PRIDE - December 2009

Dedicated to Educational Excellence! A publication for and about the students of the School DiStrict of UniverSity city, Missouri, www.ucityschools.org December 2009

redesign - Page 6

District breaks ground for new school

China - Page 2 robotics - Page 7

Page 3

www.ucityschools.org A publication for and about the students of the School DiStrict of UniverSity city, Missouri

December 20092

newS BriefSDistrict News

Parentlink offers access to student data

ParentLink is a web-based program

that allows parents with email to access information about their middle and high school students in the School District of University City. Parents may also view current attendance, attendance history, current year grades, current year progress, all assignments/columns from teachers’ grade books, discipline incidents and actions and medical data.

Limited information is available at this time for parents elementary students.

ParentLink information is secured on a dedicated server with no access to actual live data. Parents with content concerns should call their school office.

inclement weather school closings

If schools are closed for inclement

weather conditions, parents/guardians will receive an automated phone message with specific information.

School closing information is posted on the District website at www.ucityschools.org and shared with the local radio and television stations.

Days missed due to inclement weather closings will be made up at the end of the school year.

New for 2009-10 is a “Late Start” option. (See page 6 for specific late start times.)

Dear Fellow Stakeholders,

In the midst of this season that is traditionally known for giving to others, I want to thank you for all that you have given to the children in our schools. Last spring, you gave our children a wonderful gift by passing the Prop. U bond measure. Now, our children, staff and the community can already see results from your gift.

The former Daniel Boone/Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School has been demolished and the site is being prepped for a new school to take its place. This new school is being designed and equipped to provide our students and staff with the tools and environment needed in this 21st century. Once the new Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School has been completed, we will begin the same process with the construction of a new school building for Pershing Elementary School. You can also see additional renovations at our high school, middle school and our other elementary schools.

Thankfully, your giving extends far beyond the bond issue. Many of you donate your time and services regularly to mentor and/or tutor students in school, offer assistance in classrooms or volunteer to serve on various committees and work teams. This form of giving is very personal and so appreciated by our students and staff.

For those of you who have not yet volunteered in our schools, I urge you to not be afraid to give the gift of giving as it reaps more rewards than what is given.

Happy Holidays!

Joylynn L. Wilson Superintendent of Schools

Superintendent visits china

School District of University City Superintendent Joylynn Wilson was among 25 members of the National Superintendents Roundtable who traveled to China June 22-June 30 to learn about

the language, history and culture of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

The goal of this annual Chinese Bridge Delegation, completely financed by Hanban (an agency of the Chinese government), is to build sister school ties and networks with Chinese educators while expanding exchange programs and Chinese language offerings in American schools.

After being introduced to Chinese language teaching materials in Beijing and welcomed by national leaders and US Embassy officials at the historic Great Hall of the People, Wilson and the other superintendents visited the city of Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province, to meet with regional leaders and visit primary, middle and secondary schools, as well as a vocational training program and a teacher training institute.

Join conversations with the Superintendent

Continuing with her many efforts to engage the community, Joylynn Wilson, Superintendent of the School District

of University City, hosted a community forum entitled “Conversations with the Superintendent” on October 6. The forum allowed interested community stakeholders to learn more about what is happening in their community’s schools, while also providing an opportunity for feedback and questions of the superintendent.

A second “Conversations with the Superintendent” forum has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., in the University City High School Auditorium, 7401 Balson Ave., University City.

For more information, call 314/290-4002.

Superintendent continued on page 8

Superintendent Joylynn Wilson traveled to China as an American representative to the Chinese Bridge Delegation. During her visit, Wilson was welcomed by national leaders and US Embassy officials at the historic Great Hall of the People (above) and toured secondary (left), middle and primary schools.

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A publication for and about the students of the School DiStrict of UniverSity city, Missouri www.ucityschools.org

December 2009 3

Local officials and dignitaries helped the School District of University City with a bittersweet official groundbreaking for the new Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School on September 9.

District breaks ground for new Barbara c. Jordan School

With shovels in hand and hard hats on their heads, local community officials and dignitaries helped the School District of University City’s administration and school board during the

official groundbreaking for the new Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School on September 9. The ceremony included alumni, staff and parent memories of the old facility, along with their hopes and expectations of what the new facility will offer the students of the future.

“This is an exciting time for the School District of University City and the greater community,” said Joylynn Wilson, superintendent of schools and former Barbara C. Jordan principal. “Our students are deserving of the positive impact the two new schools (Barbara C. Jordan and Pershing Elementary) will provide for them academically in terms of technology, green sustainability, natural lighting, accessibility and curricular support.”

Other guest speakers included Tom Peters, president of the University City Board of Education; Bonita Jamison, current principal; Betty Thompson, former Missouri State Representative; Hazel Erby, St. Louis County council member; Mayor Joseph Adams; Arthur Sharpe, University City council member; along with PTO President Kim Jones and her second grade son, Jordan.

“This groundbreaking brought out deep feelings for me,” said Erby. “My history with this school dates back to the early ‘70s when we transferred our first child into Daniel Boone, then years as PTO president and even more recently as the site facilitator for Caring Communities.”

Once the official ceremony was completed, an informal tour of the demolition in process lead visitors to the back side of the school’s facade to see the work in progress. Spectators’ reactions ranged from surprise and awe to tears.

“This school has seen many generations over the years,” Erby added. “It’s fantastic that even in this economy, voters have put their faith in us and believe in our children enough to want to provide them with a learning environment that will have all the technology and resources needed... where they can be proud of where they go to school.”

Other community members in attendance to witness the event included current school board members, former school board members, the police chief, members and chairs of the District’s Community Engagement and Bond Issue committees as well as school administrators, faculty, alumni, parents, students, prospective students and neighbors.

While completion of the building is scheduled for early 2011, the students are not expected to return to the site until the beginning of school in August 2011. The official ceremonial shovel will be engraved and archived with the school’s keepsake treasures.

For details about the progress of renovations throughout the District, visit the Destination U. City Schools link at www.ucityschools.org.

interior and exterior, bond issue projects are progressing

In April 2009, the University City community

approved a $53.6 million bond issue for renovations and new construction as part of the plan developed by the Destination U. City Schools community involvement process and approved by the University City Board of Education.

A formal “groundbreaking” was held for Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School on September 9 (see article above) and by early November, the old Barbara C. Jordan building had been demolished. Work has begun on preparing the site for utilities infrastructure, site grading for footings and foundations of the new facility.

Flynn Park Elementary School has had foundational waterproofing and a new neutral air unit installed as part of its “greener” building improvements. Bringing “fresh” outdoor air into a building is vital for maintaining good indoor air quality. Construction on Flynn’s new cafeteria, additional classrooms and library/media center are not scheduled to begin until the fall of 2010.

Jackson Park Elementary School has had tuckpointing on the exterior brick walls as well as foundational waterproofing completed. Construction on the school’s new gymnasium, cafeteria, additional classrooms and library/media center are not scheduled to begin until fall of 2010.

At Brittany Woods Middle School, preparation has begun for the footings of the new media center. Classrooms and science lab renovations are not scheduled to begin until the summer of 2010.

Most of the work this fall has been at University City High School (UCHS). New handicap parking spaces that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have been created and designated along Balson Avenue at the south-east corner of the Muhl-Schemmer football stadium. A new ADA-compliant door has been installed at the nearby Balson entrance. Restrooms near the main gym have been upgraded to ADA standards and the switchback ramp for entrance to the mezzanine level of the gym is also complete. The concrete footings for the elevator shaft are being poured and the elevator is expected to be operational by late fall 2010. Cosmetically, the front foyer and auditorium have been repainted in keeping with the original art-deco style of the facility. The state-of-the-art science wing, including biology, physics, chemistry and earth science labs, is nearing completion and is expected to be operational for second semester classes in 2010 with the existing science labs converted into transitional classroom space. UCHS is also receiving a new heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system, including a neutral air unit in areas being renovated.

On the administration side of the bond issue, the District has established a finance/bond issue oversight committee that has been meeting regularly since June; along with academic reform and accountability committees that meet quarterly.

To keep informed about the progress of construction and renovations as well as academic reform in the District, visit the Destination U. City Schools link at www.ucityschools.org.

Exterior work at University City High School included tuckpointing of the brick, along with replacement of broken granite slab steps that were recaulked and regrouted.

Demolition at the Barbara C. Jordan site.


December 20094

newS BriefSBoard News

tax rate approved for 2009-10 school year

The University City Board of Education

approved the 2009 tax rates on August 25, 2009. The total tax rates, operating and debt service, are as follows:

Residential ......$3.4719

Commercial .... $3.6779

Personal Property ......$4.5371

Debt Service ...$0.7380This information,

along with more details about the District’s tax rate, is available in the school board meeting minutes posted on the Board of Education section of the District’s website at www.ucityschools.org.

School board filing

Informational packets were

available November 12 for candidates seeking election to the Board of Education for the School District of University City. The election will be held on April 6, 2010.

Candidate filing began December 15 and closes at 5 p.m. on January 19 for two seats that each fulfill a three-year term. The Board office will be closed Decemer 21 through January 4.

Each candidate is asked to submit a statement and photo that will be reproduced in the March issue of PRIDE.

For more details, contact Charlotte Tatum, administrative coordinator to the Board, at 314/290-4003.

Dear Community Residents:

In December 2008, our district completed a six month community engagement named ‘Destination U City Schools.’ A special thanks to all those who helped organize and attend those meetings. The result was a series of recommendations to the board. One of those recommendations was to put a $53.6 million dollar no tax rate increase bond (Proposition U) on the April 2009 ballot. That bond passed due to the hard work of so many.

During both the Destination U City Schools community engagements and Prop. U campaign, there were recommendations to set up community committees on bond oversight, finances, academic reform, Prop. U accountability, parent and community involvement, construction and early childcare reform. Many of those committees are now meeting and the results of their hard work will be seen in future communications from the district. While most of those committees are now filled, we are always in need of community volunteers to serve on committees. If you are interested, please contact a board member or the board’s administrative coordinator, Ms. Charlotte Tatum, at 314/290-4003.

Elsewhere in this issue of Pride you will see details of many of the construction projects, as well as updates on upcoming construction projects from the Prop. U funds. Those construction projects and the ones that have yet to be started will continue to need community input before they are finalized for board approval. Again, contact Ms. Charlotte Tatum or watch district communications for updates.

It should be noted that thanks to the timing of public support of Prop. U in April 2009, we were able to apply and receive special federal bonds for construction. These bonds have lead to an approximate savings of $2.5 million in our bond debt. We will be eligible for applying for these Obama construction bonds again in 2010.

Finally, in setting up the bidding process for both our new and rehabilitation construction, the district and school board sought to make sure that the construction crews were comprised of Minority Based (MBE) or Woman Based (WBE) staff. We set goals of 15% MBE and 5% WBE and so far have met and surpassed the MBE and continue to work towards the 5% WBE. Look to future district communications and issues of Pride for updates on MBE/WBE in our construction projects.

From the entire University City School Board, we hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable winter break.

Next issue: Curriculum changes driving our Prop. U construction projects.

Sincerely,

Tom Peters University City Board of Education President

education foundation awards $4,879.59

The University City Education Foundation (UCEF) announced $4,879.59 in grant funding during the November 5 meeting

of the University City Board of Education. The 2009 fall UCEF cycle grant recipients are:

Jennifer Augenstein, Julia Goldstein ECEC, will receive $700 for Dramatic Play Prop Boxes.

Tricia Harris, Flynn Park Elementary School music teacher, will receive $998.04 for Student Musicians: Cooperative Learning through Recorder Ensembles.

Jill Rogers and Carrie Moore, Delmar-Harvard Elementary School writing/reading teachers, will receive $997.49 for Critical Literacy and Critical Lyrics.

Larry Schulz, Brittany Woods Middle School seventh grade science teacher, will receive $475 for Transferring VHS Tapes to DVD.

Kelly Werthmuller, Brittany Woods Middle School’s Library/Media Center, will receive $709.06 for Picture Books for Learning

Barry J. Williams, Brittany Woods Middle School eighth grade physical science teacher, will receive $1,000 for Robotics Team (FLL/First Lego League).

The spring 2010 UCEF cycle grant submission deadline is February 3. Application forms are available on the District’s website at www. ucityschools.org.

For details about the Foundation and ways to support its work for the students and faculty, visit www.ucityeducationfoundation.org.

On November 5, 2009, Superintendent Joylynn Wilson and the University City Board

of Education recognized Herr Wallace Klein (right) for his dedication. (See page 8.)

University City Education Foundation fall 2009 grant awardees (above) were recognized by the University City Board of Education on November 6.


December 2009 5

2009 MAP report shows both growth and areas for improvement

On October 15, Bridget Cochren, data and assessment coordinator for the School District of University City, presented the 2009 Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) report to the University City Board

of Education. She explained the difference between the state’s Annual Progress Report (APR) that determines accreditation and the federal Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) used to measure progress under No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

The provisions of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requires school districts to disaggregate student achievement data into subgroups to ensure that all students are achieving regardless of ethnic or socio-economic background. Disaggregated achievement data for University City shows that minority subgroups achieve at high levels and the District met AYP for 2009 in one of five subgroups in both mathematics (MA) and communication arts (CA); and met AYP in both graduation rate and attendance rate. Nathaniel Hawthorne and Pershing elementary schools met AYP in all their subgroups for both MA and CA, while Delmar-Harvard and University City High School (UCHS) met AYP in all their subgroups for CA.

At the individual grade levels, District averages exceeded last year’s scores in all but one grade level for CA and two grade levels for MA. University City elementary students scored exceptionally well in some subgroups on the MAP index. Specifically, University City’s Black sixth graders ranked second among ALL St. Louis county school districts in CA. They were second to Webster Groves but, scored above all other neighboring school districts including Ladue and Clayton. In MA, these students scored the highest in St. Louis County. On the third grade level, University City’s white students placed first among all county districts in CA and above Clayton and Ladue in MA. In summary, University City had higher elementary MAP indices in both mathematics and in Communication Arts with scores comparable to Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood and Maplewood-Richmond Heights.

Areas of focus for the 2009-10 school year were identified by MAP performance on the Missouri Show-Me Standards that fell below 60%. In communication arts, a districtwide focus will be on fiction and non-fiction reading. In mathematics, the districtwide focus will include measurement and algebra. Strategies for addressing these areas of focus will be outlined at the district level through the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and at the building level through the School Improvement Plans.

Despite Flynn Park having 60% of its students scoring at the proficient/advanced levels in both Communication Arts and math, they along with Barbara C. Jordan are in School Improvement Level 3, corrective action.

For more detail about the Districts’ performance on the Annual Yearly Progress report and the Annual Performance Report, view the official 2008-2009 “Report Card” that is scheduled to be posted in December by clicking on the District Statistics link at www.dese.mo.gov.

School year 2009-2010

UniverSity city’S ASSeSSMent ScheDUleSeptember 12 & December 12, 2009 ..........................ACT Test – UCHS onlyOctober 14, 2009 ............ EXPLORE Test – Brittany Woods 8th Grade onlyOctober 14, 2009 ......................................................PSAT Test – UCHS onlyOctober 24, 2009 .................................ACT Test – Brittany Woods LocationDecember 16-17, 2009 ...................................................ASVAB – UCHS onlyJanuary 25, 2010 ............................ NAEP – Brittany Woods 8th grade onlyFebruary 6 & April 10, 2010 .......................................ACT Test – UCHS onlyMarch 29 – April 16, 2010 ................................District MAP testing window May 3-14, 2010 ................... Advanced Placement (AP) Test – UCHS only

District Assessment instruments

In addition to the annual Missouri Assessment Program (MAP), the School District of University City also administers the following district-level assessments that provide student achievement data on a

more frequent basis. “The data from the frequent assessments are used to drive instruction in

our effort to increase academic achievement for our students,” said Bridget Cochren, data and assessment coordinator.

Frequent assessments include: The Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning (DIAL-III), Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA), Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) and Edison Learning Benchmark Assessment (ELBA), formally known as Tungsten.

DIAL-III is an individually administered screening test designed to identify children between the ages of two and five who may need further diagnostic testing or curriculum modification. It takes 45 to 60 minutes to administer and assess motor, conceptual and language skills. Social/emotional behavior is observed during the screening process.

DRA is designed to be a classroom-based reading assessment. The primary purposes of the assessment are to monitor student growth on a variety of crucial skills and strategies that successful readers utilize; help teachers diagnose student needs and plan for timely instruction; prepare students to be successful at meeting today’s classroom and District expectations; and support teachers and school districts in keeping parents and other stakeholders informed about the level of student achievement.

With this comprehensive perspective of each student’s reading, achievement, DRA assesses student reading achievement in engagement, oral reading fluency, and comprehension skills and strategies. It also provides teachers with information that helps them determine student independent reading levels.

DRA can be used on an annual or semi-annual basis to monitor and document changes in student achievement within a school year and across the middle grades. It can also be used more frequently with struggling readers to assure continued progress.

SRI is a nationally normed, reading comprehension test that can be administered quickly as a pre- and post-test to assess and monitor a student’s reading level. The SRI test is administered in an on-line lab setting in approximately 45 minutes and the computer-generated results are compiled in 20 minutes. SRI’s fall testing date is designed to give teachers immediate feedback as to students’ reading level. The spring post-test measures one year’s growth. SRI uses authentic fiction and non-fiction text passages for validity, provides results including a suggested reading list for each student based on the Lexile Framework for reading and supports the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.

ELBA features monthly online benchmark assessments in mathematics and reading for grades 2-8. The assessments are written to the Missouri Show-Me Standards and Grade Level Expectations. The program provides immediate feedback on group and individual student performance. Teachers are given teaching notes and instructional strategies to use in the classroom.

The Assessment Plan for the School District of University City includes more details about the administration of standardized testing for students in preschool through twelfth grade. It is updated annually and available online as part of School Board Policy and Regulation 6720 at www.ucityschools.org.

would you like to be a reading tutor?

OASIS tutor training for Senior Citizens will be held

February 16, 17 & 18, 2010 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.

McNair Board Room, 8136 Groby Road (63130)

Call: 314/290-4059 to register.


December 20096

“late Start” option begins

Beginning with the current school year, the School District of University City has instituted a one-hour late start option for inclement weather days. Parents and students are advised to

continue to monitor postings on the District website at www.ucityschools.org along with the local radio and television stations. (See page 2.)

Julia Goldstein ECEC (prekindergarten) ......................................... 9:30 a.m.

Elementary, except BJ (kindergarten through sixth grade) ............ 9:40 a.m.

Barbara C. Jordan Elementary, while located on Groby .............. 10:00 a.m.

Brittany Woods Middle (seventh and eighth grades) ..................... 9:00 a.m.

University City High (ninth through twelfth grades) ..................... 8:30 a.m.

Lieberman Learning Center (ninth through twelfth grades) ...........8:35 a.m.

McNair Administration .................................................................... 9:00 a.m.

On “late start” days, morning school buses will run one hour later than regularly scheduled. School will be dismissed at the regularly scheduled time.

For more information about school schedules, contact your neighborhood public school or visit www.ucityschools.org for individual school site information.

District revitalizes Parent involvement committee

Parents play a vital role in the development and education of their children and in the success of the schools within the School District of University City. To help schools and the school district identify,

develop and implement strategies that will create the conditions for parents to further engage in the educational process and reduce barriers for parents who find involvement more challenging, the revitalized Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) began meeting on December 7.

Members of the PTO Council met with other interested parents and District administrative staff to begin defining the role of PIC and their interpretation of parent involvement and engagement. They identified various forms of parent involvement and family engagement along with roadblocks. Community members are encouraged to share additional forms of parental involvement and roadblocks by reviewing the committee’s brainstorming list that has been posted to the “For Parents” section of the District’s website at www.ucityschools.org and responding accordingly as posted.

“This committee provides an opportunity for parents with a voice that can be taken into account at the district and school board level,” said Ellen Bern, chair of the PTO Council and University City Board of Education director.

District parents are invited to still become involved with PIC. The next meeting, scheduled for Monday, January 25, will work on further defining and strategizing recommendations for increasing family engagement with the School District of University City. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m., following the PTO Council meeting at 6:30 p.m., in the McNair Administration Building, located at 8136 Groby Road.


Sixth grade at middle school for fall 2011

Sixth grade students in the School District of University City will not move to Brittany Woods Middle School for the fall of 2010. The new sixth grade wing is scheduled for completion during the 2010 -2011

school year and should be available for sixth grade students to begin classes at the middle school in the fall of 2011.

Dominic Lenoir (left), seventh grade principal, along with Rebecca Wu-Bakeman (center) and Charlene Miller (right), school elective teachers, discuss the Brittany Woods Middle School’s curriculum during summer planning meetings with Principal Jamie Jordan and other members of the school’s leadership team.

washington University supports middle school redesign

The School District of University City has asked Washington University to partner in redesigning Brittany Woods Middle School including building renovations and curriculum.

Superintendent of Schools Joylynn Wilson welcomes the partnership effort.

“The district is grateful to Washington University for taking an interest in our students by investing in their future success,” she said. “Infusing both organizations with ideas and sharing creativity is a great way to strengthen the partnership within the community.”

Current plans call for moving forward with a project-based learning model that would incorporate many subject areas into one project. For example, students may study how alternative energies can be used in homes or schools. Then they might investigate the history and policy of energy, plus chemistry and its environmental impact.

“Washington University has always worked closely with University City, and we look forward to continuing in the years to come,” said Henry Webber, executive vice chancellor for administration. “It’s important for the entire region to share expertise and resources to create outstanding schools. Successful K-12 schools are the key to a successful community,” he added.

Washington University faculty have a history of working with University City teachers on curriculum projects. Two grants from the National Science Foundation, awarded in 2002-03 totaling $17 million, facilitated teachers in piloting professional learning communities. These communities brought together teachers who taught the same subjects. As they worked through the challenges of using new math curriculum, they also had the opportunity to share how best to incorporate visual representations that made learning new concepts easier. Science teachers collaborated to share techniques for using science material kits that coordinated with their learning goals.

Undergraduate and graduate students from Washington University have been involved through America Reads/America Counts, Y-Read, Y-Tutor, Kids Place and Each One Teach One provides tutoring sessions. Programs such as Arts and Kids and WashUCity have been bringing creativity and graphic communication to grades K-12. University City High School students get an introduction to college expectations during the summer Lions Pride program held on the Danforth campus.

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December 2009 7

robotics teams are off and running across the District

The School District of University City ventured into robotics competitions in the fall of 2007 with a Junior FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League team

for 6 to 9 year olds from Flynn Park Elementary School. Since then, the excitement has been growing. During the 2008-2009 school year, Brittany Woods Middle School students competed in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) for ages 9-14. University City High School’s newly formed team competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) on December 5 at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley (See page 17 for results.) and are scheduled to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) hosted by St. Louis University at Chaifetz Arena on March 18-20, 2010.

Junior First Lego League (JFLL) teams for younger students, ages 6-9, have also been organized at Barbara C. Jordan and Flynn Park elementary schools. In addition to Brittany Woods Middle School, FLL teams have been organized at Delmar-Harvard, Flynn Park and Jackson Park elementary schools for the 2009-2010 school year. Flynn, Jackson and Brittany competed in November. (See pages 13, 14 and 16, respectively, for results.)

Some teams still have student openings and additional parent volunteers are still welcome and needed for ALL teams. Contact the following coaches or coordinators for more information:School Contact Phone / emailBarbara C. Jordan ........... Bonita Jamison ........................... (314) 290-4360

[email protected] ............. Celina McGinnis ...........................(314) 863-0795

[email protected] Park ....................... Andrea Amend .............................(314) 863-6654

[email protected] Park ................... Kim Deitzler ................................ (314) 290-4450 [email protected] Woods ............... Barry Williams ............................ (314) 290-4280

[email protected] City High ....... Frank Kelton ................................ (314) 290-4100

[email protected]

FIRST is an organization founded in 1989 by Dean Kamen in order to develop ways to inspire students in engineering and technology fields. It is an exciting and fun global robotics program that ignites in students an enthusiasm for discovery, science and technology. Participants research and solve a real-world problem based upon a specific challenge theme. Using science and engineering concepts, teams then build an autonomous robot to present their solutions.

JFFL for ages 6-9, offers young budding scientists the opportunity to design and construct a model using LEGO bricks and moving parts and present their research.

FFL for ages 9-14 is a more global robotics program for students to embark on an adventurous challenge based upon current, real-world issues. Guided by coaches and mentors, they research and solve theme-based problems, present their research and solutions then build an autonomous robot using engineering concepts.

FTC for high school students is a “varsity sport of the mind” where participants play with the pros in science, engineering and technology; and learn from them in a six-week timeframe using a standard “kit of parts” and common set of rules. FTC is a mid-level robotics competition much like FTC, using more accessible and affordable kits.

St. Louis was recently selected to be the host of the International FIRST Competition for three years, beginning in 2011, where thousands of students will compete each year. More information about FIRST competitions may be found at www.usfirst.com.

Special appreciation is extended to Susie Mathieu of FIRST Robotics-St. Louis who helped establish the Districts robotics infrastructure. If your school does not have a robotics team and you are interested in helping, contact Nicole Adewale at [email protected].

Soaring Eagles qualify to compete on January 9 in the Eastern Missouri Regional FIRST Lego League robotics competition.

Soaring eagles share alternative transportation proposal for loop

Eighth grader Jahmahl Jennings and seventh grader Walter Deitzler, representing the Brittany Woods Middle School’s Soaring Eagles, FIRST Lego League team (photo above), appeared before University

City’s Mayor Joseph Adams, City Manager Julie Feier, council members from all three wards, and about 50 local residents on November 16 at City Hall. Jennings and Deitzler made an appeal to the city council to consider a more energy efficient alternative transportation option for the Delmar Loop district. A double-decker bus is their solution to decrease congestion and safety concerns in their community.

The concept was part of their team’s award-winning research project from the November 22 competition (See page 16) that qualified them to compete on January 9 in the Eastern Missouri Regional FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League robotics competition.

Mayor Adams requested a copy of the presentation be provided to the City Clerk to be submitted to the City Manager, and recommended that the team follow-up with local businessman Joe Edwards, owner of several establishments in the Loop district, and present the double-decker proposal at the next business district meeting.

Robotics team members also include seventh graders Charles Williams III and Marquel Wilson; along with eighth graders Crystal Clay, Joel McDonald, Devin Rankin-Wilson, Correy Smotherson and Leonard Hill-Triggs. Special appreciation was expressed to team coach and science teacher Barry Williams; coach DeJean Dufek, from MasterCard International; and mentors LaVerne Ford-Williams and Joyce Williams, with parental support from Rose Smotherson.

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2010 Returning Artist Series: Traci Moore Clay

Reception and Artist Talk: Sunday, February 7, 2010

2-3:30 p.m.Centennial Commons,

7210 Olive Street Road (63130)

Sponsored by University City Municipal Commission on Arts and Letters



December 20098

Superintendent continued from page 2

“This was an experience of a lifetime that allowed me to view China, their educational system and the culture firsthand,” said Wilson. “The thing that startled me the most was the dramatic pace at which China is changing.”

The Chinese Bridge Delegation is a partnership formed in 2006 between the College Board in the US and The Chinese Language Council International (also known as Hanban) to build and expand Chinese language programs in U.S. schools.

The 25 school superintendents were among 400 educators who participated in this year’s Chinese Bridge Delegation program.

According to Wilson, the schools in China are very structured with few discipline problems.

“As far as discipline in schools,” said Wilson, “they have some problems, but not many. That is because the importance of education is stressed from birth throughout their school years. When they do have discipline problems, the teacher is responsible for dealing with it.”

In addition to visits to schools and universities, the trip brought the superintendents to research institutes and cultural attractions. The Roundtable group visited the Forbidden City, Peking University, the Great Wall, the Grasslands of Inner Mongolia, a 700-year-old Confucius Temple, and a fort at Jimingyi, established originally by Genghis Khan as a forerunner of the US Pony Express – a staging area where couriers carrying mail toward Mongolia could find fresh horses.

As a result of Wilson’s educational tour of China, the School District of University City will receive more than 200 pounds of curriculum materials related to China and its culture.

During her visit to China, Superintendent Joylynn Wilson toured a vocational training program (above) and teacher training institute.

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Think of all that UCHS could do with $100,000...U.S. Cellular® is Calling All Communities: vote for your school and help it be one of 10 to win $100,000.

We believe educating our kids has never been more of a priority. That’s why we’re out to support the cause by giving schools money to use towards whatever they feel is important.

What you can do is simple. Come into any U.S. Cellular® store through January 10, 2010 and request a code to use online to vote for University City High School. The ten schools with the most votes from across the nation will receive $100,000 each.

So what are you waiting for?

Let’s show EVERYONE that it is

U-TIME by going to U.S. Cellular and voting for UCHS. Visit uscellular.com to find a store near you where you can get your voting code.

This promotion has been approved and endorsed by Superintendent Joylynn Wilson.

UchS hall of fame

University City High School inducted 13 alumni (above) into the UCHS Hall of Fame on OCtober 23.

community celebrates alumni during homecoming weekend

During its biennial ceremony on October 23, University City High School (UCHS) inducted 13 alumni into the UCHS Hall of Fame. Inductees include Members of the 2009 UCHS Hall of Fame

induction class are Myrna Balk ‘57, Jesse “Jack” R. Bodine ‘44, Marty Ehrlich ‘73, “Mama” Lisa M. Gage ‘80, the late Roger Edward Gollub, ‘73, Suzy Gorman ‘80, Robert “Bob” Hamilton ‘56, Carol Ann Jackson Ph.D. ‘74, the late Michael R. King ‘76, Eric Jesse Norman Ph.D. ‘59, Sanford “Sandy” E. Pomerantz J.D. ‘58, Frank O. Richards Jr. M.D. ‘71 and Raymond A. Thomas ‘84.

Also recognized (right) by UCHS AA president Carmen Hemphill during the celebration was Herr Wallace Klein, “Keeper of the Flame.” Klein’s award read “You helped keep the flame of school spirit burning in the hearts of our alumni and provided the foundation for the University City High School Alumni Association. Without you, our light would burn less bright.”

A 1940 graduated from UCHS and 2001Hall of Fame inductee, Klein has been involved with the School District of University City for more than 75 years, as a student at Delmar-Harvard Elementary, Ward Junior High and UCHS; as a class sponsor and German and English teacher from 1954 through 1983. As a volunteer Alumni coordinator and charter founding member of the UCHS AA, he continued to support as the official historian for the organization.

Carmen Hemphill (left) presents recognition to

Wallace Klein (right).

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District teachers are changing the work to increase the challenge

As part of the School District of University City’s continuing efforts for professional development, especially as it is tied to the thrust for Academic Reform, faculty members are working on “Changing the

Work to Increase the Level of Challenge: Learning Resources.”They are:

• working on high functioning collaborative teams through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

• focusing on essential learning by putting understanding first as described in “Understanding by Design” by Wiggins and McTighe.

• maximizing the power of formative assessment and understanding that it is a process not just a test.

• engaging students for active learning, building a classroom community and using a unified, schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program for their classroom management.For more information about these initiatives, visit the curriculum

section of the District website at www.ucityschools.org, or contact Declan Fitzpatrick, communication arts and social studies curriculum coordinator, at 314/290-4072 or email [email protected].


December 2009 9

During the 2009-2010 school year, students are going outside more and learning about their natural environment with the support of The Green Center and Washington University in St. Louis.

District and the Green center focus on getting students outside

Continuing their educational partnership, the School District of University City and The Green Center are focusing on getting students outside and learning about their natural environment.

District fourth and fifth graders are participating in field trips to the Brittany Woods’ prairie and wetlands as well as the Ruth Park woods outdoor classrooms as part of their life science curriculum.

District teachers and Green Center volunteers are expanding their knowledge by participating in “Science Saturdays” and “Inquiry Science Potluck” workshops throughout the school year to explore life, earth and physical science; as well as receive additional training regarding the elementary gardens at the elementary schools.

In cooperation with Washington University of St. Louis, other professional development for teachers will emphasize hands-on, inquiry experiences tied to the District’s science curriculum with an emphasis on science note-booking.

For more information about the District’s science curriculum and Green Center collaborative, contact Nikki Davenport at 314/290-4013.

now that h1n1 is in schools, what can we do?

Unlike the seasonal flu, which tends to affect seniors and the very young, the new H1N1 flu virus primarily affects young people, especially those under 25 years of age, and is highly contagious.

Staff members are asked to adhere to the following tips to help decrease the spread of both seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses:• Get a flu shot or try the nasal spray vaccine. (The School District of

University City offered H1N1 nasal spray vaccine clinics for students through the school nursing staff on October 28, 29; November 7 and December 12. District staff members were given opportunities for seasonal flu immunizations on October 21 and H1N1 on December 16.)

• Wash hands often. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth unless hands are clean.

• Cough or sneeze into arm or sleeve. • Keep at least three feet away from other people. Wipe down public items.• If you have the flu, or any other respiratory illness, stay home and get

better. Get enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet and manage stress. For more flu information, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. or www.flu.gov.

More details about how the District has responded to the 2009 flu season is available under the H1N1 link of the “For Parents” section of the District website at www.ucityschools.org. or call 314/290-4045.

immunizations clinics continue

Monthly clinics continue to offer free DTP/Td, Polio, HIB, MMR, HEP B and Tdap immunizations for children ages 2 months to 18 years, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Julia Goldstein Center,

737 Kingsland. These clinics may offer seasonal or H1N1 immunizations, if available. Clinic dates for the remainder of the school year are Mondays: February 5, March 5, April 2 and May 7.

To register for a specific immunization, call 314/721-2965.

Understanding everyday Math

The School District of University City’s department of Curriculum and Instruction held its first of two Everyday Math workshops for elementary parents on October 19. Everyday Math is the curriculum

used in grades K-5. At this workshop, parents learned about the philosophy of the District’s math curriculum and how it progresses through the grade levels, specific topics threads taught and tips on how to support their child’s homework.

The second Everyday Math parent workshop is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, January 11, 2010, in the McNair Boardroom.

For more information, contact Nikki Davenport, math/science coordinator at 314/290-4013 or [email protected].

City and SChool DiStriCt of UniverSity City present the

Twenty-fourth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration

Fulfilling Dr. King’s Dream

Sunday, January 17, 2010

March: 3:00 p.m.Begin on front lawn of

Jackson Park Elementary School7400 Balson, University City, Mo 63130

Program: 3:30 p.m.University City High School

Auditorium7401 Balson, University City, Mo 63130

Enjoy performances featuring University City students and presentation of MLK Spirit Award.

In case of inclement weather, MLK celebration will be rescheduled for January 24.If you are in need of special assistance or accommodations in order to participate or attend,

contact Erie Gonzalez-Rubio, operations supervisor, at 314/290-4004.

For more information about this event, call 314/290-4019.

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December 200910

Are you fired Up for Kindergarten?

The School District of University City hosted its bi-annual “Fired Up for Kindergarten” open house on November 12 at neighborhood public elementary schools. If you missed the fall opportunity,

another event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, at 6:30 p.m. Fired Up for Kindergarten gives University City parents with preschool-

aged children an opportunity to visit their neighborhood elementary school, meet kindergarten teachers and other school staff, tour classrooms and receive enrollment information. All six District elementary schools – Barbara C. Jordan, Delmar-Harvard, Flynn Park, Jackson Park, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Pershing – participate in the bi-annual event.

For details, call your neighborhood elementary school or 314/290-4019.

High school volunteers (above) helped school social workers organize donations from the Districtwide Holiday Appeal drive.

School social workers team-up for districtwide holiday Appeal drive

For the third consecutive year, school social workers in the School District of University City teamed together to sponsor Holiday

Appeal and provide food, hygiene and household supplies to more than 125 local families in crisis for Thanksgiving. Each family received a “traditional” Thanksgiving meal, a $20 grocery card and one month’s worth of household and personal care items collected by students and staff from all the schools within the District.

Financial contributions allow the social workers to purchase additional supplies. Special appreciation to The Church of Scientology, Flynn Park Pumpkin Run organized by teacher Nicole Wight and Jackson Park Student Council who each donated $500 or more, First Presbyterian Church who donated $250 or more and to Barbara C. Jordan PTO, Delmar-Harvard PTO, Flynn Park PTO, Jackson Park PTO, Pershing PTO, UCHS PTO as well as the District Office of the Superintendent and Office of Pupil Personnel who each contributed $100 or more.

If your family, business or organization would like to sponsor a family or make a donation OR you are interested in receiving services for the 2010 Holiday Appeal drive, contact the Team through your neighborhood school social worker or call 314/290-4045.

University City High School (UCHS) volunteers are on the path to surpassing last year’s impressive 12,000 hours of

volunteer service completed by 421 students. As of December 8, a recorded total of 376 UCHS student volunteers had performed 6,204 hours of volunteer service. They have participated in 96 different volunteer activities with various not-for-profit organizations.

“I feel that many students are looking for a special niche where they feel comfortable at the high school and I am proud to say that this year, many of them seem to have found that niche in the volunteer sector,” said Elaine Alexander, UCHS volunteer coordinator.

National Honor Society (NHS) President Stephanie Farber lead members and friends in a project to sort huge boxes of apples from Michigan into banana boxes that were to be sent from Operation Food Search to homeless shelters and food pantries across the St. Louis area.

As a first year effort and despite the rain on November 19, UCHS junior Otis Howell lead student volunteers to raise $105 for local children’s charities by selling newspapers as part of Old Newsboys Day, operated by Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis since 1988.

Supporting our own backyard, high school volunteers also helped with game and food booths at the December 4 Brittany Woods Family Fun Night.

On December 7, representatives of the UCHS Red Cross Youth Corps gave first-aid kits and booklets to the high school faculty and explained how the kits could be used.

NHS returned to Operation Food Search on December 7 to help sort donated coats that will be given to local individuals who cannot afford to purchase new coats for the winter.

The TREND (Turning Resources and Energy into New Directions) club began soliciting donations of toys and gifts for homeless children and their parents soon after Thanksgiving break. On December 14, they hosted their seventh annual Christmas party and distributed the gifts.

“The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a busy one for our volunteers,” Alexander added. “The food pantries and toy drives are just a sampling of the wonderful projects our volunteers are participating in. We can probably expect to see them involved with everything from U. City in Bloom to Habitat for Humanity this spring.”

For more details about UCHS volunteerism, contact Elaine Alexander at [email protected] or 314/290-4100.

high school students lend a hand to those in need

UCHS National Honor Society members and

friends (above) sorted apples for Operation Food Search. Stephanie Farber (right) is NHS president.

UCHS junior Otis Howell (left) led student volunteers in selling newspapers in the rain as part of Old Newsboys Day.

Red Cross student volunteers (below and right) participated in Forrest Park Hospital’s mock disaster drill.

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UchS AA seeks input from alumni... to participate in the survey, visit

www.surveymonkey.com/s/fJXhwKJ now through December 28, 2009.

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December 2009 11

Across the District continued on page 12

Julia Goldstein ececThe Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Education Center’s mission is to partner with families of children prenatal to kindergarten as they gain knowledge through developmentally appropriate practices that encourage social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth while providing a strong foundation for successful life-long learning. Revised August 2009.

JOIn PArentS AS teACherS (PAT) for group meetings that enhance learning experiences for parents and young children, held throughout the year at the Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Education Center, 737 Kingsland Ave. (63130). Reservations are required at least seven days prior to avoid event cancellation. Call 314/721-4120 or email [email protected]. Remaining activities are as follows:

u Wednesday, FEBRUARY 3, 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. ASK the PArent eDUCAtOr: What to Do When Parenting Styles Differ (all families). Childcare is offered for parent informational meetings at the cost of $3 for one child and $2 for each additional child.

u Tuesday, FEBRUARY 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. MOrnInG Art FOr tODDLerS* (18-36 months).

u Thursday, APRIL 15, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. AnIMAL/VehICLe FAIr* (all families).

u Tuesday, APRIL 20, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. PAt GOeS Green!* (3-5 years).

u Tuesday, MAY 25, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. MeSSY PLAY* (all families).

*Note no childcare is provided, but reservations are still required.

Barbara c. Jordanthe 2009 heALthY LIVInG POSter COnteSt winner is fifth grader Kristian McKnight (right). More than 3,000 poster entries were submitted to the St. Louis County Department of Health. McKnight’s poster was selected by a panel of judges and will be highlighted on one of the months in their upcoming calendar.

“I’M A PeACe OF A DrUG-Free COMMUnItY” was the theme for Barbara C. Jordan School’s Red Ribbon Week beginning October 23. All students and staff in the school were given red ribbons with the saying “Say Peace Out to Drugs” to wear throughout the week. The week began with a MAD Science assembly for students in grades three through six, where students learned about being tobacco free (above). Students also put their handprint on two large peace signs (below) as their pledge

to be drug free. Students celebrated with Monday Pledge Day, Tuesday Put a STOP to Drugs Day by wearing red, Wednesday Yield, Think and Write about being Drug Free Day by wearing yellow and creating slogans on yield signs about being drug free and Thursday Walk Away and Be Drug Free Day by wearing green. At the end of the week, students who participated in the daily themes received a special reward.

AttenDAnCe IS KeY tO qUALItY eDUCAtIOn. Xavier Sennie (September), Jayson Davis and Tayllin Bangsengthong (October), along with Demarco Howard and Lamarriya Steed-Hall (November) won brand new bikes in the monthly attendance raffles of students who had 100% attendance during the month. The bikes were donated by the Big Brother Big Sisters Program.

PerFeCt AttenDAnCe reCOGnItIOn was given to the following Barbara C. Jordan students for first quarter during the 2009-2010

school year: Derrick Anderson, Desean Anderson, Amaris Baker, Kerel Barnett, Tinisha Bassett, Jamal Black, Richard Bostic, Gerren Brooks, Deveon Carson, Liyah Case, Tamiyah Churchman, Paris Collins, Dorcas Davis, Jaylen Dickson, Kaitlynn Douglas, Savion Douglas, Xavier Douglas, Briana Evans, Brandon Ewing, Carl Gillis, Eliyah Hall, Lakayla Hall, Amyre Harris, Breanna Harris, Breea Harris, Damita Harrold, Andrez Henderson, Angel Henderson, Juan Hernandez, Nesha Hopes, Demarco Howard, Demones Howard, Diasia Howard, Jada Hubbard, Briana Hudson, Nyjah Hudson, Bryant Hughes, Jayla Hughes, Donte Ingram, Shannon Isaiah, Vernon Jackson, Eryn Jefferson, Cayla Johnson, Jesica Johnson, Jordon Johnson, Makaya Johnson, Helen Jones, Jordan Jones, Kobe Jones, D’Shay Knox, Selena Lewis, Torey Lowery, Amiyah MCClure, Kenneth Mcknight, Ra’Shad Miller, Vaughn Moore, Jessica Nohone, Adrianna Patrick, Ronera Perkins, Ronnie Perkins, Brandon Porter, Justin Porter, Kenesha Randle, Chaise Robinson, Marqies Robinson, Taneice Robinson, Chelsea Rounds, Denzel Rucker, Xavier Sennie, Joni Shannon, Tatianna Simmons, Adana Smith, Danei Smith, Jaylen Smith, Vaughn Smith, Jaheim Stampley, Jaylen Stampley, Remington Steele, Troy Taylor, Isaiah Watson, Tyrone Watson, Anastasia Whittington, A’nya Williams, Gregory Williams, Kayla Williams, Mya Williams, Dallas Yates-Batts, Seth Young.

Delmar-harvard

the new LeADerShIP PrOGrAM focuses on the positive talents of sixth graders and promotes responsibility and leadership. During a special induction ceremony, students promised to give service to their school community and be respectful, accountable and positive... to be DH RAP Stars and received a special leadership pin. The first group inducted (above) on September 15 were Alexia Luckett, Christion Simmons, Will Nichols, Kassidy Little, B.J. Myles and Antonia Drake. After receiving training by Bethe Brightfield, school counselor,

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December 200912

Across the District continued from page 11

these students are assigned school jobs such as teacher helper, dismissal patrol and assembly leader. While “on-duty,” leaders will wear patrol belts and be identifiable and available to help.

hIStOrY CAMe ALIVe for D-H fourth graders during their Missouri History Museum field trip on September 9, when they toured and experienced the Katherine Dunham: Beyond the Dance and Mary Lee Bendolph, Gee’s Bend Quilts, and Beyond (right) exhibits. Katherine Dunham (1909-2006) was a dancer, choreographer, songwriter, author, educator and activist who was trained as an anthropologist. Students learned of her childhood in Illinois and viewed her masks, costumes and dance videos. Founded as an Alabama cotton plantation around 1820, Gee’s Bend was isolated from much of the surrounding countryside. After the Civil War, the formerly enslaved people remained as tenant farmers and developed their own distinct local culture, which included striking abstract quilts made from recycled overalls, shirts, jackets—even rags. The humble materials and bold patterns are a hallmark of the Gee’s Bend quilts. The exhibit showed the work of Mary Lee Bendolph and generations of local quiltmakers and their ventures into printmaking as well as their collaboration with other artists.

A St. LOUIS COUntY POLICe heLICOPter awed students on October 21 when it flew over the school and landed in the back parking lot as a positive behavior reward. Students have been working very hard to be Respectful, Accountable and Positive (RAP) as traits of the school’s Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS). Teachers wanted to reward them to let them know how proud they are of the efforts. Pilots Cory Cline and Jeffrey Granich from Metro Air Support gave a brief presentation and answered questions from the students. This event was arranged with the help of Major Ernest Green of the University City Police Department.

trUnK-Or-treAt, provided Delmar-Harvard students and their families with a fun alternative to neighborhood trick or treating on October 31. This event was coordinated by parents Lori Yudovich and Jennifer Ascher.

flynn Park

FAMILY MAth nIGht on September 15 allowed students to teach their parents (above) how to play educational games centered on math-learning skills. This event was coordinated by Charlie Corno, third grade teacher.

COLDwAter CreeK has partnered for a second consecutive year to sponsor reading activities. This year, they have provided a thousand dollar grant to purchase take-home reading materials for Kindergarten and 1st Grade students. Several Coldwater Creek employees are

also volunteering to read to our students once a month.

the FLYnn PArK wAY was kicked off on September 10 and 11 with citizenship assemblies (above). As of December 7, more than 70 percent of the school’s student population qualified as “Citizens” and were successful in meeting the criterion for citizenship. Even more exciting, at least 20 percent of the population have achieved “Ambassador” status. Monthly assemblies include presentation of citizenship certificates and a short program to reinforce the Flynn Park Way. In October, University City firefighters attended during Fire Safety Week. In November, Iraq war veteran Tim Taylor shared how soldiers must demonstrate that they are safe, kind and respectful learners. In December, a literature connection with the book “Cookies” by Amy Krause Rosenthal helped reinforce the focus on respect. Fifth grader Dylan Moon performed a pantomime of the story during the third and fourth grade assembly. Second grade ambassadors performed a skit illustrating the story for the Kindergarten, first and second grade assembly.

rIDInG In StYLe are fifth grader Takiyah Strong and sixth grader DeAnthony Smith, winners of the October bike raffle for students whose parents signed up for a new e-Scrip card or who are currently using e-Scrip. Bikes were donated by the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.


Summer sports camp scheduled for June 7-11

University City residents completing third through seventh grades may spend their first full week of summer break having fun and learning basic skills in a variety of sports. University City High School Athletic Boosters’ 2010 Summer Sports Camp has been

scheduled to run from Monday, June 7, through Friday, June 11, for students in grades 3-7.In past years, student athletes have had the opportunity to learn a new sport or improve their

skills in baseball/softball, basketball, cross country, girl’s field hockey, golf, touch football, pole vaulting, speed and agility, soccer, tennis, volleyball, water polo/swimming and wrestling. Camp features daily hour-and-a-half clinics led by University City High School (UCHS) coaches and current players. Scholarship information is available through the school principals.

Camp application forms will be available at all public schools, Centennial Commons and the University City Public Library or may be downloaded from www.ucityathleticboosters.org or www.ucityschools.org via the UCHS Athletics webpage. Participants must be University City residents.

For details, contact Marisa Davenport, camp director, at [email protected], or call 314/477-5896. The Summer Sports Camp is sponsored by the UCHS Athletic Boosters, UCHS Athletic Department, the School District of University City and the City of University City.

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where the wILD thInKS Are, by Maurice Sendak, was the theme for the October 21 second and fourth grade concert at Flynn Park School. Students performed solo and in small groups (above); and were interactive in the composing process and improvisations coordinated by music teacher Tricia Harris. This interdisciplinary experience also included artwork that was displayed in a gallery walk that evening, coordinated by art teacher Rosanna Benitez. Other grade-level music concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m. on February 23 for first and fifth grades plus April 21 for kindergarten and third grades.

rObO PenGUInS AnD teChnO bOtS showed well in the November 21 FIRST Lego League (FFL). They placed 7th and 12th, respectively, out of 25. Robo Penguins (above) include Fumi Adewale, Finn Amend, Jamie Barvian, Korrina Brandt, Robert Joy, Andrew Looby, Christopher Tabourne and Sam York. Techno Bots (below) include Alex Anderson, Allen Buckner, Jack Darwin, Gabe Edwards, Noah Erlin, Jake Giles, Roshae Hemmings, Catherine Hoff, Sydni Norville and Aiden Wilkinson.


Show Me BrittanyOPEN HOUSE ParENt NigHt

thursday, January 21, 20106:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Brittany Woods Middle School 8125 Groby Road, 63130

Parents from throughout the University City community are encouraged to bring their sixth

grade children to learn more about the curriculum, programs and staff of the middle school. Tour the

school and meet the faculty and other parents. While younger children are welcome to attend, this evening is

designed to introduce the school to sixth graders and their families.

OBSErvatiON DayStuesday, January 26 &

Wednesday, January 27Prospective parents are invited to visit and observe classrooms

from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and join the students for lunch between 11:50 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. for only $2.55 per adult.

For more information, call 314/290-4278.If you are in need of special assistance or accommodations

in order to participate or attend, contact Erie Gonzalez-Rubio, operations supervisor, at 314/290-4004.

the GAtewAY tO PeACe MUSeUM turned the school gym into an array of hands-on, interactive and fun exhibits on November 5 that taught the themes of Peace for ME, Peace for EVERYONE, Peace for US and Peace for the PLANET. Students explored exhibits both during their specials period and later in the evening with their families. The Museum is part of Cooperating School District’s Peace Ball Ceremony at the St. Louis Science Center.

A MeMOrIAL bUtterFLY GArDen for slain police Sergeant Michael R. King was dedicated on November 20. This cooperative project between U. City in Bloom and the University City Board of Education is located in the circle garden in the front of Flynn Park Elementary School and features a kinetic wind sculpture of butterflies (above) created by artist John Everett, owner of Iron Decor and More in Grafton, IL. A 1976 University City High School alumni and former Flynn Park student, King was killed Oct. 31 of last year in the line of duty.

weLCOMInG GUeStS to launch the St. Louis Art Museum’s virtual tour are 2008-09 fifth graders from Flynn Park Elementary

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the AnnUAL ICe CreAM SOCIAL (above) at Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary School on August 20 was sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. This was their seventh consecutive year to support the event, and the beautiful weather brought forth large attendance.

DOnUtS wIth DAD (above) was held the morning of October 1 and Muffins with Mom was held on October 15 (below). These two events encourage parental involvement by bringing parents into the school to share breakfast, read a book or two, and learn more about the educational opportunities being provided to their children at the school. Books were given to all children in attendance. These events were coordinated by Kathy Edwards and Eudice Rosenblatt, the school’s Title I reading and math teachers.

the SCIenCe CLUb, under the guidance of Jimmie Chambers, Jr., and Robert More, meets weekly with 40 students participating in science activities. The students enjoy this hands-on

items and household supplies. The Council’s aim is to insure total school cooperation in the day-to-day responsibilities of being part of a school community. This includes school improvements, special activities and working together on specific challenges. The Council gives students the opportunity to learn about the democratic process, leadership and citizenship. It is comprised of representatives from each class in second through sixth grades and supported by teacher sponsors Heather Erwine, Lyndlee Mabry, Nan Mason, Kristi Purley and Janice Vaughn.

In hOnOr OF VeterAnS’ DAY, letters were sent to soldiers in Iraq so that the troops could receive mail and enjoy what Heather Erwine’s first grade students (above) wrote.

SCIenCe FAIr came early at Jackson Park Elementary School. Judging was held on December 2 with the Family Night on December 3. Congratulations to the winners who include kindergartener Ella Chisholm (right); first graders Adam Holahan,. Justin Kennedy and Beckett Tasker; second grader Christian LeNoir; third grader Cooper Dietzler; fifth graders Raven Bullard, Emma Marquis-Kelly, Dimitri Baldouf, Danisha Rankin, Asia Briggs, Dominic Derfler, John Tcshampel and Nick Resnick, along with sixth graders Christine Politte, Felix Evans, David Kim and Jabari Aitch.

MAD SCIenCe OF St. LOUIS visited Jackson Park on Thursday October 27, for an interactive assembly titled “Be Smoke Free” as part of their Red Ribbon Week activities. The event was coordinated by the school guidance counselor, Lynette McKinney.

nathaniel hawthorneMAP nIGhtS were held on September 24 & November 19. Principal Elliott Shostak shared released test items and examples from previous tests and provided additional information for students and parents to take home. These evenings were designed to help parents gain a better understanding of the standardized testing required by the state.

School. To see, visit www.sacreative.com/demos/virtualmovie.

UPCOMInG FAMILY eVentS at Flynn Park School will include: Passport Night on Tuesday, February 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Family Reading Night to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, March 1, and Art Night at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 29.

Jackson Park

the JACKSOn PArK CYbOrGAnICS (above) robotics team 3989 participated in the FIRST Lego League (FFL) and advanced to the finals on November 22. Team members included fourth graders Della Cox, Matthew McMahon, Taylor Simpson and David White; fifth graders Alex Dippold, Nick Reznick, John Tschampel and Jeremy West; and sixth grader Devon Simpson. Special appreciation to coach Cindy Thierry and mentor Sal Francis, along with Cyborganics’ sponsor Ranken Technical College.

the JP teChnOLOGY teAM 1235 earned the Rookie Award during the FFL competition by making a “big impact” on the judges and showing that although they may be new and still learning the ropes, they really understand what FLL is about, and are on their way to great things. Team members include third graders Louis Barnes, Aidan Beringer, Cooper Deitzler, Devin Ford, Nicole Holahan and Phoebe Thoroughman. Their coach is Kim Deitzler and mentors are Joycelyn Barnes, Bret Beringer, Ed Deitzler and Kurt Thoroughman. Team sponsors are Microchip, Humidifall, Play it Forward, Future Lighting Systems and Simply Thick.

Meet the teACherS nIGht was hosted on August 13 at Jackson Park School.

JACKSOn PArK StUDent COUnCIL donated $500 to help sponsor Jackson Park families in need as part of the districtwide Holiday Appeal to provide food, personal care Across the District continued on page 15

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approach and learn by “doing and discovering” many different scientific concepts.

CUrrICULUM nIGht (above) at Nathaniel Hawthorne saw the largest attendance in the past seven years. On September 10, the PTO provided childcare while parents visited classrooms. Making the night magical, Presto the magician from Abra-Kid-Abra concluded the evening’s festivities with a magic show for families and staff.

bArneS & nObLe bOOKStOre hosted Nathaniel Hawthorne’s annual Book/Art Fair on November 7 and 8 with more than 50 pieces of students work on display (above). Students in first and third grade read (below) their original work during the fair.

LIbrArIAn SUSAn rennICK received a grant to purchase 75 new books from the Bluford Series. These high interest books have been well received, especially by students in the upper grades.

the bOOK exChAnGe SheLF in the main

hallway has seen steady use by students who are allowed to take a book home and keep it or bring it back. They are encouraged to replenish the shelf with books they no longer need. Community members are welcome to donate child-level books to the school.

MAGIC CLUb (above) had more than 40 students registered for the ten available slots that was expanded to accept 13 participants in the weekly after-school club. Students received their own magic box and new tricks to put in it each week. The goals of the magic club were to develop presentation skills, confidence, improve reading skills and to have fun. Students in grades 2-6 participated and put on a show for their families on December 2, 2009.

PershingPerShInG reAD-A-thOn guest readers brought a little extra sunshine to the rainy day classrooms on October 8. According to Marsha Avery, the school’s Title I reading specialist, each classroom had at least one reader, and most of them had two or more. The 35 special guest readers included University City Board of Education directors Trudy Moon and Ellen Bern; Darryl Cobb, Ed.D., assistant superintendent of Human Resources; Hazel Erby, St. Louis County councilwoman; Dalal Juma, executive secretary to Councilman Charlie Dooley of St. Louis County; Terry Crow, University City Councilman; University City Police Sergeant Lemmons; University City Fire Battalion Chief Bill Hinson and residents/parents Derrick Coley, Christiane Carlsson, Maryanne Zaggy, and John Finch.

hOMeCOMInG 2009 PArADe FLOAt winners were Pershing’s fourth, fifth and sixth graders with “Walk Like An Egyptian,” featuring the pharaoh and his queen, a mummy inside his sarcophagus, followed by a host of Egyptian soldiers and dancers.

FIrSt GrADerS used their five senses and crossed

curricular subject areas as they took a close look at apples and how they grow! They read about the adventures of Johnny Appleseed, prepared home-made applesauce to learn about sequencing and following instructions, then charted and graphed who liked the tasty treat.

PhYSICAL eDUCAtIOn CLASSeS are focusing on health issues that are prevalent in today’s society. Coach Annette Smith asks parents and community members to help encourage children to follow the recommended guidelines to maintaining a healthier lifestyle and eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest.

treKKInG tO the DeLMAr LOOP from Pershing Elementary School, third grade students visited the University City Public Library for a tour, some tall tales and applying for individual library cards followed by a sack lunch in Delmar-Harvard Elementary School’s cafeteria and a trip to Cold Stone Creamery for an ice cream treat.

FOUrth GrADerS wrOte stories about ghosts, vampires, goblins and witches with the support of resource teacher Tasha Scola, who explained the writing process.

thrOUGh Other eYeS was the second quarter theme for sixth graders who studied Egyptians in world history, explored oceans in science, studied fractions in math and focused on grammar and parts of speech in language arts.

SAFetY PAtrOL has been established based on academic achievements and behavior.

OCtOberFeSt 2009 at Pershing Elementary included a second MAP rally on October 29. Kindergarten, first and second graders participated in the “Literacy Parade,” that featured student-created costumes based upon their favorite storybook characters. Third through sixth graders listened to teachers read mysteries by flashlight in a darkened gymnasium. Later in the day, fifth and sixth graders had the opportunity to perform Michael Jackson’s infamous “Thriller” dance.

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314/993-0462 • [email protected] www. ucityaelprogram.org


December 200916



PArentS AnD Other COMMUnItY MeMberS are encouraged to donate an hour, a day, even just 15 or 20 minutes. Sign up in the main office for the “Hour of Power” parent volunteer program or call 314/290-4152.

Brittany woods

SOArInG eAGLeS, FIRST Lego League team 2756 (above) won the Spirit of St. Louis Award during the November 22 FLL competition, qualifying them to compete on January 16. This award was given for the best solution to improve life in the greater St. Louis bi-state region. The team’s solution was a double-decker bus for the Delmar Loop in University City. Representatives from the team presented the concept to the niversity City City Council on November 16 (See page 7). Eighth grader Shola (Addy) Adawale served as an assistant to the event manager for the November 21-22 competition.

heLP bw LIbrArY eArn MOneY. When you use Good Search or Good Shop, the Brittany Woods Middle School library will receive money.Good Search is a search engine powered by Yahoo. For every search you do through this site, the BW library can receive a penny (1¢). When you use Good Shop to purchase something online, the BW library can earn a percentage back and there are also coupons for users. Both of these sites are available at goodsearch.com. Simply download the toolbar to make things easier when you search and shop!

CAreer PArent nIGht was held at Brittany Woods Middle School for parents of students in grades 7-12 on December 2. The event featured Renee Bales, a Missouri Connections trainer from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Jefferson City, who shared about the Missouri Connections program, powered by KUDER. The online program helps middle and high school students open the door for career and educational exploration in order to research, evaluate and plan their career and educational future. Parents learned about the program; how students will use it and how the resources can help assist with college and career planning. For

more information about the program, visit www.missouriconnections.com; or discuss it with a middle school or high school counselor.

brIttAnY wOODS FAMILY FUn nIGht was fun for the whole family from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 4, and featured inflatables, karaoke, balloon animals, dance, movies, face painting and Chinese tattoos. A can of food offered $1 off admission cost and were donated to local families in need.

InnOVAtIVe teChnOLOGY eDUCAtIOn FUnD (ITEF) awarded $3,810 in grant funds to eighth grade math teacher Melissa Stefanowicz to purchase both a SMART Board and a document camera. The Innovative Technology Education Fund partners with schools and non-profits to support innovative ideas and models that leverage the use of technology to enhance learning for students and classroom educators. Their grants focus on improving student achievement, extending learning outside regular classroom hours, and providing technology orientated professional development. For more information, visit www.enhancinglearning.com.

CItIzenShIP reCOGnItIOn for the first quarter at Brittany Woods Middle School was awarded to seventh graders Elise Bell, Derek Bomar, Rafael Bonilla, Henry Braeske, Rebecca Coffer, Derrick Freeman, Anysia Henry, Brendan Hummel-Abraham, Emily Looby, Gabriela Moreno, Kerstin Morley, Juan Munoz-Reyes, Alice Mutrux, Benjamin Pomerantz, Charlotte Sechrist and Addama Tucker; along with eighth graders Marlynna Blumer, Gianni Cook, Jacqueline (Jamie) Cox, Areli Munoz-Reyes, Eric Strand Jr. and Molly Paterson.

AttenDAnCe affects a student’s opportunity for instructional time and can greatly influence their academic performance. Perfect Attendance recognition was given for the first quarter to seventh graders Jaryn Bryant-Blackshear, Henry Braeske, Payton Durbin, Derrick Freeman, Tylan Jamison, Diamond Jones, Derrion Lambert, Michael Lavender, Rebekah Lyons, Cleo Pleasant and Marquel Rogers; along with eighth graders Marylynna Blumer, Nicholas Casper, Jacqueline (Jamie) Cox, Andrea Henderson, Akilah John, Devan Lewis, Kadarryl Polk, Craig Saurberry, Alex Schlitter, Correy Smotherson, Eric Strand and Aahron Young.

FIrSt qUArter hOnOr rOLL scholars are seventh graders Lachai Allen, Christopher Andry, Elise Bell, Constance Bennett, Mychal Benson, Jaryn Bryant-Blackshear, Essence Blankinship, Derek Bomar, Rafael Struziatto Bonilla, Henry Braeske, D’lija Brown, Joshua Bush, Deja Carter, Isaac Clark, Talan Clark, Andre Latham-Clark, Rebecca Renee-Jinnette Coffer, Asia Cole, Saton Collins, Tiffany Cooper, Julian E De La Rosa, Walter Deitzler, Anthony Dickerson, Keira Duncan, Payton Durbin, Caleb Enochs, Simone Foxx, Derrick Freeman, Zaccheus Griffin, Raven Harry, Victor Harvey,

Anysia Henry, Kristen Hines, Kayla Holmes, Brendan Abraham-Hummel, Askia Ingram, Tylan Jamison, Kanesha Jenkins, Jordan Jennings, Diamond Channel Jones, Darrell Judie, Derrion Lambert, Emily Looby, Rebekah Lyons, Sloan Marion, Niza Ming, Same’ Mokhamad, Gabriela Moreno, Kerstin Morley, Juan Reyes-Munoz, Alice Mutrux, Alijah Nelson, Daizia Norwood, Avery Nunley, Yusuf Muhammad-Olushola, Ashanti Parker, Terrell Perry, Cydney Dena’ Joy Poland, Maria Polzin, Benjamin Pomerantz, Eryania Porter, Jevone Robinson, Marquel Rogers, D’mario Miller-Rogers, Charlotte Sechrist, Hudson Maren Smith, Keonn Smith, Wilbert Smith, Samantha Strand, Carnequa Sutton, Vanessa Tabourne, Brandi Terry, Addama Tucker, Hawa Tucker, Marlon Tuckson, Erika Tyler, Dorien Walker, Jasmine Warlick, Janay West, Andrew White, Mario Whitley, Cayla Yates and Nakia Yates; along with eighth graders Quintin Adams, Adeshola Adewale, Katrina Allen, Montreal Andrews, Marlynna Blumer, Nakia Brandon, Taion Brown, James Buchanan, Justice Carter, Chelsea Casey, Nicholas Casper, Kaylee K Castro, Kelsey Castro, Kaelin Barnes-Clabon, Marina Alise Claunch, Crystal Clay, Miquella Cochren, Gianni Cook, Jacqueline Cox, Andrea Dicarlo, Shane Garth, Alleyah Glenn, Meranda Green, Ramauda Green, Andrea Henderson, Maliaka Hill, Te’aira Hudson, Charles Edward Jackson, Sherrell Jefferson, Jayla Jenkins, Akilah John, Jeffrey Jones, Marlena Jones, Haley Landre, Devan Alexander Lewis, Chelsea Malone, Diamond Martin, Jazzmine Mason, Alana Mayo, Armani McCaw, Joel McDonald, Ashley Symone’ McGee, Areli Reyes-Munoz, James Murphy, Molly Paterson, Kiara Reese, Ondrea Robinson, Rashad Scales, Roneisha Simpson, Boruch Smason, Joshua Smith, Correy Smotherson, Eric Strand Jr, Francis Stuart, Clinton Swanigan, Lamont Swanigan, Daniece Tate, Isaiah Trimble, Claire Tschampel, Cabria Turner, Caitllyn Ward, Reneise White, Shen Yang and Aahron Young.

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University City High Schoolcordially invites UCHS Juniors and Seniors and their families to a

College Financial Aid Workshop Wednesday, January 13, 2010

6:30 p.m.University City High School Cafeteria

7401 Balson Avenue (63130)

“Financial Assistance 101” presented by St. Louis University’s

George S. Winston & Katie GoeddeAssistant Director of Recruitment & Coordinator for New Students & Outreach

For more information, contact Dr. Bailey at 314-290-4111 or email [email protected].


December 2009 17


UchSthe rObOLIOnS competed in the FIRST Technology Challenge (FTC) Robotics Competition (See page 7) at Florissant Valley Community College on December 5. Represented by Grace E. Deitzler, Matthew Foster, Nathan Garland, Jacob Hammond, Daniel Politte and Mike Sarber, the team placed an impressive tenth out of 35 in their rookie year. Supporting the team are coaches Frank Kelton, Chris Perkowski and Dave Sarber, along with mentor April Pritchard and administrative sponsors Chris Blumenhorst and Nikki Davenport. A 2010 Founder’s Grant, coordinated by Dean Kamen and the Boeing Inspirational Grant coordinated by April Pritchard, Henry Graham and Susie Mathieu, will provide the majority of funds needed to pay for student registration and for the St. Louis FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) in March 2010.

UChS GOLDen exPLOSIOn MArChInG bAnD entertained the participants and visitors during the above described December 5 competition.

DArK OF the MOOn was presented on November 13 and 14 by the University City High School (UCHS) Drama Club Black Mask. UCHS senior Cameron Tesson selected, directed and played John, the lead character in the production that was originally scheduled for Halloween weekend. Other supporting parts were played by Ashanti Borders as Barbara Allen; Taquoara Hardieway as Dark Witch; Monica Phelps, Fair Witch; Tami Tillman as Gray Witch; Luke Babich as Conjur Man & Reverend Haggler; Julian Johnson as Marvin Hudgens; Alaina York as Conjur woman and Mr. Allen; senior Camille Whitfield as Mrs. Allen; senior Isaiah Simpson as Floyd Allen; Sarah Sarber as Mrs. Summey; Cliffon LeSeur-Brown as Mr. Summey; Kayla Heidelberg as Edna Summey; Lisa Parker as Mrs. Bergen; TaQuoara Hardieway as Ella Bergen; Zoe Moffitt as Miss Metcalf; Demetrius Clayton as Hank Grudger and Camaron Ballard as Mr. Atkins.

the FreShMen GUeSt SPeAKer Series continues for its second year at UCHS on September 17 with Hubert Hoosman, St. Louis area president of the Vantage Credit Union; Joylynn Wilson, superintendent of schools, and UCHS sophomore Jenee Chisholm, who shared freshman memories and advice. Additional fall 2009 guest speakers included Dr. Ingrid Taylor, a local MD, also iscussed preparation for medical school and the profession itself with a “real talk” to students about life choices, positive or negative, and the impact of making particular choices, and Dramon Foster, defense attorney for the city of Clayton and UCHS graduate; and Garthion Tripplett, an alternative


Annual college fair fills high school gym

More than 400 students and parents attended the September 21 Missouri Association for College Admission

Counseling (MOACAC) College Fair hosted by the University City High School (UCHS). Guests came from neighboring high schools as well, including Brentwood, Cardinal Ritter, Eskridge, Jennings, Normandy and St. Louis Public.

Special appreciation is extended to the schools, colleges, universities and other organizations who were represented at the fair including Academy of Beauty, Avila University, Ball State University, Barnard College, Barnes-Jewish College (Goldfarb-Nursing), Blackburn College, Bradley University, Central Methodist University, Chamberlain School of Nursing, Coe College, Colorado State University, Columbia College, MO, Cornell College, Cottey College, Creighton University, Culver-Stockton College, Devry University, Dominican University, Drake University, Drury University, Everest College, Fontbonne University, Greenville College, IL, Hannibal-LaGrange College, Harris-Stowe State University, Hendrix College, Illinois College, Indiana University, Iowa Wesleyan College, ITT Technical College, Johnson & Wales University, Kansas State University, Knox College, Lincoln University, Lindenwood University, Linn State Technical College, Logan Chiropractic College, Loyola University -Chicago, Lutheran School

of Nursing, Maryville University, McKendree University, Millikin University, Missouri Baptist University, Missouri State University, Missouri Valley State University, Missouri Western State University, Murray State University, Nashville Auto Diesel College, Northwest Missouri State University, Princeton Review, Purdue University, Ranken Technical College, Robert Morris University, Rockhurst University, Saint Louis University, Scholarship Foundation, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Southwest Baptist University, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, St. Louis Community College, Stephens College, Truman State University, United States Army, United States Navy, University of Kansas, University of Central Missouri, University of Evansville, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Missouri-Science & Technology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Nebraska, Washington University, Webster University, Western Illinois State University, Westminster College, William Jewel College, William Woods University and Wisconsin, University - Madison.

This event was coordinated by Katherine Bailey, Ph.D., UCHS college/career resource coordinator.

UchS tradition of recognizing academic achievement with letters and pin continues

During University City High School’s Academic “U” Awards Assembly on September 25, Superintendent Joylynn

Wilson, School Board Secretary Bob Elgin and Principal Tim Wernentin shared words of inspiration and congratulated students who were honored. Associate Principal Chris Blumenhorst read the names of students while Wilson and Wernentin shook hands and presented the students with their recognitions.

Students with a grade point average of 3.0 or above for the 2008-2009 school year received special recognition. First-year recipients received

academic “U” letters, similar to the school’s athletic letters. Academic bar-pins were given to juniors and seniors who had received an academic letter in previous years.

Letters were awarded to sophomores Zachary Anthony, Bryce Arrington, Bryan Aston, Luke Babich, Rameses Blount, Amani Borders, Jalani Briggs, Ariel Brown, Antwanytte Bryant, Theresa Childress, Terrance Childs, Chantelle Collins, Shelby Corbin, Mone’t Marissa Covington, Armani Cross, Dominic D’agrosa, Keith Lajuane

Academic U continued on page 19


December 200918



school principal in Florida and UCHS graduate. Upcoming speakers for 2010 will include Danan McSellers, a UCHS parent and funeral director for the William C. Harris, and brothers Steven and Stevie Calicutt, computer specialists. The freshman guest speaker series is coordinated by Dorthea Nevils, a UCHS teacher and alum. For more information or to arrange to be a guest speaker, email [email protected].

UChS reD CrOSS YOUth COrPS’ eight members and UCHS volunteer coordinator Elaine Alexander worked with Drenda Underwood from the Red Cross and took part in a mock disaster drill (See page 10) at Forest Park Hospital on September 15. Student participants included Ashanti Borders, Kayla Foster, Taquoara Hardieway, Keon Hogan, Barbara Holcomb, Jamahl Jackson, Lulay Kassa and Tyara Smith.

YeArbOOK AnD newSPAPer students Hybrie Brownlee, Sydney Gooch, Sydney Pritchard and Rachel Sobotka attended the summer 2009 Journalism Camp to improve their skills in writing, design and photography.

MISS tALenteD teen OF MISSOUrI was awarded to UCHS senior Kayla Moore during the summer of 2009. She was in the top 10 in the international competition held in New York City.

UChS DAnCe StUDentS will benefit from the expertise of Antonio Douthit, currently with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and Alicia Graf, formerly of Alvin Ailey company and currently on staff at COCA, during a residency in Modern Dance that begins January 11. This cooperative effort is provided by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council. A culminating performance has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m., on January 29, in the UCHS Auditorium. This event will be free and open to the public.

A Dance St. Louis residency with River North Dance Company is scheduled for February and March.

Kinesis dancers will also be performing at the UCHS Black History Assembly during school in February, at the Maplewood Arts Festival in March, the Environmental Studies Tour of School Emphasizing Architecture and History in May and their Spring Concert at 6:30 p.m. on May 15.

Seniors Joii Williams and Marcus Johnson were named co-presidents of the Kinesis Dance Club. Williams was one of approximately 100 students accepted last summer into the Missouri Fine Arts Academy for dance. Johnson was accepted into COCAdance’s first company.

the UChS brOADCASt CLUb of 2008-09 created a short video entitled ‘Battle of the Sexes,’ directed by Hybrie Brownlee and Jarohn Johnson. The film was accepted into the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase and screened at the Tivoli Theatre on July 23. It featured UCHS’s

macho men and feline fashionistas in a spoof of TV wrestling matches including wrestlers Justin Nicks and state qualifiers DeMarco Kemp and Chris Vaughn. Rounding out the cast were UCHS students Maya Foster, Aubrion Taylor and Arriana Moore. Club sponsors are Mary Williams and Curtis Stuart. A grant for equipment and course instructor Kathy Corley from Webster University was provided by CALOP. For more information, visit www.cinemastlouis.org/showcase.

UnIVerSItY CItY PUbLIC LIbrArY appreciates the support of UCHS students in their summer reading program and teen volunteer program. Participants included sophomores Rachael Aiken, Samuel Bashkin, Hannah Dallas, Grace Deitzler, Pearl Dorvio, Eliana Hudson, Troy Jones, Lizzy Jurries, Camisha Luellen, Mercy Omodia, Daphne Pastard, Daniel Politte, Sam Polzin, Myles Roberts, Wilbert Smith, Anna Soifer and Jordan Suber; juniors Ariel Brown, Joshua Dallas, Najee Harris-Copeland, Ben Mizes, Matthew Robinson and Raheem Tolbert; along with seniors Jacob Bashkin, Yosef Groener, Zoe Maffitt and Jenny Mozier.

tALKInG It OUt - Getting It Together, an Alateen program for young people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking, is a newly established program co-sponsored by UCHS and Al-Anon. Meetings are Monday afternoons from 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. in the lower level of Christ the King School, 7324 Balson Avenue. For details, contact guidance counselor Ponchita Argieard or call 314/290-4114.

hIStOrICAL SOCIetY of University City selected first place winners Robert Evans for “Bravery on the Boulevard” and Zoe Moffitt for “Letter to Mary Louise” in the essay contest celebrating the 100 Year Birthday of the Lions at the Gates of Opportunity. Anya Dodgson Klooster earned honorable mention for “Just Flames.” Evans and Moffitt received $500 and Klooster received $250. All three essays were published in the Historical Society’s newsletter Illuminations and were read at the 100th Birthday Party in September.

UchS Athletics“WOW - what a Fall!” declared Kim Loomis, District athletic director. “The U teams all had successes in what was one of our best fall seasons ever!”

The UCHS field hockey team won pool championship (above) undefeated at the Gateway Classic tournament on September 5 and ended their season 14-4-1 with a tough double-over-time loss in the Mid-West Tournament. Kat Simpson was the area’s top scorer. Many UCHS players were selected for all-metro honors.

Softball players Amini Border, Missy Mamon, and Keana Henderson received second team all-conference honors and KP Phillips received honorable mention from the Suburban East Softball Coaches Association.

Rebekah Byrne received first team all conference honors from the Suburban South Conference Volleyball Coaches.

In cross country, David Lambus won the Suburban South Conference Meet and placed sixth at the state meet. Conner Crowe, Emma Mutrix, and Clair Hulett also placed in the top 25 at the conference meet and qualified for State XC.

The Varsity Football Lions WON District, WON the region championship, but lost in a tough re-match against Normandy in sectionals. Darrion Petty was named player of the game by Prepcast for his efforts in the Regional game and Sam Brown was named player of the game for his efforts in the Sectional game. Highlights of the

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invites you to an Open House

January 11-15, 2010Monday thru Friday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

ALSO: Monday & Wednesday: 6 - 8 p.m.

New City Fellowship1483 82nd Street • University City, MO 63132

For more information, contact: 314/993-0462 • [email protected]

www. ucityaelprogram.org


December 2009 19


regional and sectional football games can be heard at www.prepcast.com.

For the winter season, UCHS welcomes two new head coaches: David Gammon, UCHS health teacher, who will oversee the boys basketball program. Gammon has been involved with UCHS during the past several years and worked closely with long-time basketball coach Danny Wansley. Gammon brings experience from all levels and is working on developing a district-wide basketball program to help develop skills and provide playing opportunities for younger students. The Lady Lions are being lead by Janice Tompkins, who comes from Normandy where she coached the Vikings into the final four of the State tourney. Tompkins has a proven style of speed and skill. She expects and accepts nothing but the best from her student athletes. A record number of 64 girls tried out for the UCHS basketball team.

Girls swim team has moved to the winter season. Coached by Kurt Tuegel, they also had a record number of 24 girls tried out. With a larger team, they will be able to fill each event and relay.

Wrestling, lead by coaches Pat Oligschaeger and Eric Morgan, returns strong. Three-time state qualifier DeMarco Kemp returns as the heavy-weight favorite, joined by a team of strong contenders.

Seasons schedules are available at www.highschoolsports.net.

To join the UCHS Athletic Boosters or volunteer to assist during a home sporting event, call 314/290-4106 or email [email protected].

lieberman learning centerStUDent OF the MOnth recognitions for August 2009 included Keith Beverly for Consistent Good Work in Art, Excellent Attitude & Perseverance in Science and Consistent Good Work & Dedication in Communication Arts; Daryl Carter for Best Baseball Work; Kharneyzia Phillips for Helpfulness in Math and Jeremy Rimson for Consistent Effort in Social Studies

September 2009 recognitions included Keith Beverly for Academic Achievement in T1; Ayanna Clay for Academic Achievement in Applied; Daryl Carter for Consistent Good Work in Art; Amanda Church for Academic Achievement in T1 and Excellent Attitude & Perseverance in Science; Shamika Ellis for Good Attitude & Outstanding Work in Communications; Dominque Kilpatrick for Consistent Good Work in Math; Donshalia Stallings for Consistent Effort in Social Studies and Shekinah Taylor for Academic Achievement in T1.

Academic U continued from page 17

Davis, Justin Dickerson, Alex Dlugosch, Daniel Egan, Stephanie Farber, Joseph Ferber, Bianca Freeman, Miah Hayes, Markita Hayes, Keana Henderson, Otis Howell, Sandra Ivory, Shayla Jackson, Courtnee Jackson, Shontaya Jackson, Marcus Johnson, Ciara Jones, Tyler Jones, Lulay Haile Kassa, Samuel Katz, Demarco Kemp, Nathan King, Anya Klooster, Semont Lee-Davis, Marlisha Mamon, Athena Mayo, Antionio Mays, Ellen McCray, Raven McFadden, Stephen McIntosh, Jordano Miller, Brian Minton, Jennifer Mozier, Jamecah Murphy, Jene’ Neal, Christina Myrtle Peak, Lynden Peoples, Kevin Phillips, Faison Phillips, Susana Pluma, Gabrielle Ray, Rosita Rique-Sanchez, Bryant Scaife, Salenia Shaw, Rachel Sobotka, Leanna Tisdale, Raheem Tolbert, Danielle Janine Walker, Julian Washington and Kevin Lamont Wright.

The following juniors received letters: Jacob Bashkin, Keyla Brown, Hybrie Brownlee, Kelvin Carrawell, Daryl Monae Carter, Connor Crowe, Lequishia Culpepper, Danielle Rochelle Davis, Maya Foster, Yosef Menachem Groener, Arriana Hayes, Autumn Jacobs, Semira Kadir, Ben Mizes, Emma Mutrux, Ariel Neely, Lakia Parks, Timothy Pawlow, Daijha Perry, Abigail Shea, Mytresa Taylor and Tanasia Tidwell.

Pins were awarded to juniors Adeola Adewale, Devin Alfred, Benjamin Aronberg, Bryce Balber, Loreal Theresa Campbell, Marietta Cohill, Erica Collins, Kayla David, Ariel Ellis, Robert Evans, Ruby Ficklen, Ariel Foster, Derikah Greene, Michel Hodge, Elijah Hoskins, Nikita Humphrey, Justin Ingram, Kevin Christopher Luber, Kenneishia Martin-Bush, Mary Morrison, Emmanuel Price, Jordan Rosser, Chiles Russell-Taylor, Katricia Shucks, Jalesa Snelson, Elsa Stuart, Ashley Umstead, Ashley White and LaShaunta Williams-Miller.

Seniors Avion Ashford, Charme Benson, Antoin Brewer, Jessica Alexis Coonrod, Kayla Foster, Bridjett Holliday, Chaterra Holmes, Demetria Hooker, Terlisa Jennings, Jarohn Johnson, John Johnson, Michael Johnson, Tayler Jones, Alec Kaczkowski, David Keeling, Meaghan Kinnaird, Eddie Manning, Joi Miller, Tiffany Riggins, Maurice Robinson, Juanita Robinson, Sarah Elizabeth Sarber, Cameron Tesson, Valeria Toles, Cierra Maldine Wallace, Gregory Ware, Joii Williams, Elliot Wilson and Candace Woodard also received letters.

Pins were earned by seniors Monikqua Brown, Loreal Burkhalter, Rebekah Byrne, Anna Carlsson, Keenan Carrawell, Kelsy Jeanne Chapman, Jenee’ Chisholm, Leslie Coley, Joshua Dallas, Joseph Egan, Shantecha Ellis-Taylor, William Evans, Romiyus Gause, Hana S Getu, Sydney Gooch, Derica Renae Harvey, Claire Hulett, Calvin Leon Jackson, Camille A Johnson, Markus Jones, Christian Kinslow, Zoe Maffitt, Jason Mavropoulos, Kevin Moody, Nathan Paul, Sydney Pritchard, Matthew Russell, Katherine Hayes Simpson, Brittany SLoan, Kelend Smith, Devin Spears, Deanna Terrell, Brittany Noel Travis, Daryana Warren, Dara Larisha Williams and Alexander Yentumi.

October 2009 recognitions include Ebony Baldwin, Consistent Effort in Math; Daryl Carter, Academic Achievement in Applied Math & Informal Geometry and Academic Achievement for T2; Amanda Church, Academic Achievement for T2; Ayanna Clay, Conscientious Worker in Science, Academic Achievement in Applied Math and Achievement in T2; Deznick Coleman, Helpfulness & Good Attitude; Ernest Everett, Outstanding Analysis in Social Studies; Dominique Hayes, Conscientious Worker in High School Service; Brandi Jennings, Academic Achievement in Applied Math and Academic Achievement for T2; Dominque Kilpatrick, Academic Achievement in Communications & Ethnic Literature; Zsaniece Lewis, Steady Improvement in Science and Helpfulness in the Office; Trasha Rucker, Academic Achievement for T2; Donshalia Stallings, Academic Achievement for T2; Shekinah Taylor, Academic Achievement for T2 and Arielle Williams, Academic Achievement for T2.

SUPer exCeLLent AttenDAnCe for first term of 2009-2010 school year was awarded to: Will Adams, Ebony Baldwin, Daryl Carter, Montez Finney, Jasmine Fitzpatrick and Jeremy Rimson. Excellent Attendance recognition was given to Will Adams, Arian Baldwin, Keith Beverly, Amanda Church, Ayanna Clay, Lavelle Crosby, Lavell Davis, Joshua Doss-Cain, Jasmine Fitzpatrick, Justin Garner, Justine Garner, Brandi Jennings, Dominque Kilpatrick, Tempest King, Zsaniece Lewis, Troy McAdoo, Kharneyzia Phillips, Jeremy Rimson, Pierra Steward, Marc Taylor, Andre Thomas-Lang, Andrew Vance, Brittney Williams and Djuan Williams.

Second term Excellent Attendance Awards were given to: Arian Baldwin, Ebony Baldwin, Daryl Carter, Ayanna Clay, Joshua Doss-Cain, Dominque Kilpatrick, Tempest King, Brittney Williams and Djuan Williams.

Sunrise conservatoryteacher hamiet blewitt and the University City Sunrise Conservatory program were featured in the September 2009 issue of the nationally reknowned publication.

wInter reCItALS were held at 7:15 a.m. on December 17 for Delmar-Harvard, Flynn Park and Pershing Sunrise Conservatory students and December 18 for Barbara C. Jordan, Jackson Park and Nathaniel Hawthorne musicians.

the SPrInG 2010 SUnrISe COnCert has been scheduled for all schools for May 19, at 7 p.m., in the University City High School auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

FOr MOre InFOrMAtIOn about the Sunrise Conservatory before school music program, contact Suzanne Schoomer, Sunrise Conservatory facilitator, at 314/862-8246 or 314/808-1019; or email [email protected].

Dated Material. Distribute as soon as possible.

School DiStrict of UniverSity city8136 Groby RoadUniversity City, MO 63130

Non-Profit Org.U. S. Postage

PAiDSt. Louis, MO

Permit No. 276

ECRWSS

University City board of educationTom Peters, President

Stacy Clay, Vice PresidentBob Elgin, SecretaryEllen Bern, Director

Todd Gilyard, DirectorTrudy Moon, Director

Linda Peoples, Director

Joylynn L. Wilson, Superintendent of Schools

SChOOL DIStrICt of UnIVerSItY CItY8136 Groby Road, University City, MO 63130

314/290-4000www.ucityschools.org

Applicants for admission or employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral, and all professional organizations that have entered into agreements with the School District of University City are hereby notified that our School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities. Inquiries or concerns regarding the application of this notice may be referred to our School District’s Compliance Coordinator for civil rights laws, Dr. Daryryl Cobb, Assistant Superintendent/Human Resources, 8136 Groby Road, University City, MO 63130, phone (314) 290-4023. Any person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under Title VI (race/color/national origin), Title IX (sex), the Age Discrimination Act (age), Section 504 (disability), or Title II of the ADA (disability), may contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, MO 64114; phone (816) 268-0550.

December 2009

issue highlightsSuperintendent news, page 2

China trip, page 2

ParentLink, page 2

barbara C. Jordan Groundbreaking, page 3

bond Issue, page 3

School board news, page 4

District testing, page 5

Late Start times, page 6

Parent Involvement Committee, page 6

Middle School redesign, page 6

Sixth Grade Moves in 2011, page 6

robotics, page 7

returning Artist, page 7

hall of Fame, page 8

Green Center, page 9

h1n1 & Immunizations, page 9

everyday Math, page 9

MLK, page 8

Volunteerism, page 10

Fired Up for Kindergarten, page 10

Across the District, page 11-19

Summer Sports Camp, page 12

Show Me brittany, page 13

College Financial Aid workshop, page 16

Academic U, page 17

AeL Open house, page 18

hot 104.1 brings “PeAce concert “ to UchS

University City High School’s auditorium jammed on December 10 to the music

of Murphy Lee (Torhi Harper, former Jackson Park Elementary and Brittany Woods Middle School student) and friends, including Aloha Mi’sho (Aloha Mischeaux, UCHS alum, class of 2003); St. Lunatics Kyjuan (Robert Kyjuan Cleveland, UCHS alum, class of 1994) and City Spud (Lavell Webb, UCHS class of 1993); Chingy; Donnie Banxx, Luey V and Gena as part of HOT 104.1 FM’s Hot Holiday High School tour. The tour kickoffs Lee’s new album release as well as his U C ME’s P.E.A.C.E initiative (Please Educate All Children Everyday) aimed at spreading positive messages to our students in the community.

HOT radio’s Young Dip & Tony J! helped Lee relay positive messages of maintaining good grades, good behavior and good attendance.

Dancers included the Matiff dance group, who have worked with national recording artist, including Nelly (Cornell “Nelly” Haynes, Jr, UCHS alum, class of 1993).

Aloha (above center) shared Murphy Lee’s (right) message of the importance of working

hard in school and continuing education. Also performing

during the December 10 Peace Concert were former UCHS students now known

as City Spud (above left) and Kyjuan (below left).

Documents

PRIDE - December 2009