The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

The following Rockwood high school students have qualified as semi-finalists for the 2018 National Merit Scholarship: 

Alexander Adler - Marquette 
Ganasri Aleti - Marquette 
Mohammed Arif - Lafayette 
Christopher Bakker - Lafayette 
Lauren Bayne - Marquette 
Ashley Bendl - Marquette 
Jacob Besch - Marquette 
Cameron Crews - Rockwood Summit 
Brooke Davis - Marquette 
Kartik Deshpande - Marquette 
Varun Devraj - Marquette 
Alannah Fitzmaurice - Lafayette 
Adeesya Gausper - Lafayette 
Nicole Goodman - Marquette 
Kashish Gupta - Lafayette 
Yijin Huang - Marquette 
Kyle Heard - Marquette 
Natalie Heath - Marquette 
Nathan Humphrey - Rockwood Summit 
Nilay Jakati - Marquette 
Fatou Kane - Rockwood Summit 
Stephen Kneer - Rockwood Summit 
Sanjana Kumar - Lafayette 
Madison Lakamp - Marquette 
Anna Larsen - Rockwood Summit 
Jerry Li - Marquette 
Emily Liu - Lafayette 
Ethan Lumbantobing - Lafayette 
Lucas Martins - Marquette 
Amanda Mittanck - Marquette 
Sujay Murali - Marquette 
Graysen Owenby - Marquette 
Rachel Pang - Marquette 
Amisha Paul - Lafayette 
Jason Schibler - Marquette 
Ashley Shaw - Lafayette 
Luke Stange - Rockwood Summit 
Kyle Tournillon - Marquette 
Anthony Tran - Rockwood Summit 
Elvis Wei - Lafayette 
Muyue Yang - Marquette 
Maxwell Yu - Rockwood Summit 

The organization's website indicates that in early September, about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as semifinalists. To ensure that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, semifinalists are designated on a state-representational basis. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. NMSC provides scholarship application materials to semifinalists through their high schools. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, semifinalists must advance to finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements explained in the information provided to each semifinalist. 

Marquette student Amanda Mittanck is in rare company. 

In the spring, Mittanck learned she got a perfect score on the ACT test. Last month, she learned she also got a perfect score on the SAT. 

"I've always been good at testing," said Mittanck, "but I certainly never expected to get perfect scores. It's very cool. I was very excited. I took a PSAT prep course here at Marquette the summer before my junior year. I also found study materials online, and did practice questions and practice tests." 

Now, Mittanck finds her success is a popular topic in the hallways of Marquette. 

"I hear a lot from my teachers and administrators and my peers," she said. "They're very proud of me, and I appreciate that." 

Marquette Principal Dr. Greg Mathison said Mittanck is deserving of this honor. 

"It is rare to have a student score a perfect 1600 on the SAT but the fact that she also scored a 36 on the ACT last year is remarkable," said Mathison. "Amanda's success will not end at MHS, as I'm sure there are many great things she will do in the future." 

Amanda's mother, Cindy, said, "We admire Amanda for her intellect and for the effort she puts into studying all kinds of topics. She dives in deep and engages herself completely. Overall, we are all just enjoying this moment and looking forward to what her future brings." 

And what does the future hold for Amanda? 

"I have always been interested in hard sciences and engineering," she said. "Chemistry has been one of my favorite subjects, so I was looking into chemistry and chemical engineering. In visiting schools and talking to people and looking at majors, I think materials engineering is more what I'm interested in." 

Rockwood Valley Middle School students hosted special guests for lunch, Friday, Sept. 14. 

"We call it our Heroes Lunch," said Rockwood Valley Middle Principal Dr. Karen Hedrick. "Every year in honor of Sept. 11, we open our doors and welcome every first responder, present and past military service members, and families of our students to join us, so we can say thank you." 

First responders and service members sit at cafeteria tables and eat lunch with students. 

"They sit down and interact with our students," said Hedrick. "These young people are able to connect with community members who are willing to give it all for them." 

Students play a big role in organizing and carrying out the annual event. 

"I talked to a firefighter about how they save lives every single day," said eighth-grade student Joe Jones. "I think it's amazing there are people out there who would do that." 

Sofia Wilson, another eighth-grade student, said, "One of the officers came over and talked to us, and we thanked him for his service." 

"I hope they learn we're grateful for what they do," said eighth-grade student Cecilia Vannoy. 

Rob Gilsinger is a captain with Monarch Fire Protection District. 

"Most importantly, it reminds us we're part of the community," said Capt. Gilsinger. "Students ask us about our jobs and families and things like whether we have any pets. The kids want to know us personally." 

Students in Jennifer Soetaert's fifth-grade class at Uthoff Valley spent time in the school's innovation room recently to solve a challenge using a Lego EV3 robot they constructed.

Split into groups of three, they modified their robots to include an arm that raises and lowers to retrieve ​five small "rocks" using the programmer, or the tablet.

"We had to figure out how to program it," said student Max Duke. "We tried multiple times before we got it right."

Students had to ensure their robot traveled in a straight line to retrieve the blocks and bring the blocks back to where they started.

Soetaert said not only does the activity arm students with innovative techniques, it strengthens students' soft skills, like collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.

"They're rapidly understanding how important it is to work together," said Soetaert, who served as the facilitator. "I set up the framework by giving them the teams, teaching them how to care for the pieces and coming up with the tasks. Then, they work through it on their own pace."

"I felt extremely excited and proud," said student Anna Gianino of her group's achievement. "One person was in charge of the tablet, and we measured for accuracy and timing."

"They learned that they're going to have to change something and try different things in order to get a different result," said Soetaert. "And watching that learning curve happen has been exciting for me."

​ 

Rockwood community members turned out to hear Superintendent Dr. Eric Knost's State-of-the-District presentation, Sept. 26. It took place at Eureka High School. 

"What you're going to hear are some over-arching pieces about how the district is doing," said Knost. "This process is about you helping to create the path forward. Your input really is going to drive that conversation, and we're happy about that." 

District officials introduced The Way Forward, the district's 2020-2025 strategic planning process. Part of that process includes Thoughtexchange, an online portal created for Rockwood community members to share their visions about where Rockwood School District should be heading. 

In Thoughtexchange, participants can choose to participate in District, Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle and High School exchanges. People share thoughts independently and confidentially. Then, participants consider and rate thoughts shared by others. Next, everyone learns what is determined to be important, so progress can be made. 

At the State-of-the-District presentation, participants were instructed how to log into Thoughtexchange on their mobile devices. 

Rockwood community members may still participate in Thoughtexchange. 

To participate in more than one exchange, simply log out and start over. Thoughtexchange will be available through Oct. 7. ​

At its Sept. 27 meeting, the Rockwood Board of Education approved the 2018-2019 tax rate. The rate, approved by the Missouri State Auditor, is $4.5539.  This is an increase of 5.24 cents from last year's tax rate of $4.5015.  The operating levy will be $3.8739, and the debt service levy will remain at 68 cents. 

The taxpayer who owns a home with the value of $250,000 will see a net increase over the previous year of approximately $24.89 in taxes. This assumes the valuation remains unchanged. 

Paul Northington, Rockwood's chief financial officer, shared the overall assessed valuation increased by approximately $39.7 million, or 1.04 percent. The increase is attributed to residential development and an increase in personal property values. However, commercial real estate values declined due to settlement of prior year tax protests. The decrease in commercial real estate values resulted in an increase in the tax rate for Rockwood property owners. 

Rockwood Superintendent Dr. Knost noted that the 2018 tax rate is lower now compared to the years when Rockwood voters approved bond issues in 2015 ($4.7240 tax rate) and 2017 ($4.6678 tax rate). "Along with a historically lower tax rate, we have been aggressively paying down our debt." 

Dr. Knost shared the district continues to be a responsible steward of the community's tax dollars. "We have a Standard & Poor's rating of AAA," says Dr. Knost.  "This makes Rockwood one of only four school districts in the state of Missouri to hold such a high, outstanding financial rating." 

Learn how the tax rate is determined and view a history of tax rates.

Figure taxes on your home with the tax rate calculator. ​​

Behind every Rockwood school and building, there are dedicated custodial workers who do whatever it takes to ensure students and staff realize their potential. This Tuesday, Oct. 2, Rockwood will celebrate National Custodial Staff Appreciation Day. 

One of Rockwood's veteran custodians, Marvin Young, has served the district for 29 years. Fifteen of those 29 years have been at Rockwood Early Childhood in Clarkson Valley. 

"I get up at 3:30 in the morning, arrive at 5:30 and start at 6," he said. "I enjoy being around the kids, and I enjoy my job immensely. When parents come through the front door of the building and see it clean, they don't have to worry about their children coming into a dirty school." 

At Rockwood Summit High School, custodians Don Jessen, Tricia Hamilton and Andi Kreamalmeyer say they enjoy being a part of the school community. 

"We are always there for students and teachers to help and we're willing to do anything," said Jessen. "Our custodians work very hard and to have a day where we get appreciated, it touches you. It really does." 

Rockwood has 193 custodians who come in early before the day starts and long after the day has ended. 

At Geggie Elementary School, construction continues on a brand new eight-classroom addition. A new, 3,500-square foot media center was completed and open for students and staff September. 

​Rockwood Facilities Director Chris Freund said, "The classroom addition will be ready for winter break. At semester we'll put in the new furniture and students and staff will transition over when they come back after the first of the year." 

Principal Dr. Mary Kleekamp said, "It is such an exciting time for Geggie as we enjoy the progress made on our construction.  The added wing and conversion of existing space will enhance student learning!" 

Superintendent Dr. Eric Knost said, "These are improvements to the Geggie campus that are long overdue and much needed to accommodate our growing populations. The new appropriately sized library-media center is a modern, exciting addition for our students and staff." 

Learn about bond issue progress at other Rockwood schools. ​

All four Rockwood high schools have been notified they have students who were chosen as National Merit Scholarship Commended Scholars. 

In late September, high scorers received letters of commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. These commended students are named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index score that may vary from year to year. 

​​In all, Rockwood high schools have 28 National Merit commended scholars. They include:

Kate Allred- Eureka
Benjamin Brim- Lafayette
Ethan Budge- Rockwood Summit
Demetrios Case- Marquette
Laura Champion- Lafayette
Ethan Crocker- Lafayette
Emily Dobson- Lafayette
Ikaika Fouts- Eureka
Shreya Gautam- Marquette
Andrew Jenkins- Marquette
Logan Kayser- Eureka
Noah Korenfeld- Lafayette
Adam Lane- Rockwood Summit
Julia Lanfersieck- Lafayette
Somark Lenka- Rockwood Summit
Natalie Macchi- Marquette
Daniel Maginn- Rockwood Summit
Lucas Morefield- Rockwood Summit
Sara Pisoni- Marquette
Ramsey Rosaa- Marquette
Patrick Rouff- Lafayette
Opeoluwa Sangoseni- Marquette
Susanne Saxon- Marquette
Jaime Speichinger- Marquette
Daniel Steinmeyer- Rockwood Summit
Nathan Toepke- Marquette
Nathan Voss- Rockwood Summit
Katherine Wright- Lafayette 

​Marquette sophomore Janvi Huria scored a perfect 36 on the ACT in September.

When she learned she had accomplished this, she couldn't hide her excitement.

"At exactly midnight, I checked the results and went to my parents' room screaming," said Janvi. "I was super excited."

Janvi's parents were ecstatic as well.

"We couldn't get any sleep after we saw the results," said her mother Kady. "We are really happy that she was able to get a perfect score as a sophomore. She worked on this over the summer, and we are glad her hard work paid off."

A perfect score is achieved by less than one percent of all students who take the ACT.

"I credit my success to being in such a positive environment all the time, which includes really supportive parents as well as having wonderful teachers and staff throughout my years in Rockwood," she said. "They have pushed me and continue to push me to my full potential."

Janvi plans to study medicine in college. "Medicine has long been a passion of mine, and I hope to one day become a neurosurgical oncologist," she said.

In addition to her academic endeavors, she plays on the school's JV volleyball team and is actively involved in Speech and Debate, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and Science Olympiad.

"Janvi is an excellent student-athlete who works hard on the court and in the classroom," said Principal Dr. Greg Mathison. "Scoring a perfect 36 is a wonderful accomplishment."

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science.  Each test is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student's composite score is the average of the four test scores.  ACT test results are accepted by all major U.S. colleges, and scores provide colleges with evidence of student readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.

Dozens of Rockwood community members turned out for the first-ever Rockwood Run 4 Kids, a 5K and family fun run at LaSalle Springs Middle, Oct. 7. The event raised funds for Rockwood Gives Back, an organization that provides assistance to students who have a need - whether it be food, clothing, programs, tutoring or more. 

"I hope the sense of community in Rockwood shines through, as it always does," said Rockwood School Board President Loralee Mondl. "Here's what's important about Rockwood Gives Back – it isn't just kids in need that we have to think about. Each of us needs to think about how we can help. It's not just financial; it's what are my talents and abilities and how can I use them." 

Rockwood School Board Director Jaime Bayes said the event had a good turn-out and the support of sponsors. 

"We have such a caring community in Rockwood," said Bayes. "As soon as people heard about it they wanted to get involved." 

Rockwood Executive Director Student Services Dr. Terry Harris said, "Rockwood is a great school district because we're a great community. People care about our community and our mission." 

Dozens of Rockwood school nurses volunteered their time to help keep children safe at the event. Along with teachers, counselors and social workers, nurses are often on the front lines of identifying students in need. 

Rockwood Supervisor Wellness and Health Services Amy Wehr said, "Students we see on a regular basis are often the ones that need more support outside of school. That's who Rockwood Gives Back is designed to help." 

One hundred percent of all proceeds raised at this event go directly to Rockwood students in need. Find out how you can donate and support the effort.​

Lauren Jeffress, a Eureka High School senior, was named the City of Eureka's first ever Citizen of Distinction because of what that she has done in the community. 

Lauren's high school community rallied around her after she lost a loved one. Now, she pays it forward by helping others who experience similar loss. Some examples of how Lauren helps her community include raising money for the BackStoppers organization, starting a grief support group at a middle school, and collecting money and supplies for families experiencing the loss of a loved one. 

"The award was given to me for turning tragedy into inspiration and learning to take what happened and channel it to helping others," said Jeffress. 

Eureka Mayor Kevin Coffey said the new Citizen of Distinction award recognizes young adults for their enthusiastic leadership and dedicated support designed to improve the lives of others. 

"It's important that we appreciate and recognize young people who are building leadership in our community," said Coffey. 

In college, Jeffress hopes to start a nonprofit organization to help people who have lost a loved one. 

October 8, Rockwood Summit High School officials filled up a district school bus with biodiesel produced by students in the MECSS (Monsanto Education Center for Sustainable Solutions), a building located among the athletic field behind the school. 

"This is a huge moment for us," said Rockwood Summit chemistry teacher Darrin Peters. "We're able to produce 50 percent biodiesel and 50 percent petroleum fuel that meets or exceeds federal standards for biodiesel." 

The bus, along with some catering trucks at Washington University, has a gas tank which allows it to utilize the 50-50 biodiesel-petroleum blend. Rockwood Summit is entering into a partnership with Washington University. 

"We're going to collect kitchen grease from campus, turn it into biodiesel, and sell it back to them. They will use that in three catering trucks on campus." 

In a class titled Authentic Science Research, Summit senior Raegan Calvert said, "I've learned how beneficial biodiesel is and how important it is that we take advantage of this very, very green and friendly fuel source." 

Junior Cory Meyer added, "I find it interesting that I can do that here in high school." 

Peters said fueling the school bus helps demonstrate that the fuel blend is commercially viable and that there are alternatives to petroleum. 

He addressed the topic of fuel efficiency. 

"It's almost a 1-to-1 ratio as far as performance is concerned," he said. "The problem with biodiesel blends is in winter time - it gels at higher temperatures than petroleum. We were very careful with that, and we have procedures in place that should allow this to go through without a problem." 

Peters also said Rockwood Summit officials are ready to make the MECSS available for field trips. He suggested it would be an appropriate destination for students in grades six and up. 

"Students will learn how agriculture can be used for renewable fuels," said Peters. "They can learn how to test the fuel. They can learn how we use the byproduct of this process to make different types of soap and scents. We have a curriculum that's compatible with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)." 

In another partnership with Ranken Technical College, Peters said a Rockwood Summit representative would be part of an educational trailer, similar to the MECSS, on location at the Spirit of St. Louis Air Show, Oct. 13-14. 

"It is similar and has the same curriculum as the building on our campus, only it can be transported to other educational venues wherever somebody would like to use it." 

​

  Rockwood Summit students in Authentic Science Research class learn how to make biodiesel in the Monsanto Education
  Center for Sustainable Solutions.​ Chemistry teacher Darrin Peters fills a school bus with the special 50-50 biodiesel-
  petroleum blend. 

We want to know what you think about our district and school websites. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by completing the 
Rockwood Website Survey​.

The survey will take just a few minutes to complete. Please answer honestly and as completely as you can. All responses are anonymous. The survey will close on Friday, Oct. 26.

Why take the time to complete the survey?

The results of the survey are important and will be used to help make decisions about websites – both the district and school levels. We want to improve how we communicate with our school community.​

Have questions about the survey? Please contact Rockwood Web Services at (636) 733-1151.

​Do you know a Rockwood support staff member who goes above and beyond every day? Nominate him or her for a 2019 Cornerstone Award!

The Cornerstone Award recognizes support staff members in Rockwood School District who demonstrate outstanding commitment and service. These employees are a vital part of our district and Rockwood wants them to know how much their contributions mean to everyone.​​

Check eligibility guidelines, as well as past recipients.

Nominations are accepted through Friday, Oct. 26. 

Should you have questions, please send an email to shinandrew@rsdmo.org.​ 

Thank you for your interest in the Cornerstone Awards Program!​​

Submit your Nomination Today!​​​​​​

​To all my colleagues, friends, students both past and present, and others; 

In one of my favorite poems, Rudyard Kipling refers to filling the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds of a distant run. It's up to the individual to interpret these words, but for me, I have always believed they highlight the idea of giving your all, always, no matter the circumstance, and never allowing the efforts to fade. Through the years, it has remained my intent to approach my work this way, and I vowed to make sure these efforts stayed constant.  

As many know, I am currently in my 31st year as a public educator. The inevitable idea of retiring from this chapter in my life has crept into my heart in an unsolicited way, bringing interest in new endeavors. The very fact that I am having these thoughts tells me I need to face them, as I never wanted to be that guy who hung-on despite such feelings.  

I wish I could deliver this message personally, but with so many people to reach, that is simply impossible. I have informed the Board of my intent to retire as superintendent at the end of this school year. Things are very good right now, and please know nothing but the matter of time has precipitated these thoughts. I have been fulfilled beyond expectation and have enjoyed every year, regardless of the hurdles... and to my Rockwood family, these five years since I returned as your superintendent have been so very rewarding. Collectively, I have now spent more career years here than any other district. 

The decision to retire has not been the least bit easy, in fact, it has been painful. But, as these thoughts infiltrate, it's hard to deny them. There have been many significant changes in my life in recent years, including the passing of both my parents. My daughters are in college, with my oldest close to graduating, and the years keep ticking away. I have other aspirations to consider, and I am excited to think about the next chapter in my life. You can rest assured; I do feel there is plenty of good work for me to pursue. 

I have cherished the ability to meet and work with all of you, not only in Rockwood, but throughout my years, and I hope I have served you well. I have enjoyed being in so many schools, classrooms, meeting rooms and gatherings. I will surely miss you all, but I think mostly, I will miss the students who have inspired me over the years to constantly improve myself as an educator, a leader and as a person.  

To all whose paths I have crossed, .... students, adults, community members, lifelong friends and so many mentors, I thank you for giving me an opportunity to serve and to help others thrive. You all mean the world to me. 

Please help me smile about this as we continue our work to complete this school year together. The field of education is, and always will be, deeply seated in my heart and soul. Encouragement and hugs will be gladly accepted in the months to come, as I am sure I'll need both.  

Very Sincerely, Eric (DK)

Dr. Eric D. Knost
Superintendent
Rockwood School District
636-733-2005
@ROCK_Supt

​Rockwood Summit senior Ethan Budge is in exclusive company. He scored a perfect 36 on the ACT in September.

"I'm incredibly proud to have gotten a perfect score on the ACT," Ethan said.

"We were surprised and happy for him that he was able to achieve his goal," said Ethan's mother Sally. "Ethan is a great kid who works hard, is friends with everyone and easily brings a smile to anyone's face. As a student, he loves learning and is always pushing himself to achieve and learn new things."

The 17-year-old also was recently named a National Merit Commended Scholar. Ethan is involved in several extracurricular activities at Rockwood Summit. He has been a member of the Rockwood Silver Falcon band for the last four years and drum major for the past two years. He serves as an officer in the National Honor Society, is a member of the debate team and plays on the boys' tennis team.

The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science.  Each test is scored on a scale of 1-36, and a student's composite score is the average of the four test scores.  ACT test results are accepted by all major U.S. colleges, and scores provide colleges with evidence of student readiness for the academic rigors that lie ahead.