2016
FALL
Normandy Read with Me! Reading Initiative Adds More Locations
to Community Network
T
he Normandy Schools Collaborative and its community
partners are proud to announce several new locations
for the Normandy Read with Me! initiative. With the
support of Beyond Housing, the Normandy Read with
Me! program has reading nooks located in LeRoy’s
Barbershop, the Smokehouse barbecue restaurant, Excel Center
in Pagedale, Normandy Parent Resource Room (Normandy
administration building), and Miracle Temple in Pine Lawn.
In April, the Collaborative kicked off the new community
reading initiative with a ribbon-cutting at its first location,
Jack of All Fades barbershop, located at Hanley and St. Charles
Rock roads in unincorporated north St. Louis County.
The Collaborative is partnering with community organizations
Beyond Housing, Ready Readers, and has also received support
from Build-A-Bear Founder Maxine Clark, and financial giant
Citi, to set up reading nooks at businesses and organizations
throughout the Normandy area. The reading nooks are
bookshelves stocked with books for a variety of interests and
reading levels. The books are supplied by the Collaborative,
Ready Readers, Beyond Housing, and other generous donors.
Jefferson Elementary students, from left, Avionna Williams, Kyan Reed, and
Jessie Lindsay, check out a few of the books in the reading nook at Jack of all Fades
barbershop. The reading nook is part of the Collaborative’s Normandy Read with
Me! community reading initiative.
The Normandy Read with Me! initiative is similar to those
in other parts of the country where local barbershops set
up reading areas to encourage their young customers to
read more.
Continued on page 4
New Start, Dismissal Times for Certain Schools
T
o help improve attendance and bus routes, the
Normandy Schools Collaborative is changing the
daily start and ending times for certain schools
for the 2016-2017 school year.
Don’t forget - beginning August 8 (the first day of school), school
start and ending times are as follows:
School
Start time End time
“Attending school regularly and on-time are critical
for student success,” said Dr. Candice Carter-Oliver,
Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Support
Services. “Students don’t learn if they are not in class.”
Normandy Kindergarten Center
8:50 a.m.
4:17 p.m.
Lucas Crossing Elementary
8:50 a.m.
4:17 p.m.
Normandy Early Childhood Center
8:15 a.m.
3:42 p.m.
The Normandy Strive for 95 program reminds parents of
the benefits of having students at school 95 percent of the
time. If you have any questions about attendance or the
Strive for 95 program, please contact the Office of Student
Support at 314-493-0419, or your child’s school principal.
Jefferson, Obama, & Washington Elementary 8:15 a.m.
3:42 p.m.
Normandy 7th - 8th Grade Center
8:15 a.m.
3:42 p.m.
Normandy High School
7:40 a.m.
3:07 p.m.
N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
connections
A Better Future...
H
ope and a belief in a better future drive me.
They are the reason I get up each day. They
are the reason I still work on my vacation days.
The hope, the vision of a school district where
all students are learning and thriving moves
me each day. I am joined by a host of staff who share
this hope.
Sometimes events challenge our beliefs about the
future. Such is the case as I write this letter. It is just
a few weeks after several tragic events have made
Dr. Charles J. Pearson
national headlines. Two African-American men have
been killed as a result of police actions, one in Louisiana
and one in Minnesota; and police officers have died in Dallas and Baton Rouge in what
has been confirmed as retaliation.
Amid all of this, we opened our doors for the new school year on August 8. Amid
all of this your children still deserve and still need an education that will prepare them
to be productive citizens and leaders and owners of businesses in the 21st century.
They still must be prepared for college or a career.
The Normandy Schools Collaborative was charged by the state department to
change the direction of our schools in three years. It was not just the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education who demanded change. As a community, you
have the same expectation, and so do our students.
The direction has changed and our data will demonstrate that. I invite you to see and
work for that better future with us.
I invited the community to show up the first day of school to cheer our students and
staff on. We must continue to demonstrate our hope with enthusiasm and hard work!
As we each do our part -- administration leading, teachers teaching, partners nurturing,
parents providing and supporting, we will get our tasks done -- accreditation in the
short term and ongoing excellence long term!
That’s the hope! That’s the plan! Now is the time! This is the year of continuous
progress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Charles J. Pearson
Superintendent of Schools
JOINT EXECUTIVE GOVERNING BOARD
Mr. Richard Ryffel
President
Rev. Cedric Portis
Vice President
Ms. Sheila Williams
Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Reginald Dickson
Board Member
Mrs. Pamela WestbrooksHodge
Board Member
Dr. Charles Pearson
Superintendent of Schools
Connections is published by the
Office of Public and
Community Relations.
Normandy Schools Collaborative
3855 Lucas & Hunt Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63121
(314) 493-0400
The Normandy Schools Collaborative
does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, or age in its programs
and activities. For more
information call:
Office of Human Resources
3855 Lucas & Hunt Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63121
(314) 493-0400
www.normandysc.org
2
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N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
One Year Later
One Year Later – What’s Planned for The Collaborative in 2016-2017
A
s the Normandy Schools Collaborative starts a new
school year, we would like to thank our students, parents
and staff for the support in what has been an especially
challenging time. Our students, teachers and staff
continue to diligently do the work to improve student achievement
and move closer to the short-term goal of accreditation. But what’s
changed? In the last year, what has the Collaborative done to help
improve the quality of the education provided to students? Here’s
an abbreviated list of goals achieved, and what we plan to do to
continue the improvement. We’ll continue to provide updates on
our progress in upcoming newsletters, as well as on our website,
Facebook and Twitter pages.
Project
Goals Met
Changes for 2016-2017
Opened Kindergarten Center
Alleviated overcrowding at elementary schools,
increased academic performance
Adding social emotional curriculum, wraparound
services designed to address children with
behavioral issues
7th - 8th Grade Center
Improved culture, reduced disciplinary problems,
reinstated field trips
Social/emotional curriculum; strengthen
adolescent literacy strategies
Career Pathways /
Project Lead the Way
All students enrolled in a career pathway.
Internship opportunities provided
Increase number of students to be assigned to
Pathways; provide additional academic support
Dual Enrollment /
Dual Credit Courses
Increased number of dual enrollment, dual
credit courses, number of students participating
increased
Provide onsite support (at college campus)
for students in dual enrollment classes, actively
collaborate with dual enrollment teachers to
monitor performance
PBIS (Positive Behavioral
Interventions & Supports)
Reduced number of discipline incidents, reduced
out-of-school (OSS) by 50% from previous year
Expand PBIS program & merge with other
behavior management models
Balanced Literacy Reading Program
Continued implementation in grades K-8;
teachers received professional development
in small-group instruction, reading & writing
strategies
Additional training for staff in supplemental
curriculum, use of small groups in English
Language Arts
Community Engagement
Launched Viking Vision community engagement
program to gain input for future planning
Town Hall meetings with administrators/JEGB;
provide information at school events, activities
Communications
Improve appearance, functionality of district
website
New website design & update
Add text communication tool to reach parents
Increased ‘likes’, followers on NSC Facebook,
Twitter pages
Viking Vision Looks to Future,
Starts Community-Led ‘To-Do’ List for District’s Planning Efforts
T
he Normandy Schools
Collaborative recently wrapped up
the first round of its Viking Vision
community engagement initiative,
an effort to involve Normandy parents, staff
and community members in the continued
improvement of the Collaborative.
Beginning in April, Normandy leaders
met with members of the community
to design the process to gain valuable
feedback from those living in the Normandy
schools footprint. The process was led by
a Facilitating Team consisting of residents,
parents, alumni, staff and other school
district stakeholders. Angela HaywoodGaskin, Facilitating Team co-chair, is
grateful for the opportunity to help get
the Collaborative on the right track. The
last meeting was held June 27 at Barack
Obama Elementary School.
“As a proud Normandy graduate and
resident of the district, this was an
incredible opportunity to work together with
parents, staff and community to ensure
we provide our students with the best
education possible,” Haywood-Gaskin said.
“This was a great start and we will continue
to reach out to parents and community
members to work together to help guide
the direction of the Collaborative for years
to come.”
Continued on page 9
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N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
connections
Normandy Selects
New CFO, Principal for Lucas Crossing Elementary
T
he Normandy Schools Collaborative is pleased to
announce the selection of a new principal and chief
financial officer for the 2016-2017 school year.
Randal Charles is the new Assistant Superintendent
of Operations for the Normandy Schools Collaborative. Charles
is a retired superintendent, most recently having served in that
role with the St. Charles School District. Prior to his work
in St. Charles, Charles was
Superintendent of the Hillsboro School
District, and prior to that role, Assistant
Superintendent/CFO with the Mehlville
School District. A veteran educator
and administrator with 40 years of
experience in the field, Charles will
manage Normandy’s Food Service,
Student Safety, Information Technology,
Facilities, and Business Office
functions. Charles earned his bachelor’s
degree in secondary education
Randal Charles
and master’s degree in educational
administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
He received an educational specialist degree and completed
coursework toward his doctorate degree, also from UMC.
Tiffany McConnell is returning to Lucas Crossing Elementary
Complex, this time as Building Principal. She worked there
previously as an Assistant Principal. McConnell is a proud
graduate of Normandy High School and started her teaching
career in the district at the now-closed Garfield Elementary.
She most recently worked in the
district as the Curriculum Coordinator
for mathematics. She has served the
district in various leadership roles
including facilitating collaborative
planning with teachers, supporting
school improvement plans, and
facilitating professional development
for teachers and principals. McConnell
earned her bachelor’s degree in
elementary education from Grambling
State University in Louisiana. She
Tiffany McConnell
has a master’s degree in education
administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and
an educational specialist degree in educational leadership
from Lindenwood University. Tiffany is currently pursuing her
doctorate degree at Maryville University. Tiffany’s motto is
“Every Classroom. Every Student. Every Day.”, and she is
committed to making a difference by advocating excellence,
and life-long learning by promoting a positive, productive
learning environment where all students can find success.
McConnell is replacing long-time Normandy educator Paula A.
Sams, who retired in June (see story on page 11). Charles is
replacing Mick Willis, who also retired in June. McConnell and
Charles began their new roles on July 1.
Normandy Read with Me!
Continued from page 1
Along with the reading nooks, this initiative has also established
Little Free Libraries in various areas of the Normandy Schools
Collaborative. The Little Free Libraries are bookshelves -- built by
students with the YouthBuild construction training program – and
placed on a perch, similar to a birdhouse. The books, which are free
to the community, are provided by Dr. Keith Miller, professor with
the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Education. Current
locations for the Little Free Libraries are the Pink House in Pagedale,
the UMSL campus, and Our Daycare center near Bel-Ridge.
“Reading is critical to our students doing well in all subject
areas,” said Dr. Charles Pearson, Normandy superintendent.
“This is one way we can help provide a strong foundation
in this fundamental area. We are so fortunate to have great
partners who are working with our students and staff on
initiatives like this. With the community’s support, we can
work together to help ensure our students’ academic success.”
4
For more information on the Normandy Read with Me! program
or to have a reading nook placed in a business or organization,
contact the Normandy Schools Collaborative at 314-493-0438.
Members of St. Louis YouthBuild, with Casey Locey of Beyond Housing (far
right), and Tina Mosely, owner of Our Daycare, the location of one of the Little
Free Libraries.
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N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
NSC Continues Strive for 95! Initiative for New School Year
A
s part of the path to improve
student performance and regain
accreditation, the Normandy
Schools Collaborative must increase
its student attendance rates.
At a 2015 community forum, parents,
staff and community members were
asked what steps the Collaborative could
take to increase academic achievement.
The resounding answer was attendance.
It was the common theme for the
evening: students who are not in class
cannot learn.
Attendance
Initiative
Didyouknow?
Chronic absenteeism
is defined as missing
10% or more of a school
year. This is equal to
missing 2 days of
school each month!
The Normandy Schools Collaborative is
continuing its attendance initiative, Strive
for 95. The ‘95’ refers to the goal of
having 95 percent of the student body
in attendance, 95 percent of the time.
To achieve the Strive for 95 goal of
95 percent attendance, 95 percent of
the time, the Collaborative is issuing a
challenge for students to come to school
on time, everyday, all day. To help meet
the challenge, NSC will provide incentives
to students, families and schools to
reward students for achieving the
attendance goal.
The incentives may include pizza parties
for classrooms that meet the goals,
gift cards for teachers who have stellar
classroom attendance, or an iPad for
a student with perfect attendance.
When students are
not in school every day,
on time, or for the entire
day, they miss out on
important learning.
MakeSureYo urChild
IsInSchoolEveryD ay.
www.normandysc.org
Engrade Gives Parents Tools to Monitor
Seeyourschool’sFamilyEngagementLiaisonfordetails.
Students’ Grades, Classroom Assignments
P
arents, remember the Normandy Schools Collaborative
has a new system available to help you keep up with
your child’s grades and communicate with teachers.
The new system is called Engrade, which is an online,
learning management tool which allows teachers to
store all lesson plans, grades, and supporting resources in
one place for students and parents to access.
With Engrade, parents are able to see firsthand how their
student is performing in class. Teachers will post the students’
grades, assignments, as well as lesson plans, other course
materials and resources. The information is securely available
online with login and password.
To sign up for Engrade,
parents and guardians
should contact the child’s
teacher or guidance
counselor.
For more information
on Engrade, visit the
Normandy website or go
to www.engrade.com.
5
N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
Alumni Courier Turns
the Spotlight on
Normandy High Seniors
F
or the annual feature in the Normandy Alumni Courier
newspaper, Editor and Normandy graduate Wayne
Brasler returns to his alma mater to profile some of
the best and brightest of the Normandy High School
graduating class. These profiles are included in the
Alumni Courier, which is then sent to Normandy graduates
throughout the nation and world. This year was no exception.
Brasler interviewed a mix of students, all demonstrating who
and what Normandy truly is. What follows is an edited version
of Mr. Brasler’s interviews with these promising graduates.
DAISHAH JONES, as do many of her
classmates, rate science and math as
the subjects she values most from
high school. “I liked the science labs
because of the hands-on experience.
Math helped me so much in life
beyond the classroom.” Daishah’s
personal interests, again as with
many of her classmates, include
fashion. She is considering Lincoln
Daishah Jones
University in Jefferson City. “What
I will remember most about Normandy,” Daishah, who was
also crowned Prom Queen, said, “is how nice the students
are to each other. We are a real family.”
DIERRA AUSTIN comes from a
family of three children. She made the
most of her high school years, playing
basketball, volleyball and softball, and
serving as a college ambassador. She
ranks math as her favorite subject.
“I loved coming to school every day,”
she said. “I felt like I was home.”
Dierra, who served as Class Vice
President and was selected as Class
Dierra Austin
Salutatorian, particularly enjoyed
mentoring students at Jefferson Elementary School. She will
attend the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg
this fall.
KE’ARRION COLEMAN regards science and math as
academic highlights during his years at Normandy High School.
“Science opened up to me so much of what I know now,” he
said. Ke’Arrion said he took all the challenging courses he
Continued on page 8
6
connections
Congratulations to Vi
Normandy Schools Collaborative bid a fond farewell to another class of young
and women June 3 in a ceremony held at Viking Hall. Family and friends of th
graduates were treated to top-notch performances by the Normandy High Sch
Choir, Soloist Andrew Roberson, and the High School Band. This year’s gues
speaker was the Rev. Cedric Portis Sr., current vice president of the Joint Exec
Governing Board, and Normandy High graduate (class of 1987). The crowd w
addressed by this year’s Class President Calah Shields, Valedictorian Shelly Pi
and Salutatorian Dierra Austin. In July, the Collaborative held an intimate ce
for family and friends to celebrate the accomplishments of the Normandy sum
graduates. JEGB Director Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge (also a Normandy High
of 1987 graduate) addressed the group. Congratulations to all of the Normand
graduates and best of luck in your future
endeavors! (More photos also available on
the Normandy Facebook page.) #VikingPride
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N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
iking Class of 2016
g men
he
hool
st
cutive
was also
ittman,
eremony
mmer
h Class
dy
7
N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
connections
Spotlight on Normandy Seniors
Continued from page 6
could, took on every sport he could,
got involved in all the community
service he could. “You really need to
experience everything you can so that
when you get to graduation you know
you got as much as you could out of
high school.” His advice for freshmen:
“You gotta focus!” Ke’Arrion, who was
2016 Prom King, will attend Lincoln
University in Jefferson City.
Ke’Arrion Coleman
MONIQUE COLLIE has fond memories
of her English classes and fashion
projects. She also rates Normandy’s
acclaimed Dance Academy program
as a highlight of her high school years.
Her future plans include becoming
a pediatrician. “I like children,” she
said. “I love connecting with kids.”
Monique said her parents have proven
to be a major influence in her life, both
making sure she did well in school. She
Monique Collie
is one of five children and family life
is important to her. Wanting to stay in St. Louis, Monique will
attend Harris-Stowe State University in the fall.
QUENTIN EDDINGS, like so many
members of his graduating class,
highly values what he learned in his
English classes. “They helped me to
understand the world and people,”
he said. He values his experience
on Normandy High’s football team.
“In many ways it woke me up to my
potential,” he said. Quentin, who
was the 2016 Homecoming King,
Quentin Edding
also worked as an intern with Beyond
Housing, a community development organization. He also
participated in the Collaborative’s Dual Enrollment Program,
taking classes at St. Louis Community College-Florissant
Valley, earning 25 college credits. He plans on majoring in civil
engineering or architectural engineering at the University of
Missouri-Kansas City.
SHAQUIRA BLACKMAN is another
Normandy student who ranked English
among as one of her favorite classes,
and fashion among top interests. Active
in student government she is interested
in community and family counseling.
Her college plans include the University
of Alabama A&M at Huntsville but
wherever life takes her, Shaquira said,
“St. Louis is my home.”
8
SHELLY PITTMAN rates English and
biology as her favorite subjects at
Normandy and singled out her Biology
teacher, Ms. Matiase, as one of her
favorites. Matiase was also was Shelly’s
Robotics teacher and Shelly participated
in the Robotics Club. Shelly, who
was also named Class Valedictorian,
particularly valued her internship with
Fortune 25 Centene Corporation.
Shelly Pittman
Shelly’s advice for Normandy freshmen
is “Get to know your teachers and get them to know you
and, as important, to like you. Keep your grades up; it is worth
the effort.” She will continue her education at the University
of Missouri-St. Louis where she plans to major in Computer
Science.
TYTAVIA JOHNSON says her
two years in Tyler Jones’ English
Composition class stand out in her
memories of Normandy. “Mr. Jones’
way of teaching was different and
really reached me.” She plans to attend
the University of Central Missouri
in Warrensburg. As for activities at
Normandy, Tytavia will fondly remember
fashion classes and fashion shows,
Tytavia Johnson
and sports, particularly volleyball. As for
graduation, “We all worked so hard to be where we are,” she
observed. “I looked forward to seeing everyone make it.”
CALAH SHIELDS, Class President, also
served as student representative on the
Normandy Schools Collaborative Joint
Executive Governing Board. Among
her many activities, she was a member
of the choir, Dance and Soccer teams.
She was also recognized with the
Community Service Award for having
more than 2,000 hours of service.
Calah plans to attend college where
she will study broadcast journalism
and communications.
Calah Shields
Editor’s Note: An expanded version of these profiles will
be published in the upcoming issue of the Alumni Courier.
Shaquira Blackman
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N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
Annual Scholarship Gala Celebrates Best of Normandy
T
he Friends of Normandy
Foundation (FON) celebrated
the best of students, staff and
parents in the Normandy Schools
Collaborative at the spring Denim &
Diamonds Scholarship Fundraiser Gala. Held
at The Millennium Center on the campus of
the University of Missouri-St. Louis, more
than 200 supporters witnessed the best and
the brightest of the Collaborative as FON
and members of the community presented
scholarships to graduating seniors. The
event also recognized the building and
district Teachers of the Year, Support Staff
Person of the Year, and the Parents of the
Year. The event was emceed by Duane
Foster, Normandy Fine Arts Director.
Speakers included recent Normandy High
graduates who are now attending colleges
and universities, local civic officials, FON
board members, and staff. Entertainment
was provided by Jo’Shea, and the
Normandy High School Jazz Combo, and
student quintet Inner Harmony. There was
also a fashion show during dinner featuring
student-designed attire.
A few of the honorees recognized were:
2016 graduating class Scholars of
Excellence: Dierra Austin, Quentin Edding,
Aaliyah Greenlee, Traniece Harris, Jasmine
Hunt, Alliyah Lloyd, Kelsie Macon, Nathan
Morrow, Aleia Parker, Shelley Pittman,
Calah Shields, and Stephen Singleton
Normandy Teacher of the Year:
Mr. Aman Lado, Early Childhood Center
2016 graduating class Scholars of Excellence
The Friends of Normandy recognized long-time member Earl Joiner for his years of service to the foundation.
Normandy Building Teachers of the
Year: Ms. Paula Addoh, Normandy High
School; Ms. Joeann Mack, 7th - 8th Grade
Center; Ms. Lisa Woods, Barack Obama
Elementary; Ms. Doris West, Jefferson
Elementary; Dr. Janis Wiley, Lucas Crossing
Elementary; Ms. Stacey Lloyd, Washington
Elementary; and Ms. Diedre Sealy,
Kindergarten Center.
Normandy Parent of the Year: Aleshia
Vaughn, High School
2016 Parents of the Year Nominees:
Angela Larry, 7th - 8th Grade Center;
Jasmine Jones-Long, Barack Obama;
Re’Nise Lovejoy, Jefferson; Mary Hardiman,
Lucas Crossing; Joie Gant, Washington;
Francina Gladney, Early Childhood Center;
and Terri Jordan, Kindergarten Center
2016 Support Staff of the Year: Mrs. Mae
Joyce, Secretary, Washington Elementary
Viking Vision
Continued from page 3
Haywood-Gaskin and the Facilitating Team
co-chair, Craig Lucas -- also a Normandy
resident and parent of a graduate -- led
and facilitated a total of four meetings
covering topics such as 21st Century
learning, bus transportation, and district
facilities & operations to gain insight from
the community on these areas critical to
student learning. The feedback gathered
from the meetings was presented to
the Joint Executive Governing Board
(JEGB) and will be incorporated into the
Collaborative’s long-range strategic plan.
The findings and final report are available
to the community and can be found on the
Normandy website, www.normandysc.org/
VikingVision.
“We’re so grateful for the community’s
commitment to our students and the work
we’re doing in the Collaborative,” said Sheila
Williams, JEGB member, who served as
a liaison for the initiative. “This work will
continue and we hope to have more parents
and community members participate and
lend their voices to the process.”
The next phase of the Viking Vision
program will continue this school year,
seeking input from the community on
critical topics like academics, buildings
& facilities, transportation and school
boundaries. The Collaborative plans to hold
town hall meetings with Superintendent
Dr. Charles Pearson and other
administrators. District leaders also plan
to share district plans with and solicit input
from parents and residents by participating
in select school events throughout the year.
9
N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
connections
Viking Flashback – A Q&A with Normandy
Alumna Shewanee Howard-Baptiste
E
arlier this year, Shewanee HowardBaptiste, Normandy Class of 1995,
sent an email to the Director of
Communications, with a subject
line that read, “Proud Normandy
Graduate.” Howard-Baptiste wanted to
share news of her promotion to Executive
Provost Administrative Intern at the
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
(An Administrative Internship usually leads
to a leadership position at the organization,
so in a university/education setting, it’s
a big deal.)
Since graduating
Salutatorian
of her class,
Howard-Baptiste
attended Miami
University of
Ohio, where
she graduated
with a bachelor’s
degree in
Exercise Science.
Shewanee Howard-Baptiste She continued
her education at Miami University earning
her master’s and doctorate degrees. This
fall, she starts her new position with the
University, in addition to her responsibilities
as associate professor. As a professor she
has studied and performed volunteer work
in Haiti. Each summer she travels with a
team of educators and scholars to work
with Educate Haiti Now (EHN) and the
Haitian American Caucus-Haiti (HAC). The
group develops curriculum and teaching
strategies to empower Haitian teachers.
So how did Howard-Baptiste get from
Normandy High School to the hallowed
halls of higher education? How did
Normandy help her get to this point?
Here’s her story in her own words.
Q. W
hat kind of student were you in
high school?
Howard-Baptiste: I was a good student
throughout my time with the Normandy
School District. I went to Washington
Elementary School, Normandy Jr. High,
and graduated from the high school in
10
1995 as the salutatorian. I was really
blessed to have phenomenal educators
at every level.
Q. Who were some of your favorite
teachers? Why?
Howard-Baptiste: Ms. Graham was
my third grade and favorite teacher in
elementary school. She was always
upbeat, energetic and really instilled in all
her students that they could accomplish
anything they wanted in life. The key
to success was working hard and Ms.
Graham held us accountable every day.
Mr. Underwood, my middle school history
teacher, made learning history fun and
exciting. Mrs. Doyle was a great English
teacher. I realize now she taught us
as though we were college students.
I appreciate that tactic now as a college
professor.
Q. Did Normandy High prepare you for
college? Life after graduation? How?
Howard-Baptiste: NHS prepared me
for college. I had great teachers in every
subject who challenged us to be critical
thinkers. They encouraged us to think
outside the box and find ways to see
how different classes are connected
to one another. I was a member of the
volleyball team and band during my time
in high school. Great opportunities exist
in this school district; students, teachers,
parents, and community members must
be advocates of our communities and
take advantage of the opportunities that
exist. No one is going to give you a job,
a scholarship or an opportunity to be
successful. Each of us must make
a choice to want more and do better.
Apply for internships or work on a
research project with a professor. If
there is something you want to do and
it doesn’t exist, create it.
Q. What were some challenges you
encountered your first couple of years
away? How did you work through
those challenges?
Howard-Baptiste: I think most students
struggle to find out their “why?” Why am
I pursuing this major? Why I am involved
in this program? Why am I working in this
job? I think these are all normal questions.
Most people expect a high school
graduate to know exactly what they want
to do for the rest of their lives. There is
a lot of pressure to have it all figured out
so early which really isn’t realistic. Part
of life is doing different things- studying
abroad, changing your major, working
non-traditional jobs, and not being afraid
to pursue your purpose.
Q. Why did you choose your current career
path? Was this your original plan?
Howard-Baptiste: My original plan was
to go to medical school. I was pre-med
during my freshman year in college but
quickly learned that I liked science, but I
did not love science enough to pursue a
career in medicine. I changed my major
to Exercise Science to pursue a career in
cardiac rehabilitation. I enjoyed working
with people and helping them make
positive lifestyle choices. I later found
that I loved teaching and utilizing the
classroom as a space for positive change.
Q. What advice would you share with
current Normandy High students?
Class of 2016?
Howard-Baptiste: Don’t be afraid to
dream! Block out the stereotypes and
assumptions that people make about
what school you went to, where you
are from, and what outsiders think you
can’t do. Surround yourself with positive
people who support your ambitions
now, don’t wait until you meet someone
who can help you. Volunteer, research
career paths, and don’t be afraid to take
calculated risks.
To see the announcement for Ms.
Howard-Baptiste’s promotion, visit
the University of Tennessee website:
http://blog.utc.edu/news/2016/05/
shewanee-howard-baptiste-selectedinaugural-provost-executiveadministrative-intern/
connections
N o r m a n d y S c h o o l s C o l l a b o r at i v e
Normandy Bids Farewell to
Longtime Educator Paula Sams
After more than 30 years in Normandy, Lucas Crossing principal retires
E
ducation has been a part of Paula Sams’ life for as long
as she can remember. As a child, Paula would often play
school with her sister and neighbors.
him to do division,” she said. “His daughter was having trouble
with division – like he did as a child – and the method I taught
him helped him to understand it.”
“And of course, I was the teacher,” Sams recalled.
Dr. Charles Pearson, Normandy superintendent, is grateful for
Sams’ many years of dedication to her students.
The veteran educator retired from the Normandy Schools
Collaborative, wrapping up 30-plus years of service to the
Normandy community. She retired this year, effective July 1.
“Ms. Sams has served as a stellar role model for her students
and devoted mentor to other teachers,” Pearson said. “We
know that there are many who have sat in her classes, be it here
in Normandy or through her work at the university level, who
have been positively impacted by her knowledge and expertise.”
Sams, who is also a resident of the school district, plans
to remain active in education, teaching administration at
Lindenwood University. She also plans to advocate for
education with legislators and other policymakers.
“I want to be a voice for education reform,” Sams said. “Public
education as we know it, is in serious trouble. We’ve got to
understand the issues our students are coming to school with
and better prepare our teachers, counselors, social workers,
and administrators to deal with them. My first agenda item is to
reach out to my legislative representatives and speak out against
policies that cripple school districts like Normandy.”
Retired Lucas Crossing Principal Paula Sams
But for Sams, Normandy was more than a place to work.
Normandy is home.“I was welcomed into the Normandy
family with open arms from parents, students, and colleagues,”
Sams explained. “I never thought about going anywhere else,
Normandy has been great to me. As a single parent it afforded
me the opportunity to send both daughters to college. I owe this
district everything!”
She also plans to finish her doctorate degree. And of course,
Sams will follow the path of many retirees, continuing to share
her knowledge and newfound free time with others – especially
her grandchildren.
Sams, who is originally from St. Louis and graduated from
Sumner High School, is the daughter of an educator. Her
mother was a teacher and later, administrator in St. Louis Public
Schools. Sams joined the Normandy School District in 1983
as a classroom teacher at the now-closed Garfield Elementary
School. The Spelman College alumna has faced challenges in
her career but these were outweighed by the good, particularly
the rewards of working with Normandy students, families and
colleagues over the years.
One of Sams’ most rewarding memories is when a former
student sought her help for his daughter.
“I was the principal at Jefferson Elementary and one of my
former students stopped by my office to ask me how I taught
The JEGB recognized retirees Paula Sams, center, and Business Office
Secretary Elaine Greiner, right, for their years of service to the Normandy Schools
Collaborative. Not pictured is Audrey Buchanon, kindergarten teacher.
11
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Normandy, Better Family Life
Offer Free Afterschool Program for Students
T
he Normandy Schools Collaborative (NSC) is continuing
its partnership with Better Family Life to provide a free
afterschool program for students in the Normandy area.
The initiative, Viking Quest 21st Century Afterschool
Program, is designed to provide a safe haven for students in the
afterschool hours while addressing their educational enrichment
and social needs.
The program offers a full array of services based on the STEAM
(science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) model.
The Normandy Viking Quest 21st Century program can
accommodate a minimum of 285 students from the
Collaborative’s four elementary schools, and the middle and high
schools. Transportation home and a light meal are provided.
For more information on the Normandy Viking Quest 21st
Century Afterschool Program, contact the Normandy Family
Engagement Office, 314-493-0454.
Dated Material:
Please Deliver
September 1, 2016