As we work to wrap up the first semester, I take great pride in reflecting on the accomplishments of our students, both inside and outside the classroom. The clear commitment to academic excellence and the dedication of our incredible staff and teachers have set the stage for success within our district.

The mild fall weather has been ideal for our High School Renovation Project. Phase one of the project includes the addition of an auxiliary gym, a new corridor of classrooms for the AG/Art departments, a press box constructed within the existing bleachers, and a much-needed performing arts center. While every construction project faces unforeseen challenges, Lehr’s crews haven’t missed a beat, skillfully rerouting waterlines and reconfiguring necessary electrical upgrades.

Thanks to a $200,000 Safety and Security Grant, we will be upgrading camera systems at the High School and Amazonia Elementary. Given the diverse needs across our campuses, deciding where to allocate these funds was a tough choice. After careful consideration, we prioritized areas with the most immediate need and the highest return on investment.

I extend warm wishes to you and your families as we approach the holiday season. May this time bring joy, peace, and the opportunity to create cherished memories together.

Warm regards,

Dr. Kurre

The Official 2023-24 Attendance Calendar and the Student Calendar Highlights don't match up! Please triple check your calendars.

Thursday, December 21st: Full Day of School / Last Day of 1st Semester / Normal Dismissal Times

December 22nd through Tuesday, January 9th: No School / Winter Break

January 8th: Staff Return

January 10th: Full Day of School/ First Day of 2nd Semester / Normal Dismissal Times

Note: The Official District Calendars have all been updated on the District website! Click here to see the full attendance calendar.

As the unseasonably warm fall comes to an end, it's time to think about winter preparedness. If you missed our last issue, see our website for more information on SR3 Winter Weather Procedures.

Durham Bus Company also recently updated their Alternate Weather Routes (snow routes) this week. Please take the time to review these routes HERE.

If you have any questions about the bus routes please contact Durham Bus Services at 816-324-1400. If you have questions about your child's alternate weather plans please reach out to your building secretary.

Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Building this habit from a young age helps students learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Eventually good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school and college.

We appreciate everyone’s efforts to avoid taking extra time off during the winter break. As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as to connect to their peers and teachers.

When students arrive right as the bell rings, it can make it hard for them to settle in and start the day with focus. It's like joining a game when it's already started; it's not easy to catch up. This is also a disruption to the learning environment for all students in the classroom.

Being on time for school fosters good habits early in life and sets the stage for future success. We're committed to working together to build a strong educational foundation.

Our doors open at 7:15 a.m. district wide, allowing for breakfast, tutoring, or other before-school activities. When the bell does ring, we expect all students in their seats ready to learn. Habitual tardiness can disrupt a child's focus, making it challenging to start the day effectively.

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine
• Lay clothes out and pack backpacks the night before
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor or another parent.
• Talk to your kids about the importance of showing up to school every day
• Help your child maintain daily routines for finishing homework and getting a good night's sleep.
• Try to schedule appointments and extended trips when school isn't in session
• If your child must stay home for an illness - be sure to contact the school office before 9 am.

While our buildings had to be closed due to COVID restrictions the last 2 years, we are NOW excited to bring parents and community volunteers back on our campuses! All of our SR3 schools have volunteer needs. If you are interested in helping read more here about how to become a district volunteer.

December 22nd - January 9th - No School for Winter Break

January 8th & 9th - Teacher DCI* Days / Staff Return to Campus

January 10th - School Resumes - 1st day of second semester

January 15th - No School - MLK jr Day

February 12th - No School - Teacher DCI* Day

February 19th - No School - Presidents' Day

Check our website for a full academic calendar.

Click HERE for the SHS Activities Calendar

*DCI - District Continuous Improvement formerly professional development

SHS is participating in the Buckle Up Phone Down initiative through the Missouri Department of Transportation. The challenge is simple: when you get into any vehicle, buckle up your safety belt. If you are a driver, put the cell phone down. Turn it off if you have to. Every trip, every time! Accept the challenge and challenge a friend, relative or members of your community to buckle their seat belts and put their phones down while driving.

• We are asking everyone to take the pledge to buckle up and put their phone down while driving
• Also, discuss the importance of putting phones down while driving with your kids
• The community in our area with the most pledges can win $3,500 for our school!

https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/AAAShowdown