Historical Fall 2007 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
When the St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) reopen for the 2007-2008 school year, Skinker-DeBaliviere will be home to two public elementary schools – Hamilton School, which provides K-8 classrooms, and the Big Picture School at Des Peres.
These are in addition to our two private schools: St. Roch’s and Crossroads.
In recognition of the need for communication between the schools and the neighborhood, the SDCC has started an Education Committee. One of the committee’s first actions was to meet with the new principal for Big Picture elementary school at Des Peres, Ms. Bonita Jamison. Out of that meeting, the committee has been working with both public schools to promote relationships, and to look for opportunities for neighbors to be involved in the schools.
In this capacity, the SDCC collected school supplies and donations from area churches, Office Max and Bank of America, and will provide schools supplies to every classroom at the Des Peres school and at Hamilton School, in addition to providing supplies to St. Roch’s and Crossroads.
The Big Picture Elementary School at Des Peres will be home to 96 students, and will offer a teacher-student ratio of 1:16. Part of the Big Picture program is to offer mentors to every student in the school.
The Education Committee is looking for volunteers to be mentors. Interested residents should contact the SDCC office at 862-5122 for a volunteer application. Volunteers are also needed in other capacities, and interested persons may contact SDCC for more information. Both public schools will offer various resources to the community. Ms. Jamison has offered the use of the facilities at Des Peres for public gatherings. Persons interested in utilizing the facilities should contact Ms. Jamison for more information.
Her contact information is available at the SDCC office.
In addition, Hamilton School offers various courses for St. Louis residents, from exercise courses to sewing classes.
The contact person for these courses is Avis May, who may be reached at 345-2581.
The SDCC looks forward to working with our neighborhood schools for a successful school year! Any person interested in getting involved or volunteering at the schools should contact the SDCC office, 6008 Kingsbury Avenue, 862-5122, for more information.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, Fall 2007.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2007_09.pdf, printed page(s) 7; PDF page(s) 7.
