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WELCOME ABOARD: Dr. Marion Smith, Jr.
Please welcome Dr. Marion Smith, Jr., the District's new Deputy Superintendent of Academics, as yesterday, July 26, was his official first day on the job.
Dr. Smith brings 20 years of experience leading and managing complex organizational growth and change in PK-12 education, post-secondary institutions, and the EdTech business sector. He has a tested and proven track record of deepening adult professional learning that closes opportunity and achievement gaps while strengthening educational outcomes.
In his work, Dr. Smith is a fearless champion for racial equity, scholar voice, and learning-focused continuous improvement anchored in collective impact. He has honed his career in diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic settings in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada; North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; and Breckenridge, Colorado where he has served and supported school districts and educational communities with enrollment ranging from 50 – 420,000 scholars.
Prior to joining SLPS, Dr. Smith served as Superintendent of Schools of Summit School District in Summit County, Colorado.
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CONGRATULATIONS Dr. Samantha March!
Dr. Samantha March, formerly Early Childhood Education (ECE) coordinator and interim director, has been promoted to department director. Dr. March joined the District in 2012 as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Ford Elementary and transitioned to the ECE Coordinator three years ago. Dr. March says of this new opportunity, “I am proud of the emphasis our District and the SLPS Foundation have placed on building a strong Pre-K program. I am excited to now be in a position to build on that foundation and to help ensure that it remains a District priority.” Dr. March added, “I believe that Pre-K is essential to every child’s development and to building a lifelong appreciation for learning. I am committed to making sure that every student has access to the best educational experiences available." Dr. March graduated Cum Laude from the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) with a bachelor’s degree in ECE and teaching certification. She earned a master’s and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Maryville University. She has spent her entire career, the past 16 years, in ECE and considers serving the youngest and most vulnerable in our community to be a lifelong commitment.
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New Appointments for 2021-2022
Ms. Angela Glass is the new Interim Network Superintendent, assuming responsibilities for the schools previously served by Dr. Isaac Pollack. Dr. Pollack will be returning to his leadership role in coordinating the District’s relationships with charter schools and civic leaders across the region. We welcome Ms. Glass to her new role!
All other Network Superintendents, Karen Jones, Dr. Jeanine Zitta, Dr. Jere Hochman, Dr. Crystal Gale, Dr. Derrick Mitchell, and Jay Hartman (CPN) will continue on in their same school networks.
Newly assigned principals include: James Blankenship, Buder; Angelia Rougeau, Clyde C. Miller; Tiffany Houston (Interim), Columbia; Belinda Quimby, Humboldt; Lisa Brown, Mann and Angela Durbin (Interim) Oak Hill.
Newly assigned assistant principals include: Raphael Rogers, Buder; Azalia Carter, Collegiate; Timothy Craig, Lyon; Phyllis Miller, Pierre Laclede; Sonchez Johnson, Roosevelt; Camille Simmons, Shaw and Amanda Laboo, Sumner.
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Save the Date
Saturday, August 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
SLPS and Local 420 will co-host a vaccination, immunization, and Safe Schools Celebration! Click here for more information.
Saturday, August 21, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The District and the Urban League will host a “Back-to-School” drive-through event at the Urban League’s headquarters - 1408 North Kingshighway St. Louis MO, 63113.
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Standards-Based Learning Corner
Click here to explore past topics related to Standards-Based Learning and Grading in SLPS.
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Curriculum Specialists:
- Dr. Esther Palsenberger, Elementary ELA, 314-779-5939
- Judine Keplar, Secondary ELA, 314-532-6427
- Zehra Khan, K-12 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
- John Grapperhaus, Visual Arts, 314-934-5320
- Kaye Harrelson, Performing Arts, 314-934-5445
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Curriculum Corner: Performance Arts with Kaye Harrelson
Hello from the Performing Arts!
Check this space weekly for updates on CDC recommendations for music classrooms. Right now, the City of St. Louis Health Dept. is closely observing reports of positive COVID test statistics and regional hospital admissions. St. Louis Public Schools will continue to align with health department guidelines and do everything possible to help teachers and students interact in safe environments.
Contact Kaye Harrelson for specific information about SLPS Performing Arts - 314-934-5445.
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Curriculum Corner: Social Studies with Dr. Glenn Barnes
Upcoming Changes in ’21-‘22
- We will no longer be utilizing the Dave Ramsey materials for personal finance. We will use free resources from Junior Achievement, the Federal Reserve, and Next Generation Personal.
- Moving forward, constitution tests will be given only in high school. We are working on common assessments for the MO and US Constitution test to add to the common Citizenship Exam provided in US History.
SMART Goals for Social Studies: LINK
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Curriculum Corner: ELA, Elementary with Dr. Esther Palsenberger
If you need to meet with Esther Palsenberger, click here for the appointment calendar.
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Curriculum Corner: Visual Arts with John Grapperhaus
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Curriculum Corner: Science, Elementary with Carrie Launius
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Curriculum Corner: Science, Secondary with Dr. Valentina Bumbu
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Curriculum Corner: ELA, Secondary with Judine Keplar
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Curriculum Corner: Math with Zehra Kahn
Smart Goal for K-12 Math: LINK
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Resource Reminders
TECH TIPS:
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:
FOR STAFF:
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Miss an Issue?
Past issues are uploaded on a regular basis.
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