The Nest Podcast

Patriotism meets education in this forward-looking address from Superintendent David Haug as Jefferson R-7 School District prepares for a momentous 2025-26 academic year. The excitement is palpable as Haug reflects on recent accolades that have positioned the district as a leader in civic-minded education.

The district proudly received dual honors last year—recognition from the Daughters of American Revolution for exceptional flag care practices across campus, and a commendation from the United States Army National Guard acknowledging the district's commitment to respectful partnerships. These relationships have blossomed into meaningful experiences for students, with National Guard members conducting te...

Our Climate and Culture Survey results show strong participation with 339 parent responses, 120 staff responses, and over 500 student responses to guide our continuous improvement plan. We're sharing key strengths and opportunities for growth based on this valuable feedback.

• 85% of students agree teachers and adults treat them with respect
• Students' sense of belonging remains consistent across transitional grades (3rd, 6th, 9th)
• Only 38% of students feel their peers get along with one another
• Student-to-student relationships improve with age (23% positive at Telegraph, 55% at high school)
• 49% of students believe their peers respect teachers, while staff perception is higher at 58% Duration: 00:11:22

Discover how the Jefferson R-7 School District is setting new standards in education with Superintendent Dr. David Haug at the helm. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into their impressive nine-point APR score jump to 92.4% and learn how collaboration and strategic planning are driving this success. David shares the district's unwavering commitment to nurturing crucial traits like hard work, perseverance, problem-solving, and empathy among students and staff. You'll also hear about the district's strategic involvement with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and how it's paving the way for future residential and commercial growth.

In this episode, we...

Ready to experience the most thrilling Homecoming Week ever? Brace yourselves as Baylor Pemberton, Mallory Wilkey, Mitchell Obermeyer, and Nolan Naucke walk you through an entire week packed with excitement, spirit, and memorable moments. We kick off with interactive games at the younger buildings and move on to transforming our hallways into a Broadway spectacle. From the high-energy bonfire to the themed spirit days like Dress as Your Favorite Musical and Greasers vs. Beachers, every single day is designed to bring our community together in the most fun and engaging ways.

But that's just the beginning! Join...

Curious to learn how one person's dedication can preserve a community's rich history? Join us as Superintendent Dr. David Haug introduces the R-7 Advocate Recognition, a new initiative celebrating those who go above and beyond for the Jefferson R-7 School District. Our first honoree, Barb Jackson, has an inspiring story that showcases her relentless passion for our community. From her early days as a devoted bus driver to her meticulous efforts in organizing historical documents, Barb's contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. You'll discover how her work has led to identifying the 2024-25 school year as the district's 75...

What if your child’s stress could lead to life-altering decisions? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. David Haug, Superintendent of Jefferson R-7 School District, as he sheds light on the pressing challenges our schools face today. In this episode, Dr. Haug discusses the recent threats affecting our communities and the critical importance of communication between parents and children. You’ll gain valuable insights into how to talk to your kids about the seriousness of these situations and the significant consequences of poor decisions.

Dr. Haug also shares his experiences in dealing with stressful environments and...

Join us as Dr. Haug candidly shares his experiences and the difficult choices he had to make in ensuring the safety and well-being of his students. He takes us through the steps his team took, from involving counselors to the School Resource Officer, and how they navigated the complex decision-making process of when to communicate these concerns to parents and the community. 

Dr. Haug also gives us a sobering look at the broader impact of social media on students' mental health, revealing how pervasive and distressing online messages can exacerbate their anxieties. He doesn’t shy away fro...

Revisit the vibrant journeys of Jefferson R-7's Class of 2014 with Superintendent David Haug, as he reconnects with Claire Johnston, Cole Lankford, and Jacob Hill to explore their remarkable post-graduation lives. Claire reveals her shift from an agriculture degree to becoming a dedicated middle school English teacher in Illinois, while Cole recounts his evolution from an athletic scholarship to discovering his true passion in teaching and coaching in New Jersey. Jacob shares his unique blend of IT and horticulture expertise, now applied in his project management role at Bayer, all while balancing family life with corporate responsibilities. Their stories...

Ever wondered how a school district can revolutionize its communication with parents and the community? Join us as we uncover the Jefferson R-7 School District's groundbreaking efforts to enhance accessibility and transparency. Hear from Superintendent David Haug, who unveils the district's new streamlined one-page communication tool, a game-changer following last year's traffic flow improvements. Principal Rouggly shares his expert strategies on maintaining consistent and timely communication, which has impressively driven a 95% registration turnout. Plus, Athletic Director Tara Fish introduces her plans to leverage the ThrillShare app, keeping everyone in the loop about school events and activities with real-time updates.<...

Ever wondered how a well-rounded high school experience can set the stage for an ambitious military career? Join me, David Haug, as I chat with Catryn Cattoor, a 2021 Jefferson R-7 graduate, who recently embarked on a life-changing journey to Italy through her Air Force officer development training. Catryn shares her firsthand experience working with NATO, the balance of academic rigor at Washington University in St. Louis, and the invaluable lessons in time management and teamwork she gained from high school. Tune in for her insightful advice on navigating the ROTC program and the importance of language learning.

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Discover how over $47 million in energy assistance can transform the lives of families in need, as Page Selby from Ameren joins me, David Haug, for a compelling conversation on the powerful impact of support programs like LIHEAP and Dollar More. You'll learn the ins and outs of accessing these resources, and how a mere half-hour a month could unravel opportunities for financial relief, including services that extend way beyond energy bills. Page and I navigate the digital landscape of aid while shedding light on the critical role school counselors play in connecting families to these lifelines. 

Get r...

Discover the undercurrents shaping our educational landscape as David Haug, Superintendent of Jefferson R-7 School District, joins us to navigate the choppy waters of school budgeting and the legislative tides that could reshape our children's future. With a $2.5 million shortfall looming and the closure of the Ameren Rush Island plant threatening to rock the boat, this conversation is an urgent rallying call for proactive community engagement. As we extend heartfelt thanks to Senator Elaine Gannon for her dedication, we also honor the legacy of the late Glenn Kiepe, whose wisdom casts a long shadow over our district's path forward...

As our district stands on the precipice of change with the Ameren Rush Island plant closure, we unpack the intricate tapestry of financial and community implications that await. We venture into the complexity of the securitization process in Missouri, unwrapping the layers of strategy our school district is employing to stay afloat amidst the fiscal unknowns. Confidence resonates through our discussion, bolstered by the strong current funding structures and the potential for district growth. Join us for an earnest conversation as we extend a heartfelt thanks to Ameren for their transparent collaboration and to our own Stevie, whose communication...

Navigating the complex tides of school district budgeting has never felt so urgent. That's why, as your host David Haug, I take you on a journey through the financial intricacies and challenges we face in the Jefferson R-7 School District. Expect an unflinching look at the delicate interplay of local and state funding, corporate contributions, and the pressing need for transparency as we assess the potential impact of Ameren's closure on our community. With a dedication to integrity, reminiscent of my esteemed mentor Bob Shannon, this episode unearths the realities and solutions essential for safeguarding our children's education and...

As the twilight of nostalgia settles in, join me in welcoming Brendan Hall and Hailey Null, Jefferson R7 alumni, who bring the past to life with tales of their inaugural graduation class. Their shared memories of a senior campout and the whistle signals that once orchestrated their daily school life resonate with the intimate spirit of a community in its nascent stage. We traverse the territory of their unique educational landscape, where the "figure it out" approach was less a choice and more a rite of passage, equipping them with the resilience and resourcefulness that have become hallmarks of their...

Embark on an exploratory mission as David Haug and the remarkable Tina Basler join forces to dissect the MSIP 6 survey findings, revealing a tapestry of character and collaboration that defines our school district. Together, we look beyond mere academic achievement to celebrate our collective Character Ed Certification, a testament to the profound commitment to shaping lives with integrity. The insights gained from our time at LACE Academy and experiences with Character Plus have been instrumental, fostering a community where service and character development are not just encouraged but lived daily.

This episode unravels the complexities of educational...

Embark on an extraordinary voyage with Bradley Glass, a Jefferson R-7 School District graduate who navigated his way to the esteemed halls of the United States Naval Academy. Our heart-to-heart on today's episode unravels the tapestry of his journey—from the stirring surprise of his acceptance to the pivotal role our Lego Robotics program played in his development. The raw emotions shared with his mother and the ingenious surprise we planned encapsulate the essence of victory not just for Bradley but for the entire community that supported him.

Together, we unwrap the layers of commitment and strategy ne...

Struggling to find suitable mental health resources for your child? This episode is your key to unlocking accessible help. Join me, Steve Horn, as I navigate the intricacies of Aspen, a platform revolutionizing mental health care in our county, with Jacqueline Brown from Aspen Network Incorporated, and Billie Hartgrove, the Mental Health Coordinator for the DeSoto School District. Jacqueline enlightens us about Aspen's unique preventive approach, empowering students to self-screen and connect to appropriate resources before reaching a crisis point, making mental health care more proactive than reactive.

Billie elaborates on the benefits of the Aspen platform...

What if there was an effortless way to ensure our children's safety in schools while also creating a warm and welcoming environment? It sounds like a daunting task, but Superintendent David Howe and Officer Brent Nanny are making it happen. With a shared vision and collaborative efforts, they're working tirelessly to strike the perfect balance. This episode pulls back the curtain on their daily routines, emergency preparations, and uniform safety protocols - all aimed at providing the safest possible environment for our children.

Our guest, Officer Nanny, isn't just about ensuring school safety - he's also here...

Can you believe it? A staggering $11.5 million in revenue for our students might just slip away due to the proposed tax abatement between Crystal City City Council and James Hardy Industries. It's a complicated issue, fraught with the subtle complexities of tax abatements, pilots, and the somewhat obscure Chapter 353. I'm David Haug, Superintendent of the Jefferson R-7 school district, and I'm here to shine a light on this issue, urging the importance of postponing the decision-making process until further study is done.

Join me as I break down the implications of this proposal, from the anticipated traffic...

Confused about how to apply for free and reduced meals in schools? Get ready to gain valuable insights as Superintendent of Schools at Jefferson, David Haug, and Food Service Director, Mrs. Donica Wagner, guide you through the process. We explore the recent financial changes affecting eligibility, and how the number of household members plays a significant role in the application. We also remind listeners that the deadline for this year's application, if you were eligible last year, is looming on September 30th.

In the second half of our engaging chat, we delve into the nitty-gritty of the...

Are you looking to unravel the secrets of efficient school transportation management? We've got Amy Manns, the new transportation director of the Jefferson R-7 School District, sharing her strategies on enhancing traffic flow and bus safety without draining your pockets. We're dissecting the new start and dismissal times at Danby School and their role in easing traffic congestion. We'll also disclose how we plan to streamline high school traffic exit and discuss the impact of Plattin School's dismissal time on the overall traffic situation.

Harness the power of community involvement as we discuss its crucial role in...

Have you ever wondered about the challenges and triumphs of creating a brand-new school from scratch? This episode lets you in on this fascinating journey, with our guests, Mark Ruark and Suzanne Richardson, the first principal and counselor respectively, of Jefferson High School. From finding their roles to the intricacies of establishing a new academic institution, Mark and Suzanne share it all, adding a personal touch with amusing anecdotes and inspiring perseverance stories.

The episode takes you on a deep dive into the complexities of curriculum development, staff hiring, and establishing traditions. Listen as Mark and Suzanne...

As we reminisce about the incredible progress and achievements of the Jefferson R-7 School District, we were honored to be joined by the man who's been at the helm for 13 years, Mr. Clint Johnston. From our very first high school graduation to implementing one-to-one technology, we discuss the challenges and successes that have shaped our district. Most importantly, we delve into the vital role that relationships and community involvement have played in making Jefferson R-7 the thriving district it is today.

We also took time to appreciate the mentors who have influenced our lives and careers, and...