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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- (Re)Frame our individual and collective thinking:
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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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Subject Area Spotlight: Visual Arts
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Art Scholars Shine At The Art Fair At The St. Louis Zoo
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SLPS art scholars’ art was on display from Spring Break through April 7, when the contest winners were recognized during an award ceremony at the Living World. Their artworks were enjoyed by families from all over the Mid-West as the St. Louis Zoo is one of the biggest tourist draws around the region. Our scholars took to the stage with pride to the tunes of the Central VPA Guitar Ensemble.
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This year’s theme was "Animal Diversity in Africa” and our artists researched their subjects with curiosity and creativity, developing their discoveries into unique pieces of art. The entries were judged by leaders from The Contemporary Art Museum, Craft Alliance, Laumeier Sculpture Park, the St. Louis Art Museum, Springboard to Learning, UMSL, the Kemper Art Museum at Wash U, the Zoo, SLPS, and the SLPS Foundation.
Here are the contest award winners. cash card prizes were furnished by generous donors to the SLPS Foundation. The artwork will be on display at 801 North 11th Street (Central Office) starting on April 17th. You can also see the winners’ artworks in this PowerPoint presentation. Art Fair Slide Show 2023 Awards.pptx
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SLPS Art Fair At The Zoo Winners
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Department Spotlight: Early Childhood Education
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The National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC [pronounced NAY-SEE], is the world’s largest early childhood organization. Every year since 1971, they have promoted the Week of the Young Child. This week, typically recognized the first or second week of April, is meant to focus attention on the importance of and celebrate early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities.
In St. Louis Public Schools, we are recognizing our community partnerships, teachers, young scholars, and their families with a series of events to highlight family resilience, literacy, and STEAM. Our community partners at Ready Readers and the Magic House have developed fun and engaging family activities that are based in play.
Have you ever wondered what meaningful, developmentally appropriate play looks like in the early childhood setting?
Developmentally appropriate play in the pre-k setting is:
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- Designed around intentional goals and learning outcomes
- Student-centered
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Inclusive of both closed and open-ended activities
- Meets students where they are developmentally and scaffolds growth toward the next developmental milestones
- Challenging, engaging, and intrinsically rewarding
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Encourages problem-solving skills, peer-to-peer interaction, peer/language modeling, etc.
- Fosters self-regulation of emotions and helping children calm down. For many children, play is not only fun, it's therapeutic
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Additionally, dramatic play in particular helps to develop self-regulation and oral language skills, which are essential components of literacy and future academic growth. This is especially important for dual-language learners (DLLs) who are not only learning a new language, but a new culture as well. Pretend play also provides opportunities for socialization and practicing social-skills, such as sharing, turn-taking, and cooperating. It even increases language skills, such as asking questions, producing longer sentences, and including themselves in conversations, which are important skills for all Pre-Kindergarteners to learn.
SLPS utilizes project construct as our foundational curriculum, through which learners construct knowledge from their physical environment and social interactions. Embedding children's interests into learning activities increases their feelings of competence, strengthens their motivation, memory, and attention span, and helps them commit to working through frustration. Additionally, the physical classroom space can facilitate learning centers that reflect children's interests and facilitate academic achievement and social-emotional growth. Learning centers align with the 3 Cheers curricular resource, are fun for students, and promote academic outcomes. It doesn't get any better than that!
Do you know of a family who is interested in our play-based Pre-Kindergarten program? Enrollment at school sites is well underway! Families who are interested in “The Power of Pre-K” should complete the pre-registration form on the SLPS website if they meet the following eligibility requirements:
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- Reside in the City of St. Louis,
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Will have turned 3-years-old by July 31, 2023 (for P3) or will have turned 4-years-old by July 31, 2023 (for P4), and
- Are fully toilet-trained
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NetworkSpotlight: Community Parntership Network (CPN)
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Ashland Elementary School Bears
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Ashland Elementary School recently modeled their instructional practices for consultants from Instruction Partners, honing the best practices for engaging and stimulating instruction and learning.
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Ashland Elementary School hosted a “Muffins with Moms” event where they welcomed mothers and mother figures to come have breakfast with their students. The event was a great success!
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Meramec Elementary School Tigers
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On March 29, 2023, Career on Wheels, organized by Dr. Gibson-Winston from the College and Career Readiness Department of St. Louis Public Schools, visited Meramec Elementary School. Scholars learned about careers associated with the fire department, police department, the Humane Society, the St. Louis Zoo, Washington University Occupational Therapy, and St. Louis Public Schools Student in Transition.
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Meramec Elementary 4th graders have been studying about the Bill of Rights, The Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence. Students have been learning how people have to be leaders and work together to create a common good. They have also become ambassadors for our school to make our community a better place. In order for students to understand about doing this, we decided to take them to the YMCA Camp Lakewood to learn about skills, teambuilding, and leadership. Here they had to create, lead, and work together to make things happen. They loved it and it was amazing for them. We thank SLPS and our Community Partnership for making this happen!
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For more information please contact Jay Hartman, Consortium Partnership Network Director – Jay.Hartman@slps.org
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New Spotlight: MTSS Corner
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| Shifting the Framework: “Wellness For Staff”
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The Academic Office continues to define the shift from RTI to MTSS and explain why, what, and how of MTSS. This multi- level prevention system is complex and has many layers.
In order to make sure that MTSS is happening for scholars, one important aspect to remember is supporting those who are working directly with scholars. One quote that comes to mind, “The strength of the team is each member, the strength of each member is the team. Building up the members of the school that will touch the lives of children motivates staff and sustains a positive work environment.
Keeping this is mind, an essential keynote to ensure that teachers and staff are getting the support they need to build capacity, is creating a safe space. In this space, school staff are able to voice concerns and problem solve barriers that may arise. A few ways to create that safe space is:
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- Team building opportunities to maintain a community of encouragement.
- Positive notes that uplift and cultivate a culture of respect.
- Communicating goals and objectives in a timely manner with staff input.
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Remember that without buy-in from staff, MTSS is harder to implement, and therefore support for scholars becomes inconsistent and not substantial.
In efforts to build upon the equitable practices in our district, a professional development opportunity is available. This development includes but is not limited to the analysis of Standard- Based Grading Data and identifying tiered support for scholars in each content area. If you are interested in this Professional Development Opportunity, please visit the link below.
https://forms.office.com/r/i2pDxKfXcK
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As we continue the transition to the MTSS framework, it is important to remember the ‘Why, What, and How of MTSS.” Below is a one pager to support our collective work moving forward.
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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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SLPS Saturday Scholars Program
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The Medicine and Anatomy Programs consist of the Health Professions’ Fair and Saturday Scholars, sponsored by Washington University School of Medicine and Excellence in Learning, sponsored by The University of Missouri School of Medicine.
The Saturday Scholars Program provides an annual forum for high school students, particularly from the St. Louis Public Schools as well as a number of other schools, to learn about human anatomy both in a lecture and lab environment, while interacting with medical students.
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The program consists of a three-hour human anatomy session on five consecutive Saturdays in February and March. Each session includes a lecture conducted by medical students on a system of the human anatomy (respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, renal and reproductive systems), followed by an anatomy lab session, clinical case studies and a Health Information Resources research and presentation skills section.
Participating students present a research PowerPoint project at an awards ceremony that takes place on the last Saturday of the program.
Students who participate in the Saturday Scholars Program will receive an invitation to apply to the University Of Missouri School Of Medicine’s Excellence in Learning Program. Selected students and teacher(s) from each school are invited to experience patient-based learning as part of an intensive day long program on the Columbia campus.
Medicine and Anatomy is available to all high school students within the district. As a teacher leader, you do not have to be a biology, chemistry, or science teacher. Many of the teachers are instructional coaches, department chairs or language arts instructors. There is hourly extra service for eligible staff who assist. If you are interested contact Dr. Josh Henning at 314-345-2315.
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SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) Update
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SIOP is an instructional approach for teaching content to English Language Learners (ELLs) in strategic ways while developing their English language proficiency. The SIOP model focuses on instructional components that both ELLs and native English speakers need for academic success.
SIOP Quick Facts
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- 109 SLPS educations have been previously trained in SIOP;
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38 SLPS educators completed SIOP training during 2022-2023 school year;
- 15 SLPS educators are currently participating in the SIOP Training.
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Two additional SIOP training options will be available in May and June for any content and classroom teacher who has English language learners in their classes. Each training course consists of 4 live sessions, 7 self-paced asynchronous sessions, and Nearpod activities.
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- All live sessions will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Live sessions for May cohort will be on May 1, 10, 17, and 24.
- Live sessions for June cohort will be on June 5, 9, 14, and 16.
- Extra service will be available for teachers who complete SIOP training.
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Click here to express interest in either May or June SIOP training cohorts.
For further information, please contact Dr. Alla Gonzalez Del Castillo, Director of ESOL Bilingual Migrant Program at Alla.Gonzalezdelcastillo@slps.org
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Camp SLPS 2023 will be held from Monday, June 5th through Friday, June 30th at sites across Saint Louis Public Schools (no summer learning on Monday, June 19th in recognition of Juneteenth holiday).
Welcome Camp SLPS 2023 Summer Site Leaders! Please congratulate the following SLPS leaders on being named Summer Site Leaders for Camp SLPS 2023!
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- Chavon Curry- Woerner Elementary
- Rapheal Rodgers- Buder Elementary
- Lauren Price- Wilkinson Early Childhood Center
- Rebecca Henderson- Stix Early Childhood Center
- Mahoganie Bryant- Sigel Elementary
- Amanda Patty-Ingram- Jefferson Elementary
- Amy Blackwell- Ames VPA Elementary
- Relaina Burns- Lexington Elementary
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Vanessa Noble- Herzog Elementary
- Jason Bressman- Mullanphy Elementary
- Nicole Niewald- Carr Lane Middle School
- Tim Craig- AESM Middle School
- Chris Martens- Carnahan Middle School
- Azalia Carter- McKinley High School
- Sonchez Johnson- Clyde C. Miller High School
- Christina Morris- NCNAA
- Cheryl Lawson- Madison
- Petra Baker- Gateway Michael
- Donald Guinn- Nottingham
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Staffing Update
Offer letters were distributed to those staff members who were selected and eligible for Camp SLPS employment during the week of April 3rd. If you are not eligible for Camp SLPS employment, Human Resources will reach out to you.
If you have not yet applied or applied after the deadline, your application will be considered after applicants meeting the initial deadline have been placed. The application is available at this link: https://lf.slps.org/Forms/CAMPSLPS
Professional Development for Staff
Camp SLPS staff professional development scheduled for after school on Wednesday, May 4th, May 11th, and May 18th has been canceled.
Camp SLPS staff must save the date for the following professional development dates leading up to Camp SLPS beginning on Monday, June 5th. Staff are expected to participate in all scheduled professional development:
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- Wednesday, May 31st- Full day professional development (details TBA)
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Thursday, June 1st- Site-based professional development (AM) & Classroom preparation time (PM)
- Friday, June 2nd- Classroom preparation time (PM) & Camp SLPS Open House (time established by Summer Site Leader)
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Registration for students is now available!
Please register online at https://www.slps.org/summer or use the QR codes below! A list of site assignments is also posted on the SLPS website.
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6th Annual Technology Fair
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The 6th Annual Technology Fair is being planned for July 11th through the 14th. We will have vendor representation with presentations from Apple, Haddock, Smart, Dell, Follet & Ricoh. And, we have internal SLPS staff and teachers who will be presenting on their favorite technology equipment or software. More information will be coming out soon to register in the “Plug Me In” Technology fair – some virtual session and some in-person.
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National Speech & Debate Association: All American Academic Award
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Here's some amazing news coming out of Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience (CSMB). Senior students Gracie Ebenhoh & Chloe Ong were awarded the prestigious All American Academic Award this year by the National Speech & Debate Association. There are multiple requirements for this award. The AAA recognizes high school students who have earned the degree of Superior Distinction (750 points) or more; completed at least 5 semesters of high school; demonstrated outstanding character and leadership; and earned a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. They also need to have scored a 27 or higher on the ACT.
Fewer than 2% of the nation earns this award!
Chloe has earned 1002 points & will attend nationals this year for her second time. She has a 4.0 GPA.
Grace has earned 917 points & will attend nationals this year for her second time. She has a 4.0 GPA.
Both girls work tirelessly to succeed in speech & debate and are deserving of this award.
Let's congratulate Chloe and Gracie, as well as their coach Joy Johnston.
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Curriculum Specialists:
- Dr. Esther Palsenberger, Elementary ELA, 314-779-5939
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Judine Keplar, Secondary ELA, 314-532-6427
- Zehra Khan, Secondary Math, 314-532-3574
- J. Carrie Launius, Elementary Science, 314-934-5258
- Dr. Valentina Bumbu, Secondary Science, 573-544-6835
- Dr. Glenn Barnes, Social Studies, 314-934-5267
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John Grapperhaus, Visual Arts, 314-934-5320
- Kaye Harrelson, Performing Arts, 314-934-5445
- Dr. Taresa Wright-Fraser, Elementary Math, 314-943-5266
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