Skip To Main Content

Frequently Asked Questions about our curriculum

How is the Mehlville School District curriculum determined?

All Mehlville School District curriculum aligns with Missouri Learning Standards.

How can I view the Mehlville School District curriculum?

Detailed information about the curriculum Mehlville School District students are learning can be found on our website. Curriculum can be viewed by course and grade level:

Detailed descriptions of each high school class are available in the course description guide. 
 

I have questions or concerns about the Mehlville School District curriculum. Who should I contact?

We care about every student and want to ensure that they have a positive and successful experience in the Mehlville School District. If you have questions about what your student is learning at school, we encourage you to begin the conversation with your student’s teacher. Below is a flow chart you can follow to inquire about the Mehlville School District curriculum:

  1. Classroom teacher
  2. School principal
  3. Dr. Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Academics

Panorama surveys

What is Panorama?

Panorama is a software company that partners with educational organizations to support school climate, social emotional learning and family engagement. Panorama develops surveys taken by our staff and students in grades 3 and up once a semester to benchmark social-emotional learning, well-being and sense of belonging.

Why is participation in Panorama surveys important?

We know students do better academically when they feel like they belong in our school communities & when they have the tools to support and manage their emotions. Just like we check in with students on their learning related to math and reading, Panorama helps our staff identify areas where students may need support & areas where we can improve school culture. They provide a playbook of strategies to improve these areas.

What types of questions are asked on Panorama surveys?

Students and staff are asked questions relating to their experiences in our schools on Panorama surveys. Our Panorama surveys do not ask students questions about their or their families political beliefs nor do they include questions about sexuality or religious affiliation.

Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns about Panorama surveys?

If you have questions about Panorama surveys and how they’re used to support student learning, below is a flow chart you can follow to inquire about Panorama surveys:

  1. School counselor
  2. School principal
  3. Mr. Adam Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Library Books

How does the Mehlville School District determine what books are in school libraries?

School librarians consult professional book reviewers including School Library Journal, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Barnes and Noble, Kirkus and VOYA when choosing books for our schoolwide libraries. Many reviewers provide a summary of the book and age-level appropriateness. Librarians purchase books for a wide range of ages to provide a collection that supports every student and their interests. All books are read by librarians before being available to our students.

The selection of library books is tied to several Mehlville Board of Education policies:

  • Policies IIA Instruction Materials: The value and impact of any textbook, library or other instructional material will be judged as a whole, taking into account the purpose of the material rather than individual and isolated expressions or incidents of the work. Multicultural, disability-aware and gender-fair concepts will be criteria for selection of materials.
  • Policy IIAC: School Libraries: Students and educators should have access to resources and services free of constraints from artificial barriers. Learning/teaching and interests of all students and teachers will be accommodated.
  • Policy IIAC-R1 Selection of Materials: Provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop, under guidance, the practice of critical reading and thinking. Place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection appropriate for the users of the library. Provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities and maturity levels of the pupils served. Provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop, under guidance, the practice of critical reading and thinking. Place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection appropriate for the users of the library.

Books in classroom libraries are selected by the classroom teacher based on student interest and grade-level appropriateness. Books are often purchased by the teacher, passed along from school libraries or received as community donations. Classroom library books are not cataloged and are checked out through the classroom teacher’s system. Every classroom does not have a classroom library.

How can I view what books are available for my student in their school library?

Parents can view the library catalog available at their child’s school on our website. Each entry contains details including grade levels of interest and where book reviews for that entry are available. Parents can request that their child be limited from checking out specific books by reaching out to their child’s principal or librarian.

How can I request a review of a book in my child’s school library?

Any parent or community member can request that Mehlville School District reconsider including a book in a school library by requesting a book review form and returning it to the school principal. The principal then forms a review committee composed of a teacher, the librarian, the patron and a district administrator. The committee reviews the book and makes a recommendation. In the case of an appeal, the final decision is made by the Mehlville Board of Education.

Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns about library books?

If you have questions about books that are located in your child’s school library, below is a flow chart you can follow to inquire about library books:

  1. School librarian
  2. Building principal
  3. Dr. Brian Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Academics