Message from Your Principal
Welcome Edition!
Dear LHWHS Families,
Welcome to the new look of our Principal’s Newsletter!
I am also pleased to acknowledge our #1 ranking for public high schools in the state of Missouri. While this is only one measure of our success, we have much to celebrate regarding our incredible students, families, and community. This work begins long before they enter our school, and we are incredibly grateful for the talented staff that have supported our students since kindergarten.
Homecoming Week is such a fun time of the school year! I enjoy seeing our students and staff participating in our spirit days and coming together to demonstrate great school spirit. Please encourage your child to participate in our homecoming events that will all be held on our high school campus. The spirit days and events are listed below:
Monday: Pajama Day
Tuesday: Sports Jersey or College Gear Day & JV/Varsity Soccer vs. Chaminade (starts at 5:30 p.m.)
Wednesday: Country vs. Country Club Day & Blue/White Night/Powder Puff/Bonfire (starts at 6:30 p.m.)
Thursday: Chris Cakes in Cafeteria from 6:45-7:25--come grab some free pancakes!
Anything but a Backpack Day & JV/Varsity Field Hockey vs. Kirkwood (starts at 5:30 p.m.)
Friday: Blue and White Day & Varsity Football vs. Riverview (starts at 7:00 p.m.)
Saturday: Homecoming Dance (7:30-10 p.m.)
Visit www.ladueactivities.com to get more details about the dance--ticket sales, guest forms, etc.
Thank you to all who have worked so hard to prepare for this and to make this a special week for our community. I’d like to specifically thank our Parents’ Association, Dads’ Club, Student Council (sponsors Chris Saxton and Shruti Upadhyay), and our Activities Department (Nick Gianino, Jenifer Strohbeck, and Greg Kendall).
If you have not already done so, please sign up for parent/teacher conferences to have an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher and learn more about all of the incredible work that is occurring here. Conferences are on 10/13 from 4-8 p.m. and on 10/20 from 4-7 p.m. via Zoom. As a reminder, Friday, October 14 is the end of the first quarter and an early release day. In addition, Thursday, October 20 is an early release day, and there is no school on Friday, October 21.
I am so proud of our students, staff, and community. Thank you for your partnership and continued support.
Thank you,
Brad Griffith
LHWHS Principal
2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
Eighteen Ladue Horton Watkins High School seniors have been named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship competition.
The competition provides scholarships to the nation’s top scorers on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) typically taken during a student’s junior year.
The assessment evaluates students in the areas of Reading, Writing and Language, and Math.
The Semifinalists are:
Olivia Biernacki
Lillian Chen
Olivia Hu
Matthew Huang
Richie Jiang
David Ju
Nicole Li
Bryson Liang
Liam Oiknine
Megan Ouyang
Emily Shaw
Andrew Teh
Jeremy Wang
Max Yang
Josh Yin
Allen You
Edward Zhang
Of the roughly 1.5 million entrants each year, around 15,000 with the highest test scores qualify for recognition in the National Merit Scholarship Program as Semifinalists.
Students then are invited to apply for a National Merit Scholarship and hope to earn Finalist recognition by meeting high academic standards, providing information about their activities and leadership, being recommended by a school official, and writing an essay.
About half of all Finalists will receive a Merit Scholarship Award, which is available in three forms: a $2500 National Merit Scholarship, a corporate-sponsored scholarship, or a college-sponsored scholarship.
Finalist honors will be announced in February and scholarship awards will be announced beginning in March.
College & Career
Seniors: Apply to your college(s) of choice before the deadlines. If you’re applying to schools that require a counselor letter, make sure you've completed your student questionnaire in Naviance and have requested your transcripts via Naviance. Remember to have your transcripts requested well in advance of the application deadline. You do not have to complete your application before you request your transcripts. Additionally, determine if your colleges have separate application processes for automatic or competitive scholarships and complete those applications by the deadlines.
Juniors: Please stop by the College & Career Office so that someone can assist you with setting up an account for Naviance. Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 1st at 7:00 p.m. for our Junior meeting in the PAC. Junior individual meetings will begin in February.
Sophomores: The sophomore college meeting will take place on Thursday, January 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the PAC. Continue to maintain your grades and remain involved with extracurricular activities.
Freshman: Maintain your grades, get involved in extracurricular activities, and maintain good attendance.
Homecoming Week 2022!
Homecoming Week Events
Monday, October 10 - Pajama Day
Tuesday, October 11 - Sport Jersey Day
JV and Varsity Soccer
Who? Ladue vs. Chaminade
Where? Stadium
When? JV (5:30) & Varsity (7:00)
Wednesday, October 12 - Country vs. Country Club Day
Blue/White Night
Who? It’s for everyone! Students, families, athletes, Blue Crew and Staff.
What? Powderpuff Game and Homecoming Bonfire.
Where? Stadium
When? 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 13 - Anything but a backpack day
Free pancakes for breakfast in the cafeteria from 6:45-7:25 a.m.
Field Hockey
Who? Ladue vs. Kirkwood
Where? Stadium
When? JV (5:30) & Varsity (7:00)
Friday, October 14 - Blue and White Day
Homecoming Football Game
Who? Ladue vs. Riverview
Where? Stadium
When? 7:00 p.m.
Homecoming Dance
Who? For High School Students
Where? LHWHS McKenna Plaza
When? 7:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Rambler Yearbook Information
The LHWHS 2023 Rambler Yearbook is currently on sale for $65. Books can be purchased online at
yearbookordercenter.com (our school number is 8041), or you can bring in $65 cash or check made out to Ladue School District to the front office in an envelope labeled: “Yearbook Order, Your student’s name.” Prices will increase second semester, so don’t delay! Not sure if you purchased a yearbook? Please email Mrs. Kirksey at skirksey@ladueschools.net to check.
Did you forget to pick up your 2022 yearbook? Please see Mrs. Kirksey in 1311 to get your yearbook. Interested in purchasing a 2022 yearbook? We had a small shipment of extra books come in over the summer after selling out in the spring. 2022 yearbooks will be sold on a first come, first serve basis, so don’t delay!
Picture Retakes
Picture retakes for underclassmen will be Wednesday, Oct. 19 during seminar. This will be the only
picture makeup day for underclassmen.
Junior Class Ring
Juniors: Mark your calendar for October 24, 2022. A Herff Jones representative will be on available during
your lunch on the stage in the Multi-Purpose Room to hand out Junior class ring packets and to answer any
questions you may have. Please visit the Herff Jones website at https://www.herffjones.com/.
On October 31, 2022, a Herff Jones representative will be back during lunches to collect the class ring order
forms.
Class of 2023
Senior Portraits Last Call
Did you miss the summer senior portrait sessions at Wagner Portrait Group? Seniors can still sign up for portrait sessions at Wagner, but Wagner is now instituting a $35 sitting fee. If you are unable to attend a portrait session at Wagner, please be sure you come to Senior Portrait Last Call on Oct. 19 during seminar (this is free). This will be the only opportunity for seniors to get their portrait in the yearbook if they have not attended a senior portrait session at Wagner. This will be your last chance to get your picture taken.
2023 Senior Yearbook Ads
Do you have a graduating senior you would like to congratulate in the 2023 Rambler Yearbook? Senior ads can be purchased and designed now at yearbookordercenter.com (our school number is 8041). All ads are due by October 31. Any ad purchased after October 31 will incur a $50 late fee and may be subject to availability. DO NOT WAIT TO START DESIGNING YOUR STUDENT’S AD.
Graduation Fee 2022-23
Each senior will be assessed a $50 Graduation Fee to pay for graduation related costs. The cost of
your student’s cap, gown, and tassel are included in this fee. Payments can be made three ways -
MySchoolBucks, cash, or check. Please make checks out to Ladue High School. Please turn in cash or checks to Ms.Takami in the front office by November 11.
Ordering Cap & Gown and Diploma
Seniors: Check your school email for information on ordering your cap & gown and diploma. This
should be completed by November 11. Please contact Ms.Takami at ktakami@ladueschools.net if you have any questions.
After Grad Party and Post Prom Party Donations
Here's your opportunity to make your After Grad Celebration and Post Prom Party donations early. You can pay two ways - LadueHighPA.com or check (please make checks payable to LHWHSPA). To donate by check, please print out the form attached and drop off at the High School Office.
Freshman Parent Meeting: Tips & Advice for Freshmen
Freshman Parents (and students!) are invited to an informational meeting on October 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center: Tips and Advice for LHWHS Freshmen.
Do you have questions about homecoming? Studying for finals? Scheduling classes? Clubs or activities? Making social connections? The difference between guidance counselors and college advisors? Anything to do with high school life?
Join us for our Tips and Advice Meeting for Freshman parents and students! The meeting will feature a panel of seasoned parents and current students PLUS we are thrilled to have Class of 2026 Principal Annette Hayes join us to answer all of your high school questions.
Ladue Theatre Presents
Ladue Theatre is proud to present the comedy, "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" Wed. Oct. 26, and Thur. Oct. 27 at 7:00 p.m. and Sat. Oct. 29 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 and may be purchased at the door or by contacting Kurt Knoedelseder (kknoedelseder@ladueschools.net). Black Box seating is limited, so reserve your tickets soon.
Auditions for Ladue's Spring Musical, "Matilda," will be held Nov. 14-17. Audition information will be posted soon. If you have any questions, please contact Kurt Knoedelseder.
Volunteer Opportunities
The co-sponsors of the National Honor Society have started a universal location for any and all volunteer opportunities. We are calling this Volunteer Ladue. The purpose of this hub, located in Google Classroom, is to give Ladue students and staff a place find volunteer opportunities. Students/Staff are welcome to share
opportunities with their clubs, friends, and families. Our goal is to connect the Ladue community to any organizations, events, or people in need of service. Volunteer Ladue is not a club; we are an informational hub for anything community service related.
If you have any volunteer opportunities you would like posted in Volunteer Ladue, please email
Volunteer@ladueschools.net with the following information: Name of Event/Volunteer opportunity, date and time, number of volunteers requested, contact information for organizer.
Voting Registration
Voting Registration During lunch on Wednesday, October 12th, volunteers from the League of Women Voters will be on campus to register all students who are at least 17 1/2 years old and U.S. citizens to vote. Students will need their driver’s licenses and know the last 4 digits of their social security numbers to register. If students have questions about the voter registration drive, they should contact Ms. Beck or Mr. Snidman.
Seal of Biliteracy
From the World Language Department
The following information is regarding the graduating seniors hoping to obtain the Seal of Biliteracy. This is an award granted by the state in recognition of students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. In addition, to obtain this award, students must demonstrate social-cultural competence through a project-based local assessment. Please speak with your language teacher to inquire about the project. There are two options for the Seal of Biliteracy in Missouri: the Seal of Biliteracy and the Distinguished Seal of Biliteracy.
The following are important dates/deadlines that students need to follow in order to fill all of the requirements for this award:
December 2-5: Students take the AAPPL Exam. Time and location of examination will be announced at the end of the fall semester.
January 19-21: Students take the AAPPL Exam. Time and location of examination will be announced at the end of the fall semester.
March 10: Last day to complete the Project to receive the Seal.
March 15: The names of the students who have fulfilled the requirements are sent to the registrar’s office so the SOBL can be added to their official transcripts.
April (TBA): Celebration!
For students seeking the Seal in a language for which there is no available assessment, they will need to compile a portfolio containing evidence of academic language use and comprehension in all applicable language domains: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The district must assess the portfolio using a rubric correlating with ACTFL Intermediate-Mid descriptors for the standard Seal and the ACTFL Advanced-Low descriptors for the Distinguished Seal.
*ACTFL - American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
If you have any questions please contact Maritza Sloan at msloan@ladueschools.net.
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10th Annual 'Due Run 4Education
2022-23 Daily Schedule and High School Calendar
2022-23 Principals and Counselors
Principals and Counselors are assigned to students grade levels as follows:
9th Grade Students - Principal: Annette Hayes and Counselor: Joe Serot
10th Grade Students - Principal: Mike Tarpey and Counselor: Dr. Susan Ashby
11th Grade Students - Associate Principal: Dr. Beth Rapoff and Counselor: Leah Jones
12th Grade Students - Principal: Dr. Andy Ross and Counselor: Lauren Fisher