Rocket Review
Monthly Newsletter Update: December 2025
Dear West Nodaway Families, Students, and Community Members,
As we enter the holiday season, I want to extend warm wishes for a joyful December. This time of year reminds us of the strength in our small community here in Burlington Junction. Our students continue to shine in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars, and I'm grateful for the support from parents, staff, and local partners that makes it all possible. Let's carry this spirit into 2026!
Recent Highlights
November brought exciting moments for our Rockets. Our 7th graders explored local businesses like IAMO Communications and the U.S. Post Office, gaining insights into career paths. High school students toured State Technical College, opening doors to future opportunities. In mentoring, older students served as role models for younger ones, building a positive school culture. We celebrated Hayes and Mady as Elementary Students of the Month for their outstanding efforts. Additionally, our preschoolers and sophomores earned rewards for top attendance at McTeacher Night.
Athletics Update
Our Nodaway Valley Thunder football team competed in the District 6 Championship against Rock Port on November 16, showcasing determination and teamwork. As we transition to winter sports, the high school boys basketball jamboree at Plattsburg on November 18 kicked things off strongly. Junior high teams participated in the South Holt Tournament from November 17-21 and a game at Hopkins on November 16. PTO activity passes have been distributed—perfect for cheering on our athletes!
Looking ahead, basketball season ramps up in December. Check the co-op schedule for games like December 12 vs. Bishop LeBlond and December 16 at Union Star. You can stream Nodaway Valley Thunder events online for those who can't attend in person.
Board and District News
Following the resignations of board members Scott Conn and Dennis Chitwood in October, we're accepting applications for the vacancies until December 3. Contact the district office at 660-725-4613 or visit our website for details. Our November board meeting on the 12th addressed ongoing priorities, and agendas are available online.
Upcoming Events and Reminders
· Dec 17th Formal Christmas Lunch
· Dec 17th Elementary Music Concert
· Dec 19th Elementary Awards Assembly
· Basketball games throughout the month—support our teams!
· Winter Break: No school from December 22 through January 2, with classes resuming January 6. Enjoy the holidays safely.
Elementary Specific News
Please make sure to send students in appropriate warm clothing during the winter months. We will go outside as much as possible and anytime the wind chill is above 25 degrees. Please make sure students have coats, hats, gloves, and are wearing pants. Friday, December 19th is our last day before break. We will hold Christmas parties on this day as well.
Stay connected via our website (wnrockets.com), Infinite Campus Parent Portal, or social media for updates.
Wishing you all a merry holiday season!
Dr. Barnes
As we close out November, I wanted to mention how focused the elementary students have been this month with their character word of Gratitude. Students brainstormed each week on what it means to be grateful, thankful, or appreciative of what they have and for those who are in their lives. Students created letters, cards, and pictures for a variety of people. Some students made posters, did skits, and even a pretend radio announcement on how gratitude is important. As we head into December, the character word elementary students will be focusing on is empathy: understanding and connecting to other people’s feelings. I’m excited to see how students grow with this word and continue to learn about supporting others, not just focusing on themselves.
Morning mentoring saw an increase this month with two additional high school students. The gym
becomes very full in the morning, however, the students to a great job looking out for each other. There are high school and elementary students playing four square and two-on-two basketball, passing volleyballs, throwing footballs, and playing tag. Outside the gym, there are students coloring, playing boardgames, and eating breakfast. It’s a positive start to the day!
“College and Career Monday” events concluded this semester with a trip to State Technical College in Linn, Mo. Four students traveled the 4.5 hours one way to seen this state-of-the-art campus. The
programs offered range from auto mechanics to construction and engineering to nuclear technology. This fast-growing campus has just about any technical/trade degree imaginable. The long drive paid off for one student as they applied for admission! More college and career trips will be offered after winter break.
7th Grade students have counseling class each Tuesday during 1st Hour of 2nd Quarter. We focus on study skills, critical thinking, and career options. Some of the tasks are quite challenging for the students as they have to use their brain power to solve problems, investigate their own strengths/weaknesses, and plan for the future. Students are finishing the semester by creating businesses and interviewing classmates for a pretend job.
Scholarships are updated every couple of weeks on the school website. There are over 250 scholarship opportunities listed thus far with more to be added. A handful of seniors have been completing applications and I expect there to be more interest after the new year when students start finalizing post-high school plans. Please come see me if you need an application reviewed, help with an essay, or clarification of requirements. Students are responsible for mailing applications to the correct location or completing online forms by the deadline listed.
District Information
Website: wnrockets.com
Location: 17665 US Hwy 136, Burlington Junction, MO 64428, USA
Phone: 660-725-4613
Twitter: @WNrockets