🌟 Welcome to the Oak Grove R-VI School District's Official Newsletter: Paws & Reflect! 🌟

Mission:

• To empower and inspire leaners to maximize their potential.

Vision:

• Oak Grove R-VI School District will be the leader in providing innovative opportunities and experiences for students.

📝 Online Registration & Enrollment

🏫 Meet the Teacher Nights – Monday, August 18

📘 Middle School Events – Monday, August 18

🎓 High School Events

📅 First Day of Classes

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

A special thank you goes out to our Staff Advisory Committee (SAC)—a dedicated group of teachers who worked diligently to create a calendar that reflects the needs of both staff and students. Their time, effort, and commitment ensure that our school year is structured for success!

Click to view the 2025-2026 Oak Grove R-VI District calendar

Parent Resources Page of the Oak Grove School District Web Site. We hope you find the information to be helpful and informative.

https://oakgrove.ss10.sharpschool.com/departments/parent__student_resources

At Oak Grove R-VI School District, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community remain a top priority—during the school day and at school-sponsored events. We understand that sometimes, situations arise when teachers or administrators may not be immediately available. That’s why we want to remind everyone about Courage2ReportMO—a statewide program designed to give students, parents, and community members a safe, anonymous way to report concerning behavior.

Courage2ReportMO operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and accepts reports related to Missouri students in pre-K through 12th grade. Types of violence or concerning behavior that can be reported include:

There are three easy ways to report:

📞 Call: 1-866-748-7047

📲 Download: The free Courage2Report app

🌐 Visit: www.Courage2ReportMO.com

By speaking up, you could help protect a student in crisis, prevent violence, or stop harm before it happens. If you see something, say something. Your voice can make a difference.

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

The Missouri Assessment Program (MAP & EOC) Grade-Level Assessments measure how well students are meeting the Missouri Learning Standards—the skills and knowledge expected at each grade level to prepare students for future success. Learn more at:
Missouri Learning Standards - For Parents

Students in grades 3–8 take MAP tests in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students in grades 5 and 8 also complete Science assessments. These tests include a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, short written responses, and writing tasks. Assessments were administered in the spring of 2025.

Each student receives an Individual Student Report (ISR), which shows their achievement level: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, or Advanced. A Guide to Interpreting Results (GIR) is available here:
Grade-Level | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Oak Grove teachers will review your child’s MAP scores with you during Parent-Teacher Conferences in October. Secondary teachers will also send ISRs home with students in the fall. These results help guide instruction and support your child’s academic growth.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Sincerely,
Dave MacLean
Assistant Superintendent
Oak Grove R-VI School District

The Oak Grove R-VI School District is taking steps to ensure long-term sustainability and educational excellence by proposing a levy transfer on the August 5, 2025 ballot. If approved, this measure would allow the district to reallocate existing funds to better support staff compensation—without raising the current tax rate or impacting debt payments.

What Is a Levy Transfer?

A levy transfer enables school districts to move money from the Debt Service Fund (Fund 3)—used primarily to repay bonds—into the Operating Fund (Fund 1), which supports daily operations, including salaries and student services. For Oak Grove, this means reallocating $0.70 from Fund 3 to Fund 1 to address growing staffing needs.

This is not a new tax. It is a responsible reallocation of already-approved community funds that will directly support the district’s mission to attract and retain quality teachers and staff.

Why Now?

Over the past several years, Oak Grove has seen a significant decline in state funding. While the district once received 55% of its revenue from the state, that number has dropped to less than 40%, placing increased pressure on local funding sources.

Neighboring districts such as Odessa, Grain Valley, and Blue Springs offer higher compensation packages, making it more difficult for Oak Grove to compete for top talent. The district believes investing in teachers and staff is one of the most impactful ways to ensure student success.

Levy vs. Bond—What’s the Difference?

• Bonds fund capital projects such as building upgrades and equipment.

• Levies fund operating expenses like staff salaries, benefits, and classroom needs.

This levy transfer is strictly about operational funding to support personnel—not construction or facilities.

What Happens If It Passes?

If the levy transfer is approved by a simple majority (just over 50%), the district will have the flexibility to:

• Offer more competitive salaries and benefits

• Retain high-quality staff

• Recruit new educators and support personnel

• Strengthen overall educational outcomes for students

What About the Missouri Lottery or Gambling Funds?

A common misconception is that Missouri Lottery and gambling revenues provide additional school funding. In reality, those funds replace existing state dollars rather than adding new money to school budgets. They do not address local funding challenges.

Election Information

• Election Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

• Who Can Vote: Any registered voter who lives within the Oak Grove R-VI School District boundaries—including Jackson, Lafayette, and Johnson Counties

• Where to Vote: Your County Board of Elections will mail a voter card with your polling location. If you need help:

  • Jackson County: 816-325-4600

  • Lafayette County: 660-259-4315

  • Johnson County: 816-858-4400

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Can’t vote in person? You can request an absentee ballot. “No Excuse Absentee Voting” dates will be announced soon—stay tuned to the district’s website and social media for updates.

In Summary

The proposed levy transfer gives Oak Grove an opportunity to better support its staff without increasing the tax burden on local residents. It’s a solution to a growing challenge—and one that puts students first by investing in the educators who serve them every day.

Summer break is in full swing, but campus just isn’t the same without our amazing students and staff! Whether you're off on an adventure, relaxing at home, or making memories right here in Panther Nation—we want to see how you're kicking it this summer!

We are fortunate to have such a dedicated school board. The members each bring a wealth of unique knowledge and experience to our board. They all have a servant’s heart and work diligently to ensure that our school district continues to put students first. Thank you to each of them for their unwavering support of our mission.

Keith Moyer, President kmoyer@ogr6.org

Front Row: James Hackley, Terry Honeycutt (Treasurer), and Joesph Guevel

Back Row: Jason Brown, Jimmy Schlichting, Keith Moyer (President), and Jeff Jennings (VP)

When: Third Wednesday of Each Month

Ready to inspire, educate, and make a difference?

Oak Grove R-VI School District is seeking passionate individuals to join our team!

Built on Tradition. Powered by Community. Backed by You!

Oak Grove Athletics is thrilled to roll out our revamped Panther Athletic Sponsorship Program for the 2025–2026 school year! Whether you're a returning sponsor or looking to support Panther Nation for the first time, this is your chance to make a bold impact.

Why Sponsor Oak Grove Athletics?

Our students are putting in the work—on the field, in the gym, and in the classroom. Now more than ever, your support fuels their success and builds Panther Pride across our community.

This year’s sponsorship program blends Oak Grove’s rich tradition with modern visibility, offering dynamic ways to promote your business while uplifting our student-athletes.

What’s New for 2025–2026?

• Stadium Visibility
  Your brand will take center stage at home events, from Friday night lights to courtside action.

• Expanded Digital Reach
  Leverage our HUDL Fan Page, featuring:

  • Game footage and highlight reels

  • Athlete spotlights

  • Season updates
    

• Exclusive Sponsorship Perks
  From featured social media posts to scoreboard banners, we’re offering new and exciting ways to amplify your business while showing up for our kids.

Your Partnership = Community Impact

When you sponsor Oak Grove Athletics, you’re not just buying ad space—you’re investing in opportunity, teamwork, leadership, and pride. Together, we can ensure our athletes have the resources, recognition, and facilities they deserve.

🔗 Explore the full sponsorship guide here:
https://ogr6unified.my.canva.site/panther-athletic-sponsorship-program

📩 Have Questions or Ready to Join the Team?

Contact Activities Director Ryan Schartz

📧 rschartz@ogr6.org

📞 816-690-4152 ext. 1603

The Oak Grove School District Education Foundation is a charitable organization that supports and celebrates excellence in education by providing financial resources to stimulate learning for students, teachers, and programs beyond the scope of the Oak Grove R-VI School District regular budget.

If you’d like us to promote your flyer, event, or fundraiser, we’re here to help! Contact the Central Office at 816-690-4156 or email our Communications and PR Coordinator Eric Mitchell - emitchell@ogr6.org to share your details and get featured.

Let’s spread the word together!

SCAN or CLICK QR code bleow to access all of our Socials and Website!

Share with us how amazing Oak Grove R-VI School District is! 🌍🧡🖤

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

FEBRUARY 2025 - VOL. 2

MARCH 2025 - TAX LEVY EDITION

APRIL 2025 - VOL. 3

MAY 2025 - VOL. 4