Academic Achiever: Family/Staff

Dear Staff and Families,

As we approach the close of another calendar year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve achieved together and express my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and dedication to our scholars.

December is a time of celebration, reflection, and connection. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a school community and acknowledge the hard work and commitment that each of you brings daily. Whether you are a teacher, staff member, scholar, or parent/guardian, your role is invaluable in shaping the bright futures of our scholars.

I want to commend our SLPS staff for fostering a community of curious learners. This year, we’ve seen our scholars engage in zSpace, participate in DECA, receive college acceptances, enroll in dual credit courses on college campuses, serve as mentors to younger scholars, attend college tours, present at board meetings, and ultimately embody the Portrait of a Graduate.

As we prepare for the second semester, I encourage you to take time to recharge, reflect, and spend time with loved ones. Let’s also remember those in our community who may be in need and consider ways we can support one another during the winter break and this season of giving.

Looking ahead, I am excited about Literacy for the Lou, the Spelling Bee, the STEM Fair, and celebrating all of our scholars who have already received college acceptance letters.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our school community. I wish you all a joyful and restful winter break filled with warmth and happiness.

Sincerely,

Dr. Millicent Borishade

Interim Superintendent

Saint Louis Public Schools

• December 5th - Parent University (Culture & Climate in SLPS Schools)
• December 7th - Literacy for the Lou Event @ Missouri History Museum from 10: 00 AM - 2:00 PM
• December 10th - Board of Education Meeting @ Gateway STEM High School
• December 23rd -January 3rd - Winter Break for Students (Teachers report Friday, January 3, 2025 for Professional Development)

Join us for the 2nd Annual Literacy for the Lou Community Event as we continue to celebrate reading, writing, and community connection.

📖 What to Expect:

• Free books to build your home library
• Special guest authors and student resources
• Award Ceremony for the Spelling Bee champions from each school
• Food trucks, free exhibits, haircuts, and more

To RSVP for Literacy for the Lou, scan the QR code on the flyer below or click the RSVP button.

Together, we can spark a lifelong love of learning. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly event—Learn more at SLPS.org/LiteracyForTheLou

Join us for the next Parent University workshop, where we’ll dive into key areas that impact your child’s success and well-being in Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS).

This workshop is designed to ensure that families feel connected, informed, and supported as we work together for the success of every student. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and resources to support your child’s educational journey.

Date: December 5, 2024
Location: SLPS Central Office, 801 N. 11th St., St. Louis, MO 63101
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

We look forward to seeing you there as we strengthen our partnership to support student success in every SLPS school.

We are excited to announce the SLPS Spelling Bee Awards Ceremony on Saturday, December 7th at 11:30 AM at the Missouri History Museum's Lee Auditorium. This inspiring event, part of the Literacy for the Lou initiative, will celebrate the dedication, knowledge, and excellence of our talented spellers. Join us in cheering them on and celebrating their outstanding achievements.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024

Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112 (Lee Auditorium)

RSVP: Please RSVP by contacting Tiffany Vaughn via phone at 314-345-4590, email at Tiffany.Vaughn@SLPS.org, or by scanning the QR code below.

We look forward to seeing you there as we honor our amazing students and their achievements.

Mark Your Calendars
Starting January 21, 2025, Saint Louis Public Schools will open registration for the 2025-2026 school year. The registration period will run through March 8, 2025.

Registration is required for all new families and for returning families.

Opt-In for Transportation Services

This year, families will need to opt-in for transportation services during the registration process. If your child requires bus transportation for the 2025-2026 school year, be sure to select that option when registering.

Why Opt-In?

Opting in helps us:

• Provide more reliable and timely transportation.
• Plan more efficient bus routes based on actual needs.
• Allocate resources effectively to improve service for all students.

Thank you for your support as we work together to improve services for our students.

The exciting world of STEM is waiting for you. The annual SLPS STEM Fair is here, giving students the opportunity to showcase their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Mark Your Calendars

• December 2nd - December 20th: School-based STEM Fairs take place.
• March 2025: Top projects will advance to The Academy of Science - St. Louis Science Fair.

How to Participate

• School Projects: Your child’s teacher will provide information about school-based projects, including deadlines and available resources.
• Independent Exploration: students can also submit individual projects completed at home (one project per student).

Why Participate in the STEM Fair?

• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Students will learn to ask questions, conduct research, and analyze data.
• Boost Creativity and Innovation: The fair inspires students to think outside the box and develop unique solutions.
• Build Confidence and Presentation Skills: Students will gain valuable experience presenting their work and explaining their findings.
• Spark a Passion for STEM: Participation can ignite a lifelong interest in science and technology.

Stay tuned for more details from your child’s teacher.

We’re excited to see the amazing projects our students will create this year.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the St. Louis Board of Education Legislative Committee hosted elected officials, representatives from Local AFT 420, and community members at our Central Office for a Legislative Breakfast. Together, we engaged in meaningful discussions on our District's legislative priorities, which include safety and security, trauma support, and housing insecurity. We celebrated recent wins and shared updates on our finances and operations. The event provided an excellent opportunity for collaboration and dialogue, reinforcing our shared commitment to supporting education in our community.

A special thank-you to the culinary students at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, who prepared a delicious breakfast for our guests, showcasing their skills and talents. We greatly appreciate everyone who joined us for this productive and engaging meeting.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the SLPS Policy Corner, a new section designed to help families, staff, and community members gain a deeper understanding of the policies that guide our district. These policies are essential in fostering well-rounded students, informed and equipped educators, and supportive administrators. Saint Louis Public Schools remains committed to ensuring that these guiding principles reflect the highest standards for education and governance. To support this effort, we are partnering with the Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) as they review our existing policies and recommend updates. This collaboration will ensure our policies are in full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

In this first edition, we’re highlighting how the SLPS Board Policy 1230: Parental Involvement Policy, which emphasizes the importance of collaboration between schools, families, and the community in shaping the education of our students. This policy not only guides our daily interactions but also inspires action. For example, this policy has been instrumental in the formation of the Parent Action Council and their upcoming Day of Action.

Taking Action: Parent Action Council's Day of Action

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, SLPS families, community members, staff, and board members will travel to the state capitol in Jefferson City to advocate for our students and public education. This Day of Action exemplifies the collaborative spirit of our Parental Involvement Policy, where we work together to create positive change. For more information regarding the Parent Action Council or the Parent Day of Action, visit the Parent Action Council webpage.

Why This Matters

Strong parental involvement leads to higher student achievement, better school programs, and a stronger community. Together, we can create an environment where every student thrives.

For more information, visit SLPS.org/Policies. Stay tuned for next month’s Policy Corner, where we’ll explore another key district policy.

The Parent Action Council (PAC) will not hold a meeting in December as they prepare for the Parent Day of Action training, which will be held on January 30 and 31, 2025. The Parent Day of Action will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in Jefferson City. This annual event provides a platform to advocate for critical initiatives that support Saint Louis Public Schools.

Upcoming Dates:

• PAC Meeting - Thursday, January 16th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
• Day of Action 2025 Training - Thursday, January 30th, 6:30 - 7:30 PM & Friday, January 31st, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
• Parent Day of Action 2025 - Tuesday, February 4th, All Day

We look forward to seeing you in the new year as we gear up for a successful Day of Action.

To keep up with PAC meetings and activities, follow us on our Google page.

Exciting progress continues across SLPS as part of the Prop S initiative, a comprehensive effort to modernize our schools and provide students with high-quality, safe, and equitable learning environments. Here’s a glimpse into some of the key updates and projects shaping our district’s future:

Building Infrastructure Upgrades

The Prop S initiative is also focused on essential building infrastructure to create safe and sustainable school environments:

• New drinking and water-filling stations are now in place at Patrick Henry Elementary, Adams Elementary, Collegiate High School, Carr Lane Middle School, and Compton Drew Middle School, providing students with easy access to clean, filtered water.
• Bathroom updates have been completed at Yeatman Middle School, Roosevelt High School, and AESM Middle School, creating clean, modern, and functional facilities for students and staff.

Request For Proposal (RFP) Process

We're pleased to announce that the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for transportation services is underway. This process will help us ensure that our students receive safe and reliable transportation to and from school.

Here's a quick overview of the RFP timeline:

• RFP Documents Released: November 15, 2024, at 5:00 PM
• RFP Questions Due: December 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM
• RFP Questions Answered: December 10, 2024, at 5:00 PM
• RFP Proposal Due Date: December 16, 2024, at 5:00 PM
• RFP Bid Opening: December 17, 2024, at 9:00 AM
• Contract Award: February 11, 2025

  
  

Contract Monitoring

We continue to closely monitor our transportation contracts to ensure that our contractors meet our high safety and performance standards.

Our monitoring process includes:

• GPS and Tracking: We require GPS tracking on all vehicles to monitor their location and ensure timely service.
• Emergency Evacuation Drills: We conduct mandatory emergency evacuation drills for all K-12 bus riders to prepare them for unexpected situations.
• Dispatch Function: We require our contractors to have a fully staffed dispatch function to monitor service, address concerns, and communicate with the district.
• Driver and Vehicle Safety: We enforce strict driver and vehicle safety requirements, including background checks, drug and alcohol testing, and vehicle inspections.

We are committed to providing our students with safe and efficient transportation services. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve our transportation program.

Saint Louis Public Schools benefits from the Principals' Advisory Group to the Superintendent, a dedicated team that provides valuable feedback on district activities and initiatives. This group meets quarterly to offer insights and expertise rooted in a school-based perspective, fostering collaboration with the Superintendent's Office to support informed decision-making across the district.

Why Is This Group Important?

The Principals' Advisory Group plays a critical role in fostering collaboration between schools and district leadership. By providing recommendations and feedback, these principals help shape district policies and initiatives in key areas such as:

• Academic Achievement: Identifying strategies to improve studentlearning and success.
• School Climate and Culture: Creating positive, supportive learning environments for all students.
• Resource Allocation: Ensuring schools have the resources needed to support students effectively.
• Professional Development: Supporting the growth and development of school leaders.

Key Priorities for the 2024-2025 School Year

This year, the Principals' Advisory Group is focused on ensuring the district meets its Board of Education goals. These goals include:

• Improving academic outcomes for all students.
• Creating safe and supportive learning environments.
• Strengthening family and community engagement.
• Ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.

The Principals' Advisory Group is a powerful example of SLPS’s commitment to collaborative leadership and continuous improvement. By bringing together school leaders and district administration, we can ensure that all students have access to a high-quality education and that our schools and district work together effectively to meet the needs of every learner.

Avery Hall is a senior at McKinley Classical Leadership Academy and a shining example of resilience, determination, and artistry. As both a high school student and a verified music artist, Avery navigates the dual worlds of academics and the music industry with a level of focus and maturity that inspires those around him.

From a young age, Avery found his rhythm, quite literally, as the kid in class making beats in his head. Inspired by his father, who began rapping as a teen, Avery grew into his own as a musician after facing and overcoming significant personal challenges. Diagnosed with leukemia twice, Avery used his experiences as a catalyst to pursue his passion for music.

A Musical Journey: Becoming Verify'd

His artist persona, Verify'd, has grown from a teenage dream to a purposeful mission. He’s a verified artist on Spotify and Apple Music. At 18 years old, he’s already managed to release over 50 songs, gaining thousands of streams, all while balancing the demands of high school.

“I’m the same artist I was before,” he explains, “but I’m more developed now. More polished. I focus on being better and inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness.”

Balancing Artistry and Academics

Balancing high school responsibilities and an active music career hasn’t been easy. With upcoming performances and academic obligations, Avery relies on time management to keep everything in order. He prioritizes his education, ensuring that schoolwork is completed before stepping into the studio or preparing for a show.

The Role of McKinley High School and Family

Avery credits McKinley’s emphasis on teamwork and his own support system for helping him thrive. From teachers like Mr. Smith, who fosters meaningful connections with students, to his family, who brought studio equipment to the hospital during his treatment, Avery has felt surrounded by encouragement and love.

Looking ahead, Avery has ambitious plans. He intends to study business marketing or management, with a potential minor in graphic design, at the University of Tampa or the University of South Tampa. By taking things step by step, he plans to achieve his goals while maintaining his music career as a form of therapy and self-expression.

Advice for Aspiring Young Artists and Students

When asked about his advice for younger students, Avery emphasizes the importance of balance and initiative:

For Avery, closing the chapter of high school is bittersweet but exciting. He leaves with valuable lessons, resilience forged in adversity, and a passion for his craft that will undoubtedly carry him far. His message for others is as profound as his journey:

Avery Hall, McKinley future graduate (May 2025) and artist, exemplifies what it means to be a Portrait of a Graduate. He is college and career ready, a critical thinker, an effective communicator, and, above all, a resilient and compassionate individual whose story will continue to inspire.

The Gateway STEM Jaguars football team continues to make history. Under the leadership of Coach Jason Dulick, the Jaguars defeated Pacific High School to secure their first district championship since 2011. This incredible milestone comes on the heels of an undefeated regular season (10-0), a testament to their hard work, talent, and unwavering determination.

Thank You to Our Community
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Coach Dulick, the coaching staff, families, and fans for their steadfast support throughout this unforgettable season. Your encouragement has fueled the team’s success and inspired our entire SLPS community.

Students from SLPS high schools recently embarked on an exciting HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) tour, where they had the unique opportunity to explore campuses and connect with admissions teams. During the tour, students visited prestigious institutions such as Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.

We’re thrilled to announce that during the tour, three students from Vashon High School received acceptance emails from Clark Atlanta University. Two students from Metro were accepted to Spelman College and Fisk University, respectively. These students are not only excelling academically but are also active in athletics and participate in several clubs and organizations, showcasing their well-rounded achievements.

Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and dedication. This tour was a powerful step in shaping their futures, and we look forward to seeing where their academic and extracurricular pursuits take them next.

Gateway STEM’s DECA team had the incredible opportunity to attend the Ultimate DECA Power Trip in Charlotte, North Carolina. DECA is a global organization that prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The event was packed with workshops, networking opportunities, and leadership sessions, all designed to inspire students and equip them with fresh ideas and practical skills.

One of the highlights was learning strategies to enhance entrepreneurial endeavors, including insights for running JagTown, the student-run store at Gateway STEM. The event left the students motivated and ready to apply what they learned to elevate their DECA experiences and future competitions.

Gateway STEM students proudly represented SLPS at this national event, returning with new strategies to continue their success and further develop their leadership potential.

We look forward to seeing how their experiences will shape their future achievements in DECA.

Meramec Elementary School has experienced a number of exciting changes recently, and those improvements are making a real difference for students and families. In this video, we sit down with Staci Harvatin, a proud Meramec parent, as she shares her family’s experience and how they’ve witnessed the positive transformation of the school.

From new initiatives to an enhanced learning environment, Meramec is on a path of growth that is being noticed by families like the Harvatins. Watch the video to hear firsthand how these changes are impacting students and creating a stronger school community.

We’re thrilled to showcase the progress happening at Meramec and to continue supporting our schools in providing the best education and experience for every student.

Winter break is a great time for students to get a head start on college and career plans, with some extra support from parents and caregivers. Here’s how both students and families can work together to make the most of this time:

• Finalizing College Applications

  • Students: Double-check college application deadlines and polish essays. Make sure all required materials are ready to go, and ask a teacher or counselor to review application essays if possible.
  • Parents/Caregivers: Offer to review essays and application materials, providing feedback on structure and clarity. Help your student organize deadlines and create a checklist of required materials.

• Researching Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • Students: Starting December 21, 2024, students can access My Scholarship Central to explore available scholarships. During the 2023-2024 school year, SLPS students earned over $67 million in scholarships—proof that opportunities are out there. Take time to search for scholarships that match your interests or career goals. Make a list of deadlines and requirements to stay organized.
  • Parents/Caregivers: Assist in the scholarship search and review financial aid forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Starting this process early can help reduce stress as deadlines approach.

Working together over winter break can make a big difference as students prepare for graduation and the next steps in their education. With a little planning and support, they’ll be ready to start the new semester—and the next chapter of their journey—with confidence.

Following a successful November focused on safety drills and enhancements across the district, SLPS continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and staff throughout November.

Here's what we've been up to:

• Central Office Safety Drill: SLPS Central Office staff completed their monthly safety drill, reinforcing our commitment to preparedness at all levels of the district.
• Ongoing School Drills: Schools across the district continue to conduct regular safety drills, including fire, earthquake, and other emergency scenarios, to ensure students and staff are well-prepared in any situation.

By practicing these drills and regularly reviewing our safety protocols, we aim to:

• Build a Culture of Preparedness: Regular drills create a sense of awareness and readiness, ensuring that everyone knows how to respond calmly and effectively in an emergency.
• Reinforce Safety Procedures: Consistent practice helps to solidify safety procedures, making them second nature for students and staff.
• Identify Areas for Improvement: Drills allow us to evaluate our response protocols and identify any areas where adjustments or additional training may be needed.

SLPS remains dedicated to providing safe and secure learning environments for all. These ongoing efforts demonstrate our commitment to proactive safety measures and continuous improvement.

On November 15th, 23 dedicated teachers from 13 Saint Louis Public Elementary Schools began a transformative journey in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Training. This two-year professional development program equips educators with evidence-based strategies rooted in the Science of Reading, empowering them to build stronger foundational literacy skills in their students.

Through this intensive program, teachers will gain a deeper understanding of how students learn to read and how to address diverse literacy needs effectively in the classroom. By enhancing their expertise in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, these educators are taking important steps toward improving literacy outcomes for all students.

This initiative represents SLPS’s commitment to ensuring every student has the skills they need to succeed. We look forward to seeing how this investment in professional learning impacts classrooms, strengthens literacy, and helps shape a brighter future for our students.

Stay tuned for updates as these exceptional teachers continue their journey.

At Saint Louis Public Schools, we are committed to maintaining open and transparent communication with our families and staff. As part of this effort, we’re introducing a new section in our newsletter to highlight the positive impact of the programs we offer. Through data and analytics, we will demonstrate how these programs benefit our students, staff, and communities in meaningful ways.

The SLPS Research and Evaluation department has been tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of the following programs:

• Reading and Writing Initiative
• Summer Learning (Camp SLPS)
• Saturday School
• zSpace
• Career and Technical Education (CTE)

We will measure effectiveness by examining student interest, student growth, and how students apply what they've learned. Through data and analytics, we will demonstrate how these programs make a difference for our students, staff, and communities.

We’re excited to share these insights with you to celebrate our achievements, identify opportunities for growth, and highlight the impact SLPS is making. Stay tuned in the coming months for data-driven updates that demonstrate the value of our programs.

Thank you for partnering with us to shape the future of education at Saint Louis Public Schools.

Want to show your support for our amazing student athletes? Come cheer them on at an upcoming game.

SLPS offers a variety of exciting sporting events throughout the year, and we encourage all parents and families to join in the fun.

Here's how to get your tickets:

• Visit the SLPS Athletics website: You can find schedules, team information, and ticket links on the official SLPS Athletics website: https://www.slps.org/phltickets

At SLPS, we're dedicated to developing well-rounded student prepared for success in life beyond the classroom. Our Portrait of a Graduate guides our approach, focusing on essential qualities like critical thinking, effective communication, cultural awareness, and collaboration. We empower our students to be change agents, ready to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.