parentlink SCHOOL SUCCESS REQUIRES GRIT

college and whose parents do not Former Rockwood Students Author Book hold college degrees. They use their missteps as teachable moments for young people who share their same for Pupils on How to Be background. Gritty Because of their successes, these 1999 graduates of Rockwood’s Lafayette High School have been the topic of past articles where the focus was on their experiences in Rockwood Principal Rodney Lewis, a former VICC participant, schools which, they say, served them stands with his Ballwin Elementary School students. well. They benefitted from the diverse He is an award winning educator and population, the rigorous academics and the faculty who bolstered and co-author of the book, Gritty. groomed them. According to Rodney, the academics were such that the young men had “to put in extra work.” This was their early introduction to the concept of grit--a mindset they would struggle with at times but eventually master. They earned not only bachelor’s degrees, but master’s and even doctorate degrees. Ron is a consultant with PQC (Ft. Wayne, IN). He provides leadership training for the organization’s Midwest clients. Rodney is principal at Ballwin Elementary School in the Rockwood district. In addition to their full-time jobs, they have a consulting business, The Lewis Influence, where they offer inspiration and advice to students. The Excellence in Education When 35-year-old former VICC document their low points and award that Rodney won (first place,

NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOUIS, MO ST. NO. 5737 PERMIT participant Rodney Lewis reflects challenges in their book, titled Gritty, “administration” category) from St. on how far he has come in life, to motivate others. Their thinking is, Louis Family (produced by St. Louis he sometimes shakes his head in “If we can do it, you can do it,” and Magazine) recognizes hard work, determination and dedication. Those disbelief. Raised in a community Gritty provides the rationale and are the very characteristics he and his of violence, drugs and gangs, his how-to’s. In some education circles, “grit” brother emphasize in their book. They low college entrance test scores is considered to be the key to define “gritty” as having the strength testified to his strategy of taking the student success. The idea is that and resilience to overcome obstacles easiest path and putting in the least passion and persistence are essential and reach one’s goals. They write, amount of effort. His poor scores characteristics to possess, maybe “Grit is believing in yourself when the only amplified his recurring feelings more so than intelligence or the ability environment is screaming otherwise. of self-doubt. Now flash forward to to learn quickly and easily. The Lewis It is never quitting when self-doubt is the present. Lewis holds multiple twins contend that grit is absolutely having a long conversation with you. advanced degrees, authored a necessary to get ahead, especially for Grit is believing in the unbelievable book, and has climbed high in the those who grow up in impoverished and doing the unthinkable.” education field. He was named and dangerous neighborhoods as While Gritty is targeted to first generation college students, its top area school administrator in they did. general principals are useful for the Excellence in Education awards The twins’ book gives first generation college students strategies anyone and especially young people sponsored by St. Louis Magazine. for overcoming adversity and who could use some impassioned What caused this transformation, creating success in their lives. They motivation from a couple of guys you wonder? A lot of soul searching speak from their own experiences who have walked in their shoes. Visit

Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation 7425 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 110 St. Louis, MO 63105 and something called “grit.” Rodney as first generation college students, the twins’ website to order the book: and his twin brother Ron, who also defined by them as being the first www.lewflu.com. struggled in his early years but went in one’s immediate family to attend on to make remarkable achievements,

The following are Don’t just want something (good Take ownership of your learning as the wrong path. Surround yourself grades, a dream job, a slick car); you though your life depended on it with good people. words of wisdom, have to EXPECT that it can become a (and it does!) If you abuse freedom, you will lose extracted from Gritty, reality. The stronger the expectation Know your numbers: credit hours, freedom. Make smart decisions. applicable to all students: level, the more you will be willing class grades, GPA. Understand Use your time wisely. There are and ready to do whatever it takes to where you are and where you need better outcomes for your future if make it happen. to be. you are “grinding for good grades” If you are capable of making A’s, Don’t blame the teacher for your instead of goofing off. don’t settle for B’s or C’s! Opt for poor grades. Remember: own your Mental strength is important. “hard and necessary” instead of education; it’s not the teacher’s Believe in yourself. “If you don’t “easy and convenient.” doing, it’s what YOU do. believe, you can’t achieve.” You will You must create good habits (study Look closely at the people you hang have setbacks (that’s only natural!), time, sleep time, powering through with. They should be focused and but what is important is that you challenges, resilience) in order to be positive just like you, not people dust yourself off and try again…and successful. who will negatively drive you down again…and again. OutstandingOutstanding AFFTON This summer, Michaela will move to encouraged her to move outside her of love are an inspiration. Her plans Texas where she plans to attend Park comfort zone. Successfully adapting to are to study nursing at UMSL. University and study criminal justice. the challenges of attending a school far DeVontae Burse was a determined, beyond her neighborhood gave Kaytlyn Lafayette High School hardworking and goal-oriented student KIRKWOOD a new-found confidence which she Excelling academically and athletically, athlete. He was voted Homecoming parlayed into being tapped for South’s Kaleea Johnson was a dedicated, King which attests to how well his competitive Step Team squad. active member of the school peers and faculty like and respect Being a four-year recipient of community. She earned excellent him. A standout in football, DeVontae Kirkwood’s African-American Parkway North High School grades, ran track, served as a cadet distinguished himself by being a record Achievement Award attests to Dina The qualities of a student leader are teacher and was a Student of the breaking athlete. He will study business Alabsew’s hard work and dedication immediately recognizable in Ria Smith Month award winner. Kaleea is Certainly, one of the goals of at Western University where he in the classroom. A member of the who points to Parkway as her gateway dependable, determined and creative. participating in the voluntary will play football. National Honor Society, she also to a diverse and culturally rich academic She has amazing communication skills interdistrict choice program is excelled extracurricularly and exhibited experience. Ria’s immersion into the and a very caring personality. She to graduate from high school BAYLESS leadership skills. She was a freshman Parkway school community is evident in plans to study elementary education and, ultimately, continue class officer, a member of the women’s her multitude of involvements: varsity at Columbia College where she will be raduates one’s education at college Bayless High School choir and participated in Peer Helpers, a softball and lacrosse, mock trial, captains part of the track and field team. or in the development of a Taylor Owens was an exceptional club that trains selected students to assist council (supporting the Chesterfield G career. This issue highlights our student leader with an outstanding their peers with problem solving and Police Department in keeping North Marquette High School outstanding graduates of 2016. academic record. She was an active conflict mediation. Dina will attend the drug free and safe), the Sister to Sister Cortiny Scruggs was a strong member We are proud of their hard member of the Student Council DeVontae Burse Taylor Owens Nigel Bracey Chinyere Onwumere University of Louisville. support club for African-American of the Marquette school community, Affton High School Bayless High School Brentwood High School Clayton High School work and accomplishments and participated in the Leadership females, and ASAP (African-American both academically and extracurricular and wish them the very best in class, both which produced successful LINDBERGH Student Acceleration program). She will wise. An annual recipient of the VICC their future opportunities. As I events that contributed to the school attend University of Illinois-Chicago academic achievement award, she ran studied these bios, I was struck and community at large. Taylor was Lindbergh High School and focus on pre-law. track for several years and was an office by a number of the adjectives part of the Bayless dance team and Performing in the school band while aid for two. As co-captain of the Step describing what led to their served as captain. She led her team also playing on the football team takes Parkway South High School Team, she demonstrated her leadership success. I believe we can learn to become State Champions in Hip a special kind of student and Brandon Domonisha Williams says, above ability by helping organize events from these character traits Hop in 2016. A hard working student, Rice was that student. All four years all, she learned perseverance from and competitions. She received the and seek to emulate them Taylor took advanced and college dual of high school, he played trumpet participating in the VICC program, and Celebration of Excellence award from as we raise our children. The credit classes, in addition to completing in the marching band and was the as a result, she is a force to be reckoned Marquette’s department of Family following descriptions were the requirements of the Missouri A+ defensive tackle for the Flyers. Despite with as she moves forward. All four and Consumer Science. Cortiny is mentioned multiple times: program. She will attend Missouri State that grueling commitment, he earned years she attended Special Olympics. headed to UMSL to major in Fashion • Exceptional leader University to study Physical Therapy. good grades. In the spring time, he Pushed to take challenging classes, she and Design and minor in Business • Hard-working participated in track and field. Brandon did so, and while they didn’t always Administration. (strong work ethic) BRENTWOOD will study biochemistry at Mizzou and result in an A, the take-away for her • Determined ultimately hopes to become a medical was that grit and perseverance are Rockwood Summit High School Michaela Smith Dina Alabsew Brandon Rice Tamir Pruitt • Active, involved Hancock Place High School Kirkwood High School Lindbergh High School Brentwood High doctor. essential to achievement. This tenacity Tim Hall is an outstanding young (member of the Nigel Bracey developed into a man of has helped Domonisha map out her man and one of the finest students at school community) character and leadership at Brentwood. MEHLVILLE goals which include enrollment in Forest Summit. He earned a full scholarship • Serves others He is an honest, genuine, charismatic Park Community College (through the to play football at Missouri Western • Dedicated and approachable young man, respected Mehlville High School Missouri A+ program) to major in early University where he hopes to study by both peers and staff. Striving to Tamir Pruitt challenged herself by childhood education. business and then go into real estate In addition, these are also make Brentwood High a better place, he taking several honors and college dual if he does not get a chance to play mentioned: actively participated in class leadership, credit courses. She discovered her love Parkway West High School football in the NFL. He would like to • Bright helping to plan events and volunteer of culinary arts and pursued this interest pursue a master’s degree in business as Donte Hopkins has an insatiable • Curious opportunities for his classmates. He was at South County Technical High in well. Tim was awarded the teacher- appetite for knowledge as reflected in his • Responsible a member of the basketball team (four her junior and senior years. Tamir’s selected Falcon Flight award which many involvements: the experiential • Adapting years), baseball team, National Honor dedication and ambition will serve her recognizes academic and athletic learning program, SPARK!, the Chess • Successful Society and Fellowship of Christian well as she plans to continue her studies achievement, leadership, community Club, Captains Council (supporting • Persevering Athletes. He was selected to attend in the culinary arts at Johnson and service and volunteer work. the Chesterfield Police Department in • Goal oriented the Missouri Scholars Academy and Wales University and is also enlisted in keeping West drug free and safe), ASAP • Person of character was a camp counselor and mentor for the Missouri National Guard. (African-American Student Accleration Sara’Ann Patterson Kaytlyn Sneed Ria Smith Domonisha Williams • Honest and genuine the middle school’s eighth grade camp. VALLEY PARK Oakville High School Parkway Central High School Parkway North High School Parkway South High School program), and the Superintendent’s • Approachable Nigel will attend Washington University Oakville High School Social Justice Leadership Advisory • Strong (Mesmer scholarship recipient) to study The high achieving Cidney Grimes Bright, curious and determined, Council. With a future goal of attaining • Confident engineering. maintained excellent grades while Sara’Ann Patterson demonstrated a a doctorate degree in Educational • Committed taking honors, college duel credit and pursuit of excellence in the classroom Leadership, Donte will attend the • Ambitious AP classes. A leader in her class, she while following a college preparatory University of Missouri to major in • Insatiable appetite CLAYTON was an award-winning member of curriculum including honors, college elementary education. for knowledge Clayton High School dual credit and AP classes. This Future Business Leaders of America. • Self-aware Chinyere (Chi-Chi) Onwumere is a consistent honor roll designee was a She also served as secretary for the • Critical thinker strong and confident writer who loves talented and dedicated member of the ROCKWOOD National Honor Society, captain of the • Dependable the study of languages and culture as choir and drama programs. She was Eureka High School track team and was involved in other • Creative much as she loves science and math. active in the Spanish club and Spanish The impressive Amina Muhando was school activities. She was awarded the • Outstanding Chi-Chi prepared herself for the rigors National Honor Society, plus served an integral part of the student group, Multicultural Leadership Scholarship • Enduring of a pre-med program in college by as a cadet-teacher in Spanish 1. She Eureka Equity, participating in student from Missouri State University, where volunteering at a local hospital, taking has been a bell ringer for the Salvation panels for staff and other activities she will continue her education in All of these are laudable advanced placement courses and Army, a volunteer with a burn recovery designed to educate the Wildcat public relations. Donte Hopkins Amina Muhando Kaleea Johnson Cortiny Scruggs characteristics and qualities to engaging in experiences that broadened support group and a participant in community about embracing diversity. Parkway West High School Eureka High School Lafayette High School Marquette High School which we and our children can her horizons. She is a diligent problem TREND. Later in high school, she held During her four-year participation, WEBSTER GROVES aspire. solver, motivated by each new challenge. a job as well. Sara’Ann plans to attend she demonstrated extraordinary levels She plans to study neuroscience at Northwest Missouri State University and of self-awareness and modeled how to Webster Groves High School David S. Glaser Carolyn Ross demonstrated her either Washington University or Duke is considering a career in education. think critically and also reflect on issues CEO strength and endurance both in University. of culture and social justice. After school and on the track team. She [email protected] being identified for AP classes due to PARKWAY participated in the community 314.721.8422, her studiousness and strong work ethic, HANCOCK service-focused Interact Club as well ext. 3013 Parkway Central High School Amina excelled in upper-level classes. as Future Leaders and being a gifted Hancock Place High School Headed to Southeast Missouri State This honor roll student also excelled athlete, earned a track scholarship Michaela Smith was very involved University to study early childhood artistically, showcasing her artwork in to UMKC where she plans to major in academics, extracurriculars and education, Kaytlyn Sneed feels the school art show and winning the in pre-pharmacy. She was awarded community service. She participated confident that she is well prepared. poster design competition. A thoughtful the Webster Groves Family and in volleyball and cheerleading, as well The personal responsibility she honed leader and wise beyond her years, Friends scholarship and also received as Student Council and the yearbook in Parkway will be invaluable to her Amina’s dedication to fellow students a scholarship from the high school committee. Additionally, she served as in college, she believes. In addition, and to teaching others about the power parents’ club. Tim Hall Cidney Grimes Carolyn Ross a teacher’s assistant and student mentor. the diversity she was exposed to Rockwood Summit High School Valley Park High School Webster Groves High School EMERGENCY Communication Ready to Assist Transferring Families System VICC Staff To improve communica- Recruitment Staff tion with parents regarding The Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation (VICC) staff is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. transportation and their child’s to 2:00 p.m. to assist families with the magnet school application process and to answer general questions participation in the St. Louis about the St. Louis Magnet Schools. Additionally, the recruitment staff can submit parents’ requests for magnet school transportation arrangements. Student Transfer Program, the The recruitment staff can often provide answers to specific questions parents may have or help put Voluntary Interdistrict Choice parents in touch with the individuals who can best answer their questions. Corporation uses a telephone broadcast system, similar to Counseling Staff ones used in many participat- The VICC staff also includes five counselors who can assist families with issues related to their school transfers. ing school districts. Lori Merlo, Counselors generally are assigned according to the first letter of the student’s last name. They can be This system, provided by recruitment 314.721.8422, ext. 3012 reached by calling 314.721.8422, and dialing their extension number below, or via email. School Messenger, allows VICC [email protected] to quickly send all households and parents a pre-recorded message by phone within minutes of a transportation emergency or unplanned event that could significantly delay a child’s pick-up or drop-off time. These emergencies include traffic jams, bus breakdowns, inclement weather, accidents,

counseling etc. The service may also be A-C Vickie Williams D-H Laverne Mitchom I-M Jennifer Christy O-R Mildred Scott S-Z Mary Schafer Meehan used from time-to-time to ext. 3011 ext. 3020 ext. 3021 ext. 3027 ext. 3016 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] communicate general program announcements or reminders. This system will simultane- School Starts August 17, 2016 for St. Louis Magnet Schools ously call a home and one ad- ditional cell phone or alternate number for each student’s fam- ily who needs to be contacted and will deliver a message from Tami Webb, transportation TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION operations manager, or another official with the transfer pro- Transportation to and from school is provided by the Volun- ber or the cell or alternate/emergency phone number for your tary Interdistrict Choice Corporation. The phone number for the child. If either number changes, please contact Lori Merlo at gram. Calls will be delivered to transportation staff is 314.721.8657. 314.721.8422, ext. 3012 to request that the information be for- both live (in person) responders Transportation cards with the pick-up location and time will warded to the transportation office. and answering machines. Calls be mailed to all magnet school students by August 3. If you If You Move not answered and busy signals do not receive your card by August 10, contact Lori Merlo at If you move during the summer, call Lori Merlo at will be automatically retried 314.721.8422, ext. 3012. 314.721.8422, ext. 3012. Do not call transportation. Please re- by the system two additional After the school year begins, new cards will be mailed only member, it takes up to 10 working days to make a transportation times in 15 minute intervals if it is necessary to make a change to the bus/cab route. Such change. If you are going to move during the academic year, be after the initial call. changes can occur whenever a student is added to or dropped sure to notify your child’s building principal and also notify the Your child’s school will also from a route. Please review each new card carefully, including VICC office at least two weeks before you move. continue to separately an- the effective date, stop location, times and transporter. Destroy General Safety Rules nounce school closings due to all old cards. • Obey the driver promptly. Any day-to-day transportation problems or concerns you inclement weather, via the me- may have should be addressed by first calling the bus (or cab) • Smoking, eating or drinking are not permitted. dia or their own phone system. contractor. These include normal operating issues, such as the • Remain seated until the bus arrives at your stop. However, in the event that the following: • Refrain from using loud or obscene language. St. Louis Magnet Schools are • Looking for lost items left on the bus/cab • Do not damage the bus/cab in any way. open, but road conditions are • Checking on activity bus location • Do not throw objects on the bus/cab or out of the windows. such that VICC’s transportation • Questions or cancellations when VICC Transportation office is • Do not extend head, arms, legs or hands out of the windows. department feels it is not safe closed. • Do not tamper with the emergency door except in the case of to transport students to school, • Refer to your child’s bus card for the appropriate bus/cab a real emergency and only under the instruction of the driver. VICC would use this separate company. • Fighting, scuffling or creating loud disturbances are not system to notify families at- If the contractor is unable to resolve a concern or if you have permitted. tending the affected schools in one of the following issues, please call the VICC transportation • Avoid the Danger Zones next to the bus where the driver addition to making the stan- staff at 314.721.8657: can’t see you. This distance is approximately 10 feet around dard media announcements. • Overall routing issues or concerns all sides. For this system to best • Pick-up or drop-off location concerns • If you must cross the street after you get off the bus, wait for operate, it is imperative that • Concerns with driver or contractor the driver to signal you and then cross in front of the bus. you keep your school and VICC • Requesting cab or other alternative transportation service in • Don’t try to pick up something dropped near the bus be- aware of any future changes the event your regular bus does not show. cause the driver might not see you. in your home and/or cell or Student Responsibilities • Remember that other motorists don’t always stop for a alternate/emergency phone On school days, students must arrive at their designated stopped school bus. Use extreme caution when getting on or numbers. pick-up location 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up off the bus. time, and remain at least 15 minutes after the pick-up time, • Never run back to the bus, even if you dropped or forgot Educational Rights before calling the transportation staff at 314.721.8657 for advice. something. and Privacy Act If your child is not at the bus stop a full 10 minutes before the Student Safety (FERPA) scheduled arrival time and does not wait the full 15 minutes Help us protect your children as they travel to and from The Voluntary Interdistrict after the scheduled time and he or she misses the bus, it will be school. Certain types of children’s clothing can create a hazard Choice Corporation (VICC) the parents’ responsibility to get the child to school for that day. as your child exits the bus. Especially dangerous are jacket and complies fully with the Family The transportation office does not send alternative transporta- sweatshirt drawstrings, long backpack straps, long scarfs and Educational Rights and Privacy tion in such instances. any other loose clothing. Such clothing could become caught in For the safety of all children, students must obey general the bus handrail, door or other bus equipment as the child exits Act (FERPA). FERPA is a law that safety rules as well as those established by the St. Louis Public the bus. Please take time to check your children’s clothing. Also affords parents and students 18 Schools which publishes a handbook outlining driver, student talk with your child about the behavior and safety rules. years of age and older with cer- and parental responsibilities and listing penalties for violations Trespass Policy tain rights with respect to the which can include a student being removed from riding the bus To bolster the safety of students riding buses to school the student’s educational records. either on a temporary or permanent basis. If a bus suspension VICC board adopted the following trespassing policy: A copy of VICC’s FERPA occurs, it becomes the parents’ responsibility to transport the “Trespass occurs when anyone boards a school bus without statement is included in the child to and from school (including activities) for the duration of prior approval from VICC. Any VICC-designated person (includ- VICC student handbook, which the suspension. ing students), contractor or school staff whose job responsibil- can be requested by calling Parent Responsibilities ities require him/her to be on a school bus shall be authorized 314.721.8422, ext. 3012. Transportation may run late and/or routes may not be firmly and not be considered trespassing. Only with prior approval The handbook is also available in place during the first few weeks of school. Please make sure from VICC or a contractor may any parent, guardian or member on the VICC website at your child knows exactly what to do if his or her bus does not ar- of the general public be allowed on a bus at any time.” rive. This includes knowing where to go and whom to call. Also www.choicecorp.org. Click on make sure your child knows what is expected when he or she is the link for “County Residents dropped off at the end of the school day. If you normally meet Be sure to review the transportation sections Currently Enrolled in City Mag- your child at the bus stop, be sure your child understands what in the Magnet School Handbook net Schools,” and then click on to do if you are not there. with your child before the start of school. “Magnet School Handbook.” It is important for parents to keep the school as well as the If you need a handbook, please call 314.721.8422, ext. 3012, The full policy will be pub- VICC office informed of any changes in the home phone num- or visit our website: www.choicecorp.org lished in the next issue of the Parent Link.