Inside Clayton
Celebrating the people, programs and
achievements that make The School District
of Clayton exceptional.
Dear Clayton Community,
As we begin the 2026–27 school year, I find myself reflecting not only on what
our students will accomplish this year, but on what they will carry with them long
after they leave our classrooms. While academic excellence remains central to
all we do, we are equally committed to helping students build the confidence,
resilience and sense of belonging they need to succeed in school and beyond.
That commitment is shaping our work this year through an intentional focus on
social-emotional learning.
At the center of that effort is our reimagined Profile of a Clayton Learner, which
defines the competencies we want every student to develop throughout their
journey in our District. We know these qualities are built through experience,
which is why we continue to invest in opportunities that strengthen critical
thinking, collaboration, communication and personal growth at every grade
level. You can read more about this on page 9.
To better support our learners, we are excited to move forward with several key
facility improvement projects funded by Prop O. This important work would not
be possible without our community, and we are incredibly grateful for the trust
you continue to place in our schools.
Our design team is busy finalizing plans for the new Learning Lab at Clayton
High School, improvements to the Gay Field Athletic Complex and the full
renovation of Glenridge Elementary School. These projects will benefit students
for generations, and look forward to celebrating them with you when the work
is complete.
Our success is made possible by our outstanding students, dedicated teachers
and staff, and strong partnerships with families and the community. We
appreciate all you do for our schools, and we look forward to continuing to work
together to create meaningful opportunities for every learner.
Sincerely,
Nisha Patel, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Inside Clayton
FA L L 2 0 2 6
2025-2026
The Board of Education
The Clayton Board of Education is made up of seven elected community
members who work together to set the District’s vision, establish priorities and
make decisions that reflect the values and aspirations of the Clayton community.
Each April, voters play an important role in shaping the Board’s future by
electing members to serve three-year terms.
The Board
Jason Growe, President
Term Expiration: 2029
Chris Win, Vice President
Term Expiration: 2028
D. Leo Human, Treasurer
Term Expiration: 2027
Pamela Lyss-Lerman, Secretary
Term Expiration: 2027
Ben Beinfeld, Director
Term Expiration: 2028
Meade Greenberg, Director
Term Expiration: 2029
Erin Linnenbringer, Director
Term Expiration: 2029
To ensure student perspectives remain part of
the conversation, the Board appoints a student
representative each year. The representative
participates in meetings and regularly connects with
students across the District to gather feedback and
contribute to Board discussions. This year’s student
representative is Manu McDowell, class of 2028.
Get In Touch
There are many ways to
stay in contact with the
Board of Education.
Call the Office of the
Superintendent at
314.854.6017
Write to the Board at the
District Administrative
Center
#2 Mark Twain Circle
Clayton, MO 63105
Send an email to
board@claytonschools.net
Pictured left to right: Erin Linnenbringer, D. Leo Human, Jason Growe, Pamela Lyss-Lerman,
Chris Win, Ben Beinfeld, and Meade Greenberg
Excellence at Every Level
From enriching educational opportunities at The Family Center to rigorous
academics at Clayton High School, the District’s six schools and supporting
programs continue to rank among the best.
In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings, Clayton
High School placed second in the state and 350th nationally, making it
Missouri’s highest-ranked traditional, non-selective public high school.
According to the most recent Niche rankings, Clayton High School placed
second in the state, and Wydown Middle School was named the top
middle school in Missouri. At the elementary level, Glenridge, Meramec
and Captain each earned A+ ratings, coming in third, fifth and eighth.
S T A F F
S T U D E N T A C H I E V E M E N T
Clayton by the Numbers
1223/1600
District Average SAT Score*
249
Certified Teachers
99.1%
4-Year Graduation Rate
96.7%
Teachers with a Master’s Degree
or Higher
11:1
Students Per Classroom Teacher
AT A L L G R A D E L E V E L S
19.1 Years
Average Experience
M I S S O U R I 1 6 : 1
M I S S O U R I 5 7. 8 %
M I S S O U R I 9 1 . 6 %
1 0 4 5 / 1 6 0 0 N AT I O N A L AV E R A G E
*as of July 2026
M I S S O U R I 1 2 . 8 Y E A R S
S O U R C E S
n Local Funds
96.7%
n State Funds
2.7%
n Federal Funds
0.6%
U S E S
n Employee Salaries & Benefits
76.4%
n Purchased Services
8.7%
n Supplies
6.9%
n Equipment/Capital Outlay
8.0%
District Dollars at Work
A Look at How Clayton Invests in Students, Staff and Schools
he School District of Clayton closed
FY26 in a strong financial position,
supported by solid reserves and
a AAA bond rating from S&P
Global Ratings—the highest rating
available and one held by only three other
school districts in Missouri. This strength
reflects thoughtful planning and the Clayton
community’s continued support of its
schools.
The charts below show how the District’s
schools and supporting programs were
funded during the fiscal year ending June 30,
2026, and how those resources were invested
to support student learning.
FY26 Total Operating Expenditures: $71,143,342
Looking ahead, the District will continue using
multi-year forecasting and long-term planning
to manage rising costs, prepare for future
needs and guide significant investments in
facilities. A major part of that work will be
made possible by Proposition O, the voter-
approved bond measure supported by 89%
of Clayton voters in April 2026. With that
support, the District will begin advancing the
first phase of improvements outlined in the
Long-Range Facilities Master Plan.
Funding these projects through voter-
approved bonds allows the District to address
long-term building needs while keeping
operating resources focused where they
matter most—in classrooms, supporting
students, staff and essential programs. The
District is deeply grateful for the community’s
vote of confidence and continued investment
in the future of its schools.
In addition to this bond-funded work, the
FY27 budget will support other facility
improvements through a combination of
operating revenue and reserve funds. More
information about these projects is provided
on the pages that follow. Together, these
investments will support students, strengthen
District facilities and help sustain Clayton’s
tradition of excellence for years to come.
Investing in Future-
Ready Facilities
Thanks to the support of the community, the District
is making meaningful investments to modernize its
facilities and create learning environments that will
serve students today and for generations to come.
Project 1: Clayton High School’s Learning Lab
Designed by Paragon Architecture
in partnership with Perkins&Will, this
new 10,000 square foot addition will
expand opportunities for hands-
on, future-focused learning at
Clayton High School. The Learning
Lab will serve as the home for
AMPED on Algebra and Geometry
in Construction while also creating
new opportunities in engineering,
robotics, applied mathematics and
entrepreneurship.
The state-of-the-art facility will
feature a fully equipped lab with
industry-standard engineering
tools, giving students opportunities
to design, build, test and refine
real-world projects while preparing
for robotics competitions and future
careers in high-demand fields.
Anticipated
Construction Start:
December 2026
Anticipated Completion:
Approximately 12–15
months
Project 2: Gay Field
Athletic Complex
BLDD Architects
is leading the
modernization of Gay Field to
enhance accessibility, functionality
and the overall experience for
students, families and the broader
community. Key components of the
project include the addition of 75
parking spaces, a new press box
and stadium seating, a renovated
team locker room and field house,
upgraded concessions and a new
turf field.
Once complete, these
improvements will create a better
experience for athletes and
spectators while giving the District
more flexibility to host larger events
and community traditions such
as Homecoming, track meets
and more.
Anticipated Construction Start:
March 2027
Anticipated Completion:
Approximately 12 months
Project 3: Glenridge
Elementary School
Renovation
As Glenridge approaches its 100th
anniversary in 2029, the District is
planning to rebuild the school to
better support student learning for
the next century. From replacing
aging infrastructure, including
plumbing, electrical and HVAC
systems, to constructing
a new main entrance off
Wellington Way, expanding
hands-on learning areas, and
modernizing classrooms and
gathering spaces, this project
will transform the inside of the
building while maintaining the
exterior charm of this beloved
neighborhood school. The
result will be a learning hub
that is accessible, welcoming and
future ready.
Led by Perkins&Will in partnership
with Paragon Architecture, this
project is the first phase of the
District’s long-term vision to
modernize all three elementary
schools to better support student
learning. Due to the scope of the
work and the need to maintain
a safe learning environment,
Glenridge students and staff
will temporarily relocate for two
academic years while construction is
underway.
To support this transition, the
District plans to establish a Bridge
Campus which will serve as the
temporary home for Glenridge.
Although no formal agreement has
been signed, conversations with
Washington University about leasing
the former Fontbonne University
campus are ongoing.
Glenridge families can expect
to receive information about
the Bridge Campus, including
transportation, student drop-off and
pick-up, and other logistics, ahead
of the 2027 school year.
Capital
Improvement
Projects At A
Glance
Separate from the
priority projects funded through
Proposition O, the District is
moving forward with additional
improvements identified through
Clayton’s Long-Range Facilities
Master Plan. These projects
currently include:
Adzick Field Press Box and
Dugouts
Completing the press box and
dugouts as previously planned to
better support student-athletes,
coaches and spectators.
Clayton High School Performing
Arts Improvements
Upgrading CHS’s Performing
Arts area to improve accessibility,
comfort and the overall experience
for students, performers and
audience members. The project
includes replacing auditorium
seating, upgrading lighting, adding
an ADA lift to improve stage access,
renovating nearby restrooms,
and addressing
noise and vibration
issues caused by the
aging HVAC system
serving the fine arts
classrooms.
Wydown Middle
School Outdoor Field
Improvements
Improving the outdoor
field by upgrading the
playing surface and
adding a walking track to support
year-round use.
Captain Elementary School Play
Surface Addition
Adding a multi-use play surface to
expand opportunities for students
to participate in outdoor activities.
Get the latest updates
by visiting
claytonschools.net/facilities
Meet Clayton’s New CFO
Matthew Norrid joined the District on July 1 as
chief financial officer, following the retirement of
John Brazeal.
Norrid brings more than 20 years of experience
in school finance and leadership. Throughout
his career, he has managed school budgets,
guided long-range financial planning, supported
major facility projects and conducted financial
audits for school districts and governmental
organizations. Most recently, he served as chief
financial officer for Brentwood School District,
where he led the district’s financial operations
for the past five years.
“Clayton has a strong
reputation for educational
excellence and sound
financial management. As
CFO, I will build on that
foundation by ensuring
our resources continue to
be strategically invested
in our students, staff and
community.”
– Matthew Norrid
C L A Y T O N # 1
Self-Actualized
■Engages in healthy practices and
relationships
■Practices self-improvement, advocacy
and resilience
■Enjoys life with authenticity, purpose
and happiness
Empathetic
■Shows compassion and understanding
of others
■Demonstrates kindness and respect
Intellectually Curious
■Sees risks and mistakes as opportunities
■Asks questions that help solve problems
■Always seeks to learn more
Creative Thinker
■Generates solutions to complex
problems
■Explores possibilities and challenges the
status quo
■Expresses self through design, arts,
writing and speaking
Culturally Conscious
■Understands that people hold differing
world views
■Welcomes cultural differences
■Challenges prejudices and looks for
shared values
Collaborative
■Respects opinions of others
■Listens carefully to suggestions
■Uses strong communication skills to help
shape change
Profile OF A
Clayton Learner
A Place for Everyone l To Grow as Learners l In Head and Heart
F R O M G R A D U A T E T O L E A R N E R
Helping Every Learner Grow
in Head and Heart.
earning happens everywhere in
Clayton. Students grow through
classroom instruction, activities
and relationships. Staff strengthen
their skills through collaboration
and reflection. Families and community
members bring perspectives and
experiences that enrich the work of the
District. That shared commitment is part
of what makes Clayton a place where
people want to learn, work and belong.
The Profile of a Clayton Learner
reinforces the District’s commitment
to being a place where everyone
can grow in both head and heart.
Developed with input from students,
staff, families and community members,
its six competencies—Self-Actualized,
Empathetic, Intellectually Curious,
Creative Thinker, Culturally Conscious
and Collaborative—guide teaching and
learning across the District.
Together, the competencies support
Clayton’s tradition of academic
excellence while helping learners
think deeply, work well with others,
understand different perspectives and
apply their learning in meaningful ways.
Previously known as the Profile of a
Clayton Graduate, the shift to learner
is intentional. It reflects a simple but
important idea: learning does not
begin or end with graduation, and it
is not limited to students. From the
youngest children at The Family Center
to graduating seniors, staff members,
families and community partners,
everyone has room to grow and
something to contribute.
This year, the District is taking a closer
look at how the six competencies can be
developed more intentionally through
daily learning. One example is the
expanded focus on social-emotional
learning (SEL).
While the work will look different across
grade levels, the goal is the same:
to help students better understand
themselves, strengthen their ability to
work with others and apply those skills in
ways that deepen their engagement with
academic learning. Through classroom
discussions, group projects, journaling,
reflection activities, service-learning
projects and other opportunities, staff
will continue learning alongside students
and adjusting their approaches to
meet student needs and strengthen
instruction. At the elementary level,
families receive feedback on their
children’s progress toward the six
competencies so they can continue those
conversations at home.
Clayton’s high expectations and strong
academic focus are among the District’s
greatest strengths. By weaving the
six competencies into academic
instruction and everyday experiences,
the District is helping learners become
academically prepared, deepen their
understanding of themselves and
recognize how they can make a positive
difference in the world.
10
Parenting Through Every
Age and Stage
The Family Center brings together programs and support
designed to help children and parents learn, grow and
connect.
While the Family
Center opened
at its current
location in 1990,
the District’s
commitment to
parent education
began in 1975
with parent workshops designed to
support families during the earliest
stages of learning and development.
From the beginning, the mission
has centered on children’s growth
by helping parents feel informed,
supported and confident. Today,
that family-centered approach
includes preschool and Parents as
Teachers as well as developmental
screenings, early intervention
services, parent workshops and free
parent coaching with a trained child
psychologist.
Jani Holyan (pictured above), has
seen firsthand how strong family
support can help children thrive.
She has spent nearly two decades
in the District working with families
and students from preschool
through high school. Below, she
shares a perspective that can help
families move from self-doubt
toward curiosity, connection and
growth.
The Parenting Paradox:
From Guilt to Curiosity
Recently, I listened to an interview
with Dr. Jenny Brown, an Australian
psychologist and founder of the
Parent Hope Project. Drawing on
decades of research and experience
working with families, Brown shared
insights from her new book, The
Parenting Paradox.
One observation stood out:
“Parents today are swimming in
a sea of advice. Expert opinions
are everywhere, and parenting
has become a high-performance
project. More advice creates more
worry, which creates more advice.
Worry has become the air we
breathe.”
Many parents can
relate. Brown says
our worries for
our kids turn into
symptom-focused
projects we need
to manage. We
wonder:
How do I parent better so my
child will do better?
The remedy she offers based on her
research is hopeful:
“When a parent can redirect their
energy from trying to change or
fix their child to focus on how
they manage themselves, they
recover agency and confidence,
which contributes to their child’s
well-being.”
That shift can benefit the entire
family. Here are a few mindset shifts
that can support both you and your
child:
■Get curious and observe your
own reactions.
■Manage your own stress first.
■Focus on what you can control.
■Be curious and fascinated by
your child.
■Enjoy your child as a person
separate from you.
■Notice their uniqueness.
■Look for their strengths.
■Breathe through the instinct to
rescue.
When children encounter difficulties,
we don’t always have to remove
the obstacle. Sometimes our most
important role is to come alongside
them, offer support and trust their
capacity to learn, grow and solve
problems.
As Brown reminds us, moving from
guilt and worry toward curiosity
can help both parents and children
thrive.
Interested in parent
coaching?
The District offers free parent
coaching sessions for families
seeking additional support.
To schedule a session, email
janelleholyan@claytonschools.
net.
11
Brentwood Joins
Clayton-Ladue Oasis
Tutoring Program
For more than three decades, the
School District of Clayton and Ladue
School District have partnered with
Oasis Tutoring, a literacy program
that connects elementary students
with caring adult volunteers aged 50
and older. By spending time together,
students and volunteers build reading
skills, confidence and meaningful
relationships as they learn across
generations.
Beginning this fall, the partnership
will expand to include Brentwood
School District. This new addition
will allow educators from all three
districts to support the program while
bringing this meaningful opportunity
to even more students and community
members.
Interested in volunteering? Email
lindsayschuessler@claytonschools.net
to learn more.
Stay Connected,
Informed and Engaged
New this year, the
District is transi-
tioning to a commu-
nication platform
called ParentSquare. This new tool will
serve as a central hub for school and
District communications, including
emergency notifications, newsletters,
announcements and other important
updates. Parents and guardians can
access all communication in one
convenient location through the
ParentSquare app while also receiving
messages via email or text message
based on custom notification prefer-
ences.
Stay tuned for additional details
this fall.
N E W S A N D N O T E S
Esports Takes Off at CHS
Clayton High School launched its esports
program in spring 2023 to give students new
opportunities to build strategy, leadership
and teamwork skills. Since then, the program
has grown to a full roster of 16 students who
compete in games such as Super Smash Bros.,
Madden, Rocket League and Mario Kart.
Coached by Nick Nagel, with support from assistant coach
Michael Crowell, students practice throughout the week and
compete against schools in the Missouri Scholastic Esports
Federation and PlayVS leagues. The team has quickly built
momentum, qualifying for the playoffs in each of the past four
seasons.
Recently, the Clayton Education Foundation awarded a $25,000
matching grant to help CHS level up its esports program. With
the funding, the school transformed an existing classroom into
a dedicated space where students can practice, compete, build
skills and represent Clayton with pride. Go Hounds!
No Idling!
To help protect the health and safety of
students and the broader school community,
the All In Clayton Coalition is increasing
efforts to discourage vehicle idling in school
zones. New “No Idling” signs have been
installed at each school to remind families to
turn the key and be idle free during pickup
and drop-off times.
Reducing vehicle idling helps improve air quality, support student
health and create a cleaner environment around schools. To learn
more about the All In Clayton Coalition, visit allincoalition.com.
12
Clayton Education
Foundation Honors Proud
Alumni
lumni, educators and
community members
came together to
celebrate excellence
at the Foundation’s
biennial Hall of Fame celebration.
Representing four decades of
graduating classes, inductees into
the ninth Alumni Hall of Fame
included entrepreneurs, marketing
and communications professionals,
educators and civic leaders. They
were joined by two former District
educators who received the
Distinguished Educator Award.
Alumni Hall of Fame Honorees
Joan Berkman (‘69),
communications professional
John Burke, PhD (‘70), civic leader
and retired educator
Susan Kalishman Goldberg (‘78),
volunteer, educator and former
marketing professional
Gary Kodner (‘73), artist and retired
graphic designer
John Marcus (‘59), civic leader and
retired entrepreneur
Ryan Bell McAdams (‘00),
conductor
Randy Minkoff (‘67),
communications professional
Claire Saffitz (‘05), food writer
and chef
Distinguished Educator Awards
Carol Kaplan-Lyss, Parenting
Educator and Counselor (The Family
Center)
Robert S. Mullgardt, Sixth grade
(Meramec and Maryland Elementary
Schools), Science (Wydown Junior
High), Physics (Clayton High School)
Congratulations to these
incredible members of the
Clayton community!
Second Annual Golf
Tournament
Thank you to everyone who
supported the CEF’s Second Annual
Golf Tournament, presented by
Clayco. Together, the Clayton
community raised nearly $30,000!
These funds, as well as others
raised throughout the year, will go
a long way in helping CEF create
opportunities that make a difference
for students and educators.
Prize Patrol Delivers
Nearly $25,000 in Teacher
Innovation Grants
This spring, the Foundation
surprised educators across the
District with the exciting news that
their innovative classroom ideas
had been selected for funding.
This year’s grants will support
projects focused on digital media,
literacy, critical thinking and more,
benefiting students at nearly every
grade level.
Since 2009, CEF has awarded
close to $500,000 in teacher
grants, empowering educators to
bring creative, engaging learning
experiences to life.
The Clayton Education Foundation (CEF) connects,
engages and empowers our community through innovative
programs and meaningful opportunities that directly
impact Clayton students, staff and alumni.
Learn more at claytoneducationfoundation.org.
13
Which District Event Matches Your Vibe?
Take the quiz to find out.
1. How are you spending a
Friday night in the District?
A. Dressed in your Clayton best,
ready to cheer on the basketball
team.
B. Catching up with former
classmates at an alumni event.
C. Watching students shine on
stage or through creative projects.
D. Connecting with other Clayton
families through food, culture and
tradition.
2. What District news are you
most likely to follow?
A. Upcoming events and activities.
B. Alumni spotlights and District
history.
C. Student awards and
achievements.
D. An inspiring story about a staff
member or student.
3. Your ideal keepsake is...
A. A well-loved Clayton sweatshirt.
B. An old yearbook filled with
signatures from friends.
C. A school project that still makes
you proud.
D. A thank-you note from someone
you helped along the way.
4. Pick a seat at a District
event.
A. Front row, cheering loud & proud.
B. Next to friends, catching up
before the event starts.
C. Wherever the student you are
supporting can see you.
D. At a table where you can meet
someone new.
5. In high school, you’d be
voted...
A. Most Spirited
B. Best Storyteller
C. Most Likely to Become President
D. A Friend to All
Count up your answers. The
letter you counted most
determines which District
event you are.
Snapshots of Success
rom early childhood
through graduation, Clayton
students and staff continue
to achieve at the highest
levels. Here is a glimpse of
the accomplishments celebrated
across the District over the past year.
■More than 200 families benefited
from Clayton’s Parents as Teachers
program, receiving personalized
guidance and early learning support
that helps children build a strong
foundation for lifelong success.
■Meramec Elementary School
earned first place in the Fifth Grade
and Under Division at the 2026
Missouri State Scholastic Chess
Championship.
■Wydown Middle School placed
third in the Eighth Grade and
Under Division at the state chess
championship.
■A total of 187 CHS students
earned AP Scholar Awards,
including 91 who received the
program’s highest honor: AP Scholar
with Distinction.
■For the first time, every Clayton
competitor earned a Silver
Seal in their event at the DECA
International Career Development
Conference.
■CHS Speech & Debate captured
two individual state championships
at the MSHSAA Class 1 State
Tournament and placed fourth in the
overall debate sweepstakes.
■CHS students earned top
honors at the National High School
Journalism Convention, including a
first-place Best of Show award for
The Globe Newsmagazine.
A. Homecoming Week You are all
about school spirit! Whether you’re
cheering from the sidelines at the big
football game against Ladue or sitting
front row of the fall musical, you love
everything Clayton. Your enthusiasm is
contagious and you make every District
event feel like a holiday.
B. Senior Send-Off You love a trip
down memory lane! Whether you’re
a proud alumnus or a supportive
community member, you cherish the
friendships, traditions and moments
that bring people together. You know
that some memories never graduate.
C. Graduation You are a champion of
student success! You love celebrating
students and recognizing the hard work
behind every award, accomplishment
and milestone. You know those
moments are part of what makes our
District so special.
D. Culture & Community Night You
believe community is built through
connection. You value the experiences,
traditions and perspectives each person
brings, and you care about making
Clayton a place where everyone feels
included and welcome.
14
A Culture of Excellence
Since 1989, the Emerson
Excellence in Teaching Awards
have recognized educators who
make a lasting impact on students
and schools. While the District
typically celebrates one recipient
each year, Clayton and its partner
district, the Special School
District, honored
two outstanding
educators in 2025:
Jeanne McQueen
(pictured above with
her class) and Adrian
Kuehn (pictured in
inset).
McQueen, a fifth-
grade teacher
at Glenridge
Elementary School, was recognized
for her commitment to student
learning, equity and innovation.
During her 12 years in Clayton,
she has helped shape meaningful
student experiences through
programs such as Griffin Time and
Agents of Change, while building a
classroom culture where students
feel empowered to take ownership
of their learning, use their voices
and grow with confidence.
Kuehn, a special education
teacher at Clayton High School,
was honored for his dedication to
inclusion, academic achievement
and helping students build critical
life skills. Colleagues celebrated his
commitment to creating meaningful
learning experiences and the many
ways he contributes as a mentor,
leader and coach.
Katie Burkhard, social worker at
Glenridge and Captain, was named
the 2025 Missouri School Social
Worker of the Year by the School
Social Workers Association of
Missouri.
Carolyn Day,
Wydown Middle
School orchestra
teacher, received
the Certificate
of Merit Award
from St. Louis
Suburban MMEA
District 5.
Andrew Darby,
assistant site leader at Captain
Elementary’s Kid Zone, received the
Rising Star Award at the Missouri
AfterSchool Network MOSAC
Conference.
Caitlin Mooney, Wydown
Middle School science
teacher and the District’s
K–12 science curriculum
coordinator, was named
a St. Louis Distinguished
Science and Engineering
Teachers Fellow through
University of Missouri-St.
Louis.
Daniel Henderson,
director of orchestras
and fine arts coordinator,
received the Outstanding
Music Educator Award from
the National Federation
of State High School
Associations.
Four Clayton employees were
nominated for the 13th annual
St. Louis Theater Circle Awards,
which recognize excellence in
professional theater across the
region. Honorees included:
David Blake, Outstanding Set
Design in a Musical (he won for
his work in ”Cabaret“ at the New
Jewish Theatre)
Kareem Deanes, Outstanding
Sound Design; Outstanding
Projections or Special Effects
Aaron Fischer Griffith,
Outstanding Supporting Performer
in a Musical (he won for his role
in ”Cabaret“ at the New Jewish
Theatre)
Ellie Schwetye, Outstanding Sound
Design
Congratulations to all!
Ranked Among
the Best
The School District of Clayton earned multiple
workplace honors in 2026, including being
named the #1 Best Place to Teach in Missouri
by Niche and a St. Louis Post-Dispatch Top
Workplace. The District also earned eight Top
Workplaces Culture Excellence & Industry Awards from Energage
and Bucketlist, recognizing excellence in employee well-being,
professional development, innovation and workplace culture.
2026
15
Coach of the Year Honors
Four Clayton coaches were
recognized for their leadership,
dedication and impact
on student-athletes. Their
commitment to excellence both
on and off the field helped
lead successful seasons while
fostering teamwork, growth and
sportsmanship.
Congratulations to the following
honorees:
Brittany Willis, Girls Basketball
Coach of the Year
Sumner Ahearn, Boys Basketball
Coach of the Year
Darion Williams, Water Polo
Coach of the Year
Paul Hoelscher, Assistant Girls
Soccer Coach of the Year
Wydown Hoops It Up
Wydown Middle
School’s boys and
girls basketball
teams both went
undefeated this season, capping off
an impressive year on the court.
Spotlight
Spotlight
on Athletics
Congratulations
to Clayton’s
student-athletes
on an outstanding
year. Across the
middle and high
school levels,
students represented Clayton with
determination, sportsmanship and
pride while competing against
some of the strongest teams in
the region. From championships
and record-breaking runs to
individual honors and meaningful
team successes, there was much
to celebrate.
Thank you to the coaches, families
and staff members who supported
Clayton’s teams throughout the
year and helped make these
accomplishments possible.
Behind the Lens
Photos by CHS yearbook students
clockwise from upper left: Paisley
McGill, Kate Kubat, Ava Cowan,
Itai Lerman, Ava Foley, Lauren
Karpman, and Carly Selig.
H I G H L I G H T S F R O M A N
O U T S T A N D I N G Y E A R
State Championships
■Boys Tennis
■Girls Tennis
Second Place Finishes
■Boys Basketball
(best in CHS history)
■Girls Soccer
Five Conference
Championships
Six District Titles
From Clayton to
College Athletics
10 student-athletes committed to
continue their athletic careers at
the collegiate level.
#ClaytonExperience
claytonschools.net
Connect
Connect with Clayton!
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
Back to School Bash
Thursday, Aug. 20 | 5–7 p.m. | Shaw Park Pavilion
Hosted by the Clayton PTOs, this annual event is a great way to reconnect
with friends, meet new families and kick off the school year together. Come
enjoy dinner from a variety of food trucks on site while celebrating the start
of another exciting year in Clayton.
Homecoming Parade & Football Game
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10 a.m. Parade | 12 p.m. Football Game
Celebrate with students, families, alumni and community members
during one of Clayton’s favorite traditions. Enjoy the excitement of the
Homecoming parade, then head to Gay Field to cheer on the Brentwood-
Clayton Greyhounds as they take on Normandy High School. Visit
ClaytonEducationFoundation.org for more information, including details
on how to purchase tickets for the annual Homecoming BBQ.
New this Fall: Clayton Community 5K
Sunday, Oct. 18 | 8:30 a.m. | Shaw Park
Join friends and neighbors for the inaugural Clayton Community 5K Run/
Walk. Proceeds support the Clayton Education Foundation and Clayton
Community Foundation. To find out more information, please visit
bit.ly/2026CC5K
@ClaytonSchoolDistrict
@ClaytonSchools
The School District of Clayton
#2 Mark Twain Circle
Clayton, MO 63105
Non-profit
Organization
PAID
Clayton, MO
Permit #175