1 CC Spring 2013

earning about the Civil Rights Movement has a greater impact when you hear someone’s powerful

personal story. Seventh and eighth grade students of Confluence Charter Schools experienced a significant moment from the movement through the voice of Carolyn Maull McKinstry. She spoke to nearly 500 students in the gym at Confluence Preparatory Academy on March 14.McKinstry was at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala. when it was bombed on September 15, 1963. Four young girls lost their lives in the bombing – Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley. Another girl, Sarah Collins, the sister of Addie Mae, survived the bombing but suffered serious injuries. The girls were McKinstry’s friends.McKinstry began by reading an ordinance from a booklet of segregation laws that existed in Alabama. She gave examples of segregation that students could

understand, such as using separate water fountains, going to separate schools, entering restaurants through a back door, not being allowed to try on clothes at a store and sitting in the back of the bus. She talked about non-violence and emphasized “preserving the integrity of the movement.” It was important that children, teens and adults who were involved in the movement understood the purpose of non-violence. They could not react to violence with aggression or more violence. If they did, they could not be part of the movement.McKinstry told the story of the first time she saw and heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at her church. The church was filled with young people. King and other civil rights leaders spoke about non-violence and plans for a march. It was the first time McKinstry joined a march. She was sprayed with fire hoses. The force of the water against her head was so strong that she lost some of her hair.

Before she talked about the church bombing, she said it was “very personal” and still difficult.

It was Youth Day at her church. She and her friends were excited to be a part of the service. McKinstry also worked in the church office. She was collecting reports from Sunday school classes when the bombing happened. It was 10:22 a.m. She talked about her fears, her feelings and about not being able to find her brothers

(cont. on page 3)

Civil Rights experience comes to life movement values still relevant

Witness to history Carolyn

Maull McKinstry

talks to seventh and

eighth graders about her

historic civil rights

experience

CONFLUENCECONNECTIONSSp

ring

2013

L

2 CC Spring 2013

MAP testing time will soon be herepreparing well helps exam performanceGreetings Confluence Academy Family!

Spring is the time of year that we can all look forward to enjoying. With spring comes warmer weather, brighter days and new beginnings.Spring is the time of year for our students to show what they have learned. Students in grades 3-8 who attend charter and public schools will take the annual Missouri Assessment Program, or MAP test. It is a series of tests focused on communication arts and math. Students in grades 5 and 8 are also tested in science. High school students take End-of-Course exams in certain subjects. MAP testing begins in April.All year long, our teachers and staff work hard to educate students on the information for their grade level. In the spring, they demonstrate their knowledge through MAP tests. In the K-8 buildings, students have 90 minutes of What I Need (WIN) time to work on skills in math and communication arts. Many students have improved their math and reading skills using the Kumon Method during WIN time. And many students attend after-school tutoring to improve and advance their math and reading skills.Parents, as you know, the MAP tests are important for student academic success and for the future of Confluence Charter Schools. We know it might be overwhelming for you to help your child prepare for the MAP, so in this edition of Confluence Connections, we’ve included a set of tips on Pages 7-8 of this newsletter that you can use at home. All of the tips are useful, but some of the ones that will be the most helpful include:

• Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep during testing.

• Make sure your child is at school each day during testing.

• Don’t schedule appointments for your child during test time.

• Eat a good breakfast at home or at school.

• Read every day and encourage your child in his/her academics.

Spring is also the time of year for milestones such as graduation. We are so proud of the class of 2013! Confluence Preparatory Academy seniors will graduate on May 18 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ferrara Theater at America’s Center. It is the second graduating senior class in the history of CPA. Parents, please make sure your senior has effective planning sessions with a guidance counselor, and make sure your child is pursuing post-secondary opportunities such as college or career training. Our mission is student academic achievement, but student safety is also a priority at Confluence Charter Schools. Our safety measures include locked entrances at each school, visitors must sign in and get a pass, teachers and staff have emergency procedure guides in each classroom, and school staff, including security, receive training in crisis situations.

If you have a question or a concern about school safety, please talk to your child’s principal. We want you to be confident that your child is safe with us. Please enjoy the newsletter and take pride in the achievements of our students, our staff and our schools. Thank you for choosing Confluence Charter Schools for your child’s education.

Sonya G. HenryChairman

Confluence Academy Board

CHAI

RMAN

’SLE

TTER Mission Statement

Confluence Charter Schools provides the highest quality public education for our students. Every day, students are engaged and encouraged to excel in reading, math, science, technology, visual arts and performing arts.

Vision StatementConfluence Charter Schools will provide a world-class public education to prepare our students for success in college, career and life.

Principal Mary Davis helps one of her students at Walnut Park

3 CC Spring 2013

(cont. from page 1)

who were with her at church that morning. The next day, she went to school. Back then, she said, “we didn’t talk about it.” It seemed like we “pretended that it didn’t happen.”The students had questions for McKinstry, such as ‘What happened to your brothers?’ ‘When the bomb exploded, how did you feel? ‘Did you go to jail?’ ‘How did your life change?’ They asked about her family, her life and more.When time ran out, the students were disappointed that McKinstry couldn’t take any more questions. They gave her a standing ovation as a thank you. “The children enjoyed the presentation. They have talked of nothing else since their return,” said Mary Davis, interim principal at Confluence Academy-Walnut Park. “We appreciated the opportunity to hear her.”“The experience was powerful for our students,” said Stanley Johnson, in-school suspension teacher at Confluence Academy-Old North.McKinstry, a native of Birmingham, is now an associate minister. She is an active volunteer with many community activities and organizations, and has held leadership roles with many organizations. She spends time speaking to young people, educators and institutions about her experiences. Her memoir, “While the World Watched,” details her life growing up in Birmingham, lessons she has learned and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. McKinstry and her story are featured in the documentary, March to Justice, which had its world premiere in February at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

CLAS

SRO

OMCO

NNEC

TION

This honor recognizes the consistent dedication and hard work that occurs every day by the teachers and staff at Old North.Sonya Murray

The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church as it appears today

Old North nationally recognizedscience challenge awards nets grantThe National Science Teachers Association named Confluence Academy-Old North as a regional winner of the third annual Shell Science Lab Challenge. The competition was open to science teachers in grades 6-12. Teachers had to share how they use innovation and creativity to give students a quality science lab experience with limited resources. The competition included a chance to win a grand prize – a school science lab makeover valued at $20,000. NSTA and Shell named 18 regional winners in the United States and Canada. Old North will receive: • Designation as an NSTA/Shell Science Lab Challenge District Winner and a

school banner• $1,000 in donated lab equipment, materials and gift certificates• $1,000 Shell Science Lab Challenge grant to purchase science/lab

equipment and science education resource books• $300 gift certificate to the NSTA bookstore• One-year NSTA Learning Center membership for two• Paid registration for two teachers to attend a 2013 NSTA Area Conference

or the 2014 NSTA National ConferenceThe award will be available for the 2013-2014 school year. The grant will purchase chemistry supplies, basic safety equipment, test tubes and microscope slides, and help repair or replace microscopes.Teachers Michael Stypolkowski, Patricia Henry, Keely Sutton, Stanley Johnson, Sheila Caradine, Allison Brewer and Principal Sonya Murray, worked together on the application and a video for the challenge. The video features interviews, footage of students working together, and a rap about cells.“Overall, this grant will impact the entire school. Just the amount we receive for being finalists will be enough so every grade level, every student, will benefit in some fashion,” said Stypolkowski, who teaches 7th and 8th grade science.Murray said the grant will “drastically improve our effort to provide a high-quality and engaging science experience for our students. It will provide resources for hands-on science curriculum, especially for students at the fifth through eighth-grade level.”“This honor recognizes the consistent dedication and hard work that occurs every day by the teachers and staff at Old North. It helped our students see that their hard work and efforts can be recognized at monumental levels,” said Murray.

4 CC Spring 2013

Big conceptsConfluence awards That’s A Great Idea mini-grants The Confluence ‘That’s A Great Idea’ mini-grant program recognizes and encourages the great ideas of teachers and staff. Each year, the program supports ideas that promote Confluence-wide culture; integrate technology into the curriculum; promote parent involvement initiatives; foster collaborations between schools, with other disciplines and/or community partners; and demonstrate creative approaches to boosting student achievement.In 2012-2013, Confluence rewarded 14 great ideas for a value of $4,800. Sonya Henry, chair of the Board of Directors, presented award letters during surprise classroom visits at Old North, South City and Walnut Park. Congratulations to the 2012-2013 ‘That’s A Great Idea’ mini-grant recipients:

Allison Kanter, South City Literacy Achievement $400

Maria Casaleggi, South City Literacy Achievement $400

Aisha Allen, Old North Literacy Achievement $400Samantha SnarzykSara SielfleischBrianne NelpElizabeth Weaver

Laura Elling, South City Literacy Achievement $350

Tanisha Stanciel, Walnut Park Singapore Math $390Dasia Mack

Patrick Knaus, South City Wireless SMART Slate $400

Frank Watson, Old North Literacy Achievement $400

Emily Hileman, Old North Literacy Achievement $310

Keesha Burton, Old North Literacy Achievement $210

Shenika Bishop, South City Literacy Achievement $170

Ashley Weber-Clarke, South City Parent Resource Library $400

Lyndsey Bittle, South City Literacy Achievement $170

Pearlie Smith, Old North Literacy Achievement $400Cathline ToddAilisha WilsonBrandy Walker

QUI

CKTA

KES

Big movesninth grade transition program plannedPreparing for a successful transition from eighth grade to high school is important for academic success.

In June, Confluence will offer a Ninth Grade Transition Academy for students who will start ninth grade at Confluence Preparatory Academy. The program will run for three weeks from 8:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The academy dates will be announced in mid-April.

The program is open to eighth grade students from all Confluence Charter Schools.

The Ninth Grade Transition Academy will emphasize skills in English, written expression, reading and math. Students will learn how high school works, set plans for academics and learn leadership skills. Each week, students will visit a college campus to learn the expectations of college, understand how college works and how to prepare for earning a college degree.

Students will focus on skills they will experience in their first year of high school at CPA and Grand Center Arts Academy. The academy includes assignments and homework in reading, writing and math. Content will be shared through lectures, audio and visual aids, reading groups, computer lab work and cooperative learning.

More details about the program, such as registration, dates and transportation will be sent home with students in mid-April, as well as posted on the Confluence website – www.confluenceacademy.org

5 CC Spring 2013

Generosity at workSouth City raises money for family in needActs of kindness and generosity can be a welcome surprise for a family in need.

Teachers, staff and families at Confluence Academy-South City shared their empathy for a family who experienced an unfortunate tragedy. Through cash and check donations, the school raised more than $1,445. The money was used for gift cards for groceries, personal hygiene items and clothes, as well as a floral arrangement for funeral services. Renee Ridolfi, fifth grade teacher, took the lead for the effort, but shares the credit with many others at Confluence Academy-South City. Even before parents received notice of the chance to help, they started giving money or asking what they could do. The donations were formally collected for about a week, but even after the deadline, Ridolfi continued to receive donations. In support of the family, South City teachers shared other acts of kindness.Christina Blassingame, who teaches eighth grade, volunteered to help with the family’s children during funeral services. Kristoffer Quint, a math intervention teacher, gave the family an older model car from an uncle who also wanted to help.“The generosity of our staff and families is an indication of the compassion felt for our students and the community. Our staff is truly committed to the students we serve,” said Sarah Plymate Lofton, academy director.

QUI

CKTA

KES

Time to enrollnew students, families welcome for 2013-2014It’s that time of year again…we are getting ready for next school year, and we are looking for students and families to join Confluence Charter Schools. As a member of the Confluence family, you are one of our greatest strengths in attracting new students and families.

Openings are available at all grade levels for 2013-2014. Confluence serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade. If you know a family who is looking for a quality school, and who is interested in more information about our schools, please refer them to Confluence. 

Visit www.confluenceacademy.org, for more helpful information. Or, families can call us at (314) 588-8554. We are always happy to speak with families who have been referred to us so that we can share the wonderful things we are doing in our schools. 

At Confluence Charter Schools, we know we couldn’t do half the things we do without the support of our families. We greatly appreciate all that you do and we look forward to continuing to work with you and the new families in the upcoming school year.

New spacevacant theatre to become part of GCAAAll the world’s a stage.The phrase will have new meaning at Grand Center Arts Academy in January 2014 when the school expands into renovated space at the Sun Theatre.The Sun Theatre opened in 1913 as the Victoria Theater presenting German-language productions, but during World War I, the genre lost its popularity. Over the years, the theater went through many changes, but for the last 40 years, the Sun has been vacant.The expansion includes almost 30,000 square feet and will allow GCAA to accommodate another 100-125 students. GCAA serves students in grades 6 through 9 and will continue to grow one grade per year through 12th grade in 2015-2016.The Lawrence Group, an architecture firm, and Grand Center, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to the growth and development of the historic arts and cultural district, are both working on the renovation with an estimated cost of $11.4 million. Confluence Charter Schools, which operates GCAA, will rent the space, said Jeff Kuntze, Confluence chief operating and financial officer.“This project will have a huge impact for our students. It will give them the opportunity to work in a real theater. They’ll be able to take the skills they’re learning in their chosen art forms and put them to use in the new theater,” said John Klein, director of enrollment. The expansion will set GCAA apart as the only public charter school in St. Louis to specialize in the arts with its own 650-seat theater. “It will allow us to bring all of the art forms offered at GCAA into one space where students can work collaboratively on projects and productions,” said Klein.The project will expose students to professionals and others who make a living from their passion for the arts.

6 CC Spring 2013

YMCA Youth of the YearAmira Mellion

STUD

ENTS

POTLIGHT

Confluence Prep home to honoreesenior is YMCA Youth of the YearThe YMCA of Greater St. Louis recognized Amira Mellion of Confluence Preparatory Academy as the Downtown YMCA’s Youth of the Year.

Mellion, a senior, was honored at the annual Youth of the Year Awards Dinner in February. The YMCA recognized 14 branch winners and the overall 2013 Youth of the Year. The branch awards are presented to youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and volunteer their time to the Y and the community.

Mellion is involved with the YMCA Leaders Club and Youth in Government. At CPA, she is class president, a member of Student Council, a manager for the girls’ basketball team, a teacher’s aide and helps her classmates during study hall. After school, she works part-time.

Mellion is humbled, yet proud of the honor.

“I actually feel pretty awesome about it. It gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she said. “I’m proud of myself because when I started my senior year, I wanted to accomplish something and I’ve done that.”

As for the award, she has two special people to thank. “I want to

thank my mom, definitely; and Liz Frame, my advisor at the Y.”

As a branch winner, she received a scholarship to Lindenwood University in St. Charles for approximately $33,000.

She has been accepted to Lindenwood, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, Webster University and Saint Xavier University in Chicago. She wants to major in business administration.

Board newsupcoming board of directors meeting datesFriday, April 19, 8:00 a.m. Grand Center Arts Academy 711 N. Grand Blvd.

Friday, May 17, 8 a.m. South City Campus 3112 Meramec St.

Friday, June 21, 8:00 a.m. Old North Campus 3017 N. 13th Street

Friday, July 19, 8:00 a.m. Confluence Preparatory Academy310 N. 15th Street

Summer learningplan for summer school at ConfluenceConfluence Charter Schools will offer summer school from July 1 through July 26.*

Summer school is a full day, starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Students will receive intense instruction in reading, writing and math. Each classroom, K-5, will have a certified teacher and teacher assistant. No classes will be held July 4 or July 5.

Student enrollment forms will be sent home the week of April 29. *The dates may change if there are more inclement weather closings

Mellion is pictured above with Gary Schlansker, YMCA president/CEO (left) and James Evans, president, Lindenwood University. Photo courtesy of YMCA.

7 CC Spring 2013

MAP Tips for Parents

Many parents ask for advice to help their child do well in school and on the MAP test. Here is a list of 10 tips from the DESE website that can help you and your student.

Adapted from the Practical Parenting Partnerships by Laura Schwab and the 2001 MAP Class 6 Team.

Parents – Our students will begin Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) tests in April. Students in grades 3-8 are tested for their knowledge in communication arts and math. Students in grades 5 and 8 are tested in science. Each year, students across the state take MAP tests and End-of-Course exams, as required by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Tip #1: Read, Read, Read!

Reading takes skill and practice. One of the best and simplest steps to improve the reading ability for children is to provide sustained periods of time for children to read.

Tip #2: Help your child to read like a writer.

Even in the early grades, children can begin to "get into the head" of the author. Reading improves a child's writing, and writing improves a child's reading.

Tip #3: Read a variety of books and magazines.

MAP Communication Arts test contains short stories, poems, dialogues, magazine articles, charts and tables. Children need to be able to read a wide variety of texts ranging from road signs to restaurant menus, comic books to classics, and from tennis shoe ads to computer manuals.

Tip #4: Build your child's reading stamina.

To build reading stamina, you may wish to encourage your child to increase gradually the amount of time she reads at one sitting. Include short breaks, such as stretching or closing her eyes for a minute. Set individual reading goals based upon doing the "best that she can."

Tip #5: Teach your child that visuals are part of the text.

Students are often required to gather information from photos, captions, drawings, charts and graphs. Teach your child to look at all of these materials as part of the total text.

Tip #6: Help your child know how to use text-based support in written responses.

Most of the constructed-response items on the MAP assessments have two parts or require children to explain or show how they arrived at their answers. Children will receive only partial credit for answers to questions that are not supported with specific details or that do not contain an explanation.

Tip #7: Teach your child to preview the test before starting.

Planning the test time allows your child to pace himself while he is working and decrease stress.

Tip #8: Teach your child to identify all parts of a question.

Teach your child to identify exactly what each question is asking. Some questions have multiple parts, which are often combined into a single sentence with a single question mark at the end. The child should underline each question word (who, what, when, where, why, how and any other word or phrase that indicates a question). By doing so, she can see if a question has multiple parts. Not answering all parts of a multi-part question is a common error.

PARE

NTCO

NNEC

TION

8 CC Spring 2013

MAP Tips for Parents

Many parents ask for advice to help their child do well in school and on the MAP test. Here is a list of 10 tips from the DESE website that can help you and your student.

Adapted from the Practical Parenting Partnerships by Laura Schwab and the 2001 MAP Class 6 Team.

Tip #9: Teach your child to paraphrase test items, turning questions into statements.

Teach your child to turn questions into statements. The child may underline the question words as described above, and then turn each part of the item into a statement. For example, the question, "Why did the main character play with the ball?" could be rephrased as "The main character played with the ball because ..." This practice allows the child to phrase the question in a way that makes the most sense to him. He is then ready to read the passage and look for answers.

Tip #10: What can you do to help your child have a good testing experience?

• Be aware of the test schedule. Be sure to find out which days and times students are testing in class.

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and a good night’s sleep. You might try going to bed earlier about a week before testing starts so your child gets used to a new bed time. Continue going to bed early throughout testing.

• Make sure your child eats a good breakfast so he can concentrate and stay focused.

• Be on time for school, and be at school every day during testing. Attendance during MAP testing is important.

• Avoid scheduling appointments that can be done at a later date.

• Dress your child in layered clothing. This way, he/she may add clothing to get warmer or remove some clothing to be cooler.

• If your school allows it, make sure your child has a book to read when the testing session is complete.

• Be certain that your child has two or more No. 2 pencils, not mechanical pencils.

• Have a positive attitude!

PARE

NTCO

NNEC

TION