Long promotes tolerance by joining hands
In an effort to recognize various ethnic groups and promote tolerance and peace, the Gentlemen's Club at Long Middle has created a project called "Joining Hands across the School.” Students will be given a piece of construction paper representing their skin colors. They will then have their hands traced, cut out, and attached to other cut-out hands. These hands will be stretched across the breezeway leading to the C.E.C. end of the building.

Metro students are National Merit Scholars
All four of Metro High School’s National Merit semi-finalists have been selected as National Merit Scholars. They are Charles Fliss, Emily Luft, Alex Samocha and Felicia Styer.

Adams student is honored for her bravery
Kwasia McGee, a fifth grader at Adams Elementary, was recently honored for her bravery and courage with a Do the Right Thing Award. Kwasia intervened when a fight broke out in the school cafeteria. She was able to calm down the two students before the fight turned physical.

L’Ouverture students show they have the “write” stuff
Three eighth grade students at L’Ouverture Middle were winners in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest sponsored by St. Alphonsus Rock Catholic Church. Anita Parsons won second place and was awarded a $250 savings bond. Ashley Prater was the third place winner and the recipient of a $100 savings bond. Robert Carpenter’s essay received an honorable mention.

Last semester, DeAndre Buchanan’s poem “We May Have” qualified him as a semifinalist in poetry.com’s International Open Poetry Contest. He is now eligible for a $10,000 drawing. L’Ouverture students are also participating in the annual Black History Month essay and oratorical contest sponsored by the Alpha Zeta Chapter of St. Louis.

Oak Hill students recognized as models of good character
Three Oak Hill Elementary students were recipients of the Angel Character Award this month. Sponsored by KidSmart, the award recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding character traits at their schools or in their communities. Kindergartner LaJoya Williams, first grader Frederick Rosenkranz and fifth grader Sharice Hatton were acknowledged at the school on Thursday, February 7. As honorees, they and their teachers were showered with classroom supplies. The students and their families will also be honored at an area-wide banquet on February 17.

Sigel is hosting events that inspire a new generation
Sigel Elementary is holding a two-part Black History Month celebration with the theme "2008 Commemorating the Life and Vision of Black America – Working Together to Inspire and Encourage Our Students." The Sigel Family Dance will take place on Tuesday, February 12, from 6 - 8 p.m. Featuring DJ Old School and a puppet show by Antioch Baptist Church, the event is for students and parents. On, Thursday, March 6 at 2 p.m., the school is hosting a jazz concert with the Mighty Goldbugs, featuring Mr. Bob Dorries.

Scruggs is honoring the past to understand our present
Scruggs Accelerated Elementary is hosting a Black History Month event titled “Honoring Our Past – Understanding Our Present – Building Our Future.” On February 29 at 2:15 p.m., the gymnasium will come alive with songs, poems, and performances given by both students and staff. Everyone is invited to help the school reflect on and celebrate African American culture.

AVID students at Williams are creatively exploring history
At Williams Ninth Grade Academy, students in three AVID classes are completing research on important figures in African American history – poets, politicians, inventors, musicians, celebrities, and athletes. From this research, students will develop projects to celebrate their subjects’ accomplishments and successes. So far, projects include posters, PowerPoint presentations and dramatic sketches. The three classes will come together late in February to share their projects with one another. Projects will then be displayed around the school.

Blow celebrates Black History Month through the arts
Blow Middle School will present a Black History Month program on Thursday, February 28 at 6 p.m. The program will be repeated on Friday, February 29 at 1 p.m. The celebration will feature music, poetry reading, storytelling and drama.

Kennard shares an important timeline
Kennard Elementary has planned a Black History Month event titled "...AND STILL I RISE: An African American Timeline of Achievement.” The program will showcase and celebrate the achievements of African Americans through song, dance and recitations. The fourth grade will also share their "Images of Greatness" museum characters at the program. The celebration takes place on Wednesday, February 27, at 1:45 p.m., in the school's gymnasium.

Metro rocks you
Spend an evening with musician Javier Mendoza on Saturday, February 16, at 7 p.m., in Metro’s high school auditorium. Proceeds benefit Metro’s PTO. Advance tickets: $15 or 2/$25 for adults and $10 or 2/$15 for students. At the door: $20 for adults and $12 for students.

Soldan plays host to the German Consul General
Soldan International Studies High School will host their second annual Soldan Summit on Thursday, February 14 at 9:30 a.m. The event will take place at the school's main auditorium at 918 North Union Blvd. The German Consul General to the Midwest Wolfgang Drautz, Representatives Jeff Roorda and Talibdin “TD” El-Amin and Alderman Frank Williamson will discuss international affairs and the role of the United Nations and its relationship with the Federal Republic of Germany. The master of ceremonies will be KSDK news anchor Rebecca Wu.