A Message from Dr. Collins-Hart

To the Hazelwood School District Faculty, Staff, and School Community,

We began this school year with the theme, "Moving in the Right Direction."  And Hazelwood School District is indeed, moving in the right direction. We are in a good place.  I want to add to that theme by encouraging all of us to, "Continue the Momentum”, and ensure that going forward, we keep Hazelwood School District in a good place.

Working together we have been able to make great strides..... Allow me to share a few highlights. 

Our educational programming is extensive with up-to-date instructional technologies for teachers, pre-k in every elementary school, a unique gifted education program and an elementary virtual program, summer extended learning in each school, opportunities for student internships and apprenticeships, and unique opportunities such as e-sports, drone certification, and sports officiating certifications to name a few.

Student achievement is increasing across multiple measures with our ACT and AP scores on the rise, our graduation rate and scholarship awards increasing, and our APR state annual performance report showing a huge increase. 

Our thematic schools offer students unique opportunities such as elementary Spanish, Montessori, an accelerated high school graduation program, dual enrollment with the opportunity to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree, and hands-on, real-world,  project-based themes such as Real World Friday and Mindset Monday.

Our community support and community partnerships are strong with unique partnerships such as the St. Louis Zoo, Christian Hospital, St. Louis Community College, and long-standing partnerships such as HSD Hero Readers and Hazelwood PTA Council to name a few.

Our emphasis on supporting the whole child provides a resource-rich environment with supports for students through such initiatives as our multi-faceted alternative programs,  Time Out to Talk Tuesdays, Manners Matter, No Guns in Our Schools Campaign, Best on the Test, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Solutions Group, the Community Family Coalition, and a plethora of family and student social and emotional supports and resources.

Our extracurricular programming and safety measures are on the rise, with enhanced safety and facility upgrades, updated transportation fleets throughout the District, upgraded athletic fields and facilities, a new marching band and expanded elementary music program, and an expanded middle school athletic program in all schools.

The overwhelming majority of our classrooms are filled with highly qualified, certified teachers, and we have building and District leaders who are highly credentialed and who understand what it takes to keep HSD moving forward.

Our District is financially stable and has an A + credit rating with student enrollment steady.

We have strong support from parents in our schools, and I especially want to thank our parents for the privilege of serving their most precious asset-their children and our students. Hazelwood School District is in a good place due to the ongoing support that has been given to me as superintendent, the pride parents have shown in our schools, and the support parents have provided for our students, faculty, and staff.

And finally, we have a highly functioning, highly trained Board of Education that understands governance and which promotes and supports excellence at all levels in the District.

I want to thank the Hazelwood School District Board of Education and the entire Hazelwood school community for allowing me the honor of serving as your superintendent for the past ten years. Hazelwood School District is in a good place. Let's continue the momentum.

At the January 20 Board meeting, I officially notified the Hazelwood School District Board of Education of my intention to retire at the end of the 2025-2026 School Term.  My last official day as superintendent for the Hazelwood School District will be June 30, 2026. While this is a bittersweet moment, Hazelwood School District will always have a special place in my heart, and my support in whatever way you need it. Please know that I will be on the sidelines-cheering you on!

 

Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart

Hazelwood School District Superintendent