February 9, 2023
Issue #7
|
|
|
Welcome to our digital newsletter for District families!
|
|
|
Dr. Keisha Scarlett Selected as Superintendent of Saint Louis Public Schools
|
The Board of Education of the City of St. Louis has selected Dr. Keisha Scarlett, as the district’s new superintendent of schools effective July 1, 2023. Scarlett comes to Saint Louis from Seattle where she has served Seattle Public Schools (SPS) for 24 years and has been assistant superintendent of academics since 2021.
Dr. Scarlett said, “I am honored that the Board of Education has chosen me to lead Saint Louis Public Schools. The children in this great city are full of promise—and I know that with the right support, they can thrive in the classroom today and achieve their goals for the future.” She added, “This community is resilient and has made important progress. Together, we will continue moving forward, until all students in Saint Louis are safe, cared for, and prepared with an education to take them wherever they want to go. A Saint Louis Public Schools education will be a ‘gateway to unlimited possibility.’”
“We are thrilled to announce such a talented, genuine and visionary educator will be the next superintendent of Saint Louis Public Schools,” said Board of Education President Matt Davis. “The Board’s goal in conducting a nationwide search was to find a leader who will build on our successes but also be laser focused in addressing our challenges. Dr. Scarlett possesses the perfect mix of skill, knowledge, and experience while also caring deeply for students, families, teachers, and staff.”
Following Dr. Kelvin Adams who served for 14 years, Dr. Scarlett will officially begin her duties on July 1, 2023. Until that time, Davis says that interim superintendent Dr. Nicole Williams will continue to guide the district forward. “We were extremely fortunate that Dr. Williams stepped up to serve as interim and we are indebted to her for the pivotal role she will play in this transition.”
Dr. Scarlett was one of three finalists from a comprehensive national search conducted by education leader search firm Ray & Associates, Inc. and led by the Board of Education.
|
|
|
Dr. Scarlett engaging with a student at Adams Elementary School
|
|
As assistant superintendent in Seattle Public Schools, Dr. Scarlett implemented a strategic plan to increase early literacy among African American boys and other students furthest from educational justice. She also oversaw advanced coursework initiatives to ensure young people graduate prepared for college, career, and community.
As chief of equity, Dr. Scarlett co-founded the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE, a tuition-free educator preparation program) and worked in partnership with Seattle Central College and the City of Seattle in serving more than 300 aspiring educators of color. The program has a 90 percent retention rate.
Dr. Scarlett has also served Seattle Public Schools as executive director of organizational development, human resources director, principal, and teacher. During her time as principal of South Shore School, Dr. Scarlett developed an accelerated mathematics pathway for students in grades three through eight.
|
|
|
In 2014, 25 percent of eighth-grade students were two years advanced in math and all of those students met/exceeded standards on the state’s Algebra I and Geometry end-of-course exams. That year, Dr. Scarlett was selected as Washington State Middle-Level Principal of the Year and recognized for leading South Shore to 80 percent proficiency across multiple grade levels in reading, writing, and math on state exams. In 2020, Scarlett was part of a group that provided then-President-elect Biden’s transition team with guidance for reopening schools during the Covid pandemic.
Prior to building a career in education, Dr. Scarlett worked for a large aerospace company. She earned her doctorate and principal certification from the University of Washington, her master’s in education from Heritage University, and her bachelor’s from Clark Atlanta University.
|
Dr. Keisha Scarlett on Why She Chose SLPS
|
|
|
Black History Month at Saint Louis Public Schools
|
|
|
What Is Black History Month?
|
During Black History Month, communities across the country commemorate the history of people of African descent in America and pay tribute to the many achievements of Black men and women.
|
Why Is Black History Month Celebrated in February?
|
In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, established Negro History Week to promote the accomplishment and achievements of Black people. He chose the week of February that corresponds with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Negro History Week has expanded to become an observation and celebration throughout the month of February.
|
|
|
|
Understanding the Black History Month Colors
|
There are no official colors for the annual observation of Black History Month. Often, people or organizations will use the colors of the Pan-African (or Afro-American) flag during the month though. The colors of this flag are red, black, and green.
The colors' significance was articulated by the Universal Negro Improvement Association in the 1920s, and they have been recently updated by the organization. The color red symbolizes the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry and shed for liberation; the color black symbolizes Black people, whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag; and the color green symbolizes the abundant natural wealth of Africa. (Credit: Parents.com)
|
|
|
As we enter February, below are additional resources that may be used beyond the scope of this one month. Unless Black history is taught throughout the year, it perpetuates an “othering” of Black Lives and Black scholars and is also a manifestation of Anti-Blackness. Ensuring the ongoing integration of Black history and experiences throughout all curricula is imperative as educators continue to uplift every student and reinforce that Black Lives Matter every day.
|
|
|
Citywide Plan For Education Recap
|
|
|
|
The Citywide Plan for Education is taking shape, as community leaders and stakeholders gathered Tuesday, Feb. 8, for another work session. Recommendations are taking shape from subcommittees focusing on different areas that impact schools and students.
The goal: improve the educational outcomes for every child in the City of St. Louis, no matter where they go to school. It's not too late for you to be heard. The next meeting will take place in late March. Stay connected at www.slps.org/citywide.
|
|
|
Spare Parts is the St. Louis South League Champion
|
|
|
St. Louis South League Champions - Spare Parts
|
| On Saturday, February 4, 2023 Gateway STEM High School’s FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics team, Spare Parts, competed in the St. Louis South League Championship at Fox High School.
Going into the event, Spare Parts carried a record of 26 wins out of 30 matches from league meets. After a rigorous set of qualifying matches, the team was ranked 2nd overall.
In alliance selection the #1 Alliance Captain, 7525 – The Nerdy Birds from Brentwood High School, selected Spare Parts to join their alliance. The three team alliance was rounded out by 13312 – The Bombers from John Burroughs High School. This alliance won the semifinals in two matches. In the finals, the alliance won in two matches and was named St. Louis South League Champions.
|
|
|
During the awards ceremony Spare Parts was honored to win the Inspire 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 for other FIRST teams.
This award is the most prestigious award that a team can win at an event and is better even than being the winning alliance. This is the second year in a row that we have won this award.
Being league champions qualifies Spare Parts to go to the State Championship. Winning the Inspire Award also qualifies us to go to the State Championship. We qualified twice!
The team has worked 5 day a week and many weekends since September to get ready for this event.
Spare Parts consists of students from:
|
- Gateway STEM High School
- Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience
- Metro Classical and Academic High School
-
Central Visual and Performing Arts High School
- Bishop DuBourg High School
- Word of Life Lutheran School
|
Let's congratulate our St. Louis South League Champions!
|
For more information about Spare Parts visit the team Facebook page.
|
|
|
Learn and Earn Internship Program
|
|
|
|
The Ready to Work: Learn Before You Earn 2023 conference provided SLPS 12th grade pre-placement interns the opportunity to participate in a resource fair to start their day while registering for the conference. After registrations, interns received welcoming remarks from St. Louis Community College as well as a motivational, key-note speech for the day. Next, students transitioned to their job-readiness and financial empowerment sessions which included topics such as Personal Branding, Teamwork & Growth Mindset, Communication & Professionalism, Taxes & Budgeting, and Banks & Credit Building.
All students also participated in a tour of different training programs provided by St. Louis Community College as well as a networking lunch where students had the opportunity to practice their “elevator pitch” on human resource officers from various businesses and organizations.
|
|
|
Saint Louis Public Schools Mobile App
|
|
|
|
Do you want to know what is happening in Saint Louis Public Schools today?
Well, there’s an app for that!
THE SAINT LOUIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ app is FREE and DOWNLOADABLE from the App Store and Google Play Store.
|
|
|
The District app is the best way to get all the information you need at the push of a button! The app pulls from all social media and website postings and, in a clear and user-friendly way, recaps the hot stories of the day.
You will find the district calendar and transformation information there as well as a host of other key information buttons. Learn of events, celebrations, honors, surveys, opportunities, news stories, weather closings and more. Just another way to keep you informed and up-to-date on all things SLPS!
Download the free app today!
Apple App Store
Google Play Store
|
|
|
Parent Action Council Meeting
|
Our next PAC meeting will take place on February 16 at 6:30pm. The meeting will also be livestreamed at this Zoom link.
The topic is Literacy Overview and Day of Action Recap.
If you have a question you would like us to discuss at the meeting, please send it to PAC.
|
| |
|
Email parentactioncouncil@gmail.com to join our Google group, follow the "Parents of SLPS Students" Facebook page for updates and announcements, and check our Google site for all the latest PAC news.
To keep up with PAC meetings and activities, follow us on our Google page.
|
|
|
February 14 - Board of Education Meeting
February 16 - Parent Action Council Meeting
February 17- No School For Students
February 20 - President's Day Holiday (All SLPS Offices and Schools Closed)
|
|
|
Saint Louis Public Schools is hiring for a number of open positions throughout the District. Applications are being accepted for teachers, nurses, substitute teachers, social workers, security and more. Visit slps.org/jobs or click the flier for more information.
|
|
|
Missouri Central School Bus Company is Hiring!
|
Missouri Central School Bus Company is hiring drivers.
- $25 an hour with weekly pay
- Fully paid training
- Paid holidays
- Flexible schedules
- Summers off
Get in the driver’s seat and start making some money! Call 314-762-0318 or visit driveayellowbus.com.
|
|
|
Have you had an "Out of this World" experience at Saint Louis Public Schools?
|
|
|
Tell us all about it for a chance to be featured in SLPS messaging such as billboard designs, social media posts, and more.
Click here to share your experience!
|
| |
|
Sign Up for the Newsletter Here
|
Do you know an SLPS family that isn't receiving The District Digest? Please forward this issue and ask them to visit www.slps.org/districtdigest to join the mailing list.
|
|
|
Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails. View this email online.
|
801 N. 11th Street | St. Louis, MO 63101 US
|
|
|
This email was sent to . To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
|
| |
|
|