UCity Directory 2024

28 2024-25 | University City Community Directory history, culture, diversity and opportunity. However, as times change, the needs of our students change,” she said. “In order to stay true to our mission, we are building on our strong foundation while modernizing and energizing curricula and partnering with our community to help deliver a unique and quality learning experience to each classroom.” The School District of University City’s vision of Learning Reimagined also strives for well- being and joy in students, staff and families; excellent staff; community, state and national partnerships; and wise use of resources. The District provides a wide array of social and emotional support for learning so that all students and staff feel safe, loved, challenged and supported in a strong community. Teachers, staff and students are trained in restorative and trauma-informed practices to build meaningful relationships and empower respectful and creative learners. Leaders and teachers receive coaching to recognize and address cultural bias in classroom learning. Strong partnerships with mental health providers ensure students and families receive the help they need when they need it. With a mindset of social justice and student voice, U. City students undertake numerous community service projects each year, addressing issues impacting equity, inclusion, environmental sustainability, student safety, mental health and more. U. City Schools is one of a few school districts in Missouri with a school board student liaison actively participating on its board of education. It is also the only district in Missouri to offer its high school students a full-year course in restorative practices, where students use proven social science methods to build better relationships and systems within the high school. The University City Board of Education is one of the first in Missouri to pass a powerful resolution supporting racial equity, social justice and restorative practices in its community. The District regularly facilitates interactions between students and professionals in various fields to create pathways to careers in medicine, technology, engineering, environmental science, agriculture, the arts, business, media and healthcare. The District offers Camp U, a free one-month summer learning program available to all rising first- through eighth-graders. Camp U provides hands-on learning opportunities in partnership with prestigious St. Louis institutions such as COCA, The Magic House MADE for Kids, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Zoo and many more. Summer Learning Academy provides additional free academic support to high school students. • In April 2024, the U. City community overwhelmingly approved Proposition U, a zero tax rate increase bond issue that will raise $65 million to forward upgrades in safety, academics, facilities and athletics, including a multipurpose field in the iconic Muhl-Schemmer Stadium. • Superintendent Sharonica Hardin- Bartley, PhD, PHR, has a local, state and national reputation for innovative educational leadership. In 2023, she was honored with the prestigious Robert L. Pearce Award from the Missouri Association of School Administrators for outstanding leadership in education. • In 2022, The U.S. Department of Education bestowed the Green Ribbon School District Sustainability Award to U. City Schools for outstanding efforts to link environmental sustainability and conservation to wellness and social justice initiatives within the University City community. • In 2022, Hardin-Bartley was named one of five “superintendents to watch,” by the digital publication EdDive, acknowledging her leadership in creating healthy, trauma- continued on page 30 continued from page 26 U. City Schools is grateful to partners like the Seidel Foundation and The Magic House support the work to ensure students receive rigorous and relevant learning experiences.