From the Desk of…
Diana Bourisaw, Superintendent
Blue Ribbon Honors
Metro High School and McKinley Classical Leadership Academy were selected as one of Missouri’s Blue Ribbon Secondary School nominations to the U.S. Department of Education.
To qualify for the prestigious national award, schools must have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds and make dramatic gains in academic performance; or score in the top 10 percent on their respective state tests. In addition, schools must meet the adequate yearly progress (AYP) goals defined by each state for academic achievement in reading and math.
Congratulations to the principals, staff members, students, and parents on their efforts and this distinguished nomination.
“A Million Minutes by March” Update
As of January 18, the grand total for the first two weeks of “A Million Minutes by March” is 546,435 minutes read. Keep up the great work!
Discover Virtual Learning
The SLPS Virtual Learning Center will host four informational events in February. These sessions will give families a chance to learn more about the district’s Virtual School programs. All sessions will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The sessions are free and open to the public.
Dates and locations:
• Wednesday, February 6, 2008: Buder Library, 4401 Hampton Ave.
• Wednesday, February 20, 2008: Julia Davis Library, 4415 Natural Bridge
• Thursday, February 21, 2008: Schlafly Library, 225 N. Euclid
• Wednesday, February 26, 2008: Carpenter Library, 3309 S. Grand
News You Can Use
Be informed about the major issues facing educators today. Education Week – the premier website for educators – is offering a free “open house” through January 30. This is the perfect opportunity for you to experience unlimited, premium access to Education Week for FREE. The site is a great K-12 resource. Just visit www.edweek.org to get started.
Missouri “Teacher of the Year” Award Nominations Open
On-Line Entry Forms are Available
Nominations for the Missouri 2007-08 Teacher of the Year Award (TOTY) are being accepted through April 30. Teachers, students and parents may nominate any accredited teacher. Teachers’ Insurance Plan awards the winner a $1,000 cash prize and a $500 grant to the winning teacher’s school. Missouri’s winner will also be eligible for the National TOTY Award, which includes a special recognition and a $2,500 travel certificate. Winners will be announced in September 2008.
TOTY nomination forms are available online at www.teachers.com/toty. Nominees will be judged on their ability to motivate students, their special talents, and their contributions to their school, students and educational community.
Experience Science on the Web
MySci – a science resource program for children and their teachers – has launched a new website at www.mysci.info. The website will serve as an additional resource for area teachers and as a portal to engage students and provide necessary information about the inquiry-based MySci program.
With curriculum guides, a teacher message board and teacher surveys, the Teacher’s Corner is the go-to page for all educators. As a bonus, complete a survey and earn the chance to win a gift certificate.
The Kids’ Fun Zone is a supplement to the interactive and engaging MySci curriculum. Students can access educational games and explore habitats. These activities can extend learning beyond the classroom and supplement traditional teaching activities.
Additional web features include:
• Science in the News - This feature highlights various items of interest to the scientific community. Use this feature to keep track of innovations and advances, and then share the discoveries with your students.
• Newsroom - Stay informed with the latest news from the MySci offices.
• MySci Gallery - Take an in-depth look at what the MySci Investigation Stations look like, inside and out. See what to expect during a visit or show students how the innovative and fascinating features were constructed.
For more information about this program, contact Diana Pilla, MySci Program Coordinator, at 314-289-0114 or at dpilla@slsc.org.
First Lady Awards 2008
First Lady Melanie Blunt has announced the creation of the First Lady Awards to recognize Missouri women who are making history. Honorees in five categories – business and innovation, culture and humanities, education, health and wellness and volunteerism – will be recognized as part of Women’s History Month in March. Awards will be given to one individual in each of the five categories.
A committee appointed by the Missouri Women’s Council will evaluate completed and qualified nominations. The first lady will recognize the honorees on March 4, at the governor’s mansion.
Nominations must be submitted by January 31. For more information and a nomination form, visit, http://gov/firstlady/FirstLadyAwards2008.pdf or call the Missouri Women’s Council toll-free at (877) 426-9284.
Parenting Tips: Cooking 2 Be Smart!
Did you know that cooking can be a great way for families to interact, increase their vocabularies, learn math, practice good nutritional habits, learn about other cultures, and have fun? The following example is a cooking activity that involves the entire family:
• Select a different country or region that interests everyone.
• Assign one or more family members to do research about the meal choices of the local people.
• Choose a recipe from a cookbook or the Web.
• Make a shopping list and go to the store.
• Write down unfamiliar and interesting words from the recipe, and use the dictionary to define them. Create a cooking vocabulary journal.
• Assemble all the utensils and ingredients.
• Assign everyone a task. Reading the recipe aloud, measuring the ingredients, cooking, or serving the food.
• Prepare the meal together, sit down together, discuss the experience and enjoy!
“The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.”
-Martin Luther King Jr.
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