The Rocket Review
Monthly Newsletter Update - May 2023
Hello All,
It is hard to believe that another school year has almost came and gone. If I count correctly as I write this article there are only 12 days left for students, less if they do not have to take finals. This is the last week for seniors. Senior trip is scheduled for next week and Senior Graduation is scheduled for Saturday evening, May 13th @ 6:00 p.m. here at the school. We wish our graduating seniors all the best in their future endeavors.
I am pleased that we have not had a lot of turnover as we end the year. We have two long time West Nodaway educators retiring, Mrs. Acklin and Mrs. Price. They have given many years of dedicated service to the West Nodaway R-I district and we wish them all the best. Likewise, we are replacing the HS English position as Mrs. Grace has decided to return to teaching Title I in the elementary and we have replaced our Elementary Special Education position.
As we approach the end of this school year we are busy evaluating our priorities for next year. Soon summer maintenance projects will begin. Likewise we are reviewing handbooks, policies, and procedures. If you have any comments you would like to make in regard to these items please let school administration know.
Lastly, I would like to thank the West Nodaway Booster Club for their generous donation that will allow us to replace our basketball/volleyball scoreboards in the gym over the summer.
Go Rockets!
Dr. Barnes
We did it, Rockets. Welcome to May and the end of another school year. This year has been different from years of the past. We have adjusted to a new schedule and pushed forward. May is a short month for us, but it is jammed packed with several events.
May 2nd will be our 4th/5th grade field trip to the Shatto Dairy.
May 4th is the 6th grade field trip to Science City.
May 4th is also our PK-5th Grade Music Concert starting at 6:30p.m.
May 5th our PK field trip to Maryville public safety.
May 11th is our 2nd/3rd grade field trip to the Omaha Children's Museum.
May 12th is the Elementary field day. Please remember swimsuits are all allowed but students will be expected to wear a shirt and shorts over the swimsuit.
May 18th is our last day of school. We will have the quarterly awards assembly at 9:00a.m. and dismissal will be 12:30p.m. Parent pickup will begin at 12:20p.m.
In May we celebrate our teachers. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 8th-12th. We have wonderful teachers here at West Nodaway that spend countless hours to educate students. I would like to personal say "Thank you" to each and every teacher at West Nodaway for everything you do!
In May we also celebrate our school nurse. We are very lucky to have one of the best around. Thank you Mrs. Hoyt for taking care of everyone at West Nodaway.
I would like to take a few moments now to talk about our Really Great Reading Summer Program. We are offering this program form May 30th-June 29th on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday's from 9:30-11:30a.m. The state of Missouri has put a major emphasis on student reading and teaching the science of reading to student. Specifically under Senate Bill 681. Moving forward any student who is one grade level below in reading will be required to be put on an individualized plan to assist the student. At West Nodaway we utilize the STAR test as well as other diagnostic tests to determine a students reading level. In the 2023-24 school year all students who are one grade level below will be given an individualized reading plan to help meet that students needs.
As most people know student reading levels tend to take a dip during the summer months. In an effort to stay ahead of this dip we are offering the Really Great Reading summer program. This program is not only students who are one grade level behind but to all students in the elementary building. It is my hope that many students will participate in this summer program. The Really Great Reading summer program aligns with what we already doing during the regular school year. If you are interested in your students attending this summer program, or simply would like more information, please feel free to contact me at the school.
One of the last things I would like to say is a very big Thank you and Good Luck to Mrs. Price and Mrs. Acklin who are both retiring at the end of this school year. If you are reading this newsletter most likely you have had some experience with these two educators. You may have been former students, a colleague, or had your children in their classrooms. They have been at West Nodaway for several years and have dedicated countless hours to this school. I wish them the best in the future.
It has been a pleasure being the principal at West Nodaway this school year. I truly love my job and feel blessed to be the principal for this district. I wish everyone a great summer and I hope everyone enjoys the break. As always if you have any questions or concerns please reach out and I will do my best to help you.
Thank you!
Mr. Conn
We've made it to the final stretch of the year, and things are just a little busy! The main focus on these last couple of weeks from the counseling office is finalizing student paperwork and making sure everything is ready for next school year. Junior high and high school students will be finishing their four-year plans and looking at potential classes for next year. There are eight students between the sophomore and junior classes who have completed applications for VoTech. It's exciting to see these students look towards the future and map out a path in nursing, culinary, automotive technology, carpentry, teaching, or welding. If your student is interested in VoTech but hasn't applied, please contact me as soon as possible. Spots are limited and fill fast!
State testing comes to a close the first week of May. Testing always seems like a long process, and then suddenly it's over! Reports will hopefully be available to parents in August and can be picked up during registration. Reach out to me if there are any questions over your child's results.
Graduation is right around the corner. Students have been providing information to be read at the ceremony related to future plans, scholarships, and awards. This information is imperative so the script is accurate and each student is properly recognized. Please ask your child if this information has been completed, as I am still missing several responses. Seniors' last day is May 5th, so time is running out!
Have a great summer, and I look forward to seeing the students next fall.
Mrs. Clayton
District Information
Email: mbarnes@wnrockets.com
Website: wnrockets.com
Location: 17665 US Hwy 136, Burlington Junction, MO 64428, USA
Phone: 660-725-4613
Facebook: facebook.com/WestNodaway
Twitter: @WNrockets