A Message from Deputy Superintendent of Academics - Dr. Marion Smith Jr
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National Women's History Month
March is National Women's History Month! Additionally, on March 8, 2022, we recognized International Women’s Day. Check the Curriculum & Instruction section of this newsletter for learning and teaching resources that may be of interest, as we continue to bring awareness and celebrate Women’s History Month.
I honor and celebrate the many women in my life (past and present) and those in SLPS, who inspire, who challenge, who teach and who most importantly "TAKE UP SPACE" and refuse to be silent as they challenge the status quo, creating spaces for all in our system to thrive. Thank you for all you do for our scholars and families!
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Guest Teaching
Oh, how I miss days in the classroom as a teacher. Moving forward, after our Spring Break Vacation, I will guest teach in various classrooms (1 elementary school, 1 PK-8 school, 1 middle school, and 1 high school) in April and May 2022. I can’t wait!
For those unfamiliar with my PK-12 teaching experiences, I began my education career in my hometown of Las Vegas, NV (in the Clark County School District – 5th largest school district in the country which educates over 320,000 PK-12 scholars) as a lead pre-kindergarten teacher in a multilingual early childhood education program; from there I went on to teach English Language Arts in a Title I middle school and junior high school; I ended my time in the classroom as a high school English Literature, Language and Composition teacher and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teacher/curriculum specialist at the first career academies high school in Clark County School District enrolling over 2,700 grade 9-12 scholars.
ENTER THE DRAWING: If you are interested in having me guest teach in your classroom, please submit your name, school and grade/content. Your information should be submitted via e-mail to Carmelita McCray (Carmelita.McCray@slps.org) no later than Friday, March 18, 2022.
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"Key 3": Strengthen The Instructional Core
As a result of Semester 1 and Quarter 3 school learning walks, both formal and informal, and a review of multiple sources of data, three (3) key learning and teaching strategies have been identified that will serve as our collective academic focus and priority as a school district for the remainder of SY 21-22, anchor our summer professional development/professional learning (PD/PL) and launch our Fall 2022 PD/PL. These strategies, when effectively implemented in 100% of our classrooms, will create the conditions for us as a school district to continue to close opportunity and achievement gaps.
The Key 3:
- Check for Understanding Practices
- Data-Driven / Data-Informed Lesson Planning (PBTE #9)
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DOK Questioning (PBTE #22)
More information forthcoming outlining additional supports, resources, and professional learning available to assist 100% of classroom educators to develop and/or deepen their practices in the “Key 3.” For now and for direct support with engaging these strategies in your daily instructional practice, please review the implementation strategies list linked HERE and/or contact a Curriculum and Instruction Team Member for additional support.
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Additional Resources
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Academic Office Focus on Scholar Learning (FOSL) Learning Walks Continue. Click HERE for the Round 2 schedule.
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Semester 2 Curriculum Committee Meeting Calendar I Click HERE to access.
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FOSL Ambassador Assignment List Round 2 (March 2022) I Click HERE to access
FINAL THOUGHT TO PONDER
“Without inner change there can be no outer change. Without collective change, no change matters.” – Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams
Your partner in education,
Marion Smith Jr, EdD
Deputy Superintendent of Academics
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Howard University Alternative Spring Break at Sumner High School
Every year, Howard's Alternative Spring Break Program sends hundreds of students to serve in cities nationally and internationally during their spring break. This year, a team of 12 Howard University undergraduate students are assigned to Sumner High School from March 7-11, 2022
Sumner High School Principal, Dr. Sean Nichols, said the Sumner Student Government Council strongly advocated for bringing the Spring Break Program to Sumner. The Howard team has been led by Sydelle Davis, a graduating chemical engineering student, and Howard undergrad Truth Burney. Each Howard student has been paired with a small group of Sumner freshman, sophomores, and juniors.
We appreciate the students of Howard University for using their spring break to visit Sumner High School and connecting with our scholars. We hope that this experience will continue to broaden the horizons of the scholars at Sumner High School and show them that education truly knows no limits.
Check out the 5 on Your Side video clip highlighting the program here - Howard University students using spring break to connect with Sumner High School students
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Subject Area Spotlight: Visual Arts
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SLPS Visual Art Scholars Shine in St. Louis!
Our visual art scholars are making us proud and letting their talents shine throughout our community! Scholars from schools all over SLPS have excelled in several art contests this quarter.
The SLPS Art Fair at the Zoo is celebrating its 21st year. This year’s theme is “Prehistoric Animals and Their Descendents.” Winners (see this list for student names) come from AESM, Ames VPA, Carver, Central VPA, Classical Junior Academy, Collegiate SMB, Hickey, Lyon @ Blow, Mallinckrodt, Mason, McKinley CLA, NCNAA, NCNAA@Roosevelt, Oak Hill, Roosevelt, Woerner and Woodward. Winners receive cash prizes of $50, $100, and $150!
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The Famous African-American Portrait Contest, in cooperation with the National Blues Museum, is judged by public voting. The winners are listed below:
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Lastly, scholars from Buder Elementary and Patrick Henry Downtown Academy, are being recognized in the St. Louis Symphony’s “Picture the Music” contest. Scholars listened to a specific piece of classical music and created a piece of art inspired by it. There were 59 schools participating, 11,000 students total, 360 entries that were judged, and 100 winners to be a part of a traveling art exhibit including the 6 pieces by Jayla Rivers, Jaleah Andre, Laramie Kelly, Wren Baker, Shawn Hunter, and Xavier Harrell.
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Curriculum & Instruction Spotlight
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| Progress Report/Report Card Reminders
As we enter the close of quarter three, please be aware of a few reminders to support grade reporting.
- There is no different grading key for scholars in grades Pre-K - 12 for end of semester grade reporting. This option is only available for progress reporting.
- The updated report card and standards-based documents were developed to
align with the current school board policy on progress, promotion, and retention. The policy references letter grades only and can be found HERE. This is also why letter grades are also required during our SBG transition period.
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The only grading options allowable in the current report card template are those addressed in the guidance document linked HERE.
- In the past, there were alternative grading keys for lower grades used in a variety of schools across the district. The current report card is not designed to accommodate this differentiation.
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Directions on how to print report cards are linked HERE
- If school leaders and teachers need additional technical support with the SIS grading system, including guidance on printing report cards, they may contact the technology help desk at (314) 345-5762.
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Camp SLPS Summer Learning and Fun
It’s summer the SLPS innovative summer learning experience for scholars and staff. Camp SLPS is designed to deliver a comprehensive learning experience to promote the growth and development of the whole child.
This year, in addition to a robust curriculum plan, we will feature social-emotional learning and fun activities centered around scholar needs, voice, and choice. Please look for scholar and staff applications soon!
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Department Spotlight: College and Career Readiness
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Early College Academy (ECA)
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The Early College Academy (ECA) is a full-time, dual-enrollment partnership between SLPS and St. Louis Community College (STLCC-Forest Park). The goal of the program is to offer qualified SLPS scholars the opportunity to take two full years of college courses while in high school and earn an Associates Degree and High School Diploma concurrently. Our program started in 2016, and was the first of its kind in the St. Louis region. We have become THE program that all other districts in the area come to for guidance and strive to emulate!
This is a FREE program for our scholars! The district and the SLPS Foundation cover the cost of tuition, fees, and books. Breakfast and lunch are delivered every day to the ECA Suite located on the STLCC Forest Park campus, and the ECA scholars are supported by a full-time SLPS Counselor.
Eligibility requirements for the ECA:
Begin as a freshman at an SLPS high school
Have at least a 3.5 Cumulative GPA after first semester of Sophomore year
Take and pass all three sections of the Accuplacer (STLCC placement test)
Complete ECA application which includes an essay and 3 recommendations
From our four graduating cohorts thus far, over 100 SLPS scholars have completed our program. Over 90% of our ECA graduates have moved on to attending 4-year institutions; including Princeton, University of Chicago, Washington University, and many others locally and across the country. With their experiences in the ECA, and the scholarships they earn, these scholars are prepared academically, socially, and financially for their next educational experience. Those that choose to enlist in the military or transition directly to employment have an Associates Degree on their resume as a foundation.
We are currently recruiting for our 7th cohort of ECA scholars. These scholars will continue on the tradition we have built of having SLPS scholars graduate high school with a college degree, for FREE! This is a life-changing opportunity for our scholars that can have a positive impact on their families and our St. Louis community as a whole.
For more information about the ECA, please go to https://www.slps.org/Page/32115
For more guidance regarding Early College Academy, please contact Richard Cusumano, High School Counselor for Early College Academy - Richard.Cusumano@slps.org
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Learn and Earn Internship Program
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Learn and Earn is a paid internship for 2nd semester seniors in all SLPS schools. In its pilot year, Learn and Earn placed over 400 seniors in paid internships making $12/hourly while gaining valuable experience as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives. Interns receive Financial Literacy and Job Readiness Training, as well as real-time job coaching and virtual tax sessions during the internship. Learn and Earn expects to expand next year to up to 600 seniors. Class of 2024 seniors can complete an initial interest form here: Initial Interest Form
JAG (Jobs for American Graduates)
Jobs for American Graduates (JAG) is a federal program offered at Roosevelt, Sumner and Vashon high schools in SLPS. JAG helps young people succeed both in school and on-the-job, leading to a productive and rewarding career. The JAG National Network has a footprint in 40 states, across 1,550 communities, impacting more than 76,000 youth annually since 1980. Each SLPS program is directed by a JAG Specialist who provides support during participants’ school career as well as after graduation. You can learn more about the JAG program at https://jag.org/.
For more guidance regarding the Learn and Earn Program, please contact Dr. Josh Henning, Administrator of Learn & Earn - Josh.Henning@slps.org
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Saint Louis Public Schools Career and Technical Education
Saint Louis Public Schools provides Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that serve over 2500 scholars at 11 high schools. SLPS-CTE offers scholars experiential learning opportunities in more than 31 different programs.
SLPS-CTE is committed to preparing scholars for the increasing demands of the 21st century workforce and ensuring that scholars are fully prepared for college and careers. Our goal is to help scholars obtain critical workforce skills such as problem solving, communication, and teamwork to ensure career and college success. Our engaging programs and expansion of equitable access to Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO’s) are focused on developing real-world skills, providing hands-on experience, and connecting scholars to employers and mentors who will support them long after graduation
SLPS-CTE will reach these goals by providing a structure that allows scholars and parents to find a career path they enjoy doing, before they begin their post-secondary education or career. Through our shops and labs, shadowing, paid internships, and clinical rotations, CTE scholars gain in-depth perspectives of career pathways. Scholars graduate with skills, knowledge, experience, college credits, and certifications in the careers they explore.
For more guidance regarding Career and Technical Education, please contact Tony Maltbia, Director of Career and Technical Education - Theodis.Maltbia@slps.org
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St. Louis Public School's Robotics Team Wins Big!
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Gateway STEM High School’s FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Team, with scholars from three other SLPS high schools (Metro, CVPA and Collegiate), competed in the Missouri-Kansas Championship on Saturday March 5th in Rolla, Missouri. The team, named Spare Parts Team 288, performed phenomenally in the qualification rounds and was the number one seed with a ranking score of 1,315 points, far ahead of any other team.
In the semi-finals our team won two matches in a row to advance to the finals. In one of those matches we scored a state record 311 points. During the finals we lost the first match but rallied and won the next two matches to become the Missouri Kansas Champions!
During the awards ceremony our team was honored to have been chosen to receive the INSPIRE AWARD. This award is the highest award a team can receive at this event.
The criteria for this award:
“This judged award is given to the team that best embodies the ‘challenge’ of the FIRST Tech Challenge program. The team that receives this award is a strong ambassador for FIRST programs and a role model FIRST team. This team is a top contender for many other judged awards and is a gracious competitor. The Inspire Award winner is an inspiration to other teams, acting with Gracious Professionalism® both on and off the playing field. This team shares their experiences, enthusiasm and knowledge with other team, sponsors, their community, and the judges. Working as a unit, this team will have shown success in performing the task of designing and building a robot.”
Three teams from this event advance to the World Championships in Houston, Texas. The Winning Alliance Captain, The Inspire Award Winner and the Inspire Award Runner Up. Our team earned a place at the World Championships TWICE!
The SLPS scholars competing at this event:
Obike Anwisye, Charlie Blair, Emma Blair, Amelia Bryant, Javon Clark, Tamia Gates, Miranda Hornburg, Sam Hornburg, Serena House, Brandon House, Asher Mcferran, Nathan Morrison, Christian Noland, Ayrton Ponce, Keisean Robinson
Coaches: Athena Blair, Charlie Blair, Brian House
For more guidance regarding College and Career Readiness, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Bender, Associate Superintendent/College and Career Readiness Elizabeth.Bender@slps.org
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Updates Around The District
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iPad App Recommendation Survey
Is there an app that you would like to see on your students’ iPads for the upcoming 2022-23 academic year?
If so, please complete this iPad app survey by Friday, April 15, 2020. You can access the survey by clicking
THIS LINK
Please keep in mind that all apps you suggest must be free with limited to zero pop-up ads. The Office of Accountability, Assessment, Technology Services, Student Records and Data will select a team comprised of teachers and staff who will review all recommendations submitted through the survey and make a final list for next school year
Selected apps will be available on the self-service portal on each District iPad.
Questions? Email ipadgroup@slps.org
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9th Grade Orientation
SLPS is hosting our 2nd Annual All District Incoming 9th Grade Orientation on Tuesday, March 29, 6 p.m. at ALL SLPS High Schools in person. Tours, course selection, and making sure families know what to expect for High School are all part of the plans.
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Spring Into Fitness
With the chill of winter fading away and spring weather right around the corner, the SLPS Parent Action Council and Go! St. Louis are proud to invite you to the inaugural Spring Into Fitness 5k & 1.5 mile Family Fun Run.
The family friendly event will be held on Saturday, April 23 from 9 am. - noon and will begin at Ashland Elementary School.
Visit the Spring Into Fitness webpage by clicking here.
Any questions? Please e-mail Gloria.Nolan@slps.org or call 314-345-2485.
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Standards-Based Learning Corner
Click here to explore past topics related to Standards-Based Learning and Grading in SLPS.
For more guidance, please contact Dr. Kimberly Moody, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Kimberly.Moody@slps.org
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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
- J. Carrie Launius, Elementary Science, 314-934-5258
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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
- Dr. Taresa Wright-Fraser, Elementary Math, 314-943-5266
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