Greeting SLPS Families and Staff -

As we step into the month of May, our district is alive with energy and purpose. This season brings with it moments of reflection, celebration, and anticipation as we close out a memorable school year together.

Students across our schools recently completed their end-of-year assessments, including MAP, EOC, and other key evaluations. These moments are more than just tests—they represent growth, perseverance, and the support of our entire school community. I am proud of our students’ efforts and deeply appreciative of the educators and families who guided them through another successful academic year.

Celebrating the Class of 2025

To our graduating seniors: this moment is especially meaningful to me, as you are the first class to graduate since I became superintendent February 18th. Your journey has been marked by resilience, leadership, and achievement. On behalf of the entire SLPS community, I congratulate you on reaching this important milestone and wish you success and fulfillment in the path ahead.

May is also a time for celebration—our high school students are preparing for proms, awards ceremonies, and the many traditions that mark the end of the year. Each of these events represents a joyful close to one chapter and the start of another.

Honoring Our Board of Education Transitions

This month, we also express heartfelt gratitude to three dedicated members of the Board of Education whose terms have come to a close: Former Board President Antionette "Toni" Cousins, Former Vice President Matt Davis, and Board Member Natalie Vowell. Your leadership and service have helped shape the direction of our district, and we thank you for your commitment to SLPS.

I’m very pleased to warmly welcome our newly elected Board members: Alisha “AJ” Foster, Brian Marston, and Dr. Karen Collins-Adams. Our new Board officers are President, Dr. Karen Collins-Adams; Vice President, Emily Hubbard; and Board Secretary, Brian Marston. We look forward to working together to continue advancing the mission of Saint Louis Public Schools.

Reimagining SLPS – A Shared Vision for the Future

I also want to thank everyone who has attended our Reimagining SLPS Phase 1 presentations. These community conversations are crucial as we shape the future of our district. We’ve been inspired by your thoughtful feedback and continued engagement.

As we wrap up the final Phase 1 meetings this spring, I encourage families, staff, and community members to stay involved in Phases 2 and 3, which will take place later this spring and into the summer. Your voice is essential in helping us build a stronger, more responsive school system.

1838 Reading Challenge & Sneaker Ball Celebration
This year’s 1838 Reading Challenge inspired thousands of students to engage with books in creative and meaningful ways. I’m especially excited to recognize their hard work at our end-of-year celebration—the SLPS Sneaker Ball. All students are welcome to attend and join in the celebration of literacy, school spirit, and community.

💐A Tribute to Mothers: Strength, Love, and Legacy

As we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10th, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact that mothers have on our lives and in our communities. I want to take a moment to honor not only all of you, but also to share a bit about my own mother—who has been a remarkable influence in my life.

My mother was not just a parent; she was my role model, mentor, and unwavering cheerleader. As an immigrant, she faced many challenges, yet her commitment to excellence never wavered. She, along with my dad, taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible with determination and grit. Her journey inspired me to pursue my dreams and to strive for the best—not just for myself, but for everyone around me.

I fondly remember her encouraging words during tough times, her infectious laughter during joyful moments, and the countless sacrifices she made for our family. She always believed in me, often reminding me to put no limits on what I could achieve. It is this spirit of encouragement and commitment to excellence that I see reflected in the incredible mothers across our school community.

To all the mothers: your love and dedication shape not only your children, but the very fabric of our society. Thank you for being your children’s first teacher and for inspiring the next generation.

Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and cherished memories.

Looking Back to Move Forward

As we close out the 2024–2025 school year, I am filled with gratitude. This has been my first full year as superintendent, and it has been a privilege to serve this district alongside so many dedicated educators, staff members, families, and students.

Together, we have taken meaningful steps—re-centering our focus on student achievement, updating and aligning districtwide best practices and policies, building a strong leadership team, and laying the groundwork for a shared vision through Reimagining SLPS. These efforts are designed with one goal in mind: to center our students and families, support our staff, and strengthen our district as a whole.

Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your commitment to the success of Saint Louis Public Schools. I look forward to continuing this work with you in the months and years ahead.

With appreciation and pride,

Dr. Millicent Borishade

Superintendent

Saint Louis Public Schools

• May 3rd - SLPS Budget Forum 10:00 AM–11:00 AM - O’Fallon Recreation Complex, 4343 W. Florissant Ave. The facility requires that all participants/guests must present a valid form of identification with a photo.

• May 3rd - 2025 SLPS Sneaker Ball - 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM - @ O’Fallon Recreation Complex, 4343 W. Florissant Ave
• May 5th - 9th - Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 8th - Reimagining SLPS Presentation - Phase One 5:00 PM @ Mallinckrodt Elementary School (See registration link below)
• May 13th - Board of Education Meeting
• May 22nd - Last Day of School

Over the last two months, SLPS has been on the move—meeting with families, educators, students, and community members to share a bold vision for the future of Saint Louis Public Schools. Through our Reimagining SLPS series, the district has been transparent about where we stand, what the data tells us, and what it will take to build the school system our students deserve.

There is one session left in Phase 1: Thursday, May 8th | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Mallinckrodt Elementary (6020 Pernod Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139) Details for phases 2 and 3 can be found at the link below.

During the session we’ll again present key findings from recent research by Cordogan, Clark & Associates and offer a frank look at SLPS’ current realities—financial, academic, and operational. This session is your opportunity to engage in the conversation shaping the district’s next chapter.

Photos from Harris-Stowe Event At our April 10th session hosted at Harris-Stowe State University, Reimagining SLPS was paired with our Community Café, giving attendees a chance not only to listen but to speak. Dozens of community members gathered for authentic dialogue around what students need most and how we can get there—together.

It’s time to celebrate the accomplishments, resilience, and bright futures of the Class of 2025. High schools across the district will host commencement ceremonies from May 15th through May 18th, honoring the incredible journey of our graduating seniors.

Below is the full schedule of SLPS graduation ceremonies. Families and guests are encouraged to arrive early and follow any guidance provided by each school:

Let’s cheer on our graduates as they take the next steps in their academic and personal journeys. Their hard work, leadership, and perseverance have prepared them for a bright future—and we couldn’t be prouder.

Join us May 3rd to learn how Saint Louis Public Schools plans and prioritizes its annual budget. We’ll walk through our budgeting process, share current district priorities, and answer questions from the community. This is another opportunity for families, staff, and community members to have their voices heard and provide feedback that shapes how we move forward.

Saturday, May 3, 2025
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
O’Fallon Recreation Complex, 4343 W. Florissant Ave.

Note: This event replaces the previously scheduled April 26th forum.

Let’s celebrate the heart of our district—our teachers. During the week of May 5th, schools across SLPS will honor educators with special events, shout-outs, and tokens of appreciation. We encourage families and students to find meaningful ways to thank the dedicated teachers who make a difference every day.

Our partners at ParentSquare have put together a list of creative ways to celebrate teachers. Visit the link below for ideas on how to show your appreciation for the educators who’ve made an impact in your life.

SLPS students have been reading their way to success all year long—and now it’s time to celebrate.

Join us for the 2025 SLPS Sneaker Ball—an end-of-year celebration open to all students and their families. While everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities, we’ll also host a special recognition for students who met or exceeded the 1838 Reading Challenge goal. This high-energy event will bring together readers, families, educators, and the community for an unforgettable afternoon.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Free haircuts and glam will begin at 9:30 AM)
Location: O’Fallon Park Rec Complex - (The facility requires that all adults must present a valid form of identification with a photo)
Who’s Invited: All SLPS students and their families

SLPS will provide transportation to and from the event. The buses will pickup at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Final departure time is at 2:30 PM. Here are the pick-up/drop-off locations:

North schools

Laclede - 5821 Kennerly Ave. St. Louis, MO 63112 | Pickup location: Front of school

Gateway Middle - 1200 N. Jefferson St. Louis, MO 63106 | Pickup location: Gateway Drive

Nance 8959 Riverview Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63147 | Pickup location: Howell Street side

South schools

Lyon @ Blow - 516 Loughborough St. Louis, MO 63111 | Pickup location: Front of school

Mullanphy - 4221 Shaw Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63110 | Pickup location: Front of school

Roosevelt - 3230 Hartford Avenue St. Louis, MO 63118 | Pickup location: S. Compton side

Buses will drop off and pick up in front of the O'Fallon Rec Center

With music and dancing, this celebration is all about rewarding the dedication and achievement of our students. Let’s come together to close the school year on a high note—celebrating literacy, learning, and the spirit of SLPS.

Thank you to the many families who have already completed registration for the 2025–2026 school year. Because of your early action, for the first time, SLPS will be able to provide bus route information before the end of this school year.

This is a major step forward in improving communication and reducing the stress that often comes with back-to-school planning. Early access to transportation details allows families to prepare ahead of time and ensures a smoother, more organized start to the school year.

If your student is planning to return to Saint Louis Public Schools next school year and you haven’t registered yet, now is the time. Completing the online registration process—linked below—helps your school and the District prepare for the year ahead, including classroom placement and transportation planning. Even if your student does not need transportation, it’s important that we hear from you through the portal. Visit the SLPS registration portal to complete your registration today. Your response now helps us plan ahead and ensure a smooth, successful start to the 2025–2026 school year.

With all new members now officially sworn in, the full Board is preparing for a focused retreat scheduled for June 2–3, 2025. Facilitated by the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA), the retreat will provide professional development and guidance to support both new and returning members in their governance roles. This structured session is designed to reinforce best practices and build alignment as the Board looks ahead to the 2025–2026 school year.

Key areas of focus will include:

• How to Prepare for a Board Meeting

• Running a Board Meeting

• What Happens After a Board Meeting

• Communication and Collaboration

This retreat comes at a pivotal time for SLPS governance, providing space to deepen relationships, clarify roles, and center collective efforts around student achievement, accountability, and transparent leadership.

In addition to the board retreat, Board President Karen Collins-Adams, Board Secretary Brian Marston, and Board Member Ben Conover have signed up for Phase II of board training with MSBA, to be completed by the end of July 2025.

We thank all SLPS Board members for their continued dedication and commitment to serving the students, families, and staff of Saint Louis Public Schools.

To support effective governance and responsible fiscal oversight, the Board of Education of the City of St. Louis is participating in targeted training focused on budget development and financial services.

With newly elected members joining the Board of Education of the City of St. Louis, this training reinforces best practices in budget planning, policy alignment, accountability, and transparency—while also building a shared understanding of district finances to ensure alignment as we plan for the future.

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.

At Hamilton Elementary, the SLPS Portrait of a Graduate isn’t something that begins in high school—it starts the moment a child walks through the school doors.

For kindergartner Octavia A., that journey is already in motion. With her wide smile and thoughtful answers, she’s proof that even our youngest learners are growing into capable, compassionate, and confident individuals.

“I go to Hamilton Elementary. I’m six years old, and I’m in kindergarten,” she shares proudly. “My teacher is Miss Holley—she’s my first Black teacher!”

When asked what she enjoys most about school, her answer is quick and honest:
“Recess! Because you get to hang out with your friends on the playground. But I also like coloring.”

Octavia’s joy is matched by her kindness.
“One time, my friend fell. I helped her up.”

It may seem small, but it’s big in meaning. That moment shows how Octavia is already practicing empathy and responsibility—two core Portrait values.

What’s something her teacher says every day?
“Be nice.”

And when asked what makes her proud at school?
“Helping others.”

Octavia already has her eyes on the future: “I want to be a doctor—because the doctor helped my mom when she had a baby.” Her dreams, like her heart, are big.

Principal Starlett Frenchie says this growth isn’t by accident:
“We are growing graduates starting in Pre-K. The habits, the mindset, the curiosity—it all begins from day one.”

At Hamilton, Portrait values show up in everything—from hallway conversations to peer partnerships and SEL check-ins.

Ms. Holley, Octavia’s kindergarten teacher, weaves Portrait of a Graduate values into her lessons in ways that are both structured and organic.

She describes a recent moment when one student noticed another struggling to tie their shoe. Without prompting, they stepped in to help and then taught them how to do it themselves.

Holley also credits family engagement as a key component.

Her hope for students like Octavia?

Octavia’s teacher, Ms. Holley, reinforces these ideas in class.
“We talk about being problem-solvers, trying again when things are hard. I might ask, ‘How did you show empathy today?’”

She also sends home weekly 'Portrait Practice' reflections to engage families in the work.

Her hope? “That students like Octavia leave this year knowing they are capable, loved, and responsible for making the world better.”

In SLPS, the Portrait of a Graduate doesn’t begin at the finish line.
It begins in kindergarten—with a student like Octavia, already dreaming of making a difference.

The 39-member McKinley Goldbugs Wind Ensemble recently traveled to Festival Disney in Orlando, Florida, where they competed in a national showcase of student talent and returned home with top honors.

Performing two dynamic selections, “Lincoln” and “Led Zeppelin,” the ensemble earned a Gold award and was named First Place Overall, bringing home the coveted Golden Mickey in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Their success didn’t stop there—two students received special recognition for their solo work:

• J. Flanders (Senior) – Outstanding Soloist Award

• L. Brady (Sophomore) – Outstanding Soloist Award

We are incredibly proud of the skill, discipline, and tenacity these students demonstrated on a national stage. Their achievement represents not just musical excellence, but the collaboration, communication, and perseverance that define our SLPS Portrait of a Graduate.

Want to hear them live?
Catch the McKinley bands in action at this year’s Spring Concerts, taking place on May 14th and 15th.

Congratulations to the McKinley Goldbugs Wind Ensemble and thank you for representing Saint Louis Public Schools with pride.

For 41 years, the city-county student partnership program has served as a powerful bridge—connecting students across ZIP codes and backgrounds through collaboration, creativity, and shared purpose. This year, the legacy continued with a standout project: students from Gateway STEM High School joined forces with peers from Ladue High School to create two promotional videos for KSDK’s new digital platform, 5 Plus.

But this story isn’t just about media production—it’s about connection.

Together, students navigated the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism, working side-by-side with KSDK professionals, learning from industry talent, and ultimately seeing their work aired live across the region. It was a rare chance to amplify their voices—and an even rarer chance to see and hear each other.

“This experience showed us that even though we come from different places, we really aren’t that different,” shared one Gateway STEM student. “Our ideas came to life because we respected each other’s perspectives.”

The project didn’t just bring students together—it brought their stories, viewpoints, and creativity into focus. The diversity in thought, experience, and identity wasn’t a challenge to overcome—it was the engine of innovation. By viewing the world through each other's lenses, students developed content that could only emerge from such authentic collaboration.

The students had the incredible opportunity to unveil their videos live on Show Me St. Louis.

As the program enters its fifth decade, one thing remains clear: when students come together to listen, learn, and lead, they don’t just create content—they create community.

The 24th annual SLPS Art Fair at the Zoo took place today, continuing a beloved tradition that celebrates the creativity and talent of Saint Louis Public Schools students from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Held at the Saint Louis Zoo, this districtwide event brought together families, educators, and community members to recognize the power of student expression through the arts. With hundreds of works on display—ranging from painting and drawing to sculpture and digital art—the fair offered a vibrant snapshot of the artistic excellence happening in SLPS classrooms every day.

Highlights from this year’s Art Fair included:

• Live musical performances by SLPS student musicians

• Awards presented by district leadership, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the SLPS Foundation

• Student recognition at every grade level, with prizes generously supported by the SLPS Foundation

We are proud to showcase the work of our talented art scholars and the educators who guide and inspire them. Their dedication reminds us that creativity is not just a skill—it's a powerful form of learning and communication.

View highlights from the event in the photo gallery below.

SLPS students are once again making bold strides toward bright futures. As of this spring, 238 seniors across the district have secured over $33.5 million in merit-based scholarships—and this is just the beginning.

With scholarship season still underway, these early returns highlight the determination, talent, and academic excellence of our Class of 2025. From selective university awards to prestigious national scholarships, our students continue to show what’s possible with strong support and hard work.

These numbers represent the early wave of awards, and we know more good news is on the horizon. Counselors, teachers, and families are continuing to support students as they finalize college decisions and confirm award packages in the weeks ahead.

We’re proud of every scholar who has earned a scholarship so far—and we’re excited to see the final numbers rise as the Class of 2025 heads into graduation season.

For Brendalyn King, a 2002 graduate of Metro Academic and Classical High School, education didn’t just happen in the classroom—it happened through curiosity, service, and the willingness to ask, What’s possible?

Brendalyn’s path has taken her from student leader in middle school to school founder in Brooklyn, and now, to land steward of 244 acres in central Missouri—part of the historic Lake Placid property once home to Missouri’s first Black-owned resort.

Her early SLPS experiences planted the seeds for that journey. “At Metro, I learned that collaboration, accountability, and effort mattered,” she said. “It wasn’t about being the smartest in the room—it was about how we helped each other get through.”

That mindset carried her from St. Louis to Fordham University in New York, where she earned a full scholarship by simply showing up, asking directly, and advocating for herself—something she encourages students today to do, especially those who don’t immediately see themselves in the spaces they hope to enter.

After founding Leadership Prep Ocean Hill in Brooklyn, Brendalyn eventually stepped back from the grind of school leadership to focus on her wellness. That step back led her to farming—first in southern Illinois and eventually to her current home, a property rich in Black history and untapped potential.

“I had never purchased land, never farmed. But I knew I needed space, I needed healing, and I wanted to bring that to others,” she shared. With support from lifelong friends—including classmates from Metro—Brendalyn purchased the Lake Placid property in 2021.

Today, she sees her land as both sanctuary and classroom. “This is a field trip. It’s where students and families can come to slow down, connect with nature, and learn about history they were never taught in school.”

Her vision for the land includes healing retreats, educational tours, and a deeper conversation about Black land ownership, environmental justice, and intergenerational wellness.

“Don’t be scared. Fail fast. Spend time on what you care about. And then find your community—it’s where your opportunities will come.”

In honor of Earth Day, Brendalyn reminds us that sustainability starts with education—and that education takes many forms.

“Learning is developmental. It starts with I don’t know, and grows from there. You don’t need to be an expert to get started, but you do need to be willing to spend time on your passions.”

Through every turn in her journey—from student, to school founder, to steward of sacred land— she has remained grounded in her commitment to learning and growth.

Brendalyn has embodied the SLPS Portrait of a Graduate: as a communicator, a collaborator, and someone prepared for whatever path she chooses.

Her message to students, alumni, and dreamers alike: “Don’t be scared. Fail fast. Spend time on what you care about. And then find your community—it’s where your opportunities will come.”

No worries! If you missed any past editions of the Academic Achiever, you can find them all at the link below. Stay informed and catch up on the latest SLPS news anytime!

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