Missouri School Boards' Association -

Goodies with Grands brought around 700 grandparents to Carl Junction schools to read, laugh, and learn with students. "Grandparents are critical in the development of children. And children know that better than adults do. And they rely on them for all kinds of opportunities to grow and learn. And this is a fun one and makes them feel special,” said Kari Arehart, CJ K-1 Principal.

https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/local/students-and-grandparents-bond-over-selfies-at-carl-junction/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMttHlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHt2KIpqEV0F1FFofBewXK2-pBb7koyaq20hW3qLV26qqKMR-ePt9TpAOvQbD_aem_TqP59w03jD-16NKnpIz8Xw

Opening New Doors for Future Healthcare Leaders
The Alliance of Healthcare Education has officially broken ground on a new campus at CoxHealth North Hospital, creating exciting opportunities for Missouri students to explore careers in healthcare. Through partnerships with Springfield Public Schools, Burrell Health, and Citizens Memorial Hospital, the program connects middle and high school students with hands-on learning experiences across fields like behavioral health, radiology, microbiology, and more.

https://www.ky3.com/2025/08/25/springfield-organizations-break-ground-new-building-high-school-students-going-into-health-care/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMZ5hBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHqzcZPJ4gZPj8eoMLgN_OSbqo2D8FWKvxxhEtW_njVcNXNyLg_w8_45oZs5r_aem_pRB-WwzRxEq2f8W7I9_ZAw#3q6el82zpuw9z2nxu85o2q5c289t2ii8w

Incoming freshmen at Rockhurst High School rolled up their sleeves this week to help clean up Kansas City’s Blue River Trail, just days after nearly 500 illegally dumped tires were discovered along the hillside. Through the school’s Ignatian Service program, students helped clear piles of waste, including trash bags, broken windows, and more, turning an eyesore into a cleaner, safer space for the community.

https://www.kctv5.com/2025/08/19/problem-solved-rockhurst-hs-boys-clean-up-hundreds-illegally-dumped-tires/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMSBXdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhtfV6F28pXUG9aGDl3i6d9uYbzCn7n9w-XYV3SMvitx74JfclOCfDKF0dBv_aem_x02reRzFj-wJ_fpB5LPRRg#1bwuqentsmjibfk3l5edxesolbza4h2il

Middle school students in the Center School District got a superstar welcome on their first day, complete with KC Wolf, Chiefs Cheerleaders, and Mayor Quinton Lucas cheering them on at the door! This amazing welcome reminded the students that their community is behind them every step of the way.

https://www.kctv5.com/2025/08/18/first-impressions-are-big-deal-kcmo-students-get-ultimate-chiefs-welcome-back-school/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMQwb9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmGFTogwkWv_Y8218bqNaoKPSdvXar38OdRbpJ6wO6-9TmRwHJ_ZNIWgFgRu_aem_xxYdUcrH943wxixAdfmTqg#hxw7u04cgd9kh0m7pnxhlembeymtqs81c

Hundreds of teens gave up their last few days of summer to pack food for hungry Missourians. About 800 Missouri agriculture students with the Future Farmers of America gathered at the Missouri State Fair to pack meals for food banks. Over 175,000 meals were packed and will now be distributed to food pantries in more than 100 Missouri counties.

https://www.ky3.com/2025/08/12/missouri-teens-pack-thousands-meals-food-banks-state-fair/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMIuoxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHljEidEcBEdb44pYx9ZI9yEognnXG3josautphd2_91mI73AeEkvjO_QTBXi_aem_JeIYn-0PVwgqNsvNpMv2hg#g1rf2nfl64w8gzi8wea4vmwcsp2dv1eu

Hundreds of dedicated teachers from Springfield and nearly 100 districts across southern Missouri are coming together for the Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts’ 9th Annual Innovation Summit! With two dynamic keynote speakers, dozens of breakout sessions, and roundtable discussions, educators will collaborate on innovative strategies to meet students exactly where they are, preparing them for real-world success beyond the classroom.

https://www.ky3.com/2025/07/31/teachers-across-southern-missouri-gather-branson-innovate-classroom/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL5A3FleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHms3rqzvbrr8UBBDuTTU60RVb08Cb3lcHkxIRrsB7jZ9cCznOQsYDbXbLHvG_aem_u3FP6f0WDpAqu2DzAhmT5g#uzeou9dldbfn7jvk7rn8uovabv7b8r9ge

At Pattonville High School, more than 160 performers recently rehearsed under sweltering heat, fine-tuning their spectacular routines. For these dedicated young performers, drum corps is more than music; it's community, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. Learn more about this extraordinary blend of art and sport, and why fans say it’s truly “Broadway on a football field.”

https://www.stlpr.org/arts/2025-07-29/drum-corps-international-boston-crusaders-belleville?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwL2W4pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjXs5B-r-ciKdIvyUgmnBlIQHpG-_LhafWxMr7ZAQ9tmjHqMgYIGIMQorkWY_aem_PpRVVCUUavIfyvOQPU_P9A

More than 165 educators attended the St. Louis AI Summit hosted by Hancock Place School District. Tech director Michelle Dirksen says AI will help teachers personalize learning and empower students to think critically. Superintendent Kevin Carl sees AI as a tool to give teachers more time to build relationships and inspire growth.

https://www.stlpr.org/education/2025-07-25/hancock-place-st-louis-area-educators-ai-summit

Washington University’s Rural Scholars Academy welcomed 36 high‑school juniors, mostly from rural Missouri, for a week of classes, admissions workshops, and campus life. The program demystifies the college application process; 13 students from last year’s cohort were admitted to WashU. Amazing to see universities partnering with Missouri public schools to support rural students!

https://source.washu.edu/2025/07/rural-scholars-academy-grows-builds-on-success/#:~:text=WashU%E2%80%99s%20Rural%20Scholars%20Academy%20welcomed,academy%20who%20will%20attend%20WashU

A school program in Nixa that helps teach students how to grow their own food is also helping to feed families in Christian County. The student-led horticulture program at Nixa Junior High recently delivered 400 heads of freshly harvested romaine lettuce to help families facing food insecurity.

https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/education/2025/07/02/nixa-student-horticulture-program-donates-lettuce-food-pantry/84418385007/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLSzllleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHndexShwVAmMUT0RR9jA14cKw9Ep6Q2iH4nFmDZdO_3MNII1u1SvyHOT0bHQ_aem_yCkR7QgwryPO-Fl8-gwANw#84tum0b8jm7ykg5es5l6whu5mj1w4w0ap

Celebrating Perryville High School’s Glory of Missouri Award Winners! Congratulations to the 14 outstanding Perryville High School seniors honored with the prestigious Glory of Missouri Awards! Each student embodies one of the 14 virtues etched into the walls of Missouri’s House of Representatives: Knowledge, Liberty, Equality, Law, Justice, Fraternity, Education, Progress, Honor, Truth, Virtue, Temperance, Enterprise, and Charity. https://republicmonitor.com/stories/phs-students-exemplify-glory-of-missouri,135728

For the second year in a row, McDonald County High School students have crafted a stunning 12'x24' tiny home, complete with a modern kitchen, custom cabinetry, full bathroom, and even washer/dryer hookups, all built by student hands! This project isn't just about building a tiny home; it's about building careers. With trades facing a shortage of skilled workers, these students are gaining real-world experience and setting themselves up for immediate job opportunities. https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/local/you-can-bid-on-this-tiny-home-built-by-mcdonald-county-students/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLBjlhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHlRSIQrfayWgwqlWBKJwrHmNXkbGqZ4VkbQ5bpz_nZpz6vmLB8uPLLGEnjZb_aem_OEUgvcKTimOje2-s5ONfMA

🔥🚨 Empowering the Next Generation of First Responders! 🚨🔥 Camp Fury is providing 28 Kansas City-area high school girls with a firsthand look at careers in emergency services this summer. From learning firefighting techniques and police defensive tactics to life-saving EMS skills, such as CPR and "Stop the Bleed," campers experience a true "day in the life" of first responders. https://www.kctv5.com/2025/06/09/camp-fury-gives-young-women-taste-what-its-like-be-first-responder/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwK0bx5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHoqE1_o2cQs0I0ICFOTl9JPnbYFT6B93cv6ITodhASlxPZypRhUexQHUAI-1_aem_E-2KzOYvgR52EtYOPXI4Sg#u3oq8hkc5sbfdmpbk1pjbu0g4qdx45y

Summer break with a purpose! Students in Joplin are making their vacation meaningful by giving back through the Youth Volunteer Corps. Nearly a dozen young volunteers dedicated their time building Little Free Libraries, learning about Habitat for Humanity, and discovering new ways to support their community. https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/local/joplin-students-give-back-by-building-little-free-libraries/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwK0b8tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHk-UdbDyl-SJsXrQO7ctKii59fC6w5aAPLZu3RvA23YwUeGfUWYLPXjpmIpm_aem_kYhEIy-OePkLeLk00Nwo4w

🏆 Missouri Quiz Bowl Teams Shine at National Championship! 🏆 Congratulations to Mexico High School's Quiz Bowl team for earning third place overall and capturing the Small School Championship at the 2025 PACE National Scholastic Championship in Rosemont, Illinois! 🎉 Mexico High School made history by achieving the highest finish ever for a small school in this prestigious national tournament! https://www.missourinet.com/2025/06/09/missouri-high-school-quiz-bowl-team-earns-third-place-in-national-tournament/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwK0cGdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHkXKZM6-YdT8nPWICCKQQUpwLm_jplkzZ_ZGQ3fjLhgr_TOK_cMVizVpHodE_aem_e26SygbzJ-IMMtQVDegG3w

🍎 Springfield Public Schools Fights Hunger with Record-Breaking Success! 🍏 Students, teachers, and staff at Springfield Public Schools stepped up big this year, collecting over 67,000 meals during the 14th annual Food Fight competition! This incredible effort involved 38 schools and administrative offices coming together in partnership with Ozarks Food Harvest to support local families in need. The meals will directly help children and adults throughout the Ozarks, providing nourishment and hope. https://www.ozarksfirst.com/news/springfield-public-schools-food-fight-2025/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwKt0a1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgPdxrPAUESAVvR-Ee06e5hmZut9psQmB7Uc4IfdT_A-RelXOOVr2Jremosi_aem_qLI4bpoBQNlo4aDR56CM-Q

Jadie Arnett, a talented graphic designer and graduate of Columbia's Rock Bridge High School, created the winning poster that will represent Kansas City in the 2026 FIFA World Cup—an incredible honor and a first in FIFA history! Her vibrant, thoughtful design highlights the unique sports culture and community pride. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/k12_education/fifa-selects-rock-bridge-graduates-poster-design-to-represent-kansas-city/article_a286e410-9a78-42d4-af3b-3a8ef99479b5.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SND_scheduled_post&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6A702f41E3An0ow8Frzoeoawf-WazIQb9lRZoZPy6Hu5T0xye7aCqIw9opiA_aem_w605ceX1tWU8nA4IsNrPRQ

📚☀️ Books + Summer = Endless Adventures! Springfield Public Schools kicked off its annual Summer Reading Challenge today, spreading the joy of reading with free books for students! Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan personally delivered bags filled with fiction books, magazines, and workbooks, encouraging kids to keep turning pages all summer long. https://www.ky3.com/2025/05/19/springfield-public-schools-gives-elementary-students-bags-books-promote-summer-reading/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4OmftlAEbriAoIJ2kF9D19z58nPaobBTTjTbKxq-gjGv3OEBTcABHQQAxe1Q_aem_72d-gQv3iqU6IUdMAZDfkg#e90pi4l23250cm8hlcyx7g9rqco0p44hi

From Classroom Concept to Science City Spotlight! Students from Delta Woods Middle School in the Blue Springs School District transformed their innovative idea into reality with the unveiling of the new Light Lab exhibit at Science City, Union Station. This $1 million interactive exhibit, inspired by their winning proposal in the Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains competition, features a captivating laser maze and explores the wonders of the electromagnetic spectrum. https://www.kcur.org/education/2025-05-07/blue-springs-students-dreamed-up-a-laser-maze-kansas-city-engineers-brought-it-to-life?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7pPLxJoYv6_pAFx3wtJwXR1qOMJ_NTljCYBI8kRR7vGhmD_snaL-yokFpD9A_aem_IdizT23aFrYfLTNc78kO4w

🦋 Science in Action: Boone County Fifth Graders Track Monarchs & Build a Greener Future 🌱 At the Boone County Nature School, fifth graders from Columbia Public Schools are learning far beyond the classroom — they’re tagging butterflies, restoring ecosystems, and driving sustainability in their communities. This place-based learning model connects STEM with real-world impact, and it’s shaping future conservation leaders. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/k12_education/learning-takes-tiny-wing-in-boone-county-nature-schools-first-full-year/article_cb839d92-1798-415e-9be0-817b4c33d3f6.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SND_scheduled_post&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7XpdiIjQneNHyP5J2os-Qa8e_2bAicO07lr92xLT-ZQBloLxV_Y5jq29PRgw_aem_1AjN9XmhlIDDtm3TBRz-TA