SDUC Newsletter 08/08/25

We are now officially just 10 days away from the first day of school, and excitement is building throughout The School District of University City! From our Jumpstart to Kindergarten program for our youngest scholars, Camp "We C U" for our incoming 6th graders, our Enrollment Blitz helping families get registered and ready, to our Leadership Retreat focused on strategic action and service, preparations are well underway for a strong and successful start to the 2025-26 school year.

This year, our District theme is Community. It is a celebration of the relationships, partnerships, and collective spirit that make U. City such a special place to learn, work, and grow. Whether it’s in our classrooms, at our schools, or throughout our neighborhoods, we know that when we come together, we create the conditions for every student to thrive.

In July, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68 into law, requiring all public school districts to adopt a written policy that restricts or prohibits student use of cell phones and other personal communication devices during the school day, including breaks and lunch. The purpose of the law is to minimize distractions and support a more focused, productive and healthy learning environment. As such, our District is implementing updates to our current cell phone policy.

A full plan will be shared with families soon, but here are the key points you can expect:

• Devices may not be used, visible, or accessed from arrival to dismissal—including during class, lunch, recess, passing periods, study halls, and assemblies.

• Instructional use of cell phones is not permitted. All digital activities must be completed on district-issued Chromebooks or devices.

What counts as a personal communication device?

• Cell phones

• Smartwatches and Smart/AI Glasses

• Wireless headphones and earbuds

• Tablets and gaming devices
  
  

We appreciate your support in creating a learning environment that puts student focus, well-being, and success first. More information will be shared in the coming week.

In July, District administrators, principals, and leaders gathered for a powerful leadership retreat to launch the new school year. Together, they engaged in a thought-provoking study of Never Lead Alone, deepened overall leadership skills with a focus on behaviors, and aligned around our strategic plan and core learning commitments.

In the spirit of service, our team also rolled up their sleeves for hands-on community service, such as packing backpacks with KidSmart STL, beautifying our grounds with U City in Bloom, and supporting our Brittany Woods sustainability program. It’s all part of building a culture of leadership grounded in our mission: to transform the life of every student, every day.

What an incredible turnout for this year’s National Night Out/Back-to-School Rally! Held in partnership with the University City Police Department, this annual event brings our community together around a shared commitment to public safety and student success.

Students and families picked up free school supplies and backpacks, connected with more than 40 community organizations, and spent the evening engaging with our local police and fire departments. This year’s event was especially meaningful as it was held at Centennial Commons for the first time, an exciting shift made possible by Prop U renovations. The new location only strengthened the sense of community that defines University City.

We’re deeply grateful to all of our volunteers, community partners, first responders, and staff who helped make the evening such a resounding success.

This past week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our newest staff members to The School District of University City family. As part of their onboarding experience, they explored the community with a bus tour, engaged in professional development, and began building relationships with their cohort and colleagues. New staff also learned about our Strategic Mission of Learning Reimagined and got an inside look at the values, culture, and commitments that define U. City.

We’re thrilled to welcome these passionate educators and professionals to the Pride, and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the lives of our students!

We’re excited to launch the City Connects program to better support our students’ academic and non-academic needs.

As we build this system of support, your voice is essential. Next week, your building principals will share a survey asking for your input on student challenges, family strengths, and school needs. If you have children attending multiple schools in the District, please complete a separate survey for each school. Thank you for your continued support.

Next week, we’re excited to officially kick off the 2025-26 school year by welcoming back all of our staff for our All-Staff Opening Day Celebration on Tuesday, August 12 at University City High School. This year’s theme is Community, which is a reflection of the deep connections and shared purpose that unite us in service of our students.

The day will include professional learning, celebration, and time to reconnect:

• School-Based PD: 8:00 - 9:30 am

• All-Staff Opening Day Ceremony: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

• UCHS Auditorium | 7401 Balson Ave

• Lunch: 12:00 - 1:00 pm

• Learning Core Commitments Sessions: 1:00 - 3:00 pm

Full Week Schedule:

• Monday, August 11 – Work Day

• Tuesday, August 12 – All-Staff Opening Day Celebration

• Wednesday, August 13 – Content-Specific Professional Development

• Thursday, August 14 – School-Based Professional Development

• Friday, August 15 – Work Day

As we move into the final days of summer break, the excitement across our District is crystal clear. Please keep an eye out for communication from your school leaders about building-specific back-to-school events, and don’t forget to review our 2025-26 Academic Calendar for key dates. I can’t wait to see all of you on the first day of school, August 18! Let’s make it a great year, together!

In Service of Our Children,

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

Superintendent

So much progress has taken place this summer thanks to Prop U! Our upgraded UCHS Sports Complex is looking fantastic, just in time for Homecoming season. Additionally, the entire complex will be equipped with energy-efficient, state-of-the-art LED lighting–allowing for safe evening use during scheduled events and games. Please see the image below for light renderings.

Across the District, crews have been hard at work with roof replacements, front entryway upgrades, and ongoing renovations that are enhancing the safety, functionality, and appearance of our schools. We're excited to welcome students and families back to campuses that reflect our shared pride and commitment to excellence.

To stay up-to-date with Prop U's progress, please click here.

• August 11: Teacher Work Day
• August 12-14: District Professional Development
• August 12: BWMS Open House | 4:00 - 6:00 pm
• August 14: UCHS Freshmen Kickback | 5:00 pm
• August 15: Immunization Clinic | 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• August 15: Teacher Work Day
• August 18: First Day of School!
• August 21: Board of Education Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm
• August 23: Beyond the Badge - Car/Bike Show | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
• August 27: UCHS Senior Parent Meeting | 6:00 pm
• September 1: Labor Day | District Closed
• September 4: Board of Education Work Session | 5:45 pm

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

Contact: cco@ucityschools.org