This document is a letter from the Jennings School District Gala Committee inviting community members to attend the district's gala. It summarizes some of the district's recent accomplishments in transforming lives and breaking generational poverty, including launching a career prep academy, opening a community education center, becoming a WE School, and plans to open an elementary health clinic. It states that support from partners through attendance at the gala will help continue innovative programs and services for students as well as provide scholarships. The letter is signed by the gala committee and lists central administrative staff and the foundation board of directors.

2. Ms. Rose Mary Johnson
Board of Education Director
Ms. Miranda Jones
Board of Education Director
Dr. Art McCoy
Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Michael O’Connell
Chief Financial Officer
April 7, 2017
Dear Friends of Jennings School District,
We are on a mission in Jennings to transform lives and break generational poverty, and we have
become one of the highest performing urban school districts in the region. It is because of the
support of the Jennings School Board, JSD faculty and staff, and community stakeholders that we
have continued to demonstrate that our students can achieve at the highest levels despite high
levels of poverty.
Enlightened, Empowered, and Engaged is our Gala theme this year, and we have been working diligently this year to
ensure that each one of our students is becoming enlightened, empowered, and engaged. Some of our work this year in-
cludes the following:
 In July of 2016, Jennings launched the Jennings Career Prep Academy with over 10 corporate sponsors and nearly $1
million of capital investments and funding support. Through this academy, students will be enrolled in a STEAM curric-
ulum with access to paid internships and dual credit courses.
 The opening of the Gary Gore Community Education Center in September of 2016. The Community Center hosts such
important programs as the Police Athletic League and the JSD Robotics teams.
 JSD became one of the first “WE Schools” in Missouri. WE Schools empowers students to take action and improve their
communities on a local and global scale.
 In March of 2017, Jennings will open an elementary health clinic that will provide mental health services, medical treat-
ment, and dental services directly to students.
It is only through the support of our partners that we are able to continue offering such crucial and innovative services and
programs to our students. Your attendance at this year’s Gala will help us to continue our work, as well as to provide schol-
arships and support to our students and alumni.
Thank you. And enjoy the Gala!
Jennings School District Gala Committee
Central Administrative & Board of Education Office
Art McCoy, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Lyndsay Cowles
Academic Support Specialist
Mrs. Yolanda Elkins
Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Stephanie Alexander
Director of Federal Programs and Personnel Services
Ms. Brittany Chambers
Human Resources Secretary
Mrs. Jennifer Kelch
JSH Art Teacher
Mr. Dello Thedford
Vocal Music & Performing Arts Director

6. .

10. Auction
BIDDING ENDS AT 7:30 PM
silent
Sold to the HIGHEST bidder
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15. 7701 FORSYTHE BOULE-
VARD
SUITE 205
ST. LOUIS, MO 63105
(314) 225-2100
www.stlrbc.org
Mr. John Schlereth, President
Ms. Rhonda Key, Secretary
Mr. Michael O’Connell, Treasurer
Dr. Art McCoy, Member
Judge Jack Duepner, Member
Mr. Steve Pokorny, Member
Friends of Jennings School District Foundation 501(c)(3)