Missouri School Boards' Association

Recently, the Congressional Award Gold Medal was awarded to Lee’s Summit West student, Ethan Wood. Wood earned the award for his service to the community, which included over 408 volunteer hours across three years. His services included assisting in creating a 3D printing lab at Operation Breakthrough, distributing hand-painted cards at senior centers, mentoring elementary and middle school robotics teams, and volunteering at different STEM summer camps that helped teach kids coding and robotics.

Lee’s Summit West student wins Congressional Award U.S. Representative Emanual Cleaver, II awards the Congressional Award Gold Medal to a Lee’s Summit West student.

The legendary Dolly Parton is set to visit Kansas City, Missouri, later this month to celebrate her Imagination Library of Missouri partnership with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Imagination Library program helps provide age-appropriate books each month to children ages 5 and under at no cost to their families.

Dolly Parton set to visit Kansas City this month to celebrate ‘Imagination Library’ The legendary Dolly Parton is set to visit Kansas City, Missouri, later this month to celebrate her Imagination Library of Missouri partnership with the MO DESE.

School districts are navigating a new world when it comes to technology and the use of artificial intelligence in education. Leaders in the Raytown School District are taking steps to address the best way to use AI in the classroom.

https://www.kctv5.com/2024/08/13/raytown-school-district-takes-steps-manage-ai-use-classes/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR06-tvvpBqjStNPleccEO9G_QmbuoqbawLRT9CEqwEsODWYcCEEkBuC8GA_aem_lM2Twxj7OWBcBpBaJv8JrA

Raytown School District takes steps to manage AI-use in classes Raytown Quality Schools board approved a policy to designate a district AI coordinator to develop an AI compliance policy for teachers and students.

The North Kansas City School District is preparing to debut two new elementary schools. Next week, Crestview Elementary and Nashua Elementary will open up for the first time on Aug. 20 as students head back for the 2024-25 school year. NKC Schools announced that it is proud to invest in established neighborhoods by building new schools and replacing aging facilities.

North Kansas City opening 2 new elementary schools Crestview Elementary and Nashua Elementary will make their debut next week for the 2024-25 school year

Students across the Ozarks will start returning to school in just about 11 days, and a class option has become more popular for high school students in recent years. Recently, more and more school districts have been offering dual credit classes.

https://www.ky3.com/2024/08/08/more-high-school-students-ozarks-taking-advantage-dual-credit-courses/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR397oHhNxNaAAq1CfcSkwLDkpU8Cdg75fl0ylpGaSsAwPrBZUl17AlnjWQ_aem_nvvWdnPHuoyPdM2RdHR_2w

More high school students in the Ozarks taking advantage of dual-credit courses Students across the Ozarks will start returning to school in just about 11 days, and a class option has become more popular for high school students in recent years.

Preschool will be free for 200 students attending Prairie View Elementary School in Lee’s Summit thanks to two grants from the state of Missouri. Part of the curriculum at Prairie View Elementary will be project construct, which focuses on teacher and student connections with children leading the experience – resembling ‘playtime’ with their peers.

Lee’s Summit elementary school to offer free preschool program, after receiving Missouri grants Preschool will be free for 200 students attending Prairie View Elementary School in Lee’s Summit thanks to two grants from the state of Missouri.

Dozens of musically inclined Carthage students are already back on campus. They’re in their second week of band camp as a whole, and third week, if you count percussion, color guard, and band leadership who already put in an additional week prior.

https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/local-news/carthage-news/carthage-students-march-toward-success-as-band-camp-prepares-for-competition-season/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3z5sAuECdQp8b9TOp59c3oYdY6tD7ZRO97scy6g5wN_OfeaY9wthmK7-g_aem_Z_egblbit3dpLyGSTqRawQ&_cldee=j4-E7Nwi1da2kiS1-36T2ykfeR_ZpuHQroxqJSpB7yjO1HNB9iWontMNe4jST7HT&recipientid=contact-d41a38d4659deb11b1ac00224804018b-fcd46e5312bc4e1e8dd9e1e89487409e&esid=7d0ca138-2855-ef11-a317-000d3a31b1ec

Carthage students march toward success as band camp prepares for competition season CARTHAGE, Mo. — Dozens of musically inclined Carthage students are already back on campus. They’re in their second week of band camp as a whole, and third week, if you count percussion, color…

Geggie Elementary School’s librarian is on a mission to make reading more fun for students, and she’s recruiting the Eureka community to help. Kristina Presley began the annual book scavenger hunt four years ago by stashing about 20 books around Eureka’s parks, businesses and playgrounds. She held two separate hunts this summer with about 45 books hidden throughout the city for each hunt.

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/community/geggie-elementary-student-book-scavenger-hunt-eureka/63-9ee9f76b-9266-40fe-82c2-9eee11c849c8?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0E9SpK89LSCxTjAcalfTORbE5uoOh8clsDuOo2LDFUWfqRThuPQjVbZ_U_aem_Q8hR2riDJmM9_NSEXT-TIg&_cldee=Y4aSwMHu0agnOGu-erdOeXB3OWePwHQ-o7xZWelCOwA70XBGt839mpMHQp0Owl2-&recipientid=contact-d41a38d4659deb11b1ac00224804018b-a662ed6aecc042f6b2b4052e194f2b3c&esid=401a3563-f753-ef11-a316-000d3a3b1f99

Elementary students in Eureka are on the hunt this summer – for books The books are hidden within walking distance of Geggie Elementary School, and any child may join in on the scavenger hunt.

Is your high school student interested in STEAM? Know a group of students who are interested in STEAM and have great ideas? Have any great STEAM or STEM ideas to inspire the future or change your community?

S. M. Wilson is accepting applications for our 2024 SKILLED® Awards. Applications are open to all students in school districts within the Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA) or Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).
Win $1,000 for the most creative ideas. It can be simple or complex, but you have to submit to have a chance to win!

Check out the criteria here: tinyurl.com/SKILLEDAwards.

Springfield Public Schools recognized nine students with quite the honor. Students from Kickapoo, Parkview, and Central received scholarships to attend Missouri State University to study education and return to SPS to teach. The scholarships are a part of the Future Educator Program, helping the district with recruiting, hiring, and retaining educators.

https://www.ky3.com/2024/08/02/springfield-public-schools-recognize-9-students-with-special-signing-ceremony/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0IBHRiY61JSdF-1CeVr-vWfkLPCeAxRdJfM8XRCJVF3oEjl7G6Adb7Zxk_aem_AeR7xWtIl5gPpxLc2305Ew&_cldee=xOtkzBR2CELZKsEEvnlVpsYJZ6WUcPJxShPV00Y1XUq92NpsEO_TdrMKtcFKiIWv&recipientid=contact-d41a38d4659deb11b1ac00224804018b-300031879a154114b0ebe222176f7c6f&esid=6c32ed6a-3053-ef11-a317-000d3a5af429

Springfield Public Schools recognize 9 students with special signing ceremony Springfield Public Schools recognized nine students with quite the honor.

Students begin returning to class on August 19 in several districts, and of course, they’ll need school supplies. The tax-free weekend is a great opportunity to save on essential items for the upcoming school year. This year, the tax-free weekend runs from Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4 and it’s a perfect time for parents and students to stock up on supplies.

Missouri offers tax-free weekend for school supplies and more ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. – Students begin returning to class on August 19 in several area districts, and of course they’ll need school supplies. The tax-free weekend is a great opportuni…

Hundreds of elementary school teachers in Kansas City came together on Tuesday to learn new techniques for introducing student activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Teachers at the summit get to participate in STEM activities they can then bring back to their classrooms.

https://www.kmbc.com/article/kc-elementary-teachers-stem-educator-summit/61742571 #

Hundreds of elementary teachers learn STEM activities at educators summit in Kansas City Burns & McDonnell hosted 200 teachers on Tuesday for its seventh annual Educators Summit

15 students from around Kansas City are building websites and learning better cybersecurity practices to protect them in spite of their visual impairments. The range of visual ability varies from student to student, but all have access to programs that allow them to utilize their computers effectively. This is part of Alphapointe’s annual Technology Camp.

https://www.kctv5.com/2024/07/29/visually-impaired-students-learn-cybersecurity-practices-they-plan-their-careers/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0zhm-0yKdy_Ck9k-TfUZYyPPk-PWU1qeM5-OJIbrBUrTaiM-siubncv9o_aem_sWqGSMlGvAVrLpzh5xqLkQ

Visually impaired students learn cybersecurity practices as they plan for their careers 15 students from around Kansas City are building websites and learning better cybersecurity practices to protect them in spite of their visual impairments.

More than 4,000 families attended the Springfield Public Schools back-to-school bash Saturday afternoon. Families were able to get free resources, from immunizations and physicals to groceries and 5,000 stuffed backpacks filled with school supplies. Over 50 Springfield business partners helped put the event on. Families could also enjoy arts and crafts, bounce houses, live music, and other activities.

https://www.ky3.com/2024/07/27/perfect-attendance-sps-back-to-school-bash-sees-high-turnout/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1ZRdjU4kGhnF58kwRgdinQnIp4iCoo0_k1aGLVXU_AwK5aeyZbJsoqJnw_aem_5T6Wa5lc_M_A4GbD--o2pg

Perfect attendance: SPS back-to-school bash sees high turnout More than 4,000 families attended the Springfield Public Schools back-to-school bash Saturday afternoon.

MSBA is excited to welcome At School as a new Associate Member! Right At School provides safe, engaging, and meaningful in-school and extracurricular programs to enrich the lives of students, give parents peace of mind, and enable schools to focus on their academic mission. Right At School is passionate about providing a wide range of exceptional and affordable enrichment programs before, during and after school to as many students, parents and schools as possible.

https://www.rightatschool.com/

Thank You For Your Leadership!
The July meeting of the MSBA Board of Directors is now complete. Thank you to MSBA President Jonathan Russell and to all of the board members who attended from districts throughout the state. This group's dedication to doing the work to ensure that ALL students succeed is an inspiration.

Barry Manilow presented a $10,000 donation to Melissa Gustafson-Hinds with O’Fallon Township High School Thursday before a concert at the Enterprise Center. She is the school’s band director and was the recipient of the grant that is part of the Manilow Music Project. Half of the grant she received will go directly to her, and the other half will go towards new instruments for the high school.

O’Fallon, Ill. teacher receives $10,000 grant from Barry Manilow Barry Manilow presented a $10,000 donation to a local music teacher Thursday before a concert at the Enterprise Center.

Neosho Junior High (NJH) teacher Alison Corl was named one of two Regional Teacher of the Year recipients, alongside Craig Fox of Carl Junction. Both will represent the southwest region and advance to the state level to compete for the prestigious honor of Missouri Teacher of the Year, a first for the Neosho School District. Reflecting on her career, Corl said, “I have always wanted to be a teacher, it is in my heart and soul. “I hope every child that walks into my room knows I believe in them, I care about them and I will do whatever it takes for them to be successful.”

Neosho teacher wins Regional Teacher of the Year Neosho Junior High (NJH) teacher Alison Corl was named one of two Regional Teacher of the Year recipients, alongside Craig Fox of Carl Junction.  Both will represent the southwest region and a…

At the back of Republic’s Community Center, a group gathered to see the unveiling of the city’s newest library. There was no building. Or books. Instead there's a portable storage unit with plastic totes inside filled with all kinds of sports equipment. It is a sports equipment library, the idea of a soon-to-be senior, Hayden Hradek, a nose guard on the high school team’s state runner-up football team this past season.

Republic gets Sports Equipment Library thanks to idea from high school student A high school football player in Republic has come up with the idea of starting a sports equipment library for the city's youth programs where coaches and players can check-out equipment they need. It's now open at the Republic Community Center.

Six Houston area high school students were among the 85 high school students from across Missouri who participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program in Jefferson City. Each year in July, this action-filled four days provides high school students opportunities to learn first-hand what it is like to be involved in politics, the cooperative form of business, and being a leader. The program included nationally known speakers and time at the Missouri State Capitol learning how a bill goes through the process to become a law.

Area high school students attend annual Missouri Electric co-op program Six area residents were among the 85 high school students from across Missouri who participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) p…

Missouri's back-to-school sales tax holiday begins on the first Friday in August and continues through the following Sunday. This year's event starts Aug. 4. Certain back-to-school items, such as clothing, school supplies, and computers, are exempt from sales tax during the three-day period.

https://www.kmbc.com/article/missouri-tax-free-holiday-weekend-2024-school-supplies-sales/61647415?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1TBn1PyijWWC-Av6V-ho1ocJ0hl_hpY0Zz7IhmtXRJW7Bg6INUimRtmeM_aem_Avycw8ikTEDGk0Clg0iSKA

Missouri's 2024 back-to-school tax-free weekend starts Aug. 2. Here's what qualifies Sales tax holiday runs from Aug. 2-4

It is with deep sorrow that the Missouri School Boards' Association (MSBA) shares the news of the passing of Mike Reid, the esteemed leader of MSBA’s advocacy department. Mike Reid passed away earlier this week, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of dedication and service to public education and the children of Missouri.

Mike Reid was a towering figure in the realm of education advocacy, known throughout the state and at the capitol for his relentless work on behalf of public school children. Mike received a Bachelor of Science in History from Westminster College and received a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Before joining MSBA in 2006 as the Associate Executive Director of Advocacy, he was Director of Compliance for the Missouri Ethics Commission where he oversaw implementation of campaign finance statutes, lobby reporting, and conflict of interest laws for the State of Missouri. His integrity, deep knowledge, and passionate advocacy for all children made him a respected and admired figure among colleagues, policymakers, and community members.

“As we mourn the loss of a true champion for public education, we also celebrate his incredible legacy, “said Melissa Randol, Executive Director of the Missouri School Boards’ Association. “Mike Reid's work will continue to inspire and guide us in our mission to ensure that every child in Missouri continues to receive a high-quality education.”

The family requests memorial contributions to MSBA's FutureBuilders Foundation in lieu of flowers. The goal of FutureBuilders is to celebrate the successes of our public schools and to recognize the achievements of both students and school leaders, with the belief that public education is the foundation of our democracy.
https://give.mosba.org/campaign/msbas-futurebuilders-foundation/c486938

Visitation & Memorial Information
https://memorials.freemanmortuary.com/michael-reid/5461686/

McDonald County High School (MCHS) hosted its first-ever VEX Robotics Summer Camp for elementary and middle school students recently. The camp offered a hands-on, interactive experience in robotics and computer programming. Students from 1st through 8th grades built and programmed their own robots using VEX Robotics kits. "At this camp, kids aren't just learning about robotics and coding—they're building their future, one robot at a time," said Joyce Pacheco, MCHS Computer Science Instructor.

https://www.koamnewsnow.com/news/education/mcdonald-county-high-school-hosts-first-ever-vex-robotics-summer-camp/article_518197d2-446f-11ef-bc37-333a3d9c81c1.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1jlF1hSk95sCWoGX_45t1kSVEl-X9pTQVsnjNb7qCjaL9FKW2jxCeX8jA_aem_WU63VjgGg0hBZIfG5fnsQA

McDonald County High School hosts first-ever VEX Robotics summer camp MCDONALD COUNTY, Mo. (KOAM) - McDonald County High School (MCHS) is hosting its first-ever VEX Robotics Summer Camp for elementary and middle school students on Wednesday, July 17.

St. Louis area students are selling coffee through Show Me the World, a nonprofit specializing in supporting international youth travel. Show Me the World has sent more than 150 students abroad in the past 10 years. Students learn about inventory and e-commerce, but the program is still rooted in a STEM focus.

https://www.stlpr.org/education/2024-07-16/st-louis-show-me-the-world-coffee-teen-world-travel?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2f20kJXJFcZJ-lV6IbYhVNOWUKTXfFXX5KlyADZsf9KTPjuYwZ8aPxvvo_aem_y7QmBXP1f-_9BnRh4KdJUg&_cldee=qlvAWnnkGFrTUYKM-PARK1k7rdFVqHOIzApRMawSlVoJA0ZLSsjfuyah0njaVWoL&recipientid=contact-d41a38d4659deb11b1ac00224804018b-41dc95b1f8544d30ac15a6827e67d9a6&esid=8aead6d2-4244-ef11-8409-000d3a5af429

St. Louis teen entrepreneurs are becoming world travelers — a bag of coffee at a time With its recent expansion to public high schools in St. Louis and University City, Show Me the World is raising money to support more than 100 students throughout the region.

The sixth annual Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Day Camp is underway in Carthage this week. Students from schools across the county are learning about the profession, in the hopes that some of them may want to go into that occupation when they get older.

https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/local-news/carthage-news/students-learn-about-law-enforcement-at-6th-annual-jcso-junior-deputy-day-camp/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1njrPrOv1ax42sjoRDDZ99dPPYFzJ38bGmgIbiXAiBiecKwPP6E73lbRA_aem_VH-bdBZLYuTQENihLfIUuA&_cldee=7_0me4AZKi-ZE8TJmNvcAMW8RK5ZI16B_80gG1f9_eR2SmAELnkg1eTEWHXG3YjY&recipientid=contact-d41a38d4659deb11b1ac00224804018b-f049e2a39267405991b245203420e6ab&esid=90a53346-7543-ef11-8409-6045bd02852f

Students learn about law enforcement at 6th annual JCSO Junior Deputy Day Camp CARTHAGE, Mo. — The sixth annual Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Junior Deputy Day Camp is underway in Carthage this week. Students from schools across the county are learning about the profes…