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Connected Learning

Welcome to STLMakers!

Running a makerspace is incredibly rewarding, but let’s be honest—it’s also a unique grind. Between troubleshooting a jammed 3D printer for the hundredth time, managing inventory, and tracking down funding, it can feel like you're operating on an island.

Here at Connected Learning, we want to change that.

We’re bringing together makerspace directors, lab managers, and shop coordinators from across the St. Louis region to build a peer network. The goal? To eventually share resources, swap expertise, and collaborate on educational programming—but first, we just want to get everyone in the same room to hang out and vent to people who actually get it.

Join us for a casual, low-stakes kickoff meetup:

When: August 26 from 5:00PM - 6:30PM

Where: MADE by The Magic House

The Vibe: Free drinks and zero presentations. Just good conversation and a chance to check out a cool space.

Whether you run a high-tech university fab lab, a K-12 STEM space, a public library media lounge, or a community workshop, your voice belongs in this circle.

Are you in?

Join our group: https://groups.google.com/a/connectedlearningstl.org/g/stlmakers

Once you’re in, you’ll get a calendar invite with all the details, RSVP to the calendar invite so we order enough food.

 

What is research ED?

The goal of researchED is to bridge the gap between research and practice in education. Researchers, teachers, and policy makers come together for a day of information-sharing and myth-busting.

We aim to to bring together as many parties affected by educational research – e.g. teachers, academics, researchers, policy makers, teacher-trainers – in order to establish healthy relationships where field-specific expertise is pooled usefully.

At a researchED event, there are rounds of sessions. Each session is 40 minutes long. Attendees build their own day using the timetable and program that is released a couple of weeks before the day of the event.

researchED events have been hosted around world including in London, Amsterdam, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, Cape Town, Chile, Dubai, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto and many more!

 
 

Get Ready to Power Up Your PowerSchool Skills!

Join us for the 2nd Annual Statewide PowerSchool User Group Conference on November 2, 2026, at the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn Columbia! Connect with fellow PowerSchool users from across the state, share best practices, and gain invaluable insights to maximize your PowerSchool experience.

This is your chance to:

  • Network: Build lasting connections with other PowerSchool professionals.

  • Stay Compliant: Get up-to-date on the latest compliance updates.

  • Dive Deep: Participate in engaging networking breakout sessions.

  • Enjoy: A fantastic venue with a special room rate of just $110! (Hilton Garden Inn Columbia

    3300 Vandiver Dr, Columbia, MO 65202 US)

 

Join us for our first virtual Book Club meeting on Thursday, November 12th at 7:00pm.
 We are excited to launch with the review and discussion of
Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times by Eric C. Sheninger. 

Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times by Eric C. Sheninger

Just as the digital landscape is constantly evolving, the second edition of Digital Leadership moves past trends and fads to focus on the essence of leading innovative change in education now and in the future. As society and technology evolve at what seems a dizzying pace, the demands on leaders are changing as well. With a greater emphasis on leadership dispositions, this revamped edition also features:

  • *New structure and organization emphasizing the interconnectivity of the Pillars of Digital Leadership to drive sustainable change

  • *Innovative strategies and leadership practices that enhance school culture and drive learning improvement

  • *Updated vignettes from digital leaders who have successfully implemented the included strategies

  • *New online resources, informative graphics, and end of chapter guiding questions

Now is the time to embrace innovation, technology, and flexibility to create a learning culture that provides students with 21st century critical competencies! 

 
 
  1. Educator Happy Hour at Kemper Art Museum – Thursday, September 17, 2026 - FREE

Calling all educators–kick off the school year with friends and peers at the Kemper Art Museum’s Educator Happy Hour. The evening is designed for all PreK–12 educators, including teachers, administrators, and youth leaders, from any subject area or learning environment.

This free evening highlights the Museum’s fall exhibitions, Buenos Aires Modern, 1935– 1950 and Carolina Caycedo: Growing Deep Roots along with related activities, refreshments, and a silent disco. Free gifts will be offered at the “giveaway table,” and EyeSeeMe African American Children’s Bookstore will provide books for purchase.

During the first hour, selected teachers from across the region will share their own curricular approaches inspired by the exhibitions, and student educators situated throughout the galleries will spark interactive dialogue centered around the exhibition themes. At the start of the second hour, grab a set of headphones and participate in a silent disco featuring musical playlists inspired by each exhibition.

A complimentary bar and snacks will be available. Free parking is offered in the East End Garage after 5 pm. Enter at the intersection of Forsyth Blvd and Wrighton Way. View a map and complete parking information here

The event is completely free, but we are encouraging registration to ensure the proper amount of food and drinks. Register here or copy and paste this URL into a browser: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/educator-happy-hour-and-silent-disco-tickets-1996312368032


2. Update for Local Educators – Published Twice a Year – Mid-September and Mid-February

This is a place for the “In St. Louis, For St. Louis” Initiative to collect the news, resources, and opportunities for educators and students in the St. Louis region. To sign up for this newsletter, register here or copy and paste this URL into a browser: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1990932/1967893/?v=a

3. Grounds For Connection: Education Focus – Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – FREE


September 30th, 2026 (8:30 - 10:00 AM) Berges Family Center Delmar DivINe 


Join us for an engaging conversation exploring the intersection of K–12 education, community engagement, and education research. Hear from WashU's "In St. Louis, For St. Louis" Initiative; Admissions and Financial Aid, Confluence Collaborative for Community Engagement; Center for Education Research, Practice, and Policy Partnerships; and the Institute for School Partnership, as they share how community-based programs, and cross-sector collaboration are helping shape the future of education across the St. Louis region. Whether you're an educator, non-profit leader, community partner, researcher, or simply passionate about supporting students, this event offers an opportunity to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, discover opportunities for collaboration, and learn how you and your organization can play a role in navigating K-12 partnerships. Register here or copy and paste this URL into a browser: https://washu.tfaforms.net/186 


4. A new K–12 Campus Visit Pilot Program being launched through the “In St. Louis, For St. Louis” Initiative as part of the university’s broader commitment to Educational Access. 

This pilot establishes a simple, coordinated internal process to help reduce common barriers that local K–12 schools and youth-serving organizations face when visiting campus.  Through pilot funding, we can offset certain internal logistical costs associated with on-campus visits, including parking, meals for students and chaperones, and use of on-campus meeting or conference space. 

  The intent of this pilot is twofold: 

  1. To make campus experiences more accessible and welcoming for local students, and 

  2. To support campus partners who are already engaging with K–12 schools and community-based organizations by providing a clearer pathway for coordination and internal support. 

The pilot includes a short application and review process, followed by internal coordination and hand-offs once visit dates are confirmed. Visits may include campus tours, academic presentations, faculty engagement, and other structured experiences designed to build college awareness and familiarity. Our goal is to ensure transparency, alignment, and minimal administrative lift for campus partners.  

To let us know of your intent to visit campus, and potentially receive funds, fill out this form or copy and paste this URL into a browser: https://wustl.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5j8nQ8z0CwH0uAC   

  • How do Americans feel about Generative AI? It’s complicated. | Ipsos

  • How does Gen Z think about work? The biggest takeaway for me is they’re the least salary-focused of any generation currently in the workforce

  • How generative AI expands curiosity and understanding with LearnLM

  • How long Americans work the same job – FlowingData

  • How Long to Read

  • How not to name your child – five golden rules | Family | The Guardian

  • How old are the rings on Saturn? Interesting story

  • How People Can Create—and Destroy—Value with Generative AI

  • How People Use ChatGPT | OpenAI

  • How Products Are Made

 

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Connected Learning

Connected Learning, 1157 North Berry Road, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States

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