Lindbergh Schools

Truman Students Cruise into Spring With Island-Hopper Games

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:02:47 -0600

Dressed in Hawaiian shirts and leis, “cruise directors” Beth Siegfried and William Loos led their physical education students on a three-day vacation’s worth of summer fun at Truman Elementary School earlier this month.

Truman students enjoyed badminton, shuffle board, bowling, rock climbing and putt-putt golf, all in the comfort of their school gymnasiums. The kids wore sunglasses, shorts and bright island colors, and had fun rotating through stations like the shark pit, Wii bowling, and volleyball as well.

Former Fire Chief Speaks to Sperreng Students

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:01:26 -0600

Sperreng students had a chance to meet former St. Louis City fire chief Sherman George on Feb. 26 and listen to him speak. In all, about 80 Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) students were invited to the event. George’s speaking engagement was hosted by VICC’s “I Choose Success” program, which is designed for sixth-graders to help them transition from elementary school to middle school.

“‘I Choose Success’ gives the students a history of positive things that have happened to get them where they are today,” said Ida Grider, sixth grade counselor. “It helps them appreciate why we are here, and not take it for granted.”

Grider uses curriculum from “I Choose Success” with all of her students, because it incorporates many of Lindbergh’s character traits. She talks to them about valuing those traits at every level – middle school, high school, college and beyond.

“I tell my students, you never throw out your character traits – that is forever,” she said.

The students at George’s visit had a chance to talk with him about black history and ask questions about his job.

Pi Day Champion Wins (Appropriately) Free Pizza from Pi

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:28:47 -0600

Lindbergh seventh-grader Sam Stephens won this year’s Pi Day competition at Lindbergh High School, for reciting 281 digits of pi by memory. Pi starts with the numbers 3.14, but it has an infinite number of digits after the decimal. It is equal to the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.

Sam won a $25 gift certificate to Pi Pizza Restaurant for his accomplishment, and also received a glass with the pi digits etched on it. Honorable mention winners included ninth-graders Becky Bavlsik – 241 digits, Stephanie Fei – 217 digits, and Tiffany Lee – 105 digits.

Pi Day is March 14, but LHS celebrated Friday, March 12.

LHS Students Raise $2,000 for Haiti Relief

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:27:48 -0600

Students at Lindbergh High School organized a variety of events in February to raise $2,000 for Haiti Earthquake relief. In addition to soliciting donations from students and parents, they also held a doughnut drive, sold suckers at lunch, held a book drive and sold T-shirts.

The fund-raisers were led by students in Mr. Bryan Cintel’s, Mrs. Susan Hill’s, and Ms. Sarah Pincus’ classes.

Lindbergh Musical Groups Excel at State Festival

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:20:57 -0600

Sperreng Middle School’s seventh-grade orchestra students scored
overall superior ratings during the Missouri State High School Activities
Association State Large Group festival.

Congratulations to several Lindbergh High School and Sperreng Middle School musical groups who gave award-winning performances at home last week during the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Large Group festival, which was held at Lindbergh.
Each group is judged by four state-certified judges, using a five level achievement scoring guide: "I" Superior, "II" Excellent, "III" Good, "IV" Fair, "V" Weak.

Lindbergh High School winners during last week’s competition include:

LHS Women’s Choir and LHS A Capella Choir – received straight “I” superior ratings from all three state judges, plus an “I” in sight reading. This amazing accomplishment is a first for the Lindbergh Schools choral program, which is directed by Laura Swearingen and Connie Mulch.
LHS Chamber Orchestra: "I" superior rating. Angela Dunsford, director.
LHS Symphony Orchestra: "I" superior rating. Sue Rola, director.

Sperreng Middle School winners:

Congratulations to James Hutson and the Sperreng Middle School vocal students!

6th Grade Choir – “I” superior rating
7th Grade Choir – “I” superior rating
8th Grade Women’s Choir – “I” superior rating
8th Grade Concert Choir – “II” excellent rating

Congratulations to Michelle Howard and the Sperreng Middle School orchestra students!

6th Grade Orchestra – “II” excellent rating
7th Grade Orchestra – “I” overall superior rating
8th Grade Orchestra – “I” overall superior rating

Sperreng Middle School’s eighth-grade orchestra students scored
overall superior ratings during the Missouri State High School Activities
Association State Large Group festival.

Sperreng Middle School’s eighth-grade concert choir prepares to perform. The group
scored an “excellent” rating at last week’s music festival.

Sperreng Middle School’s sixth-grade orchestra students scored
an excellent rating during the Missouri State High School Activities
Association State Large Group festival.

Lindbergh Board Approves Purchase of Bonds to Complete Prop R 2008

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:34:25 -0600

Bond issue, approved by voters, will reduce middle school overcrowding

The Lindbergh Schools Board of Education approved the purchase of two bond series Tuesday, totaling $13.8 million, that will be used to complete Prop R 2008 projects. The bonds were sold in a competitive, open sale, which will save taxpayers more than $2 million. Prop R 2008 funding is designated specifically for capital improvements and cannot be used toward operating expenses, such as programs or personnel.

The first series includes $4,835,000 in capital appreciation bonds, which do not require any payments on interest or principal until the bonds come due. These bonds were chosen to keep Lindbergh’s tax levy down as much as possible.

The second series, Build America Bonds, are available through federal stimulus funding that is available to schools nationwide. The winning bid was 5.5 percent on the taxable bonds. While that may seem high, the government gives back a 35 percent subsidy on the interest rate, so Lindbergh’s actual rate will be closer to 3.7 percent.

Lindbergh is one of only a handful of districts in the United States to earn the Moody’s Aa2 bond rating, which is the best a school district can achieve. That rating, which has been bolstered by maintaining a strong reserve fund, keeps interest rates lower and saves taxpayers money.

“Currently because of the economic crisis, there is about a 1.5 percent difference in interest rates between our Aa2 rating and a lower rating,” said Pat Lanane, assistant superintendent for finance. “It is by board financial planning that we achieve these goals – not just happenstance or luck.”

Prop R 2008 is a $31 million bond issue that will reduce overcrowding in the Lindbergh district and create a second neighborhood middle school.

LHS Summer School Enrollment Begins April 5

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:29 -0600

Lindbergh High School’s summer school enrollment begins April 5 for students entering grades 9-12. The program will run June 14-July 22, with a condensed schedule June 14-July 1.

Please click here to read the Q&A for more information.

LHS Summer School Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does summer school start?
A: Summer school runs Monday-Thursday, June 14-July 22, with a condensed schedule June 14-July 1. Click on the calendar above for more details and class times. Summer school will not be in session on Fridays, or on Monday, July 5.

Q: How do I apply?
A: Classes fill quickly, so students are encouraged to apply beginning at 7 a.m. April 5.

Lindbergh students can fill out the enrollment form (above) and turn it in to their guidance office (at Sperreng or LHS) beginning at 7 a.m. April 5. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Residents who do not attend Lindbergh, please contact Pauline Gilbers at 314-729-2410 to schedule an appointment to pick up your enrollment packet. A principal or counselor signature is required on the enrollment form.
Non-resident students also should contact Pauline Gilbers to make an appointment to pick up an enrollment packet. Non-resident tuition is $250 per course.

Q: Who can attend?
A: Summer school is open to any student entering grades 9-12 who lives in the Lindbergh district. Non-resident students may enroll for a fee if space is available. Current high school students will be given priority during the first week of registration, and Lindbergh students will be given priority over non-Lindbergh students.

Q: How much do courses cost?
A: Summer school is free to Lindbergh students and residents who live in the Lindbergh district, with one exception: The street driving portion of Driver’s Education costs $175. (Please make checks payable to Lindbergh School District).
Non-residents will be charged $250 per course, with tuition due upon registration. (Please make checks payable to Lindbergh School District).

Q: How many classes can I take?
A: Students can take up to two classes during summer school. Students may not take a six-week and condensed course at the same time, however.

Q: Can I take core classes for extra credit?
A: No. Students can only take core classes for remedial credit. Elective classes can be taken for enrichment or additional credit – please see the course descriptions in the Summer School Brochure for more information. Summer school offers students an opportunity to recover needed credits for graduation and take courses that may be difficult to fit in during the regular school year.

Q: What classes are open to ninth-graders?
A: Incoming freshmen can take a limited offering of courses, including Arts and Crafts, Independent Living, Personal Fitness Concepts, Health, Driver’s Education 1 and Driver’s Education 2.

Q: When will I find out my schedule?
A: Once students have enrolled, preliminary schedules will be mailed by June 1. Final schedules will be distributed on the first day of summer school, June 14, outside of room 59. Students will be notified by letter if they do not get into a class due to cancellation or a class being full.

Lindbergh Budget Update 3-11-10

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:17:48 -0600

The Lindbergh Schools Board of Education approved $4.7 million in extensive budget reductions Tuesday that touch every corner of the district. The people we work with and the programs we value will change, and the Lindbergh community will need time to heal. During this process it is important to remember that our goal remains the same. We must continue working together to maintain district strength even in these difficult times.

Below are answers to questions our employees and community are asking about the budget reductions.

Click here to read more about the board’s vote on Tuesday.

Q: How many jobs will be cut as a result of budget reductions?
A: The board’s cuts include 60 positions, including 45 teaching positions, and affect every building in the district. Of those, 29 positions will be cut through attrition, and 31 through release of current employees. Employees whose positions have been eliminated will be able to work through the end of the school year, or the end of their contract.

Q: What is the district doing to assist employees whose jobs have been eliminated?
A: Lindbergh is committed to supporting all of its employees, including those affected by the recent reductions. We want to help our employees find work and will offer:

Resume and cover letter session on March 22, 23
Two days of special leave granted for job fair attendance
Guaranteed interviews for any openings in 2011-12 if there are no internal transfers
In addition, the district will send employees’ names to area school districts with an explanation of why positions were released, administrators will work with association contacts to identify possible job openings in the area, and teachers will be able to sign up for Lindbergh’s sub list.

Q: Will the board make any additional cuts not on the recommendations list?
A: The board will not make any additional cuts to personnel this year. However, the state of Missouri recently announced $1 billion in budget shortfalls, so the board will continue to keep a close eye on district revenues, especially those from the state. If revenues continue to decline and the district is unable to pass a tax levy, there may be more reductions in the future.

Q: How many jobs could be saved if employees agree to a pay freeze?
A: The number of teachers who would be rehired is dependent on the salary amount that results from negotiations.

Q: Will employees and administrators be asked to take a pay cut?
A: No, there will not be a pay cut. The amount of any potential raise will be determined based on the outcome of negotiations between the board and LNEA teachers. All employees, including administrators, will receive the same increase as teachers.

Q: Why is the district cutting employees but building new facilities at LHS and Concord School?
A: District residents overwhelmingly passed a Prop R bond issue in November 2008 to fund construction of Concord Elementary School and a new Lindbergh Early Childhood Education building. Those bonds are specifically designated for construction and building projects, and they cannot be used to pay for jobs or programs. The ultimate result of this bond issue will be to reduce overcrowding at Sperreng Middle School and create a second neighborhood middle school at Truman.

Q: Why has the target reduction number changed from $3.9 million to $4.7 million since January?
A: The target for budget reductions is flexible and could continue to grow. We anticipate an additional 2 percent cut in state revenue, which has not been figured into the target. Here is how the original $3.9 million value was reached:

$2,278,365                     original target with no raise in compensation (this number is
                                     actually $5,278,365, but board approved use of $3 million in reserves.

$1,117,400                     amount added for 2% salary compensation
$195,000                        insurance costs
$86,588                          educational movement compensation
$230,900                        teacher longevity step movement
$5,773                           anticipated National Board Certified Teacher compensation

$3,914,526 original budget reduction target

Since then, the district’s revenue has continued to decrease by:

$801,711                        change in estimated interest earnings

$4,716,237                     adjusted budget reduction target

Additional state revenue cuts are expected, but the amount is unknown at this time.

Q: How much will be cut in Central Office and administration?
A: The reductions approved by the board will cut about $1 million from District Administration alone. In addition, Lindbergh is very lean in terms of administrative staffing. The latest Cooperating School Districts comparison ranks Lindbergh as having the third leanest ratio of administrators to students (251:1, just behind Mehlville at 285:1). Most school districts comparable in size to Lindbergh have four assistant superintendents, in addition to a Chief Financial Officer. Lindbergh has three, including the CFO.

Q: When will the district put a tax levy on the ballot?
A: Lindbergh has not had a tax levy since 1993. This spring, the board has given administration the go-ahead to conduct a professional telephone survey to determine if Lindbergh has enough community support to pass a tax levy in November. If the election is not feasible, or a levy fails to pass, administrators will recommend that the board ration current reserves to last as long as possible.

Click here for additional budget questions and answers.

Board Approves Plan to Cut $4.7 million in 2010-11

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:14:39 -0600

The Lindbergh Schools Board of Education voted Tuesday to approve a plan that will reduce programs and personnel expenses by more than $4.7 million in 2010-11 and eliminate 60 teaching, staff and administrative positions. Of those positions, 29 will remain unfilled next year through attrition, and 31 through release of current employees. The cuts are in response to a drastic decline in district revenue and in preparation for additional cuts at the state level.

“This is not just a bump in the road for Lindbergh Schools,” said Pat Lanane, assistant superintendent of finance. “We are incredibly fortunate to have a strong community of teachers and staff who remain dedicated to our students, but today is a sad day that will change the face of this district.”

Since 2007-08, Lindbergh has lost more than $14 million in cumulative revenue, primarily from decreases in:

Property tax. Lindbergh Schools has the lowest operating tax rate in St. Louis County, at $2.75. (Ladue is the only other district with a $2.75 rate).
Sales tax.
State funding. Gov. Jay Nixon recently reported that state budget revenues were overestimated by $1 billion, which will likely mean major reductions for state programs. 6.93 percent of Lindbergh’s revenue comes from the state.
VICC (Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation). Lindbergh has been following a plan to continue phasing out this program over the next six years. However, as VICC compensation and enrollment decreases, in-district enrollment continues to rise.

Cuts approved Tuesday will help restore deficit spending to negative $3 million per year, which is covered by the district’s reserves, but the board is hopeful the community will support a tax levy in November to secure quality education and restore a balanced budget.

“What makes today so difficult is that we are the ones who approved the hiring of many of these people, because they are good employees and we needed them to support our students,” said Ken Fey, board president and longtime board member. “Today we are changing the district. I don’t believe our schools will function the way they did a month ago or even a year ago, and that’s just a fact. We’ve often sat in these meetings and said ‘It’s a great day to be a Flyer.’ Today, it’s a sad day to be a Flyer.”

Lindbergh began evaluating the budget in January with the help of eight subcommittees, which included employees, parents, community members and administrators. The groups combed through expenses item by item, assigning weights to individual suggestions to protect student achievement and education as much as possible. The list of 161 cuts approved Tuesday will assist the board as it begins budget planning for next year.

LHS Reception at Hangar Art Gallery this Friday

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:53:32 -0600

The Hangar will host a reception for Lindbergh High School artists from 5-7 p.m. this Friday, March 12.

This month’s display features drawings, paintings, and ceramics. In addition, senior art student John Beckman is showing original work from his portfolio, including the picture above, wonderful oil pastel portraits and more.

Regular gallery hours are 4-6 p.m. Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. Fridays, and 1-6 p.m. Saturdays.
The Hangar will be closed March 13-16 for spring break.

St. Louis Magazine
Pick up this month’s St. Louis Magazine, and be sure to check out pages 72-73 for a photo and article about the Hangar!

Lindbergh Bands All Score Superior at State Festival

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:18:40 -0600

The Lindbergh Band Program created history at the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Band Festival in March when all six Lindbergh bands received all “I” Superior ratings, from all of the judges. Lindbergh is the only district to receive superior ratings for middle and high school, from all six state judges. Thirty-three bands performed at the festival in all.
Congratulations to these Lindbergh bands and their directors:

Sperreng 7th Grade Band and SPERRENG 8th Grade Band, DIRECTORS: Brian Wyss, David Wyss, Dan Arana, Jeremy McMahon, Chelsea Silvermintz
LHS Freshman Band, DIRECTORS: Chelsea Silvermintz, Jeremy McMahon, Dan Arana
LHS Concert Band, DIRECTORS: David Wyss, Chelsea Silvermintz, Dan Arana
LHS Symphonic Band, DIRECTORS: Bob Spiegelman, Dan Arana

PEGS Students Win Metro Poetry Contest

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:17:29 -0600

Sperreng Middle School students Joy Mersmann and Rick Lewis are two of 15 winners throughout St. Louis in the Metro Arts in Transit, Poetry in Motion contest. Their poems will be reproduced on posters that will be displayed on MetroLink trains and buses for up to one year. Both winners also received a $50 award and will be invited to read their poem at a Reading Ceremony May 20, at the Regional Arts Commission.

Click here to read both winning poems.

LHS Future Business Leaders Succeed at District Competition

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:16:47 -0600

A total of 11 Lindbergh High School FBLA students were recognized at the District 9 Leadership Conference Feb. 18, at South County Tech High School. Four of these students will move on to the State Leadership Conference April 19-20 in Columbia, Mo., including Tim Delabar - 1st Place, Business Law; Mike Finklang - 1st Place, Intro. to Technology Concepts; Jana Wayne - 1st Place, Intro to Business Communications; Sarah Eisenreich - 2nd Place, Business Calculations.
Students who earned honorable mentions include Joe Niebling, Megan Johnson, Kaitlyn Boehm, Adam Frigerio, Max Gurley, Mike Glover and Zachary Nelson.

LHS Science Olympians Score Big at Regional Competition

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:15:52 -0600

Congratulations to the Lindbergh High School Science Olympiad team, which placed in the top four of 13 events, and earned 25 ribbons at the regional competition Feb. 20. The team placed third overall, out of 12 local schools. Students on the team also were awarded a partial scholarship to Lindenwood University for 2010-2014 academic years. They will advance to state competition on March 17. The team is sponsored by Melissa Di Fiori and Maria Raymond.

Truman Reading Posters Win Top Prizes

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:14:41 -0600

Congratulations to Truman Elementary School fourth-graders Sydney Marino and Julian Cintel, whose reading posters won first and second place, respectively, in the St. Louis Suburban International Reading Association poster contest. Sydney’s poster featured a map of the world and Julian’s was a baseball theme. They will both advance to the state competition.

Senior Michael Herbig Earns Mizzou Caddy Scholarship

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:12:27 -0600

Congratulations to Lindbergh High School senior Michael Herbig, who has been awarded the Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship to the University of Missouri-Columbia, beginning with the fall 2010 term. Herbig was nominated for the full scholarship by Sunset Country Club, where he has worked as a caddy for four years. This prestigious honor may be renewed up to four years based on GPA, leadership and fellowship; and covers tuition and housing.

WWII Reenactors Set Up Camp at LHS

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:08:43 -0600

One of the 2nd Rangers Infantry Battalion –D of St. Louis shows LHS
students what a soldier’s backpack would have included during WWII.

When the 2nd Rangers Infantry Battalion -D of St. Louis spoke to history classes at Lindbergh High School March 5, they brought with them examples of equipment soldiers used to defend the United States during World War II. The helmets, vests, uniforms, weapons and rations stamps clearly looked like relics of the past. However, as the organization’s leader Dave Lavely pointed out, the character of American soldiers is one thing that hasn’t changed over the years.

“How many of you know someone in your family who fought in World War II?” Lavely asked the first group of students that morning. “If you have a grandpa, or maybe a great uncle who served in the war, I want you to go home and give him a hug. You’re lucky to have him here today.”

The 2nd Rangers were among the troops that participated in D-Day on the beaches of Normandy. Lavely and his fellow reenactors passed out a copy of the orders soldiers received the night before that invasion. Overall, they emphasized the respect that is due to anyone, young or old, who serves our country.

Members of the 2nd Rangers Infantry Battalion –D of St. Louis also brought
two vehicles to LHS as part of their history presentation March 5.

Ninth-grader Kierre Johnson tries on a backpack full of gear, with the help of
a member of the 2nd Rangers Infantry Battalion –D of St. Louis.

Budget Update 3-8-2010: Board Will Meet Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:59:11 -0600

The Lindbergh Schools Board of Education will meet Tuesday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. to vote on a budget plan for 2010-11. The meeting will take place in the Anne Morrow Lindbergh Room at the high school. (Note: Executive session will also take place in Lindbergh Room at 6:30 p.m., so room will not open to the public until 7:30 p.m.)

Tuesday’s meeting follows two open workshops on Feb. 27 and March 6, where board members reviewed a list of 161 recommended budget alternatives, totaling approximately $4.7 million in reductions. The list, which was created by eight subcommittees, includes 44 potential staff reductions.

Tomorrow night’s vote would be to use the recommendations list as a budget planning tool, as the district plans for the 2010-11 school year. Please continue to visit this page for additional updates.

LHS Students Selected to Attend Wash U Health Fair

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:42:53 -0600

Ten students in the Lindbergh High School Human Anatomy and Physiology class were selected to attend the Washington University Medical School Health Professions Fair Feb. 9. Lindbergh was one of only 16 area schools selected to participate in the program, where they learned about various health care profession opportunities available at the university.

Families Fill Up on Green Eggs, Ham to Celebrate Seuss Birthday

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:41:22 -0600

LECE families and students were treated to a breakfast of green eggs and ham on March 2 in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Not only did they have “Green Eggs and Ham,” but students also were surprised by the Cat in the Hat himself, who visited while the families ate.

Parents and grandparents arrived early in the morning to enjoy breakfast at the school, to kick off a month of fun, books, art projects, songs and games in March recognizing the works of Dr. Seuss.