Images of students and teachers celebrating RQS day in their red, blue, or school spirit wear.

RQS Day 2025 🎉

RQS Day 2025 was a vibrant celebration of our schools and the incredible things happening across RQS each day. This community-wide spirit day brings together students, staff, families, and community members as everyone wears school colors, spirit wear, or red and blue to show their school pride. The continued support from our community means so much to our schools!

Image of South Middle School Student Council students, Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, and Board President Alonzo Burton with Mr. Hustad's Ray of Hope award.

Raytown South Middle School Student Council I November Ray of Hope Award

Congratulations to the Raytown South Middle School Student Council on being recognized as our November 2025 Ray of Hope awardees. This group of students was recognized for their leadership and dedication that has helped create a more inclusive and welcoming school environment. Their commitment to ensuring every students feels valued and connected has strengthened the RSMS school community in meaningful ways. Through their actions, they exemplify what it means to lead with kindness, respect, and unity.

Image of freshman student signing the banner at Raytown High School committing to graduate.

Freshmen Commitment to Graduate Ceremonies Inspire Student Success 🎉

Raytown High School and Raytown South High School recently celebrated an important milestone for our newest Bluejays and Cardinals. During each school’s Commitment to Graduate ceremony, Freshman Academy students pledged to show up for themselves every day, stay focused on their goals, and commit to excellence throughout their high school journey.

This tradition serves as a meaningful reminder that graduation begins with the choices students make today. We are proud of our freshmen for taking this first step toward walking across the stage and we look forward to supporting them every step of the way.

Image of New Trails student going down a slide on the playground.

Meet Me at the Playground at New Trails Early Learning Center 🛝

A few weeks ago, New Trails hosted its fall Meet Me at the Playground event. This event is an opportunity for families to enjoy a fun, relaxed Friday on the playground with their student(s). Since Fridays are non-attendance days for New Trails students, this tradition creates a perfect chance for families to meet school staff they may not have connected with yet and build relationships with other families in our community. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped make this event such a positive and welcoming experience!

Image of students at Raytown Central Middle School celebrating class spirit during a school pep rally.

School Spirit Shines at First-Quarter Rallies 📣

Over the last month, all three of our middle schools held their first-quarter rallies. These high-energy celebrations recognize strong attendance, good character, and academic excellence. Each rally brought students together for some friendly competition and a fun boost of school spirit, all while spotlighting the high achievements happening across our buildings. These moments of excitement help motivate students to stay engaged, work hard, and continue striving for success throughout the rest of the school year.

Graphic celebrating the winners of the RQS Day contest winners

RQS DAY I Why I Love My School Contest Winners 🏆

In honor of our amazing schools, RQS along with the Raytown Educational Foundation hosted our second annual Why I Love My School creative contest. Each winner received a $100 gift card and certificate. We are so excited to share their stories and their work as we honor them as our December Ray of Hope recipients. Thank you to all who entered!

Elementary Winners:

Kynsley A.

Kelsey B.

Secondary Winners:

Dominick E.

Harper M.

Heidi Lou H.

Casey O.

Image of Raytown High School statebound cross country runners.

Raytown High School Sends Four Runners to STATE for Cross Country 🏃🏻‍♂️

Raytown High School is celebrating an exciting milestone in Cross Country this season. Four student-athletes: Josiah Smith, Brendan Santellan, Christian Haley, Jr., and Ulalia Butler qualified for the State Cross Country Meet and represented Raytown High School in Columbia, Missouri on November 7th.

This achievement marks the first time since 2002 that Raytown High School sent four athletes to the state meet, and the first time since 1998 that three RHS boys qualified together. Their hard work, determination, and outstanding performances have made school history!

Image of Digital Media Specialist, Colin Cloney, with the MOSPRA Award of Excellence for video.

Colin Cloney Wins Award of Excellence in Video from MOSPRA 🎥

Congratulations to our Digital Media Specialist, Colin Cloney, and the Communications Department for receiving the Award of Excellence from the Missouri School Public Relations Association in the video category for our 2024-25 Convocation video The Secrets of Education. This is the highest award given by MOSPRA. Thank you to everyone who helped make the video possible!

Image of slide recognizing Karen Atherton as the Missouri School Nutrition Associations Employee of the Year for 2025.

Karen Atherton Recognized as the 2025 MSNA Employee of the Year 🍎

Congratulations to Karen Atherton, RQS Nutrition Services Secretary, on being named the Missouri School Nutrition Associations 2025 Employee of the Year! Thank you for all you do behind the scenes to ensure our students are receiving proper nourishment every day to set them up for success at school.

Image promoting the Academies of Raytown career expo fair on October 27th

Cold Weather Safety Tips to Prepare for the Winter Months ❄️

Cold weather is approaching fast, and we want to make sure our students are prepared so they don't miss a second of learning this fall and winter! Below are a few tips for staying warm and making it to school on time:

- Wear layers, including a warm coat, hat, gloves, and scarf.

- Waterproof boots and thick socks keep feet warm and dry.

- Stay updated! Download the Here Comes the Bus App and enter your school code to track your bus in real time.

Cookies with Santa at the RQS Wellness Center 🍪

The Raytown Quality Schools Wellness Center is hosting their annual Cookies with Santa event on Saturday, December 13th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required to book your time. Use the link below to pick your time.

Wellness Center Cookies with Santa RSVP Link

Don't wait! This popular event will fill up fast. For questions regarding this event, please reach out to Michael Deen, Director of the Wellness Center at michael.deen@raytownschools.org.

November 2025 Recognition and Observance Days

November 4: Election Day
November 8: Parents as Teachers Appreciation Day
November 10-16: National School Psychology Week
November 11: Veterans Day
November 13: RQS Day
November 19: National Educational Support Professionals Appreciation Day
November 21: National Substitute Appreciation Day
November 24-30: No School, Fall Break
November 27: Thanksgiving Day
November 28: Native American Heritage Day

To view our district calendar, visit our website here.

Have something you want to see us share in our newsletter or social media? Email us at communications@raytownschools.org for consideration.