SUPERINTENDENT WILLIAMS IS TOP EDUCATOR AND FASHION DESIGNER

Superintendent Creg E. Williams is more than just an exceptional educator. He’s also a talented fashion designer. Students at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School who have big dreams of becoming fashion designers had the opportunity to witness Dr. Williams’ talent on Sept. 27 as he taught Naomi Easter’s Haute’ Couture design class of juniors and seniors. Superintendent Williams demonstrated to the class how to make pants. “ I have always enjoyed fashion design,” said Superintendent Williams. While in Chicago, Williams gained experience and earned a reputation as an up and coming fashion designer. He excelled in design and mastered the art of making men’s suits, coats and children’s clothing. From working in a clothing factory to becoming a fashion designer for one of Chicago’s fashion houses, Williams shared his knowledge and work experience with eager students. “Working in the clothing factory was hard but I learned the importance of accountability,” he said. “I used to make everything I wore, and I loved it, but that was when I had more time,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of having good math skills in order to accurately cut, measure and sew clothing together. He asked the students basic questions about industry terms such as seam allowance, what a sloper is and even how to measure a model’s knee length. “The key to pattern design is to have a basic pattern to work with, and from that pattern you can create anything you want.” From pajama pants to regular shorts, students enjoyed learning fashion lessons and tips from Williams.

Teacher Naomi Easter enjoyed watching her students engage the Superintendent. “They are learning that fashion design is very diverse and is suited for both men and women to explore,” said Easter. “They can see that becoming a fashion designer is possible for them to achieve.” Junior Tonesha Gray has visions of becoming a topflight designer one day. “ I was unsure of how to take a basic pattern and make other things from it, but now I know,” Tonesha said. “He is very educated, and since he learned while in high school, designing was no problem when he went to college.”

“We are fortunate to have him here,” said principal Stanley Engram.

ANGELA PISCIOTTA IS SCHOOL DISTRICT’S KINDERGARTEN TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Angela Pisciotta, kindergarten teacher at Mallinckrodt ABI School, is the 2005 Kindergarten Teacher of the Year.

The Kindergarten Teacher of the Year is the crown jewel of the Getrude Faust Potthoff
St. Louis Public Schools Teacher of the Year award program, which honors the talent and dedication of SLPS kindergarten teachers.

St. Louis Public School finalists are: Michelle Henderson, Dunbar, Latika Speed, Hodgen, Kathleen Rodemacher, Mitchell and Amy Bruckner, formerly of Jefferson School.

Willis J. Potthoff, in conjunction with friends, family and the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation, created the endowed fund in memory of his wife, Trudy. She was an integral part of the restoration of the Susan E. Blow kindergarten classroom where the country’s first kindergarten class was started.

Pisciotta received a $1,000 cash award from the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation, $500 for teacher supplies and/or professional development, and award plaques from the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund.

Sponsors of the award program were St. Louis Public Schools Foundation, Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund and the Carondelet Historic Center.

NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED SPEAKER TAVIS SMILEY INSPIRES BEAUMONT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Beaumont High School students received a special visit from nationally acclaimed motivational speaker and radio commentator Tavis Smiley. Smiley brought his Talented Tenth High School Tour to the school in the hopes of encouraging minority students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Beaumont was one of 10 schools nationwide that participated in the tour. Smiley spoke to students for thirty minutes which was followed by a question and answer session. “He really made a big impact on our young people and helped them think about their plans after high school,” he said.

Smiley is one of America’s most promising leaders. Newsweek magazine profiled him as being one of the nation’s “captains of the airwaves.” A graduate of Indiana University, Smiley can be heard on NPR Radio and the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show.

FYI…

If you currently have Missouri certification in your subject area or other areas, and are interested in earning money after school by teaching homebound students, call Carrie E. Sleep at 633-5330. There is also a need for certified special education teachers who want to teach in the non-public special education after school programs. For more information, call Sandy Allen at 633-5332.

KUDOS…

Congratulations to Gary Forde and Jim Kedro, both senior evaluators in the Division of Research, Assessment and Evaluation. They co-authored an article in the North Central Association’s CASI e-News entitled Boosting Schools Up The Standards Ladder. Kedro also co-authored an additional article about educational content and process which appeared in weLEAD online Magazine…Terrance Williams, 2005 graduate of Gateway Institute of Technology, won the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Advocacy Competition. The event was held at the National Bar Association’s 80th Convention this past summer. He is a freshman at the University of Missouri majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications.