Central VPA students accepted into prestigious fine arts academy
Christopher Holmes and Ahmad Kemp, sophomores at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, have been accepted into the Missouri Fine Arts Academy for the summer of 2008. The Missouri Fine Arts Academy is a three-week, residential program that offers students the opportunity to: enhance their skills in the fields of dance, music, theater and the visual arts; participate in intensive, stimulating activities of an interdisciplinary nature; and explore the roles which the arts and they as artists can play in society. The academy will take place on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield.

Ford teacher named in Who’s Who
Griselda Arnold, resource teacher at Ford Elementary Community Education Center, was recently chosen to represent the St. Louis professional and business community in Biltmore’s 2008 Who’s Who Among Executives and Professional Women “Honors Edition.” The publishing committee selected Ms. Arnold based on her current standing, as well as criteria from executive and professional rosters. The listing will share space with thousands of fellow achievers across the nation, each representing individual accomplishments within their geographical area.

Suicide prevention a priority at Clyde C. Miller
To raise awareness about America’s high teenage suicide rate, Clyde C. Miller Career Academy is sponsoring suicide prevention activities, beginning in February. Activities include: a poster contest with cash prizes, distribution of suicide prevention materials, panel discussions and other events. The school received a national grant to fund the projects. For additional information or to see how you and your school can participate, contact social worker Linda Okpaleke at 314.371.0394, ext. 3141, or linda.okpaleke@slps.org.

Gateway’s EMT students demonstrate state and national excellence
Five seniors from Gateway Institute of Technology – Antuan Knox, Jennifer Hawkins, Donovan Jackson, Monte Chambers and Jerry Steward – recently completed both parts of the Missouri State EMT practical exam. Once they turn eighteen, they will be able to take the written part of the exam to gain their EMT certification. Seniors Nyree Lee and Dwain Burke only need to complete and pass one part of the state practical for certification. Senior Samantha Tobin completed all of the requirements, and is now a fully-certified EMT. Gateway’s EMT students are usually the youngest people taking the practical exams. Currently, the school’s passage rate is 75%, compared to the state and national rate of about 30%.

Two SLPS schools are nominated for Blue Ribbon honors
Metro High School and McKinley Classical Leadership Academy were selected as one of Missouri’s Blue Ribbon Secondary School nominations to the U.S. Department of Education. To qualify for the prestigious award, schools must have at least 40% of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds and make dramatic gains in academic performance – or score in the top 10 percent on their respective state tests. In addition, schools must meet the adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals defined by each state for academic achievement in reading and math.

Sheldon Art Galleries feature works by Central VPA students
The Sheldon Art Galleries present the exhibition, From the Portfolio of Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, in the AT&T Gallery of Children’s Art, from February 16 - April 12. The exhibition highlights the drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture and photography of CVPA students, and reflects the students’ unique and varied perspectives, observations, and ideas. Admission is free. For more information on the exhibition, visit http://www.sheldonconcerthall.org/galleries.asp.

Doing it right at Gundlach
Baseball’s Fredbird will visit Gundlach Elementary on Thursday, February 21, as part of the Cardinal’s “Doin’ It Right” Program. A fun-filled assembly will emphasize three important messages: “You don't have to do drugs!” “Stay in school!” and “Participate in sports and stay fit!” The assembly starts at 1:30 p.m.

Busch student receives citywide writing award
Rodnique Bills, a sixth grade student at Busch / AAA School, was the first place winner in the citywide Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest. Rodnique received a $350 savings bond, and was honored Sunday, January 27 at the "Rock" Church.

Hodgen remembers the Harlem Renaissance
On Wednesday, January 30, Hodgen Elementary is kicking-off Black History Month with a Harlem Renaissance Fair. Students will travel to four different “stations” that highlight important aspects and contributions of the Harlem Renaissance, and allow them to encounter the era’s people, art and culture first-hand. Stations include: introduction/literature, an art scavenger hunt, dance lessons, and a visit to the "Cotton Club" – where students can write and sing the blues. There are two sessions: 9:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.