December 15, 2022
Issue #11
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| Hello, Colleagues!
As winter break approaches, I offer this invitation for reflection, self-care and (re)focus as we think about the next right step.
Sometimes the next right step is to put a knee down. Sometimes it’s to put both hands down. Sometimes it’s to crawl.
Some moments the next right step is to turn off the phone. Disable the messages. Log off.
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Sometimes the next right step is the complete sentence “No.” The closing door. Walking away without turning around. It’s saying “Yes” to your own space, time and truth. Sometimes the next right step is declining the offer that “no one could refuse.”
It’s being done with performing and the show vs. being authentic and real. It’s coming into alignment. It may not be big or flashy.
Right now, I invite each of you to breath. Inhale, pause, exhale, and reflect as you name the next right step for you.
Thank you for all you do to keep learning and teaching at the center of our collective work. I appreciate each of you!
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Deadline Approaching: Cognitive Coaching Leadership Cohort 2
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Every leader is a coach! To continue to support this shift in our thinking as a school district, and in efforts to create a common language, common understanding and common practices as we coach for impact, the inaugural Cognitive Coaching Leadership Cohort is scheduled to complete the final two sessions of this 8-Day training series by the end of January 2023. If you are a school-based leader or central office leader and are interested in participating in the next Cognitive Coaching Leadership Cohort, send an e-mail by the COB on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 to Dr. Latisha Smith (Latisha.Smith@slps.org). Learn more about Cognitive Coaching HERE.
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Keeping “The Work” of the Academic Office Front and Center
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The WHY of our work for School Year 22-23:
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To develop and/or deepen the habits of mind and adaptive leadership moves critical to disrupt and dismantle inequities in our systems, practices, policies and procedures so each scholar thrives.
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The WHAT of our work for School Year 22-23:
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Strengthen the *instructional core, so each scholar has access and targeted supports to achieve Standards and to engage in deeper learning through the ‘Key 3’
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Use multiple sources of data (qualitative, quantitative and perceptual) to inform decision-making
- Apply “best we know right now practices” to educate the Whole Child
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*teachers’ knowledge and skills; scholars’ engagement in their own learning; academically challenging content
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The HOW of our work for School Year 22-23:
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"If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” – George Harrison
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Your partner in education,
Marion Smith Jr, EdD
Deputy Superintendent of Academics
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For more information please contact Dr. Marion Smith Jr., Deputy Superintendent of Academics– Marion.SmithJr@slps.org
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Network Spotlight: Learning Network 4
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Scholarship Recipients - Vashon High School
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It is with deep gratitude that we thank Harris-Stowe State University for its efforts in securing a promising future for the graduates of Vashon High School. We’d like to personally thank the President of Harris-Stowe State University, Dr. Collins-Smith, for modeling excellence in the community by taking the time to educate our students about college and career readiness. Five Vashon High School students received academic scholarships. Although these gifts have monetary value, the rewards are priceless.
It is an honor to work collaboratively with a historic secondary institution that is known for its academic success and fellowship. Harris-Stowe State University is truly the epitome of “giving back.” It is our hope at Vashon that we continue to empower futures in partnership with Harris-Stowe State University.
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Community Gardening w/ NCNAA @ Roosevelt High School
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At Nahed Chapman New American Academy (NCNAA) at Roosevelt High School, students are learning about ecosystems, agriculture, and sustainable gardening while growing food for their community. Science students in teacher Rekha Sivaprasad's classes, with support from the volunteers at Harvest Church, have created a community garden. Students take care of all aspects of the garden including the planting, watering and harvesting of the vegetables, which include beets, turnips, mustard greens, cilantro, radishes, carrots and peas.
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Community Super Heroes - Nahed Chapman New American Academy (NCNAA) K-8
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Monday was Super Hero Day at NCNAA K-8 and it was so fitting because we had two groups of community members be our Super Heroes! Dr. Christi Smith and her colleagues at Washington University donated over 400 blankets so that each and every one of our students could take one home! The Crossing Church provided a $25 Gift Card to Aldi for each and every one of our students! Super Heroes do exist in St. Louis and we are so very grateful! Click on the video below to see more.
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St. Louis University (SLU) Student Tutors @ Yeatman-Liddell College Preparatory Full Service Middle School
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At Yeatman-Liddell College Preparatory Full Service Middle School, student volunteers tutor scholars to help them increase their grades to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. Approximately ten SLU tutors hold one-to-one and group services 3 times each week. They have built relationships, systemically differentiated tutoring instruction, all while preparing scholars for college and career readiness.
SLU tutors maintain a goal of bridging the literacy gap in grades 6-8 by finding creative ways to educate and keep scholars interested in their schoolwork.
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Subject Area Spotlight: VisualArts
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Art Scholars Focus on Mental Health
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The results are in for the annual Kevin Coyne SAFETY Art Contest.
This year’s theme was "Maintaining Mental Health” and our scholars “went there” delving into topics of mental health with insight and bravery.
Here are the contest award winners. Places 1st through 4th receive $50 gift cards furnished by generous donors to the SLPS Foundation. The artwork is currently on display at 801 North 11th Street (Central Office) and on an online gallery on the SLPS website.
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Famous African American Portrait Contest
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Attention high school art scholars! The FAMOUS AFRICAN AMERICAN PORTRAIT CONTEST entries are DUE JAN 25, 2023. Prizes range from $50 to $1000!
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DepartmentSpotlight: Special Education
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Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. It is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain impacting development in the areas of social interaction, repetitive and restrictive behavior, and communication. It is a spectrum disorder affecting individuals differently and to varying degrees. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 44 children in the United States today. The ways in which Individuals with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged.
St. Louis Public Schools serves approximately 300 students with autism along a full continuum of placements. Once there is a medical diagnosis, a special education multidisciplinary team determines how and if this diagnosis impacts their educational performance. If found eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is written with family input. S.M.A. R.T. Goals and Services are determined for each child to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education in the least restrictive environment. This plan is updated at least yearly and intended to ensure the scholar’s success in learning and preparation for his or her future. The program has evolved throughout the years, in collaboration with many stakeholders and agencies, statewide.
Scholars with autism who have very significant language, pre-academic and self-help needs, who cannot effectively learn in cross categorical self-contained rooms, are sometimes considered for specialty autism rooms. In these rooms, staff to student ratios are higher and staff receive specialty training in Evidence Based Practices for Autism. These rooms are in buildings with sensory rooms as well. Autism specialty rooms are located in the following SLPS schools: Hodgen, Mann, Mullanphy, Peabody, Stix, Wilkinson, Humboldt, ETS @ Madison, Gateway Middle, McKinley, Gateway STEM and Nottingham CAJT. Before recommending a specialty room, careful consideration is taken regarding least restrictive environment and opportunity to learn from peers as language and social models.
Services, determined by assessment and IEP teams, may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, applied behavior analysis and/or augmentative and alternative communication support. Regardless of the scholar’s building or room, training and support is available. Contact Autism Coordinator, Colleen Reichert or Autism Support, Dr. Megan Hetz for details.
For more information please contact Candice Boyd, Director of Special Education – Candice.Boyd@slps.org
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New Spotlight: MTSS Corner
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Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
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Multi-Tiered System of Support or MTSS is a systemic framework that provides a structure for educators to identify and to provide tiered academic and behavioral strategies for students with various needs. MTSS grew out of the integration of two other intervention-based frameworks and approaches: Response to Intervention (RTI) and Positive Behavior Interventions & Support (PBIS).
The components of MTSS include:
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- Screening
- Progress Monitoring
- Multi-level prevention system
- Data-based decision making
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MTSS is a pro- active approach to scholar achievement by ensuring that scholars have strategies and resources to support them at each different levels of tiered support. Social-emotional, academics, and behavior data is used to match the best instructional resources that will support scholars at each tier. In addition, frequent progress monitoring checks and intense instruction is also essential.
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SLPS is starting a shift from a districtwide historical practice of RTI to MTSS because our data reveals RTI leaves gaps in adequately addressing the needs of each scholar we serve. RTI focuses primarily on scholars who are struggling in either academics or behavior and, fails to address needs of scholars who may not meet the RTI criteria but who still needs support.
MTSS is designed to close the access and equity gap for each scholar by focusing on preventive strategies for all. Standard- Based grading, curriculum plans, proficiency scales, and unpacked standards are just a few resources that SLPS has constructed to support our shift to MTSS.
Because of our strong emphasis on equitable practices, teachers are given high quality professional development and resources to prepare them for tiered instruction.
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For more information regarding MTSS and resources for each tier, please contact Ravetta Jackson, MTSS Specialist - Ravetta.Jackson@slps.org
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Department Spotlight: English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
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ELL Professional Development Opportunity
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This year’s ELevate: Elevating English Learning Success Conference is on June 7 and 8, 2023 at Ritenour High School. ELevate will feature Kate Kinsella and Juliana Urtubey as keynote speakers and will offer a robust selection of sessions led by educators from across the state. This conference is a wonderful opportunity for all educators, building, and district leaders to engage in professional development geared towards elevating English Language Learners in the classroom.
To express interest in attending this conference, complete this form.
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On November 16, 2022, ELL families, district leaders, and community stakeholders gathered at the ESOL Office for a Grand Opening of ELL Family Media Center. This new resource is a place where ELL families can access, learn, and engage in their child's learning in SLPS through technology.
To watch a video from the Grand Opening, click here. To learn about activities ELL Family Media Center offers to district families, click here.
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To support district staff in meeting a legal obligation to communicate with ELL families in the language they understand, St. Louis Public Schools continues to offer language access support in all district languages.
District Language Access team recently welcomed several new team members and expanded the number of languages available through the District Language Access Team:
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- Arabic
- Dari
- Farsi
- French
- Kinyarwanda
- Pashto
- Spanish
- Swahili
- Vietnamese
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Language access support for all other languages is available using a site-specific telephonic interpretation code and/or by requesting an in-person interpreter.
Site-specific telephonic interpretation codes can also be used to support all district languages when assistance is needed outside of work hours. Work hours for each Translator/Interpreter are posted on the district website and are included in their signature line.
For more guidance, please contact Dr. Alla Gonzalez Del Castillo, Director of ESOL Bilingual Migrant Program - Alla.GonzalezDelCastillo@slps.org
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Department Spotlight: Curriculum & Instruction
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Semester 1 Report Cards will be sent home with scholars January 13, 2023
- TheSIS-360 grade reporting window is now open until January 6, 2023
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You may access Step-By-Step Instructions (including a video and PowerPoint resource) on how to use the SIS-360 Grade Reporting System for both traditional and standards-based grading HERE.
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Standards-Based Grading Update (Grades Pre-K through 5)
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A pre- recorded Standard Based Grading Session from October 4th is below:
- More information can be found on the SIS Tyler Gradebook Training Teams’ Page
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For additional support and guidance with grading during our ongoing journey and transition from traditional letter grades to standards-based grades, please access the Standards-Based Grade Reporting Guidebook HERE.
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The current SLPS Board Policy on Grading is linked HERE.
- The SIS Gradebook Guidance 1-Pager is linked HERE.
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NOTE: In our efforts to address coherence and clarity in our communication across the school district, please be sure to use the information shared here and in the guidebook. If you have created or shared alternative information, conversion charts or crosswalks around Standards-Based Grading, please be sure to update them.
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If you have additional questions or concerns about using the SIS Grade Reporting System, please contact Matthew Haack, Student Information Systems Manager, at Mathew.Haack@slps.org. If you have questions about Pk-5 Standards-Based Grading (SBG), please contact Ms. Ravetta Jackson, Multi- Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Specialist Ravetta.Jackson@slps.org.
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FIRST Lego League Challenge Robotics Tournament
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On Saturday, December 10, 2022, scholars from Betty Wheeler CJA, Columbia Elementary, Hodgen Tech Academy, Gateway MST Elementary and McKinley CJA Middle School participated in the FIRST Lego League Challenge Qualifier event which took place at Gateway STEM high school.
The Hodgen Inventors won the top Champion’s Award and Betty Wheeler CJA was the second place Champion’s Award winner. Both of these teams will move on to Regionals in January!
A special thanks to the coaches and to the robotics teams at Gateway STEM and CSMB who were instrumental in running the tournament along with many FIRST Missouri volunteers.
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Hodgen Inventors with Champions Award
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Techno Tigers with Champions Award
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Columbia Elementary with the Robot Design Award
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Gateway Gators Core Values Award
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| McKinley CJA with ribbons
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Would you like to be paid to host an extracurricular activity?
Are you interested in pursuing National Board Certification?
We can help!
Join the Career Ladder Salary Supplement program! Sign up and see the requirements here: https://forms.office.com/r/HkdT6mY5z8
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Curriculum Specialists:
- Dr. Esther Palsenberger, Elementary ELA, 314-779-5939
- Judine Keplar, Secondary ELA, 314-532-6427
- Zehra Khan, Secondary Math, 314-532-3574
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J. Carrie Launius, Elementary Science, 314-934-5258
- Dr. Valentina Bumbu, Secondary Science, 573-544-6835
- Dr. Glenn Barnes, Social Studies, 314-934-5267
- John Grapperhaus, Visual Arts, 314-934-5320
- Kaye Harrelson, Performing Arts, 314-934-5445
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Dr. Taresa Wright-Fraser, Elementary Math, 314-943-5266
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