From the Desk of…
Diana Bourisaw, Superintendent
Preview of the 2007/2008 School Year
The 2007-08 school year presents opportunities for all of
us to reshape and strengthen our district. Your continuous
commitment and dedication to our children and families is impressive.
I want to share with you some of the exciting changes and improvements
planned for the coming year:
New Initiatives
The St. Louis Public School District has “raised the
bar” by adding dynamic new programs, initiatives, and
opportunities for our students.
The opening of three Big Picture schools is part of a unique
program designed for students with a demonstrated need for
individualized curriculum and a smaller school environment.
SLPS' Big Picture schools are Des Peres Elementary, Turner
Middle, and Kottmeyer High.
Expansion of our gifted offerings
includes the establishment of the new McKinley 9th Grade Leadership
Academy. In addition, we have hired a part-time Director of
Gifted Education and increased the number of testers.
SLPS is launching a virtual school program, providing students
with additional learning opportunities through the use of online
courses. This innovative program will serve students in K-3
and 9-12. Next year, we hope to enhance the program.
The Downtown Academy at Patrick Henry Elementary will offer
a multi-faceted learning environment that contains early childhood
classrooms, a Lab School partnership with Missouri Baptist
University, eMINTS and the Virtual Learning Center for students
in K-3.
ESOL
Look for enhanced services this year to our non-English speaking
students and families through our ESOL program.
Early Childhood
A new early childhood program is being launched at our Meda
P. Washington facility.
We have increased the number of early childhood seats.
We are starting a new Reggio Emilio program in St. Louis. Reggio
Emilio schools offer specialized early childhood programs for
children aged three to six.
Increased Rigor
Thanks to a generous grant, all of our SLPS high schools will
offer a minimum of four Advanced Placement courses for students.
Nearly 90 teachers have been selected and trained.
College Preparation and Admissions
We have increased the number of middle and high schools participating
in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). We
have selected and trained 128 teachers in the AVID program.
I am proud that 18 of our schools now offer this highly successful
college program that engages students through specialized curriculum
and tutoring.
College Summit has expanded to include nearly all seniors.
This results-driven program builds capacity of schools to increase
their college-going rate and fosters the kind of culture that
helps students stay on track academically. All seniors (with
the exception of those at Metro) will participate in College
Summit.
All SLPS high schools are either accredited, or in the process
of becoming accredited, by the North Central Association Commission
on Accreditation and School Improvement.
Improved Teaching and Learning
We have increased the number of literacy coaches in our school
buildings for all grade levels, pre- kindergarten through 12.
Our central office staff is prepared to provide every school
with ongoing support and professional development to ensure
that our administrators and teachers are prepared to meet the
needs of every student in every classroom. Professional development
will focus on key areas: professional learning communities,
accountability, and support.
Quality Customer Relations
We are committed to improving and enhancing customer relations
for our district. Our Office Professionals Leadership Team
and a professional customer relations consultant have developed
a plan to move us forward with this initiative. Included in
the plan are: informational recorded messages for the telephone
hold line, a uniform letterhead, and a uniform telephone greeting.
Back-to-School Festival
Don't miss our annual Back-to-School Festival! The excitement
takes place Saturday, August 11, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at
Gateway Middle School, 1200 N. Jefferson. On Friday, August
17, we will host a district-wide Open House from noon until
3 p.m. at all of our schools.
The time for change is today, not tomorrow. I look forward
to working with all of you as we strive to make the 2007-08
school year our best year yet. Together, we are creating the
best choice in urban education.
I feel that the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity
to do more.
Jonas Salk
| 