STEAM Middle Science Teacher Earns the June Scobee Rodgers - National Challenger Center Award

We are incredibly proud to recognize Mrs. Gina Pereda, an exceptional 8th-grade science teacher at STEAM Middle, as the recipient of the 2024 June Scobee Rodgers Educator Award. This prestigious award, named in honor of Challenger Center's Founding Chair, June Scobee Rodgers, celebrates educators who exemplify a deep commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Mrs. Pereda’s passion and enthusiasm for inspiring her students in these critical subjects are truly remarkable. In addition to the award, she received $2,500 to support materials for STEAM Middle. 

McCluer Student Jayden Silinzy Selected for Federal Reserve Student Board

Congratulations to Jayden Silinzy, a senior at McCluer High School, for being selected to participate in the prestigious Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis' Student Board of Directors program. This program offers high school seniors a unique and dynamic opportunity to deepen their understanding of our nation's central bank. 

Jayden has demonstrated exceptional dedication, gaining valuable insights into the Federal Reserve's role in the U.S. economy and its partnerships with banks, businesses, and the community. After successful completion of this year-long program, Jayden will be eligible to apply for a coveted summer internship at the Federal Reserve. 

McCluer North Varsity Cheerleading Team Makes History

We are excited to recognize the McCluer North High School Varsity Cheerleading team for their incredible achievement in winning 1st place at the NCA Camp Competition, Cheer and Band Chat! This outstanding team made history with a clean sweep at this prestigious national competition, showcasing their dedication, talent, and spirit. We are so proud of their hard work and commitment, which has brought home this historic win. Congratulations to the McCluer North Varsity Cheerleaders, led by coaches Amani Howard & Bree Moore, for this remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations to: Alana Walker; Bree Ellis; Robin Hammond; Dorielle Guy-Bey; Jasmine Hazzar; Arriyah Jones; Kelsey Franklin; Kamia  Hammond; Kyimora Hammond; Kamya Eubanks; Jayla Walton; Cortisha Clayton

McCluer North Student Among Those Selected For The St. Louis Suburban Honors Choir 

(Pictured: Dr. Joseph Davis, superintendent; Dr. Kaylan Holloway, McCluer North principal; Dr. Kevin M. Martin, Board of Education President)

Congratulations to KaMya Yarber for being selected for the 2024 St. Louis All-Suburban All-District Honors Choir for the third year in a row. 

To receive this recognition, students had to complete a three-minute sight-singing audition and a 60-second vocal solo. The performances were then adjudicated by a group of music teachers. KaMya was scored as an advanced singer and selected for the St. Louis Suburban Honor Choir. 

McCluer North High School Reauthorized as an IB World School

We are proud to announce that McCluer North High School successfully completed its required five-year evaluation process with the International Baccalaureate (IB) organization in September 2024. As a result, McCluer North has been officially reauthorized as an IB World School. This achievement reflects the school’s continued commitment to excellence in providing a high-quality, globally recognized education that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning. Congratulations to the entire McCluer North community and Byron Crawford, the district’s IB, AP, and dual enrollment coordinator, for this outstanding accomplishment!

Restoration & Wellness Teacher’s  Dedication to Student Success

We are proud to recognize Natalie Laytham for her outstanding work at Restoration as a Missouri Options teacher in helping more than 100 students pass their Missouri Options Test since 2023. Through her dedication to the Missouri Option Program, she provides an essential alternative path to graduation for students facing challenges in traditional high school settings.

Laytham’s efforts extend beyond academics. She offers personalized support and guidance. She checks in on students outside of school hours, fosters a supportive community, and incorporates work-based learning opportunities to prepare students for future careers. Her commitment to each student’s success has been life-changing, helping them earn diplomas and move confidently toward their futures. Congratulations, Ms. Laytham, for your incredible impact and dedication to education!

STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley Named 7th Highest Performing High School in Missouri

We are proud to recognize STEAM High for being ranked as the 7th highest-performing high school in the state by the U.S. News and World Report annual high school rankings. This prestigious recognition highlights STEAM High’s commitment to academic excellence and innovative education. Congratulations to the entire STEAM High community on this remarkable achievement!

STEAM High Earns Project Lead the Way Distinguished School Award for 5th Year in a Row

We are proud to announce that for the fifth year in a row, STEAM High has been recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through its PLTW programs. This achievement recognizes our commitment to helping students own their education by increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in our PLTW programs. STEAM Academy is one of nearly 200 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to learning experiences for students through PLTW (Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering). 

STEAM High Student Receives Quest Scholarship to Study Abroad

We are proud to recognize Leilani Billups, a senior at STEAM High School, for being selected as a 2024 Quest Scholar. Through this prestigious program, Leilani had the incredible opportunity to study environmental law and policy in Germany over the summer. The Quest Scholarship Fund provides matching grants and personalized mentoring to help St. Louis area students pursue international study experiences. We are excited to celebrate Leilani’s achievement and continued success! Notably, in 2021, SweetP Owens from McCluer received this award and studied in Spain.

STEAM High Senior Makes Musical Debut at the Muny

We are excited to recognize senior Sherrod Murff for making his professional musical debut this year in not one but two Muny productions—*Les Misérables and In the Heights. This is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to Sherrod’s talent and dedication to the performing arts. 

STEAM High Student Named National Merit Commended Scholar

 

We are proud to recognize Abigail Duggan for her outstanding academic achievement as a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. Abigail is among the top 2-3% of more than 1.6 million students who entered the National Merit Scholarship Competition, a testament to her dedication and hard work. With a score of a 32 on her most recent ACT test, Abigail is now eligible for National Merit corporate scholarships. 

Congratulations, Abigail, on being named a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Teachers Earn Elementary Math Certification 

We are proud to recognize ten outstanding teachers who have gone above and beyond by earning their elementary math certifications. This certification, awarded through a 24-hour graduate program developed by the Department of Secondary & Elementary Education in collaboration with statewide universities, is designed to create a cohort of highly qualified math educators with the goal of boosting math achievement and improving student outcomes. 

These dedicated educators were part of a cohort who earned their certification from Central Missouri State University through the Ferguson-Florissant district-sponsored program.

Congratulations to: Leslie Parry - Berkeley; Samantha Horstman - Berkeley; Lanae Ekstrom - Berkeley; Laura Schumer - Commons Lane; Quay Reis - Halls Ferry; Shelley Mathers - Holman; Michelle Cotton - Lee-Hamilton; Jacqueline Moonier - Parker Road; Jennifer Redd - Robinwood; Matthew Williams - Walnut Grove

Preparing High School Students for Workforce Success

We are pleased to announce that, thanks to generous funding support from the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (DHEWD), and the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) has approved funding for WorkKeys testing in our schools. The grant has been allocated to cover the cost of the three core WorkKeys assessments—Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. These assessments will be administered to approximately 170 students at McCluer High School, McCluer North, STEAM Academy, and the Innovation School, helping prepare students for future workforce success. Congratulations to Bradley Johnson, director of Career & Technical Education.

Emerson Early Literacy Challenge: Advancing Literacy Equity in Our Schools

We are excited to announce that Commons Lane has been selected as one of four schools in the area to participate in the Emerson Early Literacy Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative backed by a $250k investment from Emerson, a global leader in automation technology and software. This challenge focuses on closing literacy gaps and ensuring that children in St. Louis receive the essential resources and support to achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade.

Through this two-year, immersive learning experience, Commons Lane will have access to grant planning and implementation funding, along with expert support. This initiative connects our literacy team with the latest research and best practices in literacy instruction, helping bridge the gap between Science of Reading research and real-world classroom implementation.

Over the next two years, Commons Lane will receive one-on-one coaching and participate in expert-led learning events as we develop and implement literacy plans to improve third-grade reading proficiency across all of our schools. We are excited to embark on this journey toward literacy equity for all students and look forward to sharing our progress! 

Congratulations to David Murray, chief academic officer; Shemeicka Green, K-12 Humanities Curriculum Coordinator; Stephanie Martin, principal at Commons Lane; and Amanda Robinson, ISL at Commons Lane, for their hard work.