Pride BTS 2016 M web

August 2016

New Superintendent Committed to Excellence
A beacon of excellence. For incoming superintendent Sharonica Hardin-
Bartley, hitting that mark is not a goal—it’s a mission. Hardin-Bartley was Superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley welcomes a UCHS student
named superintendent of schools in January, and in the seven months on the first day of school.
since, she has been walking neighborhoods, talking with families, students,
and teachers. She’s also done a lot of listening. One thread has remained
constant during her listening tour, the deep history and pride in The
School District of University City.

“People absolutely love this District. And with good reason,”
Superintendent Hardin-Bartley said. “While there are areas we need to
improve, there are a great deal of positive things going on here; we need to
tell our story.”

Hardin-Bartley officially took the office on July 1, 2016. She and her
husband, a 1994 UCHS alum, live in his childhood home in the Musiq
community.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity preparing for
the first day of school and putting in the work necessary to help a new
administrative team bond. The concept of being the absolute best and
giving students the very best drives every decision.

Committed to Excellence continued on page 4

College Advising Corps Supports District College and Career Readiness Goals

By Brooklyn Bass, UCHS Class of 2015 UCHS Principal Susan Hill, left, greets Lindsay Ellison, second left, and
Jayla Robinson, 17, is a senior at University City High School. She fellow members of the College Advising Corps at a recent reception.

is captain of the varsity cheerleading team, a freshman mentor, and an Leaving high school for college is definitely the unknown. Out of that fear,
active participant in the culinary arts program offered at the high school. students choose not to actively participate in the process without the full
Robinson considers her helpful and relaxed personality positive attributes knowledge of the consequences.”
as she dreams of a career in nursing or as a pastry chef. She is confident
she will go to college. One thing she’s not so confident about is the college The District is hopeful that a new partnership with Washington
admissions process. In fact, she has not visited the counselor’s office to talk University in St. Louis will help continue the progress made toward its
about the process at all. But, unlike some of her peers, she has tuned in and college and career readiness goals. UCHS is one of five schools in the St.
is engaged. Louis metropolitan area to coordinate with WUSTL to implement the
College Advising Corps—an advising network that focuses on the needs
“No, I have not visited the counselors to talk about the process,”
Robinson said. “There never seems to be the right time to stop by and I College Advising Corps continued on page 8
already attend meetings elsewhere that talk about similar processes.”

“There are some kids that are just going to do it,” UCHS senior counselor
Katy-Jane Johnson said. “They are just going to get it done. These kids are
very driven. They are on it.”

But Johnson admits that despite the District’s efforts to identify and
reach out to students early in the school year, some are still hesitant to start
the process.

“There’s a lot of fear around college, I think,” Johnson said. “Whether
students want to admit it or not, there is always fear of the unknown.

From our Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Hardin-Bartley The School District of University City Students, Parents, hallways and classrooms, I feel a sense of community and
Superintendent Staff, and Community: purpose. The connection is there and children have the
opportunity to thrive and grow. I look forward to supporting
I write to welcome you back for the 2016-2017 school educational experiences where all students are afforded
year. As your new superintendent, I am excited about the authentic learning opportunities that tap into their interests.
possibilities and look forward to serving you as we work These experiences will allow them to explore and enhance
to Transform the Life of Every Student Every Day. I am a their individual creativity while growing personally,
first-generation college graduate so I intimately understand socially, and academically. I am ready to lock arms with
the importance of a quality education; my success as an each of you as we strive daily to “Transform the Life of
educator and individual would not have been possible Every Student Every Day.” The 2016-17 school year will be
without the amazing teachers I encountered during my amazing!
educational journey. I was fortunate as well to encounter In Service of our Children,
people who would mentor me, who would not just see a
diminutive individual with a hard-to-pronounce, hard-to- Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, PhD, PHR
spell name, but a bundle of human potential eager to shape
the lives of children in our community.

All of our students have gifts, talents, and strengths.
We must foster an entrepreneurial spirit and ignite a joy
of learning that promotes continued progress and growth.
I am honored and eager to embark on this new experience
with each of you and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity
to serve a community where I work and live.

The School District of University City represents such
promise and possibility. Our work is challenging and
relationships matter. Teaching children is a head and heart
partnership. Students rarely learn from teachers who fail
to connect with them in some way. As I walk the school

From our Board of Education

Dr. Brenner Dear U Citians, District accredited with distinction.
Board of Education My house, like many in University City, was full of The new school year at UCHS started with a red carpet

President excitement and nerves as the first day of school approached. and a heartwarming show of support from staff, alumni, and
We are a house in transition. My son just started at the high parents. A fellow classmate of my daughter admitted that
school and my daughter, a senior, has been visiting colleges. despite her initial teenage cynicism, the welcome made her
My children’s educational future holds new challenges and smile and brightened her day. This is an example of how even
potential. While nervous for them, I am comforted by the our small actions as a community help fulfill the District’s
knowledge that they have been well prepared to take their mission.
next steps.
Let’s keep the momentum going. I ask all members of our
As a Board Director, I have similar feelings about the school community to work throughout the year to keep the
School District of University City. As you know, the Board excitement for this school year and our District alive. Together
of Education hired a new superintendent, Dr. Sharonica we can fulfill the District’s mission to “Transform the Life of
Hardin-Bartley, who started July 1st. I am excited about Every Student Every Day.”
the new ideas and energy Dr. Hardin-Bartley brings to Respectfully yours,
the District, but understand that apprehension often
accompanies change. I want to assure all that the District’s Lisa Brenner, Ph.D., Board of Education, President
solid base will hold us steady as we continue to evolve into a

The personal opinions expressed in this article may not reflect that of the school board at large.

2 August 2016 | PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org The School District of University City, Missouri

Meet our Board Members UCHS Seniors Complete STARS
Summer Research Program at UMSL

Two University

City High School

seniors will have

unique answers

to the age old

question, ‘How did

you spend your

Lisa Brenner Charlotte Tatum Joanne Soudah summer?”
President Vice President Secretary
For John
Liaison to Pershing Liaison to Barbara C. Liaison to Flynn Park
Elementary School Jordan Elementary School Elementary School Tschampel and

Coumba Tall, the

answers might go a

little something like John Tschampel and Coumba Tall
this:

Tall: “ Well, I worked on a research project called ‘Sub-clinical

Peroneal Neuropathy on Bariatric Patients’ with Dr. Susan Mackinnon

at the Washington University School of Medicine.”

For Tschampel it sounds like this, “I did research on ‘A Study of the

Fragmentation Chemistry of Isotopically Labeled Glucose by Mass

Spectrometry and Computational Chemistry’ with Dr. Benjamin

LaVerne Ford-Williams Tracy Gritsenko Bythell at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.”
Director Director
Tall and Tschampel were among more than 90 of the area’s best
Liaison to Jackson Park Liaison to University
Elementary School City High School and brightest high school students who this summer participated in

and graduated from the Students and Teachers as Research Scientists

(STARS) program housed at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

The commencement marked the end of six weeks of intensive

science research under the mentoring of leading local scientists. But

it was also a new beginning for the STARS students, whose projects

put them a step ahead as they look toward their college careers with

undergraduate-level research experience.

“STARS equips these students with the confidence, content and

experience to pursue science degrees and become leading STEM

scientists in their chosen fields,” said Kenneth Mares, program director.

Mentors for the program are from the Arraybridge, Confluence

Kristine Hendrix George Lenard Discovery Technologies, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Saint

Director Director Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis and the host

Liaison to Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Liaison to Brittany institution, University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Education Center, Lieberman Learning Center Woods Middle The annual summer program is in its 29th year and has graduated its

and University City Adult Education and School 2,100th student.
Literacy Program
“We’re happy to provide high school students access to STEM

(science, technology, engineering and mathematics) opportunities on

In 2013, The School District of University City adopted an eGovernance UMSL’s campus and in UMSL’s laboratories so that they might one day
paperless process called BoardDocs for board meetings and work sessions.
Meeting agendas and minutes are available at http://bit.ly/UCBoardDocs. become top scientists themselves,” UMSL Chancellor Tom George said.

To communicate with school board representatives, contact Della George also offered a scholarship to each 2016 STARS graduate
Tolliver, administrative assistant to the Board, at dtolliver@ucityschools.
org, 314-290-4003, fax 314-290-4050 or mail correspondence to Board (Missouri residents only) who enrolls full time at UMSL. For those who
Member Name, c/o The School District of University City, 8136 Groby
Road, University City, MO 63130. accept his offer, tuition is covered as well as a $1,500 funded summer

research opportunity provided in their field of interest.

Transform the Life of Every Student Every Day 3August 2016| PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org

Committed to Excellence continued from page 1 I have been impressed with our amazing students, committed parents,
dedicated staff, and tremendous varied learning opportunities afforded
“I don’t know a single parent who wakes up and says, ‘I want the worst to students. Having Advanced Placement Latin, Spanish, and French at
for my child.’ Nobody does that,” Superintendent Hardin-Bartley said. our high school; integrating the arts through our long time partnership
“Parents want the very best for their children and their children deserve with COCA; providing authentic learning experiences via our robotics
the very best.” programs; and providing an early foundation for young learners at Julia
Goldstein represent just a few of our highlights as a District. Trust me,
We asked the superintendent to share her thoughts heading into the new there are many, many more. I can’t wait to share about our successes and
school year. continued progress.

Q: How has your career trajectory prepared you for your leadership role Q: What are your immediate plans?
In the upcoming months, I am actively engaging a listening and learning
in the District?
I have mostly had amazing teachers. Because of the opportunities they campaign.
My goals are to ensure a smooth transition by fostering relationships
put before me, I served as a teacher for children with learning disabilities,
who made students feel more special than different. and building trust, identify and focus on academic priorities to ensure that
all students are college and career ready, without remediation following
In 2001, at age 27, I become one of The St. Louis Public School District’s graduation, and maintain organizational effectiveness and efficiency by
youngest principals, overseeing the rebirth of Adams Elementary School assuring alignment of fiscal and human resources to support the goals for
in the city’s Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. That experience taught our schools. I welcome the opportunity to learn from each of you and I
me the importance of valuing all students and adults and affirmed look forward to an absolutely amazing 2016-17 school year!
the significance of community. My journey continued as chief human
resources officer for St. Louis Public Schools and then to assistant
superintendent of human resources and leadership development for the
Ritenour School District. As a leader, I understand that people matter.
Students, teachers, principals, staff make up our most valuable resources as
a school district. Collectively we all work to support what happens in the
classroom.

Q. By now you have become familiar with the term “uniquely U City.”

What does that mean to you?
The School District of University City has a rich tradition of educational

excellence and has demonstrated over the years its ability to promote
growth for all children, academically, socially, personally, and emotionally.
The arts are an integral component of our history. We must represent the
tradition of excellence that is reflected in the many accomplishments of
our alumni from Mia Hicks-Thomas, a 2016 graduate who earned a full
Danforth scholarship to study graphic design at Washington University in
St. Louis or world-renowned bass player Christopher Thomas, UCHS Class
of 1988 and 2015 Hall of Fame inductee. The District represents excellence
and my desire is to promote this excellence in everything we do.

Q: What are the District’s strengths as you see them?
As a new member of the team, I am still in a learning mode. However,

University City High School Don’t Miss...
August 27: Breakfast in The Native Plant
Homecoming
Garden in the Bird Garden at
Oct. 1, 2016 Centennial Commons
September 18: Plein Air Event at
“Under the Big Top” Centennial Commons
Parade entries accepted now. October 8: Bulb Sale in the Loop
Details & Tickets - ucityinbloom.org
Details at
www.ucityschools.org The School District of University City, Missouri

4 August 2016 | PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org

District Moves to Universal Meal Program for 2016-17 School Year

The School District of University City is committed to removing all Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
barriers that prevent children from learning and excelling in school— the Universal Meal Program in U City
including hunger.
Q: Will the District offer free breakfast and lunch?
Research has shown that when children are hungry they are less likely A: Yes, the District will offer both breakfast and lunch at no cost.
to do well in the classroom, perform as well on standardized tests or
graduate from high school. According to Children’s HealthWatch (www. Q: Are there any forms to fill out?
childrenshealthwatch.org), food insecurity can damage a child’s health and A: No forms, no fuss. We’ll take care of everything.
brain development long before they enter a classroom. By kindergarten,
food-insecure children often are cognitively, emotionally and physically Q. So, how does this work exactly?
behind their peers who are not hungry. A: For lunch at the elementary level, classroom teachers will ask
students if they wish to have a school lunch that day, and they’ll
“We know that our students need to be healthy to learn; when they are send the counts to the cafeteria so enough meals can be prepared.
not eating, they are not healthy and that is a true barrier to learning and At secondary schools, the student can simply enter the lunch line
performance,” said Superintendent Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, Ed.D., PHR. and take a meal. All students will still need to have their meals
“We’re working to remove that barrier.” recorded at the register.

Universal meal programs are gaining popularity across the country; Q. What is served at lunch? What are my child’s choices?
advocates say the program reduces bullying, removes the social stigma A. During lunch we serve a grain, protein, vegetable, fruit, and
attached to the free and reduced lunch program, and increases the health milk. All your child needs to do is take at least three (3) different
and well-being of students. items offered (one being a fruit or a vegetable) to be considered a
free meal. Please visit our Nutrislice website (www.ucityschools.
Launched as part of the federal government’s Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids nutrislice.com) for specific menu offerings. This site is updated
Act, districts that qualify under the Community Eligibility Provision are monthly and it has different links for the individual schools.
able to offer free meals to all students in the District.
Q: Are vegetarian options available?
“Moving to the universal meal program is a positive move for the District A: We do not regularly have vegetarian entrees available on the
in so many ways,” said Matt Buck, director of food and nutrition. “We menu unless we are notified of the specific need or request.
reduce paperwork and the inefficiencies of collecting lunch money and
managing student accounts, allowing us to focus on what’s important— Q: Can students purchase other meal options if they don’t like
providing a high-quality meal with excellent service to students and staff.” what’s on the menu?
A. Students may purchase different items and additional milk etc.
In addition to offering a universal meal program during the regular for a nominal cost.
school year, the District will continue its participation in the summer food
program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During the Q. What if my child only wants a milk or a single item?
Summer Learning Academy students are provided with free breakfast and A. We are only reimbursed by the USDA for complete meals. If
lunch. In addition, any student living near summer school locations in the your child only wants milk or a single menu item, then those items
District are encouraged to visit the building for breakfast and lunch at no are available for cash purchase on an individual basis; for example,
cost. milk costs 50 cents. In order to be free, your child must take a
complete meal consisting of three different items (one being a fruit
The District’s social workers also coordinate a food backpack program or vegetable).
in our elementary schools during the school year. Students with identified
needs are sent home with a backpack full of healthy food items and snacks Q: Where can I find information about menu offerings?
to help provide healthy meals over the weekend. A: Please visit our Nutrislice website (www.ucityschools.nutrislice.
com) for specific menu offerings. This page is updated monthly and
“Children aren’t hungry just Monday through Friday; some of our has individual school links.
children and families need support just to make it through the weekend,”
Superintendent Hardin-Bartley said. “We’re doing whatever it takes to help Q: What if I have an account balance due or surplus in my
our students be healthy mentally and physically so they can do their very existing lunch account?
best in the classroom.” A: We’ll be happy to help you with that. Please contact Food Service
at 314-290-4068.
Transform the Life of Every Student Every Day
Q: Where can I get more information about the Healthy, Hunger-
Free Kids Act?
A: Visit the program website at http://www.fns.usda.gov/school-
meals/healthy-hunger-free-kids-act.

5August 2016| PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org

Welcome to a ne

The 5th Annual National Night Out
and Back-To-School Rally A special

thank you
to the U City
Police Focus
Group,
volunteers
and vendors.

Alumni joined commu

6 August 2016 | PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org The School District of University City, Missouri

ew school year...

unity members to welcome students back to school on Aug. 9, 2016.

...in U CITY!
Transform the Life of Every Student Every Day 7August 2016 | PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org

The Summer Jobs Program Provides Work Experience

By Brooklyn Bass, UCHS Class of 2015 students expressed
Do you remember your first job? Students in The School District of
interest in finding
University City have a unique opportunity to learn valuable job skills and
earn money through a special partnership with the City of University City employment there
and the District. The Summer Jobs Program, coordinated by former school
board member Ellen Bern and Christine Woodward, a social worker in the near future.
at University City High School, helps the District fulfill its mission of
graduating students who are college and career ready. “I actually have

Summer Jobs offers rebates to local businesses that hire young adults. employed a U
This year, 24 students found employment with 21 businesses in the
University City area through this program. City student in the

“I’m really delighted,” Bern said. “We’ve gotten fabulous reviews from past,” said Rieger.
our business community. They are delighted with our students. And it’s a
great opportunity for our students to get that first-job experience—which “She did very
they may not get as easily on their own.’
well.” Watch our Summer Jobs Program video at
Students ended the 2016 summer session with tours at four local
businesses in the Delmar Loop: the headquarters of Answers.com, OSO: A At Meshuggah’s www.ucityschools.org.
Style Lab, Meshuggah’s Café and Doughocracy.
Café, coordinators,
The first stop at Answers.com included an extensive tour led by UCHS
alumna, Cat Simpson. Students learned about the innovative Answers.com Woodward and Bern facilitated a group discussion about student
platform and potential careers in the technology industry.
experiences with the program. Students discussed the importance of
From Answers.com, students trekked in light rain to OSO: A Style Lab,
a new clothing boutique targeting quirky millennials. Students were awed customer service and reflected on career-based lectures they attended.
by the artsy presentation of boutique items while listening to co-owner Jen
Rieger explain her experiences as a new entrepreneur. Afterwards, many UCHS senior Gillian Blount believes the program has positively affected

her future by teaching her how to navigate the employment process.

“I feel like I will be more prepared for interviews,” said Blount. “I

know to dress nicely, have questions prepared, and to be comfortable—to

be myself when I get interviewed.”

Blount and other program participants ended their morning at the posh

pizza eatery, Doughocracy. While dining on specialty pizza, the students

were noticing and buzzing about customer service practices they observed.

“They now have a better appreciation for the world of work and a little

money in their pockets” Bern said.

College Advising Corps continued from page 1 The University City Education Foundation
invites you to
of low-income and underrepresented youth. The organization sends
recent college graduates into high schools as full-time guidance counselors In the Night Garden
through partnerships with reputable colleges and universities across the
country. Together, with existing high school counseling staff, an adviser Celebrating our 20th year of
helps students with the college admissions process. supporting University City schools

UCHS welcomed its first two-year adviser, Lindsay Ellison, from Meet our honored guests:
WUSTL during the 2015-2016 academic year. Before she leaves at the 2015-16 UCEF grant recipients and
end of the 2016-2017 school year, Ellison wants to establish a culture and
general excitement for possibilities beyond high school. Ellison met with the charter members of UCEF.
all seniors individually and helped them start planning their futures. View recent UCEF-funded projects.

“I have had a really great experience at U City,” Ellison said. “At first, Enjoy desserts, cocktails, silent auction
since I was new, it took a while for students to warm up to me. But I started and live music!
to go to sporting events and taking an interest in what they like. Once
they found out I was genuinely interested in them, I started to click with Saturday, August 27, 2016
students.” 7 - 10 p.m.

Johnson recognizes that not all students will attend a traditional four- Home and backyard of
year college and emphasizes the District’s mission of college and career Paul & Suzanne Schoomer
readiness. #7 Princeton Avenue
University City, MO 63130
“A four-year college or university is not for everyone,” Johnson said.
There are amazing tech programs and apprentice programs that students $40 per person
can participate in to get a technical degree and go on to successful careers. Proceeds fund grants for University City schools
Obviously, college is a great opportunity for some students, but it is not a
one-size fits all.” Reservations requested by August 15, 2016

For more information about the program, visit www.ucityschools.org. Tickets may be purchased at ucityeducationfoundation.org. If you
are unable to attend, please consider helping UCEF continue our
mission with a generous donation. Thank you.
For more information: email [email protected]
Visit: www.ucityeducationfoundation.org

8 August 2016 | PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org The School District of University City, Missouri

UCHS Welcomes New Leadership

New faces will be in

old places at University

City High School for

the start of the 2016-17

school year. Susan Hill,

formerly an assistant

principal at UCHS for

the past four years, is

now principal. Mark Susan Hill Samuel Martin
Basi, former District Principal Dean of Students
mathematics coach for

teachers at UCHS and

Brittany Woods Middle

New Resurfaced, Restriped Track School, is one of two

The School District of University City continues to demonstrate its new assistant principals.
commitment to maintaining quality facilities by providing the repairs
needed to bring the Charlie Beck Invitational, a track meet annually hosted New to the District are
at University City High School, back home this spring.
T- Herbert Jeffrey I,
Last spring, the UCHS Track and Field team could not compete at home
because of track damage. In the third turn of the track, the roots from assistant principal, and
nearby cotton wood trees grew underneath the track foundation causing
the track to buckle. Dr. Samuel T. Martin,

Scheduled meets, such as the popular Charlie Beck Invitational, had to IV, dean of students, a Mark Basi T-Herbert Jeffrey
be relocated to other school tracks. newer role at the high Assistant Principal Assistant Principal
school.
“The major impact to the track team was moving the Charlie Beck
Invitational to Maplewood-Richmond Heights and the cancellation of a Prior to University City, Basi was a mathematics teacher for nine years
middle school meet,” Athletic Director and Coach David Brooks, Ph.D.,
said. “The coaches worked to change practices so that the affected lanes in the Parkway and Pattonville school districts.
were avoided but still allowed athletes to get the necessary work in.”
Jeffrey most recently served as a middle school assistant principal
Now the track is ready to go. “The track has been resurfaced and
restriped this summer,” said Karl Scheidt, executive director of Operations. with The St. Louis Public School District. He has more than 13 years of
“It’s ready for the new school year.”
experience as a building leader including serving as assistant principal in

both Normandy and Hazelwood school distircts and as principal in the

Jennings School District.

Martin, a UCHS alum, has worked for the past eight years as a counselor

with the Columbia Public Schools in Columbia, Missouri. In his role as

dean of students, he will focus extensively on college preparation initiatives

and transition programs for incoming freshmen to assure their success.

Monsanto Fund Grant Supports Classroom STEAM Efforts

The School District of University City has been awarded a $55,000 Forces and Interactions science unit.
grant from the Monsanto Fund’s K-12 Math & Science program to “We believe that integrating STEAM experiences through the
support STEAM initiatives in kindergarten, third and fifth grades. The
initiative, titled U-Design Primary, provides students with authentic teaching of the design process, leads to 21st century career-ready
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) and innovative citizens who demonstrate the ability, confidence and
experiences through the use of Motorized Mechanisms, We Do, and inclination to deepen problem solving skills,” said Beverly Velloff, math
EV3 Lego Education modules. The modules, in collaboration with the and science curriculum coordinator.
District’s Elementary Science Curriculum, will strengthen STEAM
confidence and aptitude. The Monsanto Fund’s Math & Science Education K-12 grant
program is designed to support programs in the St. Louis region that
U-Design will enhance students’ abilities to engage in the inspire and nurture students’ interest in math and/or science, offer
engineering design process (ask, imagine, plan, create, improve) to innovative approaches to teaching or learning in math and science, and
program and design robots during the school day connected to their foster student achievement in math and/or science. Priority is given to
programs using evidence-based methodology.

Transform the Life of Every Student Every Day 9August 2016| PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org

Student and Parental Rights Information

Newly-revised parent/student handbooks and District website include the Developmental Screenings
following policies and information important to families. Please take time
to read them and contact the office of Communication and Community The School District of University City conducts free DIAL IV
Outreach at 314-290-4001 if you have any questions. developmental screening for University City preschoolers who are age three
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Parents/ by July 31 and requires the screening for children entering kindergarten who
are age five before Aug. 1. Call 314-721-2965 for preschool screening details
guardians and students who are at least 18 years of age have rights or to arrange an appointment during the school year.
regarding education records. FERPA explains these rights and offers a
process to file complaints if those rights are violated. Kindergarteners are screened during the school day at the elementary
• The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, Public Law sites during the second week of school.
107-110), requires public school districts to provide parents with
accountability information and the Missouri Department of Elementary Immunization Requirements
and Secondary Education to adopt procedures for resolving complaints
regarding operations of programs authorized under the Act, including All student immunizations must be up-to-date before registering or
Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV (Part A), Title V, Title VI, Title VII enrolling in school. If records are not up-to-date, the student will not be
and Title IX (Part C). Questions regarding NCLB should be directed to permitted to complete enrollment or registration. Families with incomplete
Rebecca Soriano at 314-290-4020 or [email protected]. immunization records will be referred to the school nurse for further
• Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents instructions. Contingencies are no longer given for missing records.
certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of
information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. For more information about immunization requirements, contact your
• Senate Bill 319 calls for early reading assessments, reading improvement school nurse or visit www.ucityschools, click on the Parent Resource link
plans and student retention. and select General Information for a download of the Missouri Department
• Students with Disabilities are offered services in partnership with the of Health and Senior Services’ immunization requirements.
Special School District of St. Louis County to all eligible children ages 3
to 21, with disabilities, under the District’s jurisdiction. Before- and After-school Care
• McKinney-Vento Act protects the rights of school-age children of
homeless and migrant workers. Bernadette White, executive director Before-school and after-school child care with recreational and educational
of Student Services, serves as the link between homeless families and activities is available for elementary students at a modest cost.
school staff, district personnel, shelter workers and social service • Barbara C. Jordan, Flynn Park and Jackson Park Elementaries:
providers. For more information, call 314-290-4045.
• English Language Learners are offered appropriate instructional Neighborhood Houses’ School Age Services Program - 314-561-3342
services, and content modifications, as needed based on assessments. or visit neighborhoodhouses.org/school-age-services.
• Notice of Non-Discrimination is printed on the back cover of all issues • Pershing Elementary and Julia Goldstein Early Childhood:
of PRIDE as well. Monsanto YMCA Y-Club - 314-367-4646
• ADA accommodations: The School District of University City wants all
students, parents, staff and community members to be able to attend and School Bus Transportation
enjoy District events, meetings and activities. For special assistance or
accommodations in order to participate, contact the office of Operations The District contracts with Transpar to provide transportation services
at 314-290-4044. for students who reside 1.25 miles or more from their neighborhood school.
To find out if your child is eligible for school bus service, contact your school
School Hours for 2016-17 or the District transportation office at 314-290-4046.

Begin End Early Release Bus routes are posted at www.ucityschools.org prior to the start of school,
Julia Goldstein Early Childhood (PreK) 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 1:15 p.m. but may be revised during the first few weeks, so check back frequently.
Printed copies are available in school offices.
Elementary Schools (K-5) 8:45 a.m. 3:35 p.m. 1:20 p.m.
Discipline Handbook
Brittany Woods Middle School (6-8) 7:50 a.m. 2:50 p.m. 12:20 p.m.
Each year, during the first week of school, students and staff in The School
University City High School (9-12) 7:25 a.m. 2:20 p.m. 11:55 a.m. District of University City receive a copy of the Discipline Handbook. This
publication is updated annually with the most current policies, procedures
High School Exam Day 10:25 a.m. and guidelines for proper school and bus conduct. In addition, the
document is posted at www.ucityschools.org and copies are available in each
Lieberman Learning Center (9-12) 7:35 a.m. 10:35 a.m. 10:35 a.m. school office or by contacting the office of Student Services at 314-290-4045.
Morning Session 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
Afternoon Session Parents or guardians are encouraged to read the handbook and refer to it
for answers to questions regarding discipline.
McNair Administration Building 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

10 August 2016 | PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org The School District of University City, Missouri

District Calendar Highlights Meet the Dedicated Leaders

AUGUST FEBRUARY of The School District of University City
8 Schools & Offices Open, Teacher Work Day 1 Early Release for PreK-12 Professional
District Administrators
(.5 Work Day) Development; Certified Staff Released
UCHS Freshman Orientation .5 Day 30 Minutes after Contractual Day Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, PhD, PHR
9 First day of school for all students 2 Board of Education Work Session Superintendent of Schools...................................................314-290-4002
18 Board of Education Meeting 16 Board of Education Meeting
SEPTEMBER 20 Schools and Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day Ian PC. Bururcihcualnuamn,aEndd.DIn.s,tArusscitsitoannatlSSueprevricinetse...n..d..e..n...t.............314-290-4020
1 Board of Education Work Session holiday
5 Schools & Offices closed for Labor Day MARCH Tiffany E. Slater, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent
1 Early Release for PreK-12 Professional Human Resources................................................................. 314-290-4021
holiday Development; Certified Staff Released
15 Board of Education Meeting 30 Minutes after Contractual Day Scott Hafertepe, Chief Financial Officer
16 Schools Closed for District Professional 2 Board of Education Work Session Business and Finance...........................................................314-290-4008
10 Early Release for PreK-12 Record Keeping Day Gene Kieczykowski (Transpar), Director
Development Third Quarter ends Transportation................................................................. 314-290-4046
27 Board of Education Special Public Meeting 13-17 Schools closed for Spring Break Matthew Buck (Chartwells), Director
17 Schools and Offices closed for Spring Break Food & Nutrition..............................................................314-290-4068
for Tax Rate and Late Staffing (if needed) 20 Classes resume / Fourth Quarter begins
28 Early Release for PreK-12 Professional 23 Board of Education Meeting Karl Scheidt, Executive Director, Operations.......................314-290-4044
30 Schools closed and Offices open;
Development; Certified Staff Released Parent/Teacher Conferences Gary L. Spiller, II, Executive Director
30 Minutes after Contractual Day (12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) Student Services and Innovation........................................314-290-4045
OCTOBER 31 Schools closed and Offices open;
1 Homecoming Parent/Teacher Conferences Pa triCcioamWmaushniincagttioonn,s Executive Director 314-290-4016
6 Board of Education Work Session (8 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.) and Community Outreach..............
7 Early Release for PreK-12 Record Keeping APRIL
Day; First Quarter ends Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Testing Rob Corley (FantasTechs), Director
10 Second Quarter begins 12 Early Release for PreK-12 Professional Technology Leadership........................................................ 314-290-4014
20 Schools closed and Offices open; Parent/ Development; Certified Staff Released 30
Teacher Conferences (12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) Minutes after Contractual Day School Administrators
Board of Education Meeting 13 Board of Education Meeting
21 Schools closed and Offices open; Parent/ MAY Crystal Cauley, Director, Julia Goldstein Early Childhood
Teacher Conferences (8 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.) 4 Board of Education Work Session Education Center
NOVEMBER 16 Early Release for High School Exams* 737 Kingsland Ave., 63130....................................................314-721-2965
3 Board of Education Work Session 17 Early Release for Record Day* Parents As Teachers, 314-721-4120; Head Start, 314-725-2517
8 Schools Closed for District Professional Early Release for High School Exams*
Development Fourth Quarter ends - Last day of school* Shenelle DuBose, Principal, Barbara C. Jordan Elementary
17 Board of Education Meeting School Make Up Day #1 (if needed) 1500 N. 82nd Blvd., 63132.................................................... 314-290-4361
23 Schools closed and Offices open (Will result in 174 Student Attendance Days)
24-25 Schools & Offices closed for Thanksgiving 18 Teacher Work Day Schools and Offices open Nicalee Stephens Principal, Flynn Park Elementary
holiday or School Make Up Day #2 (if needed) 7220 Waterman Ave., 63130................................................ 314-290-4421
DECEMBER Board of Education Meeting
8 Board of Education Meeting 19 School Make Up Day #3 (if needed) Re7b4e0c0caBOal’sCoonnAnveel.l,, Principal, Jackson Park Elementary
15 Early Release for 9-12 High School Exams 22 School Make Up Day #4 (if needed) 63130.......................................................314-290-4450
16 Early Release for PreK-12 Record Day 23 School Make Up Day #5 (if needed)
Second Quarter ends 24 School Make Up Day #6 (if needed) Herbert Buie, Principal, Pershing Elementary
19-30 Winter Break 29 Schools & Offices closed for Memorial Day 6761 Bartmer Ave., 63130..................................................... 314-290-4150
19-20, 28-29 Schools closed and Offices open holiday
21-23, 26-27, 30 Offices closed JUNE Elliott Shostak, Principal, Brittany Woods Middle
JANUARY 1 Board of Education Work Session Assistant Principal: Ernest Carter
2 Schools & Offices Closed for Winter Break 15 Board of Education Meeting Dean of Students and Instruction: Jessica Bitting
3 Classes resume / Third Quarter begins 23 Last Day of work for 227-day Administrator and Community Liaison: Jerona Washington
5 Board of Education Work Session (11-month) employees 8125 Groby Road, 63130.......................................................314-290-4280
16 Schools and Offices closed for MLK holiday
19 Board of Education Meeting Susan Hill, Principal, University City High
Assistant Principals: Mark Basi and T-Herbert Jeffrey
* If School Make Up Day(s) is/are needed, Early Release days will be postponed as appropriate. Dean of Students: Samuel Martin, IV
** Teacher Work Day will be postponed until the day after the last day of school. 7401 Balson Ave., 63130........................................................ 314-290-4100

Christopher Blumenhorst, Principal, Lieberman Learning Center
8136 Groby Road, 63130....................................................... 314-290-4330

The School District of University City is seeking additional ways to stay Program Administrators
connected. Community members are asked to consider opting into one or Clay Ware, Coordinator, University City Adult Education and Literacy
more of the following database opportunities:
• Alumni: http://bit.ly/UCHS-Alumni-Opt_In-2016 8136 Groby Road, 63130....................................................... 314-290-4052
• District Retirees: http://bit.ly/SDUC-RetireesOpt-In Sandra Cox, Coordinator, K-12 English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Community Partners: http://bit.ly/UC-CEM2016
8136 Groby Road, 63130.......................................................314-290-4077

Transform the Life of Every Student Every Day 11August 2016| PRIDE | www.ucityschools.org

University City Board of Education Dated Material. Distribute as soon as possible. Non-Profit Org.
SCHOOL DISTRICT of UNIVERSITY CITY U. S. Postage
Lisa Brenner, President 8136 Groby Road
Charlotte Tatum, Vice President University City, MO 63130 PAID

Joanne Soudah, Secretary St. Louis, MO August 2016
LaVerne Ford-Williams, Director Permit No. 276
Welcome Back to School!
Tracy Gritsenko, Director
Kristine Hendrix, Director ECRWSS

George Lenard, Director POSTAL PATRON
Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley, PhD, PHR

Superintendent of Schools
The SCHOOL DISTRICT of UNIVERSITY CITY

8136 Groby Road, University City, MO 63130
314-290-4000

www.ucityschools.org

Applicants for admission or employment, students, parents of elementary and secondary school students, employees, sources of referral and applicants
for employment and all professional organizations that have entered into agreements with the School District of University City are hereby notified
that the District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or
employment in, its programs and activities. In addition, the District provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth
groups. Any person having inquiries concerning the District’s compliance with the laws and regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964 (Title VI), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) or the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, is directed to the
respective Compliance Coordinator listed below, who oversees the School District’s efforts to comply with the laws and regulations implementing the
laws and regulations cited above. The School District has established grievance procedures for persons unable to resolve problems arising under the
statutes above. The School District’s Compliance Coordinator will provide information regarding those procedures upon request. Any person who is
unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under any of the laws and regulations cited above may contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region
VII, at 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or 816-268-0550. Adult and Employee Compliance Coordinator: Assistant
Superintendent for Human Resources, Ronald E. McNair Administrative Building, School District of University City, 8136 Groby Road, University
City, MO 63130, 314-290-4021. Student Compliance Coordinator: Executive Director of Student Services, Ronald E. McNair Administrative
Building, School District of University City, 8136 Groby Road, University City, MO 63130, 314-290-4045.

Parent Portal Keeps Us Connected

School closings, delayed starts and special announcements are just a few of the reasons why
The School District of University City may want to contact parents or guardians by telephone,
email or text message. The Parent Portal online system allows parents and students to stay
connected with the student’s school, monitor progress (grades for assignments and tests),
track attendance, lunch balance and more. It is accessible through a link on the District’s home
page at www.ucityschools.org or by downloading the Student 360 app to a cellphone, iPad or
Android tablet.

Parents are asked to keep contact information updated through Parent Portal in case the
school needs to contact them in the event of an emergency. Parents who are not already
connected may sign up for Parent Portal by contacting their child’s school office.

Think you missed a call? The District’s automated phone and email host, SchoolMessenger,
offers a toll-free message retrieval phone number, 855-955-8500, to hear missed messages.

School Closing Procedure District Calendars

When inclement weather conditions exist, the The District offers a variety of calendars at
health and safety of students and staff is the most www.ucityschools.org:
important consideration. District administrators • School and District calendars are syncable.
may decide to close school for the entire District • High school athletics events are available
or specific buildings, open schools on a “late start”
schedule or dismiss early. The decision is usually both through the webste calendar and
made by 5 a.m. and notifications begin as early as ArbiterLive.com.
5:30 a.m. through the District’s automated phone • Year-at-a-Glance calendars are printable.
and/or email system, website at www.ucityschools. • Board of Education dates are also available
org, local television and radio stations and social through BoardDocs.
media such as Facebook and Twitter. Days missed • District and school calendars are also
because of school closures are made up at the end included in school parent handbooks.
of the school year as needed.