MRH Schools

MRH wins national honor for 2nd time

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For the second time, Maplewood Richmond Heights High School has been recognized for the academic success of its students in the face of challenges resulting from student poverty rates, according the school. The last time was in 2013. MRH has been recognized as a 2017 National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) “Breakthrough School” as a result of the hard work of the students, teachers, and school community, the school says. The Breakthrough Schools program, initiated in 2007, identifies, recognizes, and showcases middle and high schools that serve a large number of students living in poverty, and are high achieving or dramatically improving student achievement. NASSP is the leading organization of and voice for school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States and in over 35 countries around the world.

MRH Schools

MRH students perform Shakespeare at The Book House

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As part of the Shakespeare Festival in St. Louis, there were 38 performances of Shakespeare scenes throughout the city last week. One of those was an performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Maplewood Richmond Heights students at The Book House (7352 Manchester Road) in Maplewood. https://youtu.be/hsBpQTtD5Bk

MRH Schools

MRH band wins national recognition

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The Maplewood Richmond Heights School District has been named one of 15 honorable mention winners in the 23rd annual Magna Awards program for its Blue Devils Rhythm and Blues Band, the school has announced. The Magna Awards recognize school districts and their leaders “for taking bold and innovative steps to improve the lives of students and their communities,” the school says. From the Magna Award website: Over several decades, the student population steadily declined, causing enrollment in music classes to decline as well. The school board recognized the need to restore student interest, increase student achievement, and reconnect with the community. The district created and developed in the fine arts curriculum the Blue Devils Rhythm and Blues Band, a modernized, nontraditional, and cutting-edge music and dance ensemble to replace the larger concert band…”

The winners were selected by a panel of school board members, administrators and other educators from more than 200 submissions in three enrollment categories: under 5,000 students, 5,000 to 20,000 students, and over 20,000 students.

MRH Schools

MRH resolves ‘Educational Equity and Social Justice’

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The MRH Board of Education on February 16 unanimously approved the “Resolution on Educational Equity and Social Justice.”  It was announced at the annual MRH Soul Food Supper celebrating Black History Month on February 22 and was posted on the MRH website on Thursday. Resolution: Educational Equity and Social Justice

WHEREAS, the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District (MRH) is known throughout St. Louis, the State of Missouri, and beyond, as a shining example of inclusiveness and diversity. WHEREAS, the mission of MRH is to “inspire and prepare students as leaders, scholars, stewards, and citizens for a diverse and changing world.”

WHEREAS, we continue to be mindful of our rich history as it affects our institutional viability and vitality. WHEREAS, we recognize that public education can both enhance individuals and strengthen communities.

MRH Schools

MRH students win science competition

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Maplewood Richmond Heights High School students took first place in an academic tournament Friday at Clayton High School. The MRH WYSE Team (Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering) took first place overall and won many individual awards in the regional competition, according to MRH. MRH’s team members were:

Jeda Murphy
Henry Seymour
Aaron Meuser
Jamie Tipton
Joseph Barron
Maya McKenzie
Noah Kiernan
Samantha Schaffner
Stasya Juracsik
Everett Hicks
Lauren Owens
Neera Golocheikine
Kadin Kristjansson
Mia Rintoul

Individual MRH winners were:

Math – 1st place – Mia Rintoul
Biology – 1st place – Jamie Tipton
Chemistry – 2nd place – Jamie Tipton
Physics – 1st place – Mia Rintoul; 2nd place – Kadin Kristjansso; 3rd place – Henry Seymour
English – 3rd place – Kadin Kristjansson
Computer Science – 3rd place – Noah Kiernan
Engineering Graphics – 2nd place – Noah Kiernan

MRH Schools

MRH thespians, wrestlers pose for photos

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Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, on Twitter (@mrhhighschool), recently posted group photos of wrestlers and thespians. 

The MRH thespians were at a conference and the senior wrestlers assembled at center mat for senior night. https://twitter.com/mrhhighschool/status/821854821896650754

MRH Schools

MRH 6th-grader dies unexpectedly

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A Maplewood Richmond Heights sixth-grader, Jacob Parsons, died on Sunday from complications following a routine medical procedure, according to MRH. The sixth grade students were told of Jacob’s passing Tuesday morning in their homerooms by counselors and principals. District counseling staff and special school district social workers are available throughout the week as needed for all students. Substitutes have been called in to take classes if teachers need to work with students, or if teachers themselves need time away. A visitation will be held at Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory (14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011) on Sunday, Jan.

MRH Schools

Some MRH ECC classes won’t resume until Jan. 17: water damage repair

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Some Maplewood Richmond Heights preschool classes aren’t planned to resume until Jan. 17, according to a letter sent to parents from ECC Principal Cyndi Hebenstreit and shared with 40 South by a parent. The late starting date is for contractors to make repairs and ensure no moisture, mold, or other allergens exist from water damage from a burst water pipe due to extreme cold. Classes were first canceled Dec. 19.

MRH Schools

MRH employees give over $10,000 to local charities

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Maplewood Richmond Heights School District employees gave more than $10,000 in the annual workplace giving campaign this year, according to the district. MRH employees donate to Mosaic Services, Joe’s Place and United Way each year  through the annual ‘Make a Difference’ workplace giving campaign. The campaign gives the staff the opportunity to affect students and families in the community, beyond the schools. Giving was up nearly 10 percent over last year’s campaign, with a total of $10,385 raised this year.  

MRH Schools

MRH R&B Band rocks a carol

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The Maplewood Richmond Heights Rhythm & Blues Band performed Carol of the Bells for students, faculty, and staff this week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo6WNH0x1-k

The band performed for homecoming this year too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drgbla-6G-c

MRH Schools

MRH audit released

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The Maplewood Richmond Heights School District’s audit for the 2016 fiscal year was released in November, and has been posted. Part of the report is to describe the scope of the testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance, it states; not to provide an opinion on internal controls or compliance. The audit found, “a lack of segregation of duties in the accounting department due to its small size” (page 51). It recommended that internal control be better segregated to safeguard assets and help detect losses due to intentional or unintentional error. The district responded that it will review the accounting office’s process for ways to improve internal controls.

MRH Schools

Student places in ‘elevator competition’

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Maplewood Richmond Heights junior Lily Kitipitayangkul, on Dec. 3, competed in an open competition among 24 St. Louis high school students in the ‘Teen Elevator Pitch Competition’ through St. Louis University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. The students were invited to enter the competition with a simple post to Instagram using the guidelines from SLU.

MRH Schools

Community members evaluate MRH senior capstones

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Maplewood Richmond Heights seniors in English IV presented their capstone projects to judges from the community Wednesday night — it was the second year for the projects and the judging event. Area businesses contributed food and drink for the judges, but evaluating student presentations was main event. Small groups of judges (four or five) evaluated two or three students’ presentations. The students’ projects (a subject to research and present) began in the fall. Each student chose a mentor (over 21 and not a family member) to guide them.

MRH Schools

MRH admin position eliminated

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The position of the Maplewood Richmond Heights High School director of alternative services and student activities (which included the duties of athletic director) has been eliminated in the 2016-17 fiscal year starting on July 1, according to an email from the district to 40 South News. The position was most recently held by Dennis Love, who was hired as the high school assistant principal in 2012. The high school assistant principal position was eliminated in July 2015. According to the district, the cut is part of efforts to reduce expenses and restructure duties. According to the district:

Amber Jordan, physical education/health teacher in the high school will take on the extra duty of athletic director in addition to her teaching position.

Blue Devils Softball

Blue Devils Girls Softball moves into 1st place!

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The Maplewood Blue Devils Girls Softball (5th – 7th grade team), has dominated — winning their last game 27-5.  The team has won their last six games in a row, and has now pulled into first place in the Webster Softball league. Go Blue Devils! Have local sports news?  Send us your information – we would love to hear from you.

Maplewood businesses

Maplewood Chamber names scholarship recipient

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The Maplewood Chamber of Commerce announced that Maplewood Richmond Heights graduate Chris Tronicek is the 2016 Maplewood Chamber Scholarship recipient. Tronicek was also the MRH St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete this year. Tronicek plans to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City in the fall. In the Post-Dispatch, Tronicek said, “I hope to make renewable energy a cheaper option than non-renewable energy.

MRH Schools

MRH Tweets: graduation, camping, prank, promotion

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Maplewood Richmond Heights Tweets this week featured Middle School camping, senior prank, eighth grade promotion and of course graduation. Have a great summer, all! https://twitter.com/mrhhighschool/status/733849890934161408

MRH Schools

MRH thespians win best play award, lots more

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Maplewood Richmond Heights theater students brought home 11 Cappie Awards this week at the year-end ceremony at Lindenwood University, including Best Play, for The Diary of Anne Frank. The Cappies is a nationwide program to bring more positive attention to the creative efforts of teenagers. MRH students perform at The Book House

The MRH thespians won awards for:

Marketing and publicity — Travaion Howard and Zariah Jones — The Diary of Anne Frank
Hair and makeup — Tamar Krump and Klaude Utter — The Diary of Anne Frank
Props — Props Crew — The Diary of Anne Frank
Set — Set Crew — The Diary of Anne Frank
Creativity — Brittany Moseley, Student Director — The Diary of Anne Frank
Featured Actor — David O’Keefe — Arsenic and Old Lace
Comic actor in a play — Danny Findley — Arsenic and Old Lace
Supporting actress in a play — Brittany Moseley — Arsenic and Old Lace
Supporting actor in a play — Ben Speed — Arsenic and Old Lace
Lead actor in a play — Angelo DiLorenzo — The Diary of Anne Frank
Best Play — The Diary of Anne Frank

MRH Schools

MRH 2016 seniors walk elementary, ECC halls in cap and gown

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On Friday Maplewood Richmond Heights 2016 seniors took part in a new tradition —  they walked through the halls of the elementary School and ECC in their graduation caps and gowns surrounded by the cheering students. The MRH Class of 2016 will hold commencement exercises on Friday, May 20 at 7 p.m.

Video by Tonya Speed and photos by Janice Jackson via Facebook: