Message from Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Marion Smith Jr.
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Dr. Smith in Kindergarten
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| Hello, Colleagues!
Close your eyes and think back to your first day(s) of school as a child. Who do you remember? What do you remember? Are the memories positive or negative? Like many of us, the first days of a new school year may present a mix of anxious and excited energy. As I reflect on my own first days of school as a PK-12 scholar in my hometown school district (Clark County School District in Las Vegas, NV with over 320,000 K-12 students), I am reminded of how I felt. The sense of ‘belonging’ and ‘community’ was palpable. I see you Mrs. Harris!
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| Dr. Smith on Kindergarten 'Promotion Day' w/ Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Harris
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To each SLPS staff member, I want to say “Congratulations” on a successful start to the 2023-2024 school year! I want to thank each of you for your welcoming spirit, flexibility, focus and dedication to creating a positive learning environment for our scholars, families and community. As I visited many of our schools throughout the week and observed in classrooms, I noticed a great deal of positive things happening that will set the stage for continued learning, teaching and academic excellence this school year. Special SHOUT OUT to the school team and school where I served as a central office ambassador, Humboldt Academy of Higher Learning. Go Jaguars!
As we prioritize time each day during the first days of school to engage in ‘culture camp’ activities, strategies and lessons designed to build positive relationships centered around belonging, dignity and inclusion, I invite each of us to ask ourselves one question each day:
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What did I do or say today that had a positive impact on the life of an SLPS scholar?
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Keeping “The Work” of the Academic Office Division Front and Center
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To create system-wide awareness and understanding of how we cultivate the enabling conditions to best support you and our collective learning and teaching journey as a school district, I will end my section of each Academic Office Newsletter with the WHY, WHAT and HOW of the Academic Office. We call it “The Work” and we look forward to continuing the work alongside each of you as we chart a new path of academic excellence.
The WHY of our work for School Year 23-24:
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To develop and/or deepen leadership thinking and leadership moves critical to disrupt and dismantle inequities in systems, policies, practices and procedures so each scholar thrives.
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The WHAT of our work for School Year 23-24:
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Strengthen the Standards-Based *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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Apply skillful use of multiple sources of data (qualitative, quantitative and perceptual) to engage in high-impact teaching and learning
- Implement “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
**inquiry, voice and choice, collaboration, self-direction, reflection
***Check for Understanding Formative Assessments, 2. Depth of Knowledge Questioning to Promote Cognitive Rigor, and 3. Data Informed / Data Driven Lesson Planning
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The HOW of our work for School Year 23-24:
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(Re)Calibrate and (Re)Frame our individual and collective thinking and practices around effective and efficient learning and teaching:
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“What you do speaks so loud, that I cannot hear what you say.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Network Superintendents
(Elementary/Secondary)
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A Fantastic Start:
SLPS Scholars' First Day Filled with Community Greetings and Learning
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The first day of school marked a remarkable beginning at our schools, as our scholars were met with a warm and enthusiastic welcome. As our scholars walked through the school doors, they were greeted by representatives from our valued community partners, who shared encouraging words and expressions of support. It was a day brimming with happiness, excitement, and the promise of new learning journeys.
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| Bryan Hill Elementary School
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| Bryan Hill Elementary School
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| Froebel Elementary School
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Our dedicated educators wasted no time diving into engaging lessons and activities, making sure that the first day was not just about introductions, but also about igniting the spark of curiosity and discovery. From interactive icebreakers to captivating discussions, the classrooms echoed with the joy of learning and teaching. The first day was a testament to the dedication of our educators and the eagerness of our scholars to embark on a new academic adventure.
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| | Walbridge Elementary School
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The combination of community support, cheerful greetings, and a seamless transition into meaningful learning experiences has set the stage for an exciting year of growth, exploration, and achievement. We look forward to the many more days of inspiration and discovery that lie ahead.
Here's to a fantastic start and an even more incredible journey ahead!
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Patrick Henry Elementary School
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| An Exciting Start at Lyon Academy
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The 2023-24 school year is off to an exciting start at Lyon @ Blow PK-8 Academy!
On the first day of school, we rolled out the red carpet to welcome our scholars. It was a fun and special way to make them feel like superstars as they entered the building.
After the red-carpet welcome, our scholars settled into their routines and eagerly participated in various icebreaker and teambuilding activities, then we all gathered in the gymnasium for an assembly and to sing our school song. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a school community and celebrate our Lyon pride. We are incredibly proud of our scholars' enthusiasm and school spirit.
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We are thrilled that this year, our school will be focusing on literacy with exciting, themed events occurring every month. Throughout the year, we will be implementing various strategies and activities to foster a love for reading and writing. Our commitment to literacy is evident in every classroom. Teachers have already started implementing engaging literacy activities, such as read-aloud, storytelling sessions with puppets, and collaborative writing activities.
Overall, we had a fantastic first day back at school! It was heartwarming to see all the smiling faces as scholars reunited with their friends and met their new teachers. We are confident that this year will be filled with many amazing moments and achievements.
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For more information regarding Network Superintendents, please contact Dr. Millicent Borishade, Chief of Schools - Millicent.Borishade@slps.org
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| Department Spotlight:
Early Childhood Education
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| 2023-2024 SLPS Early Childhood Education
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Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Office of Advancement and the Early Childhood Department, only a handful of open seats remain in our Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. We are excited to welcome over 1,800 P3 and P4 scholars to our classrooms, where they engage in a play-based environment that fosters inquiry, develops higher-order thinking skills, and supports social-emotional growth.
Pre-K teachers were excited to begin the 2023-2024 school year with focused professional development and professional learning around the themes of connection, intention, and accountability. A large focus of district-wide professional development was centered on creating a safe, inclusive, high-quality environment where each scholar can thrive. Pre-Kindergarten teachers establish the academic and social emotional foundation for life-long learning and the environment is at the heart of the early childhood classroom.
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To increase equity across the district, our partners from the Magic House, St. Louis Public Library, and Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra joined us to discuss plans to provide enrichment experiences to Pre-K classrooms as well as our Parent Infant Interaction Program (PIIP). Teachers were even able to select their Magic House field trip date and receive complementary headshots on site.
Additionally, teachers began one of seven self-selected cohorts to develop their professional knowledge in topics such as:
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classroom management
- educating the whole child
- conscience discipline
- culturally responsive instruction
- science of reading/LETRS
- arts integration
- science and exploratory learning in nature
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Here are Pre-K educators engaged in the “Science and the Outdoors” cohort in collaboration with Forest Park Forever, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri Botanical Garden:
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By the end of the school year, all Pre-K teaching assistants will have received professional development in the following subject areas:
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CPR and first aid
- neurodiverse learners
- relationships with families
- project construct
- multi-sensory supports
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In their feedback, educators made the following comments about their cohort experiences:
“These were some of the most informative and useful PDs I have attended.” –Erica at Pamoja
“I am now officially OBSESSED with what I have learned about conscious discipline and excited to learn more about that when we have our next PD day.” –Claire at Wilkinson
“Our Science and the Outdoors cohort is amazing! We even get to go on two field trips to the Nature Playscape in Forest Park. I’m so excited to bring my students.” –Anonymous
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For more information regarding SLPS Early Childhood Education, please contact Linda Smith, Interim Director of Early Childhood Education - Linda.Smith@slps.org
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| Department Spotlight:
MTSS
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Standards Based Grading in SLPS
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Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is a way to evaluate scholars’ learning and their progress towards grade level standards. This practice results in a more equitable system of teaching, learning, and grading. Using proficiency skills enables scholars to track their progression toward mastery for grade level content. In a standard- focus environment, subjective grading processes do not exist.
As we move into our 3rd year of implementation of SBG in grades PK-5th, we will continue to support the learning curve through professional development, focus learning groups, and individualized school support. Furthermore, we will begin to have focus discourse around SBG in grades 6th- 8th, as we look to expand this practice.
In the article, “Why I Stopped Giving Zeroes,” the author writes about equitable grading practices that showcase scholars’ ability to demonstrate mastery of content, not just a score. https://www.edutopia.org/article/why-i-stopped-giving-zeros/. This article is an impactful read that highlights the importance of grading.
Here are some grading documents that offers more information about the SBG process in SLPS.
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.
- 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 with the most current information.
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For more information regarding Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, please contact Ravetta Jackson, Multi- Tiered System Support Specialist Ravetta.Jackson@slps.org
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| Department Spotlight:
Gifted & Talented
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Gifted Cohort Professional Development
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Gifted educators and leaders from across the district, as well as Metro and McKinley High School teachers came together for our first annual Gifted PD Cohort conference. The conference focused on equity and access in Gifted Education and innovative instructional strategies for gifted and exceptional learners.
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Gifted Resource (Small Group Gifted Instruction)
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Gifted-identified scholars (elementary & middle) who are not in full-time gifted classrooms will receive small group gifted instruction at their current schools. This service begins the week of September 5th.
- A gifted-identified scholar is guaranteed, per state guidelines, to receive a minimum of 150 minutes of gifted instruction per week.
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Gifted resource utilizes a Project Based Learning (PBL) instructional delivery model. All PBLs are aligned to the state Gifted Learner Standards and have a STEM and literacy focus.
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All second-grade scholars in the district that have not already been identified as Gifted will participate in the gifted screening process. Universal screening is an equitable approach to ensure those who have been marginalized and traditionally underrepresented in gifted education have an opportunity to be identified at an early age. The screening will be administered in a whole group classroom setting by SLPS licensed psychological examiners. Be on the lookout for when we will be coming to your classroom (dates TBD).
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Gifted Testing Available for All SLPS Students!
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Does your scholar have a strong sense of curiosity, enthusiastic about unique interests and topics, demonstrate a quirky or mature sense of humor, is a creative problem solver, has an imaginative expression? High academic achiever? Early reader? They may qualify for gifted services and supports! Click here to find out more about the traits of giftedness. If you observe a child exhibiting one or more of the attributes above, encourage their families to reach out to the Gifted Department to schedule a test. Families can call 314-345-4548 to schedule an appointment or visit slps.org/gifted for more information. (For any SLPS families experiencing a hardship in traveling to the Gifted Office for a test, please reach out to our office to schedule a test at the school site.)
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For more information regarding the Gifted and Talented Education, please contact Natasha Mitchell, Director of Virtual Learning and Gifted Education - Natasha.Mitchell@slps.org
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| Department Spotlight:
Special Education
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Social Emotional Learning Tips
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Each of us continue to experience different emotions as we return to school to face the realities of the familiar and non-familiar.
Here a few tips to help us navigate through this school year:
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Extend Patience and Grace – Scholars may seem off task, lack focus, or have angry outbursts. Recovering from the collective trauma of the global pandemic will take different forms for each scholar. There will be upticks in disruptive behaviors, some resulting from a combination of experiences with anxiety, grief, financial situations, separation anxiety, etc.
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Respond to disruptive behavior with empathy and understanding. Try to sense the other person’s emotions, experiences, and imagine what they might be thinking or feeling. The response is not try to make it better, but understanding their responses might be just a tad off in the moment. Reminding the person coming back to school might be a little more difficult than you assumed, but we’re going to manage it one day at time.
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Give Teens (and Post-Teens, too) Some Slack – Research shows high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality according to the latest depression and suicidality trends among students middle school through high school. The excitement of “getting back to normal” when everything is not the norm produces a bevy of emotions and responses that youth and teens are not prepared for. Sometimes their responses might be not to bother adults because their perception is they are a burden. It’s okay to let them know, and to often remind them, of “safe spaces” to go to when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. “My door is open at 4 p.m. to whomever needs it. If I’m not here, please make sure to connect with the school counselor, social worker, or someone you trust.” The occasional eye roll is often met with the one who reaches out.
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Encourage but Don’t Reassure – Educators help students by being honest and encouraging, rather than reassuring. We can better assist students to learn to overcome their fears by using their own skills and experiences, rather than by relying on false assurances. Teach students problem-solving and critical thinking skills that include identifying the problem, brainstorming ideas by recalling past problems and answers, and selecting a solution.
- Practice Self-Compassion – If ever there was time to give yourself a break, it’s now. The same grace and understanding you provide to others should be extended to yourself. Ask for support when you recognize you need an extra hand or pair eyes to see something more clearly.
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For more information regarding SLPS Special Education, please contact Candice Boyd, Director of Special Education - Candice.Boyd@slps.org
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| Department Spotlight:
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
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ACCESS for ELLs Score Reports
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The 2023 ACCESS for ELLs score reports are available for pick-up in the Assessment storage room at 801 N 11th St. School test coordinators may pick them up between 8 am and 4 pm daily.
Reminder: ACCESS for ELLs score reports must be sent home to parents with a translated ACCESS for ELLs score report in the students' native language attached when available. Translated reports can be found in WIDA AMS.
The ESOL Office will be hosting a virtual Interpreting ACCESS Score Report training session on September 7th from 9:00-10:00 in the Assessment Department - Test Coordinators Microsoft Teams.
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Meaningful Communication with ELL Families
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Did you know that every teacher, leader, and staff member in St. Louis Public Schools has a legal obligation to ensure meaningful communication with ELL parents using competent translators/interpreters?
To support district staff in meeting this legal obligation, St. Louis Public Schools offers language access support in all district languages.
For languages available within SLPS Language Access team, contact district translators/interpreters directly. Use the link below to access their contact information:
https://www.slps.org/interpreters
Language access support for all other languages is provided using a site-specific telephonic interpretation access and/or by requesting an in-person interpreter. Site-specific telephonic interpretation information was provided to principals to be shared with building staff. In-person interpretation can be requested through the District Language Access Team.
Language access support in St. Louis Public Schools consists of four language access services:
Translation of district-wide documents and forms into top district languages.
Interpretation during meetings (in-person, via Zoom/Teams, 3-way phone calls).
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- Robo Calls in multiple languages can be recorded to communicate district-wide or school specific information.
- Personalized phone calls in multiple languages.
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Many district documents and forms have been translated and are available to all district staff. Translated documents and forms are organized in 4 categories: academic forms, medical forms, technology forms, and general forms. Click here to access St. Louis Public Schools library of translated documents and forms.
For more information regarding language access, please contact Fatima Rhodes, Translator/Interpreter (Arabic & French), ESOL Bilingual Migrant Program at fatima.rhodes@slps.org
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For more information regarding the SLPS ESOL / Bilingual Migrant Program, please contact Dr. Alla Gonzalez Del Castillo, Director, ESOL Bilingual Migrant Program – Alla.GonzalezDelCastillo@slps.org
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| Subject Area Spotlight: Math
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2023-2024 SLPS K-12 Mathematics Team
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The SLPS K-12 Mathematics Team is thrilled to have had successful ‘back-to-school’ professional development for K-12 mathematics teachers across the district. SLPS teachers are committed to providing high-quality math instruction to all scholars. We are excited to begin another year! It is every scholars fundamental right to experience rich, at grade-level, and relevant math content, and our teachers are dedicated to making that a reality. Thank you to all of the educational staff who attended and committed to being better educators for the scholars of Saint Louis Public Schools.
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For more information regarding elementary mathematics, please contact Dr. Teresa Wright-Fraiser, Elementary Math Curriculum Specialist - Taresa.Wright-Fraser@slps.org.
For more information regarding secondary mathematics, please contact Zehra Khan, Secondary Math Curriculum Specialist - Zehra.Khan@slps.org
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Subject Area Spotlight: Performing Arts
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Jazz Concert to Benefit Central VPA Band Program
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This year, Nottelmann Music Company is celebrating its 70th Anniversary - 1953-2023. That's 70 years of serving schools, students, music directors and musicians with top-quality products and service.
We're celebrating by giving back to the Central Visual and Performing Arts High School Band. Soon, you'll be able to purchase your advance tickets to the benefit concert and accompanying donation program. All proceeds go to the CVPA Band Program.
Reserve your tickets now!
Click here for more details.
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Dancing Classrooms STL was invited to facilitate its Core Residency Program, a fun way to explore ballroom dances, at Hickey Elementary School during the Spring 2023 semester. During two 45-50 minute sessions per week, students learned the Merengue, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, Swing, and Waltz, along with several other “sugar” dances while developing and practicing the life skills necessary for creating positive and meaningful connections with others.
All of the staff at Hickey Elementary worked from start to finish to give their students the best experience possible. However, the dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm of PE Teacher, Zach Smelcer, was paramount to the success of the program. By completing an exhaustive grant application to secure funding for the program and working with DCSTL staff to ensure every 5th grader had performance-worthy attire from our Costume Closet, Mr. Smelcer consistently went the extra mile!
We are also grateful to Principal, Dr. Michael Baird, and the staff and students at Hickey Elementary for fully embracing ballroom dancing with Dancing Classrooms STL.
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Students from Hickey Elementary are joined by their PE Teacher, Zach Smelcer (Top Row Left), and Principal, Dr. Michael Baird (Top Row Center) as they celebrate their win at the DCSTL Spring 2023 Qualifying Event at South City Catholic Academy.
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For more information regarding SLPS Performing Arts, please contact Kaye Harrelson, Performing Arts Curriculum Specialist - Kaye.Harrelson@slps.org
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Save the Date! High School Here I Come Pep Rally
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All SLPS 8th grade scholars are invited to attend the “High School Here I Come Pep Rally”!
This year's Pep Rally will take place Friday, September 29th at Harris Stowe University soccer field. This is an opportunity for 8th grade students to learn more about our neighborhood and magnet high schools.
*** Middle school and high school principals, the SLPS Recruitment Team needs your help in promoting the event date and encouraging attendance.
Our team always puts on a great program that scholars have come to look forward to it.
We are counting on all schools to participate because that is what makes the program successful.
The recruitment team will be sending out additional information in the weeks leading up to the event.
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Comment Period Open Now for Proposed K-12 Learning Standards, Glossary, and Student Indicators for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
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DESE is seeking input on the newly proposed K-12 Learning Standards, Glossary, and Student Indicators for SEL developed by the SEL work team. Follow this link to provide feedback. The comment period opened August 16 and will close September 15. Stakeholders are asked to be specific in your responses to ensure the department captures the true intent of your comment. Comments will be compiled and shared at the State Board of Education meeting on October 16.
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LETRS for Administrator Training Dates
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Lexia is hosting several LETRS training sessions for Administrators. LETRS for Administrators is designed for literacy coaches, principals, and administrative leaders who are making the shift to best practices in literacy instruction and who want to support their teachers on their science of reading journey. More information and training dates are available on the flyer here.
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Urban Garden Dreams: Student Community Art
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- 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, , 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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