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onfluence Prep is a hub of activity these days as students and teachers prepare for end of

course exams on the first floor, while construction crews transform the second floor into a spectacular new learning environment. With the expansion, the high school–located adjacent to the Central Library in downtown St. Louis–will double in size as it adds 40,000 square feet of space. According to Principal John Diehl, new features will include fully equipped biology and chemistry labs, multi-media library center, art studio,

college and academic counseling center, multi-purpose rooms and ten new technology-enriched classrooms. “Our school will have the look and feel of a college environment,” says Diehl.

As part of its college preparatory programming,

Confluence Prep students are also venturing outside the classroom as they explore college options. Recently, Confluence Prep students participated in the National Society of Black Engineers‘ Pre-college

Initiatives Weekend at Washington University. Students have also toured St. Louis University, Lindenwood University, Harris Stowe State University and Forest Park Community College.

The newsletter for the entire Confluence Academy community

Confluence Connections

SUMMER 2010 Issue No. 25

Expansion Of Confluence Prep Is Well Underway

Artist rendering of the new science lab

Artist rendering of the new library

D o w n t o w n l o c a t i o n t o d o u b l e i n s i z e , a d d i n g l a b s , l i b r a r y, s t u d i o s

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Dear Confluence Families and Friends,

As our 2009-2010 school year concludes, I want to thank you for your support this past year, especially during our recent MAP and NWEA testing. Students came to school rested and ready to demonstrate their “brain power.”

The Confluence Academy Board has exciting plans for the new school year. First, Confluence will be rolling out a new “Parent Portal.” This feature will enable you to log on to the Confluence web site and have direct access to your student’s school information.

For instance, you will be able to access your student’s grades, attendance records and recent test scores. We hope that this will be a valuable tool to help you be a partner in education with your school’s teaching team.

Second, we will be expanding our high school in downtown St. Louis, Confluence Preparatory Academy, adding a new multi-media library center, biology and chemistry labs, art studio, college and academic counseling center and several new classrooms. Confluence Prep will also be adding grade 11, with grade 12 being added in the 2011/2012 school year.

I also want to draw your attention to our calendar for the coming year, which is included in this newsletter. Please note that spring break will occur in April, instead of March. This will allow us to provide continuous instruction prior to MAP testing. The timing of the Student Learning Contract meetings has also been adjusted so teachers will be able to give you timely feedback on your child’s progress.

Over the summer our campuses will be spruced up and our instructional teams will be completing curriculum plans. All will be ready when we welcome students back on our first day of school, Monday, August 16.

Have a wonderful summer.

Sincerely,Craig GloverChairman, Board of DirectorsConfluence Academy

Letter from the Chairman

Anticipating An Exciting New School Year

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Confluence Chairman Craig Glover (left) with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon

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The play’s the thing as troupes troop to CAShakespeare is alive and well at Confluence. The Shakespeare Festival brought their touring company to each of our four campuses this Spring with productions of All the World’s a Stage and Trippingly Hamlet. These fast-paced adaptations introduced our students to the works of William Shakespeare and were followed by discussions and Q&A with the actors.

This spring, students also enjoyed performances by Metro Theater Company. Their production of Delilah’s Wish told the story of an eight-year old girl’s life on the North Side. The performance explored themes of community, neighborhoods, friendship, diversity, tolerance, acceptance, and bullying prevention–all through the eyes of a young girl.

Future broadcasters bring more than newsOne of the many clubs featured this year at the South City Campus was the Broadcasting Club, led by Sonya Mueller. Throughout the year, students had the opportunity to write and produce their own newscasts for the school, including sports, weather and special feature segments. In one feature, students interviewed Board Chairman Craig Glover and Dr. Susan Uchitelle, Founding Board member and former chairman.

Segments that the students produced have been posted on www.schooltube.com.

Students in the Broadcasting Club also had the opportunity to visit Clear Channel studios and, along with students from Confluence Prep, helped record Confluence Academy’s radio commercials. They were naturals!

Spreading the word about ConfluenceThe Confluence Enrollment Team and Parent Ambassadors have been busy this spring getting the word out about Confluence Academy.

From enrollment fairs and visits to day care centers to “Meet the Principal” nights and participation in community activities --- our team has been letting families know about our wonderful learning community.

If you have a friend or family member who is interested in enrolling at any of the Confluence schools, please have them call our enrollment Hotline at 314-588-8487 or visit www.confluenceacademy.com.

Just a few spots remain in certain grades, so please have them contact us as soon as possible.

Bonding With The Bard Radio Days Time To Enroll

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Camp Confluence Starts Soon!When: July 5th

Where: Old North St. Louis Campus.

Info: Joyce Jefferson, Summer School

Principal – 588-8554 x 1101

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ntroducing Mrs. Kiersten Saenz, Fourth Grade Teacher, Confluence Academy, Old North

Hometown: Staunton, Illinois

My Previous Experience in Teaching: I have four years of teaching experience. I taught Kindergarten in Normandy, Fifth Grade in Madison, Illinois, and now Fourth Grade at Old North.

Why I chose Confluence Academy: I chose Confluence Academy because the environment was so welcoming. The students enjoyed learning and the staff was very driven and willing to lend a hand.

Someone I admire is: My 8th grade science teacher, Mr. Lamore. He pushed me more than anyone ever had, and made me want to become a teacher to pass on the same love he taught me.

When I am not teaching: I enjoy playing at the park with my 4-year-old son, Tyson.

If I wasn't teaching, my ideal job would be: Developing a preschool with curriculum that helps students be fully prepared for school.

The Motto that I live by: If I believe it, I Can.

My favorite book is: Penelope's 365 Dresses

I am currently reading: Shaping School Culture, by Kent Smith

What people would never guess about me: I enjoy running because it allows me to relax and get my exercise.

What I most love about being an educator at Confluence Academy: I love that I feel like part of a family each day when I’m here. My students and co-workers have made me love coming to work each day.

Being new to Old North this year, what has been most successful for me so far this school year is: Forming a tight bond with each of my students has encouraged all of us in the classroom to push ourselves to the next level and believe in one another.

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Confluence Academy is proud of our talented team of educators. In this issue, Dr. Jessica Garrison, Vice President of Educational Services, speaks with Mrs. Kiersten Saenz about her background and experiences teaching.

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Hometown critically-acclaimed actress, Jenifer Lewis, visited students at the Walnut Park campus recently. Her message: stay in school and learn so you can achieve your dreams. During her St. Louis visit, Lewis also received a star on the Kinloch Walk of Fame. Lewis is the sister of Walnut Park teacher Robin Jones.

Lewis has appeared in over 60 feature films. She is the voice of Mama Odie in the Disney film, The Princess and the Frog. Lewis has also starred along with Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act I and Sister Act II, What's Love Got to Do With It, The Preachers Wife, the 1990’s hit sitcom, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and several other roles in television and on Broadway.

ACTRESS JENIFER LEWIS INSPIRES STUDENTS

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Medalist Skates Into ConfluenceStudents at Confluence Prep Academy were recently treated to a visit from 2010 Olympic Silver & Bronze medalist Katherine Reutter. Ruetter, a champion short track speedskater who hails from Champaign, IL, was back in St. Louis to thank the community for all of their support during her medal quest in the Vancouver Olympics.

As a teen, Reutter and her parents would drive to St. Louis from Champaign every weekend to train with the Gateway Speedskating Club. Reutter visits the area often, and most recently led a speedskating clinic for youngsters at Webster Groves Ice Rink.

During her visit to Confluence Prep, Reutter shared her experiences with the sport and Olympic competition. At the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, Reutter won a Silver Medal in the Ladies 1000m event, and a Bronze with her teammates in the Ladies 3000m Relay event. Reutter’s medals were among the first Olympic medals won by the U.S. Women speedskaters in 16 years. 

While Katherine's hard work and determination were an inspiration to Confluence Prep students, Reutter commented how she was equally inspired by the aspirations and hard work of our Confluence students.

For more information on how you can get involved in speedskating, visit the Missouri Speedskating

Association at www.mospeedskating.org.

Discovering Good Food GoodnessAs the saying goes, “you are what you eat. “

Earlier this spring, Confluence students had the opportunity to learn more about the power of food in an interactive exhibit organized by the University of Missouri Extension Service and arranged by Old North’s Food Service Coordinator, LaKisha Martin. Through hands-on demonstrations, students learned about the importance of eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and reading nutrition information on packages. One of the highlights of the exhibit was a journey through the body’s digestive system - from breaking down and absorbing food in the small intestine to carrying the food’s nutrients out to the blood and all parts of the body. Quite a trip!

In an effort to further promote a healthy lifestyle for our students, Confluence Academy was recently awarded a grant from the Missouri Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. According to Food Service Director, Rene Hughes, the grant will enable Confluence Academy to purchase and serve more fresh fruit and vegetables, in addition to expanding our health and nutrition programs. “We hope to develop partnerships with local farmers and grocers to expand the variety of fruits and vegetables available to our students,” says Hughes. The program will begin in the coming school year and will be available to students following lunch.

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onfluence students topped off their spring projects by helping to create a float and entertaining the crowd in the Annie Malone May Day Parade. Designed by

Bishop Matthew Franks, the stunning blue and gold float featured a colorful arch and festive learning environment representing the values and spirit of the four Confluence campuses. Representatives from B and I Services donated the lumber and helped construct the float.

Step Teams from Walnut Park and Confluence Prep marched and performed while fellow students helped distribute information about Confluence along the parade route. After the parade, Confluence Prep–located just two blocks from the parade route–hosted Confluence students, family, and friends. A great team effort all around!

Bishop Matthew

FUN AT ANNIE MALONE PARADE!

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A hearty congratulations to our

kindergartners and eighth

graders who recently celebrated their wonderful achievements

and graduation to the next

academic stage of their lives.

Hats off to each of you!

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6th – Labor Day, No School24th – Professional Development, No Classes

August 16th – First Day of Classes!

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

8th – Student Learning Contract Meetings, No Classes29th – First Quarter Ends, Professional Development, No Classes

1st – Second Quarter Begins11th – Veterans Day, No School

24th–26th – Thanksgiving Holiday, No School

20th–31st – Winter Break, No School

21st – Presidents’ Day, No School

8th – Third Quarter Ends11th – Fourth Quarter Begins

18th – No School

18th–22nd – Spring Break, No School

30th – Memorial Day, No School31st – Professional Development, No Classes

1st – Hours change to 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. for Grades K-824th – Last Day Of School

3rd – Professional Development, No Classes17th – Martin Luther King Holiday, No School21st – Second Quarter Ends

24th – Third Quarter Begins

28th – Student Learning Contract Meetings, No Classes

2010-2011 Calendar