Cougar Update
February Edition
Congress Cougars,
As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor the remarkable achievements, enduring strength, and invaluable contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our nation's history and continue to enrich our present. This month provides us an opportunity to deepen our understanding, celebrate progress, and recommit ourselves to creating an inclusive educational environment where every student can thrive.
As Maya Angelou wisely reminds us: "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated." Her words inspire us to persevere, to learn from those who came before us, and to work together toward a future of shared success and understanding.
Together, we are creating an environment where students can celebrate different perspectives, and develop the skills to become thoughtful, engaged citizens. Let us use this time not only to reflect on the past but to actively shape a future where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
When we work together, sharing our unique experiences and perspectives, we create a stronger, more vibrant learning community for all.
We are better because of you!
MOCSA Child Abuse Prevention Education Opt-Out
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Our district will provide age- and developmentally appropriate sexual abuse prevention education to students. The goal of this programming is to keep your children safe.
This programming will include videos with a discussion facilitated by Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault. This lesson will empower children to respond to child sexual harassment, abuse, and assault and to provide students with the tools needed for personal safety.
The objectives of this lesson are to enable students to
Define sexual harassment, consent, and sexual assault;
Identify types of sexual harassment;
Respond appropriately when they are or someone they know is a victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault; and,
Access resources such as the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA).
This curriculum is designed by MOCSA, an expert in preventing sexual harassment and sexual assault recommended as a resource in this area by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
National statistics report that one out of every four girls and one out of every six boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18. Through this program aimed at educating and empowering students, we want to provide your student with the knowledge and skills to use if ever affected by sexual abuse. If you have any questions about the content of the program, please contact your school's principal or counselor.
All students will participate in sexual abuse prevention lessons unless you choose for your child to NOT participate.
Your student will be located in an alternative location during the presentation.
Community DEIB Conversations
Members of the Park Hill School District's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Council will facilitate this community update and conversation in partnership with Sophic Solutions. Join us!
Park Hill School District parents/guardians, staff, and community members are welcome to join us for these conversations. In these upcoming online forums, we will start with a presentation to all participants, overviewing the work our DEIB Council and DEIB Action Teams have accomplished since our 2024 community forums.
We'll also share how this aligns with the current 2023-2028 Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). After our large group presentation, we will move into small groups where participants will have an opportunity to engage in dialogue about the work that is being done and provide input regarding how they would like to see this work carried out within the specific school(s) they are associated with.
We look forward to sharing the work of our council and action teams thus far. We also look forward to our next steps, in alignment with our DEIB drivers and narratives, and the individual council work at each building. Thank you for your connection to this critical work in Park Hill.
We are hosting two community forums: February 18, 2025, and February 24, 2025. Both nights we will begin at 6:00 PM and end at 7:30 PM. Please register for only one session. The forum Zoom link will be sent, via email, on the day of your event.
Registration link: 2025 PHSD DEIB Community Connection
Because You Care
Our employees are the reason we are so successful here at Congress Middle School and the Park Hill School District, and the Park Hill School District would like to recognize us for all we do for our students.
The Park Hill Star award is awarded monthly to any staff member in the school district. Anyone can nominate an employee for this award by using the form below. In addition, please send a note of encouragement to our Congress Staff, letting them know you care.
Sometimes, negative comments are made directly to our staff members or posted on social media. We want to change that narrative! We want the positive vibes to outweigh the negative vibes. Please vote for one of our staff members or send a kind note to staff members for the entire month of December.
