This week we were contacted by SLPS asking us to welcome kids back to school for the new school year.We rounded up a group of 12-15 folks and headed up to the school bright and early last Thursday morning.The Principal spread us out between the front of the school, the cafeteria, and the side of the school where the buses unload kids.It was amazing to watch as kids showed up in their brand new uniforms and book bags.We got to watch as moms, dads, grandparents, and family paparazzi took pictures of their kids and grandkids as they walked up the steps and into the school.Everyone was so energetic!We got to high five kids and talk about the upcoming year.The majority of the kids were excited to see who their new teachers were going to be.We had lots of conversations with parents, getting to know them, their kids, and how their summers were.

Once the majority of the kids finished breakfast, the school rounded everyone up and we went into the gymnasium for the first school pep rally of the year.I don’t know what you’ve heard about the Saint Louis Public Schools, but what we saw on August 20, 2009 was a team of teachers, counselors, social workers, and school leaders in love with their school, excited about the year, and energetic about seeing the kids come back.Jeanetta Stegall, the school Principal, had all the kids sit down according to their grade and classroom.She introduced the new kindergarteners while everyone cheered.She welcomed parents and staff as the room roared.She went class by class, talking of the new changes, and for the first time that day, the kids got to find out who their new teachers would be.We got to watch as every class celebrated!

As the ceremony went on, Jeanetta and the teachers began to cast vision for what the school year is going to look like and what the goals and objectives are. She put the fifth graders on the spot as they went through the chant of the values of the school.Two teachers entertained the crowd by singing an inspirational song they had prepared for the occasion.And for the grand finale, the teachers chanted the motto of the school while the kids clapped and teachers did the electric slide!

We walked away from that morning excited for the new school year, having already begun forming relationships with new kids and parents, and knowing that together we can not only impact the school, but also the neighborhood that surrounds it. As we were getting ready to leave, Jeanetta introduced Mission: St. Louis to the families and to the kids, and she challenged us to join them in making a difference this school year.We need you to join us.Your time and energy spent volunteering with the people of this neighborhood will truly make an impact. Browse through the site to see our programs, and fill out the volunteer form to get connected.  Look forward to hearing from you!

Expect the Collision…Join the fray