Woerther staff work hard to create an inclusive, supportive atmosphere for all. Principal Jane Levy notes, “We are in a time of strong professional growth. Individual teachers are taking responsibility for students, and they have a whole team behind them.” After creating a data self-evaluation wall in one hallway so that they could share what they were doing and hear from all stakeholders— even the youngest students—staff learned that they should communicate even more about goings-on at the school. Woerther has made a determined effort to reduce material rewards. All school employees, including support staff, cafeteria monitors, recess monitors, and bus drivers, are involved in planning and implementation of the character initiative. Every report of bullying or peer cruelty is taken seriously. A special effort is made to include and reach out to the parents of Voluntary Transfer students from inner city St. Louis.
Outreach: During their 2011-12 award year, Woerther staff responded to numerous inquiries from other educators. They also focused on bus driver appreciation, culminating in a video posted on their school and district website and a reduction in bus referrals. “The NSOC award has strengthened our base in character education and in steering us in everything we do. It has reminded us of the importance of moving forward with practices,” said Amanda Ryman.
Signature Practices
Promising Practice: Circle of Concern Birthday Club
As an alternative to bringing in birthday treats, students and staff members at Woerther Elementary School are encouraged to donate gift bags including cake mix, icing tubs and birthday supplies to the Circle of Concern food pantry.
Promising Practice: Character Celebration
Woerther Elementary School’s Character Celebration slips allow students to compliment one another for demonstrating good character.
Promising Practice: Buddy Character Lessons
Older students are role models while younger students learn from their examples. Buddy Character Lessons teach the character expectations of the school such as how to be responsible school citizens and how to treat each other. They provide student representatives public speaking skills and leadership opportunities.
Promising Practice: Project Linus
Project Linus is an organization whose mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
Promising Practice: Kosovo Service-Learning Project
Kindergarten students collect school supplies for children in Kosovo and reflect on their service.
Promising Practice: Character Congress
Students teach their peers about character traits and have a voice in the selection of character activities.
Contact Information
Ms. Amanda RymanSchool Counselor
314 New Ballwin Rd. Ballwin, MO 63021
Phone: 636-207-2674
Email: rymanamanda@rockwood.k12.mo.us
Website: www.rockwood.k12.mo.us/woerther