From the Desk of…
Diana Bourisaw, Superintendent
District-wide open house
We are hosting two open house events – today (August
17) from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday (August 18) from 10 a.m.-12
p.m. These events will give students and families additional
opportunities to enroll, meet teachers and staff, and familiarize
themselves with school buildings prior to the first day of
school.
Down to the wire
Classes begin on Monday, August 20. Our SLPS staff has done
an amazing job of preparing for the new school year by putting
in long hours to get buildings and classrooms ready, planning
successful back-to-school events for our students and families,
attending professional development training, and enduring
one of the longest heat waves in recent history. This is
the level of dedication that will move our district forward.
We’re ready for a fresh start.
New school year begins with unified front
On Tuesday, August 14, the Special Administrative Board, Local
420 Teachers Union President Mary Armstrong, Principals Union
President Cynthia Warren, and I participated in a press event
at Clyde C. Miller Career Academy. Our message to the community
was simple and direct - that we are making a commitment to
work together to improve and strengthen our schools.
Contingency plan for extreme heat
It appears that a cool front is finally moving into the St.
Louis area. Still, we are monitoring the current weather
conditions daily. If the heat wave prevails through the weekend,
we will implement shortened school days to address the safety
of our students, administrators, faculty and staff. Seventy-nine
percent of our school buildings are equipped with air-conditioning.
We have sent additional fans to all elementary schools without
central cooling. In addition, all schools have been provided
with bottled water. We will take necessary actions to ensure
that the conditions in our schools are conducive to learning
and instruction.
School nutrition report
The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine released
its annual School Lunch Report Card, which evaluated the
lunch programs of the nation’s 22 largest districts,
including the St. Louis Public Schools. The report criticized
the nutritional value of SLPS lunches. Beginning in September,
we will revise school menus to offer healthier food choices
to our students. We are also seeking an independent review
of the menus. Since this is the last year of the current
vendor’s contract, we are reviewing new food service
options for our district.
Do the Right Thing
I recently had the privilege of attending the kick-off breakfast
for KMOV-TV’s “Do the Right Thing” award
program. The program honors children in our community, grades
K - 12, who distinguish themselves through their accomplishments,
attitude, or outstanding efforts. For many student winners,
it is the only time they are recognized for good behavior.
In 07-08, I ask that you take an active role by nominating
students throughout the school year. SLPS staff members who
have participated in Do The Right Thing can tell you that
it promotes the values of respect, responsibility and integrity,
and provides a wonderful opportunity to make the community
aware of the fantastic children in our district.
Any adult 18 or over may nominate a student. Nominations can
be made online at http://www.kmov.com/community/dtrt.html.
Sponsors include KMOV Channel 4, Cooperating School Districts,
the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Louis
County Police Department.
Back-to-School Sunday
The Special Administrative Board members and I are ready for
our annual Back-to-School Sunday, which takes place August
19. Melanie Adams, Richard Gaines, CEO Rick Sullivan and
I will visit churches throughout the community, stressing
the importance of attending school. We will also promote
our new programs and learning opportunities, share information
on improved teaching and learning, emphasize our focus on
increased rigor, and share our improvements for student transportation.
United Way Servathon
On Saturday, August 18, hundreds of volunteers will gather
at the A.G. Edwards headquarters to kick-off the United Way’s
annual event, Servathon. These wonderful volunteers, including
employees from the St. Louis Bread Company and Proctor and
Gamble, will roll up their sleeves with the cast and VIPs
from the soap opera “The Guiding Light.” Everyone
will work together to give Des Peres Elementary, the Downtown
Academy, Farragut Elementary and Beaumont High School fresh
looks for the coming year. Volunteers will spend the morning
painting, creating murals, and landscaping. We are very grateful
to the United Way for organizing this project to support
the St. Louis Public Schools. Additional sponsors for the
event are A.G. Edwards, McEAGLE, PARIC, and the HandsOn Network.
Back-to-School Festivals
The past week spelled success for our back-to-school events.
Approximately 5,000 SLPS students and their families attended
the annual Back-to-School Festival at Gateway Middle. Students
received free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts and immunizations.
Thanks to the generosity of Brown Shoe Company, more than
1,000 pairs of shoes, discount shoe coupons, socks, and school
supply kits were given to families. Representatives from
social and youth organizations were on hand to share resources.
In addition, we had the opportunity to showcase some of our
new educational opportunities and initiatives for the 07-08
school year. In collaboration with Go Mobile Promotions,
three back-to-school block parties were held in various parts
of the city. I hope you were able to enjoy these fun events.
15 Reasons to Love Education
Knowing you make a difference
Creating a better tomorrow
Working with children
Helping learning happen
Memorable moments
Being in great company
Using your mind, heart, and soul every day
Rewards that money can’t buy
Seeing a student’s face light up
A sense of accomplishment
Shaping lives, dreams, and futures
Each day can be an adventure
Feeling proud of being a role model
Summer vacation
Recognizing that your job is important, even on “bad” days
-Excerpt from Attitude is Everything - Inspiring Words and
Helpful Tips for Teachers and Staff |
