Paws & Reflect Vol. 2
Oak Grove R-VI Newsletter February 2025
Attendance Matters!
Did you know that regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s academic success? Missing even a few days can add up quickly and impact your child's learning. Help your child succeed by:
- Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine.
- Preparing school items the night before to avoid morning rush.
- Scheduling appointments and vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.
Every day in class builds on the previous one, so consistent attendance helps your child stay on track academically and socially. Let’s work together to ensure every day counts!
Parent Resources
Parent Resources Page of the Oak Grove School District Web Site. We hope you find the information to be helpful and informative.
Be sure to sign up for SIS Parent Portal Link. Contact the main office of the building that your child(ren) attend. You can access grades, attendance, lunch balances and schedules of your children.
https://oakgrove.ss10.sharpschool.com/departments/parent__student_resources
Dear OGP and ECC Families,
As we roll through the month of April, it’s hard to believe how quickly this school year has flown by. With just a few short weeks left, there's a growing sense of excitement in our schools—not just about the upcoming summer break, but also about the incredible progress our students have made throughout the year.
Across all grade levels, we’ve witnessed students embracing challenges, growing academically, and developing skills that will serve them well in the years ahead. Whether it’s reading with greater fluency, solving complex math problems, creating inspiring art, or stepping into leadership roles, our students have demonstrated resilience, curiosity, and a genuine love for learning.
This time of year also brings many celebrations and milestones—from spring concerts and field days to field trips and end-of-year testing. These events are more than just traditions; they are opportunities to reflect on how far we’ve come and to acknowledge the efforts of our dedicated educators, supportive families, and, most importantly, our hardworking students.
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, we encourage you to take a moment to celebrate your child’s growth. Ask them what they’re most proud of this year—you might be surprised by their reflections and insights. Let’s continue to support and encourage one another as we finish the year strong.
Listed below are a few important dates to remember and share with others:
May 1 - Summer School enrollment deadline
May 2- K-2 Jog a Thon @ HS track
May 5-15 - K-2 I-Ready End of Year testing
May 16- K-2 Field Day
May 20 - Pre-K Celebration
May 23- Last Day of School - Early release at 12:05pm
Thank you for being a vital part of our school community. Here’s to a joyful and successful end to the school year!
Warm regards,
Laura Oyler
Oak Grove Primary + Early Childhood Center Principal
Dear OGE Families,
As we progress through the third quarter of the school year our staff and students are busy learning. Students are growing their reading and math skills each and every day. We saw amazing growth in all three grade levels in both reading and math on our middle of year diagnostic assessments in i-Ready. We appreciate the continued support of our families. Working together helps our students reach their goals.
We want to say thank you to our PTO and families that put together a fun Friendship party for our students last Friday. The glow party was a huge success! The PTO has an upcoming fundraiser for our school and will be sharing information next week as well as posting information on social media.
Please review the important dates listed below.
February 28 - PTO Fundraiser
March 5 - Statewide Tornado Drill
March 10-14 - Book Fair
March 11 - Hooray for Books Event 4:30pm-6:30pm
March 14 - End of 3rd Quarter
March 17-21 - Spring Break, No School
April 3 - 3rd Grade Music Program at the PAC at 6:00pm
April 18 & 21 - No School
GO Panthers!
Mrs. Misti Raney
OGE Principal
OGMS is full speed ahead as we move into the second half of the 3rd quarter! Can you believe it...we are quickly approaching the mid-way point of the second semester. I look forward to all of the learning we have ahead of as we end this quarter and move into the 4th quarter! Our 8th graders just completed their freshman enrollment paperwork and took a tour of OGHS! It is bittersweet to watch them get excited about what is coming...high school! We will be starting the enrollment process for 6th and 7th graders in late March. Be on the look-out for more information coming via email!
We have many exciting things going on in our after school clubs...creative writing, E-sports and crochet club are just a few of the opportunities you have to get involved! Please reach out if you are interested in any of these options and we can get you more information!
I would like to take a moment and highlight our amazing band program at OGMS. I had the privilege of attending their most recent competition at the Richmond Middle School Band Day. Our students are so talented! Watching them excel and overcome obstacles made me beam with pride. I would also like to highlight that our students received multiple compliments for their kindness and behavior...this is what makes me MOST proud. Kudos to our Mr. Long and Mrs. Manning for their leadership and high expectations of our students!
I look forward to spring and all of the fun and memories that come with the second semester! Please reach out if ever you have a question or concern...I prioritize partnering with our amazing parents and community!
It's a GREAT day to be a Panther! Mrs. McConville
Hello OGHS!
The winter weather has thrown 3rd quarter for several loops to this point, but I fully trust students and teachers to heighten their awareness and conquer it in the long run (March 14). Hopefully, the warmer weather scheduled for next week will lift everyone's spirits a bit.
Underclassman students have received all their 2025-26 course enrollment information and will need to submit their choices by Friday, February 28. Seniors will soon meet with Jostens to receive their graduation announcements and other products. That day makes it real for the entire class! I will soon share specific senior and Commencement information with both seniors and parents.
After Spring Break, efforts will turn toward state testing preparation in English 2, Algebra 1 and 2, Biology, and US Government. If you need answers to any questions, please let me know.
Go Panthers!
Mr. Salmon
National Center for Women & Information Technology NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award - Randi Bacus
Randi, a senior at Oak Grove High Oak Grove R-VI High School and The Career & Technology Center at Fort Osage has been named a Regional Award Winner for the National Center for Women & Information Technology NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC) High School Award!
Her passion for technology shines through her achievements—excelling in Fort Osage Career and Technology Center’s Computer Engineering program, interning as a Web Designer for Oak Grove Schools, and earning her high school’s Computer and Science Awards. She’s also a key member of the 5801 Robotics Team and serves as the PR Manager for the Fort Osage High School Esports Team.
Randi will be honored at the Western Missouri & Kansas Affiliate Awards Celebration this spring at Johnson County Community College, where she will receive her medal and certificate. We can’t wait to see what she does next as she pursues Computer Science or Computer Engineering in college!
Read more about the award: https://www.aspirations.org/people/randi-b/149774
Way to go, Randi! Your hard work and dedication to technology and computing are truly inspiring!
🏆 Winning on the Field & in the Classroom! 🏆
The Oak Grove High School Softball Team isn’t just about excellence on the field—they’re champions in the classroom, too!
For Fall 2024, our Panthers earned a spot on the Academic All-State Team GPA “Top 10”, boasting the highest GPA in Class 3 with an incredible team average of 3.870!
This achievement showcases their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in all they do. Way to go, Panthers!
This year, we are excited to continue our efforts in fostering a positive, uplifting culture through our Roar of Excellence. Our Oak Grove staff members work tirelessly to make a meaningful impact on our students, community, and each other, and this is a great way to recognize and celebrate their contributions.
If you've noticed a staff member going above and beyond, whether it's for their outstanding work with students, their support within the workplace, or their contributions to the community, take a moment to acknowledge them! Your shoutout will be shared to encourage, uplift, and shine a spotlight on their excellence.
Simply fill out the form below to submit your Roar of Excellence and help us continue creating a culture of appreciation and recognition in Oak Grove R-VI.
Shining Panthers Spotlight
Shining Panthers Spotlight is all about celebrating our students’ incredible success, achievements, and everyday moments that make Oak Grove R-VI special! 🖤🧡
No story is too small—whether it’s a big accomplishment or a simple act of kindness, we want to hear and share the amazing things happening across our schools and in the community. 📸✨
📢 How to Contribute:
Share your stories and photos with us at comments@ogr6.org to help highlight the incredible work of our students and staff.
Your participation makes a difference in showcasing the heart of our district. Thank you for being part of our Panther community! 🐾
Oak Grove, MO Girls Softball League Divisions 8U-14U
Spring 2025 Registration is Now Open!
http://www.oakgrovegirlssoftball.org/
Signups end 03/03/2025.
Practices will begin mid-March and games will begin in May.
If you have any questions please contact ogmogirlssoftball@gmail.com
Heart Check Screening
At Oak Grove R-VI, your students' health and safety are always our top priority. That’s why we’re excited to offer a FREE heart screening to our community's children ages 8 to 25.
Saturday, April 5
Oak Grove Middle School
Provided by My HeartCheck & Devon’s Beat
Appointments are required, and spots are limited! A $20 deposit is required when scheduling but will be refunded on the day of your appointment if attended.
Don’t wait—register today to prioritize your child’s heart health! https://myheartcheck.org/
Water for South Sudan Fundraiser
Over 5 million people in South Sudan do not have access to clean, drinkable water and basic sanitation services. Most children, often girls, walk 3.7 miles every day to fetch water for their families, but we have the opportunity to change that.
Ms. Agness' 8th grade ELA students had the privilege of learning Salva Dut's powerful story and how he came to start the non-profit organization, Water for South Sudan.
Water for South Sudan has drilled 634 wells (and counting)! Every well gives clean water access to a village of 500-1,000 people, and every $100 raised gives clean water access to an average of 5 people.
Schools that raise more than $1,000 are entered to win one of seven prizes, including an in-person visit from Salva Dut!
100% of donations will go directly to Water for South Sudan to help save lives. You may give online here or donate in person (Oak Grove Middle School or directly to Ms. Agness in room 802).
Stud Volleyball 2025 – Sign-Ups Now Open!
We’re looking for coaches and players to join the excitement! This event is open to all high schoolers, and the big game will take place on Sunday, March 30th, from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Registration forms can be found in the counseling office and are due back by March 3rd!
For more information contact: hphillips@ogr6.org or lyndclay@gmail.com
Help Us Give Back: Texas Roadhouse Roll Donation Challenge! -
We’ve partnered with the Oak Grove Community Services League for a final push to move the remaining Texas Roadhouse rolls—now at a special price of just $6 per dozen!
We’re challenging 10 generous community members to each purchase 10 dozen rolls for $60, allowing us to donate 600 rolls to CSL to support local families in need. So far, three amazing people have stepped up—can we count on you to help us reach our goal?
Visit the link below to place your $60.00 order:
Senior Class of 2025 - It's time to sign!
Seniors, the time has come to leave your mark! The "25" class shirt numbers are now in the front office, ready for you to sign. Make sure to stop by and add your signature today!
Class Shirt Orders Are Now Open!
Order forms are available in the front office, and attached to this newsletter. All orders are due back by March 28th, so don't miss out on this special keepsake!
For more details, contact hphillips@ogr6.org
None of our successes would be possible without the ongoing support of our community. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our parents, volunteers, and community members who contribute to the success of Oak Grove R-VI School District. Whether you’re involved in the PTO, Booster Clubs, volunteering in a school, or offering encouragement to students and staff, your involvement makes a world of difference. We are better as a district with you involved.
#BETTERTOGETHER