SG R-II Connection
Parents & Guardians Edition — Nov. 26, 2023
Good afternoon, SG families,
Whether your family traveled, hosted, or spent the weekend taking a much-needed break, I hope that you all found some time to relax before the December whirlwind!
Over the past few weeks, schools held Red Ribbon Week festivities throughout the county, and SG R-II schools observed Veteran’s Day through assemblies and recognition events. These ceremonies are moving and student-led, and we could not be more proud of our young people for the respect they show our veterans. Please be sure to check out some of the photos below.
I also wanted to share with you a design by 8th grader Bryna Wolk, and I don’t think I could have said it better myself. I am thankful for many things this holiday season, but being part of the Dragon family is top of my list.
Have a great start to your week,
Dr. Paul Taylor
Superintendent
INCLEMENT WEATHER
- It’s that time of year again, where we start to see snowflakes! See our flyer for inclement weather days here!
- New this year: The first two inclement weather days will be traditional snow days, and then the following five inclement weather days will be AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) days before returning to traditional snow days for the remainder of any inclement weather days. After the first few snow days, we will share any information families need for AMI days.
PROP SG UPDATES
Ste. Genevieve Middle School:
- On Wednesday, Nov. 1, several SGMS students had the opportunity to participate in a “Topping Out” activity for the new elevator addition! Construction crews prepared the last steel beam for the students to sign, and flew an American flag as part of a tradition for the steel construction industry. SGMS would like to thank Brockmiller Construction Incorporated, as well as Carron Crane Company, LLC. for making it possible for these students to be a part of this experience. And we would like to thank John Otto for donating the SGMS sign.
- Crews are working on the concrete foundation work on the elevator addition. Asphalt and the handicapped ramp is expected to be added in late winter or early spring.
- Structural studs have been delivered and are being installed on the third floor.
- EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) work is expected in the next few weeks.
Early Childhood Center:
- Dirt work is underway on the site of the Early Childhood Center. There was a significant amount of dirt that had to be moved in order to level the site for the building. Gravel has been added to the area where the parking lot will be located.
- The soil on site turned out better than expected. Sometimes crews begin work and find the soil needs some remediation for construction, but this was not the case.
- The District is working on a proposal to partner with the City in regards to water main work near this location. The District is requesting that the City adjust their timeline and move up a portion of its water line upgrade to be done in conjunction with the Early Childhood Center. This includes upgrading a 4-inch pipe to a 6-inch pipe. With a current 4-in. water main in that area, there is a significant pressure and volume issues, which would make it cost-prohibitive to install a sprinkler system in the new Center.
- The bid opening for the second bid package was held last week, and includes utilities and foundations. The final bids came in at just under $1.2 million, which is in line with the projected cost by the District’s Construction Manager At-Risk, (CMAR).
- The third bid package for the construction of the building is expected to go out the week after Thanksgiving with hopes of having it back by Christmas.
- The District is wrapping up decisions, such as fencing, parking and exterior surfaces.
- The updated site plan can be viewed here.
FEMA:
- The District has been made aware that there may be FEMA funding available for Ste. Genevieve County. The District has submitted a letter of interest to be considered for that funding. Normally when FEMA funding is applied to a storm shelter for a District facility, it is in the form of a gymnasium.
- If the District were selected to submit a full proposal to FEMA for the funding and were to be awarded, this shelter would need to be incorporated into the upcoming Ste. Genevieve Elementary gymnasium or the upcoming Athletic Facility. As the Early Childhood Center designs are complete, we would not be able to integrate a storm shelter into that facility.
- The District should have a response from FEMA in the next month regarding the availability of these funds.
BOARD OF EDUCATION UPDATES
- Filing for Board of Education Election: Please see the following announcement regarding filing to run for the SG R-II Board of Education in April 2024. There will be two positions available, each with a three-year term. Filing begins on Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. and will end on Dec. 26 at 5 p.m. Candidates may file during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Filing will not occur on Dec. 25 and on days where school is closed for inclement weather. See more here.
- Board Briefs: Check out the Board Briefs and the Board Minutes from the Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, Board of Education Regular Meeting. This unofficial document includes more context and details than our official Board News. All Board documents, such as the Board News, the presentation and these Board Briefs, are located on the “Board of Education” page of our district's website.
EVENTS
Kindergarten Registration:
- Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year will be held at Ste. Genevieve Elementary on March 2, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at Bloomsdale Elementary on March 23, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Parents may contact the elementary offices beginning Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2024, to schedule appointments.
- Ste. Genevieve Elementary Parents As Teachers also offer FREE Community Developmental Screenings year-round for all children within district boundaries ages 3 months to 5 years. Screening is the process of measuring a child's general health, vision, hearing and development. The areas of development focused on during this screening are motor, language, concepts, social/emotional, and adaptive. To schedule a screening, call PAT at 573-883-4500 ext. 2424.
FAFSA Event:
- SGHS would like to invite seniors and their families to the FAFSA Presentation & Work Night on Wednesday, Dec. 13. See the flyer here for more information.
DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY
- Did you know that all Missouri children under five years old are now able to register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?? There is no deadline to register! The Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by providing high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to children free of charge. In order to receive books, a parent or guardian must register their child on the Imagination Library national website. Books will be mailed directly to the homes of registered children every month.
- Last year, Gov. Mike Parsons signed a bill into law where the state of Missouri will pay 100% of the cost of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library books and mailing for every child birth to age 5 in our state. Full funding was included in DESE’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget to establish and administer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Missouri here.