SIMMONS-MARSHALL TEAM UP WITH UMSL IN DEVELOPING NEIGHBORHOOD SCIENCE PROJECT
The Simmons-Marshall School is teaming up with the University of Missouri-St. Louis in developing a long-term project focusing on neighborhood science. UMSL students will begin working with students on January 10.

Congratulations to Vashon High School Basketball Team!
The Vashon High School basketball team won the Normandy Christmas Tournament championship game over the holidays, beating Cardinal Ritter College Prep 59-27. “Our win is great for Vashon and the entire athletic department,” said coach Floyd Irons. “It’s the tip of the iceberg as to what our kids can and will do in the future.”

ST. LOUIS COMPANIES AND ORGANIZATIONS SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER TO SLPS STUDENTS…
Employees at AT&T, the Alliance of Black Telecommunication employees Inc., the Telephone Pioneers and the Communication Workers of America held their sixth annual lunch program at Wilkinson Early Childhood Center. Students created special ornaments stating what they wanted for Christmas. The ornaments were taken to AT&T locations and hung on their trees. Employees took the ornaments and purchased the students’ gifts. All students received gifts. AT&T provided lunch for students and staff.

At Metro Academic and Classical High School, more than 4,000 canned good items were given to the St. Louis University campus kitchen organization. Students in grades 9, 10 and 11 gave the most items. Their treat? An extended lunch period!

MEHVILLE’S HONOR STUDENTS GIVE SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO CLAY STUDENTS
Students at Mehlville High School’s Honor Society participated in a unique project called the “Problem Solving Project.” Students at Clay Elementary Community Education Center received gift wrapped “Christmas Shoeboxes” including clothing, school supplies, personal hygiene items and books. “Our students were very excited and appreciative of their generosity,” said principal Donna Owens.

MARK TWAIN STUDENTS HEADED TOWARD “WORLD CLASS WRITERS”
STATUS!
Mark Twain Elementary’s principal Arthelda Busch is beaming about her student’s academic achievements. The school adopted the slogan
“Home of the World Class Writers.” After viewing the school’s MAP data for several years, it was concluded that nearly 70% of Mark Twain’s students were excellent in reading. “We’re placing emphasis on developing superior writing skills,” said Busch.
During the month of January, students will have the challenge to write their own books.
Students in grades 3 through 6 will submit books with illustrations. The books will be published and bound free of charge. The company providing the complimentary publishing service is Nationwide Learning, Inc.

Mark Twain is also moving toward starting up the Step Up to Writing program which will be used in all elementary schools this year. Mark Twain is the first pilot school to begin the program. “ We certainly hope that this program motivates students to write for enjoyment in expressing themselves,” said Busch.

Congratulations Corner
Congrats to Susan Katzman, director of Career and Technical Education and Myrtle Reed, Assistant Superintendent. They are involved in helping launch the National Education Technology Plan. The plan promises to bring a fresh perspective in urban education nationally. Harry Kumke, drama/speech teacher at Soldan International Studies High School, was awarded the 2004 National Forensic League Coach of the Year. Sherlene Griffin, music teacher at Simmons-Marshall School, is a candidate for National Board Certification. She was also recently awarded the Apple for the Teacher Award. And congrats to our Compton-Drew Investigative Learning Center student Tamare Banks. Tamare was one of ten students nationally who was chosen to interview Benjamin Franklin on live television. The program was sponsored by the History Channel and was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She and other participants received a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

SLPS CHANNEL 20 ON THE ROLL…
Two student anchors will be the lucky winners to debut our up-and-coming student news show! The news program will begin in January… also in January, look out for Karen Hylton’s new show called “School Talk with Karen Hylton.” The show will feature educational issues, personality interviews and important SLPS topics.

Metro’s principal Wilfred Moore is pleased by the students’ caring actions. “It showed that the students were interested in helping people in the community,” said Moore. “They really have good hearts.”

At Ames Visual and Performing Arts Elementary School, students collected over six hundred canned goods. Kudos to Mr. Robinson’s fifth graders. They brought the most cans. Their treat? A pizza party in 2005!

Applause also goes to Stowe Middle School. Students contributed over 2,000 items in coordination with Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church. All donated items were given to the Robert Fulton Development, Incorporated. AmeriCorps volunteers helped out. “We are proud of our students wanting to make a difference in the lives of others,” said principal Vernice Hicks.