parentA newsletter for parents published by the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporationlink • Volume 28, Number 3, July 2014

Ashleigh Taylor PJ Sims

Lindbergh Fulfills Student’sby Peggy Magee Quest for Discovery Student Thrives from Challengingby Peggy Magee Parkway Education

Ashleigh Taylor loves learning, creating and The Lindbergh school district, with its PJ Sims likes to be challenged and the PJ hesitates to name just a couple of abundance of classes, activities and car- his teachers who stretched his abilities. exploring. Her interests and talents are wide ing, insightful faculty, satisfied Ashleigh’s Parkway district delivered for him. “I guess “There were so many who set the bar and varied and she is passionate about each insatiable desire to expand her world I’ve always wanted more than I’ve had and so high for me and made me feel capable and fulfill her sense of wonder. Feeling of reaching it.” and every one of them. She’s a gal on the academically prepared and broadmin- I’ve gotten used to pushing myself,” he notes, PJ had enough credits to graduate go--curious, energetic, organized. ded, the 2014 grad is confident and adding, “I’ve come to enjoy it. I thrive best early from Parkway South, but his prin- enthused about moving on to Southeast cipal persuaded him to take a couple Missouri State University in the fall. when I’m challenged.” more classes The numerous recognitions Ashleigh and lend a earned at Lindbergh are proof of her That’s a good thing since the 2013 hand in the high achieving ways. As a culinary arts graduate of Parkway South High School learning lab PJ’s Advice student, her days over the past two years now attends St. Louis University where, as an accounting major, he studies hard to students for Other

NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOUIS, MO ST. NO. 5737 PERMIT were split between academic classes send at Lindbergh and culinary classes held to meet the high academic standards. needing Students: at South Tech High School. She won He remembers clearly the two academic help. “It felt Sample all different sample numerous local culinary competitions classes at Parkway South High that including first place in the district. She really tested him. In his Advanced good to be types of classes and also received the Superintendent’s Placement Statistics class, the amount able to pass to mail award for her scholarliness and com- of writing involved had him perplexed. along knowl- activities to narrow munity service, plus excelled in various “Why would English be used in a math edge to oth- down which ones house quiz bowls testing professional develop- class,” he wondered. He was equally ers and help ment skills. She graduated in the top 30 challenged by the problem solving them pass interest you. Then to make percent of her senior class. skills required in Physics. their courses.” focus more in those There is no disguising her self sat- With his teachers guiding and en- After school isfaction when Ashleigh talks about all couraging him, he passed both courses. he did the areas. Take them to sure the her after school activities. “I was in seven The principal too believed in his abili- same for the next level and clubs at Lindbergh and two at Tech,” she ties. She was so certain he could score youngsters in reports, rattling off martial arts club, mailer well on the AP Statistics exam (a high his neighbor- stretch yourself. book club, Japanese club (president), enough score to earn college credit), hood when environmental club, etc. She sampled she rebuked his objections of not being he worked area is all different classes too. In addition to able to afford the exam fee and put up as a junior general academics and her culinary staffer at the Adams Park location of focus, she took clothing design, art and the money for him. “She said she would correct Herbert Hoover Boys’ and Girls’ Club. As design, several years of Spanish includ- track me down and make me pay if I a child, he was very involved with the ing honors, and is self taught in multiple didn’t pass, but I did.” In fact, PJ was on club. languages. the honor roll for most of his 13 years in At St. Louis University, PJ is involved Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation 7425 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 110 St. Louis, MO 63105 She says she appreciates “so many” of Parkway. her teachers for their individual merits-- With interests in dancing and sing- with the African-American Scholars one for being kind and accommodating, ing, PJ was part of the hip hop dance group that brings in African-American someone else for stressing positivity, an- club at South and sang in the choir. guest speakers who share their stories other for encouraging students to think When the choir needed a first tenor, PJ, of success. “It’s inspirational,” he says. deeper about all things, and one who had been singing second tenor, “If they can do, so can I.” The faculty and teacher from way back in fourth worked hard to make his voice hit the staff at Parkway South never doubted grade who insisted, “There’s no higher notes. He succeeded. “It was an that for a second. Ashleigh’s Advice such thing as the word ‘can’t’ achievement,” he recalls with a smile. for Other Students: because you can.” Ashleigh seems to have You have a choice in the friends you make. applied all of this advice in her Whomever you choose will change you own life. She is contemplating three college degrees or at least for better or worse. So choose wisely. taking classes from each: global Check inside for Always follow the rules. Be yourself. languages and culture, interna- tional studies and international Outstanding Graduates! business. She might take her cu- linary skills to the next level. She All county schools will start in August. doesn’t want to limit herself. She wants to travel and see the world. She knows See page 4. she can. And she will. Tatyanah Petford Karen Nwosu Chris Williams Monica Long-Davis Tyree Wright Artez Johnson Bayless High School Brentwood High School Clayton High School Hancock Place High School Kirkwood High School

Raven Jackson Margarette Prospere Kahlia Ali Teniah Gary Aja’ Jackson Abdi Ismail Parkway North High School Parkway South High School Parkway West High School Eureka High School Lafayette High School

Affton Hancock Place Affton High School Hancock Place High School Tatyanah Petford is a wonderful Ranking 10th in his class, Tyree Wright example of hard work and dedication. plans to attend Southeast Missouri State in Ranked 13th out of 213 graduates with a the fall to major in exercise science. With cumulative grade point average of 3.9038, that as a major, it is no surprise that Tyree Tatyanah has participated in honor classes was involved in several extra-curricular This issue of the and the “Project Lead the Way” biomedical sports, participating in Hancock’s baseball, program all four years. She is also basketball and wrestling teams for two successful in athletics, participating on the years and was a dominate part of the Parent Link is cross country and track and field teams at cross country team for three years. He Affton. A great role model and very mature was selected as captain of the team his dedicated to those beyond her years, Tatyanah is still deciding senior year. Tyree was chosen for the on her future college plans. National Honor Society in his junior year transfer students and served as vice president the following Bayless year. Among his high school honors are who are members of selection to the honor roll all four years, Bayless High School perfect attendance for three years and he Planning to major in chemical was selected by his teachers for the Virtue the Class of 2014 -- engineering at the University of Missouri- of Missouri awards, representing the virtue Columbia, Karen Nwosu is her school’s of Equality. hardworking students choice for outstanding senior. A member of the National Honor Society, she earned Kirkwood who have left behind honor roll status all four years of her high school career, and earned a leadership Kirkwood High School an enviable record award her senior year. Assisting others, Artez Johnson has been a shining she completed multiple hours of academic star in the Kirkwood District since second tutoring and served as a meal runner for grade. Following graduation, he plans to of accomplishments. senior citizens providing comfort and attend the University of Missouri-Kansas support when necessary. A vocalist in the City. While at Kirkwood, Artez was an For each student Bayless Performance Choir and an actress honor student, participated in the Spanish in the Bayless Theater Company, Karen will club, plus was a Link Crew Leader and who is mentioned, graduate at the age of 16, all while building member of TRYPOD, both which work positive relationships with her peers and with transitioning freshman students. He staff. was a sixth grade camp counselor and he there are scores of volunteered with the Special Olympics. Brentwood others also deserving Lindbergh Brentwood High School of recognition. Our While at Brentwood High School, Lindbergh High School Chris Williams participated in several Alex Rucker has been hard at work congratulations activities including football, wrestling and during her time in Lindbergh, through competitive speech and debate. Along involvement in Character Council and go not only to the with extracurricular activities, Chris took a Key Club. The recipient of numerous challenging course load, taking several dual awards, including perfect attendance, LHS credit college courses. Over the years, Chris Renaissance Award, Durnell’s All-Stars and students, but their has demonstrated maturity, intelligence, Teacher’s Choice Award, Alex was recently respect, a great sense of humor and awarded the 2014 Youth of the Year Award parents and teachers devotion to his future. After graduation, from the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Greater Chris will be participating in the Show Me St. Louis, in recognition of her academic as well. You are at the Gold program through the National Guard excellence and outstanding community at Southeast Missouri State University. service. In her spare time, Alex lends a This program offers the opportunity for helping hand at the St. Louis Dream Center, heart of this program professional development, leadership where she assists with children’s activities. training and the ability to become an She plans to major in elementary education and an important part officer in the Missouri Army National Guard so she can continue working with while attending college. children. She was accepted to Missouri of the success it has State University, Southeast Missouri State Clayton University, Southern Illinois University- achieved. Carbondale and the University of Northern Clayton High School Iowa. Monica Long-Davis is a self-starter who arrives at Clayton High School every day with a smile on her face, ready to put in her best effort. She is an all around wonderful student who has been involved in the Clayton community since kindergarten. Monica has garnered the respect of faculty and students alike, crossing all boundaries to represent the essence of the School District of Clayton. Monica is an excellent role model who will positively represent her school at the University of Missouri- Columbia this fall, where she will pursue a degree in physical therapy. Alex Rucker Blessing Oparaji Paiten Hamilton Frederick Henry Lindbergh High School Parkway Central High School

Several years ago our Alexis Brown Aliyah Brown Jessica Hayes Jamal Hinton counselors created a workshop Marquette High School Summit High School Webster Groves High School entitled, “What You Learn Affects What You Earn.” In this workshop our VICC counselors worked with our students to Mehlville Parkway South Marquette High School help them make the connection Margarette Prospere would be With hopes of graduating in seven between current learning and Oakville High School an accomplished student in any school years and pursuing a career in hospital future earning potential. As I The recipient of a track and field district, but coming to Parkway gave pharmacy, Alexis Brown plans to attend St. scholarship and a Chancellor’s Scholar her exposure to different cultures, and a Louis College of Pharmacy. She graduated was reviewing the information Award, Blessing Opraji will enroll in the chance to step outside of her comfort area. from Marquette with a 3.5 grade point related to the outstanding Earning the Spirit of Excellence awards for average, and notes the following courses University of Missouri-Kansas City. A graduates in this issue of the reliable student athlete who communicates academics year after year, Margarette has that prepared her to enter the pharmacy well with coaches and teachers, she has proven that great things come in small college: honors biology, honors chemistry, Parent Link, I was reminded of had success in the classroom and on the packages and while she has been accepted human anatomy and principles of this workshop and the obvious track. Blessing maintains a 4.0 grade point to several schools, she will enroll at Saint biomedical sciences. She also participated average while taking college credit courses Louis University this fall with a major in in the Walgreens-STLCOP Career Explores connection these students and ranks 44 in a class of 452. Her peers bio-chemistry. Diversity Outreach Program last summer. have made between their During her high school tenure, Alexis and teammates view her as a leader and learning and their long-term are constantly looking to her for guidance. Parkway West participated on the track team, Senior Kahlia Ali knows she is a force to Advisory Committee and as the NAACP earning potential. Most, if Mehlville High School be reckoned with, in fact she’ll say if Youth secretary. Academic recognitions not all, of these outstanding Graduating with a 3.04 cumulative there is one thing she has learned from include the honor roll, Winner’s Circle grade point average, Paiten Hamilton participating in the VICC program, it’s and being named Senior Student of the graduates are already making will major in physical therapy at Tennessee perseverance. While at West, Kahlia has Quarter. plans to attend college and been pushed to take challenging classes State University. She challenged herself then embark upon a successful with a college preparatory curriculum, and while they didn’t always end with an Summit High School and explored career options through the A, she learned that grit and perseverance Aliyah Brown will be attending career. Similarly, PJ Simms Fashion Design program at South Tech were essential to achievement. This Neosho Community College in Chanute, and Ashleigh Taylor, the two High School. She has received honor roll tenacity has helped her map out her goals Kansas, on a scholarship for track and field. recognition for her grades both at Mehlville which include enrollment in Oregon State She plans to become an athletic trainer students highlighted in this and as a member of the National Honor University. and work with high school athletes. Aliyah issue, worked hard throughout was able to learn more about this field by Society at South Tech. She has excellent their educational career and attendance and enjoys singing. Pattonville assisting Summit’s athletic trainer. Her accomplishments include participating in this has paved the way for both Parkway Pattonville High School the A+ Program, Leadership Council, Link of them toward a successful With plans to attend the University of Crew and Cancer Busters, and competing Missouri-Columbia, Teniah Gary intends to on the varsity track and field team for all future. Parkway Central four years, placing fifth in MSHSAA for Hungry is the most accurate description study law. She was involved in tennis, track John Wooden, the extremely and cheerleading. A member of the Key throwing and earning the Falcon Flight for Frederick Henry. When one meets Award. successful head basketball him, they are immediately drawn to his Club and Renaissance Club, she completed insatiable appetite for knowledge. During an internship for Congressman Lacy Clay coach at UCLA who led the his years at Central, Fred participated in and did community service for the national Valley Park team to a record 10 national football and crew, but ultimately shifted Baptist Convention. Teniah was featured in championships, has stated his focus entirely onto his academic the school musical and is involved in the Valley Park High School pursuits. With the higher goal of attaining arts in Pattonville and was the recipient Jessica Hayes is heading off to “There is a choice you have to his doctorate degree in neuroscience, of an award for completing 100 hours of Florissant Valley Community College on make in everything you do. So Fred will begin his collegiate career this community service. a two-year A+ Program scholarship. She fall at Truman State University with a plans to continue her degree work at keep in mind that in the end, major in biology, with a specialization in Rockwood Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to the choice you make, makes biofeedback research. fulfill her career goal – becoming a dentist. you.” Each of us are where we Eureka High School At Valley Park, Jessica was a scholar athlete, Parkway North With plans to pursue a career in maintaining a 3.5-plus grade point average, are today as a result of the Raven Jackson knows all about healthcare, either in nursing or pharmacy, while taking honors classes and playing decisions we made yesterday. point guard on the Valley Park Varsity Girls’ preconceived notions. During her time in Aja’ Jackson will enroll in Southern Illinois These decisions powerfully Parkway, she strived to break down barriers University-Edwardsville. During her time Basketball team. She also played in the and stereotypes. With a keen eye on how at Eureka, she enjoyed taking part in ECrew school band. The highlight of her senior shape our lives and the affects media plays an important role in how leaders, the Principal’s Advisory Council year was the Lady Hawks Basketball team of them can last for many individuals see the world and themselves, and Youth Leadership St. Louis. As an clinching its first conference championship Raven developed an interest in public accomplished student, she was recognized in 26 years. Also, Jessica’s rigorous schedule years or even a lifetime. As relations and advertising. She will carry as Student of the Month and awarded takes her to afternoon classes at South we wrap up the conclusion of Tech High School. She is a member of the that interest with her to Chicago, where Character Cat for respect and renaissance. another school year, celebrate she will enroll in Depaul University. Raven In her spare time, Aja’ delights in reading National Technical Honor Society. credits her experiences with the VICC and volunteering at church. the success of our students program as a secret to her success. She is Webster Groves graduating from high school adamant that she was exposed to diversity, Lafayette High School social justice and had the opportunity to With aspirations to become a Webster Groves High School and college, and get ready to use state of the art educational materials cardiothoracic surgeon, Abdi Ismail will Jamal Hinton played as a center for begin a new school year, it is giving her an academic advantage attend Saint Louis University to major in all four years on the WGHS Statesmen important to remember the she might not have enjoyed at her biology and follow a premed program. In basketball team. In addition, he plays neighborhood school. high school, he took biology, chemistry, trumpet in the band. After high school, importance of the decisions we human anatomy and physiology in Jamal is planning to study physical therapy make today upon our future preparation for entering the medical field. at Webster University, where he hopes Abdi was ROTC cadet of the month during to continue to play basketball. Another tomorrow. his freshman year. He was a recipient of advantage to Webster U., he said, is its the Glory of Missouri Award for promoting proximity to the high school. He’d like to equality among his peers. watch a few Statesmen basketball games as an alumnus. David S. Glaser CEO [email protected] 314.721.8422, ext. 3013 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 who can assist families with issues related to their school transfers. Interdistrict Choice Corporation so long as your child goes to a school in the Counselors are happy to respond to concerns and/or questions from parents or students correct attendance area. The phone number for the transportation staff is regarding any issue that would interfere with the success of a child in the school setting, such as 314.721.8657. Transportation cards with the bus stop location and time are mailed to attendance, disciplinary issues, curriculum, achievement or other concerns. They can also provide all transfer families about two weeks before school begins in the fall. If you counseling assistance for students and help parents understand their educational rights. do not receive your card by one week before the start of school, contact the Counselors generally are assigned according to the first letter of the student’s last name. They can principal at the school your child will be attending. Please do not call the be reached by calling 314.721.8422, and dialing the extension number below, or via email. 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. Refer to your child’s bus card for the appropriate bus/cab company. If the contractor is unable to resolve a concern, or if you have one of the following issues, please call the VICC transportation staff at 314.721.8657: A-C Vickie Williams D-H Laverne Mitchom I-N Jennifer Christy O-R Mildred Scott S-Z Mary Schafer Meehan • Overall routing issues or concerns ext. 3011 ext. 3020 ext. 3021 ext. 3027 ext. 3016 • Pick-up or drop-off location concerns [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] • Concerns with driver or contractor • Requesting cab or other alternative transportation service in the event your regular bus does not show. STARTING DATES Student Responsibilities CONTACT PERSONS Students are to board their bus/cab only at their assigned stop. They for County Schools must arrive at their designated pick-up location 10 minutes before the for Voluntary Student Classes will begin soon in your county school. Make plans scheduled pick-up time, and remain at least 15 minutes after the pick-up now to be at school every day, beginning on the very first time, before calling the transportation staff at 314.721.8657 for advice on Transfer Program alternative transportation. If your children are not at the bus stop a full 10 day. Watch your mailbox for your bus card about one week minutes before the scheduled arrival time and do not wait the full 15 minutes Families prior to the beginning of classes. The first day of school for after the scheduled time and they miss the bus, it will be your responsibility Each of the districts each county district is listed below: to get them to school. The transportation staff does not send alternative accepting voluntary transfer Affton August 13, 2014 transportation in such instances. students has a designated For the safety of all children, students must obey general safety rules as contact person. Contact Bayless ...... August 11, 2014 well as those established by the school district they are attending. You should persons coordinate the district’s Brentwood ...... August 13, 2014 obtain a copy of your district’s bus regulations and review them with your administrative responsibilities child. Violations of bus rules can result in a student being removed from riding Clayton August 13, 2014 the bus either on a temporary or permanent basis. If a bus suspension occurs, for the transfer program, and Hancock Place August 13, 2014 it becomes the parents’ responsibility to transport the child to and from school serve as the liaison between the for the duration of the suspension. Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Kirkwood August 19, 2014 Corporation (VICC) and the Lindbergh ...... August 14, 2014 Parent Responsibilities district. Transportation may run late and/or routes may not be firmly in place Mehlville August 14, 2014 during the first few weeks of school. Please make sure your child knows Contact persons’ responsi- Parkway ...... August 12, 2014 exactly what to do if his or her bus does not arrive. This includes knowing bilities may include enrolling Rockwood ...... August 11, 2014 where to go and whom to call. Also make sure your child knows what is transfer students, conducting expected when he or she is dropped off at the end of the school day. If you orientations for new students Special/Tech August 11, 2014 normally meet your child at the bus stop, be sure your child understands what and parents, processing Valley Park August 12, 2014 to do if you are not there. applications and submitting Webster Groves ...... August 13, 2014 If the transportation route to which your child is assigned does not transportation requests. operate in a timely manner, or other problems arise, please communicate with Contact persons are often the VICC transportation office. the first individual from the It is important for parents to keep the school as well as the district contact district that a new transfer person informed of any changes in either the home phone number or the cell Educational Rights and or alternate/emergency phone number for your child. Also, be sure to request family meets, and they are a that this information be forwarded to the transportation staff. valuable resource for transfer Privacy Act (FERPA) families. They can answer If You Move The Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) complies fully If you move during the summer, call the principal at the county school specific questions about with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is district policy and procedures your child has been or will be attending, or that district’s contact person a law that affords parents and students18 years of age and older with immediately. All districts have central office personnel who work during the and can refer parents to the certain rights with respect to the student’s educational records. summer to handle such situations. Please remember, it takes up to 10 working proper school administrator if A copy of VICC’s FERPA statement is included in VICC student days to make a transportation change. If you are going to move during the necessary. handbooks, which can be requested by calling 314.721.8422, ext. academic year, be sure to notify your building principal or district contact Affton 3012. The handbooks are also available on the VICC website at www. person at least two weeks before you move. If you move outside of your choicecorp.org. Click on the link for “City Residents Currently Enrolled school’s attendance area, you will need to request a transfer to a school in Dr. Travis Bracht in County Schools,” and then click on “Voluntary Transfer Program your new attendance area, or else provide your own transportation in order to 314.638.8770 Handbook.” The full policy will be published in the next issue of the remain at your original school. Bayless Parent Link. General Safety Rules Mrs. Dawn Thieman • Obey the driver promptly. 314.256.8612 • Smoking, eating or drinking are not permitted. Brentwood EMERGENCY • Remain seated until the bus arrives at your stop. Dr. Joan Oakley • Refrain from using loud or obscene language. 314.962.4507 • Do not damage the bus/cab in any way. Communication System • Do not throw objects on the bus/cab or out of the windows. Clayton To improve communication with parents regarding • Do not extend head, arms, legs or hands out of the windows. Dr. Greg Batenhorst transportation and their child’s participation in the St. Louis • Do not tamper with the emergency door except in the case of a real 314.854.6023 Student Transfer Program, the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice emergency and only under the instruction of the driver. Hancock Place Corporation uses a telephone broadcast system, similar to ones • Fighting, scuffling or creating loud disturbances are not permitted. • Avoid the Danger Zones next to the bus where the driver can’t see you. Dr. Timothy M. McInnis used in many participating school districts. This system, provided by School Reach, allows VICC to This distance is approximately 10 feet around all sides. 314.544.1300, ext. 199 quickly send all households and parents a pre-recorded message • If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for the driver’s Kirkwood by phone within minutes of a transportation emergency or signal to you and then cross in front of the bus. • Don’t try to pick up something dropped near the bus because the driver Dr. Shirleas Washington unplanned event that could significantly delay a child’s pick-up 314.213.6105 might not see you. for or drop-off from school. These emergencies include traffic • Remember that other motorists don’t always stop for a stopped school Lindbergh jams, bus breakdowns, inclement weather, accidents, etc. The bus. Use extreme caution when getting on or off the bus. Ms. Sandi Riley service may also be used from time-to-time to communicate • Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot something. 314.729.2400, ext. 4621 general program announcements or reminders. This system will simultaneously call a home and one Student Safety Mehlville Help us protect your children as they travel to and from school. Certain additional cell phone or alternate number for each student’s Dr. Brian Lane types of children’s clothing can create a hazard as your child exits the bus. family who needs to be contacted and will deliver a message 314.467.5007 Especially dangerous are jacket and sweatshirt drawstrings, long backpack from Tami Webb, transportation operations manager, or another straps, long scarfs or any other loose clothing. Such clothing could become Parkway official with the transfer program. Calls will be delivered to both caught in the bus handrail, door or other bus equipment as the child exits the Ms. Rakiyah “Rocky” Talavedra live (in person) responders and answering machines. Calls not bus. Please take the time to check your children’s clothing. Also talk with your 314.415.7060 answered and busy signals will be automatically retried by the child about the behavior and safety rules. Dr. Charlotte Ijei system two additional times in 15 minute intervals after the Trespass Policy 314.415.5063 initial call. To bolster the safety of students riding buses to school, the VICC Board Rockwood Your child’s school will also continue to separately announce adopted the following trespass policy: Mr. Terry Harris school closings due to snow or weather, via the media or their “Trespass occurs when anyone boards a school bus without prior approval 636.733.2177 own phone system. However, in the event your child’s district from VICC. Any VICC-designated person (including students), contractor is open, but road conditions are such that VICC’s transportation or school staff whose job responsibilities require him/her to be on a school Valley Park department feels it is not safe to transport students to school, bus shall be authorized and not be considered trespassing. Only with prior Mrs. Vickie Pardeck VICC would use this separate system to notify families attending approval from VICC or a contractor may any parent, guardian or member of 636.923.3614 or 3617 the affected districts in addition to making the standard media the general public be allowed on a bus at any 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 Transfer 314.918.4378 that you keep your school aware of any future changes in your Program Handbook (pages 9-21) with your child before the Special School District home and/or cell or alternate/emergency phone numbers. Your start of school. If you need a handbook, please call 314.721.8422, Mrs. Mary Lee Burlemann school then updates VICC’s parent contact records so a separate ext. 3012, or visit our website: www.choicecorp.org 314.989.8125 notification to VICC is not necessary.