication: Superior Rating Kaitlyn Judd – Clarinet Solo Ethan Onaghise – Saxophone Solo Claire Benolkin, Miyasi Welivita, Anthony Chang, Louis Shen, Darren Lee – Violin Solos Alexander Martin – Cello Solo Emmanuel Chatman & Albert Shi – Clarinet Duet Benjamin Lambert & Miyasi Welivita – Violin Duet Darren Lee, Adie Jeliazkova, Gavin Rao – String Trio Excellent Rating Jonny Lim, Claire Kim – Violin Solos Benjamin Tsai – Cello Solo Xavier Daus & Matthew Zhang – Saxophone/Trombone Duet Jeffrey Zhang, Max Penn, Grace Qi, Abby Schreiber – String Quartet Good Rating Akshay Puram – Violin Solo We are SO proud of these musical All-Stars! Clothing, Toys, and School Supplies Drive | Deadline is May 23 Donate very gently used and new clothing and new shoes to students impacted by Hurricane Helene. Click on the image below to make a monetary donation Sign up now, spaces are limited to 100 students! Camp Legacy is a fee-based summer camp for students entering grades 6-9 held at Ladue Middle School. Camp is offered for six one-week sessions, with the first and last weeks being excursion-only weeks. Camp placement is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed until a $175 deposit per student is received (full payment will be due by May 5). Get them enrolled now for kindergarten in the fall! Congratulations! If your child will be 5 years old before Aug. 1, 2025, it’s time to enroll for kindergarten in the Ladue School District for the 2025-26 school year! Thank you for choosing Ladue! The e-cards are free and easy to use! Before & After School Care ParentSquare Tips 2024-25 and 2025-26 Academic Calendars (printable version) LMS & LHWHS Fine Arts Performance Schedule Interested in Subscribing? Receive email notifications when new “briefs” are posted by signing up on the Board Briefs web page — just click on the bell icon and enter your email address. This week, Ladue Horton Watkins High School buzzed with creativity and connection. From the hands-on brilliance at the STEM Showcase to the vibrant global celebration at Rams Around the World, our students showed what’s possible when passion and purpose come together. We were also honored to welcome Missouri DESE Commissioner Dr. Karla Eslinger, Deputy Commissioner Kelli Jones, and Chief of Staff Emily Manley to our campus. Their visit was a meaningful recognition of the great things happening in our schools and in our community. See the magic for yourself—visit the Ladue Schools Facebook page to explore photos from all three unforgettable events! District 2024-25 Calendar (printable version) District 2025-26 Calendar (printable version May 1: School Principals Day May 2: School Lunch Hero/Workers Day May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week May 7: School Nurse Day May 9: Child Care Provider Day May 9: School Communicators Day May 14: Board of Education Meeting | 6 p.m. May 18: Speech Pathologists Day Ladue Schools Communications e-Connect provides weekly communications to the Ladue Schools Community
Friday, Apr 25 2025
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Board of Education Work Session Tonight (April 22) a...
Additional information about tonight's Work Session can be found in the communication sent by Superintendent Dr. Wipke on Friday, April 18 . All are welcome to attend! Find out more about the Ladue Schools Board of Education at https://www.ladueschools.net/schoolboard .
Tuesday, Apr 22 2025
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Special Legislative Update Board Workshop - April 22...
Greetings, Ladue Schools Community, I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to personally invite you to a Special Legislative Update Board Workshop on Tuesday, April 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ladue Horton Watkins High School Multipurpose Room (1201 S. Warson Road). This work session is an opportunity to hear about recent legislative developments that have the potential to impact our students, schools, you (our families), and the broader Ladue Schools community. With so much happening at the state level, staying informed is more important than ever. We believe that a well-informed community is a strong community. Your engagement helps us advocate effectively for what our students need to thrive now and for future generations. Whether you’re a parent, staff member, alum, or community partner, your voice matters—and your presence at this event will make a difference. During the work session, there will be time for updates and discussion, and we welcome your participation as we continue working together to navigate the evolving landscape of public education. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing you there. Sincerely, Dr. Jim Wipke Superintendent Cc: Ladue Schools Board of Education Ladue Schools Legislative Board Advisory Committee
Friday, Apr 18 2025
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Ladue Schools e-Connect | April 11, 2025
Ladue Schools e-Connect Not displaying correctly? View in browser April 11 Edition This Week's News Student and Staff Standouts Information for Parents & Community Quick Links Board Briefs In Case You Missed It The Ladue Schools community proudly welcomes Amy Kuo Hammerman and Robert Snidman to the Ladue Schools Board of Education! Both were officially sworn in during Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting and will now serve as Directors. They join an exceptional team of dedicated leaders: Marissa Rosen, President Jennifer Growe Soshnik, Vice President Peter Gariepy, Secretary Kisha Lee, Treasurer Pablo Flinn, Director We are excited to have Amy and Robert bring their voices, vision, and leadership to our Board as we continue our mission of empowering every student to become a passionate learner and achieve their highest potential. Please join us in congratulating them on this important role in shaping the future of Ladue Schools! Join us for an insightful evening at our Legislative Update meeting. This is your opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments impacting our school district and community directly from our educational leaders. Your participation and support are crucial as we navigate the future of education in our community. Together, let's ensure a bright future for our students and community. We look forward to your presence! We stand with other local school districts in support of public school education. Look up your local legislators Legislative Updates Ladue Horton Watkins High School Broadcast Technology students — Prisha Balakrishnan (9), Audrey Young (9), and Pharaoh Williams (10) — made their television debut on KSDK's Show Me St. Louis! As part of our annual partnership program with Gateway STEM High School, these students collaborated with Show Me St. Louis hosts Mary Caltrider and Malik Wilson to create a promotional video for the KSDK app — and it aired yesterday on Channel 5! See their amazing work and hear from them in the full feature here. Check out photos from their appearance on KSDK on our Facebook page . March has been nothing short of historic for Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s journalism program — and leading the way is none other than our District Teacher of the Year, Sarah Kirksey, who is having a banner year after being recognized as the 2025 Missouri Journalism Teacher of the Year. She also advises Rambler, Panorama, ID, Melodrama, and LaduePublications.com , all who had multiple group and individual awards. Read all about them here The Ladue Horton Watkins High School Health Occupation Student Alliance (HOSA) team has returned from the Missouri HOSA 2025 State Leadership Conference in Rolla, Missouri, and they have made our district proud! With 41 students advancing to the State Leadership Conference (SLC), these aspiring health professioanls competed, collaborated, and networked with nearly 1,300 peers from across Missouri for two days. Their hard work and dedication paid off, with several students earning top placements and securing a spot at the International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Nashville, Tennessee, this summer. Read more Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s Rambunction Robotics Team (#4330) recently showcased their skill, perseverance, and teamwork at the St. Louis Regional FIRST Robotics Competition! Competing against nearly 50 teams, Rambunction Robotics advanced to the prestigious 'Elite 8' bracket and earned the Sustainability Award for their dedication to innovation and environmental consciousness. Read more In March, Ladue Schools celebrated Music In Our Schools Month, spotlighting the many talented musicians across our district. One shining example is Norah Murphy, a junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, who recently earned a prestigious scholarship to attend the Tanglewood Music Festival at Boston University this summer. Read more about her journey Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) is proud to celebrate the incredible achievement of Dr. Haydee Taylor-Arnold, Spanish Teacher and District Character Education Co-Chair, who was recently honored in Washington, D.C., by the Joint National Committee for Languages - National Council for Languages and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS). She received the prestigious Equitable Language Education Visionary Advocate with Transformative Effect (ELEVATE) Award for her outstanding commitment to advancing access and equity for language and culture learners both inside and outside the classroom. Read more about the award and her journey Ladue Horton Watkins High School Annual Senior Art Show is on view through May 1 this year in the Spirtas Gallery and the North Parking Lot (Student Entrance). We will have a reception on Thursday, April 17, after school from 3 - 5 P.M . Join us at Ladue Horton Watkins High School (1201 South Warson Road 63124) on April 21, 6-8 p.m., for the LHWHS STEM Showcase. Come and celebrate the curiosity, creativity, and achievements of our student innovators. Event includes: Keynote Speaker, Student Poster Presentations, and Networking Opportunities. Explore innovation and discovery. Open to all Ladue Schools families and community members. Light refreshments provided. Mark Your Calendars for Rams Around the World (April 23) at 5 p.m. The Ladue Student Inclusion student committee is excited to announce the date for the 3rd Annual Rams Around the World event. Help us make this evening as amazing as our past years by volunteering to participate and be involved. We would love for you to represent your country at an informative table, teach us a game or activity, wow us with a performance—or all three! How to get involved: Host a booth and show off cultural food items, crafts, or games Teach your culture's rich history Give a cultural performance If you would like to participate, please fill out the form by Friday, March 28. Questions can be directed to studentinclusion@ladueschools.net . Clothing, Toys, and School Supplies Drive | Deadline is May 23 Donate very gently used and new clothing and new shoes to students impacted by Hurricane Helene. Click on the image below to make a monetary donation Sign up now, spaces are limited to 100 students! Camp Legacy is a fee-based summer camp for students entering grades 6-9 held at Ladue Middle School. Camp is offered for six one-week sessions, with the first and last weeks being excursion-only weeks. Camp placement is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed until a $175 deposit per student is received (full payment will be due by May 5). Get them enrolled now for kindergarten in the fall! Congratulations! If your child will be 5 years old before Aug. 1, 2025, it’s time to enroll for kindergarten in the Ladue School District for the 2025-26 school year! Thank you for choosing Ladue! The e-cards are free and easy to use! Before & After School Care ParentSquare Tips 2024-25 and 2025-26 Academic Calendars (printable version) LMS & LHWHS Fine Arts Performance Schedule Interested in Subscribing? Receive email notifications when new “briefs” are posted by signing up on the Board Briefs web page — just click on the bell icon and enter your email address. In the most recent episode of the See. Serve. Connect podcast, Ladue Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke sits down with Jeff Kopolow , a beloved figure in the Ladue School District, who reflects on an extraordinary 54-year career in education. As he prepares for retirement, Jeff shares insights from his decades as a teacher, board member, and community leader. Join Dr. Wipke for an inspiring conversation about the power of education, as Jeff Kopolow’s story is one of dedication, impact, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Apple Podcast Spotify At Ladue, every challenge is an opportunity, every setback a stepping stone. In our first Fail Forward. Learn Forward. Live Forward. Love Forward. video of the year, witness the incredible resilience of our students as they turn obstacles into achievements. Watch the full video below. Check out the latest "Don’t 'Due' Drugs" video, a powerful and creative initiative by the Superintendent’s Ladue Horton Watkins High School Student Advisory Council. This student-written, directed, and produced project is designed to raise awareness about the importance of making smart, healthy choices. Created by students, for students, this campaign delivers an important message in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and impactful. Check out their “I took the Don’t ‘Due Drugs Pledge, did you?” video. District 2024-25 Calendar (printable version) District 2025-26 Calendar (printable version April 21: LHWHS STEM Showcase | 6 to 8 p.m. April 22: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day April 22: Special Board Workshop | Legislative Updates | 6 to 8 p.m. April 23: Administrative Professionals Day April 23: Rams Around the World Event | 5 p.m. Ladue Schools Communications e-Connect provides weekly communications to the Ladue Schools Community
Friday, Apr 11 2025
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Board of Education Meeting Tonight (April 9)
The Ladue Schools Board of Education will meet tonight (Wednesday, April 9) beginning at 6 p.m. at Ladue Horton Watkins High School (1201 S. Warson Road, 63124). Agenda Live-stream Find out more about the Ladue Schools Board of Education at https://www.ladueschools.net/schoolboard .
Wednesday, Apr 09 2025
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Ladue Schools e-Connect | March 28, 2025
Ladue Schools e-Connect Not displaying correctly? View in browser March 28 Edition This Week's News Student and Staff Standouts Information for Parents & Community Quick Links Board Briefs In Case You Missed It 15 Years of Service The Ladue School District celebrated Jeff Kopolow at its March 26 Board of Education meeting as he steps down from serving 15 years as a Board member. In the most recent episode of the See. Serve. Connect podcast, Ladue Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke sits down with Jeff Kopolow , a beloved figure in the Ladue School District, who reflects on an extraordinary 54-year career in education. As he prepares for retirement, Jeff shares insights from his decades as a teacher, board member, and community leader. Join Dr. Wipke for an inspiring conversation about the power of education, as Jeff Kopolow’s story is one of dedication, impact, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Apple Podcast Spotify At Ladue, every challenge is an opportunity, every setback a stepping stone. In our first Fail Forward. Learn Forward. Live Forward. Love Forward. video of the year, witness the incredible resilience of our students as they turn obstacles into achievements. Watch the full video below. FREE EVENT | ALL FAMILIES WELCOME! Workshops will include some of the following topics: AI in Education Digital Citizenship Fentanyl, Alcohol, and Vaping Crisis School Safety and Security Promoting Mental Health Through Social-Emotional Support College Readiness Dinner is provided and childcare will be provided! SIGN UP TO ATTEND We stand with other local school districts in support of public school education. Look up your local legislators Legislative Updates In his latest From My View blog, Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke reflects on the power of making the most of our moments—something retiring educator Mark Biernbaum has exemplified throughout his 28 years in Ladue Schools. From leading Sixth Grade Camp to bringing joy through unforgettable traditions, Mark has shown us how one person’s passion can create lasting memories for an entire community. His impact will be felt for years to come. Read the full blog here: “ Making Powerful Memories Out of Our Moments .” (5-minute read) The Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) Science Bowl team recently electrified the Missouri Regional Science Bowl competition at Lindbergh High School, earning first place! Not only did they remain undefeated throughout the tournament, but they also showcased exceptional teamwork, sportsmanship, and a passion for learning. Read more about our Science Bowl team . The Talking Rams, Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s (LHWHS) accomplished speech and debate team, achieved a remarkable victory at the 2025 Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 2 District 1 Tournament, claiming first place in the debate sweepstakes. The impressive achievement earned 14 students a spot in the state tournament. The state-qualifying competition, held at LHWHS, highlighted the skill and determination of the Talking Rams under the guidance of their sponsor, Molly Beck. The team excelled across multiple categories, earning two district champion titles. Check out the complete list and read more about their success. Ladue Horton Watkins High School senior Gray Baker has been awarded the $1,000 Frani Weinstock Scholarship, the highest honor at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild’s Young Artists’ Showcase Regional Juried Art Exhibition. This prestigious scholarship recognizes outstanding artistic achievement and is awarded to a student whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity, technique, and vision. Read more Ladue Middle School’s RoboRams teams made history this past weekend at the Missouri VEX Robotics State Championship in Kansas City, delivering an unforgettable performance and securing Ladue’s first-ever state robotics title. Read more about their historical triumph and what’s next for the RoboRams! Ladue Horton Watkins High School has a secret weapon this season—actually, THREE of them! Meet the Prothro triplets: Balkis, Nephthys, and Fauziya, the powerhouse sisters leading the Rams with skill, speed, and sheer determination. From second-grade soccer to high school dominance, these lifelong teammates have built something special—on and off the field. Their chemistry? Unmatched. Their drive? Relentless. Their goal? A championship. Read their incredible story on @stltoday The Ladue Schools community is thrilled to celebrate Dr. Diana Redden, Ladue Horton Watkins High School’s incredible College & Career Counselor, who has officially earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership! Dr. Redden’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to student success inspire us every single day. Her hard work and pursuit of excellence set an incredible example for our students and community. Dr. Redden has successfully completed her dissertation and will graduate on April 26 from Maryville University. Please join us in giving a HUGE round of applause to Dr. Redden on this amazing achievement! Mark Your Calendars for Rams Around the World (April 23) The Ladue Student Inclusion student committee is excited to announce the date for the 3rd Annual Rams Around the World event. Help us make this evening as amazing as our past years by volunteering to participate and be involved. We would love for you to represent your country at an informative table, teach us a game or activity, wow us with a performance—or all three! How to get involved: Host a booth and show off cultural food items, crafts, or games Teach your culture's rich history Give a cultural performance If you would like to participate, please fill out the form by Friday, March 28. Questions can be directed to studentinclusion@ladueschools.net . Sign up now, spaces are limited to 100 students! Camp Legacy is a fee-based summer camp for students entering grades 6-9 held at Ladue Middle School. Camp is offered for six one-week sessions, with the first and last weeks being excursion-only weeks. Camp placement is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed until a $175 deposit per student is received (full payment will be due by May 5). Get them enrolled now for kindergarten in the fall! Congratulations! If your child will be 5 years old before Aug. 1, 2025, it’s time to enroll for kindergarten in the Ladue School District for the 2025-26 school year! Thank you for choosing Ladue! The e-cards are free and easy to use! Before & After School Care ParentSquare Tips 2024-25 and 2025-26 Academic Calendars (printable version) LMS & LHWHS Fine Arts Performance Schedule Interested in Subscribing? Receive email notifications when new “briefs” are posted by signing up on the Board Briefs web page — just click on the bell icon and enter your email address. Check out the latest "Don’t 'Due' Drugs" video, a powerful and creative initiative by the Superintendent’s Ladue Horton Watkins High School Student Advisory Council. This student-written, directed, and produced project is designed to raise awareness about the importance of making smart, healthy choices. Created by students, for students, this campaign delivers an important message in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and impactful. Check out their “I took the Don’t ‘Due Drugs Pledge, did you?” video. District 2024-25 Calendar (printable version) District 2025-26 Calendar (printable version April 2 : Parent University | 5 p.m. April 3: Paraprofessional Day April 4: School Librarian Day April 7-11: Assistant Principals Week April 9: Board of Education Meeting | 6 p.m. Ladue Schools Communications e-Connect provides weekly communications to the Ladue Schools Community
Friday, Mar 28 2025
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Ladue Schools e-Connect | Spring Break Edition - Mar...
Ladue Schools e-Connect Not displaying correctly? View in browser Spring Break Edition: This Week's News Student and Staff Standouts Information for Parents & Community Quick Links Board Briefs In Case You Missed It In the most recent episode of the See. Serve. Connect podcast, Ladue Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke sits down with Jeff Kopolow , a beloved figure in the Ladue School District, who reflects on an extraordinary 54-year career in education. As he prepares for retirement, Jeff shares insights from his decades as a teacher, board member, and community leader. Join Dr. Wipke for an inspiring conversation about the power of education, as Jeff Kopolow’s story is one of dedication, impact, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Apple Podcast Spotify At Ladue, every challenge is an opportunity, every setback a stepping stone. In our first Fail Forward. Learn Forward. Live Forward. Love Forward. video of the year, witness the incredible resilience of our students as they turn obstacles into achievements. Watch the full video below. Join us in the celebration of our Board of Education members and the retirement of Jeff Kopolow as he steps down after 15 years of service. The Ladue Schools Board of Education will meet on Wednesday , March 26, at 6 p.m. at Ladue Horton Watkins High School (1201 S. Warson Road, 63124). The meeting details are: Agenda Live-stream Special celebrations will include: Music in our Schools Month (Strolling Strings will perform) Board of Education Appreciation Month Jeff Kopolow: Thank you for 15 years of service Find out more about the Ladue Schools Board of Education at ladueschools.net/schoolboard . Ladue Schools is committed to supporting the well-being of students, their families, and staff. As part of our commitment, our biannual climate/culture survey begins today and is open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 16 , to gather valuable perception information. Family Survey The survey focuses on six areas: Elevating all stakeholder voices Collecting actionable data and information for strategic planning Focusing on school climate and culture Supporting students’ social-emotional well-being Determining the impact of belonging-related action steps Increasing family and community engagement Thank you in advance for your participation. We stand with other local school districts in support of public school education. Look up your local legislators Legislative Updates In his latest From My View blog, Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke reflects on the power of making the most of our moments—something retiring educator Mark Biernbaum has exemplified throughout his 28 years in Ladue Schools. From leading Sixth Grade Camp to bringing joy through unforgettable traditions, Mark has shown us how one person’s passion can create lasting memories for an entire community. His impact will be felt for years to come. Read the full blog here: “ Making Powerful Memories Out of Our Moments .” (5-minute read) The Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS) Science Olympiad team has once again demonstrated their brilliance, securing a commanding 1st place finish at the Regionals Div 6 C Missouri State Qualifier Tournament at Lindenwood University! Read more Ladue Middle School (LMS) recently hosted the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) 2025 Middle School State Contest, bringing together some of the brightest young math minds from across the state. More than 120 students from 31 school districts participated in the competition, including 21 talented students representing LMS. Read about the 10 state qualifiers Students from Conway, Reed, Old Bonhomme, and Spoede Elementary Schools proudly represented the Ladue School District at the recent Academic Cup Challenge hosted by the Gifted Resource Council at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Over the course of a week, our talented third and fourth-grade students showcased their academic excellence, competing against more than 100 teams in Equations and Creative Convention. Read more about their success Abigail “Abi” Loiterstein, a Ladue Horton Watkins High School senior, has been awarded the prestigious Amy Shelton McNutt Scholarship , a full-ride to William Woods University (WWU), where she will pursue a degree in American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting. This scholarship, presented annually to an incoming student, recognizes outstanding academic achievement and character—qualities Abi embodies wholeheartedly. Read more about Abi’s journey Congratulations to Katie McKenna, an ESOL specialist at Conway Elementary, who received the district's Excellence in Education Award for March 2025 at the March 10th Board of Education meeting. The Excellence in Education Award recognizes outstanding Ladue Schools teachers and faculty and is awarded monthly at each school. Check out photos from the award ceremony on our Facebook page. Ladue Schools congratulates Angela “Angie” Kraft, a speech-language pathologist with Special School District (SSD) at Ladue Horton Watkins High School (LHWHS), on being named one of ten winners of this year’s Lasting Impression Award by SSD. Read more FREE EVENT | ALL FAMILIES WELCOME! Workshops will include some of the following topics: AI in Education Digital Citizenship Fentanyl, Alcohol, and Vaping Crisis School Safety and Security Promoting Mental Health Through Social-Emotional Support College Readiness Dinner is provided and childcare will be available! SIGN UP TO ATTEND Mark Your Calendars for Rams Around the World (April 23) The Ladue Student Inclusion student committee is excited to announce the date for the 3rd Annual Rams Around the World event. Help us make this evening as amazing as our past years by volunteering to participate and be involved. We would love for you to represent your country at an informative table, teach us a game or activity, wow us with a performance- or all three! How to get involved: Host a booth and show off cultural food items, crafts, or games Teach your culture's rich history Give a cultural performance If you would like to participate, please fill out the form by Friday, March 28. Questions can be directed to studentinclusion@ladueschools.net . Sign up now, spaces are limited to 100 students! Camp Legacy is a fee-based summer camp for students entering grades 6-9 held at Ladue Middle School. Camp is offered for six one-week sessions, with the first and last weeks being excursion-only weeks. Camp placement is on a first-come, first-served basis and is not guaranteed until a $175 deposit per student is received (full payment will be due by May 5). Get them enrolled now for kindergarten in the fall! Congratulations! If your child will be 5 years old before Aug. 1, 2025, it’s time to enroll for kindergarten in the Ladue School District for the 2025-26 school year! Thank you for choosing Ladue! The e-cards are free and easy to use! Before & After School Care ParentSquare Tips 2024-25 and 2025-26 Academic Calendars (printable version) LMS & LHWHS Fine Arts Performance Schedule Board Briefs | Meeting from March 10, 2025 The information contained in these Board Briefs highlights information received by the Ladue Schools Board of Education after a regular business meeting and is considered an unofficial record. Official minutes of each board meeting are posted on the district website in Diligent Community (formerly BoardDocs) and are available for viewing at the Administrative Center after the Board approves them, typically two weeks after the meeting. Interested in Subscribing? Receive email notifications when new “briefs” are posted by signing up on the Board Briefs web page — just click on the bell icon and enter your email address. Check out the latest "Don’t 'Due' Drugs" video, a powerful and creative initiative by the Superintendent’s Ladue Horton Watkins High School Student Advisory Council. This student-written, directed, and produced project is designed to raise awareness about the importance of making smart, healthy choices. Created by students, for students, this campaign delivers an important message in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and impactful. Check out their “I took the Don’t ‘Due Drugs Pledge, did you?” video. District 2024-25 Calendar (printable version) District 2025-26 Calendar (printable version) - updated 3/10/25 March is School Board Recognition Month March 14: Conference Compensation Day | No School for Teachers and Students March 17-21: Spring Break | District Closed March 26: Board of Education Meeting | 6 p.m. Ladue Schools Communications e-Connect provides weekly communications to the Ladue Schools Community
Thursday, Mar 13 2025
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There's still time to register for After-School Acti...
Hello Families, Registration for spring after-school activities is open and slots are filling up fast! As a reminder, we are offering a fantastic lineup of programs, including AR Workshop, Little Medical/Veterinarian School, Skyhawk Sports, COCA, Tennis, Mad Science, and many more engaging opportunities for elementary students. We encourage you to explore these enriching programs and find the perfect fit for your child. Programs will begin right after spring break. For your convenience, use the following link to register. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Community Education Department at communityeducation@ladueschools.net or call (314) 983-5308. Thank you, and we look forward to another great season of after-school fun and learning! Dr. Derrick Wallace Assistant Superintendent for Student & Community Services [Monday, Mar 10 at 3:43 PM] Registration for elementary after-school activities closes this Wednesday, March 12. We still have some open slots. Thanks!
Thursday, Mar 06 2025