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A Message from the Superintendent
Greetings Hazelwood School District Community,
As we approach the close of the semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly been a successful start to our school year in the Hazelwood School District. Our students continue to show resilience, creativity, and a strong commitment to learning, while our staff consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every classroom is a place where students can thrive. I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together so far.
A big highlight of this semester has been the steady improvement in our state test scores. Our test scores are moving in the right direction, reflecting the hard work of our teachers, the dedication of our students, and the ongoing support from our families. While there is certainly more work ahead, these gains show that our efforts are making a meaningful difference.
As we look ahead to the second half of the school year, I am filled with optimism. We have exciting initiatives on the horizon, and I am confident that, together, we will continue building on the strong foundation we have set this fall. Our shared commitment to excellence will guide us as we help every student reach their fullest potential.
Before we turn the calendar to January, I hope everyone in our school community takes time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the winter break. Thank you for your partnership, your support, and your dedication to our students. I wish you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season, and I look forward to a successful and inspiring second half of the school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart
Superintendent
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Hazelwood School District Fall Food Drive Supports Local Families
Several talented students throughout Hazelwood School District participated in the annual Holiday Greeting Card Design Contest, and three students’ artworks–representing each school level from elementary to middle to high school–have been selected to be featured on the official District holiday greeting cards.
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HSD’s 2025 Holiday Greeting Card Contest Winners
Several talented students throughout Hazelwood School District participated in the annual Holiday Greeting Card Design Contest, and three students’ artworks–representing each school level from elementary to middle to high school–have been selected to be featured on the official District holiday greeting cards.
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West High Senior Alexis Wahome Excels with a 35 on the ACT and National Competition Success
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McNair Elementary Celebrates Community and Music at Grandfriends Night 2025
McNair Elementary School was filled with energy, smiles, and a strong sense of community during its Grandfriends Night 2025 celebration in October. The event welcomed students and families to campus for an evening of connection, creativity, and fun — with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the vital role grandparents and “grandfriends” play in nurturing and supporting our students.
Click the link to read more about McNair Elementary Celebrates Community and Music at Grandfriends Night 2025.
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Garrett Student Chosen to Join Prestigious PEGS Program
Garrett Elementary is celebrating first-grade student Troi Mitchell, who has been accepted into the St. Louis Regional Program for Exceptionally Gifted Students (PEGS). PEGS is a public school program that provides full-time, accelerated, and enriched academic opportunities for exceptionally gifted students in the St. Louis metro area, from grades one through twelve. It offers a multi-aged, individualized curriculum that fosters social and emotional growth alongside academic achievement.
Click the link to read more about Garrett Student Chosen to Join Prestigious PEGS Program.
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Dr. Rachel Vandernoot Honored With SLSEPA Exemplary Assistant Principal's Award
McCurdy Elementary School's assistant principal, Dr. Rachel Vandernoot, has been selected as this year's St. Louis Suburban Elementary Principal Association (SLSEPA) Exemplary Assistant Principal's Award recipient. The honor, one of the highest recognitions for elementary administrators in the region, celebrates exceptional leadership, commitment to excellence, and meaningful impact on school communities.
Click the link to read more about Dr. Rachel Vandernoot Honored With SLSEPA Exemplary Assistant Principal's Award.
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Whisking Their Way to Success: West High Culinary Spotlight
In the kitchens of Hazelwood West High, students are stirring up a recipe for learning, teamwork, and fun. Culinary Arts participants are discovering that cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about creativity, culture, and community.
Click the link to read more about Whisking Their Way to Success: West High Culinary Spotlight.
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 Hazelwood School District Launches HSD Podcast to Spotlight Voices Across the District
The Hazelwood School District is excited to announce the launch of the HSD Podcast, a new communications platform designed to amplify the voices, stories, and successes from across the district. Hosted by Darrin Lilly, director of communications and public relations, and Olivia Kennah, assistant director of communications and public relations, the podcast will bring listeners inside the classrooms, hallways, and events that make Hazelwood unique.
You can listen here: https://www.hazelwoodschools.org/departments/communications-and-public-relations/hsd-podcast.
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Board Statement of Solidarity
The horrific, depraved murder of George Floyd left many in our community shocked and enraged. That anger has been further amplified by the senseless murder of Breonna Taylor and now Rayshard Brooks, all unarmed African Americans who were killed by the police. These and other recent instances of lethal attacks against African Americans are unacceptable. This is an American issue, not a black issue. As such, we all have a collective responsibility to fight against the ills of racism. The HSD Board of Education stands in solidarity with the millions of Americans stepping forward in this fight. We stand with our community to say, “enough is enough!”
To read the full statement, please click Board Statement of Solidarity.
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This newsletter was produced by the Communications and Public Relations Department.
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