SDUC Newsletter 10/10/25
October is always a special month in University City, filled with opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and support our students. On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor and reflect on the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous American Peoples.
I’d like to share some of the highlights coming up this month that bring us together as a District and community:
Community Book Study is TONIGHT | "The Anxious Generation"
We invite families and community members to join us for a timely book study of Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation TONIGHT, October 13, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the University City Public Library (6701 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130).
Haidt’s work explores the impact of smartphones, social media, and technology on youth mental health and development. This conversation is particularly relevant as school districts across Missouri, including ours, implement new cell phone policies under Senate Bill 68. Registration details are available at ucityschools.org/bookstudy.
Returning Artist Reception | Andrea Peoples
Our Homecoming Week celebrations begin on Tuesday, October 14, with the Returning Artist Reception at 7:00 p.m. in the UCHS Library, hosted by The Municipal Commission on Arts and Letters. This year, we are proud to honor Andrea Peoples, Class of 2000, a dancer, choreographer, and educator who has performed with Usher, collaborated with Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, and dedicated her talents to students with special needs. During the week, Peoples will also visit with our students, offering inspiration and guidance in the arts.
To register for the reception, please visit ucityschools.org/ra2025.
2025 Hall of Fame Ceremony
On Thursday, October 16 at 5:30 pm at UCHS, we will recognize ten outstanding alumni at our biennial Hall of Fame Ceremony, emceed by alumnus Alan Spector. This ceremony celebrates the achievements of alumni who have made meaningful contributions in their fields and to the community. It is a chance for current students, families, and staff to connect with role models and be inspired by their accomplishments.
To read more about this year's inductees, please click here.
Homecoming Football Game & Parade
The excitement continues on Friday, October 17 at 7:00 pm as our Lions take the field against the Affton Cougars for the Homecoming Football Game. We are especially thrilled that this year’s game will be held at home following major upgrades to our field made possible through the community’s support of Prop U.
On Saturday, October 18, at 10:00 a.m., the annual Homecoming Parade will step off from City Hall. This year’s theme, “A Different World: Celebrating Class, Culture, and CommUNITY,” highlights the diversity and creativity of our community.
District Strategic Planning Meeting & State of the District
Looking ahead, I invite you to join me at our District Community Strategic Planning Meeting and State of the District on Monday, November 10. This meeting will be held at 5:30 pm at the UCHS Library.
Our Strategic Plan guides the District’s goals and priorities, and your voice truly matters. We’ll be reviewing our plan, and in particular, our five strategic priorities: rigorous, modern, and relevant learning; well-being and joy; excellent staff; all hands; and resources. We recently learned that DESE is releasing our APR (annual performance report) on November 6. I will highlight this information during this meeting. To register to attend, please visit ucityschools.org/strategicmeeting.
Title I & Curriculum Nights
In September, our schools welcomed families for Title I and Curriculum Nights. These evenings gave parents and caregivers a chance to learn more about our Title I program and the many classes, clubs, and opportunities our schools offer. It was wonderful to see families exploring new ways to get involved and support their children’s learning this year!
BWMS Author Visit | Derrick Barnes
New York Times Bestselling Author Derrick Barnes brought the power of storytelling to our 6th graders! He shared the inspiration behind The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze, a story that celebrates courage, creativity, and what it means to be truly human. Our students were captivated by his words and left feeling inspired to write their own stories. Huge thanks to Left Bank Books for making the day even more special by gifting each student their very own copy!
District Winter Warm-Up/Family Resource Fair
Last week, our Student Services Department hosted the annual Winter Warm-Up/Family Resource Fair at Jackson Park Elementary. It was a great opportunity for families to connect with local community organizations, get flu vaccinations, and pick up resources to help prepare for the winter season. Thank you to all of our volunteers for supporting this event!
One U City | Fall Fest
On Saturday, October 25, One U City will host their annual Fall Fest from 2-4:30 p.m. Families can enjoy pumpkin carving with tools, pumpkins, and coaches provided.
In addition to pumpkin carving, they're also bringing back their Costume Swap! Please drop off gently used costumes at Jackson Park Elementary by October 24 or email 1UC@UCitySchools.org to coordinate. As a reminder, you don't need to donate a costume to take one home!
Then, come back at 6 p.m. for the Trunk or Treat and Pumpkin Stroll, featuring more than 200 glowing jack-o’-lanterns and 30+ decorated trunks.
To volunteer and/or donate to this event, please click here.
All STEAM Ahead!
Students have been busy exploring STEAM through a variety of hands-on activities and field trips, including visits to the St. Louis Planetarium and the Brittany Woods Middle School Prairie!
In line with all things STEAM, mark your calendars for Thursday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. for our annual STEAM Expo at Brittany Woods Middle School! Discover student projects, interactive exhibits, and engaging demonstrations that celebrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Learn more at ucityschools.org/steamexpo.
