ST. LOUIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNVEILS STRATEGIC PLAN: FIVE-YEAR REFORM ADVOCATING FAR REACHING CHANGES

The St. Louis Public Schools released an ambitious agenda to improve the academic performance of every child in the district. Among the bold new initiatives set forth in the five-year Strategic Plan are extended year 7th and 8th Grade; single-gender academies; school uniforms; expanded programs for gifted and talented students; and stronger college preparation programs.

The plan, which will be phased in over the next five years, also outlines a major restructuring of high and middle schools that includes 9th grade academies, alternative schools, small high schools, new high schools specializing in architecture, business, law and technology, and curriculum enhancements and standardization.

The plan, Building Toward 2011, was approved unanimously, pending future modifications, at the Feb. 14th board meeting.

“Our school system must be reorganized and reengineered to ensure academic success,” said
Superintendent Williams.

DARLYNN BOSLEY RECEIVES MISSOURI’S TREASURE AWARD

Darlynn Bosley, principal of Dunbar Elementary School, was recently honored with the state’s third Missouri Treasure Award. Bosley, a district veteran teacher and principal, taught at Banneker Elementary and was the instructional coordinator at Jefferson School. Before becoming principal at Dunbar, she served as principal at Jackson Elementary.

The award honors individuals who make outstanding contributions that benefit Missouri’s heritage, culture and way of life. “I am honored that Ms. Bosley is the recipient of the award because she is dedicated to her children,” said State Treasurer Sarah Steelman. “She has built an eternal legacy that we can all be proud of.”

SLPS WELCOMES PARENTS THROUGH NEW PARENT RESOURCE CENTER

The St. Louis Public Schools will unveil its new Parent Resource Center at an open house on February 17 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. The Resource Center is designed to increase parent and community involvement and support and strengthen school, home and community partnerships.

The center will provide on-going workshops and seminars for parents and caregivers in the area of parenting skill development and other issues.

There are eleven key components to the Parent Initiative Program including the parent resource center, community education, community engagement, family literacy centers, volunteer services, family parent cluster specialists, parent ombudsman, parent patrol, parent university and Title I family parent specialists.

SLPS GEARS UP FOR 4TH ANNUAL HEARTS FOR HUNGER FOOD DRIVE

For the fourth year, the St. Louis Public Schools Office of Community Education is sponsoring the Fourth Annual Hearts for Hunger Food Drive. The goal is to collect a total of 70,000 cans. All donated items will be given to Operation Food Search, a partner in the campaign.

Each year, the collectible items grow larger, according to Peg Pederson. “We have 66 schools in our district that have joined the effort to help alleviate hunger,” said Pederson.
“Students understand how the skills they learn in the classroom can be used effectively to address this real community need.”

The schools collecting the most canned goods will have a special awards ceremony. Collection dates are February 6-16th. For more information, call Pederson at 345-4592.

STIX ECC STUDENTS AND STAFF CELEBRATE STEP UP TO WRITING SUCCESS

Students at Stix Early Childhood Education Center celebrated their recent writing skills success through a special assembly.

As a result of their success, students celebrated their progress through a special cheer, song, poem and a special Step Up To Writing dance. A button with a special design was unveiled at the gathering.
Check it out… Stowe Middle School’s Black History Celebration, Friday, Feb. 24, 1:15 p.m. Come to 5750 Lotus Ave.

KUDOS CORNER…

Congratulations to the Soldan International Studies High School soccer team. The Missouri House of Representatives recently recognized the students for their sportsmanship, teamwork and training. Coached by Hamid Azimiaraghi, the students represent the countries of Afghanistan, Mexico, Iraq, Bosnia, various African nations and the United States… Sherman Community Education Center received a plaque, certificates and gift certificates for maintaining a clean and safe environment…Kudos to Sergeant Reginald Myers. While on duty at Beaumont High School, a student stopped breathing. Thanks to his quick CPR implementation, the student regained consciousness…Fifth graders at Kennard Classical Junior Academy took first place at the Chess League Action Tournament…Students at Mark Twain received standing ovations as they performed choral readings and songs at a Black History Program held at St. Paul AME Church…Central Visual and Performing Arts High School students Emily Denich and Joe Crawford were chosen to attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy…Crystal Brown, eleventh grader at Meda P. Washington, received the Missouri American Legion Partnership award. She is the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship to Lindenwood University and a $2,400 Work and Learn Award…Congratulations to the young poets at Webster Middle School, who sponsored its first annual poetry night where they were accompanied by a jazz band as they read original works…Budding violinist and fifth grader Jecoliah Wang performed with the Young People’s Symphony Orchestra at Webster University’s Community Music School on Feb. 12. She is a fifth grader at Kennard Classical Junior Academy.