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That’s exactly what Latisha Hickem, a Rock Bridge sophomore, learned. She “learned that just because someone’s struggling doesn’t mean you can’t help them out because you’re not struggling. It helped to open your eyes. You learned that just because you’re a successful minority student doesn’t mean that everybody is. Now I want to help others.” She adds that the achievement gap is not as pronounced at Rock Bridge and Hickman because of the efforts of teachers. She said talking with other students from around the country during the three-day conference showed her “their teachers don’t help out as much as they should.” Contrary to that, however, “I like Rock Bridge because our teachers help us with everything. They don’t leave any kids out.” Michael Tatum, a Hickman junior, wants to do his part to “stop the stereotypes that are out there,” he says. Also attending the conference, which he called “a pride thing,” opened his eyes to many opportunities, particularly for minorities. DeVante Johnson, a Rock Bridge junior, echoes Tatum’s point. He says the conference helped him develop “a better work ethic, improved studying and staying away from the wrong crowd. I knew that different races have a better chance of succeeding or succeeding more often,” he says. “We need to work harder as a people.”

8 eachers, administrators and community members often discuss the achievement gap. Recently six top minority students from the district learned directly what the topic means. The students were selected from the Minority Achievement Committee Scholars, or MAC, at Hickman and Rock Bridge high schools. The students learned about the achievement gap and other topics at the Minority Student Achievement Network conference held in Chicago. Symone Thomas, MAC coordinator, and Darrell Luther, Hickman High School home-school communicator, led the group. “It opened my eyes,” says Kiana Mason, a Hickman sophomore. The conference’s attention to the achievement gap “showed you how big an issue it is.” Luther says students learned “there truly is an achievement gap that places them in a certain category. They have to work to get themselves out of that category they’ve been placed in.” He says that even though the high-achieving MAC Scholars have overcome the achievement gap, “you’ve got to understand that you’ve been placed in a category. Even though you’ve been doing well it still pulls you down into that category. The conference was a positive experience for the students, he adds, because it showed them they can build on their success and “help motivate some of their peers.”

Six high school minority scholars attend Conference sheds light on achievement gap

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‘‘ There truly is an achievement gap that places them in a certain category. They have to work to get themselves out of that category they’ve been placed in. Darrell Luther, Hickman High School home-school communicator

‘‘

Eye-opening conference. Six Minority Achievement Committee Scholars participated in an eye-opening conference recently. The Minority Student Achievement Network conference helped the students develop ways to succeed academically for themselves and others. The group included, front row, from left: Kiana Mason, Latisha Hickem, Raticia Curtis, Chris Watkins and Michael Tatu. Back row: Darrell Luther, home-school communicator, and Devante Johnson.

Renaissance man. Alan Hatf ield, a Rock Bridge High

School senior, is a student with a wide range of interests, from athletics to drama. In addition,

he also earned perfect scores on the SAT and ACT college entrance

exams.

irst impressions would not lead you to believe Rock Bridge High School senior F Alan Hatfield is one of the smartest high school seniors in the nation. He seems just like any other senior. Yet his humility and friendliness hide the fact he scored perfectly on both ACT and SAT college entrance exams. Hatfield scored a perfect 36 on the ACT and 2400 on the SAT exams. Finding out his scores using his iPhone from Europe, Hatfield admits, “It was kind of surreal. I didn’t think it was a feasible outcome. When you find out something like that, the next year or so of your future is secure. It gives you more security.” Not that Hatfield’s future was anything but secure before the tests. He’s applying to 11 universities with his eye set on Princeton University. He hopes to attend Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy and International Affairs after graduation. Several liberal arts courses throughout his Columbia Public Schools career whetted his appetite for the area of public policy, he says. His “first foray into big abstract philosophical types of things” came in a ninth-grade honors government and economics class at West Junior High School. It “was the first time I was challenged to think critically and develop my analytical skills.” Next came his sophomore Advanced Placement World History class at Rock Bridge High School. The heavy workload and writing-intensive nature of the course further developed his skills. And his junior-year Advanced Placement U.S. History and English Language course “definitely continued that,” he says. Hatfield admits, “I’ve always had multiple interests. He says his parents, Don and Adette Hatfield, “encouraged me to branch out and not hold to one specific thing and define myself by it. They’ve tried to get me active in lots of different things and encourage me to see if I like them or not. That type of pragmatism whetted my palette for a lot of different things.” Rock Bridge gifted education teacher Marilyn Toalson adds Hatfield’s diverse interests are likely to give him many

=options over the next four years. “He’s so well-rounded,” she says. “He’s an athlete. He’s an actor. He has friends from all different kids. He’s a very well-rounded kid who just happens to be very smart.” She adds that Hatfield is not one to take the path of least resistance. This semester he’s taking a calculus course at the University of Missouri-Columbia and during the summer had an internship at MU’s Center for Geospatial Intelligence. “His hardest decision in the next four years is going to be to decide what he’s going to major in and pursue because he has so many talents,” she says. Columbia Public Schools prepared him well, he adds. “I’m very pleased with my public school experience.”

‘It was kind of surreal.’Rock Bridge senior earns perfect ACT, SAT scores

imes have changed a lot since 1989. That year a new student forum began at T Hickman High School. The topic of music censorship launched the new student-driven program named Speak Your Mind. Today the program is vibrant and strong offering four student-chosen topics throughout the school year.

Forums draw 200 students Hickman’s Speak Your Mind forum hits 20-year mark

“Very few schools in the nation have anything like this,” says George Frissell, a Hickman faculty member who gently guides the forum. “We’re kind of unique in that respect.” Since its beginning 20 years ago, students have been the very core of Speak Your Mind. Students make suggestions for topics, a student committee selects topics and students contact panelists to present

both an issue’s pro and con sides. “People care,” says Drew Nichols, a student member of the nine-member steering committee for the forum. The forums, drawing about 200 students each, are successful “because it’s run by students and these aren’t stale topics.” This school year, students addressed the topic of whether or notcontinued on next page

Two decades strong. Hickman High School’s Speak Your Mind forum draws 200 or more students often, including these three questioners at an October debate regarding marijuana legalization. The forum is entirely run by students and celebrates 20 years this school year.

My parents encouraged me to branch out and not hold to one specific thing and define myself by it. They’ve tried to get me active in lots of different things and encourage me to see if I like them or not. That type of pragmatism whetted my palette for a lot of different things.Alan Hatf ield, rock Bridge High School senior

‘‘‘‘

Outstanding alumniCharles Allen was the first African-American athlete to graduate

from Columbia Public Schools and the University of Missouri-Columbia; set a Tiger track record and was the first African-American to be employed at a professional level in the corporate world in Columbia; he retired from Shelter Insurance Companies as director of compensation and personnel administration.

Cary Weatherby founded and operates a free store, “Companies for Classrooms,” for more than 700 teachers in the Bloomington, Minnesota school district. She also solicited materials to provide to all schools in the greater Minneapolis area.

David Wheeler is recognized as a leading expert in the economics of international development and climate change and has served since 2006 as a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington, DC working on issues related to climate change and the allocation of development aid.

Mark Zwonitzer has produced, directed and/or written award-winning programming for PBS over the last 16 years and received two prime-time Emmy nominations in 2008 for writing and directing “Walt Whitman.”

Outstanding volunteersDenise Boyd has demonstrated strong passion for Columbia

Public Schools since her daughter began elementary school and continues to volunteer for the district. She has supported PTAs at Lee Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High School and Rock Bridge High School and was the charter president of the Rock Bridge Bruins Band Boosters.

Cheri Ghan served as president and legislative chair of the Columbia Council of PTAs and was a JC Penney Golden Rule nominee for Russell Boulevard Elementary School.

Kate Harry plays many roles for the Rock Bridge High School “For the Love of the Game” dinner and auction; serves as the current president of the Rock Bridge High School Booster Club; and has held almost every board position and the offices of vice president and president twice.

Amy Myers chaired the book fair committee at Mill Creek Elementary and Gentry Middle School; she served in many capacities for PTAs, including the newsletter committee chairperson at Gentry Middle School; Jefferson Junior High School and Rock Bridge High School; she also was PTA president and secretary at Gentry Middle School and Jefferson Junior High School.

Rob Myers proposed, planned, obtained grants for, and organized construction of an outdoor classroom at Mill Creek Elementary School, including a pavilion, walking path, trees and plants and educational signs. He has also taught agriculture lessons in various Mill Creek Elementary classrooms.

Outstanding retireesJerri Deming led the development of Parents As Teachers to

become an outstanding early childhood program in Missouri, growing from one parent educator serving a small number of families to a program of 40 parent educators serving 4,000 families in the Columbia community.

Phil Driskill taught social studies in the district from 1971-2002 and served as social studies department chair at Hickman High School for three years; coached and coordinated basketball programs district-wide; and was head boys’ basketball coach at Hickman High School.

Rebecca Litherland served as science coordinator for Columbia Public Schools for 20 years. She served as a consultant for several school systems and was the science consultant for SuccessLink, at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Tony Sloan served as district director of building services and was instrumental in organizing structure and administration of district maintenance procedures and building and grounds.

Bragg Stanley was Hickman High School director of guidance and district coordinator for secondary guidance for 10 years and worked with the elementary guidance coordinator to develop a K-12 comprehensive guidance program.

Many played key roleFourteen honored by school foundation

=The Columbia Public Schools Foundation

recently honored five retired district educators.

Outstanding district alumni and volunteers also

were honored. A total of 14 individuals were cited

for their accomplishments by the foundation.

My parents encouraged me to branch out and not hold to one specific thing and define myself by it. They’ve tried to get me active in lots of different things and encourage me to see if I like them or not. That type of pragmatism whetted my palette for a lot of different things.Alan Hatf ield, rock Bridge High School senior

‘‘Speak Your Mind forum marijuana should be legalized. Another topic later this year will concern the use of tasers. Four community members comprise each forum’s panel. The steering committee selects panel members, which represent pro and con sides of the topic. Each member makes a brief address to the students and then the topic is open to the students for questions. Students like the forums, Nichols says, because, like the marijuana topic, “this is something actually here and will affect us immediately.” “We take the opportunity and chance to speak about what we feel,” says Hickman senior Drew Gieseke, also a steering committee member. “We’re just talking about something that people care about.” Frissell, who has overseen the forum since its beginning, says the purpose is to “exercise our free speech.” “It’s true to the students at Hickman. It comes from the students. It’s the will of the people.”

community to see us as professionals. And we wanted to build that community. As we’ve grown through the years, and our staff has changed, we’ve continued to build on that integrity.” “We’ve always had high expectations,” says Gambill. “We might do it in different ways and call it different things, but those high expectations and that integrity of doing whatever it takes still stands.” The school faced initial challenges because expectations were for 350 students to arrive the first day. Instead, by year’s end, 500 students were enrolled. “That was something that was a big jump for us,” says Roof. “We had to do some things to change quickly.” Doing what’s best for children, however, has “always been the baseline that we’ve had here,” says Crews. And adding to the mission has been the support of parents throughout the years. “The parents have always had high expectations,” says Roof. “The majority of the kids come ready to learn, which is a compliment to the parents.” Added to the school is strong support among the faculty and quality leadership, Roof says. “We continue to grow and change with the times,” she says, “but one thing that stays steady is our dedication to kids.”

a lpha Hart Lewis Elementary School will open in January 2010. The school, located in northColumbia near Waco and Brown School roads, “is going to be a benefit to all of our children,” says Jack Jensen, assistant superintendent for elementary schools. “It’s going to be a great school for kids to learn in.” He explains that teachers and specialists played a key role in designing the rooms they eventually would use. “I would stress that this school was built with the input from all the teachers and specialists, plus parents and community

members,” he says. “I don’t know that there’s been a building constructed for Columbia Public Schools that has had as much input as this particular building.” In January, the entire student body and teachers and staff of Field Elementary School will transfer to the new school. That group of about 300 will fill about half of the school. For the students transferring from Field, “their teacher will be there, their PE teacher and music teacher will be the same,” says Jensen. The principal will be Daniel Boatman. The remaining number of students—about 350—will join the school in August

Field Elementary students first to transferNew elementary school to open in January

Students, from left: Meredith Inman,

Hallie Lewis, Crlye Morris, Paige Lewis and Raegan

Inman help celebrate the 20th birthday

of Mill Creek Elementary School.

The school provided five large birthday

cakes to students and parents at a recent

evening event.

Happy birthday Mill Creek.

Giant hug one of many activities Mill Creek Elementary celebrates 20 years

ave you ever hugged a school? A total of 769 Mill Creek Elementary School students, plus their teachers, did just that: joined hands to circle the school and gave a giant hug all as a part of celebrating the 20th birthday of the school. “They literally put their hands on the brick and hugged the school and said ‘happy birthday,’” says Principal Mary Sue Gibson. “It was so wonderful because all of us were celebrating.” The giant hug was just one of four activities to celebrate the two decades of Mill Creek’s history. By the end of November the school had the outdoor event, cake and ice cream for parents and students, a special assembly for alumni and past staff, and a silent auction and dinner to raise money for technology for the school. Behind all the celebration is recognition of Mill Creek’s steadfast commitment to children throughout the years, Gibson explains. Looking ahead 20 years, Gibson adds that “of course those basics of reading and writing and math will still be a big emphasis.” Today three staff members who began with Mill Creek in 1989 remain among the faculty. Carolyn Roof, school counselor, Trish Crews, fifth-grade teacher, and Chris Gambill, physical education teacher, all were part of the original staff. The first principal of the school was now-retired Margaret Niemeyer. The veteran staff members say it was the initial guidance of Niemeyer that put in motion the school’s child-centered focus. “Margaret Niemeyer started us off on a positive note of what we wanted our school to be,” says Roof. “We wanted our

H

2010. Those students will come from Derby Ridge, Blue Ridge, Shepard, Benton and Lee elementary schools. Opening a school in mid-year requires special sensitivity by the teachers and staff, Jensen adds. “We need to be conscientious of those students because they are younger.” Information will be sent to all families affected by boundary changes in the spring of 2010. If you have additional questions, please contact Jack Jensen, assistant superintendent for elementary education, at 214-3412.

They literally put their hands on the brick and hugged the school and said ‘happy birthday.’

It was so wonderful because all of us were celebrating.Principal Mary Sue Gibson

‘‘

‘‘A

with Words tutors from 13 to 26. This is the foundation’s first matching grant. North Side Cohort Math Academy: transportation for after-school math academy for students having difficulty with math, Blue Ridge, Derby Ridge, Parkade, Rock Bridge elementary schools, $6,997. Since 1996, the foundation has awarded more than $450,000 to purchase books, materials, and technology requested by educators to help the district’s children learn better, faster or easier. If you are interested in knowing more about the foundation, visit their Web site at www.CPSF.org Donations are tax deductible and may be made to: CPSF, PO Box 1234, Columbia, MO 65205-1234.

a he Columbia Public Schools Foundation recently made five grants to district programs that help a wide variety of students. The grant recipients are: Animal Excursions Program (Critters): animals introduced into the classroom, all students, $16,361. Building Intelligent Robots: Lego robotic materials for engineering and physics applications, all junior high schools, $12,480. Way with Words and Numbers: tutoring program for students having difficulty in areas of literacy and math, Fairview, Mill Creek, Russell, Paxton Keeley elementary schools, $17,597.26. The foundation was informed by the University of Missouri that the university would use federal stimulus funds to double the number of Way

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success stories

Grants help many students School foundation awards wide-ranging grants

The district continues the long-term task of monitoring all asbestos in district buildings. In order to comply with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act passed in 1978, the district has spent more than $2 million removing asbestos-containing materials. Other measures include:• Surveillanceeverysix

months or less• Completeinspection

every three years To learn more, request copies of asbestos management plans at the Building Services Office, 6006 Van Horn Tavern Rd.

Asbestos information

emily thomas, Mary Catherine Burns, Hannah Hughes, nina Parker, Aniqa rahman and eryn wanyonyi.

wCongratulations to the Rock Bridge High School girls’ golf team. The team won the district championship for the first time in nearly 20 years. The team, coached by Melissa Melahn, then competed at the state level.

wHickman High School’s Academic (Quiz Bowl) Team placed third in the Missouri Fall Academic Tournament in early October with a record of 9-2. The team members include: Andy Atkins, tom Majerus, Peter wu, and Adam Sperber who placed fifth individually. The team is coached by Hickman math teacher Deanna wasman.

wThe Hickman High School Marching Band placed second in their division and had the second highest score of the day at the Lee’s Summit North Marching Invitational. Additionally, clarinetist ryan Pruitt received the Outstanding Soloist Award. At the competition.

wFor the 27th year in a row, Columbia Public Schools has been awarded two awards recognizing its achievements

wFifteen Columbia Public Schools students have been named National Merit semifinalists. Thirteen students from Rock Bridge High School — Alexis Bartelt, Colby Delisle, Chase Franke, Stephen Garton, Alan Hatfield, tasmeen Hussain, Sidhant Misra, timothy Quetsch, timothy robertson, Simon Segert, Sarah weston, Alec wright and wei wu. Two Hickman High School students — evan Datz and Pari Jafari.

wCongratulations to the following Rock Bridge High School, West Junior High School and Jefferson Junior High School vocal music students who were selected to the Northeast Missouri All-District Choir. Those students selected include: Katie Hobbs, theresa whang, Andy Flanagin, Jamie Daylor, Leslie neu, Hannah Pancoast, Catherine Sandstedt, Hannah Satterwhite, Allison Frisch, Karen Hardeman, Hannah Overfelt, Mandy Scoles, Katie Shay, Carli Still, Kristen thackery, Brian Dresner, Kyle Sherman, timothy robertson, John-Michael emmons, nathan Cotner, taylor Holiman and Dane Johnson, rebecca Burke-Aguero, Lena Piazza-Leman,

in financial reporting. The district received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the International Association of School Business Officials for the high-quality financial reporting it provides in the school district’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The district was also recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association with a Certificate of Achievement for the CAFR report. The certificate of achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting an entity can receive.

wThe National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has selected Hickman High School seniors Kristen Carranza, John Faaborg, elizabeth Germann and Pari Jafari and Rock Bridge High School seniors Lauren Croll and wei wu as recipients of the 2009 Achievement Award in Writing. A total of 544 high school seniors were chosen from a pool of 1,783 students nominated in their junior year by their teachers from across the United States, Canada and American schools abroad. Fifteen students were selected from Missouri, six of whom were from Columbia Public Schools.

wStephanie thomas, a drum major in the Hickman High School marching band, has been selected to join the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. Thomas was selected from a pool of more than 1,000 nominees to participate in the band. Students selected receive a paid trip to San Antonio to march in the halftime performance of the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in January 2010.

wColumbia Public Schools students performed well at the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana and Columbia. Receiving awards were: FFA Forestry Team, second place; Andrew Pestle, first individually; Matt terry, tenth individually; Kody Henneke; and Josh remus. FFA Nursery Landscape Contest, sixth place; russ Chambers; Kaitlyn Britt-rankin; will Garrett; and Brady Chasteen. Livestock Judging Team, second place; Brianne Abramovitz; Zac Kerley; Cooper Martin; Andrew Perry, second place individually. The Livetsock Team’s performance qualifies it to judge at the World Livestock Expo in Scotland next summer. More than 47,000 students attend and participate in the national convention.

Administration Building1818 w. worley

Columbia, MO 65203

ECRWSSPOSTAL CUSTOMER

Quarterly report is published by the Columbia Public School District as a public service to the parents of school-age children and district residents. The Columbia Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or use of leave protected by the Family and Medical Leave Act, in its programs, activities, or with regard to employment. The Columbia Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer. Inquiries regarding Columbia Public Schools’ compliance with IDEA and Section 504 regulations should contact the offices or individuals below: Special Services (IDEA) Dr. Dana Clippard (Director of Special Services), Section 504 Dr. Lou Ann Tanner-Jones (Section 504 Coordinator) at 1818 West Worley, Columbia MO, 65203, (573) 214-3463.

Board of Education President Jan Mees Vice President Dr. Tom Rose Members Karla DeSpain Christine King Michelle Pruitt Dr. Ines Segert James Whitt Superintendent Dr. Chris Belcher

Non-profit org.US Postage

PAiDColumbia, MOPermit No. 13

Average ACT score is 23.9 2009 ACT scores remain above state and national averages

taking the test has remained around 70 percent of the graduating class each year. “These are impressive results. I commend our students and teachers for their dedication and initiative on the ACT,” said Superintendent Chris Belcher. “We are pleased with the general improvement trend, but still need to work hard in preparing all students for this important test,” Belcher said. The ACT is America’s most widely accepted college entrance exam, with scores ranging from 1 to 36. It assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading and science.

olumbia Public School District students continue to achieve ACT test scores above C the state and national averages. Additionally, the percentage of students taking the college entrance exam remains steady. The recently released ACT Profile Report, which summarizes the performance of ACT test-takers in the Class of 2009, indicates that Columbia students’ average composite score is 23.9, compared to 21.6 for Missouri test-takers and 21.1 for test-takers across the nation. The report also indicates an increase in composite scores by Columbia students from 23.7 in 2007 to 23.8 in 2008 to 23.9 in 2009. The percentage of students

english Mathematics reading Science Composite

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Don’t be alarmed with the first snowy forecast.

these snow-related policies and special snow routes take much of the stress out of the winter season:

j School will be canceled only after roads are tested. j Should cancellation or altered routes be necessary, efforts will be made to notify radio and TV stations by 6 a.m. Information will also be sent out via CPS Alert, Key News, posted on the district Web site and on CPS-TV. j Parents may make the final decision

regarding a child’s attendance. If the parent views the weather too severe or road conditions too dangerous, absences will be excused. j Difficulty in contacting parents usually

prevents early dismissals, but under appropriate circumstances the district may dismiss early. On inclement weather days, please continue listening to local radio and TV stations for news or early dismissal.

j Altered bus routes for district buses will be run at times when inclement weather

makes some roads too hazardous for safe travel. School bus snow routes are

available through schools as well as school and school district Web sites.

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j Check the school district Web site: www.columbia.k12.mo.us

j Subscribe to receive text message alerts from CPS Alert on the CPS Web site

j Subscribe to receive the district’s electronic newsletter, Key news,

on the CPS Web site

j Tune in to CPS-tV on Mediacom 81 & Centurytel 602

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