Message from Deputy Superintendent of Academics
Dr. Marion Smith Jr
|
|
|
| Hello, Colleagues!
Starting this month, we bring awareness and celebrate National Asian American & Pacific Islander Month and National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 1-7, 2022) / National Teacher Appreciation Day (May 3, 2022).
|
|
|
National Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month | May begins AAPI Month, which celebrates the histories of Americans hailing from across the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. This year's theme, selected by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, is Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration which builds on a leadership advancement theme series that began last year. Learn more about AAPI Month HERE. Click HERE for National Education Association (NEA) Teacher Resources that may be of interest.
|
| |
|
National Teacher Appreciation Week | Those who can...DO. Those who can do more... TEACH! May 1-7, 2022 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. This time presents us with another opportunity to celebrate, honor and recognize individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every scholar receives a high quality, effective, responsive and culturally-affirming education. Click HERE for an article from Education Corner with ‘all you need to know’ about Teacher Appreciation Week.
Teachers do the world’s most important work. I honor you! I appreciate you! SHOUT OUT to all SLPS teachers for striving to keep our business of learning, teaching and scholar growth at the center of all you do each and every day.
As a thank you, Ripple Effects is offering complimentary access to their staff wellness program, Educator Ally, through June 30, 2022. Please use it to nourish your mind and spirit, and support your practice as you wrap up this school year! Access Educator Ally HERE.
|
| |
|
Guest Teaching Continues
Once a teacher, always a teacher! This week, I continued to celebrate #NationalTeacherAppreciationWeek by guest teaching and providing in-class supports in different schools. SHOUT OUT to the 1st grade scholars in Mr. Smith's class at Nance Elementary School. Added bonus, yesterday was college and career gear day.
|
|
|
“Key 3”: Strengthening the Instructional Core
REMINDER: As a result of Academic Office Focus on Scholar Learning (FOSL) Learning Walks, both formal and informal, and a review of multiple sources of data, three (3) key learning and teaching strategies were identified that serve as our collective academic focus and priority as a school district for the remainder of SY 21-22. These strategies will 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
- Data-Driven / Data-Informed Lesson Planning (PBTE #9)
- DOK Questioning (PBTE #22)
Additional supports, resources, and professional learning is forthcoming that will assist 100% of our 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.
RESOURCE
FINAL THOUGHT TO PONDER
"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” –John C. Maxwell
Your partner in education,
Marion Smith Jr, EdD
Deputy Superintendent of Academics
|
|
|
The U.S. News and World Report rankings are out and Saint Louis Public Schools has two of the five best high schools in Missouri! No other district can match that! (We also have three in the top 20!)
Congrats to #1 Metro Academic & Classical High School, #5 Collegiate School of Medicine & Bioscience, and #18 McKinley Leadership Academy scholars, teachers, and staff on all your hard work!
For the full list of school rankings, CLICK HERE.
|
| |
|
2021-2022 SLPS Educators of the Year
March 2022 unveiled 16 dynamic educators in SLPS, who are being honored as the Educators of the Year in their respective content categories.
These educators will be celebrated during a ceremony held in their honor, by invitation, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at the Palladium starting at 6pm. A capacity audience of 200 guests will be in attendance as these educational leaders are showcased and awarded a host of gifts and a monetary prize.
Let’s congratulate, again, the awardees for the 2021-2022 school year:
SLPS Early Childhood Teacher of the Year 2022: Tiffany (Welch) Moore- Lyon @ Blow Academy
SLPS Kindergarten Teacher of the Year 2022: Sarah Vernier- Jefferson Elementary School
SLPS Elementary Math Teacher of the Year 2022: Maria Fassett- Shenandoah Elementary School
SLPS Elementary STEM Teacher of the Year 2022: Pablo Ramos- Meramec Elementary School
SLPS Health, Wellness & PE Teacher of the Year 2022: Donneice Mitchum- Ames VPA Elementary School
SLPS Special Education Teacher of the Year 2022: Joseph Lee Smith- Carnanhan High School
SLPS Specialty Area Teacher of the Year 2022: Crystal Hilson- Compton-Drew ILC Middle School
SLPS Visual & Performing Arts Teacher of the Year 2022: Korryn McDonald- Busch School of Character Middle
SLPS Humanities Teacher of the Year 2022: Amy Troeger- Dewey International Studies
SLPS Secondary Mathematics Teacher of the Year 2022: Nelsa Cedeno- Sumner High School
SLPS Secondary Science Teacher of the Year 2022: Larisa Selimovic-Milosavljevic- Metro Classical Academy High School
SLPS College & Career Readiness Teacher of the Year 2022: Wanda Garner- Edmentum Program Central Office
Additionally, we are thrilled to recognize these school leaders!
SLPS Elementary Leader of the Year 2022: Deborah Rogers- Patrick Henry Downtown Academy
SLPS Secondary Leader of the Year 2022: Jonathan Griffin- Carnahan High School
SLPS Supporting School Leader of the Year 2022: Veronica Rovira- Central VPA High School
Help us celebrate these dedicated, stellar professionals!
|
|
|
Subject Area Spotlight: Early Childhood Education
|
| |
|
New materials are on the way!
The Early Childhood Education Department was allocated ESSER II Funds this school year. A committee of Teacher Leaders assisted in generating a list of items to be purchased for classrooms. Pre-k scholars will receive new sleep mats and teachers will receive instructional materials. These items are in the process of being ordered for all Pre-Kindergarten classrooms and will be delivered in time for the start of school in Fall 2022. In addition, starting in August, all schools will receive a Starfall license for home and school usage.
|
New Pre-K Registration Inquiries and Updates for Neighborhood Schools
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN- Please direct all families interested in enrollment for school year 2022-2023 to complete the Pre-Registration Form online on the SLPS ECE webpage.
After submission, an ECE Team Member will reach out to schedule a registration appointment at Central Office. Here is the direct link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=az3jCFSmakiA4yCxkK4i12zPinRfRUBNr7ZSU2GGmMFUMklKVDA0MTdKWjZaWUhMQkJGTkcwU0ZTSi4u
For additional information and assistance, please contact the ECE Dept. at 314-331-6150.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Starting August 1, 2022 all general education scholar registration will occur at school sites only. Special Education and ESOL scholar registration will remain centralized. The 2022-2023 Early Childhood Education registration structure is outlined here. Be on the lookout for upcoming registration training for neighborhood school secretaries and building leaders.
|
Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) Assessments
The DRDP Assessment testing window is now closed. Scholar data has been collected and is now being synthesized for reporting. Network Superintendents will be provided with results per school and districtwide.
For more guidance regarding Early Childhood Education contact Dr. Samantha March, Early Childhood Education Director - Samantha.March@slps.org
|
|
|
Subject Area Spotlight: Literacy
|
| |
| “The ability to read, and read well, opens up doors academically, professionally, and personally that are otherwise closed to those who cannot read with proficiency”
From: Research Brief: The science of Reading, Savvas Learning Company
This school year, scholars in grades 3-5 have received reading and literacy instruction from myView Literacy, our new core literacy program. This program is grounded in the Science of Reading and embraces research findings that students need explicit instruction in the five key elements of reading, especially phonics. The five key elements of reading are defined as: 1. Phonemic awareness , 2. Phonics, 3. Fluency, 4. Vocabulary, and 5. Reading Comprehension
As we continue to utilize the variety of resources available to us in Savvas myView Literacy, a deeper understanding of the Science of Reading will facilitate how such resources and instructional routines support the development of reading proficiency among our scholars.
We invite you to access Research Brief: “The Science of Reading” using the following link: Research Brief: The Science of Reading
For more guidance contact Dr. Kay Royster, K-12 Literacy/Reading Specialist – Kay.Royster@slps.org
|
|
|
Network Spotlight: Network 3
|
| |
|
Walbridge Elementary School
We’ve had so many exciting things happening here at Walbridge! Here are some of our highlights from the last few weeks!
Throwing and Growing Program
4th and 5th grade girls are participating in the Throwing and Growing Gardening Program. Scholars have planted seeds and seedlings in planter boxes at Walbridge and are learning to take care of their garden. They’ve also received introduction to throwing sport. Through the program the girls are working on physical fitness, building community, and developing leadership skills.
|
|
|
State Representatives Visit
On April 22, 2022, Missouri State Representative Alan Gray and Marlon Anderson stopped by for a visit to Walbridge. While they visited, they toured the building and then met with our third, fourth, and 5th grade scholars to wish them well on the MAP state test and encourage scholars to do their best! The state representatives also assisted in the Mobile Food Market.
|
|
|
Jefferson Elementary School
Jefferson Elementary School held a motivational MAP Rally, Tuesday, April 26, 2022, to encourage and motivate scholars for MAP testing. Community partners, parents, staff members and scholars showed off their happy dance moves as they entered the building in preparation for their first day of MAP testing. Scholars received bracelets, book marks and pencils to inspire them to “Show What You Know” this year’s MAP testing theme.
|
|
|
Nance Elementary School
It was an eventful last month at Nance Elementary! Scholars and staff are excited to welcome visitors to our building, showcase our learning this year, and are looking forward to celebrating our 20-year history in early May!
The instructional focus at Nance this year has been literacy and making reading fun! Scholars enjoy visiting the book vending machine to select books to add to their classroom libraries, and next year we will be launching the Nance Knights Book Club!
|
| |
|
To prepare for MAP testing, scholars in all grade levels have been competing in the “Nance Math Olympics!” Scholars have been reviewing math concepts in preparation for their final MAP tests and having fun at the same time. Math Olympic events have included relay races, kickball, basketball, and an obstacle course! Thanks to Ms. Noelle for organizing the games for our scholars!
|
|
|
Nance HomeWorks! teachers recently welcomed more than 70 guests to our in-person Parent Teacher Workshop! Families and students enjoyed a meal, fellowship with one another, and learned alongside their ways to support their students in reading. Thanks to the Nance HomeWorks! team that includes Ms. McBride, Dr. Babolat, Mr. Smith, Ms. Davis and Ms. Wilke for their hard work!
|
|
|
In honor of National Volunteer Recognition week, Nance hosted a “Very Inspiring People” luncheon for parents and partners! Guests enjoyed lunch, a presentation by our first grade students, and presentations by school staff about ways to get involved and support our school. Thanks to Mrs. Green, Family Community Specialist, for organizing this opportunity for our families!
|
Scholars and families gathered for the first annual Sneaker Ball this past week! Scholars came dressed their best, wearing their sneakers, for a fun night of dancing, refreshments, and community!
|
|
|
Adams Elementary School Takes on STEM
The Adams “Sun Patch” Garden
Adams scholars enjoy seeing things grow. In our kindergarten class, Ms. Schmuke is taking her scholars on a journey from seed to table. In addition to choosing the seeds, scholars are responsible for maintaining the garden box, which starts with weeding, adding compost and planting the starter plants. Before the end of the school year, scholars will use produce from the garden to create parts of a meal to enjoy the “fruits” of their labor
|
|
|
Adams Design 101
Scholars in Mrs. Stadler’s 4th grade class enjoy being creative in the classroom and they enjoy learning new things. During the afterschool program, they were able to put their creativity in motion. The scholars brainstormed, drafted, designed, and created some amazing T-shirts.
Next Up…the Runway.
|
|
|
Updates Around The District
|
|
|
Spring Into Fitness Wrap-up
Thank you to everyone who came out to Ashland Elementary on Saturday and participated in our inaugural Spring Into Fitness 5k! The weather was perfect for our families from across the District to take part in a 5k run, 1.5-mile fun run, yoga and Zumba.
This is what our SLPS community looks like!
To view more photos from this event, CLICK HERE.
|
|
|
2022-23 Budget Feedback
At the April 26, Board Work Session, SLPS Chief Financial Officer Angie Banks presented a detailed FY2023 proposed budget to members of the Board of Education of the City of St. Louis.
The public is invited to provide feedback or ask questions about the budget presentation between now and May 6, 2022. The results will then be compiled, questions answered and presented, along with final recommendations, to the board members for review at their May 10 meeting.
Let your voice be heard here - 2022-23 Budget Feedback Form
You can view the presentation at www.slps.org/budget.
Thank you for your interest and support!
|
| |
|
St. Louis Area K-12 Teachers: 2-Day Learning Experience to recharge and inspire you
The Innovative Technology Education Fund is proud to offer this professional development course at no cost by the Stanford d.school K12Lab focused on skill-building, self-care, and community on June 16 and 17, 2022.
|
| |
|
Standards-Based Learning Corner
Click here to explore past topics related to Standards-Based Learning and Grading in SLPS.
For more guidance, please contact Elsie Krueger, MTSS Specialist, Elsie.Krueger@slps.org
|
| |
|
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
- 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
|
| |
|
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.
|
| |
|
|
