Inside Eminence
Eminence R-1 Community Newsletter October 2026
Building on Our Success: Attendance, Achievement, and High Expectations
As we close out the first quarter of the 2026-2027 school year, there is so much to celebrate at Eminence R-1 School District! Our students, staff, and families have worked together to create a strong start to the school year, and one of our greatest accomplishments has been our continued improvement in student attendance.
Our district attendance rates are not consistently in the mid-90% range, a tremendous improvement from where we were just a few years ago! This success is a direct reflection of the commitment of our families, the dedication of our staff, and the systems we have put in place to support students in getting to school each day. We know that students cannot learn if they are not in school, and our community has truly embraced the importance of showing up. Thank you for making attendance a priority!
Now, as we move into the second quarter, our focus is on building upon that success. Getting students to school is the first step. Making sure every student is challenged, engaged, and growing academically is the next.
At Eminence, we believe our students are capable of great things, and we want to ensure that our classrooms reflect that belief. This means maintaining high academic expectations, providing meaningful and challenging learning opportunities, and encouraging students to think critically, solve problems, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning.
We want our students to understand that learning isn't always easy, and that's a good thing! Some of the most valuable growth happens when students are challenged to think a little harder, try a different approach, or persevere through something difficult. Our goal is not simply for students to complete assignments or earn good grades, but to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence, and work ethic they will need long after they leave our classrooms.
As a district, we are encouraging our teachers to continue strengthening instructional rigor while providing the support necessary for every student to succeed. We recognize that students learn at different rates and have different needs, but high expectations and meaningful academic growth should be the goal for every student, every day.
Our families play an important role in this work as well. We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about what they are learning, ask questions that encourage deeper thinking, celebrate their accomplishments, and remind them that effort, perseverance, and a willingness to tackle challenges are all important parts of success.
With Deer Season, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Break approaching, we know the coming weeks will move quickly. We want to make the most of every instructional opportunity between those well-deserved breaks and continue the positive momentum we have established.
We have made tremendous strides in getting our students into our classrooms. Now, our challenge is to make sure we are maximizing the learning that happens once they are there. Attendance opens the door to opportunities, but strong instruction, high expectations, and a commitment to student growth are what help our students reach their full potential.
Thank you to our families, staff, and community for your continued partnership and support of Eminence Schools. Together, we are building a culture where showing up matters, hard work is valued, and every student is encouraged to achieve more than they thought possible.
One Team. One Mission. United for Student Success.
Your Voice Matters: Fall 2026 Missouri School Climate & Culture Survey
Eminence R-1 School District is asking our families and community stakeholders to take a few minutes to complete the Fall 2026 Missouri School Climate and Culture Survey.
The survey provides families an opportunity to share their perspective about their experiences with our schools, including school climate, communication, relationships, safety, and the overall learning environment. Your feedback is important to us. It helps us recognize what we are doing well while also identifying areas where we can continue to grow and improve.
As a district, we are committed to creating schools where students feel supported, families feel connected, and everyone has a voice in our continued success. Hearing directly from our families is an important part of the process.
The Fall 2026 Missouri School Climate and Culture Survey will remain open through Thursday, November 5. We encourage all families to participate and provide thoughtful, honest feedback.
Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective and for your continued partnership with Eminence Schools. Together, we can continue working toward our mission of student success.
Direct Link to Survey:
EMINENCE R-I Parent Survey Link
QR Code + Authentication Code:
Using the QR code will require an authentication code to begin the survey.
EMINENCE R-I Authentication Code: EG3ARG
Eminence Elementary has had a busy and exciting start to the second quarter, with academic achievements, student activities, and continued efforts to support student success!
Academic Growth & Student Success
Elementary attendance continues to be outstanding, averaging approximately 97%! We appreciate our families for making regular school attendance a priority. With first-quarter assessments complete, teachers and support staff have been reviewing student performance data, including iReady assessments, MAP scores, grades, and attendance. Grade-level teams have participated in Response to Intervention (RTI) meetings to identify individual student needs and develop targeted instructional supports to help every student grow academically.
Kindergarten has also implemented a new standards-based grading system this year, providing families with more detailed information about their child's progress toward specific learning goals. Parent-Teacher Conferences provided valuable opportunities for families and teachers to discuss student progress and celebrate accomplishments.
We are also proud to recognize our first-quarter Honor Roll students for their academic achievement!
Student Activities & Celebrations
Our elementary students have had some wonderful opportunities to shine beyond the classroom! For the first time, elementary BETA students competed at the BETA Leadership Summit and earned qualifications for the National BETA Convention in Fort Worth, Texas, in June 2027, in both Collaboration Connection and Project Proposal competitions!
Our elementary cross-country runners wrapped up a successful season, demonstrating tremendous determination, improvement, and sportsmanship, with several students earning medals throughout the season.
The return of the Fall Festival to Eminence Elementary was another highlight! Students, families, and community members enjoyed an evening of fun and fellowship. Special thanks to our PTO, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this event such a success.
Facilities & School Safety
Improvements to our elementary campus remain a priority. Plans are underway with MoDOT to improve the elementary entrance, including replacing the existing culvert with a 60-foot culbert to provide safer access for school buses and vehicles. Additional building safety and communication improvements are also being addressed.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will bring more opportunities for learning and fun, including Red Ribbon Week, fall classroom celebrations, and our upcoming Career on Wheels event on November 6.
We are incredibly proud of our elementary students and staff for their hard work and dedication. Thank you to our families and community for your continued support as we work together to make Eminence Elementary a place where every student can learn, grow, and succeed!
We are excited to invite all of our students and families to our Title I Halloween Family Fun Night on Thursday, October 29, beginning at 5:00 p.m. We are looking forward to an evening filled with creativity, laughter, and opportunities for families to spend quality time together!
Families can enjoy a variety of fun activities, including Halloween crafts, jewelry making, trivia, and much more! Students are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Halloween costumes and participate in our costume contest. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Overall Costume, Most Creative Costume, and Scariest Costume.
Our Title I Family Engagement events are designed to strengthen the connection between home and school while providing meaningful opportunities for families to come together, build relationships, and enjoy engaging activities with their children.
We hope all of our families will make plans to join us for this special evening. We look forward to seeing everyone on October 29 for a spooktacular night of family fun!
In the coming days or weeks, you may see something coming out in regards to letter grades for all public schools in Missouri. We want you to hear this from us, along with what it means.
About the Rating
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is developing its first pilot A-F grades for public schools, created under an executive order Governor Mike Kehoe signed in January 2026.
This grade is a pilot, meaning it is not final. It is the first year of a brand-new state system, based on test results from the 2024-2025 school year, and the state is still finalizing how grades are calculated. We fully expect the framework to change over time, and as it does, our grade may change too. It is one measure among many. We have shared concerns with the state about how quickly this system was developed, and we will continue to do so.
We Are Accountable to You First
You've told us what matters most to you in our schools, through surveys, conversations, board meetings, and we've acted on it:
- You told us Student Achievement matters. We continually work to create an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, students are supported, and are all developing to be life-ready.
- You told us communication matters. In the past year we have increased our social media presence, send out our community newsletter monthly, and continue to plan events both at the building and district level to increase connection and relationships between the district and our stakeholders.
- You told us safety matters. We have established a District Safety Team, we were awarded a Federal Safety Grant to implement new safety features across the district, and we continually train staff and students on emergency response and preparedness.
You also deserve a full, current picture of how our students are doing. Here are a few things we're proud of:
- Attendance - currently our district attendance is holding strong at 96.2%.
- Athletics & Activities - our High School Volleyball Team is the #1 Seed for Districts, our Junior High Basketball Team took 2nd in the BSC Tournament, our High School Baseball team took 4th in the BSC Fall Tournament and we have students who have already qualified for the BETA National Convention at all three levels (elementary, junior high, and high school).
- Staff Retention - 97% of our staff from the 2025-2026 academic year returned for the 2026-2027 academic year, the state average is 88.2%. Our team enjoys working in our district! Through this we have also been able to raise our non-certified salaries and develop additional leadership positions to improve in various departments.
And here is where we're focusing on improving:
- District Literacy - We are focusing on student literacy in all areas of reading and writing at all grade levels. We are working to incorporate more resources for teachers to assist students in their development as writers in all classes, not just English. We have adopted UFLI as our phonics instruction for our early readers and provided professional development and resources to enhance literacy instruction.
- Communication - We are continually looking for more ways to have meaningful connections with our community! Learning new ways to reach out and ensure all families, students, and community members are part of Redwings Nation.
- Outreach - We are continually identifying ways we can provide outreach to ensure all of our students needs are met so they can come prepared to learn every day!
But not state rating can replace what you know as a parent about your child.
You know their teachers, their classroom, and the progress they are making. Our responsibility is to work alongside you to help your child meet their educational goals and achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether it's an A-F grade or another measure from Jefferson City, that mission does not change and neither does our commitment to the local systems, relationships and priorities we have built to meet the needs of our students and families.
Public schools serve every student who walks through our doors, including children with very different needs, circumstances and starting points. That responsibility is fundamental to who we are, and it is one reason a single letter can never tell the whole story of a school or the educators who choose to serve them.
Thank you for your partnership. Our teachers and staff work every day to help each student grow, and we will keep you informed along the way.
Eminence High School has had a strong start to the 2026-2027 school year. From academic accomplishments and leadership opportunities to athletic achievements and career exploration, our students continue to demonstrate Redwings Pride both inside and outside the classroom.
Academic Growth & Student Success
We are excited to report that first-quarter attendance at Eminence High School reached 95.4%! With 117 students enrolled in grades 7-12, our staff continues to emphasize the importance of regular attendance, academic accountability, and student achievement.
Our academic accountability initiatives are producing encouraging results, with only one failing grade reported across the building at the conclusion of the first quarter. Through programs such as Travel Advisory and our zero policy, students are receiving additional support and encouragement to stay on track academically.
We also have 20 students participating in dual enrollment opportunities, allowing them to earn college credit while completing their high school education. Our seniors have been meeting with college representatives to explore postsecondary opportunities, and students recently participated in the ASVAB testing to help identify potential career pathways.
Student Leadership & Career Readiness
Our BETA students had an outstanding showing at the recent BETA Leadership Conference! Approximately 40 Junior High and High School students participated, with High School students earning four out of five awards and Junior High students earning three out of five awards. These accomplishments qualified students for National BETA Convention next summer!
Students also participated in meaningful career and life-skills experiences. Several students attended a Transition and Job Fair at Twin Pines, while Dr. Ennis and his students put their classroom learning into action by preparing food for a schoolwide attendance incentive. These hands-on opportunities help students develop responsibility, teamwork, and valuable real-world skills.
Athletics & Extracurricular Achievements
Our Redwings athletes have been busy representing Eminence throughout the fall season!
Our Junior High Volleyball team completed its season, while High School Baseball showed tremendous improvement and competed in the Big Springs Conference Tournament. Junior High Basketball is having an outstanding season, advancing to the BSC Championship game and finishing as conference runners-up following an exciting overtime contest.
Our Cross Country athletes have continued to perform well, with strong finishes throughout the season, while our Trap Team has participated in multiple competitions with impressive individual performances.
We are proud of the dedication, sportsmanship, and determination demonstrated by all of student-athletes and coaches!
School Safety & Facilities
Maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment continues to be a priority. Staff recently participated in active shooter response and trauma training, and the district continues reviewing safety procedures and identifying opportunities for improvement. Facilities improvements have also included the completion of shelving in the walk-in freezer to support food service operations.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second quarter, our focus remains on maintaining strong attendance, increasing academic expectations, and preparing students for success beyond high school. With basketball season approaching and numerous student activities on the horizon, we look forward to continued opportunities to celebrate our students' accomplishments.
Thank you to our families, staff, and community for supporting our Redwings. Together, we are creating opportunities for students to excel academically, develop leadership skills, and prepare for bright futures.
Athletics
As our fall sports season comes to a close, we want to congratulate all of our Redwings student-athletes and coaches on an active and competitive season. From practices and long road trips to home games, tournament, and meets, our students represented Eminence with hard work, determination, and Redwings Pride.
We are grateful to our families, staff, and community members who showed up throughout the season to cheer on our teams and support our student-athletes. Your support makes a difference and is an important part of what makes Redwings Nation special.
For now, we’re going to enjoy a little break from the busy athletics schedule before turning our attention to winter sports! High School Boys Basketball will tip off on December 1 at 6:00 p.m. vs. Houston. Congratulations to all of our fall athletes and coaches on a great season. We are proud of you!
Speak up, save lives. Reporting school violence can make a difference. Report your concerns at www.courage2reportmo.com, via the mobile app: Courage2ReportMO, or by calling 866-748-7047. #StopSchoolViolence #SpeakUp
Facility Request Process
If you are interested in utilizing one of our district facilities (FEMA Building, Elementary Gym, High School New Gym, High School Old Gym, etc.) you can now submit your request online or in person. Eminence R-1 School Facility Usage Request
You may want to consider reaching out the building office to confirm that the dates/times you are requesting are available.
Elementary School Office: 573-226-3252 (Press 1)
High School Office: 573-226-3252 (Press 2)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Information
Governor Mike Parson announced that the Missouri 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has launched a new website: www.missouri988.org. The site provides information for anyone who may be experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis.
The newly designated 988 phone number went live nationwide on July 16, 2022. Since that time, it has routed thousands of individuals to local, trained crisis specialists at Missouri’s 988 centers. The 988 crisis line connects anyone experiencing a mental health, suicide, or substance use crisis to compassionate, accessible care and support, available 24/7. Support is free and confidential.
Mrs. Stephanie Barbagiovanni
Superintendent
Email: stephanie.barbagiovanni@redwingsk12.org
Phone Numbers:
Central Office: 573-226-3252 (Press Option 3)
High School Building: 573-226-3252 (Press Option 2)
Elementary Building: 573-226-3252 (Press Option 1)
Website: https://www.redwingsk12.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Redwingsk12