Office Break-In
Our offices throughout the building were senselessly overturned, creating a mess and disorganization.
Hallways Overturned
Our hallways are normally set up as reading nooks to invite our students into a comfortable place to read a good book, but they were knocked over and scattered.
Classroom Chaos
Our classrooms take weeks to prepare for our students, and at this point in the school year, our students look at their classrooms like a second home. To see their classrooms like this would have been traumatic for our young students.
Computer Lab Destroyed
Our computer lab computers were not stolen, but they were all thrown down and broken - again, a completely senseless act that did not result in anyone gaining anything, but we lost a great deal.
Cleaning Crew
Our staff and volunteers sanitized every single surface of every classroom and office. Because everything was knocked to the ground, we did not want our students to touch unclean surfaces. Our Sunday crew came through with sanitizing wipes and sprays and cleaned literally every single thing that our students and staff might touch in their reorganization efforts.
Custodian Hero Team
Our first responders included not only the Patrick Henry custodial team, but also several other SLPS schools' custodians and two Zone Managers, who came to Patrick Henry in the early hours of Sunday morning before the sun was even up! They did all of the heavy lifting. We never could have done this restoration without them.
Classrooms Reorganized
Our classrooms were immediately put back together through sheer physical labor on Sunday morning. Volunteers, staff, and custodians had to really flex their muscles to carry new desks in to replace the broken ones, and it was extra difficult because we do not have an elevator to our top floor!
Reading Nooks Ready
Our Reading Specialists, Ms. Emily and Ms. Evans, have worked tirelessly throughout this entire school year to build two beautiful spaces just for comfortable reading. It was devastating to see their hard work thrown on the floor, but it was even more powerful to see their hard work restored to its former glory. It reminded me of just how important these spaces are to us and our students.
Teachers' Lounge Restored
This year, we renovated a brand new Staff Lounge to provide a relaxing space for our teachers and staff when they have a short break in the day. Imagine our shock and sadness when that space had been ripped apart, and our brand new furniture was in pieces. Dr. Rogers' husband, Mr. Rob Curtis, drove to Ikea on Sunday and purchased all of the replacement furniture, and our volunteers helped us put it together so that it was ready for staff on Monday.
Kids Vision for Life
Thank you to our community partner, Kids Vision for Life St. Louis, who came to Patrick Henry for our follow-up appointments for all students who qualified for glasses and a more in-depth vision exam. Students were able to pick their new glasses and receive vision services, all at the convenience of the Vision Van! We are so excited to welcome 66 new students to the "Glasses Club"!
Kindergarten/1st Grade Field Trip
Ms. Willard and Ms. Versen took their students on a district-sponsored field trip to the Missouri History Museum this week and everyone had a delightful time learning about our local history! Students got a tour of the museum and had a beautiful day exploring this corner of Forest Park. We also found out that Ms. Karen Evans, our own Reading Specialist, is actually IN the Missouri History Museum! Her family is featured for their experiences growing up in St. Louis during segregation and urban development. Check out some pictures of the full field trip experience!
Little Bit Book Fair with KPMG
Our community partners, The Little Bit Foundation and KPMG, came to Patrick Henry with a special visit to bring us books! All of our students were able to come to the book fair and choose several books to take home with them permanently to add to their home libraries. This is perfect timing in preparation for the summer so our students can keep reading even when school is out! Thank you, Little Bit and KPMG!
April 12th, Field Trip to Grant's Farm, Kindergarten-5th Grade
Make sure your child arrives to school on time on April 12th so they can enjoy a free field trip to Grant's Farm! Students will be able to interact with over 900 animals who live on Grant's Farm and learn how to care for both land and creatures!
April 17th, MAP Testing Begins for 3rd-5th Graders
Our statewide assessment, the MAP test will begin on Monday, April 17th. Students in 3rd-5th grade will take multiple tests in Reading, Writing, Math, and Science, and will get to show what they know. It is extremely important for our students to get a full night's rest the day before a test, a healthy breakfast, and relaxation time when they get home from school that day. Encourage your child to do their very best on the state test!
April 29th, Resource Fair at Patrick Henry
This event will take place on Saturday, April 29th, behind Patrick Henry in our backyard driveway. Our community partners from Delta Sigma Theta Alumni Chapter of St. Louis will bring their cars full of supplies for our families to gather resources and enjoy a fun morning at Patrick Henry. All families are invited to join and take resources for their family! More details will be sent out closer to the event.
May 1st - May 5th, Educator Appreciation Week
Help celebrate your teachers for Educator Appreciation Week the first week of May! Families can send a thank you card to let your child's teachers know how much you appreciate what they do during the school day and beyond. If you need ideas on how to celebrate the staff of Patrick Henry, email Dr. Rogers at deborah.rogers@slps.org.