Missouri School Boards' Association -

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

Let the spelling begin! 🐝 Seven outstanding Missouri students are headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Maryland, May 27–29! Representing cities across the state—including Columbia, Lee’s Summit, Pleasant Hill, Hornersville, Branson, Jameson, and St. Charles—these spelling champs range from 11 to 14 years old. Two of them are even making their second consecutive appearance at the national level! https://www.missourinet.com/2025/05/02/seven-missouri-students-land-spots-in-national-spelling-bee/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7kN3-Yrtz9G6ElB0qrlmTTjVWGK3DrPa-yTrw5HceUqfy_21Qv0f5QNMgjtQ_aem_0gQZDsRX45VexF-6kyMOCA

Hands speak louder than words at McKinley Elementary! Students in Joplin’s McKinley Elementary ASL Club are using American Sign Language to connect, include, and lead—even helping sign the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. What started as a student-led idea has blossomed into a powerful way to build friendships and embrace differences. https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/local/joplin-students-embrace-asl-to-connect-with-their-peers/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKA80xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHu2LVid7eG62l13sv6Pu6yEHeHif-BtJBD3J34MXDnnxgxk4w_N1aCyTT0lB_aem_W1FW8XM5Pxjh91W4wnvxiQ

🚀✨ Bringing the Universe to Northeast Missouri Classrooms! The University of Missouri Extension – Clark County is raising funds to launch the StarLab Dome, a portable, immersive planetarium that connects space, science, and agriculture for rural students. From GPS-powered farming to exploring the night sky, the StarLab will bring real-world STEM learning to schools across Northeast Missouri — and even appear at county fairs, 4-H events, and science nights! https://ktvo.com/news/local/clark-county-seeks-help-to-launch-portable-planetarium-in-ne-missouri-schools-by-2025

A special day for Carl Junction students! Local author and former Carl Junction teacher Izzy B visited recently to share The Mighty McKracken, his book nominated for the 2025-26 Missouri Show Me Awards! Thanks to generous donations from local businesses and the BookBag Reading Program, every student got to take home one of Izzy B’s books — more than 400 books were donated! https://www.koamnewsnow.com/news/education/local-childrens-book-author-visits-carl-junction-students/article_362cbeea-71a8-4e0b-a56a-d339940ecd3f.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR67pJoV5RGvPNYYtR_oL8KYn7Ef-FOT70cIxy9LFe3uo4eA6-aELTd3Ok7Tzw_aem_1hndS0jV5D3Ibb7GQSUAtg

Elementary students in Neosho got a unique science lesson Wednesday when a Kansas City University professor taught them a lesson on DNA with strawberries rather than textbooks. Dr. Joseph Williams, an instructor and researcher at Kansas City University, visited RISE Elementary School to provide students with a hands-on approach to understanding the complex topic of DNA. https://www.koamnewsnow.com/news/from-strawberries-to-science-neosho-students-extract-dna/article_8c9b61e9-75c2-4e54-8ddb-1ca7c268f4d5.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7NGJhbzrB30hAgcYpkdnaMxfXPX1TSYPN0IdcFE5BtgL4bzVaYDVRfwrI3_A_aem_ANS31hMOS-b9y7NPaIvYFg

MAP testing season is here, and students at Springfield Public Schools are gearing up to show what they know! Testing begins soon and runs through May 10, covering English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. To help students feel confident and energized, some schools are hosting pep rallies—including a special surprise visit at Wilson’s Creek Intermediate School from none other than KC Wolf, the Kansas City Chiefs mascot! https://www.ky3.com/2025/04/18/kc-wolf-visits-springfield-help-students-get-excited-upcoming-map-testing/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4kaASTgFsZx1SDa__pD-RVYjEZH00rp2FjMShSe5oNIbzIoefJejp48w3C7Q_aem_ctingZBotat8ulygklFqYQ#tz7nn5xpw09ii8tx04xwpfeumfjzkwwuh

Mexico High School senior Andrew Peuster joined the academic bowl team just last year, and now he’s the NAQT Individual National Champion, the first-ever Missourian to earn that title! Andrew stunned the competition in Chicago, edging out the final round by just 5 points—and finishing 70 points ahead overall. With a team ranked #4 nationally, Mexico’s academic bowl program continues to rise. https://www.komu.com/mexico-high-school-student-wins-individual-national-championship-in-quiz-bowl/article_3db53e7c-27f9-428e-a113-1e4482a4fe75.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=SND_facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6yAf0kq5agRXLCA2DXkGYFtB7zZP79oBKIlmE1lw2Iht6v-1wo5zDeLrylwg_aem_-mUA-tSipuTddG2Wf7ldvg

Student Voice. Real Impact. Kirkwood High School junior Nora Schroeder didn’t just complete a class project—she created change. Nora’s powerful six-minute documentary, “Radioactive Waste Crisis: A Hidden Hazard,” earned 2nd place in the C-SPAN StudentCam competition—selected from over 1,700 entries nationwide! https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/special-reports/radioactive/kirkwood-student-documentary-radioactive-waste-crisis-st-louis/63-bd236d8d-6884-41c4-9931-376aef1c5f5d?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KSDK_News&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6fELfL2Ek6QMy0t5dom4xCSiyv7lKKKPIc8YwYqdz2rWKk3a2HrNmYlwtG5g_aem_zihdBI7rYXXDnTfPWARomg#zaf4tjzv5qrilpopm4xoagu68wbc3lxp

Fifth through 12th graders from around the Kansas City metro came together recently to show off their problem-solving skills and creativity at the fifth Kansas City Invention Convention. Around 450 regional students gathered at UMKC's Swinney Recreation Center with their inventions, ready to compete after months of hard work. https://www.kmbc.com/article/kansas-city-students-share-inventions-at-convention/64446986?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6BWBUW-1csk5GVlRAAhwvpLLefmHbDS46yqbWMBdL5znjmqkIIo-KQ5NTDoA_aem_4TAyFkR_ZXh9YhfRnXZhRw

Hundreds of kids in Grandview got new running shoes on Friday. Three hundred and sixty students gathered at Belvidere Elementary School for the “Day of Dreams” event, with organizers hoping to empower kids to reach their goals by providing resources, mentorship, and community support. The event ended with each kid in attendance getting a new pair of athletic shoes. https://www.kctv5.com/2025/04/04/hundreds-kids-get-news-shoes-day-dreams-event/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR4Xcr6uexTyIXusQn2pbgX6tNirXkyTcmg3Zx1qLXno-iKVLMRtvDE4LVPOhw_aem_QPkNeXlW2ZoJ9pbXODBFuA#ziepug1iekajhqawsogdhbgcislnx4vg

Teams of students from St. Louis area schools recently took part in Envirothon, which is an annual tradition that puts teams of high schoolers into a hands-on competition alongside career natural resource workers. This regional competition is designed to make students think critically about natural resources and sustainability. https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/04/03/st-louis-students-put-soil-wildlife-knowledge-test-envirothon-outside-pacific/

A Columbia youth robotics team qualified for an international competition after winning a prestigious award at a regional competition in Minneapolis on Sunday. Twenty-nine high school students in Columbia make up Army Ants, a robotics club that creates large robots for competition and serves the community through youth workshops. https://www.komu.com/news/columbia-robotics-team-earns-prestigious-honor-in-latest-competition/article_275735fb-4236-53d6-9dd4-620ba2113590.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=SND_facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawJZIOVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHc8Nq8GAK6rEheQezSHG4-lk8b_sZpv3HLmnVyrfavrpEJRvZ0NTDxYU5g_aem_GyJtIR7xmn9w8-rnddsweQ

On Monday, more than 3,000 KC area students met Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the T-Mobile Center. It was for the 15 and Mahomies Foundation partnership with Lead to Read KC. For the last five years, they’ve run a campaign to promote reading as a regular habit. To make the event, kids had to read for 15 minutes daily. https://www.kctv5.com/2025/03/31/patrick-mahomes-meets-thousands-kc-kids-promote-reading/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR28wWPOsqIH6C2JLRVzEuKu_BN_9ZefmpVq7-q7vO3y9gCRZzUf_v4ivPo_aem_PdhA3TAk6Yv8InHV49sFfQ#kkyjz2qz36ctju36s82qm14sjf8d8xf

Cardinals Care has funded a new bookmobile that's operated by the library system and helps students unlock the world of reading. The mobile library gives students access to a wide variety of materials to get them excited about reading. And it’s not just the books that are a hit; students are thrilled to climb aboard and explore the space. https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/cardinals-themed-bookmobile-students-excited-read/63-2a6e28e4-3ba0-49bf-af9d-d605d4ae5579?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3BKZDJnDk4btrgNE3x6_r4vcWfQO8Ec7G_ZEYOr2RnVBe0242jefYLjgM_aem_2LgCrec5tFpNxlwTqJ08-w#5si76adhpatcjk4ajhkuamxnch5bk1lq

Meet Sam Finkel, the 11-year-old musical prodigy who began humming tunes before he could even speak! Now a fifth grader at Columbia's Grant Elementary, Sam has composed over 30 original pieces — including prize-winning works performed by live ensembles. He practices violin, volunteers as a violin coach for refugee students, and still finds time for disc golf, chess, and video games. Check out his story to learn how he’s turning his creative spark into symphonic success, and follow his journey as he takes composing to the next level! https://www.columbiamissourian.com/special_section/comokids/sam-finkel-an-11-year-old-composer-with-stellar-musical-talent/article_942421c2-eed8-11ef-a3b1-6bbfd3304f80.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SND_scheduled_post&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0NH7d6FmBlmLPsXIEwskIr1XvPWUhCZyKCVw-nkMP1zKLHP5uWhUOEkac_aem_5bTJmc74r6chksIh67i-IQ

The next generation of scientists shared their research at Missouri Southern recently. Students from across southwest Missouri showcased their individual and team projects at the 36th Annual Regional Science Fair. Projects covered a range of disciplines, from biology, math, and physics, to social science and psychology. https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/young-scientists-showcase-projects-at-missouri-southern-science-fair/