SDUC Newsletter 10/04/24
As I reflect on the first month of the school year, I am thrilled to report our classrooms are buzzing with energy, our teachers are deeply engaged, and our students are diving into their studies with enthusiasm. I am in our schools every day, and our students, teachers, and staff are truly amazing. It’s always inspiring to see our community come together, supporting one another to create the best possible learning environment for all.
One of the highlights of this early school year was the recent visit from University City High School (UCHS) alum Bob Gale, Class of 1969 and 1999 Hall of Fame inductee. For the first time in 20 years, Gale returned to his alma mater to share his incredible journey in filmmaking, particularly the story behind his iconic movie “Back to the Future” and new musical “Back to the Future: The Musical.” Gale captivated students with tales of his early inspirations – many of which originated right here in University City – and the creative process that led to the film’s development, despite facing numerous rejections. His message about perseverance resonated deeply, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of our passions can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
As wonderful as the beginning of the school year has been, my heart tells me to reflect on the September 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia. I want to explore with you the “aftershocks” of the unconscionable acts of a 14-year-old that resulted in multiple injuries and the loss of four lives.
“If you see something, say something,” was the title of a New York City Transit campaign following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Today, it is still our best lesson for ensuring safety in schools. Call the police, the school or our district Tip Line (314-290-4444). Report the threat, but do not repost as this can also send the police or even FBI to your door.
The takeaway for our young people is that hoax threats are not jokes, they are crimes. In University City, we continue to work hard to get that message across to students, families and community. We will always put the safety of students and staff first, in all that we do. We will always take threats seriously until they are fully discredited by law enforcement. And, those who choose to engage in this behavior, wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in resources, should understand that there are consequences beyond the school district.
We are fortunate to have our University City Police Department (UCPD) as active partners; meeting regularly to discuss safety measures, advise on threats, analyze the intelligence information and address concerns. U. City can also call upon regional support for a coordinated response. As an example, on September 17, five municipalities and two outside agencies joined the UCPD in responding with canine units in response to a threat. We share our plans for heightening safety standards, and they share ways in which we might benefit from their training, experience or resources.
The safety of students and staff is the first consideration in every decision we make. All children deserve to feel safe at school and we are doing all we can to ensure and reinforce that. The School District of University City will continue to provide support as needed to encourage their brilliance and pursuit of excellence while building a safety network that helps push other concerns away.
As we look ahead, I am excited about our upcoming homecoming festivities. This year, due to renovations at Muhl-Schemmer Stadium, the 2024 Homecoming Football Game will be hosted at Jennings Senior High School on Thursday, October 24 at 6:00 pm. The Saturday parade will follow its usual route on Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 am, starting in the Delmar Loop and culminating at UCHS with an alumni tailgate celebration. I encourage everyone to show their pride by lining the parade route. This year’s parade theme is “Back to the Future!”
Together, let’s continue to foster a supportive, safe and inspiring environment for our students. I look forward to a wonderful homecoming celebration and a successful school year ahead!
In Service of Our Children,
Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D., PHR
Superintendent
Seven students from Ms. Claunch's Drawing and AP Drawing classes participated in the festival, which was held on Sunday, September 29, and the talent on display was incredible! Senior Klara Pospisilova took home a 2nd and a 3rd place ribbon, while sophomore Anani Perez's painting (pictured to the right) won 1st place!
UCHS musicians, Joshua Grove, Emily Blackwell, Kadyn Bardwell, and Londyn Miller provided live entertainment during the reception, where they received many compliments from the community. Attendees mingled while enjoying food and artwork, including the award-winning pieces from our UCHS students!
UCHS Alum Bob Gale Takes Students "Back to the Future!"
UCHS went Back to the Future with a visit from Bob Gale, UCHS Alum and the co-creator of the Back to the Future franchise! In town for the promotion of “Back to the Future: The Musical,” Gale visited his Alma Mater to speak to students, staff, and the community. Gale spoke on the creative process behind the films and musical, gave advice on how to deal with rejection, and even shared stories about how the idea of Back to the Future originated - right here in University City!
Leaves, Bugs & Dirt, Oh My!
Our Curriculum & Instruction team hosted a STEM Experience at Brittany Woods Middle School. Throughout the week, 2nd-grade students from across the District visited the C. Edwin Murray Prairie to learn about the history of plants. Kathleen Kapayou, program director for The Green Center, led the experience as students walked through the prairie and learned more about how plants grow! This is Learning Reimagined in action.
