When NASA's numbers were calculated by hand, the hands were often those of Black women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Miriam Mann, Christine Darden and Annie Easley, to name a few. #BlackHistoryMonth
Congratulations, Mrs. Hawkins, VPSD's Teacher Proud Tuesday award winner! Mrs. Hawkins is one of our VPHS mathematics teachers and received several thoughtful nominations. Thank you, Mrs. Hawkins for being such a great teacher to our VPHS students! https://www.vpschools.org/article/1459337 #VPPride #tptteachers
The Valley Park School District Board of Education voted 6-0 on Dec. 2023 to place a proposition on the April 2, 2024, ballot for a zero-tax increase bond issue. Prop B aims to modernize and improve our schools, creating personalized, student-centered, and safe learning environments for all students. If approved, Prop B will repair, renovate, and restore every school, classroom, and restroom in our district, modernize many of our learning spaces, improve our safety and security efforts district-wide, and address critical infrastructure needs. We invite you to learn more about Prop B, our Zero-Tax Increase Bond Issue, by visiting our website: www.vpschools.org/PropB
In the 1880's, Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented an automated shoemaking machine that could produce seven hundred pairs of shoes a day - compared to the fifty pairs a day a worker could. In a time when many could not afford shoes, his invention helped lower shoe prices. #BlackHistoryMonth
Harriet Tubman is best known as an underground railroad "conductor," but she was also a Union spy who freed 750 slaves in one night during the Combahee River Raid. She is the only woman to plan and lead a Civil War military operation. #BlackHistoryMonth
Lonnie G. Johnson was a NASA engineer and a toymaker who invented the Super Soaker. #BlackHistoryMonth
In the 1950s, when universities did not typically offer financial assistance to Black athletes, football start Ernie Davis was offered more than fifty scholarships. #BlackHistoryMonth
Jerry Lawson was a self-taught engineer who invented the video game cartridge. He was one of only two Black members of the Homebrew Computing Club - a club that also included Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. #BlackHistoryMonth
The iconic cartoon character Betty Boop was inspired by Esther Jones, a black jazz singer in Harlem in the 1920s. #BlackHistoryMonth
The NAACP chose Rosa Parks as the face of the anti-segregation movement because she was deemed less polarizing than Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat nine months before Parks. #BlackHistoryMonth
Valley Park School District community celebrated Homecoming last weekend! Check out all the details, see photos, and find out who won King and Queen! #VPPride https://www.vpschools.org/article/1450349
On January 30th, the entire third-grade class of Miss Bence gathered in the Elementary Library for a special book signing event. These talented students wrote and illustrated a book centered around their favorite animals called "Animal Kingdom." Congratulations to the talented third-grade authors for their outstanding achievement! Check out their news story here! https://www.vpschools.org/article/1448152 #VPPride
Theoretical physicist Dr. Shirley Jackson invented the technology that is responsible for caller ID and call waiting. She was awarded the National Medal of Science in 2015. #BlackHistoryMonth
Nominate a Special Valley Park School District Teacher for #TeacherProud Tuesday Calling all students, parents, and community members: Valley Park School District wants your nominations for #TeacherProud Tuesday! Tell us about a teacher who works in our schools who has made a difference in your life, and they might be selected to be featured on social media as part of #TeacherProud Tuesday, a statewide social media initiative that is designed to recognize outstanding teachers and promote public education. On the second Tuesday of each month, Missouri school districts will recognize a #TeacherProud Tuesday honoree for going above and beyond and making a difference in the lives of students. Nomination form - www.vpschools.org/tpt
It's National School Counseling Week and we wanted to say thank you to our counselors for all that they do. At Valley Park School District, our school counselors work to maximize student achievement, promote access and equity and create a school culture of accomplishment for all. Thank you to our School Counselors, our School Psychologist and our Youth In Need Counselors who help our students day in and out to be successful! #VPPride #NSCW2024
In 1905, Madam C.J. Walker invented a hair care product line specifically for African American hair. She became one of America's first female millionaires. #BlackHistoryMonth
One in four cowboys was Black, despite the stories told in popular books and movies. In fact, it's believed that the real "Lone Ranger" was inspired by a Black man named Bass Reeves. #BlackHistoryMonth
Martin L. King Jr. improvised the most iconic part of his "I Have a Dream Speech." Onstage near Dr. King, singer Mahalia Jackson reportedly kept saying, "Tell 'em about the dream, Martin," which could have been the inspiration. #BlackHistoryMonth
The U.S. isn't the only country to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth. Canada also observes it in February, while the U.K. recognizes it in October.
February is Black History Month! VPSD will be recognizing this month by sharing fun Black history facts on our socials each day throughout the month! Black History Month is recognized to honor the achievements of Black Americans who have shaped the world we are in today. From entrepreneurs to activists to, musicians, Black Americans have left a lasting impact on our country, cities, and schools and continue to inspire future generations. Stay tuned! #BlackHistoryMonth #VPPride
