SDUC Newsletter 2/07/25
I’m beginning this message with a global perspective on education, including upcoming changes on the horizon. This reflects my commitment to keeping you informed about how proposed and promised shifts in education policy may impact us.
While we don’t yet have the full picture of what’s ahead, we are closely monitoring developments in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives; reductions in financial aid and scholarships; open enrollment policies; tax law changes that could reduce school funding; restrictions on a liberatory approach to embracing all selections of books and texts; and most recently, the revocation of protections for students and families affected by immigration policies.
Our strategic priorities under Learning Reimagined were designed to ensure the highest quality education and student experience, with a focus on a Modern Learning Experience, Well-being and Joy, Excellent Staff, All Hands (partners), and Resources. We don’t try to assign any order to these priorities because they are all of equal importance and because the pendulum of change in education is untethered; it can, and does, swing broadly.
In The School District of University City, we affirm that curricular resources and learning experiences for all children should serve as windows, mirrors and doors giving insight and access to the the diverse experience and perspectives of Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
That’s why building close relationships with our students and families remains paramount. Turning our Core Pillars inward to focus on leadership, we will continue to problematize the issues facing us, personalize the potential impact on our students, and above all humanize our approach to serving all students.
The pandemic taught us about the fragility of life and liberties. We will learn from these new challenges as well. One thing that will not change in our District is the belief that diversity is not a burden, it’s a gift.
With the Board of Education‘s full support, we will do all we can to ensure that all of our students feel welcome, safe and cared for in school. I want to ensure our families that they can reach out to us with unmet needs and we will engage our partner networks to the best of our abilities.
State of the District | NEW TIME 5:00 pm
I plan to revisit our education priorities in this second semester and beyond, starting with our State of the District address on February 10 at 5 p.m. held in the University City High School Library. You will gain a better understanding of where we are as a District and how we are planning for your child’s current and continuing education.
As a reminder, Missouri’s public school districts have received the formal scores in the 2024 Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) Annual Performance Report (APR) for the 2023-24 school year. The School District of University City’s overall score was 75.2% (full accreditation) which holds steady compared to last year’s data.
To register for State of the District, please visit ucityschools.org/SOD2025.
In addition, I am planning several CommUNITY Chats for the spring. The first two sessions will be held Saturday, March 1 at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm during the UCHS Summer Showcase. I want to meet directly with our students and parents to address their concerns, their hopes and fears. To register for an upcoming CommUnity Chat, please visit ucityschools.org/commchat.
Thank you for taking time to read this message. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at shardin@ucityschools.org.
Book Study Draws High Praise from Attendees
More than 75 community members, partners, students and educators from across the region attended our District's annual community book study which kicked off on Friday, January 31 at Harris Stowe. It was my distinct pleasure to introduce to our community Dr. Leslie Fenwick, author of Jim Crow's Pink Slip: The Untold Story of Black Principal and Teacher Leadership. Dr. Fenwick's book brings to light the largest, intentional purge of quality education talent in our nation's public school system. I believe that it is a "must read" that can be appreciated by educators and others who care about teaching and learning. Dr. Fenwick truly connected with the audience, taking time to sign personal, motivational messages for those who stayed after to meet her.
Based on the feedback, it was a resounding success and kudos to Christina Sneed, Christina Grove and the entire Curriculum and Instruction team for their support. If you would like to learn more, our next study session, will be held via zoom on Monday, February 10, at 6 p.m. You may acquire a zoom link by registering at ucityschools.org/bookstudy2025.
AMI Updates & Inclement Weather Communications
Elementary and Julia Goldstein principals finalized plans for AMI in the event that we have inclement weather. Please expect detailed information from your child’s principals.
DOWNLOAD THE APP: For the most up-to-the-minute information, please download the District app. The app can be found on the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching University City School District (UCSD) or by clicking on the links below:
PARENT PORTAL: Please take a moment to be sure your contact information is updated in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account at ucityschools.org/ParentPortal.
Good People Know Good People
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 18 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Brittany Woods Middle School for our 2nd annual Good People Know Good People event!
This is a recruitment event for the good people of U. City (you!) to bring their good people to personally introduce to our principals and administrators. Come chat us up and recruit your friends to join the U. City Pride.
For a list of current openings, please click here.
CALL FOR HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS!
The deadline for the 2025 UCHS Hall of Fame nominations has been extended to Monday, March 3, 2025!
The School District of University City has an amazing number of alumni who have made and continue to make a difference through contributions in various fields, philanthropy, and leadership. Please consider nominating one of them to the UCHS Hall of Fame by visiting ucityschools.org/hof.
All-District Trivia Night | One U City
On behalf of One U City, we'd like to invite you to One U City's All-District Trivia Night! This event will be held at 6:00 pm on Saturday, February 22 at the Heman Park Community Center, 975 Pennsylvania Ave.
To buy tickets, click here.
To donate gift cards or raffle prizes, click here.
To volunteer to set up, clean up, or anything in between, click here.
For any questions, please contact 1uc@ucityschools.org.
Young Minds, Big Sounds | The Sheldon Visits JGEC
In the School District of University City, STEAM starts young! Our students at JGEC are diving into The Sheldon’s Science of Learning Instrument Design (SOLID) Project, a hands-on partnership with the Saint Louis Science Center.
From a live performance by a Sheldon artist to an interactive “Science of Sound” presentation, our young learners are exploring how sound travels and getting creative with recycled materials to build their own musical instruments!
Stay tuned as they bring their designs to life—culminating in a public display at The Sheldon this spring!
8th Grade Course Planning Nights at UCHS
Did you know? We celebrated National School Counseling Week this week!
Our U. City counselors go above and beyond for our students daily—like this week, when our UCHS counseling team hosted two 8th Grade Course Planning Nights! Families collaborated with counselors to build schedules, explore different pathways and programs, and connect with teachers. With a great turnout, light refreshments, and a special gift for the Class of 2029, it was a fantastic event!
A huge thank you to our counselors and families for making it a success! Be sure to thank your school counselor next week!
