Missouri School Boards' Association -

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

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