SDUC Newsletter 11/07/25
Message From Our Superintendent | November 7, 2025
As we enter the fall season, I'm keenly aware of the impact of the current uncertainty related to the government shutdown. Critical benefits and needs for our vulnerable populations are being adversely impacted; federal workers, including those in our University City community, are furloughed, and additional cuts are looming that may affect how we support and educate all students.
Last week, we made an ask, and as usual, our community answered. As of this week, our initial monetary donations for the SDUC Food Drive to help our families impacted by cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) total $ 7,700 and counting.
The dollars directly provide food and grocery gift cards over the next few months to those most burdened. Thank you, University City community. I continue to be proud of the community as a whole; your generosity is beyond measure and greatly needed during these uncertain times.
If your household needs food assistance, please complete the survey linked here. Our team will work with you to connect you to the support and resources you need.
Donations of nonperishable items can still be dropped off at the McNair Administration Building during regular hours, or monetary contributions can be made securely through the University City Education Foundation at ucityschools.org/donationdrive.
Annual Performance Report | 2024-25 School Year
Yesterday, Missouri's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) publicly released the formal scores in the 2025 Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) Annual Performance Report (APR) for the 2024-25 school year. The School District of University City's overall score was 80% (full accreditation), an increase from last year's score. This progress is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire community. Also, we acknowledge that we still have work to do.
The 2025 MSIP 6 APR is one of the metrics used to evaluate the District's performance. We fully understand that it does not reflect a complete overview of our efforts. Our building and district leaders leverage multi-metrics to review, reflect, and refine our practices. Benchmark assessments, teacher formative assessments, and instructional observations also inform our work. Over the last several years, The Opportunity Myth research has served as a primary guide for us. It amplifies the urgency of quality curricular resources, high expectations for all students, teacher efficacy, and, yes, partnerships with our families
The 2025 APR results, rankings, and supporting data are available in DESE’s Comprehensive Data System portal.
State of the District & Strategic Planning Community Meeting
We are moving in the right direction, and I look forward to discussing the 2025 APR report and, more importantly, our instructional vision of Learning Reimagined during our upcoming State of the District and Strategic Planning Community meeting on Monday, November 10. This meeting will be held at 5:30 pm at the UCHS Library. I hope that you all attend.
I am also excited to share some wonderful news across our District. Congratulations to Brittany Woods Middle School Principal Justin Davis and Flynn Park Elementary School Principal Darion Murdock for being named Iota Phi Lambda Sorority Alpha Zeta Chapter’s 2025 “Apple for the Teacher” Awardees. Well done to both of them!
We also have much to celebrate in athletics! Our UCHS girls tennis, softball, and football teams are all conference champions! Kudos to our coaches, athletes, and families for their hard work and unwavering support. Our football team continues its postseason run, advancing to the district semifinal game against Orchard Farm School District tonight, November 7 at 7 PM at Orchard Farm High School. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
We’d like to give a special shout-out to UCHS junior Trinytee Johnson, named Girls’ Tennis Conference Player of the Year, and to Coach Ibnabdeljalil, honored as Tennis Coach of the Year by the Suburban Conference Blue Pool. We are so proud!
On the theatre front, get ready for an exciting lineup of fall performances! The University City High School Theatre Department presents George Orwell’s classic "1984" tonight, November 7, and tomorrow, November 8, at 6:30 PM in the UCHS auditorium. Click here to buy tickets!
Brittany Woods Middle School’s Theatre Department follows with "10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse" on November 14 and 15 at 6:00 PM in the BWMS auditorium.
UCHS Fall Play
BWMS Fall Play
It's an exciting and daunting time to lead in public education. During these times, I couldn't imagine leading and serving anywhere else. Our University City community is a special place. Thank you for all that you do, and I hope to see many of you out on Monday, November 10. We need your questions, suggestions, and your voice. You matter!
In Service of Our Children,
Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D., PHR
Superintendent
Returning Artist 2025 | Andrea Peoples
We were thrilled to welcome University City’s 2025 Returning Artist, Andrea Peoples, back to our District in October. A UCHS Class of 2000 alum, Andrea is a renowned dancer and choreographer who inspired students at Brittany Woods and UCHS with her passion and expertise - reminding them, “You’ve got this!”
We also celebrated Andrea’s achievements and contributions to the arts at our annual Returning Artist Reception. Special thanks to the Municipal Commission on Arts & Letters for supporting artistic, cultural, and scholarly growth across our community.
2025 Hall of Fame Celebration
We celebrated 10 outstanding alumni at our biennial UCHS Hall of Fame Ceremony, a true highlight of this year’s Homecoming festivities. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made this event possible.
University City is proud to honor these talented and inspiring alumni: E. Dorsey Ruth, ’30*; Frances Buss Buch, ’34*; Mary Goldstein Stolar, ’58*; Cecilia “Cissy” Lacks, ’63; Dr. Harley Hammerman, ’67; Robert Lochhead, ’70; Lamerol Gatewood, ’73; Redditt Hudson, ’83; Dr. Gershom Norfleet, ’94; and Justin Vail, ’01. (*Inducted posthumously)
Homecoming Game & Pep Assembly
On Friday, October 17, our UCHS Lions delivered an incredible performance, defeating the Affton Cougars 80-0 in the Homecoming Game. School spirit was high throughout the week, beginning with an exciting pep rally on Thursday at the high school. Click here to watch a recap video.. Click here to watch a recap video.
Lion's Pride & Purpose Concert Fundraiser
Although the Homecoming Parade was canceled due to inclement weather, we still closed Homecoming Week on a high note with the University City Education Foundation’s Lion’s Pride & Purpose Concert Fundraiser.
Performers included Anita Jackson, Brothers Lazaroff featuring Larry “Fallout” Morris, and U. City alumni Chris Thomas and Darius Bradford. Families, alumni, and students came together to celebrate music, community, and the arts. Proceeds from the event directly supported education initiatives across our district, making the evening not only entertaining but impactful.
American Association of School Librarians Conference
Red Ribbon Week | "Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug-Free"
Last week, our District celebrated Red Ribbon Week.This year’s theme, “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug-Free,” reminded us that every choice is part of a bigger picture. Across the District, students and staff showed their spirit all week long. At Jackson Park Elementary, students and staff wore pajamas to celebrate “dreaming of a drug-free future.”
Missouri Senator Brian Williams Visit to BCJ
We were so excited to welcome Missouri Senator Brian Williams to Barbara C. Jordan Elementary! Our 2nd grade students learned about the role of a senator, how laws are made, and enjoyed a read-aloud of All Because You Matter by Tami Charles. They also asked thoughtful questions about the book and Senator Williams’ career. Thank you, Senator Williams, for inspiring our young learners!
UCHS National Honor Society Inductees
Congratulations to our newest National Honor Society inductees! The NHS recognizes students who exemplify scholarship, service, leadership, and character. Last week, we welcomed twenty UCHS students into this distinguished organization during a special induction ceremony with family, friends, and staff. Well done to our scholars on this well-deserved honor!
Holiday Appeal Campaign
As we enter this season of giving, I also invite you to support our annual Holiday Appeal campaign, which directly assists District families in need. Last year, thanks to the incredible compassion of our community, we were able to help more than 100 families, including over 300 children, enjoy a brighter holiday season.
Donations can be mailed or dropped off at University City High School (7401 Balson Ave) or made online at ucityschools.org/holidayappeal.
For more information, please contact appeal coordinator Christine Woodward at cwoodward@ucityschools.org or 314-290-4114.
All STEAM Ahead!
We're less than a week away from our annual STEAM Expo!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 13, at 6:00 p.m. for our STEAM Expo at Brittany Woods Middle School! Discover student projects, interactive exhibits, and engaging demonstrations that celebrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math. This event is open to our whole community. To learn more, please visit ucityschools.org/steamexpo.
Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Join Us for the District-Wide Barnes & Noble Book Fair!
Celebrate books and music on Wednesday, November 19, from 5–7 pm at Barnes & Noble, Ladue Crossing with performances by U. City Schools orchestra students.
A portion of your purchase supports the U. City Schools Orchestra program! Just present the flyer or use Bookfair ID 12919213 at checkout. This ID also works for online orders from 11/19–11/24: click here to shop!
November 2025:
- November 7-8: UCHS Fall Play | 6:30 pm
- November 10: District Strategic Planning Meeting | 5:30 pm
- November 13: Immunization Clinic | 5:00 pm
- November 13: District STEAM Expo | 6:00 pm
- November 14: FP Turkey Trot | 9:00 am
- November 14-15: BWMS Fall Play | 6:00 pm
- November 17-21: National American Education Week
- November 18: BCJ 1st, 3rd, 5th Grade Concert | 6:00 pm
- November 18: FP 2nd & 3rd Grade Concert | 6:30 pm
- November 19: Barnes & Noble Book Fair | 5:00 pm
- November 20: Board of Education Regular Meeting | 7:00 pm
- November 24-28: No School | Fall Break (District Closed Nov. 26-28)
- December 4: BWMS Band & Orchestra Concert | 6:30 pm
- December 5: UCHS & BWMS Winter Choir Concert | 6:30 pm
The School District of University City
Address: Ronald E. McNair Administration Building | 7700 Olive Blvd., University City, MO 63130
Contact: cco@ucityschools.org