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
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/
