Plans For Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The SMOS DEI Committee is putting the final touches on its plans for the upcoming Martin Luther King holiday this weekend, January 16–19, to honor Dr. King’s enduring impact and message of equality, justice, and community. There are opportunities for education, service, and fun planned, and all SMOS families are invited to participate. Here are the details:
Friday, January 16 – 12:00 PM Dismissal – School Announcements
- Dr. Jason Vasser-Elong from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (same as Dr. King) will join us for the afternoon announcement (over the intercom) prior to early dismissal. He will talk about Dr. King’s message of service to support all people, regardless of cultural background. He will also read a passage from the ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’ to the students.
Martin Luther King Day is Monday, January 19, and students will have the day off from school. The SMOS DEI Committee invites all St. Margaret’s families to take part in several events planned throughout the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, January 16–19, to honor Dr. King’s enduring impact and message of equality, justice, and community.
Friday, January 16 -| 5–8 PM – SMOS Night at the Museum
- School families are invited to the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112, for an evening of music and fun – as they kick-off the holiday weekend to honor Dr. King. Explore exhibits like Mill Creek: Black Metropolis and enjoy Let It Resound: The Legacy of Black Composers, a concert honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through music, history, and reflection. Good for all ages. Food & drink available for purchase. Join for any part of the evening, and meet up with other SMOS families.
- Full schedule for the night and details available at https://mohistory.org/events/resound.
January 15-31 – MLK Food Drive – Service Opportunity
St. Margaret’s School will be participating in the St. Louis Public Library’s annual MLK Food Drive in partnership with St. Louis Area Foodbank, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by supporting individuals and families across the St. Louis community.
Starting now through the end of the month, SMOS school families are encouraged to donate non-perishable food and essential items (see the list below) – collection bins are placed in the Cafeteria, so send donated goods in with your child to their classroom or drop them off at the School office. Families can also drop items off at any local public library through January 31.
Requested donation items include:
- Canned meat or fish
- Mac and cheese
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Canned fruit and vegetables
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Juice
- Canned chili
- Beans
- Canned soup
- Rice and pasta
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Powdered milk
- Crackers
- Fruit snacks
- Granola bars
- Applesauce
- Personal care items
- Feminine care products
- Baby care products
- Household essentials
Please note: No glass items will be accepted.
In the absence of a dedicated Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion after the passing of Mr. Shorter, several school parents from the PTA DEI Committee have stepped forward this year to make sure that diversity efforts are still being addressed at the school. Parents Charley Knuckles Harper and Heidi Klosterman are currently running Diversity Council, ABAR, and No Place For Hate along with members of the school staff, and several other parents have been integral in planning and organizing the curriculum and activities for this year as well. We appreciate their dedication and commitment to keeping DEI at St. Margaret’s an important and unique priority.
