Welcome

Dear Ninth Grade Center Students and Families,

Welcome to the Ninth Grade Center! Whether your family is beginning its very first high school experience or you've been through this journey before, we are excited to have you as part of our Trojan family.

I have the privilege of serving as Principal of NGC, and as I begin my fifth year at the Ninth Grade Center, my excitement for welcoming a new freshman class is just as strong as it was on day one. Freshman year is filled with new experiences, new friendships, and so much growth. It can also bring a few nerves and plenty of questions. Please know that our staff is here to support you every step of the way.

A little about me - I am beginning my fifth year as Principal of NGC. Before stepping into this role, I spent five years as an Assistant Principal and nine years as a Special Education teacher, all within the Lincoln County R-III School District. I also worked as a paraprofessional in both the Francis Howell and Wentzville School Districts before becoming a teacher. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with certification in Special Education, a Master's degree in Secondary Administration, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Outside of school, life is wonderfully busy. My husband, Lance, and I live in Troy with our three children, who keep us constantly on the go with their sports and activities. Most evenings and weekends, you'll find us outside at a ball field or inside on the court, cheering on our kids and soaking up family time. When I have a little downtime, I enjoy reading, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

At NGC, our goal is simple: we want every student to feel known, supported, and challenged. High school is about so much more than classes and grades. It's about discovering interests, building relationships, finding confidence, and creating memories that will last long after freshman year. We encourage every student to get involved, try something new, and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way. Our faculty and staff have been hard at work preparing for another incredible school year, and we cannot wait to welcome our newest Trojans through our doors.

You may have also noticed that the Ninth Grade Center looks a little different this summer. If you've driven by our building recently, you've probably seen construction crews hard at work both inside and outside of NGC. These exciting improvements are part of the expansion project made possible through the Prop KIDS bond issue passed by our community in April 2025. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our families and community as we continue investing in the future of our students.

Inside the building, several exciting improvements are taking shape. Before students return, our new security vestibule at the back entrance will be complete. We are also creating a new interior entrance to the gym from the main hallway and installing new bleachers, making the space safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for our students and families. Outside, construction will continue throughout the 2026-2027 school year as we build additional classrooms and new lab spaces that will create even more opportunities for our students in the years ahead. While there may be a few temporary adjustments as construction continues, we are excited about what these additions will mean for the future of the Ninth Grade Center and can't wait to share our progress with you along the way.

Please mark your calendars with these important upcoming dates:

Orientation & Open House Thursday, August 20th 4:00pm-7:00pm

First Day of School Monday, August 24th Doors open at 6:40 am

Labor Day Monday, September 7th No School

Homecoming Weekend Friday, October 2nd More Info to Come

Thank you for trusting us with this important chapter in your student's journey. We are excited to walk alongside you throughout your student's freshman year and cannot wait to welcome the Class of 2030 to the Ninth Grade Center.

Welcome to the Trojan Family!

Sincerely,

Dr. Cortney Richardson

Principal