• SLPS Spotlight News

    March 9, 2013

     

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    SLPS has important news to share with its community. From recognizing student accomplishments, announcing teacher recognitions and promoting upcoming events, Spotlight News fills a critical role by sharing District news with more than 4,500 people across the city, including reporters, community partners, elected officials, parents, and SLPS faculty and staff.  To submit information to be included in the next edition, please contact Julie Linder by calling (314) 345-2367 or via email to Julie.Linder@slps.org

     

    SLPS News

    Vote for Oak Hill!

    Oak Hill is a finalist in the Preferred Meal Systems’ 2013 Art Contest; however, in order to win, Oak Hill needs YOUR vote! Please click here to “Like” the Oak Hill artwork.

     

    SLPS Students Advance to State FBLA Competition

    Congratulations to all District students who participated in FBLA competitions on Wednesday, February 20th, at ITT Technical.  The following students will advance to the state competition on April 21st in Columbia, MO. 

    Clyde C. Miller Career Academy:

    ·         David Cooksey- Introduction to Parliamentary Procedures

    ·         Kameron Riggins-Introduction to Technology Concepts

    ·         Darlene Herron-Computer Applications

    ·         Asha Preyor- Electronic Portfolio

    ·         Rashaud Fenderson, Rashaun Fenderson and Rodney Cooper- Management Decision Making

    Gateway STEM High School:

    ·         Chelsea DiBello-Business Plan Project         

    ·         Bryant Williams, Brionche Clifton, and Basheer Mohammad  – Digital Video Production  

    ·         Hajrija Music, Alexander Hollingsworth, Bryant Willams, Brionche Clifton - Parliamentary Procedure   

    ·         Marleesha Knox – Business Communications

    ·         Fatima Chaudhry -  Business Procedures                          

    ·         Eriannah Frenchie-    Healthcare Administration 

     

    Gateway STEM football team attends "Third and Long Screening"

    On Friday, February 8th, the Saint Louis Rams and their Diversity Awareness Partnership invited 40 members of the Gateway STEM football team to a screening of the movie "Third and Long," at the Edward Jones Headquarters. The movie details a history of African Americans in professional football.  Following the screening, the students participated in a moderated panel discussion with several local dignitaries, including current and former Rams players on diversity awareness.   It was a fun and engaging event that strengthened the critical thinking skills of the participating students.

     

    SLPS Students Advance to DECA State Competition

    Recently, DECA District 8 held its challenge to determine what students will advance to the state competition.  As part of the District 8 challenge, students took a 100-question test upon arrival and later completed two role-plays for a 3-part composite score. Proudly, the following SLPS students stood out from their peers by advancing to the next level: 

    ·         Roosevelt student, Dasha Houston, who will be competing in Business Finance

    ·         Vashon student, Rayven Mitchell, who will be competing in Hotel & Lodging Management

    These students will be attending the state competition held March 17-19, at the Lake of the Ozarks.   

     

    Kennard Equations Teams off to a Great Start!

    Wins at University City and UMSL

    Kennard Equations teams scored well at the first tournament of the season held at University City High School, taking second place in the fifth grade division; first and second place in the fourth grade division; and second, third, and fifth place in the third grade division.

    • Students honored for individual achievements were: fifth graders, Darby Moore and Nate Scott; fourth graders, Rich Qian, Kieran Egan, and Shawn O’Neal; third graders, Amber Restivo, Zeve Burton, and Jackson Allen.
    • Fifth grade second place team members were Nate Scott, Presley Konkel, Ben Jamerson, Abby Cooper, Ben Groth, and Allyson Brink.
    • Fourth grade first place team members were Rich Qian, Miles Diekemper, Abby Hart, Zoe Krug, Kieran Egan, Maclean Kelly, Yildaer Mutalifu.
    • Fourth grade second place team members were Gavin Wooten, Natalie Hartman, Brendan Carr, Hasani Spann, Matthew Tritschler, and Shawn O’Neal.
    • Third grade second place team members were Edwin Miller, Nicholas Fisher, Hayden Davidson, Noah Rosentreter, Matthew Keoshkerian, Ben Sullins, Bridget Krug.
    • Third grade 3rd place team members were Zeve Burton, Jackson Allen, Donovan Raymond, Zach Laws, Torrey Davie, Daniel Huh.
    • Third grade fifth place team members were Sophia Bragg, Mandela Dresslaer, Nayeli Miller, Amber Restivo, Sir Maximus McDaniel, Wyatt Simmons, Jacob Brooks.

    Wins as Part of the GRC’s Academic Challenge Cup

    Kennard teams also performed well at the first of two Equations tournaments sponsored by the Gifted Resource Council (GRC) as part of their Academic Challenge Cup. Kennard took two of the top spots in the third grade division and one of the three spots in each fourth and fifth grade division.

     
    Winning third grade team members were:
    1’s to Beat

    Sophia Bragg

    Mandela Dresslaer

    Nayeli Miller

    Wyatt Simmons

    Zach Laws

    Marvelous Mathites

    Zeve Burton

    Jackson Allen

    Donovan Raymond

    Daniel Huh

    Amber Restivo


    Wining fourth grade team members were:

    Powers That BE

    Grant Konkel

    Genevieve Francois

    Angela Small

    Santosh Ramakrishnan

    Marc Orihuela

     
    Winning fifth grade team members were:

    Brainy Bunch

    Dominic Nguyen

    Ava Farrar

    Sylvia Martinez

    Claire Stolze

    Joey Elsbernd


    Recognized for individual high achievement were:

    ·         Third graders: Nayeli Miller, Zeve Burton, Zach Laws, and Mandela Dresslaer

    ·         Fourth graders: Genevieve François and Gavin Wooten

    ·         Fifth graders: Joey Elsbernd and Dominic Nguyen

     

    Kennard’s Equations teams are coached by Gifted Specialist, Nick Clement. The Equations
    tournaments represent a culminating activity in the Mathematics Enrichment Program at Kennard CJA.

    Clyde C. Miller Students Advance to SkillsUSA District Championships

    The following students from Clyde C. Miller Career Academy will be going to the SkillsUSA Missouri East District Championships in April. Please congratulate:

    ·         Culinary Arts-Donald Gibson

    ·         Hospitality Career Pathway Showcase-Eric Hall, Aunyae Jackson, Jada Bell & Ryan Young               

    ·         Professional Development TECH INFO-Raven Brand

    ·         Restaurant Service-Ryan Young

    ·         Restaurant Service TECH INFO-Jada Bell, Eric Hall, and Desiree Joyner

     

    Upcoming Events

     
    College Prep. High School to Compete in Class 3 State Basketball Championship

    87th MSHSAA Boys Basketball Class 3 Championship featuring the College Preparatory High School at Madison versus St. Pius X from Kansas City will be played Saturday, March 9, at 11:30am, in the Hearnes Center, Columbia, MO.

     

    Monsanto to Speak at Gateway STEM High School

    Monsanto will be coming to Gateway to speak with the Animal Science and Horticulture students on Monday, March 11, from 8:30am-11:00am.   Monsanto will talk talk about career opportunities for minorities in agriculture, Monsanto’s role in world food production, and how STEM is integrated into the work Monsanto does on a daily basis.

     

    Healthy Schools Campaign’s Cooking Up Change Competition

    Date: March 12

    Time: 11:00am

    Location: Beaumont Career and Technical Education High School

     

    Bryan Hill Proudly Presents “Together We Will Build This House!”

    A SLPS / Springboard drama program, From Story to Stage:  Creative Drama, the play will be about a group of animals’ journey to find a new home.

    Play times:

    ·         Ms. Cunningham’s 2nd grade-Tues., March 12 at 10:00am

    ·         Ms. Vamathevan’s 1st grade-Wed., March 13 at 10:00 am

    ·         Ms. Williams’ 2nd grade-Wed., March 13 at 2:00 pm

    Plays performed in costume in the cafeteria. Cast party to follow.

     

    Respected Author to Visit Sumner High School

    Kekla Magoon, author of "The Rock and The River," will speak at Sumner High School on March 13, 2013 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. with Book signing immediately following.

     

    Music in Our Schools Month Celebrated at Shaw VPA

    Date: March 14

    Time: 2:00P.M.

    Details: The school’s students will be performing in the school’s Band, String Orchestra, Recorders, and Vocal Music

     

    ACE Learning Centers to Host College Fair at Gateway STEM High School –ACE Center

    Date: Thursday, March 14

    Time: 9:00am-2:00pm

    Details: this event is open to all SLPS students and will feature St. Louis Community College, Ranken Technical College, Lindenwood, Harris Stowe, military opportunities, and more. In addition, staff from ACE will be available to assist students with their FAFSA process.

     

    Ashland Elementary to Host Attendance Improvement Rally

    The students and staff at Ashland Elementary school will be hosting their 1st Annual Attendance Improvement Rally Celebration on Thursday, March 28th, at 9:00am. The guest speakers for this event will include Pastor Bob (St. Louis Dream center), Aaron Morris and guests from the alderman’s office. Performances will include Carr Lane’s band, drum line and dance team. Also, the school’s very own Attendance Ambassadors will be providing entertainment. Immediately following the rally will be an incentive dance for all students achieving 90% or greater attendance percentages.

     

    News Articles of Interest

     
    ·             Closings of buildings, other savings, recommended for St. Louis ...

    ·         College Prep basketball highlighted by Fox 2.

    ·         Cops, top school officials put in time as tutors

    ·         Develop old St. Louis school buildings floor by floor

    ·         Do students in failing Missouri school districts have the right to transfer out?

    ·         Proposal to slash millions from Saint Louis Public Schools budget ...

          ·    Ready Readers collects 10,000

    ·         School transfer case still needs to be decided, lawyers say

    ·         Sequester Spells Uncertainty For Many Public Schools

    ·         Several St. Louis schools could be closing next year

    ·         SLPS Could Close Schools, Cut Jobs | St. Louis Public Radio

    ·         SLPS Superintendent's recommendations include ... - KMOV.com

    ·         St. Louis Public School students sign letters of intent | ksdk.com

    ·         St. Louis Public Schools could face job cuts, 3 school closings

    ·         St. Louis Public Schools face cuts, closures

    ·         St. Louis Public Schools partner with Washington University for ...

    ·         Students, parents rally behind their school

    ·         Which St. Louis Public Schools are expected to close?

     

    Photos of the Week

     

    McKinley students compete against top local middle schools in the University City Equations Open

    McKinley is proud to announce that their team won the Top Team Honor for grades 6 - 8. The students pictured are: (pictured from Left to Right in third attached picture) Aditya Prabhu (grade 6), Miranda Zuckerman (grade 6), Kate Cooper (grade 7), Ben Scott (grade 8), and Hannah Brueggemann (grade 8). Additionally, Rebecca Harrington won a Top Individual Honor as one of the highest scoring five overall players. The team will compete again on March 13, at the Gifted Resource Council’s Annual Equations Tournament at Washington University.

     

    Teacher from Korea Educates Gateway Students via Skype

    ESOL students at Gateway STEM High School learned the concepts of satire and parody by talking with Ms. Gloria Eunkyung Ahn from Bundang, South Korea. Special thanks to Mr. Johnston and Ms. Sutherland for arranging the cultural learning experience. 

     

    SLPS Students Visit Washington D.C.

    In January, 9 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) officers from the Clyde C. Miller Career Academy Chapter and 3 FBLA members from Vashon traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the Inauguration activities. 

     

    Opportunities

     
    St. Louis Public Schools and BJC School Outreach and Youth Development present Men of Tomorrow Health Careers Camp 2013
    The “Men of Tomorrow Health Careers Camp” is an opportunity for minority male students to learn about careers in the health care industry.  Students will have male mentors who are currently working in the allied health areas.  Careers will include nursing, laboratory work, dieticians, and a variety of technician opportunities.  Sessions will include hands-on activities, tours, and soft skills preparation for the workplace environment.
     

    This is a collaborative program with the St. Louis Public Schools Division of Career and Technical Education and the BJC School Outreach and Youth Development Department.  Partnering with BJC School Outreach will be Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Barnes-Jewish Hospital Emergency Services, and the Goldfarb School of Nursing.

    Criteria for participation:

    ·         2.5 Or higher GPA

    ·         90% Attendance

    ·         Minority Male Students who have an interest in Health Careers

    ·         Current Grade 9-11 students

    Student sessions:  Held at Barnes-Jewish Hospital Medical Center Complex, #1 Barnes Hospital Plaza, St. Louis MO, 63110

    ·         Dates for sessions, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM:

    ·         April 18                 April 25                 May 23

    ·         Dates for sessions, 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon:

    ·         May 30                 June 20                 June 27

    ·         Culminating Summer Camp:  Monday, July 22, 2013 – Friday, July 26, 2013 9:00 a.m-2:00 p.m. each day

    NO COST to participate.  Bus Passes will be provided for transportation to attend the program sessions and camp.

    TO BE ACCEPTED, please plan to attend the Orientation – Space is limited to 30 students.

    ORIENTATION for students and parents Wednesday, March 13, 2013 time 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at St. Louis Public Schools Central Office, 3rd Floor Professional Development Loft, 801 North 11th Street, St. Louis MO 63101. It is recommended to bring a copy of your high school transcript (GPA), attendance record, and a copy of your immunization record.

    PLEASE RSVP by calling Shirley Reynolds at 314-345-5727.

     

    St. Louis Public Schools Technology Scholars Academy: Construction and Civil Technology

    on the campus of Linn State Technical College, Linn, MO
    June 10-27, 2013 (Monday thru Thursday each week)
    Scholarship recipients will receive the following :

    ◊ Tuition and Fees
    ◊ Room and Meals
    ◊ Transportation to Academy

    Academy graduates will receive:

    ◊ iPAD
    ◊ 3 Hours College Credit
    ◊ Industry Recognized Certification(s)

    What will Academy students learn?

    Learn about Construction and Civil Technology (construction materials, surveying, mapping, drafting, global positioning systems, etc.).

     

    Learn other technical exploratory areas (machining, engines, telecommunications, and commercial turf).

    Meet other students and gain leadership experience through team projects and activities.
     

    Eligibility:
    Any St. Louis public high school student who will be a senior at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Applicants must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and be in good standing.
    Technology Scholars Academy Applications are due May 1st.     Click here for an application.

     

    Nominate a Young Volunteer: Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program (ACTIVE LINK)

    Nominate a young volunteer, age 6-18, who has made a difference in your community. Top winners each receive $10,000 for higher education. Nominations are accepted February 1-March 15, 2013.

     

    Money Smart Week 2013 Essay Contest

    In support of Money Smart Week 2012, taking place April 21-28 in the Metro St. Louis area, the Money Smart Week – St. Louis Metro Development Committee will be sponsoring a Money Smart Kid Essay Contest. Students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to answer this year’s Money Smart Question (CLICK FLYER BELOW) with an essay of 300 words or less. The finalists will be asked to attend the Money Smart Kick-Off breakfast on April 20. One student will be named this year’s Money Smart Kid, winning a $1,500 scholarship from COUNTRY Financial. Two $250 scholarships will be awarded to the runner-ups, also sponsored by COUNTRY Financial. MSW Kid St. Louis(pdf)