Academic Achiever: Family/Staff

Greeting SLPS Families and Staff -

As spring unfolds, we embrace a season of renewal and forward momentum. April marks an important time for reflection, preparation, and engagement as we continue working toward the success of our students and the future of Saint Louis Public Schools.

I want to extend my appreciation to the families who completed student registration during the priority period. Early registration plays a key role in our ability to plan for the upcoming school year. For those who have not yet registered, the process remains open through the summer. Families should also be mindful that students requiring transportation for the 2025-2026 school year must opt in by selecting transportation on the registration form. Ensuring these selections are made now will help us create an efficient and reliable transportation plan.

This month also brings a focus on student assessments, including the MAP, EOC, ACT, and other standardized tests. These evaluations provide insight into student progress and help guide instructional support. I encourage our students to approach testing with confidence, knowing that their hard work throughout the year has prepared them well.

Additionally, we recognize and celebrate our 2025 Educators of the Year, individuals whose dedication to teaching and learning makes a lasting impact on our students and school communities. Their commitment reflects the high standards we set for education in SLPS.

As we continue looking ahead, I invite families, staff, and the broader community to participate in two important district engagement opportunities:

• Reimagining SLPS Presentations – These sessions focus on the district’s strategic vision. I will share my long-term vision for SLPS, including plans to improve student achievement, enhance operational effectiveness, and strengthen community partnerships. This is an opportunity for families, staff, and stakeholders to learn more about where SLPS is headed and the work being done to ensure a strong future for our students.

• Community Cafés – Separate from the Reimagining SLPS presentations, the Community Cafés provide an open forum for discussion. These gatherings are designed for candid conversations between district leadership, families, staff, and community members. They allow for transparent dialogue about priorities, concerns, and opportunities for collaboration. The Community Cafés were created in response to feedback from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) during the 2022-2023 school year, emphasizing the need for greater community input in our Transformation/Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Both engagement opportunities are critical in shaping the future of SLPS, and I encourage you to take part in the conversation.

With just a few months left in the school year, I appreciate the continued dedication of our students, families, and staff. Together, we remain focused on progress and the path ahead.

Dr. Millicent Borishade

Superintendent

Saint Louis Public Schools

April 7th - Board of Education Meeting @ SLPS Central Office

April 10th -

• Reimagining SLPS Presentation (Phase 1) - Harris Stowe State University - 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
• Community Cafe - Harris Stowe State University - 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
• Parent University - Harris Stowe State University - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

April 19th - Reimagining SLPS Presentation - SLPS Central Office (801 N 11th St.) - 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

April 22nd - Board of Education - Work Session

April 24th - Community Cafe @ Dewey Elementary School 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

April 26th - Spring Into Fitness 5k

April 30th - Reimagining SLPS Presentation - Carnahan Middle School - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Saint Louis Public Schools invites you to our Community Café—a space for open conversations, fresh ideas, and real solutions.

📅 Date: Thursday, April 10th
📍 Location: Harris Stowe State University (3026 Laclede Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63103)

🕕 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM

📅 Date: Thursday, April 24th
📍 Location: Dewey Elementary (6746 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109)
🕕 Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PM

Come share your thoughts, connect with district leaders, and help shape the future of SLPS. Your voice matters!

Spring Into Fitness is back on Saturday, April 26th, and this year, we’re teaming up with GO! St. Louis as part of the Greater St. Louis Marathon Weekend!

Join us for the 5K or 1-Mile Fun Run or enjoy Zumba, yoga, and the Foam Zone—there’s something for everyone.

Register by April 21st to receive a premium event shirt, finisher’s medal, and access to local food and drinks.

Don’t miss out—sign up today by clicking the link below. Full event details are available on Spring Into Fitness webpage.

📩 Questions? Contact gloria.nolan@slps.org or call 314-345-2485.

Spots for Camp SLPS are filling up fast! Open to all K-12 students in St. Louis City, this FREE, all-day summer program runs from June 2nd – June 27th and is packed with hands-on learning, exciting activities, and enrichment opportunities.

• FREE for all K-12 students in St. Louis City
• All-day program to support working families
• Runs June 2nd – June 27th
• Limited spaces – first come, first served

Don’t wait—secure your student’s spot today! Visit [SLPS website or registration link] to register now.

A huge thank you to all the families who have already registered their student(s) for the 2025-2026 school year! Your early registration helps us plan for a smooth and successful year ahead.

If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time! Registration remains open, and families needing transportation must opt-in on the registration form to secure bus service for next year.

Click one of the links below to complete your student’s registration today.

Parent University is a monthly in-person workshop series designed to empower families with the skills and confidence to support their children's education. These interactive sessions provide valuable strategies for enhancing student success, fostering positive school-home relationships, and promoting overall well-being.

Join us for Parent University on Thursday, April 10th, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Harris-Stowe State University. This workshop will focus on early college awareness and career pathways, equipping parents with strategies to support their children’s education.

The event includes a campus tour and opportunities for networking and resources.

Childcare will be provided, and interpreters for the district’s top languages will be available. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your child’s path to success! Onsite parking available.

The Board of Education of the City of St. Louis remains committed to effective governance and advocacy on behalf of our students and community.

• Governance Updates: The Board is actively revising the SLPS Bylaws to ensure they reflect current best practices and support our district's mission. Following the successful update and approval of our finance policies, the Board has initiated discussions on human resources policies, with the initial meeting held on March 13th.

Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025! The St. Louis Board of Elections will be using designated Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) gymnasiums as polling locations. On this day, these spaces will be reserved exclusively for voting.

To see which SLPS schools will serve as polling locations, check the list below. If your school is a polling site, please be mindful of increased foot traffic and potential adjustments to gym access.

Thank you for your cooperation as we support our community’s right to vote.

On Thursday, March 27, the Parent Action Council (PAC) Board Candidate Forum was held at Vashon High School from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The event brought together SLPS families, staff, and community members to hear directly from candidates running for the Saint Louis Public Schools Board of Education. With three of the seven board seats up for election on April 8, this forum provided an important opportunity for engagement and dialogue.

All candidates listed on the ballot were present, ensuring voters had the chance to hear from each contender. Participating candidates included:

• Karen Collins-Adams

• Brian Marston

• David Jackson

• Allisa AJ Foster

• William "Bill" Monroe

• Krystal Barnett

• Zacheriah Davis

• Antionette "Toni" Cousins

• Tavon Brooks

• Andre Walker

• Teresa "Teri" Powers

The forum featured an engaging Q&A session where parents, students, teachers, and school leaders posed critical questions. Some of the key topics included:

• Nahed Chapman Policy Reassessment – A teacher inquired whether elected board members would reconsider decisions related to Nahed Chapman.

• Permanent Staffing for Support Roles – A student asked about the candidates' plans for ensuring consistent staffing for school nurses, counselors, and other essential roles.

• Support for Building Leaders – A principal raised concerns about the need for additional support for school administrators.

• Outside Affiliations – A parent asked if any candidates had connections to The Opportunity Trust or other external organizations with potential outside influence.

With Election Day approaching on April 8th, SLPS families and community members are encouraged to learn more about each candidate by visiting their campaign websites and social media pages. An informed vote is a powerful vote—stay engaged and make your voice heard.

Join us for the April Parent Action Council (PAC) Meeting on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at Gateway STEM High School. This month, we’ll be joined by the Safety and Security Team, led by Mr. Terrell Baker, and the Facilities Team, led by Mr. Anthony Graphenreed.

Mr. Baker, the district’s new Director of Safety and Security, will introduce himself and share his vision for ensuring safe and secure learning environments across our schools. Both teams will also provide important updates on ongoing initiatives, improvements, and key priorities impacting students, families, and staff.

Make your voice heard and stay informed—we look forward to seeing you there.

To keep up with PAC meetings and activities, follow us on our Google page.

At SLPS, we're dedicated to developing well-rounded student prepared for success in life beyond the classroom. Our Portrait of a Graduate guides our approach, focusing on essential qualities like critical thinking, effective communication, cultural awareness, and collaboration. We empower our students to be change agents, ready to make a positive impact on their communities and the world.

This month, we’re spotlighting P. Rohman, a senior at Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, whose academic achievements are nothing short of extraordinary.

A Perfect ACT Score

Rohman joins an elite group of students nationwide by earning a superscore of 36 on the ACT—a testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence.

Mizzou’s Perfect Score Scholarship Recipient

In recognition of his achievement, Rohman has been awarded the Perfect Score Scholarship from the University of Missouri, covering:

• Full tuition and fees

• $3,500 annual stipend

• $13,700 for on-campus housing and dining (first year)

• $2,000 for research or study abroad

• $1,000 for technology enrichment

Looking Ahead

This fall, Rohman will take the next step in his journey at Mizzou, carrying the spirit of academic excellence that defines Saint Louis Public Schools. His success serves as an inspiration for students across the district.

Hear Rohman tell his story in his own words by watch the video below.

Vashon Wolverines boys basketball dominated Benton (St. Joseph, Mo.) 81-45 to claim their sixth consecutive Class 4 state title and 16th overall. Led by Missouri State commit T. Williams (16.9 PPG, 3.0 APG, 2.8 RPG), Vashon finished the season 27-2, with wins over top teams from six states.

Former Vashon star Jimmy McKinney Jr. secured a championship in his first season as head coach, continuing the program’s winning tradition. The Wolverines outscored opponents by an average of 37 points per game in the state tournament and now boast a 143-29 record over the past seven seasons. Read more about Vashon’s championship run below.

Each year, the Saturday Scholars program offers a unique opportunity for high school students from Saint Louis Public Schools and surrounding areas to dive deep into the fascinating world of human anatomy. Over five consecutive Saturdays in February and March, students attend interactive three-hour sessions led by medical students, exploring the wonders of human anatomy through engaging lectures, hands-on lab experiences, and clinical case studies.

The experience culminates with students showcasing their knowledge during an exciting awards ceremony held on the final Saturday. Through presentations and projects, participants demonstrate what they've learned, gaining invaluable exposure to medical careers and practical insights into human anatomy.

Congratulations to all our scholars for their dedication, curiosity, and academic excellence!

Reading has its rewards, and our students proved that during the 314/Pi Day Reading Challenge. Students across the district took on the challenge of reading at least 314 minutes, and 169 students met or exceeded that goal. To celebrate their achievement, a group of students joined Dr. Borishade for a private movie screening at Carr Lane Middle School on March 14, also known as 314 Day. Other students received their prizes at their schools.

This year’s featured film was Inside Out 2, a fitting celebration of the imagination and emotions that great books inspire. Seeing so many students committed to their reading goals was a reminder of how powerful stories can be in shaping young minds.

Thank you to all who participated and made this challenge a success. Whether it’s a book, a magazine, or a graphic novel, every minute spent reading helps build strong, curious, and lifelong learners. Keep turning those pages—there’s always another adventure waiting.

Saint Louis Public Schools proudly celebrates our exceptional educators and leaders whose commitment, passion, and innovation shape the futures of our students every day. The annual SLPS Educators of the Year awards recognize those who inspire excellence and leave a lasting impression in their classrooms, schools, and the broader district community.

Congratulations to the outstanding 2025 winners:

Early Childhood Education:

• Lindsey Smith, Patrick Henry Downtown Academy

Kindergarten:

• Lauren Hollis, Nance Elementary

Elementary Education:

• Reading: Lynette Farmer, Gateway MST Elementary

• Math: Evan Day, Mallinckrodt Academy of Gifted Instruction

Secondary Education (Grades 6-12):

• English Language Arts: Emily Zell, Sumner High

• Humanities/Social Studies: Caleb Pavon, Lyon Academy at Blow

• Math: Benjamin Klocke, McKinley Classical Leadership Academy

Specialized Areas:

• PE/Health: Kelcy Voegele, Humboldt Academy of Higher Learning

• Visual Arts: Jacob Lewis, McKinley Classical Leadership Academy

• Performing Arts: Robin Mik, Adams Elementary

• Special Education: Rhea Willis, Vashon High

• Specialty Support Areas: Abrahatzion Habtu, Soldan International Studies High

Leadership:

• Supporting Leader/AIC: Dianna Sumner, Sumner High

• Elementary Principal: Yvette Levy, Wilkinson Early Childhood Center

• Secondary Principal: LaRon Haymore, McKinley Classical Leadership Academy

Thank you all for your extraordinary dedication and exemplary leadership in education!

Saint Louis Public Schools proudly recognizes the dedication and commitment of our employees who are celebrating milestone anniversaries this month. Thank you for your years of service and for making a lasting impact on our students and community.

🎉 L. Sims – Speech Language Pathologist, Special Education

🎉 C. Kutilek – Small Engine Mechanic, Building Commissioner

🎉 D. Anderson – Early Childhood Teacher Assistant, Adams Elementary School
🎉 S. Taylor – Vocational Adjustment Counselor, Vashon High

🎉 L. Harris – Custodian, Building Commissioner
🎉 P. Jones – Regular Classroom Teacher, Mullanphy ILC

Congratulations to all of this month's honorees! Your dedication and service to our district are deeply appreciated and celebrated.

No worries! If you missed any past editions of the Academic Achiever, you can find them all at the link below. Stay informed and catch up on the latest SLPS news anytime!

Want to show your support for our amazing student athletes? Come cheer them on at an upcoming game.

SLPS offers a variety of exciting sporting events throughout the year, and we encourage all parents and families to join in the fun.

Here's how to get your tickets:

• Visit the SLPS Athletics website: You can find schedules, team information, and ticket links on the official SLPS Athletics website: https://www.slps.org/phltickets