Normandy

Seventy YearsNormandy
Strong:

Issu e # 00 | Su m m er 2016

WeLoveNormandyJunior HighSchool,
Normandy MiddleSchool, andNormandy

7thand 8thGradeCenter

A CollaborativeWorkfrom
N78C GATE andJournalismStudents



Preface

It has been an honor to serve over twenty years at Normandy Middle School. Religiously
waking up early, day after day I pondered how the school day would unfold. The "aha"
moments that would happen throughout the lesson were intrinsically gratifying for both my
students and myself. I have seen the advancement of technology change the horizon of
education. I have taught the post-millennial generation preparing them for this ever changing
world.

The process of making this book was a labor of love as that of being an educator . My
students were the journalist. Through their amazing journey they discovered the many
wonderful people who have walked in and out the doors of Normandy Middle School. These
people have changed the world through this space.

We truly were a family year after year. We laughed together, cried together, grew together,
believed together, but most of all we loved. We built lasting relationships within these walls.
The building may be gone, but the seeds that were planted in the hearts of adults and children
will last forever.

A special thank you to Wyman for the Longevity initiative to create lasting memories for the
Normandy Schools Collaborative community. This is a strong community. We have endured the
pitfalls which have often overtaken urban school districts, but still we stand Normandy strong.
We are growing and changing to serve this generation. Normandy Schools Collaborative is
thankful for the community we serve that believes in us, and likewise we believe in the
children. Enjoy the pages of this book authored by the children. Read and reflect. This is the
end of an era, and the beginning of a new one in our school district. We say good bye to our
middle school, and look forward to a new model for educating our adolescent students.

Histor y

The History of Normandy 7th and 8th Grade Center

By Addison Williams
Normandy 7th and 8th Grade Center opened in 1949 with the help of Wischmeyer &
Lorenz Company. The new junior high was located at 6785 Natural Bridge Road.
Previously the middle school was incorporated at Normandy High School. The
superintendent of the district at the time was Fred B. Miller and the assistant superintendent
was H.C. Bleck Schmidt. These two men were the ones who began the vision of Normandy
Junior High School.
Normandy?s board of education included Herman G. Heuser, Erwin A. Barner, Mable
Kniep, Charles H. Merz, R. Morris Ritchie, Ray Thiele, and Milo Wightman. The principal
charged with opening Normandy Junior High was Mr. J.R. Gunnell and the vice principal
was Mr. C. J. McCartney. Normandy students reside in 24 municipalities. They include
Pasadena Park, Glen Echo Park, Uplands Park, Velda Village Hills, Norwood Court, Vinita
Park, Bel-Ridge, Bellerive, Bel-Nor, Beverly Hills, Pasadena Hills, Greendale, Pagedale,
Hanley Hills, Normandy, Velda City, Hillsdale, Wellston, Pinelawn, Northwoods, Vinita
Terrace, Charlack, St. John, Cool Valley, and Vinita Park. The communities are called the
24:1. Normandy merged with the Wellston School District in June, 2010.
The many students from the various municipalities come together at Normandy 7th and
8th Grade Center. The middle school was previously named Normandy Middle School after
being known as Normandy Junior High for 30 years. As of this year, 2019, N78C is
scheduled to be demolished and the property will house the new Normandy Early Learning
Center. The 2019 board of education consist of Reginald Dickson, Cedric Portis Sr., Richard
Ryffel, Pamela Westbrooks-Hodges, and Sheila Grimes Williams. Our current
superintendent is Dr. Charles J. Pearson who also works with Friendly Temple Church.

Hist o r y

Then a nd N ow

By Ser eni t y Br i nkley







2 0 1 8 -2 0 1 9

Th e Last Class



Exavier Potts
Earl Wallace

Boar d M em ber s

M s. Sh eila William s M r s. Sar a Fost er M r s. Pam ela West br ook s-Hodge
Boar d Tr easu r er Board Direct or Boar d Vice Pr esiden t

Dr . Ch ar les Pear son
Su per in t en den t

Rev. Cedr ic Por t is Sr . M r . Rich ar d Ryf f el
Boar d Pr esiden t Board Direct or

Highlight of Board M em ber ,

An Alu m n a of Nor m an dy Ju n ior High

Ms. Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge

I transitioned to Normandy Junior High after spending the first 7 years of my
schooling at Concord Lutheran School. The transition was challenging and tested
my ability to make new friends, adjust to a new environment, and operate more
independently. The friendships I forged with students like Melissa Washington and
Edward Simpson helped me quickly acclimate to my new environment and a
challenging accelerated curriculum.

I credit my math teachers, Mrs. Haynes, Mr. Todd, and my 7th grade English
teacher, Mrs. Harris for helping to substantially advance my critical thinking ability
in math and English skills. This preparation laid the ground work for my career as a
Governance, Risk and Compliance Business Leader. On a daily basis, I leverage the
relationship building, communication and critical thinking capabilities that I honed
at Normandy Junior High to lead and advance regulatory risk management activities
at my present employer, Edward Jones. I leverage these same competencies in
service to our beloved school district as Vice President of the Normandy Joint
Executive Governing Board.

Some of my favorite memories were being allowed to bring and play my favorite
Prince album (1999) in music class, the time spent in French class- this is where I
learned I loved the language and could quickly learn a foreign tongue. Also, the day
I learned the legendary Flossie Henderson, who was a beloved English teacher at
Normandy Junior High was my Dad?s first cousin on the Westbrooks side and my
second cousin! One day while riding the bus from school, I figured out I would
graduate from Normandy Senior High in 1987!

Pledges

By The Ninth Grade Journalism Class By Vivian Johnson
1956-1957 2013 - 2015 School Years

Oh, Normandy, our voices ring, I am a shining star
With praise both far and wide. With my education and ingenuity I
We pledge our loyalty to you. will go far
Be our strength and guide. Successful is the word that describes
me
With courage, faith, and honesty, The best is what I am going to be
We overcome our fears. Today I am going to shine
The knowledge gained, the friendships Because I am one of a kind
Will last through the years.
By The QUEST Council
Oh, Normandy Junior High, 2018 - 2019 School Year
You pass all others by. I will be the master of my game.
Yours colors, red, green, I will stand out and not just fit in.
In victory shall be seen. I will go for the best and not settle for
Our hearts swell with pride, less.
When our teams hit their stride. I will reject the notions that there are
We're faithful and true, limits to my learning.
We're loyal to you, I will elevate my thinking.
Dear Normandy Junior High. I will model appropriate behaviors
while taking responsibility for my own
act ions.

Pr in cipals Th en an d Now By Ser en it y Br in k ley

By: Serenity Brinkley

Pr in cipal High ligh t s

Ms. Barbara Sharp began her career in the Normandy School District as an English teacher
and proudly earned the confidence and support of her colleagues, families and Team 4
students. Later, Ms. Sharp received career advancements, which afforded her the opportunity
to serve as an English Department Chair at the Middle School and later as High School
Assistant Principal. In each role, she worked to mentor and build the capacity of others. In
2001, Ms. Barbara Sharp returned to Normandy Middle School as Principal and became the
1st African American female principal for the Middle School and led the school from
2001-2006.

Building and maintaining strong relationships is essential for student success. During Ms.
Sharp?s tenure, she worked to develop teacher and student leaders, sought approval for the
installation of elevators in the school and supervised the installation of central air in the
building. She developed student leadership groups and was instrumental in beginning
Professional Learning Communities in the school. This work began a process that allowed
teachers to engage in rich discussion focused on improvement of student performance.

She encouraged her staff and students to reach beyond the surface to achieve their goals.
The theme for the school focused on ?Failure Is Not An Option. " At the close of each day,
Ms. Sharp would conclude her daily announcements by saying, ?Make it a great day or not;
the choice is yours.?

Ms. Sharp's priority was helping teachers to expand their curricular knowledge and to dig
deeper addressing the question of why students were unsuccessful. She rolled up her sleeves
and worked side by side with the staff. Her expectations were clearly communicated to staff,
students and parents.

She remained clear about her role in helping to improve student and adult learning. Her
consistent use of data to guide the decision-making process was apparent in all roles and
attributed to the success of Normandy Middle School.

M r. ToddT. Williams
Principal from2006-2008
"NothingWill Work, Until

You D otheWork"
M r. Williamsempowered
studentstounderstandand
believeintheir intellectual

power.

M r. BryanCannon
Principal from2008-2010
"A NewD ay. A NewWay."

M r. Cannonchangedthe
environment andculture. Hehad
thestudentsrespect theteachersand
theteachersrespect thestudents.

D r. Lynett Hookfin
Principal from2010-2013
" Builda Cultureof Excellencein

Teaching andLearning."
D r. Hookfinspearheadedthefirst

STEM magnet programon
campustoimprovestudent interest

inmath andscience.

D r. GeNita Williams
Principal from2013-2015
"OnePurpose, OnePromise:

Student
A chievement"
D r. Williamsenjoyedbeinga
teacher of teacherstoimprove
student achievement.

M r. A ndrewM iller
Principal from2015-2018
"Promotinga Cultureof Kindnessand

Excellence"
M r. M iller lovedworkingwith the
studentsandmaking themhappy.

D r. Christopher Young-El
Principal from2018-2019
"WeD idNot ComeThis

Far; ToOnly ComeThis
Far."

D r. Young-El lovedworking
with themid-level learnersto
preparethemtobesuccessful

in life.

Alum ni Who Wor ked at N78C

Memorable Moments at NMS ...

Ms. Tiffany Avant
In- School Suspension Teacher and

Cheer Leading Coach
"My most memorable moment was in

my science class. My teacher Ms.
Gregory had mice in her classroom in a

big aquarium the size of a table."

Mr. Terry Artist
7th Grade Math Teacher

Drumline Coach
"My most memorable moment was a
talent show in the 8th grade. There were
singers, musicians, and dancers. I was
also in the talent show as a drummer."
An interesting fact is that Artist is now
the lead drummer and coach of our

Middle School Drumline.

Ms. Sharnell Sharp-Browder
Better Family Life sponsor and

employee
" My most memorable moments
were being in Mr. Norman's classes.
He was very laid back, but he pushed
us to do our best. The friends that I
made in middle school still talk to me
t oday."

Ms. Frances Havey
Math Teacher

"I had many memorable moments at
NormandyJunior High. Mr Farr (economics),
Ms. Maddox (p.e.J, to name just a few, but

my favorite class was science. I even won
the grand prize in chemistry (Ms. Carter)! It
was a giant lollipop. It was later broken and
shared with friends, because C6 H12 06 is

yummy."

Ms. Little Holly
Security Officer
"My most memorable moment was
in Ms. Lewis' home economics class.
She would take us to get fresh foods
from the farm to cook with. I also
learned how to sew. This was the

best class."

--�---

Marque/lo Futrell
Social Sudies Teacher
8th Grade Team Leader
"My most memorable moment
was being able to participate
and help the Geison Family
with their annual Christmas
Dinner and Giveaway."

Corporal Ralph Ruffin
Normandy Police Officer
School Resource Officer
11One of the most memorable moments was
when I had a class with Ms. Davis-Edwards
on advanced mathematics and technology,
where we learned how to sod copper. I
also remember dissectingfrogs in science
with Ms. House, but my favorite teacher
was Ms. Boley.11

Ms. Adriene Van AKA Addie
ELA Teacher

"My most memorable moments were with
my Spanish teacher, Mrs. Moeller. She
took us to our first Mexican restaurant,

and she had a class party. She brought us
our first pinata. We also had a day where
we could only speak Spanish. We had a lot

of projects, and we had a Spanish only
play. She was the first teacher that Jet us

learn out of our seats."

Ms. Sonia E. Buchanon-Wilson
Food Service Cashier

"My most memorable moments
were in my home economics class.

This class had fun and engaging
activities."









Alu m n i Wh o Wor k f or NSC
Not Pict u r ed

- Antoinette Becerra- Parents as
Teachers

- Michael Burchett-Lucas Crossing
Cust odian

- Latasha Gray- Gifted and
Talented Education Teacher

- Claudine Nelson- Administrative
Assistant at Barack Obama
Element ary

- Benita Weavers- Director of
Transport at ion

- Robin Vaulx-Williams- Principal
at Jefferson Elementary

Tracy Coleman

A memorable moment for Tracy was being in band with Mr.
Weigand , he made it fun . Tracy Coleman attended Normandy
from 1987-1988. When Tracy went here, there was a lot more
discipline. The teachers cared about the students and would
go above and beyond. The school also didn't have air
conditioning when Tracy went here. Tracy is currently a project
administrator for the famous Kwame Building Group. Kwame is
the construction management company for overseeing the
general contractor that's building the new school. Tracy
currently oversees certified payroll, attends meetings, and
sends out tons of emails. Tracy attended college at Webster
University and she studied construction management. A little
advice from Tracy, "Stay focused and never let anything hold
you back."

Duane Foster

Mr. Duane Martin Foster is the head of the Normandy Fine
Arts Department. Mr. Foster was a class alumni in the class of
1997. He has received many honors and awards such as, Yale
Distinguished Music Educator Award, Arts and Education
Council Art Educator of the Year 2013, The St.Louis American
Foundation Excellence in Education Awards 2012 etc.....
Foster made his New York debut in "Ragtime" 20 years ago,
then came home to St. Louis in 2006 and he became the
theater and music teacher at Normandy Middle School. He was also a broadway
performing artist with roles in "Porgy and Bess", "Ragtime", "A House of Flowers ",
and "Purlie". His performances took him to Lincoln Center and Broadway. He has
done movies, and also performed in a Broadway production that won 4 Tony
Awards, which is enough to impress even teenagers. Currently, a Normandy High
School teacher, Mr. Duane Foster, said it was a luxury to spend seven weeks of this
school year in the off-broadway production of "Angtigone in Ferguson." He
continues to perform, and refresh his skills to be an even better teacher.

Latonya Hughes

Latonya graduated in 1989. She joined the choir in high school. She
was in the Gospel Choir for 4 years in high school. She continued
singing throughout her life. She completed 2 years of community
college. In total, she has done 4 albums. Her stage name is Tonia
Hughes. She is married with 3 children. One of her sons named,
Cameron, was able to sing with Beyonce. "Yes, I did like my years at
Normandy." She was influenced by her aunt. She watched her and it inspired her to do what
she does today. She was signed to a record company, ??Light Records". She was also able to
sing with Aretha Franklin.
Her Quote, "If you want to be a singer, believe in yourself. You don't have to be rich to sing.
If that's what you want to do, then accomplish it." It takes courage and unshakeable faith to believe

that what?s on the inside of you is far greater than any obstacle before you. Tonia has them both. Tonia
Hughes Kendrick is a contemporary gospel singer, songwriter, recording artist, and actress. Audiences are
drawn to her electrifying, passionate, and transparent delivery.

Tonia?s openness to engage in culturally diverse collaborations has catapulted her music career and led to
her working alongside some of Minnesota?s most gifted artists. She has performed with the Minnesota
Orchestra at Orchestra Hall, at the acclaimed Lincoln Center in New York, and throughout the Twin Cities at
hundreds of culturally diverse churches, theaters, colleges and university events. Some of her theater credits
include ?Cinderella?with Ordway Center For Arts, ?Caroline or Change?with Guthrie Theater, ?Black Nativity?
and ?Mahalia?with Penumbra Theater.

Laurence Maroney

In 2006, the New England Patriots drafted Maroney in the 1st round of the
2006 NFL Draft with the 21st overall pick. In his rookie season with the Patriots,
Maroney played in 14 games. In week three of the regular season vs the
Cincinnati Bengals he had his best game when he rumbled for 125 yards and two
touchdowns , including one 25 yard touchdown run that was named by the NFL
Network as one of the top ten runs of the 2006 season. He also played a huge
role with the Patriots as a kickoff returner. Maroney returned 28 kicks for 783
yards (28 yard avg). In week 13 in a game vs the Detroit Lions, Maroney was hurt
on a kickoff return in the first quarter of the game. He didn't return to play in the
game and also ended up missing the next two weeks while recovering from the
injury. Returning from the injury induced inactive list in weeks 16 and 17, he ran
for key touchdowns in both games. He ended the 2006 NFL season with 745
yards on 175 attempts (4.3 avg) and 6 touchdowns. He also had an surprisingly effective year in the receiving
game as well with 22 receptions for 1941 yards and a touchdown. Maroney signed with the Patriots for a
five-year deal that extended till the 2011 season. He underwent shoulder surgery in early 2007, and

joined the New England as starting running back for the 2007 season. Currently, Maroney has
retired, and is back home. He donated a new track and weight room to the high school.

Fam ou s Alu m n i
Not Pict u r ed

- Dean Baker , college f oot ball
player an d spor t s execu t ive

- Car l Dan iels, Pr of ession al
boxer

- Wayn e Goode, M issou r i
st at e legislat or

- Ton y Pear son , M r . Wor ld
an d AAU M r . Un iver se body
bu ildin g con t est an t

- St eve Pech er , pr of ession al
soccer player

- Rober t A. You n g, U.S.
Repr esen t at ive M issou r i

Generations

Th e Th om pson Fam ily Th e Holly Fam ily Th e Fields Fam ily

The Browley-
Jenkins
Family

The White Family

Th e M oor e Fam ily

Th e Colem an Fam ily
Th e M or t on Fam ily

The Long Family
Th e Beck Fam ily

The Dale Family

Th e Fr an k lin Fam ily
The Brinkley Family

Alu m n i Givin g Back t o t h e

Com m u n it y

An t h on y Clar k

?This school has old roots", says Anthony.
He does a lot of volunteering for Normandy
and the Vikings. Giving back to his community
is what he does best. He is a licensed plumber,
and enjoys working locally. When Anthony
attended Normandy Middle he liked meeting
students from the 24 neighborhoods. He
remembers shop class, Mr Brown, and that
something terrible happened to Mrs. Boley.
Her husband poisoned her with rat poison, and
now he's in jail. She taught us how to be
strong, and not to give up. Be a fighter.

Clay Far m er

Clay Farmer graduated in 1990. He does a lot of
community engagement. He started a lot of groups for
adults and youth. Clay makes programs to help out the
community. He graduated from the police academy. He has
also been in law enforcement for 19 years. He still takes
classes to maintain his education. Helping people is what
he does every day. Normandy gave him a road to life.
Middle school helped his social skills, prepared him for
adulthood, and gave him a sense of family. His memorable
moment was hanging out with his friends, and the teachers
were awesome. Becoming a captain, and mentoring kids

has allowed Clay to accomplish his goals.

Quote: "Always give back to your community. Focus on your education, learn as much as

you can, and have fun."

Bon it a Rich ar dson

In February of 2019, I interviewed
Bonita Richardson, and she is an alumna
from Normandy Middle School. Bonita
Richardson was in the class of 1988. She
is now a hairstylist. Bonita Richardson
serves the community by planning and
participting in many alumni projects. I
would like to thank Bonita Richardson
for taking her time out to answer these questions.

M ar la Sm it h

Marla Smith was an alumna of Normandy
Middle School. She works at the St. Louis
County Court House. She?s an assistant for
the judges and lawyers. Marla Smith says,
the most needed lawyers today are traffic
and civil lawyers, because people are not treated equally. Some well
known lawyers are Scott Roosevelt, he deals with criminal defense, and
Travis Noble, who also deals with criminal defense. She says to
become a lawyer, you have to go to law school. It?s typically 3 years,
and then you take a bar exam. The bar exam test is what you should
know about law and politics, to see if you can become a lawyer.
Becoming a lawyer can take up to 7 years. I would like to thank Marla
Smith for taking her time out of the day to answer these questions. I
want to be a lawyer and she helped me like she helps others on a daily
basis.

Yen n Gain es

Yenn Gaines is an alumni that attended the middle school from
1985 to 1987. He graduated from high
school in1991. He is a millwright, and
has worked in this profession for 25
years. He doesn?t own any snakes, but
he has bred 80-100 different kinds of
snakes. Selling snakes and reptiles helps
him give back to the community. Many people are interested in
snakes as pets, and he teaches them how to be good pet owners.

LaRoyce Lobst er -Gain es

LaRoyce went to Normandy from
kindergarten to 12th grade. Normandy helped
her gain people skills, lifelong bonds, and
communication skills. In her own words, "I?m a
proud Viking girl!" Yes, she will send her kids to
Normandy. Her favorite memory from
Normandy was the band. She communicates with her friends (example:
Officer Holly). They have bonfires and talk on the phone. Some friends
she misses are Tiffany McDaniels, she died when they were in 8th grade,
and Buffy. Her favorite teachers were Ms. Robinson and Ms. Arnold. Her
favorite memories from Normandy were the rich experiences. Her
husband also went to Normandy, and his name is Yenn Gaines. They
were in band competitions, and the gifted education program (SRA)
together. Normandy gave her the tools to set, measure, and attain her
goals.

M ich ael Ter r y

Micheal Terry is an entrepreneur. He owns his own business, a
community barber shop. He even cut NMS students' hair for free for
their end of the year formal dance. The students were excited and
looked great. His advice to middle schoolers is to stay focused and
follow their dream.

Br ian Jor dan

Brian Jordan graduated
Normandy Middle in 1983. Brian's
current occupation is an
entrepreneur (self-employed). Brian
donates to funding programs for
Normandy through various events,
such as the annual bonfire. Brian enjoys helping others, and being an
asset to others. His practice is a painter by trade. "Normandy Middle
made me a tough person." Brian's favorite Normandy memory is
graduating. One of Brian's goals he shared is, ?Raising my family and
doing things in the community like giving back." A little word of advice
from Brian, ?Stay focused on getting an education and being a better
yo u t h ."

Er ic Wadlin gt on

Eric Wadlington is a construction worker.

He loves building and making the community

beautifully aesthetic. Eric works hard to do

fundraisers for Normandy's community

events. His favorite event to support, donate to, and attend is the

annual Normandy Bonfire.

M ar lin Th om pson

Marlin Thompson is an alumnus of Normandy
Middle School and has a son, Malin Thompson,
who attends the Normandy 7th and 8th Grade
Center. When Thompson attended the middle
school his favorite teachers were Mr. Chico Jones, and Mrs. Henry. His
mother, Mrs. Magaret Thompson, also taught at the middle school.
Thompson played football for Normandy High School and received 10
scholarship offers. He graduated college with two degrees. He has had
many interesting jobs from producing for Public Broadcasting Service
(P.B.S.) from working for the Federal Government, from which he
retired. He now coaches the Normandy High School Football team.
Thompson enjoys serving the community by motivating others in
community awareness and community solidarity through his
movement, Racism Sucks. He always takes time out to participate in the
yearly Normandy bonfires.

Qu ot e: ?Normandy Jr High is a so-real experience, because you meet a
whole lot of different students from different grade schools."

Teach er s & St af f Year s of Ser vice

By : Ser en it y Br in k ley
30 + year s

30 + year s ( Con t in u es )

30 + year s ( con t in u es)
20-29 year s

20 - 29 ( cont inues )
10 - 19 year s

10-19 (continued)

Coam yra Sc ruggs

Little Holly Christ ine Bounds

10-19 (continued)

Martin Wilder

5-9 years

Coam yra Sc ruggs

5-9 years (continued)

5-9 Years

M r .Clem en t s Ms.Cobb Mr.Crockett
Ms.Bragg

Ms.Cunningham Ms.Green

Ms. Gilard
Ms. Rosenkranz

Lisa Gray Officer Wade
Officer Wade

Dr. Inda Schaenen

1-4 years

Mr. Artis

Ms.Beck

M r .Blu m M s.Br yan t M s.Car p en t er Ms.Degeer

M r .Fu t r ell Ms.Glenn

M s.Fit zp at r ick Dr .Haym on

1-4 Year s Con t in u ed

Ms.Jackson M r .Jo n es Mr. Kreder M r .Lew is

Ms. Martin M r .M at h ew s

Ms.Loyd

Dr .Har r is

Ms.J. Mitchell Ms. T. Mitchell Ms.Morin

Dr .Ow en s-M at h ew s

Ms.Logan Ms.Hood

Ms. Samada Randels

Professional Support

Counselors

Nurses M s. Gilar d

Special Sch ool Sch ool Dist r ict

Beth Lappe V.Chambers Sonja Houston Johnson

J.Hite M.Morris Leila Covington

P.Higgins E.Finney Earline Helm

Karen Wright R.Adams

Karen Wright

Kathleen Glass Cheryl Carter M Carey