Sappington Elementary School in St. Louis, Missouri, has embraced change as a way of life. To an outsider, an on-going construction project in which the original school building was razed and an impressive addition erected may seem to be the obvious change, but, to an insider, a more important transformation has been taking place over the last five years. First grade teacher Kaye Rueschhoff, a nine-year Sappington veteran and former coordinator of its Character Education Team, notes that “school culture has changed.” She reflects, “Our approach to character education has evolved too, from a teacher-led focus to one that relies on student input.” As one who well knows the territory, Rueschhoff can give multiple examples of student leadership, such as students in the upper grades overseeing the daily school broadcast and her little ones suggesting household chores to support the school’s Adopt a Family drive.
Read more about Sappington in the 2008 NSOC book: “Soaring with Service
at Sappington”
Signature Practices
Lesson Plan: Unique Monique: Building a Community of Unique Individuals
The purpose of the lesson is to build a caring community within a classroom.
Promising Practice: A Family Night of Shared Fun
An evening event promotes a sense of caring by building relationships among community members.
Promising Practice: Cool Down Around Sappingtontown
Through student and teacher team leadership meetings, class meetings and presentations to parent groups the conflict resolution program, Cool Down Around Sappingtontown was created and approved. These positive life skills taught and practiced with the program will help strengthen the character in all of the students.
Contact Information
Mary Sue HoganPrincipal
11011 Gravois Road St. Louis, Missouri
Phone: 314-729-2400, ext 6400
Email: mhogan@lindberghschools.ws
Website: www.lindbergh.k12.mo.us