SLPS OFFICE CONSOLIDATION MOVES BEGIN

In an effort to consolidate administrative and support functions to one location and to reduce overhead costs, a number of moves have taken place and are planned. The Transportation and Recruitment and Counseling Divisions were moved to 801 North 11th Street from
5017 Washington on March 5.

Two other units, Special Education and the ARAMARK staff, will be relocated in the Daniel L. Schafly Education Center at 801 North 11th Street. The buildings where they are currently located, 5017 Washington and the former Food Services Building at 5020 Lexington Avenue, have been sold. The transactions are expected to be completed by
mid-year.

Planning supervisor Martin Braeske is acting as coordinator and liaison with Oculus, Inc.,
architectural/office space planning firm hired by the Board last August. Oculus is currently working on a revised plan to accommodate all divisions. If you have questions or concerns about the move, please contact Martin Braeske
at 345-2393.

SLPS KINDERGARTEN TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM WILL HONOR TOP TEACHER

The Fifth Annual Gertrude Faust Potthoff Kindergarten Teacher of the Year Award is quickly approaching. The purpose of the annual award is to highlight exceptional kindergarten
teachers within the district who demonstrate commitment to students and demonstrate a high level of teaching.

The criteria for applying are as follows: the applicant must be a current kindergarten teacher, have a minimum of five years of experience teaching kindergarten in the district and have not previously been a recipient of the award. Application packets must be postmarked by April 11 and should be sent to: SLPS Kindergarten Teacher of the Year, 801 North 11th, St. Louis, MO 63101.

The winner will receive a plaque, $1,000 cash award, $500 to be used for classroom supplies, and will be the guest of honor at the June award reception. For more information, call Linda Riekes, development officer, at 345-2465.

WANTED: PE TEACHER OF THE YEAR

If you teach physical education and are interested in the PE Teacher of the Year Award Program, contact Dave Cook at 345-4416 or for an application, log onto
www.slps.org.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM…
Metro Academic and Classical High School’s girls’ basketball team won the semifinals March 18 against Crest Ridge by the score of 66-44. They lost the championship game to Clopton. The final score was 57-50.

SUMMER ACADEMY HIRING FAIR IS AROUND THE CORNER

The St. Louis Public Schools will sponsor the 2005 Summer Academy Hiring Fair from
3-6 p.m., Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30. The Fair will be held at Gateway
Elementary/Middle School Complex, 1200 North Jefferson Ave. There are full time certificated and non-certificated positions available. Positions include teachers, high school counselors, librarians, nurses, high school clerks, teacher aides and family parent specialists.

Individuals who are applying for a non-certificated position are only required to bring photo identification. Persons who apply for certificated positions are asked to bring photo identification and a copy of their certification. Rose Thompson, unit director for alternative education, expects a successful event. “The purpose of the Fair is to provide an opportunity for those individuals who have an interest in working during the summer,” said Thompson.

The Hiring Fair is a collaborative effort between the offices of Alternative Education and Human Resources. For additional information, call Rose Thompson at 345-4404.

MARK TWAIN’S FIRST GRADE STUDENTS ARE YOUNG AUTHORS

Angela Hodges’ first grade students are up and coming writers. Their book, entitled “Our New
Year’s Resolution,” was selected as a finalist in the National Learning Book Challenge. The illustrated book shares tips on how students can improve in their schoolwork.

All winning books will be used to promote student publishing and will be featured in the Nationwide Learning Book catalog for the next year. Student winners will also receive
a $100 higher education scholarship.

SAVE THE DATE…

SLPS Family Resource Fair will celebrate Parents as Partners Saturday, May 14, at Compton-Drew Investigative Learning Center, 5130 Oakland Ave. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be plenty of food, door prizes and entertainment. The activity is sponsored by SLPS social workers.

For more information, call Linda Okpaleke at 345-4593. Be sure to attend the SLPS Performing Arts Night Music Showcase Wednesday, April 27, 7 p.m., at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. District choirs, bands, orchestras and various ensembles will perform. Tickets are free but are required for admission and are available at the Fox box office. For more information, call music supervisor Robert Nordman at 345-4455…

The district’s Record Center and Archives will have an Open House on Sunday, May 22, 2-5 p.m. The location is 1615 Hampton Ave. Call Sharon Huffman for more details at 645-2648, ext. 118.

“SHINING” THE SPOTLIGHT ON…

Cadet Darren Bell of Cleveland Naval Junior ROTC Academy qualified for the 2005 St. Louis Falcons AAU basketball club. James Kedro, senior evaluator in Research, Assessment and Evaluation is the author of a book entitled “Aligning Resources for Student Outcomes: School Based Steps to Success.” Doretta Anita Walker, communications arts teacher at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School, will be included in the 8th Edition of Who’s Who Among American Teachers.