South Callaway R-II Schools

As we approach the end of another school year in the South Callaway R-II School District, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has truly been a remarkable journey. Each spring brings with it a sense of closure and celebration, and this year is no different. Together, we’ve reached milestones, faced challenges, and continued to grow in ways that reflect the strength and spirit of our entire school community.

To our dedicated staff—thank you. Your commitment to our students, your perseverance in the face of change, and your unwavering belief in the power of education are what make South Callaway exceptional. To our families and parents—your partnership, support, and encouragement are foundational to student success. And to our students—you continue to inspire us with your resilience, determination, and curiosity. You are the reason we do what we do.

We take great pride in being a district that prioritizes positive learning environments and academic excellence. This year, despite the challenges brought by evolving legislation, growing student needs, and ongoing statewide staff shortages, we have not only met these obstacles—we have risen above them. We have adapted, innovated, and continued to move forward with purpose and pride.

South Callaway continues to shine as a place where education is more than a task—it’s a mission. It is an honor to serve as your superintendent and to be a part of a district that values both heart and high standards. As we look ahead to summer and the opportunities of a new school year, let us carry forward the momentum we've built together

Yours in Education,

Corey Pontius

Superintendent

South Callaway R-II School District

As we enter the fourth quarter of the school year, it's a perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey we've had so far, and to set our sights on finishing the year with a flourish. This year has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with growth, achievements, and unforgettable moments. Together we've embraced challenges, celebrated successes, and nurtured a spirit of curiosity and collaboration.

Throughout the year, our students have shown tremendous growth academically, socially, and emotionally. From mastering new concepts to cultivating valuable friendships, each day has been a step forward in their educational journey. We're immensely proud of their achievements and the dedication they've shown in reaching their goals.

As we embark on the final stretch of the school year, our focus remains on finishing strong. We're committed to providing our students with enriching learning experiences, meaningful opportunities for growth, and unwavering support as they prepare to transition to the next grade level.

Thank you for being an integral part of the South Callaway EC community. Let's finish the year strong and make the fourth quarter one to remember!

Warm regards,

Leigh Dunlap

Principal, South Callaway Early Childhood

Goodies with Grandparents: Students are invited to bring a grandparent or special “grown-up”. Donuts & drinks will be served.

It’s a Great Day to be a Bulldog!

As we approach the end of the 2024-2025 school year, we want to take a moment to share some important updates and upcoming events at the ES. From academic assessments to fun celebrations, there’s a lot to look forward to as we finish another fantastic school year together!

MAP Testing 4/28-5/9

Parents, as we approach the upcoming MAP Testing, we want to take a moment to express our appreciation for your ongoing support and collaboration. Your involvement in your child’s education makes a tremendous difference, and we truly appreciate all that you do! Here are a few helpful tips to set your child up for success:

• Make sure your child gets a good night's rest each night.

• Have your child eat a healthy breakfast and lunch.

• Ensure your child arrives at school on time each day.

• Gently support and encourage your child to do their best!

Field Trips

• 3rd grade: May 13th Students will make a trip to the State Capital in Jefferson City

• 4th grade: May 15th Students will visit the MO State Penitentiary and grab a tasty treat at Central Dairy in Jefferson City

• 5th grade: April 23rd Students will explore the “Old School House” and historic town of Hermann, MO

Grandparents Day 4/25

Join us on April 25th as we honor and celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren! It's a day dedicated to creating lasting memories and strengthening family connections. This event is led by our students, who organize various activities and presentations to showcase their appreciation for their grandparents. The fun begins at 8:30am in the MS gym. Stay tuned for more details on this student-led celebration!

5th Grade Music Concert 4/24

Mark your calendars for April 24th! Our talented 5th-grade students will take the stage for a spectacular 50’s-themed concert. Get ready for an evening of nostalgic tunes, fun performances, and proud moments as our students showcase their musical talents and transport you back in time. Doors open at 5:30, performance starts at 6:00. We can’t wait to see you there!

SCES Talent Show 5/12

We are excited to announce that we will be hosting a talent show on Monday May 12th. The event will be held during the school day and visitors are welcomed. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and creativity.

Field Day 5/14

Get ready for a day of fun and excitement on May 14th as we host our annual Field Day! Students will participate in various outdoor games and activities, promoting teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical fitness. It's a day not to be missed!

Last Day of School 5/16

As the school year draws to a close, we invite you to join us in celebrating another successful academic year on May 17th. Let's bid farewell to a year filled with learning, growth, and cherished memories as we look forward to the adventures that await in the future.

Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day!

Adam DuBuque,

SCES Principal

It is hard to believe that the 4th quarter is already here and that summer is just around the corner. It amazes me how quickly a school year goes by. It seems like yesterday that I began working at South Callaway, and that was more than two decades ago.

With the end of the year in mind, things get very busy. Teachers begin gearing up for state-mandated testing, iReady benchmarking and a myriad of end-of-year activities like concerts, student council dances, field trips, field days and awards ceremonies.

I think this is largely due to summer break being just around the corner, but generally speaking student behaviors tend to deteriorate towards the end of the year…..Just in time for state testing! With that being said, any support parents can provide to assist us with keeping kids focused at the end of the year would be appreciated more than you know. Regarding MAP testing, please keep in mind that kids are at their best when they get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy breakfast on testing days.

Below Are Some Important Dates for SCMS:

• MAP Testing-May 5th-9th
• Student Council Dance-May 9th
• 8th Grade to Sky Zone-May 12th
• Science Club to the Saint Louis Zoo-May 13th
• Student Council to the City Museum-May 14th
• iPads turned in-May 14th
• Field Day-May 15th
• Promotion and Awards Ceremony at 10:00 a.m.-May 16th

I’d like to close with a quote:

"When we think about everything we've accomplished this year, how many pages we've read, how many pages we've written, how many things we've learned, how much we've grown, everyone should say to themselves: We didn't come all this way and do all this work just to run at half-speed when it mattered most. The reason we put in the time was so that when the last hill stands before us, whether it is MAP testing or iReady or grades, we are prepared to conquer it, and that's what we're going to do now. It's too late to quit, and it's too late to be scared. It's time to step up and show what we're made of."

Best wishes,

Gary Bonsall, Principal

South Callaway Middle School

The 24-25 school year has been a great year! With just over a month of school left, I encourage all students to stay focused and finish strong. Teachers and staff are here to provide support, through after school tutoring or guidance as students prepare for finals, end of course exams and end-of-year projects.

April and May bring many opportunities to celebrate student achievements and activities. Here are a few important upcoming events:

• Spring Play – April 10th - 12th

• End of Course Exams – April 23rd - May 7th

• 9th - 11th Grade Finals - May 14th - 16th

• Senior Events

• Senior Sign Out and Service Day - May 12th

• Senior Scholarship and Awards - May 13th

• Senior Trip - May 14th

• Senior Graduation Practice and BBQ - May 15th

• Graduation - May 18th @ 4:00 PM

Please check our school website and emails for additional details about these and other exciting activities.

For our seniors, this is a particularly special time as they finalize college decisions, prepare for graduation, and reflect on their time at South Callaway. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and accomplishments, and we look forward to celebrating them in the weeks ahead.If you have any questions or need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Go Bulldogs!

Tucker Bartley,

SCHS Principal

As we look forward to the end of the year, we here in the Technology Department are gearing up to commence with our summer work to prepare for the next school year. We have a couple of announcements and thoughts regarding our preparation for work and the end of the year in general.

iPad collection in May.

Students will turn in their iPad during the last week of school. Each building has a separate day that week on which they will be collected. Your student will be made aware of that day when the last week of school gets closer.

Please note: Students in grades 3 through 12 will not turn in their charging block and cable at the end of year. They will keep and reuse the charging block and cable that was issued to each of them at the beginning of the 24/25 school year. This is consistent with what we have published in previous District Newsletter entries.

Please note: Students in grades K through 2 should already have returned their charge blocks and cables to their teachers. If your K through 2 student has not returned their charge block / cable to their classroom teacher, please have them do so as soon as possible.

Students in grades K through 2 who do not return their charge blocks / cables to their teachers should not expect to have one sent home with their device during the 2025 / 26 school year.

If you or your student have questions about iPad turn in, or charging block / cable questions, they can contact the Technology Department.

SENIORS! If you have any documents or files which you need post-graduation, you will need to make plans to move those documents to a personal storage device or account. Those documents or files will eventually be lost as we remove graduate accounts from our systems. If your graduating senior student has questions about this, ask them to contact our department. They can ask any staff member for help in doing so.

Tech work over the summer.

Over the summer we will spend quality time with our students’ devices to make sure they are in proper working order for next year. Generally over the summer we service, repair (as needed), clean and prep devices and equipment to be used by students, teachers and staff for the upcoming school year. We will be going room to room, area to area, checking and possibly updating software and equipment. We will also be upgrading some of our internal systems and checking to make sure they are prepped for the 2025 / 26 school year.

Finally, “Thank you!” for reading. We in the Technology Department have had a great year providing tech assistance to SC students and their teachers. We wish you all a successful end of the school year and afterwards an enjoyable summer.

To download a printable copy of all end-of-year Technology information,

go to: https://bit.ly/4lkhhBL

Chad Hecktor,

Director of Technology

Around this time in the school year, we take a beat to honor and celebrate the incredible individuals who serve as the foundation of our school community—our teachers and staff.

Their daily work, often behind the scenes, ensures that our students are safe, supported, and encouraged to thrive. From the moment students arrive on campus to the time they head home, our dedicated educators, coaches, support staff, transportation teams, and custodians work tirelessly to create a positive and nurturing environment where learning can flourish.

Beyond the lesson plans, extracurricular practices, bus routes, and lunch schedules lies a deep well of professional expertise and personal commitment. Our staff members are skilled professionals who not only deliver instruction and guidance but also model integrity, resilience, and compassion. Whether it’s helping a student grasp a new concept, offering a listening ear, or maintaining a clean and orderly classroom, their efforts make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of the children and families we serve.

Perhaps most importantly, our teachers and staff provide something that cannot be measured—love, care, and protection. They create safe spaces where students feel seen, valued, and respected. They greet children with smiles, encourage them through challenges, and celebrate their successes, large and small.

As we formally recognize School Teacher and Staff Appreciation in May, let us all take a moment to express our gratitude for these extraordinary individuals who pour their hearts into our schools each and every day. However, you don't have to wait for a special week. Whenever you see one of our SC teachers or staff members, please stop and tell them how much you appreciate their hard work. You'll never know how much a simple handshake or thank-you means to each and every one of them. And, the entire South Callaway R-II District is stronger because of them.

As I approach the end of my time at South Callaway, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this wonderful journey over the past 17 years. It has truly been an incredible experience, and, as I retire, I am beyond thankful for the support, dedication, and teamwork that has made South Callaway such a special place to work.

First and foremost, I want to thank our amazing teachers and staff. Their unwavering support for all students is something that sets South Callaway apart. They go above and beyond to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring that each child receives the attention and care they deserve. The commitment and passion they bring to the classroom every day are truly inspiring.

A special thank you to our custodial and maintenance staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our buildings and grounds clean and safe. Their efforts create a welcoming environment for both students and staff, and we couldn’t do it without them.
I also want to acknowledge our transportation department, which is by far the best. The safety and well-being of our students are always their top priority. They consistently go the extra mile to ensure that children arrive to and from school safely, and they are always willing to work with families and staff to make sure every need is met.
Our kitchen staff deserves a big thank you as well. Not only do they work hard to ensure that all students are fed, but they also go out of their way to offer that little extra when needed. They truly care about the well-being of our students.
The secretaries are often the first faces people see when they walk into our schools, and they are always welcoming with a smile, offering a calm presence when nerves are running high. They are the heart of our front offices, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated team.
Our central office staff plays a crucial role in keeping everything at our school district running smoothly. Each month, they work tirelessly to ensure that bills are paid on time and that all employees receive their well-earned paychecks without delay. Their dedication behind the scenes helps maintain the financial stability of our school community, allowing our focus to remain on providing the best education possible.
Our teachers are nothing short of amazing. They work tirelessly each day to provide engaging lessons that promote student learning. They are flexible and adaptable, making adjustments when necessary to ensure every student can succeed.
I am also incredibly grateful for the support of our paraprofessionals, who provide essential assistance to our students, offering that extra one-on-one attention that makes all the difference in the world.
Our dedicated technology staff plays a vital role in ensuring that we hit the ground running from day one. They work behind the scenes to make sure that all our computers and iPads are in perfect working order, the Wi-Fi is up and running smoothly, and all the crucial technical systems are functioning properly. Their hard work and expertise ensure that our technology is always ready to support both teaching and learning, helping us provide an excellent educational experience.
The administrative team at South Callaway is superb. Their leadership, support, and dedication ensure that everything runs smoothly. They are always there to lend a hand and make sure things are on track for the benefit of both students and staff.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the South Callaway Board of Education. Your unwavering support and commitment to the success of our students and staff have made all of this possible. You have been a vital part of creating a positive and nurturing environment for everyone involved.

To the parents, students, staff, and community members – thank you. South Callaway has truly been a great place to work, and I will carry the memories and experiences from my time here with me for the rest of my life. You all have made a lasting mark, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you.

Amanda Wogan,

Director of Special Services

Being a great sports parent means attending your athlete's events whether they are playing at home or away. Here are a few ways to be a welcomed spectator at any district's events.

1. Plan Ahead for Away Contests: Double check the schedules before you leave. We try to keep most game times consistent, but when we travel those times may be different at other schools. Location of contests is also important as there are some of our opponents that use city fields or parks rather than their school facilities. The best advice is to be in contact with your child’s coach and ask these questions prior to the event.

2. Model Good Sportsmanship: We want South Callaway to stand out in a positive way! Demonstrate respect for coaches, officials, and opposing players at home AND away events. Your behavior sets an example for your child. Encourage your child to shake hands with opponents, congratulate them on good plays, and accept both victories and losses with grace. I often receive positive feedback from opposing fans, officials and administrators about our coaches, players, and fan behavior.

3. Follow all Guidelines at Home and Away Events: Every school should have signage around their campus with their district’s guidelines posted. South Callaway has posted signage at the gate for our outdoor events. An example of this would be leaving your pets at home rather than bringing them to events. Most if not all schools including South Callaway do not allow pets on their campus for events. Following districts wishes will help create a more enjoyable experience and environment for all.

4. Support the Home Team's Booster Efforts: If you have a choice, plan to eat at the facility. Our Booster Clubs and student support organizations work very hard to raise funds for the home team. Supporting this effort is one of the best ways to help. We also need your help in volunteering once or twice a year to work in our concession stands. Each sport team is assigned one to two events per year to cover. Our coaches will be asking for your help to cover their event. It is a great way to earn money for our sports teams and show our students that volunteering is an important part of building community and serving our school.

5. Leave it better than you found it... Please make sure that you clean up your spectator area when you leave the facility. Reminding your entire party to pick up after themselves not only sets a good example for our children, but also for other fans in the stands.

~~

To download a printable copy of the South Callaway R-II Standards of Sportsmanship, go to:

https://bit.ly/469eV0S.

If you would like to know more about becoming an official for any game or activity, find out more by clicking on the bar below.

Warm regards,
Tony Brandt, Athletic Director