J U N E 2 0 1 9 / V o l . 2 I s s u e 4

We’ve got spirit, y

es we do!

S u m m e r 2 0 1 9 / V o l . 2 I s s u e 4

smart good strong

Pictured on the front cover is the Class of 2019. They just won the Spirit Jug in the 2019 Mock Olympic Games.

Bayless MagazineSummer 2019Volume 2 * Issue 4

Bayless is distributed to alumni, parents, friends and neighbors. Its mission is to maintain ties between the District, its alumni and all of our friends and neighbors.

Board of EducationJeff Preisack ’83, PresidentWoody Babb, Vice PresidentMichelle Padgett, MemberSarah Reece, MemberTom Wood, Member Shannon Kohler, MemberLaura Van Zale ’83, Member

District Administration

Ronald J. TuckerSuperintendent(636) 284-1092

Michael HawkinsAssistant Superintendent(314) 373-0506

Amy Ruzicka Chief Academic Officer(314) 256-8658

Teresa Lange Chief Financial Officer(314) 256-8604

Kim Arnold Human Resources Director(314) 256-8605

Debbie Meyer-Higgins Transportation SupervisorBoard Secretary(314) 256-8602

Paula Napier Director of Public Relations(314) 256-8115

VICC Transportation (314) 721-8657

Early Childhood Center 314-256-8630 Christina Ly ’99, PrincipalAmra Hadzic, Secretary School Hours: 8:15 AM - 3:20 PMOffice Hours: 7:45 AM - 3:45 PM

Elementary314-256-8620Aaron Kohler, Principal Amanda Stone, Assistant PrincipalChristine Prosser, Assistant PrincipalKelly Klocke, Assistant PrincipalSanela Jugovic, Administrative Assistant Kari Wolford, SecretaryMirsada Becarevic, Secretary School Hours: 8:15 AM - 3:21 PM Office Hours: 7:30 AM - 4 PM

High School 314-256-8660 Patrick McEvoy, Principal Suzanne Richardson, Assistant PrincipalAndrew Mertens, Assistant PrincipalEric Lawrence, Activities DirectorLinette Schaffer, Administrative AssistantBarbara Shetley, SecretaryMichelle Hagan, RegistrarSchool Hours: 7:30 AM - 2:36 PMOffice Hours: 7 AM - 3:30 PM

Alumni Association314-256-8617Sally Wear ’58

Junior High 314-256-8690 Douglas Harness, PrincipalBob Efken’96, Assistant Principal Cathy Thorp, Administrative AssistantAndrea Lesniewski’00, Secretary School Hours: 7:30 AM - 2:36 PMOffice Hours: 7 AM - 3:30 PM

Bayless is published five times a year to inform the public as to what is occurring at the Bayless Schools - from student achievements, to happenings in the classroom, to community involvement. Please submit any questions, comments or letters to Paula Napier, Director of Public Relations, 4530 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO, 63123, 314-256-8115 or email pnapier@bayless.k12.mo.us. Bayless School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs or activities. Inquiries related to District programs may be directed to Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator Mrs. Kim Arnold at 314-256-8605, 4530 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO, 63123. The Bayless School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In this Issue3 Superintendent’s Letter4 Extra! Extra! Read All About It! 5 We Love Our Volunteers5 Bayless Academic Foundation5 Upcoming Events6-7 ECC/BES/BJH/BHS8-9 Growing Great Leaders 10-11 Class of 2019 12 -13 Alumni News 14-15 Recognition Dinner16 Thank You Bayless Community

Bayless Schools

Superintendent of Schools

J U N E 2 0 1 9 / V o l . 2 I s s u e 4

We got spirit, yes

we do!

Page 3 - Summer 2019

When the St. Louis Blues won the long-sought-after Stanley Cup on June 12, this was not only an amazing professional sports achievement, which caught the attention and admiration of much of the nation, it ignited a pride and enthusiasm among the residents in the region that was long overdue. With all of its exciting sights and sounds, the celebratory parade captured the Spirit of St. Louis for all those who witnessed it and likely created memories that will last a lifetime.

In this school year’s final issue of Bayless, we attempt to capture the school spirit that makes being a Broncho so fun and rewarding. School spirit is the sense of identity and community shared by our Bayless students, staff and alums. Bayless school spirit is reflected in how we assume positive intentions and/or good sportsmanship while encouraging our athletes, scholars and fellow colleagues as they attempt to do their best.

There is something special about Bayless. Violet C. Bascom, Bayless’ first superintendent, recognized this in 1932 when she told the first class of seven graduating seniors, “Bayless has set a high standard in the past, but the real spirit of Bayless is to aspire for greater excellence in the future. The future of Bayless is in your hands and hearts...”

Enthusiasm for Blues hockey and the Bayless Bronchos converged on the evening of May 23 at Bayless Field, as the commencement exercise for this year’s 120 seniors concluded. Instead of playing the traditional recessional score of Pomp and Circumstance, this year’s ceremony concluded differently.

Graduates and nearly 1,000 of their friends and family heard an unmistakable tugboat horn blast over the public address system, which is associated with a Blues’ goal. That was followed by the 1982 Laura Branigan hit “Gloria,” which has been played following each Blues’ home hockey victory since January. For those who were there, it was triumphant, made for a great memory and captured the spirt of a Bayless moment that won’t soon be forgotten.

There’s never been a better time to be a fan of the Blues and the Bronchos.

We’ve Got Spirit - Yes We Do!

Page 4-Summer 2019

Nine students from BHS participated in DECA this year. Three advanced onto the next level of

the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in April: lma Muratovic - Missouri DECA District 9 VP, Bao Nguyen - Missouri DECA Leadership Delegate and Lucas Brooks - Business Service Finance.

Pictured above: Top row from left to right: Namik Sahbaz, Avdo Sahbaz, Lucas Brooks, and Ena Pilipovic. Bottom row from left to right: Peony Duong,

Bao Nguyen, Elma Muratovic, Doanh Lung, and Amra Mehmedi.

In 1996, the Bayless Academic

foundation was created with a

mission to inspire students and

support teachers by providing

independent funding for programs

offering innovative learning

opportunities. Teachers may apply

for grants to enrich their curriculum

with programs that expose their

students to diverse learning

experiences.

On April 16th, Bayless volunteers were treated to a catered breakfast to

show appreciation for all they do for the Bayless School District. Our administration served as waiters and waitresses and the

Chorale Octet entertained everyone with their musical talents.

June 3 - 21Summer School

June 8ACT Testing

June 19Board Meeting

July 8 Alumni Meeting

July 16Project Graduation 2019 Meeting

July 17

Board Meeting

August 6Kindergarten Screening

August 8-13Orientation/Professional Development

August 12ECC/BES Meet the Teacher

August 14First Day of School

September 2No School - Labor Day

September 3No School - Professional Development

Upcoming Events

Page 5 - Summer 2019

Email received from a Bayless supporter:I grew up in Indian Hills, my brothers went to Bayless back in the 70’s. As I was leaving my parent’s house - I passed the school, loved seeing all the kids around the front of the

campus - love that it is still a vibrant and active school.Congrats to all the Grads - and, yes, Let’s Go Blues!

Sincerely, Debra Henderson

Bayless students delivered 13 pounds

of lettuce to the Affton Food Pantry.

Pictured are Ms. McCullough with second

graders, Paige Waggener,

Stephan Demsko, and

Lilianna Romero.

EXTRA! EXTRA!READ ALL ABOUT IT!

The Bayless Administrative Team

inspired by Brene Brown’s best-selling book, Dare to Lead, embarked on a path of Daring Leadership

during their year-end retreat at Pickle

Springs State Park on May 31st.

Please consider supporting their

mission by sending your donations

made payable to the Bayless Academic

Foundation. You may designate your

donation in honor or in memory of a

coach, teacher, alumni or loved one.

Mail your donation to:

Bayless Schools, 4530 Weber Road,

St. Louis, Missouri 63123, ATTN:

Academic Foundation

Bayless Elementary

Bayless High School

We Take Pride In Our SchoolAs stated in the BJH Touchstone and recited by students every morning: “at Bayless Junior High we take pride in our school.” School spirit and pride in our school are pillars of a Junior Broncho education, and as such, our students are afforded many opportunities to show their school spirit.

Earlier in the school year, the annual Bayless Games Advisory vs. Advisory Competition was held. At these games, students competed in athletic events of skill (and sometimes silliness) against one another in the quest to win the Bayless Games trophy for their advisory group. Students in each advisory group, comprised of mixed sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, wore the same colors and cheered for one another throughout the friendly competition. The purpose of the games is to bring students together in the common goals of competition, cooperation, and school spirit, which are at the core of a BJH education.

Additionally, BJH students participated in a variety of competitive sports activities against other schools, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, track, and flag football. Through these competitive opportunities, students took pride in wearing the green and gold as they cheered on their fellow students while showing respect, responsibility, and kindness to our opponents. BJH sports teams saw much success this year, and they plan to continue that successful tradition into the future.

Most recently, the Olympiad was held, a culminating school spirit event where each grade level competes against one another for the title Olympiad Champion. Eighth graders wear green clothing; seventh graders wear yellow; and sixth graders wear white to show their school and class spirit. Events in the Olympiad include such fun and friendly competitive opportunities as the Blanket Race, Basketball Race, Shoe Race, Hula Hoop Race, Balloon Pop, and Tug of War. This year, the eighth graders dominated the competition for the Olympiad championship.

Finally, and most importantly, our BJH community showed their true school spirit as they rallied around the passage of the Proposition 1 No Tax Increase Bond Issue to help improve and expand the physical structure of BJH.

Without the support of our students, whose school spirit led them to encourage their parents to be actively involved in the civic and voting process, BJH would continue into the future with overcrowding issues and aging facilities. Instead, due to their spirit and dedication, the future of the BJH building looks very bright. Our students have shown time and time again that they bleed green and gold and have true school spirit. It is a great time to be a Bayless Broncho.

Bayless Junior High

BHS is proud to honor and recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Arthur J. Wilde. Mr. Wilde was recently presented an award from the St. Louis Section of the American Chemical Society. On April 15, 2019, Mr. Wilde received the 2019 High School Teaching Excellence Award. He was the only secondary teacher in the St. Louis metropolitan area to receive this honor/distinction.

The awards program said the following about Mr. Wilde:

“Mr. Arthur Wilde has taught at Bayless High School in St. Louis since 2011. He has received several awards for innovative teaching techniques in his chemistry classes, including the Bayless High School Teacher of the Year Award. He has continually found ways to make

chemistry approachable, relatable, fun, and a memorable subject to his diverse group of students through real-world applications. Mr. Wilde has incorporated new technologies and techniques into his classroom and is always looking toward the horizon to see what authentic tools and lessons he can incorporate into his learning environment. He is currently working on his Ed.D. through the University of Missouri – St. Louis and continues to find ways to enhance his teaching in and outside the classroom.”

Bayless High School is proud to have the Regional Chemistry Teacher of the Year right here at our home. Mr. Wilde has a passion for what he teaches and a spirit of excellence surrounds him in and outside the classroom.

Mr. Wilde Brings Passion and Spirit to Chemistry

Bronze Award Team: Grace Driskell, Kayden Farris, Kaylin Green, Ja’Nyia Nunley, Ramsay Jameson

(Leader Lindsay Markus), Beatrice Chatfield, Maya Morris, Ashling Peery, Hannah Schumacher and

Sarah Slovensky (Leader Kristina Morris)Mr. Wilde honored for the

2019 High School Teaching Excellence Award

Miss Kathy and Miss Kathleen show their “Nautical Spirit”

Itty Bitty Broncho Spirit

When the days become longer and weather warms up, Itty Bitty Bronchos come alive with spirit. To increase the

excitement of the end of the year, Bayless ECC celebrates the final days

of school with an ABC Countdown. Each day a new spirit theme is

celebrated as we countdown from Action Heroes to

Zoom into Summer.

aut ical

day

Bayless Early Childhood

G

N

Joe Broncho visits the Purple Room and is greeted with a big hug from the whole class.

lunch outside day

uest

V is itor

day

Girl Scouts Earn Bronze Award by

Empowering Students and

Staff

Girl Scouts Troop #2218 (4th grade) and Troop #503 (5th grade) teamed up to earn their Bronze award. This is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. After completing an all-day workshop of activities to learn about stereotypes, building self-esteem, and learning how to empower themselves with positivity, the girls decided on a project to encourage students and adults in the elementary school to use kind words.

The Girl Scout team met after school on two occasions to plan and carry out their project. The Girl Scouts listed positive words and phrases, cut them out of

vinyl, and stuck them on the mirrors in every student and staff bathroom in BES. As a way to involve the entire student body and spread the word about their positivity, the Girl Scout team created a lesson to teach students about how stereotypes may hurt the feelings of other people and to help others empower themselves by spreading positive vibes. The Girl Scouts team-taught with their “Blended Family” teachers on our last family meeting this school year to share this message. As a National School of Character, we are proud of our students’ commitment to service and model good “spirit” at BES.

Pictured are BJH seventh graders showing their spirit at the Olympiad. Pictured front row left to right: Ava Eckhard and Ava Messmer.

Second row: Nerma Hrsic and Ajla Hodzic. Third row: Zerina Mesanovic and Minela Topalovic. Fourth row: Marian Al-Senari.

Fifth row: Delores Poindexter and Brandy Vaughn

Page 6 - Summer 2019 Page 7 - Summer 2019

Families from the Orange Room enjoy a picnic lunch together for “lunch outside day.”

What do warm weather, great conversation, and transformative learning have to do with each other? Those are all things that a team of Bayless teacher leaders had plenty of at the National Network of State Teachers of the Year Adult Learning and Leadership Academy in Orlando, Florida. In February, Anna Barton, Tiffany Maloney, Karen Ridge, Amy Ruzicka, Chel’Lee Whitten, and Nathan Williams proudly represented Bayless on a national stage with a team of State Teachers of the Year from Wisconsin, Louisiana, Florida, Virginia, and Missouri. This was nearly one year after Bayless was among 27 teams selected nationwide to attend the Teach to Lead Summit in Nashville to help launch the district’s first formal teacher leadership program.

During the three-day Academy, the Bayless team identified their own leadership goals and learned how to share their expertise with peers to positively impact student performance. In addition to sharpening their facilitation skills through the lens of adult learning theory, the team discovered that Bayless’ innovative system-wide approach to teacher leadership is more the

GROWING GREAT LEADERS“Throughout the weekend, we collaborated with highly trained educators from around the country in a concerted effort to become better leaders. Gaining skills to spread that knowledge throughout our own district was very impactful. It provided insight into how to better lead others in my role as a curriculum chair.” --Chel’Lee Whitten, Reading Curriculum Chair

“This is what school leadership should look like: experts at all levels, from the classrooms to the district office, working collaboratively with student achievement and well-being at the heart of every idea and decision.” --Chris Holmes, 2015 Missouri Teacher of the Year and Academy facilitator

“The academy challenged me to explore my leadership strengths and areas for growth. Through conversation, collaboration, and reflection with other teacher leaders, I was also able to reach a deeper understanding of what it means to lead an effective team and foster positive change. I gained many valuable tools that I have been able to use to more effectively communicate with my team.” --Anna Barton, 6-12 ELA Curriculum Chair

Teacher Leadership Journey - Created by Ms. Amy Ruzicka, Assistant Superintendent

exception than the rule in districts across the country. One of the Academy facilitators, 2015 Missouri Teacher of the Year Chris Holmes, echoed those sentiments: “This is what school leadership should look like: experts at all levels, from the classrooms to the district office, working collaboratively with student achievement and well-being at the heart of every idea and decision.”

“This was a great opportunity to fine tune work we are doing and work we want to do in the future with the insight of amazing professionals.” --Tiffany Maloney, ELL Curriculum Chair

Pictured from left to right is Chel’Lee Whitten, Tiffany Maloney, Anna Barton, Amy Ruzicka, Karen Ridge, and

Nathan Williams.

Academy facilitator Daniele Massey asks participants to toss a ball of yarn to one another to symbolize connections made

during the weekend.Page 8 - Summer 2019 Page 9 - Summer 2019

What you do has far greater impact than what you say. - Stephen Covey, Author & Educator

Page 10 - March 2019 Page 11-March 2019

Anna Wear Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noura Alhachami

Frieda Wohlschlaeger Scholarship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacob Dean

Lillian/James Newsom Memorial Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Timothy Nguyen

Vivian “Delores” (Hearst) Markus ‘47 Scholarship . . . . . . . . . .Ty Woodard

Stuckel Family Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avdo Sahbaz

Sally Wear ‘58 Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ayssa Dorsel

Affton Chamber of Commerce Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellen Tran

American Red Cross Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amra Mehmedi

BEA Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Gaffney

B.E.S.T. Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senna Horak

Jerry Garrett Memorial Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vladimir Duka

Southern Commerical Bank Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lucas Brooks

Scouts-BSA - Eagle Scout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alexander Elmore and Joseph Emery

Mel Carnahan Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lucas Brooks

Keener School Spirit Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derrick Hagens and Tayler Hale

VICC Excellence Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Derrick Hagens

Harry S Truman Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amra Mehmedi

MSHSAA Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ryan Gaffney andTayler Hale

Four Year Perfect Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amra Mehmedi and Amir Nuhanovic

Outstanding Senior Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amra Mehmedi

Congratulations to the Class of 2019Alumni Association Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellen Tran and Thang Vay

Pat (Stech) Blassie Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amra Mehmedi

Dellbringge Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senna HorakEirich Brother Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vladimir Duka

Kaysy’s Kids Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellen Tran

Kerley Family Scholarship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lucas Brooks

Uthoff Scholarship. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dat Pho

George Washington Carver AwardNoura Alhachami Lucas Brooks

Alyssa Dorsel Vladimir DukaAmra Mehmedi Nermina Murgic

Timothy Nguyen Eldin PindzoAvdo Sahbaz Ellen TranThang Vay Ty Woodard

Page 10 - Summer 2019 Page 11 - Summer 2019

Class of 2019 Statistics 120 Graduates 33% Attending a 4 year college 41% Attending a 2 year college 5% Enlisting in the military 21% Entering the workforce or undecided

$1,499,640 in scholarships and institution aid (A+ included)

We are currently working on the next alumni newsletter. It is sent to all alumni for whom

we have addresses and/or emails. The newsletter will be mailed near the beginning of September 2019. Parents, if your son/daughter is an alumni of Bayless and is not receiving information from the Alumni Assoc., it is because we do not have his/her current information in our data base. Please contact Sally Wear, Alumni President, at swear@bayless.k12.mo.us.

Page 12-Summer 2019 Page 13-Summer 2019

Alumni Association

Our annual Bayless Alumni Association

Oktoberfest Picnic will be held on

Sunday, Oct. 6th, 2019, at the Crestwood Elks

on Bauer Road from noon until 5 PM. At this

event, Athletic Hall of Fame Awards are presented

to Bayless Alumni who have excelled in any sport

during their high school years. If you would like

to nominate someone, please contact Sally Wear at

swear@bayless.k12.mo.us or 314-256-8617. Please

note that nominees must have graduated from

Bayless High School more than 10 years ago (prior

to 2009). This is our fifth year of honoring our Hall

of Fame recipients. Each recipient receives a plaque

with their picture and athletic details. Plaques are

hung on the Athletic “Wall of Fame” located at the

entrance of the high school gymnasium.

1968 BHS Student Assembly

ALUMNI - Do you have special announcement or an update about your life? Send us your good news, and we will share it in the next issue. Examples: wedding, engagement, anniversary, birth announcements or retirement. Please send pictures or information via email to Sally Wear at swear@bayless.k12.mo.us or mail to Bayless Central Office, Attn: Sally Wear ’58, 4530 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123, 314-256-8617.

1935 - Pep Club 1946 - Pep Club

1976 - Spirit Week

CODE OF ETHICS(Taken from the Oracle Yearbook 1968)

Bayless provides for the reception and courtesy to our guests and

Respects the rights of students and spectators of the opposing school.

Officials’ decisions give order to the game and deserve support.

Never losing pride in our school and our team.

Cheerleaders build spirit in the game and promote sportsmanship by

Helping to bring us victory, cheering enthusiastically.

Our fans are modest in victory, and gracious in defeat because

School spirit means...good sports.1955 - Pep Club

1987 - Seniors making their entrance

1993 - Seniors winthe Spirit Jug

2000 - Freshman class experience their first Mock Olympics

2011 - Seniors win the Spirit Jug

2018 - Juniors celebrating their win

Bayless

Spirit through

the YearsBayless

Spirit through

the Years

Page 10-March 2019Page 14-Summer 2019

2019 Recognition Dinner

Doug HarnessTeacher of the Year 2010

Kelly KlockeTeacher of the Year 2011 Amy Ruzicka

Teacher of the Year 2013

Anna BartonTeacher of the Year 2016

Terry BrunsVolunteerof the Year

Courtney DuffyRising Star

Award

Sarah ReevesBronchoAward

Fadil HamidovicStaff Person of the Year

Robert Eckhardt (25 years), Linda Romero (16 years), and Mary Ann Waeltermann (13 years)

BES strikes a pose for the camera.

Celebrating 15 years at Bayless! From left to right: John Conway, Elizabeth Bentrup, Gina McCullough,

Michael Hawkins and Patrick McDowell

Congratulations on your retirement from Bayless School District

Page 15 - Summer 2019

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDSt. Louis, Missouri

Permit No. 3292

Bayless Schools, 4530 Weber Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63123 p. 314.256.8600 * f. 314.544.6315

Where’s Joe Broncho? In the last issue of Bayless, Joe Broncho was found on page nine in the first picture on the Kindergarten Information Night flyer.

He was also found standing at the top of the pyramid on page ten. Can you locate Joe Broncho in this issue? Besides the one on the back cover and page 6 (Joe Broncho pictured with ECC students), Joe appears two more times in this issue.

Thank you Bayless Community

for supportingProposition 1