Check inside for Outstanding Graduates! All county schools will start in August. See page 4.

parentA newsletter for parents published by the Voluntary Interdistrict Choicelink Corporation • Volume 28, Number 3, July 2013 MOM WORKS FOR “GREATER GOOD” AT MERAMEC SCHOOL Wants all Families to Feel Sense of Community by Peggy Magee Lawanda Hall wants her daughters to love night. “They listened, they got it,” she learning, be inspired and challenged and proud says about “the importance of being of their heritage. Hall wants that for every stu- accommodating to the schedules of everyone in the school community.” dent at Meramec Elementary School in Clayton. The word “community” is near and And she works hard to see that it happens. dear to Hall’s heart. With such diversity Ever since Lailah and Zoey, who just in Clayton, she believes “a sense of com- completed fifth and second grade, re- munity should permeate all students and spectively, stepped foot at Meramec, Hall families because everyone has so much has made a point of helping out with to offer.” For that to occur, parents need activities, becoming informed about to be visible -- no matter if they help out issues and finding ways to contribute to with the PTO, attend school programs the school’s success. or volunteer in the classroom. “When “I saw some things I thought could parents are a part of what the school is be improved and I figured I shouldn’t doing, it goes a long way toward build- complain if I’m not willing to be part ing community,” she notes. “They should of the solution,” she explains. That be active any way they can.” philosophy drives her to get involved in Under her coordination, Meramec’s Parent volunteer Lawanda Hall, middle, headed up Black History Month at Clayton’s Meramec Elementary School, working closely with teachers and admin- hands-on ways: attending principal/par- Black History Program has become a istrators. Here she stands with Principal Lisa Terry-Jackson, right, and art teacher Beth Williams. Hall believes that when kids see their parents collaborating ent coffees, PTO meetings, as well as the fullout artistic celebration. Featuring with the school staff, “The message is: we all want you to succeed.” Photo by Marilyn Zimmerman district-wide meetings of PAAS (Parents student performances and art projects as of African-American Students). Often well as a stage presentation by the Black she walks the halls of Meramec greet- Students receive a silent message also present at daytime school events, Rep, the program last February drew 250 ing students and teachers, outgoing as when their parents are engaged in the she noticed few African-American people. In addition, exhibits of famous usual, and always emanating her caring school and participatory, Hall believes. parents in attendance and thought to African-Americans spanned the library. spirit. Meramec instructional coordina- “The message is: look at me, now follow herself, “Why aren’t more of us here?” In pulling all the elements together, tor Cari Lowry notes that everything Hall my example.” And when kids see their So when she took on the sizeable job Hall made suggestions to the teachers does “is for the greater good.” parents collaborating with the teachers of heading up Black History Month, she for visual and musical tie-ins. Music Being hands-on with her daughters’ and principal, “The message is: we all recommended to school administrators teacher Randi Shanker describes Hall as education comes naturally to Hall. Yet want you to succeed.” that the performance event be held at “the driving force behind Black History the busy mom acknowledges that not Principal Lisa Terry-Jackson confirms Month.” Art teacher Beth Williams calls all parents feel comfortable getting that Hall’s daughters Lailah and Zoey are Hall “a visionary.” involved and being visible at school. “If motivated and involved. “When the girls Hall’s vision is an inclusive school en- the door is not open, open it yourself,” see how much their parents care about vironment where every family feels con- she advises, adding, “Sure, you may get their education, they want to work hard nected and well served. In her various push back from some but, remember, to make them proud. It’s a recipe for volunteer capacities, she makes known you are making your entrance for the success. And it’s the kind of partnership the importance of this. As for her part, benefit of your children.” we want with all our families.”

NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOUIS, MO ST. NO. 5737 PERMIT BENEFITS OF SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT Outweigh Effort Required by Peggy Magee

High school band is a big commitment for any Zach Seiler, formed a euphonium trio, scholarships that come with participat- student musician what with football game dedicating time for intense practice plus ing in band. performances, night time concerts, school spending long days at festival locations. John Arata, director of Eureka’s band At the district festival, they received a program, concedes that after school competitions and practice time after school. superior rating, advancing the trio to the activities such as band are a “significant” That commitment is especially significant when state festival. At the state event, they commitment for voluntary transfer you live in St. Louis City and attend school in didn’t fair as well but nonetheless felt students, “however the benefits of that the Rockwood district. However for Eureka honored to have qualified. participation are an essential part of the High School students Vaughn Davis and Haile The feeling of accomplishment is students’ education.” He believes being Wilson, who play the euphonium, being part of especially great for Vaughn and Haile as part of a small group activity, such as an their school band has yielded opportunities that they recall all the hours devoted over the ensemble, is especially valuable because years commuting to and from school for the proficiency and accountability of have made going the extra mile (literally) well band activities. “It’s a big commitment each member is apparent to the others. worth it. but definitely a worthwhile experience,” “This pushes them to achieve and to de- Vaughn and Haile both took a jump notes Vaughn, a 2013 graduate, citing velop a work ethic and teamwork skills.” this year by participating in the evalu- the friendships formed, the recognition Haile, a senior this year, is testament ative music festivals sponsored by the received and the prospects for college to that because shortly after going to Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation 7425 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 110 St. Louis, MO 63105 MSHSAA. They, along with sophomore state, he was named drum major, the student conductor of the marching band. “Qualifying for state gave me the confidence to try out for drum major,” he Follow VICC on Twitter points out, adding that the recognition and win great prizes. and experience will be a good addition to his resume when pursuing a music twitter.com/VICC_StLouis scholarship for college. Though Vaughn says he possesses • Be follower #100 and win a “a passion for music,” this fall he will $25 gift card to Best Buy. enter Webster University to study art, his greatest love. Still, he’d like to dust off • Be follower #500 and win an his trumpet, putting it to use perhaps in I-Pod Shuffle. a community band. “I started in band in • Be follower #1,000 and win an sixth grade and continued through high I-Pod Shuffle school. It was a great experience that I’d and an I-Tunes gift card. like to continue.”

VICC/Transpar employees and their families are not eligible for prizes (but please do follow along to see The euphonium trio from Rockwood’s Eureka High School who qualified for what’s new with VICC.) Anyone found to use multiple the state music festival include from left, Vaughn Davis, Haile Wilson and accounts to enter will be ineligible. Zach Seiler. Voluntary transfer students Vaughn and Haile both acknowl- edge that while band is a big commitment, the gains of participating far outweigh the sacrifices.Photo by Marilyn Zimmerman Halid Abera Luella Loseille Erin Williams Alayna Hutchinson Quintard Peoples Dasia Johnson Bayless High School Brentwood High School Clayton High School Hancock Place High School

Rico Beuford Quentin Key Marshae` Landers Jacquelyn Ingram Joel K. McCombs Fowzia Osman Parkway North High School Parkway West High School Eureka High School Lafayette High School Marquette High School Rockwood Summit High School

Affton Clayton Kirkwood Affton High School Clayton High School Kirkwood High School Morris LaGrand will attend the University of Notre Dame this fall, with The recipient of both academic and Alayna Hutchinson epitomizes school Dasia Johnson will major in plans to major in chemical engineering. athletic scholarships to Central Methodist pride, and could be found planning, setting kinesiology at Hampton University in The recipient of a 95 percent scholarship University, Halid Abera ranked in the top up for or attending nearly every school- Hampton, VA this fall with plans to become from the University, Morris was president third of his graduating class at Affton High sponsored event, excelling at track and a physical therapist. A member of the of the Spanish honor society and served School. He showed great leadership skills in cross country and warmly welcoming National Honor Society and a recipient of as president of the sophomore executive both the classroom and on the basketball families, college representatives and the Gold K honor for maintaining a 3.5 or committee. court, where he played for four years, visitors to her school as a member of better grade point average throughout serving as a varsity captain and earning the Clayton Student Ambassadors. Last her high school career, Dasia served as Parkway All-Conference honors for two years. In summer, as a member of the Step-Up president of the Black Achievement and addition, he volunteered with younger program, Alayna spent two months Cultural Club and was a member of the Parkway Central High School students, serving as a junior counselor for collecting lab results and then presenting video club. Amber Lloyd plans to attend Barry middle school students. her findings at the National Institutes of University in Miami this fall, to major Health conference in Maryland. This fall she Lindbergh in chemistry with an ultimate goal of Bayless will be attending Indiana University-Perdue Lindbergh High School becoming a pharmacist. She served as co-host for the Parkway School District’s Bayless High School University-Indianapolis with plans to major Agricultural enthusiast Sydney Spirit of Excellence program this year and Ranking in the top five percent of her in biology, with a goal of becoming a Gillespie is looking forward to studying participated for three years in track and class, Luella Loseille will attend Saint Louis researcher or a doctor or nurse. crop science at the University of Illinois at field, peer teaching and high school heros. University this fall, with plans to major in Champaign-Urbana this fall, and hopefully either education or international studies. Hancock Place playing her clarinet with The Marching Parkway North High School She held multiple leadership roles as a Hancock Place High School Illini as well. Sydney’s interest in corn and With aspirations of becoming a member of the student council for four Graduating in the top 15 percent of his other crops took off last summer after physician, Rico Beuford will attend Howard years and served as captain of her dance class, Quintard Peoples plans to attend she participated in a summer program at University this fall to major in either biology team and vice-president of the National Saint Louis University this fall to pursue a Purdue University. She completed several or chemistry. At North, he was a member Honor Society and was active in theatre degree in psychology. As executive vice- International Baccalaureate and advanced of the medical club, the catering club and and the performance choir. Among her president of the student government and placement courses at Lindbergh, and was played on both the football and wrestling honors are honor roll, perfect attendance county commissioner for the 2012 Missouri a member of the National Honor Society, teams. Academically, he took advantage of and outstanding citizen, and Luella was Boy’s State, Quintard has demonstrated Tri-M Music Honor Society, Thespian advanced placement courses. selected to attend Missouri Girls State in leadership qualities that others at Hancock Society and the LHS Environmental Club. Parkway South High School 2012 and named as a 2013 Scholar Athlete. Place have aspired to follow. A founding As a member of the Lindbergh High School Since being accepted to several member of Hancock’s VICC advisory board, Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band, she colleges and universities, Chaunceia Brentwood he has helped increase participation had the opportunity to play in the 2011 Boyd is trying to decide between Xavier Brentwood High School in the district’s VICC parent meetings Tournament of Roses Parade. University and Hampton University. She Since her first days in kindergarten, through strong communication skills and plans to pursue a degree in chemistry and Erin Williams has always been among the organization of these events. He also spent Mehlville hopes to become a pharmacist. At South brightest of her peers and a leader both in three years on the basketball team and four she was a member of the Superintendent’s the classroom and out. She participated in years running cross country. With plans to attend St. Louis Social Justice Leadership Advisory Council, track, cheerleading and volleyball and took Community College at Meramec, Sierra DECA and the Parkway South Step Team. a rigorous college-prep course load that Gray has been involved in basketball Parkway West High School included four college credit classes. The including being named as both the His interaction with students from recipient of many scholarship offers, Erin defensive and offensive player of the various backgrounds has influenced plans to attend Jackson State University in year. She was named to the second team Quentin Key to pursue a bachelor’s Mississippi to study forensic chemistry. Suburban West All Conference team degree in international business at Millikin and was also honored as the freshman University. At West he was involved with Suburban West Basketball Player of the the Student Leadership Advisory Council, Year. Sierra graduated with a cumulative the Drug Free Council, STARS, track, football 2.75 grade point average. and Peer Teaching. This issue of the Parent Link is dedicated to those transfer students who are members of the Class of 2013 -- hardworking students who have left behind an enviable record of accomplishments. For each student who is mentioned, there are scores of others also deserving of recognition. Our congratulations go not only to the students, but their parents and teachers as well. You are at the heart of this program and an important part of the success it has achieved.

I trust that many of you are relaxing now and enjoy- ing what seems to me to be an increasingly short summer break. However, it will not be long before school begins. As highlighted by the article de- scribing Lawanda Hall’s involve- Sydney Gillespie Sierra Gray Morris LaGrand Amber Lloyd ment in the Clayton school Lindbergh High School Mehlville High School Oakville High School Parkway Central High School district, parental involvement in your child’s school is extremely important. Your involvement helps to foster an inclusive environment where parents from the city as well as parents from the county can learn a great deal from one another. The expression that “all of us know better than any one of us” is certainly true and Jon Walter Andrew Riggs Asjha Johnson Nubari Kanee directly applicable to the inte- Gateway STEM High School Metro Academic & Classical Webster Groves High School grated learning environment High School that VICC seeks to foster. Furthermore, studies show that the students with the Rockwood Rockwood Summit High School Valley Park greatest academic achievement Eureka High School One of the Top 10 finalists in the Valley Park High School Academy of Science at the St. Louis Science as well as long-term success Marshae` Landers plans to attend Asjha Johnson is headed to Southeast Fair for her project: The Role of cis- Southern Illinois University to pursue Missouri State University where she plans in life come from families in Regulatory Elements in Immunoglobulin studies in journalism and psychology. Her to pursue a degree in accounting. As a which parents and other family Kappa Transcription and Recombination, career aspirations include becoming a cheerleader for four years, she played a Fowzia Osman plans to study at Columbia members are involved in their psychiatrist for young people. She joined key role in building good school spirit. University in New York City. A number the Eurekana yearbook staff while in high Respected by her peers and her teachers, learning in a significant way. I of advanced placement courses helped school. Clubs and extracurricular activities Asjha excelled academically, maintaining to prepare her for college and career. believe this is because when include the National Leadership Academy, a 3.328 grade point average, while Her extracurricular activities included where she received the Gold Standard combining work and a very rigorous kids see their family involved in Renaissance, National Honor Society, Award and Leadership Award. academic schedule. their education they respond in Biodiesel Club and the art club. Lafayette High School Webster Groves a positive manner, recognizing Jacquelyn Ingram plans to attend St. Louis in a tangible fashion how truly Stephens College in Columbia where she Webster Groves High School Gateway STEM High School The recipient of several academic will major in fashion design. She also Jon Walter plans to attend St. Louis important their education is. scholarships at Illinois Wesleyan, plans to take classes in gender studies and Community College at Forest Park to study I’m sure you have been Nubari Kanee plans to attend nursing African-American studies at the University paramedics. He earned a 3.94 cumulative school there. She is also interested in involved over the summer with of Missouri-Columbia. While a student at grade point average at Gateway and environmental science and petroleum Lafayette, Jacquelyn excelled in fashion completed over 50 hours of volunteer your children in a variety of engineering and would like someday courses at South County Tech, and also tutoring for the A+ Program. A nationally to return to Nigeria to work. Her family ways – perhaps taking them to participated in Young Leader of St. Louis certified EMT, Jon passed the national immigrated from there when she was a and held an internship with the YWCA of registry test. He was the cyber officer for the library, going on a family toddler. At Webster she participated in St. Louis. Among her many school and the Gateway Air Force Junior ROTC unit, vacation, visiting a museum or the National Honor Society, Students for community activities were track, basketball, and was active in drama, cross country, Awareness and Action, student council, the amusement park, or attend- Cultural Student Union, Diversity Alliance, robotics and wrestling. He is the head choir and Hi Step. A sprinter, Nubari was peer mediator, freshman mentor and the men’s gymnastics coach at the Mid-County ing a sporting event. Now that captain of the girls track and field team National Conference for Community and YMCA. school is about to begin, how Justice of Metropolitan St. Louis. which qualified for state last year. She Metro Academic and Classical High received Renaissance awards the last four will you continue to be involved Marquette High School years for her high grade point average and Joel K. McCombs will attend St. Louis School with your children and contrib- has been a Scholar Athlete each year as Community College in Wildwood for the An exceptional scholar at Metro and well. ute to their lifelong success? next two years, and then plans to transfer a candidate for a full IB diploma, Andrew to Southern Illinois University to complete Riggs plans to study political science/ his degree. His goals include a career pre-law at Vanderbilt University, ultimately in the music or entertainment industry. pursuing law school. He enjoys films, During high school, he enjoyed playing playing tuba and is both All-District and David S. Glaser in the school band and his grades were All-State in his musicianship, playing CEO recognized on the honor roll. On the field, numerous times with the prestigious St. Louis Low Brass Collective and earning [email protected] Joel was a member of the football team, 314.721.8422, ext. 3013 and ran track and field, wrestled and played top tuba recognition in the Midwest water polo. Honor Band and Orchestra Festival at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A member of the Metro varsity baseball team since his freshman year, Andrew has also committed 300 hours to various service projects. VICC Staff Transportation Ready to Assist Transferring Families Information The Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) staff includes five counselors/social workers Transportation to and from school is provided by the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation so long as your child goes to a school in the who can assist families with issues related to their school transfers. correct attendance area. The phone number for the transportation staff is Counselors are happy to respond to concerns and/or questions from parents or students 314.721.8657. regarding any issue that would interfere with the success of a child in the school setting, such as Transportation cards with the bus stop location and time are mailed attendance, disciplinary issues, curriculum, achievement or other concerns. They can also provide to all transfer families about two weeks before school begins in the fall. counseling assistance for students and help parents understand their educational rights. If you do not receive your card by one week before the start of school, Counselors generally are assigned according to the first letter of the student’s last name. They can contact the principal at the school your child will be attending. Please do be reached by calling 314.721.8422, and dialing the extension number below, or via email. not call the transportation staff. After the regular school year begins, new cards will be mailed only if it is necessary to make a change to the bus/cab route. Please review each new card carefully, including the effective date, stop location, times and transporter and destroy all old cards. Any day-to-day transportation problems or concerns you may have should be addressed by first calling the bus (or cab) contractor. These include normal operating issues, such as the following: • Looking for lost items left on the bus/cab • Checking on activity bus location • Questions or cancellations when VICC Transportation office is closed. A-D Vickie Williams E-H Laverne Mitchom I-M Jennifer Christy N-R Mildred Scott S-Z Mary Schafer Meehan Refer to your child’s bus card for the appropriate bus/cab company. ext. 3011 ext. 3020 ext. 3021 ext. 3027 ext. 3016 If the contractor is unable to resolve a concern, or if you have one [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] of the following issues, please call the VICC transportation staff at 314.721.8657: • Overall routing issues or concerns Contact Persons STARTING DATES • Pick-up or drop-off location concerns for Voluntary Student • Concerns with driver or contractor for County Schools • Requesting cab or other alternative transportation service in the Transfer Program Classes will begin soon in your county school. Make plans event your regular bus does not show. now to be at school every day, beginning on the very first Student Responsibilities Families day. Watch your mailbox for your bus card about one week Students are to board their bus/cab only at their assigned stop. They Each of the districts accepting prior to the beginning of classes. The first day of school for must arrive at their designated pick-up location 10 minutes before voluntary transfer students has the scheduled pick-up time, and remain at least 15 minutes after the a designated contact person. each county district is listed below: Contact persons coordinate Affton August 15, 2013 pick-up time, before calling the transportation staff at 314.721.8657 for the district’s administrative advice on alternative transportation. If your children are not at the bus Bayless August 12, 2013 stop a full 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival time and do not wait responsibilities for the transfer Brentwood ...... August 13, 2013 program, and serve as the the full 15 minutes after the scheduled time and they miss the bus, it will liaison between the Voluntary Clayton August 14, 2013 be your responsibility to get them to school. The transportation staff does Interdistrict Choice Corporation Hancock Place August 15, 2013 not send alternative transportation in such instances. (VICC) and the district. Kirkwood August 20, 2013 For the safety of all children, students must obey general safety rules Contact persons’ Lindbergh ...... August 15, 2013 as well as those established by the school district they are attending. responsibilities may include You should obtain a copy of your district’s bus regulations and review enrolling transfer students, Mehlville August 15, 2013 them with your child. Violations of bus rules can result in a student conducting orientations for new Parkway ...... August 13, 2013 being removed from riding the bus either on a temporary or permanent students and parents, processing Pattonville August 12, 2013 basis. If a bus suspension occurs, it becomes the parents’ responsibility to applications and submitting Rockwood ...... August 13, 2013 transport the child to and from school for the duration of the suspension. transportation requests. Contact persons are often the Special/Tech August 12, 2013 Parent Responsibilities first individual from the district Valley Park August 13, 2013 Transportation may run late and/or routes may not be firmly in that a new transfer family meets, Webster Groves ...... August 13, 2013 place during the first few weeks of school. Please make sure your child and they are a valuable resource knows exactly what to do if his or her bus does not arrive. This includes for transfer families. They can knowing where to go and whom to call. Also make sure your child knows answer specific questions about Educational Rights and Privacy what is expected when he or she is dropped off at the end of the school district policy and procedures day. If you normally meet your child at the bus stop, be sure your child and can refer parents to the Act (FERPA) understands what to do if you are not there. proper school administrator if The Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) complies fully If the transportation route to which your child is assigned does not necessary. with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is a law operate in a timely manner, or other problems arise, please communicate Affton that affords parents and students 18 years of age and older with certain with the VICC transportation office. Dr. Travis Bracht rights with respect to the student’s educational records. It is important for parents to keep the school as well as the district 314.638.8770 A copy of VICC’s FERPA statement is included in VICC student contact person informed of any changes in either the home phone Bayless handbooks, which can be requested by calling 314.721.8422, ext. 3012. number or the cell or alternate/emergency phone number for your Mr. Michael Hawkins The handbooks are also available on the VICC website at www.choicecorp. child. Also, be sure to request that this information be forwarded to the 314.256.8601 org. Click on the link for “City Residents Currently Enrolled in County transportation staff. Brentwood Schools,” and then click on “Voluntary Transfer Program Handbook.” The If You Move Dr. Joan Oakley full policy will be published in the next issue of the Parent Link. If you move during the summer, call the principal at the county school 314.962.4507 your child has been or will be attending, or that district’s contact person Clayton immediately. All districts have central office personnel who work during Dr. Greg Batenhorst the summer to handle such situations. Please remember, it takes up to 314.854.6023 EMERGENCY 10 working days to make a transportation change. If you are going to Hancock Place Communication System move during the academic year, be sure to notify your building principal Mrs. Lisa Charles To improve communication with parents regarding or district contact person at least two weeks before you move. If you 314.544.1300, ext. 195 transportation and their child’s participation in the St. Louis move outside of your school’s attendance area, you will need to request a Kirkwood Student Transfer Program, the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice transfer to a school in your new attendance area, or else provide your own Dr. Shirleas Washington Corporation uses a telephone broadcast system, similar to ones transportation in order to remain at your original school. 314.213.6105 used in many participating school districts. This system, provided by School Reach, allows VICC to General Safety Rules Lindbergh quickly send all households and parents a pre-recorded message Please review the general safety rules with your student. These can be Mr. Eric Cochran by phone within minutes of a transportation emergency or found in your transfer program handbook. Please refer to the box below if 314.729.2400, ext. 1815 unplanned event that could significantly delay a child’s pick-up you need a copy of the handbook. Mehlville for or drop-off from school. These emergencies include traffic Dr. Brian Lane Student Safety jams, bus breakdowns, inclement weather, accidents, etc. The Help us protect your children as they travel to and from school. 314.467.5007 service may also be used from time-to-time to communicate Certain types of children’s clothing can create a hazard as your child exits Parkway general program announcements or reminders. the bus. Especially dangerous are jacket and sweatshirt drawstrings, long This system will simultaneously call a home and one Ms. Rakiyah “Rocky” Talavedra backpack straps, long scarfs or any other loose clothing. Such clothing additional cell phone or alternate number for each student’s 314.415.7060 could become caught in the bus handrail, door or other bus equipment Dr. Charlotte Ijei family who needs to be contacted and will deliver a message from Tami Webb, transportation operations manager, or another as the child exits the bus. Please take the time to check your children’s 314.415.5063 clothing. Also talk with your child about the behavior and safety rules. Pattonville official with the transfer program. Calls will be delivered to both Dr. Donette Green live (in person) responders and answering machines. Calls not Trespass Policy 314.213.8090 answered and busy signals will be automatically retried by the To bolster the safety of students riding buses to school, the VICC Board Ms. Helen Weissler system two additional times in 15 minute intervals after the adopted the following trespass policy: initial call. 314.213.8075 “Trespass occurs when anyone boards a school bus without prior Your child’s school will also continue to separately announce approval from VICC. Any VICC-designated person (including students), Rockwood school closings due to snow or weather, via the media or their Mr. Terry Harris contractor or school staff whose job responsibilities require him/her to be own phone system. However, in the event your child’s district on a school bus shall be authorized and not be considered trespassing. 636.733.2177 is open, but road conditions are such that VICC’s transportation Only with prior approval from VICC or a contractor may any parent, Valley Park department feels it is not safe to transport students to school, guardian or member of the general public be allowed on a bus at any Mrs. Vickie Pardeck VICC would use this separate system to notify families attending 636.923.3614 or 3617 the affected districts in addition to making the standard media time.” Webster Groves announcements. Mr. John M. Thomas For this notification system to best operate, it is imperative Be sure to review the transportation section in the Voluntary 314.918.4378 that you keep your school aware of any future changes in your Transfer Program Handbook (pages 9-21) with your child before Special School District home and/or cell or alternate/emergency phone numbers. Your the start of school. Mrs. Mary Lee Burlemann school then updates VICC’s parent contact records so a separate notification to VICC is not necessary. If you need a handbook, please call 314.721.8422, ext. 3012, or 314.989.8125 visit our website: www.choicecorp.org