Lion's Link #lionpride

Our custodial/maintenance staff has done an amazing job keeping our facilities looking great as we have hosted so many activities over the past few weeks! They not only keep the building clean, they set up for every event and clean up afterward. They are truly appreciated!

If you plan to attend the Otterville Holiday Tournament next week, please be aware of the following:

• Admission is $5 for ALL adults who are out of high school. All children/K-12 students are FREE.
• If we have a 4:00 p.m. game, you will not be allowed in the building until 3:45, and they ask that you park in back of the building so you do not interfere with school dismissal. All other game times can park in any available parking.
• Here are the girls' and boys' brackets for the week.

If you subscribe to NFHS, you can livestream the games on the following links:

• Monday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday
• Thursday
• Friday
• Saturday

We hope to see you there to support our Mighty Lions! #lionpride

The Tuscumbia FFA adopted 6 children this year for the Seasons of Giving. The biggest lesson one can teach someone this time of year is to give back, and we certainly have tried our best to make a great Christmas for these children. Remember, just one selfless act always sparks another!

December 18th is our Christmas FFA Meeting - members are asked to wear festive attire and participate in the White Elephant gift exchange. Gift should be wrapped, unisex, and have a $20 value. (Gift exchange is optional but the more the merrier - must have a gift to participate). Members should bring cookies to share. The FFA will provide hot cocoa.

Dear Tuscumbia School Community,

Happy Friday! I can’t believe we are headed into the final week of this semester. This year is going by so fast! Looking back over the last few months, I have to tell you what an amazing semester it has been. We’ve had so many wonderful learning opportunities, field trips, concerts, sport events, and so many other great things that have taken place. It has been a busy semester, but also a great one.

Next week semester finals will be taking place. Students are expected to take semester finals during the assigned times unless prior approval has been given. If you know that your student will be gone during finals week, your student will need to make arrangements with their teachers to take their finals ahead of their absence. If you have any questions regarding specific class finals, please reach out to the classroom teacher.

By now I’m sure some of you have heard that I have accepted a position at a different school district effective next school year. Staff members were told last week, and I wanted to take a moment to inform the community about this decision. Please know this decision was not made lightly, as I have deeply cherished my time here. The relationships I have built with students, staff, and the community are truly special, and I will forever be grateful for the chance to contribute to the growth and success of this wonderful school. While I am excited to be closer to my family next year, it is difficult to say goodbye to such an amazing and supportive community. I will forever be thankful for the opportunity I was given to be part of this community and will truly miss being here every day. I am confident that the school will continue to flourish under the guidance of the next leader, and I look forward to seeing the continued success of this school community. Please know that I will do everything in my power to ensure a smooth and effective transition, and will continue to support this school and the community in any way I can. Thank you once again for the privilege of being part of such a remarkable community!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Stay warm, and see you Monday!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kirtley

Principal

Next Week:

Monday, 12/16: Girls BB vs Northwest at Otterville, 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 12/17: Boys BB vs Prairie Home at Otterville, 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/18: Senior Picture Retakes; FFA meeting, cafeteria, 3:15 p.m.; Girls BB, Otterville Tournament, time TBA

Thursday, 12/19: Boys BB, Otterville Tournament, time TBA

Friday, 12/20: EARLY RELEASE for Christmas Break, 12:25; Girls BB, Otterville Tournament, time TBA

Saturday, 12/21: Boys BB, Otterville Tournament, time TBA

Upcoming:

1/2/2025: B&G BB at Conway, 6:00 p.m.

The mission of the Miller County R-III School District, in partnership with our students, parents, staff, and community, is to promote PRIDE and provide a quality education that inspires our students to be lifelong learners.

2024-25 Meal Prices

2024-25 School Calendar

Purchase student accident insurance from K&K

Calendar of All School Events

K-8 Student Handbook

HS Student Handbook

HS After School Tutoring Schedule

Link for Kindness Wall

Title I Resources:

School Wide Program Plan

School, Parent, and Family Engagement Policy

Parents Right to Know

Non Appropriately Certified Staff

The Miller County R-III School District has the following openings available:

• K-12 Special Education, 2025-26 School Year: Full-time, $40,000 minimum, must be appropriately certified prior to the beginning of the school year.
• Substitute Teachers, as needed, $100/day beginning 2024-25, must have substitute certificate and pass a background check.
• Substitute Bus Drivers, as needed, $31.60 per route (a.m. or p.m.) and $15/hour for trip drivers, including wait time. If you do not have a CDL, we have an on-site trainer who will train you if you commit to substituting for our district.
• Coaching: Assistant Track, Spring

Interested parties should contact Dr. Spencer at tspencer@tuscumbialions.k12.mo.us, or come by central office during working hours for an application.

It's always a great day to be a Lion! Come join our Pride!

The process for getting a CDL is not difficult, and we will help you! Here is what you need to do:

• Take the written portion of the exam. Here is the study guide. You can get a printed copy at any testing site. You will need to take the test for School Bus, Class B with passengers. You do NOT need to test for air brakes.
• After you pass all portions, take the paper the testing site gives you to the license office and get your permit. You also have to take 2 forms of proof-of-residency and a photo ID.
• Come see us--James Luttrell is our federally approved site trainer, and he will provide your training to take the pre-check and driving portions of the test. He will also take you to the testing site when you take the test. Before he does that, we will need you to complete an application and get a fingerprint background check to ensure you are eligible to work for the district.
• After you pass your test, you will take your paperwork to the license office again with 2 forms of proof-of-residency and a photo ID and get your CDL.
• Keep all of your receipts--we reimburse for the permit, CDL, and fingerprints, and we pay for the drug testing and physical.
• As soon as you have a CDL, are approved by the Board, have a DOT physical, and pass a pre-employment drug test, you can sub bus routes and/or drive activity trips.

If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher and you do not have the required 36 college hours, you can do an online course that will allow you to get a substitute certificate. Here is the link to that course, and here is the link to the DESE web page that gives you more information about what you need to do to get a substitute certification. Our daily rate for subs for the 2024-25 school year will be $100/day!