THOUSANDS OF SLPS STUDENTS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL !

Thousands of students returned to School on Monday, August 22. Superintendent Creg E. Williams, Board President Darnetta Clinkscale, Mayor Francis Slay and school officials made their rounds to several schools which included visits to Blow and Webster Middle Schools, Soldan International Studies and Gateway Institute of Technology High Schools.

District officials are reporting that 32,845 students attended class last week. That’s an attendance rate of 91%. “We are pleased with our numbers but it could be better,” said Superintendent Williams.

The first day of school was successful. “This year, I wanted the district to focus on five key components which included curriculum, building readiness, attendance, transportation and textbook delivery,” said Superintendent Williams.

“This was my third year visiting schools on the first day and every year, things have been better than the year before,” said Darnetta Clinkscale. “The buildings were cleaner and supplies and books were in the classrooms and the children were ready to learn so I expect great things this year.”

Mayor Slay was impressed with what he witnessed inside the schools. “ I found a district that was ready for the first day of school,” said Mayor Slay.

On the first day of school, 16,000 students were transported by the district’s bus services without any major glitches reported. In addition, the district increased its rider-ship by over 1,000 from last year. The Transportation Department is testing a new Global Positioning System that allows special education busses to be pinpointed.

The district has also made significant gains in the number of certified classroom teachers. A total of 330 teachers were hired, with 120 in elementary schools, 87 in middle schools and 109 in high schools. In addition, 14 teachers were hired to teach special education students. Approximately 195 substitute teachers have been assigned, down from 280 at the end of 2004-2005 academic year. Efforts are being made to replace the substitutes with certified teachers. “The ultimate goal is to ensure that every classroom is staffed by a certified teacher,” said Superintendent Williams.

CARR LANE VPA TEACHER NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR!

Wendy Blanton Kuhl has been named the Gilder and Lehrman American History Teacher of the Year. Kuhl was honored at a special ceremony held at Carr Lane Visual and Performing Arts Middle School on August 23.

The social studies teacher received a $1,000 cash award and a plaque.

“Mrs. Kuhl is an excellent teacher and our students absolutely love her,” said principal
Melba Davis. “She expects her students to be the best they can be and is very committed to their growth and development.”

She is eligible to win the National Teacher of the Year award and will represent the State of Missouri in the competition. “She has a sincere passion for teaching her students about American history and what it means to their lives,” said David Bristol, director of education for the Missouri Historical Society.

SLPS RECORD CENTER/ARCHIVES RECEIVES TWO PRESTIGIOUS DONATIONS

The district’s Record Center/Archives recently received two donations. A 1908 Central High School yearbook entitled, “The Echo”, was donated by Mary Jarvis Beattie, a 1942 graduate of the school.

Former St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David J. Mahan donated a copy of his doctoral dissertation, “The Influence of the Efficiency Movement on a Large Urban School System: A Case Study of the St. Louis Public Schools.”

The 1968 dissertation focuses on a national movement that affected the schools, primarily during the period of 1910-1920.

Sharon Huffman, supervisor for the Records Center/Archives believes the recent donations confirms the school district’s commitment to preserving its history. “ We are grateful to both Dr. Mahan and Mrs. Beattie for their contributions toward our continued efforts to preserve the remarkable 167-year history of the St. Louis Public Schools,” said Huffman.

If you are interested in donating items to the Archives, please call Huffman at 314-645-2648, ext. 118 or e-mail her at: Sharon.Huffman@slps.org.

CONGRATULATIONS CORNER…

Kudos to Oak Hill Elementary students Mirnesa Avdic and Ibrahim Secic. They received a $50 honorarium for submitting their artwork to the Unity Christ Church Children’s Gallery. Their work has been added to the permanent art gallery. Their teacher is Adrian Wright. Dewey International Studies Elementary School was awarded a $10,000 grant to furnish the school’s playground with colorful equipment. The grant was given by the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The playground should be ready for students by the end of September.

CROSSING GUARD POSITIONS OPEN

The St. Louis Public Schools are in need of qualified persons who can serve as school crossing guards at elementary schools. The pay is $23.40 per day for a two-hour day. Applicants must pass a drug test and eye examination. To apply, visit the personnel office, Room 100, St. Louis City Hall, located at Tucker and Market Streets.