May 16, 2024

The Festus R-VI Board of Education unanimously approved hiring Tammy VanEtten to the newly created position of Assistant Principal at Festus High School at its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024. VanEtten has been a teacher in the Festus School District for 14 years. She worked the first 11 years of her career as a special education teacher in the high school. For the past three years, she has been a third grade special education teacher at Festus Elementary School.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to return to the high school in a leadership capacity where I will be able to use my experience and leadership skills to make a positive impact,” VanEtten said. “I'm looking forward to the challenge to grow as a professional and to continue to foster a supportive learning environment.” Principal Karl Shininger says he is excited to welcome VanEtten back to the high school, “She has a true passion for helping students succeed and is able to create strong and positive relationships with all stakeholders.. Her experiences as a high school and elementary special education teacher, partnered with her knowledge of the building and the district, will allow her to quickly get settled in the role and make an impact in many areas.” Shininger says VanEtten will focus on curriculum, instruction and improving attendance.

Assistant Principal Joel Roth and Assistant Principal and Activities/Athletics Director Jason Therrell, along with Shininger, round out the administrative team at the high school.

• McKenzie Zoph represents Festus at National Archery competition
• Boys & Girls track teams win District titles
• Special Olympics
• Student of the Month - Emma Vivrett
• Frozen Jr.
• Festus Theater Department nominated for Outstanding Musical for "Seussical"
• Middle School talent show
• Middle School choirs at Six Flags
• Festus Fitness 3K
• High School students teaching elementary and intermediate about kindness and what makes them unique

The board unanimously passed the consent agenda. Items were:

• April regular session minutes
• Bills payable for the month
• April Financial Reports and Statement
• Ledger subtotals
• 2nd & Final reading of BOE 2024A Policy updated EHBD
• Annual MOU with City of Festus for the SRO program
• Intermediate library weeded materials
• Women's wrestling overnight trip to Columbia, MO
• Tentative list of graduates for the Class of 2024
• Building handbooks for 2024-25
• Activities/Athletic and Coaching handbook for 2024-25
• Departmennt handbooks 2024-25
• AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) DESE Application
• Dairy and Produce bids 2024-25
• Breakfast and lunch pricing for students and staff for 2024-25

• Josh Bauman elected to the MS-ISAC Executive Committee. The group focuses on cybersecurity for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial governments in the United States.
• Final student attendance day May 24. Teacher workday on May 28.
• Dr. Ruess will conduct exit interviews with everyone leaving the District.
• Excitement brewing across the District to encourage students and staff to take part in various activities. Elementary will begin to offer library nights. Inviting parents to come in to come in for lessons in how to help their kids academically.
• Legislative update - SB 727 passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. It will have impact on public education.
• 3rd consecutive year for District champions for boys and girls track and field.
• Varsity boys baseball advance to District semifinals.
• Summer school starts May 30.
• Kindergarten promotion the morning of May 21.
• High school graduation at 7pm May 21.
• June board meeting on June 27
• Enrollment hovering around 3470.

Staff and Student Wellness Program Review

Facilities Report and Recommendations

Many activities around campus this summer.

Early childhood renovation is nearly complete

Elementary - 18 rooftop units removed, roof repaired and larger units installed on the ground.

Stack-up room renovations

Intermediate school tuckpointing, masonry work, entryway painting, painting of blue diamonds outside and cafeteria.

Middle school - 4 restrooms renovated, 25-ton mechanical unit installed, routine maintenance on the middle school roof

High school - retile the FACS room

Middle School expansion update -

8 or 9 weather days

Construction crews hit rock (anticipated) - working through the next steps. Cost was part of the bid process.

Brockmiller gearing up for kitchen/cafeteria renovation to begin May 28

Beginning to look at Intermediate school renovation plans