Inside Eminence
Eminence R-1 Community Newsletter February 2026
A Month Full of Heart in Our Schools
After a wintery January that brought us an unexpected week off, we are grateful to be back into our routines and making the most of every school day together. While make-up days aren't always our favorite thing to add to the calendar, we are thankful for the time they give us to continue meaningful learning and to keep our students on track for a strong and successful year.
And February gives us plenty to look forward to!
This month, our classrooms will be buzzing with hands-on projects, celebrations of kindness, and activities that remind us how important it is to care for one another. From Valentine's parties in our elementary classrooms, to wrapping up our high school basketball season and planning all of our spring events, our students continue to represent our community with pride, talent, and heart.
February is also a great time to pause and recognize the people who make our schools such special places. Our teachers and staff pour so much energy into supporting students every single day, and our families and community members play an essential role in that success. Whether you're helping with homework, attending events, volunteering, or simply cheering on our kids, you are part of what makes our district feel like home.
Even in the middle of winter, there is so much warmth inside our school buildings, in the smiles of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the support of our community.
Thank you for your continued flexibility, encouragement, and school spirit. We are proud of the work happening in our classrooms and grateful to partner with you as we move through a fantastic February together.
Here's to a month filled with learning, laughter, and lots of heart! ❤️🖤
Your input helps us reflect on what is working well, identify areas for improvement, and ensure our programs continue to meet the needs of all students. Feedback gathered through this surveys is an important part of our continuous improvement process and helps guide future planning and decision-making.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey, the link:
2026-2026 Title I Elementary and Jr/Sr High School Parent Survey
We greatly appreciate your time, partnership, and commitment to supporting our students and schools.
Eminence Elementary has shown incredible resilience and dedication over the past month. Since returning from our extended weather days, classrooms have quickly re-established routines, and we have successfully reached the midpoint of the third quarter. Students completed Winter iReady diagnostic assessments, which are now being used to guide instruction, support interventions, and provide enrichment opportunities. Reading Success Plans have also been updated to reflect current student needs, ensuring we continue to meet each child where they are and help them grow.
Our teachers remain committed to continuous improvement through ongoing professional development, including upcoming LETRS training sessions that support literacy instruction across all grade levels. Collaboration has remained a priority, with teams working together to analyze data and adjust instruction to keep students on track for success.
Beyond academics, February has been filled with opportunities to build community and strengthen relationships. Classroom celebrations, such as Valentine's Day parties, provided students with meaningful social experiences, while upcoming events like Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, Career Day, and the BETA Convention offer additional ways for families to stay connected and engaged.
While winter brought its share of obstacles, it also highlights the strength of our school community. The dedication of our staff, the support of our families, and the determination of our students continue to drive our success. As we look ahead to the remainder of the school year, Eminence Elementary remains focused, positive, and committed to helping every student thrive.
Eminence High School continues to provide students with meaningful learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Students recently had the opportunity to visit the Missouri State University - West Plains campus, gaining valuable exposure to post-secondary options and future career pathways. Our Agriculture students also extended their learning beyond the classroom with a visit to Harbor Freight, where they explored tools and gathered ideas as they prepare for upcoming shop fair projects.
Academically, mid-year testing has been completed, and staff have held student support meetings to review progress and identify next steps. Based on this data, minor adjustments have been made to Title interventions to better support student success and ensure continued growth.
In addition to academics, student well-being remains a priority. Students will be participating in a Domestic Violence Prevention Assembly and Buffy Coleman Basketball Show, reinforcing character development, awareness, safety, and support resources.
Our students continue to represent Eminence with pride through extracurricular involvement as well. Members of both Junior and Senior BETA are preparing to attend the State BETA Convention in Branson, where they will compete, collaborate, and showcase their talents.
On the athletic front, basketball season is heading into an exciting post season, with District play beginning on Tuesday, February 24 at Bunker, game one vs. Zalma at 5:30 p.m. We are proud of the effort and dedication our student-athletes have shown throughout the season and look forward to cheering them on.
While we were unable to field a baseball team this spring due to low participation numbers, we remain committed to growing the program. Practices will still be held during the spring season to build skills, develop interest, and create opportunities for future competition.
Eminence High School remains focused on providing students with diverse opportunities, strong academic support, and meaningful experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation.
Athletics
Stay up to date with game schedules, tournaments, and athletic highlights. From volleyball and basketball to baseball, softball, and cross country, you'll find all the details here to support our student - athletes.
Our community has always valued responsible spending and keeping taxes low as possible while still providing a quality education for students. Several proposals being discussed at the state level would change how school districts across Missouri, including Eminence R-1, are allowed to collect local tax revenue.
We want to share what these changes could mean locally.
The Goal of the Proposals
The legislation is designed to:
- Limit how fast property tax revenue can grow
- Apply tighter rules to how school tax rates are calculated
- Expand the use of "rollback" formulas tied to the Hancock Amendment
What It Means for Eminence R1
Based on district financial data, most of the proposals would lead to reductions in future school revenue, even in years when property values increase. For our district, estimates show potential reductions ranging from about $15,000 to $36,000 per year, depending on which proposal becomes law.
For a small district like ours, that amount represents funding used for:
- Classroom materials
- Student programs
- Transportation and utilities
- Staff support services
A Special Note About School Bonds (HJR148)
One proposal, called HJR148, involves how schools repay voter-approved, the type of funding communities use for building improvements and major facility needs.
Right now:
- Bond tax rates are adjusted only to make sure payments are made
- Schools cannot collect more than what is needed
- Limits would be placed on how much revenue could be collected for bond payments
- However, the payment obligations would not change
What This Does NOT Mean
It does not automatically raise taxes
It does not change current voter-approved tax rates right away
It does not affect day-to-day classroom instruction immediately
What it does affect is how much local control the district has in managing long-term costs and planning for the future.
The Bottom Line
These proposals aim to provide tax protections, which many Missourians strongly support. At the same time, they would reduce the district's flexibility to manage rising expenses and future facility needs.
Eminence R-1 Remains Committed to:
- Careful budgeting
- Transparent communication
- Respecting voters' decisions
- Making the most of every tax dollar
We will continue monitoring these proposals and sharing updates so our community understands both the tax impact and the impact on local schools.
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