
Happy Thanksgiving, Northwest Lion Nation!


On Thanksgiving Eve, with our eyes shining bright,
We pause to give thanks for this year’s sight.
Through plans and effort, the machines have been moving
In real time seeing our schools are improving.
The bond issue projects are coming together
In spite of sometimes uncooperating weather.
So here is an update on what we’ve got going,
Let’s get as much done before it starts snowing.
At High Ridge Elementary, with entries secure,
A welcoming place, so strong and sure.
The counters are installed, the lights are aglow
It won’t be long ‘til we’re ready to go.
At House Springs and Maple Grove, there’s laughter and play,
On new playgrounds built for joy each day.
A new, safer entry at Woodridge, so prudent,
Now open and ready for all of our students.
At Northwest High School, what a sight to behold,
An addition to the gym, both strong and bold.
The foundation is laid, the walls are in place,
Our Lions will love their brand new space.
So as the feast begins, let’s give a cheer,
For progress made throughout the year.
Lion Nation united, our bond holds true,
For a brighter tomorrow, built by you.
Thanks to your support of Prop S: Safety and Security for Our Schools bond issue in 2023, we are able to make crucial improvements to enhance safety and security across our district. We truly appreciate your commitment to our schools and students. While we are grateful for the progress we've made this year, we are also deeply thankful for the continued support of our community.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, Northwest Lion Nation!











Thank you to @northwest.stuco for hosting students from across the district at Special Day today at Northwest High School! Everyone had a rollicking good time with smiles and laughter all around!











Congratulations are in order for Woodridge Middle School music teacher Nate Boxdorfer, on their recognition at the November 2024 Northwest R-I Board of Education meeting as an #Emerson 2024 Excellence in Teaching Awards honoree! Mr. Boxdorfer joins over 100 educators across the St. Louis area who are examples of exceptional dedication to students.


Today, we celebrate our substitute teachers! Your dedication and flexibility ensure our students continue to learn and grow. We thank you, and appreciate all you do for the students and staff of Northwest Lion Nation!


Northwest Administrative Center staff members Lisa Barnhart and Michelle Adams were recognized at the November 2024 Board of Education meeting this evening for their professional development achievements. Ms. Barnhart recently completed the first phase of the School Board Secretary Academy from the Missouri School Board Association and Ms. Adams graduated from the School Business Certification program.



Northwest employees are proud to continue their philanthropic endeavor, “The Northwest Way.” Employees have the opportunity to participate by donating a payroll deduction at an amount they select. This month’s recipient of The Northwest Way donation is Ladies of Charity.


Members of the Northwest Administrative Center staff, administrators, and Board of Education members volunteered at each of our schools today to help serve the annual Thanksgiving Lunch!
A big shout out goes to our Food Service staff for the work they do day in and day out, feeding our students and staff. We are thankful for you!











Our #SupportStaffSuperstar for this week is Murphy Elementary School lunchroom and playground aide Kelly Vickery! "From the moment Ms. Kelly walks into the building until the end of the school day, you can always count on her to have the warmest smile on her face!" said Gretchen Gorgal, MES principal. Congratulations, Ms. Kelly, and thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and families at Murphy!


Northwest High School physical education teacher Kristi Lee is this week's #TeacherProudTuesday honoree!
Dr. Stella Viehland, principal at NHS, said of Coach Lee, "She challenges her students’ fitness levels with every lesson and often participates right alongside her students- even running the pacer!"
Congratulations, Coach Lee, and thanks for all you do for our students!


We are hiring a part-time food service staff member at House Springs Elementary, substitute teachers, Lion Care before/after school child care staff, custodians, and paraprofessionals to join the Northwest Team!
Visit http://www.northwestschools.net and click the Career Opportunities button to see openings and apply online!


This Tuesday, Nov. 19 is Future Freshman Night at Northwest High School! 8th grade students at Valley and Woodridge Middle Schools will have the chance to meet their principal and visit with teachers who have information about courses, in addition to meeting current NHS students who will be there talking to Future Freshman about their opportunities to be involved in clubs and activities at NHS.
Valley Middle School students should arrive in time for their program that begins at 5:30 p.m. in the NHS Lecture Hall. Woodridge Middle School Students should arrive in time for their program, which starts at 6:15 p.m. , also in the NHS Lecture Hall.
We hope to see you there!


Let's all congratulate High Ridge Elementary paraprofessional Raye Wiedner for being this week's #SupportStaffSuperstar honoree!
"There is nothing Raye can’t or won’t do for HRE! She is a relationship builder for every student. With a smile, a wave or a hug she greets every student with joy," said HRE principal Heidi Mackey.
Thank you for all you do for our students and the HRE community, Ms. Raye!


We are hiring a part-time food service staff member at House Springs Elementary, substitute teachers, Lion Care before/after school child care staff, custodians, and paraprofessionals to join the Northwest Team!
Visit http://www.northwestschools.net and click the Career Opportunities button to see openings and apply online!


Our High Ridge Elementary students were hard at work on new math and science concepts this morning. #LearningIsFun






Congratulations to this week's #TeacherProudTuesday honoree, Valley Middle School coding and Project Lead the Way teacher Janet Kirkpatrick!
Dr. Spencer Storey, principal at Valley Middle, said "Her natural ability to connect with students is a gift that she possesses and helps in each of her classrooms."
Thank you for all you do for the Valley Middle School and Northwest community, Ms. Kirkpatrick!


This morning, House Springs Elementary students and staff lined the halls of the school, thanking our veterans they made their way to the gym for a wonderful program as presented by HSE students. A big thank you goes out to all of our Veterans, not only today, but every day.







Community Volunteer Involvement Requested!
Northwest High School is hosting the Greater St. Louis Speech Association Speech and Debate Invitational Tournament for the first time on November 8th and 9th. In order for this event to be successful, we need judges from the community to manage competitive events. The task is easy, and we provide guidance. We'd love the interaction between our Northwest community and coaches and kids from the St. Louis as well as the Eastern Missouri area in order to show off our fantastic high school! Please consider volunteering an hour or even more to us. We think you'll enjoy the experience. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/726MRRPU3hsRxLSu7


Today is Parents as Teachers Appreciation Day! Thank you for helping our youngest Lions create a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We appreciate you and the work you do for our students and families.


We had a fantastic time at the 19th Kati Fisher Powder Puff Bowl this evening! Thanks to the juniors, seniors, and the Fisher family for another fantastic event in Kati's memory that benefits our seniors.









