SLPS students are honored for “doing the right thing”

Melbi Gomez, a student at Bunche International Studies Middle, and Cierra Hughes, a student at Long Middle, received “Do the Right Thing” Awards at a ceremony held at the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department in November. Both students were recognized for their positive leadership and service to others. They were selected from hundreds of children who were nominated by area parents, teachers, neighbors and friends. To nominate a child, go to http://www.kmov.com/forms/DTRT_emailform.html.

Roosevelt students make the seasons brighter for area children

Cadets in the MCJROTC program at Roosevelt High School teamed up with the Toys for Tots Foundation, SLPS social workers, and local merchants to provide toys to needy children in the district’s south side elementary schools. The toys will be distributed to around two hundred children.

There is no debating the quality of Soldan’s forensic team

Soldan International Studies High School’s forensic team placed second in the Greater St. Louis Speech League Tournament. More than thirty other schools participated. Due to the team’s outstanding performance, Kelly Moore earned her status as a National Forensic League Coach. This is Ms. Moore’s first year with the team.

Compton Drew Middle sweetens the holidays for our troops

Compton Drew’s National Junior Honor Society collected over four hundred pounds of candy to send to U.S. soldiers this holiday season. On December 18, military personnel from Scott Air Force Base picked up the donations and visited with students from the top-selling classrooms. The base will send the candy to our troops serving overseas. Candy will also be given to the USO at Lambert Airport.

Budding artists are winners in Mayor Slay’s design contest

Several SLPS elementary students received awards in Mayor Slay’s seventh annual Holiday Card Design Contest. J’maia Jackson, a student at Dunbar, was the grand prize winner. The mayor’s holiday card features her snowman design. Jazmyne Clark from Froebel was the first runner-up and Shannon Gillera from Gateway was the second runner-up. Honorable mentions were awarded to Hannah Alexander, Wilkinson; Eveleena Brooks, Stix ECC; and Anna Powers, Kennard. Around three hundred area students submitted designs. A ceremony in the mayor’s office was held December 14.

Clyde C. Miller is building the future with help from local corporations

Clyde C. Miller Career Academy recently received two generous donations. First, Build a Bear Corporation donated $10,000 to support students who participate in "SkillsUSA" competitions. Build a Bear will also host a student intern from the school’s "Business Management and Administration" pathway. Second, Monsanto Corporation donated $5,000 to support the school’s FFA Chapter, with on-going support for the school’s new greenhouse.

Williams Ninth Grade Academy opens doors to college success

On December 12, the Williams Ninth Grade Academy held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of their new College Resource Center. The center provides a place for students and parents to explore college options and discover available resources to help them achieve a higher education. The school’s principal Amy Phillips and counselor Tobie Smith worked with Dr. Lynn Beckwith, Jr., the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation Board, and the Greater St. Louis Regional Empowerment Zone to make the center a reality.

It’s all BIZness for these fifth graders

On December 6, fifth graders from Bryan Hill, Farragut and Cote Brilliante travelled to the Junior Achievement Complex to take part in JA BizTown. JA BizTown is an in-door center that contains a mini-city with nineteen public and private businesses. The experience immerses students into the exciting and challenging free enterprise system. The goal is to enable students to relate economic terms to the business world through the hands-on experience of running an interactive city.

Students “speak the speech” at Bryan Hill

On December 13, Bryan Hill Elementary students performed a collection of Shakespearean scenes for parents, friends and selected classes. The student actors were auditioned, instructed and directed by professional actors and members of the Education Department of the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis.

Scruggs canned food drive helps families in need

In November, students, faculty and staff of Scruggs Elementary collected over four hundred items in their canned food drive. As a result, twenty-five families will be given gift baskets this month. Additionally, all of the families were adopted by staff members, and will receive a large turkey, toys, caps, gloves and socks.

CVPA student hits all the right notes in state music competition

Central Visual and Performing Arts student, Mackayla Talasek, was chosen as one of the top twenty 1st violinists in the state, at the Missouri All-State Band auditions. CVPA strings instructor, James McKay, Jr., is her teacher.

Hodgen shows that kindness is contagious

December is “Caring and Sharing Month” at Hodgen Elementary. Each class paired with another classroom to take part in projects that would raise money to buy gift cards for families in need. For two weeks, the school hosted a school supply store, Santa’s gift shop, an aluminum can recycling center, and a canned food drive. Other classrooms sold photo calendars and handmade photo ornaments. In this short period, the students raised over $800. When Lonnie Hughes and the Eads Park Neighborhood Association heard about the projects, they pitched-in and collected gift cards worth over $600. Twenty-three families benefitted from their collective efforts.

Christmas comes early for three schools in North St. Louis

Workers at KV Pharmaceutical Company acted as “Secret Santas” for students at Laclede, Mark Twain and Walbridge Elementary Schools. KV participants shopped for the children based on wish lists that their parents had given the school. Earlier this week, a truck, driven by Santa Claus himself, pulled into the school yards full of coats, clothes, toys, games, dolls, remote control cars and stuffed animals. One “Santa” purchased fourteen bikes and helmets! The students and their parents were overwhelmed by the generosity.

Gateway Michael students feed the body and spirit

Students at Gateway Michael School sold popcorn and lemonade for a worthy cause this month. With the money earned, they prepared sandwiches to distribute to local homeless shelters. The school serves students with serious health problems and multiple disabilities, from preschool through grade 8.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!