SR3 Parent Connection

Summer always seems to fly by. While I hope your family is still finding time to enjoy the pool, take a vacation, or simply slow down for a few more weeks, our staff is already hard at work getting ready to welcome students back on August 26.

As we prepare for another great school year, we're doing more than setting up classrooms and finalizing schedules. We're also planning for the future—making thoughtful decisions that help ensure Savannah R3 remains a strong school district for years to come.

One topic that's been generating a lot of questions this summer is Amendment 5, which Missouri voters will consider on August 4. Because it proposes changes to how the state collects revenue, many people have wondered what it could mean for public education.

As a public school district, it's important that we remain neutral on ballot issues. Our job isn't to tell people how to vote—it's to help our community understand how state-level decisions can affect local schools.

Many people are surprised to learn that nearly 42% of Savannah R3's operating revenue comes from state funding through Missouri's Foundation Formula. That's why changes to the state's revenue system naturally draw the attention of school leaders across Missouri.

To help answer some of the questions we've been hearing, we've created a new Understanding School Funding webpage. It explains, in plain language, how Missouri schools are funded, how the Foundation Formula works, and why proposals like Amendment 5 are part of the conversation. Whether you're just curious or want a deeper understanding of the issue, I hope you'll take a few minutes to explore the information we've shared.

As Election Day approaches, I encourage you to learn about all of the issues and candidates that will appear on your ballot—not just Amendment 5. Read the ballot language, seek out reliable sources, ask questions, and make the decision you believe is best.

After all, schools exist to educate, and that doesn't stop at the classroom door. An informed community is a stronger community, and informed voters help shape its future. Most importantly, remember to vote.

Thank you for your continued partnership and for the trust you place in Savannah R3. We look forward to welcoming our students back in just a few short weeks for another outstanding school year.

~ Dr. Brian Hansen

Savannah High School players and coaches are hosting a Youth Softball Camp on Saturday, August 15, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the Savannah Spring Sports Complex.

Campers will work on hitting and defensive skills, then cool off with a fun slip-and-slide sliding drill.

The cost is $20 per camper and includes a T-shirt. Please bring a water bottle, any personal softball equipment, and wear shorts with either cleats or tennis shoes.

Register here: http://bit.ly/4yp6Cwh

Questions? Email Coach Rebekah Glenn at rebekah.glenn@savannahr3.com.

Whether you're a planner who already has the backpack packed or someone who waits until the week before school starts (we see you 😉), we've gathered everything you'll need in one place.

This annual process allows families to update student information, complete required forms, pay applicable fees, and prepare for the first day of school.

It's hard to believe another school year is just around the corner. In just a few short weeks, backpacks will be packed, alarm clocks will be set, and school buses will once again become part of the morning routine.

Before that happens, we hope you'll make time for one more summer memory.

One day, this won't be the summer they're asking you to push them on the swings, watch them catch a frog, or stay outside just a little longer. One day, they'll be driving themselves to practice, heading off to college, or starting families of their own. Those days will come soon enough.

For now, there's still time for one more popsicle on the porch, one more fishing trip, one more visit to the pool, one more family game night, or one more evening chasing fireflies until the sun goes down. The biggest memories are often made in the smallest moments.

At Savannah R3, we're excited for another year of learning, growth, and new adventures. But before we welcome your children back into our classrooms, we hope you'll enjoy every last bit of this season together. Summer has a way of slipping by, but the memories you make now can last a lifetime.

We'll be ready for them on August 26.

Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer.

There's a lot of information in this newsletter, but there's even more on the Back to School section of our website. And if you still can't find what you are looking for, give us a call! All of our campuses are open during regular school hours.