SDUC Newsletter 05/02/25
May is here, and once again, we’re preparing to engage in meaningful and rich experiences that celebrate the many gifts and talents of our students and staff. Most importantly, we are preparing to honor the Class of 2025 during their commencement ceremony on May 19. This milestone marks the beginning of their post-secondary journey, and I can’t wait to see what is next.
Alongside our seniors, students across the District will be celebrating important promotions. From our rising kindergarteners, to fifth graders transitioning to middle school, and our newest freshmen preparing to enter UCHS, each step forward is worthy of recognition. Please see the Key Dates section below for more details on school-specific celebrations.
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, reminding us of the importance of well-being and, yes, joy, an essential component of a healthy and vibrant life. In our District, we are committed to meeting the social, emotional, and academic needs of every learner. We also acknowledge that the current landscape of public education presents many challenges. Navigating this space demands that we lean into our values and maintain a humanizing approach to education. Supporting our children requires a shared commitment. I am deeply grateful to our families for your continued partnership, as school and home must work hand in hand.
Students Rocked the Stage at Annual Music in Our Schools Concert
Last week, our talented students from all across the District lit up the stage at our annual Music in Our Schools concert.
From stirring string ensembles to dynamic choir and band performances, the night was filled with beautiful music, joy, and vibrant energy.
A heartfelt thank-you to our dedicated music, band, orchestra, and choir teachers whose hard work and passion made this celebration of student talent possible!
District Arts Night Was a True Masterpiece
From our youngest creators to our graduating seniors, the halls of University City High School came alive with vibrant expression during District Arts Night. Student artwork from across the District showcased not only talent, but heart, imagination, and joy.
Thank you to all who joined us in celebrating our student artists, and a special thank you to our dedicated art teachers, whose daily guidance and inspiration help creativity thrive in every classroom.
Multilingual Learners: Literacy & Math Night
Our Multilingual Learners team invites our Multilingual Learners to Literacy and Math Night on Monday, May 5 at 5:00 PM at Barbara C. Jordan Elementary (1500 82nd Blvd).
Families will explore engaging literacy and math resources, take home educational materials, and enjoy pizza and refreshments.
This fun and educational evening is sponsored by Title I and the Dollar General Literacy Grant
Julia Goldstein Students Shine in SOLID Music Project
Students in Ms. Belle’s Creative Arts Class are once again participating in the SOLID Music Project (Science of Learning Instrument Design), a STEAM-based program presented by the Sheldon Arts Foundation and supported by the Saint Louis Science Center.
This year, students in Pride 13 (Mr. Buschling’s class) were selected for their outstanding work in designing and building their own musical instruments through the engineering design process. Their creations will be featured in the Sheldon’s Instrument Design Exhibit, with a special reception on May 6 from 4–7 PM in the Sheldon Ballroom.
Celebrate & Spark Community with One U City!
One U City, our dedicated group of parent volunteers supporting elementary and middle school students across the District, has a full calendar of exciting spring events—and you're invited!
CITY2 Soccer Game Fundraiser – Sunday, May 4 | 4:00 p.m.
Cheer on St. Louis CITY2 as they take on Houston Dynamo 2 at Energizer Park (2100 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103). For every ticket purchased through our special link, $5 goes directly back to One U City! It’s a fun, family-friendly afternoon with open seating—arrive early for a chance at front-row seats. Last year, our U. City students appeared on the jumbotron and even got autographs from the players!
Click here for tickets.
U Spark: A Celebration of Cultures and Social Action – Saturday, May 10 | 5:30 p.m.
Join us at Brittany Woods Middle School for U Spark, a new event combining One U City’s beloved World Tour and Spice & Spark traditions. Enjoy an inspiring evening of cultural performances, delicious international cuisine, and student-led showcases that highlight global awareness and social impact. This event is paid for in part by SDUC Title I parent involvement funds.
One U City Community Rummage Sale – June 6–8 | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Hunt for hidden treasures and support our schools at One U City's Rummage Sale, held at Flynn Park Elementary. The sale runs daily from June 6–8, and donations are welcomed in advance from June 3–5 at the same location.
UCHS Seniors & Build-A-Bear Workshop Visit JP
Full-circle moments at Jackson Park!
Our kindergarteners were thrilled to receive a visit from their Believe Room sponsor, Build-A-Bear Workshop — and even more excited to meet 10 UCHS seniors (and Jackson Park alums!) who came to read and gift them a special “reading buddy.”
But the surprise didn’t stop there! Our seniors got a heartwarming twist when their former teachers surprised them with Build-A-Bears dressed as graduates.
Jayden Creighton Named 2025 St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete
We are proud to announce that Jayden Creighton has been selected as the 2024-2025 UCHS St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete!
This prestigious honor recognizes Jayden's outstanding achievements both academically and athletically. Jayden ranks in the top 5% of his class and has made a significant impact as a member of both the Varsity Basketball and Varsity Water Polo teams.
His commitment, leadership, and dedication are an inspiration to us all. A feature on Jayden will be published on STLtoday and in the Scholar Athlete special section on Tuesday, May 6. He will also be recognized at Busch Stadium before the St. Louis Cardinals game on Tuesday, May 6, along with other top scholar-athletes from across the St. Louis metro area.
UCEF Lionhearted Fundraiser
Our talented UCHS band and visual art students showed up and showed out at the UCEF Lionhearted Fundraiser!
Under the direction of Mr. Spencer, students performed two selections the UCHS Jam with Fam Spring Concert and senior Trevon Whittaker wowed the crowd with a surprise performance alongside UCity alums, The Brothers Lazaroff!
Meanwhile, visual artists Zooey Wheeler and Klara Pospisilovalka brought the night to life with a live painting session — turning a blank canvas into a vivid masterpiece before the night was over. We’re so proud of our students for sharing their creativity and courage with the community.
