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SDUC Newsletter 3/07/25

SDUC Newsletter 3/07/25
SDUC Newsletter3/07/25

Message From Our Superintendent | March 7, 2025 Message From Our Superintendent | March 7, 2025

Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D., PHR
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On March 1, I was excited to launch our newest engagement forum, CommUNITY Chat, an informal yet impactful series of three discussions with students, families, staff and community. Speaking without an agenda or outline, it was an opportunity for community to sit down to talk about any pressing topics.


Amid an evolving educational landscape, I was not surprised when parents and students expressed concerns about potential changes affecting our District. While attendance was small, the conversations were meaningful, covering topics from proposed education legislation to ongoing Prop U projects. I was especially proud of our students, who just the day before had showcased their talents at the UCHS Black History Assembly, now engaging in discussions on responsibility and advocacy.

UCHS Black History Assembly

I emphasized our commitment to keeping families together as we navigate changes, ensuring students remain in school and retaining local control—keeping decisions in the hands of those who care most about our mission: to educate, nurture, and guide ALL students into future leaders.


As a result of these discussions, we’ve expanded information on our legislative page (ucityschools.org/legislation) to keep you informed about key legislative developments potentially impacting education. Please know that my messages will always focus on the facts, and I appreciate your understanding and support.

CommUNITY Chat
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Our next CommUNITY Chat meeting will be on Thursday, April 24, at 6:00 p.m. in the UCHS library, held in collaboration with Special School District (SSD). This session will focus on supporting our students with IEPs. Families will have the opportunity to learn more about the services SSD provides and engage in meaningful discussions about how we can work together to best support your child’s success. To register for this event, please click here.


The Chat sessions are all about community coming together for the good of all. As we prepare to celebrate Flynn Park’s 100th Anniversary on March 31, I reflect on the wisdom of its first principal, who was a visionary leader. In an unearthed audio address from the 60's, Mrs. Helen D. Rossi, can be heard reminding students, “We are not one city, one state, or one nation—we are ONE WORLD.” Her words remain as relevant today as they ever were.

In Service of Our Children,

Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D., PHR

Superintendent

District Recap and Upcoming Events
Black History Month Recap Reel
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Black History Month

Throughout February, our schools came together to celebrate Black History Month with a variety of meaningful events. From community book studies and cultural expos to powerful assemblies and a stunning performance of The Lion King, students engaged in learning and reflection on the contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation. While February is a time of focused celebration, our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity extends throughout the year—ensuring that every student’s history, rights and potential are honored every day.


To watch a recap video of our Black History celebrations, please click here.

UCHS Summer Showcase

We had an incredible time at the Summer Showcase, hosted by our dedicated UCHS counselors! This event brought the community together to explore the many exciting summer opportunities available to our students. A huge thank you to our vendors and families for your support!


A special shoutout to UCHS counselor Melvin Bond for creating this fantastic recap video—click here to watch!

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Good People, Know Good People - Join us at the Annual Hiring Event!

Due to inclement weather, the District's Good People Know Good People hiring event has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 11 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Brittany Woods Middle School. 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 job openings, please click here.

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U. City Student Art Extravaganza

Celebrate the creativity and inspiration of U. City’s talented young artists at our annual District Art Show! The exhibit will be on display to the public from March 12 through April 18 at the University City Public Library (6701 Delmar Blvd.).


Also, don't miss the special kickoff reception on Wednesday, March 12 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the library! Light refreshments will be served.

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ROAR Academy | Music Bingo

Get ready for a night of music and fun at ROAR Academy’s Music Bingo night, Friday, March 28 at 6 PM! Join us at the UCHS cafeteria for an exciting event that’s sure to have you tapping your feet and humming along. This event is hosted in support of University City's Children Center.


Don't miss out—click here to get your tickets today!

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"Farming While Black" Community Screening is Open to the Public

Join U. City Schools’ Education for Sustainability & Agriculture on Tuesday, April 15 at University City High School for a special screening of Farming While Black, a powerful documentary based on the book by Leah Penniman. This film showcases the rise of young Black farmers and their dedication to sustainable agriculture.


The evening will begin with refreshments at 5:15 pm, featuring produce from our gardens and student-made products from Brittany Brand. The screening will start at 6:00 pm, followed by a panel discussion at 7:30 pm with the film’s director, Mark Decena.


To register for this event, please click here.

Spring 2025 Board of Education Candidates

The School District of University City Board of Education has two candidates for two seats for April 8, 2025: Guerin V. Pichon and Laverne Ford-Williams (in order of filing).


According to The School District of University City's Policy BBB-1: School Board Elections, we will not have a School Board Election in April 2025 since the number of candidates who have filed is equal to the number of positions for each office to be filled by the election.


Candidate statements will be printed in the March 2025 PRIDE newspaper and archived to ucityschools.org/PRIDE.

March is School Board Recognition Month in Missouri! We are grateful for our SDUC School Board Members and their dedication to the University City community! To learn more about our School Board, visit www.ucityschools.org/BOE.

Flynn Park Turns 100!

In this edition of SDUC's School Spotlight, we'd like to highlight Flynn Park Elementary!

Flynn Park is marking a historic milestone—100 years of learning, growth, and community!


Flynn Park opened in school year 1924-25, replacing Creveling Temporary School. The school and the adjacent park are both named for the late Mayor Warren C. Flynn, who helped establish University City’s park system with schools in mind. Flynn Park school has remained a cornerstone of education for generations.


Honoring this special occasion, Flynn Park will host a commemorative assembly on Monday, March 31, bringing students, staff, and the community together to celebrate a century of excellence.

We would like to recognize the following seniors who have submitted their college and career acceptances and scholarship awards:

List of Colleges and Careers: List of Colleges and Careers:

One U City Trivia Night
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One U City Trivia Night

More than 200 staff, families, and community members joined together for a night of fun at One U City's Annual Trivia Night! Several topics were spotlighted in rounds of challenging questions. Twenty, beautifully decorated tables laden with food, curated baskets of prizes and plenty of great conversation and laughter ensured the night was a great success!


Shoutout to our winners, student volunteers, expert crushed-cookie tasters, and Table 9 for the most enthusiastically themed table! And, of course, a huge THANK YOU to our incredible One U City parent volunteers who made this night possible!

Embrace the Power of Literacy
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Embrace the Power of Reading

Earlier this week, our elementary schools joined schools across the area at University City High School for The Believe Projects’ "Embrace the Power of Reading" event! Through music, rhythm, and powerful storytelling, our students experienced how literacy comes to life.


African-American leaders set out to inspire young minds, as they sang, danced and celebrated the magic of reading! Let’s keep the excitement going - because reading is POWERFUL!

Click here to follow us on all socials!
PEACHJAR Community Events
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2025 Summer Enrichment Program | Centcom University

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U. City Book Drive

Click here to see more!
Key Dates

March 2025:

  • March 10-13: 3rd Grade Pinball Challenge
  • March 11: JP 3-5 Spring Concert | 6:30 pm
  • March 12: U. City Student Art Extravaganza | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
  • March 13: Board of Education Meeting | 7:00 pm
  • March 14: No School | 0.5 Plan Day/0.5 Records Day
  • March 17-21: No School | Spring Break
    • March 21: District Closed
  • March 28: UCHS Career Fair
  • March 28: ROAR Academy Musical Bingo | 6:00 pm
    • Click here to purchase tickets.
  • March 28-29: UCHS Spring Play | 7:00 pm
  • April 1: Kindergarten Open Houses | 5:30 - 7:00 pm
  • April 2: Music in Our Schools Concert | 6:30 pm

The School District of University City

Website: ucityschools.org

Address: Ronald E. McNair Administration Building | 7700 Olive Blvd., University City, MO 63130

Contact: cco@ucityschools.org

The School District of University City
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