There is no denying that last year was unlike any other I had ever experienced in my 23 years in education. As we were all adjusting to being back together, after many months apart, we were faced with many challenges. At times these challenges seemed to be heavy then we could ever dream of lifting. But, as a team we NEVER gave up. Together we faced each obstacle head on and did the very best we could.

During the summer I found myself in constant reflection asking myself what can I do to improve this year for everyone (staff, students and families)? I eventually came to realize we have to bring JOY back into school.

After more reflection, here is how I can support that goal.I will support my staff so that they are able to provide an excellent educational experience for their students. I will provide the staff, students and families with clear expectations so that there is consistency within our Middle School. I will make sure that families have clear communication and feel a sense of belonging. And, most importantly, we will bring JOY into our building and classrooms. Research proves that joy boosts our immune systems, fights stress, and improves our chance of living a longer life. Being joyful could quite literally add years to life! As a team we will celebrate our wins…big and small!

I encourage you to join us in this effort to make this year one of the best!. Please ask your child about their day…specifically what brought them joy. If you have suggestions and/or feedback on how to create a wonderful year for everyone I would love to have the opportunity to talk with you. Have a wonderful week.

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314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org

Meet Your Pathways Teachers

MR. LYDON

TEAM SPORTS, SOCCER, PE, & COACH

I was born and raised here in the St. Louis area. I went to Missouri Baptist University on a full ride soccer scholarship where I earned my BA in Kinesiology with a minor in Education. This is my 17th year at PCS. While at PCS I taught K-8th grade, started the soccer program, and was the Before & After Care Director for 7 years. I am the current teacher for Team Sports and Soccer while coaching our middle school soccer teams and being the Athletic Director. I work at PCS with my wife (Mrs. Lydon) and our two children (Dom, 5 and Mia, 2) who both attend school here. In my free time you can catch me watching a Blues game or hanging out with my family and our dog Nemo! I look forward to seeing all the kids back in action and being physically active. You can reach me at jlydon@premiercharterschool.org or ext. 503.

MRS. BRANN

MS PE

I was born and raised in St. Louis and have been an athlete since I was young. I played soccer in college at Eastern Illinois University where I graduated with my BS in Physical Education. I recently received my Masters in Human Resources as well. I have been teaching here at PCS since it was founded in 2000, so I am entering my 23rd year here. I taught a year of high school at Maplewood Richmond Heights before moving to PCS. I have been married to my husband, Scott, for 21 years and we have 3 daughters, Lucy 18, Molly, 16, and Lily 14. These three young ladies have kept us very busy through the years with all of their sports. The 3 of them play soccer and golf, as well as basketball, volleyball, and many other sports sprinkled in there.

I am currently serving just the middle school students in Physical Education and enjoy getting the kids moving. I am always available at kbrann@premiercharterschool.org and by phone 314-645-9600 x 503.

MR. NILSEN

ENGINEERING

I was born in St. Charles, I grew up in Springfield, MO, and am very happy to call Saint Louis home now! I attended Drury University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, and minors in Global Studies and Business. This is my 4th year at PCS, and my 7th year teaching. I am the Engineering Pathway teacher, and I love teaching students to become creative problem solvers! My wife, Danielle Nilsen is the elementary Art Pathway teacher at PCS, and we have two daughters - Genevieve (4) and Cecilia (2). We also have a very derpy dog, Bart. Free time is hard to come by with two young kiddos, but when I am free, I enjoy spending time outdoors (hiking, camping, floating), reading books and learning about the history of our city. You can reach me at znilsen@premiercharterschool.org, and by phone at 314-645-9600 x 437.

MRS. POLLOCK

ART & SEWING AND DESIGN

My name is Ms. Donahue or Ms. Pollock (either is fine)! I am from central Illinois and have lived in the midwest my whole life. I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Digital Art and Sculpture as well as a Bachelor of Science Education degree in Early Childhood Education. I currently have teaching certifications in Early childhood Education, Elementary Education, and K-12 Art Education, as well as my Substitute Certification. This is my 2nd year at PCS and I am excited to be offering not only Introduction to Art and Advanced Art classes, but Sewing and Costume Design as well. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email me at jdonahue@premiercharterschool.org.

MS. CRUSE

DRAMA & CHOIR

I am thrilled to be returning to PCS for my second year of classroom teaching! In addition to drama, I will also be co-directing our brand new choir at PCS. My origin story begins in the beautiful town of Bloomington, Illinois, though I have called St. Louis my home for the last six years. I attended Webster University and received my degree in Vocal Music Education (K–12). My love of drama comes from my extensive performance background. I love sharing that passion with your students! When I am not teaching at PCS, you can find me conducting CHARIS, The St. Louis Women’s choir as their Assistant Artistic Director, or teaching private voice and piano lessons in my studio. In my free time, you can find me in the sunshine with my dog, Jasper, a good book, and a cup of coffee. The best way to reach me is mcruse@premiercharterschool.org.

MS. SPRARLING

KEYBOARDING & PIANO, MUSIC COMP, AND CHOIR

I am excited to be joining the PCS family for the 2022-2023 school year! This is my fifth year of teaching choir and general music classes at the middle school level. I earned my bachelor’s degree in music education from Murray State University. I am currently earning my master’s degree in school counseling and will graduate in May! Over the summers, I am a co-music director with Spotlight Productions and have helped to produce performances of Newsies, Matilda, and The Addams Family with students ages six to seventeen. In my free time, I enjoy going to The Fox Theater and the Muny, going to Blues games and Cardinals games, and being outdoors when it is nice out. Best way to reach me is lsparling@premiercharterschool.org.

Check out the attached fliers for an awesome opportunity for your child to attend STEM camp at St. Louis University through the iSCORE institute! Scholarship opportunities are available to help cover the cost. Simply click on the QR code on the flier for more information and registration.

These STEM learning experiences are developed and implemented by Dr. Christa Jackson and her iSCORE institute. Dr. Jackson, a professor at SLU, and PCS have developed a partnership over the past year, and we are excited to have our students included in this opportunity at SLU. Click here to learn more about iSCORE.

Reminders:

Meal Application

Please take a minute to watch this video about meal applications. If you fill the form out by Friday, September 16th, you will be eligible for the gift card lottery!! Completing the form takes less than 7 minutes and we have made it super easy to complete the form through your Infinite Campus parent portal.

22-23 Meal Application Video

If you need help filling out the form, check out our YouTube tutorial and Step by Step guide that we’ve created for you all: How to complete FRAM Meal Application

Library News

Did your child take the summer reading challenge? Remind them to turn in their form (with their name and teacher's name written on it!) to Mrs. Ramsey in the library by Friday September 9th!

Upcoming Dates: