South Callaway R-II Schools
Welcome, Cassie Oliver, SFCL!
The South Callaway R-II School District is thrilled to introduce Cassie Oliver as our new School Family Community Liaison (SFCL). Cassie brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving students and families in our community.
A licensed registered nurse with an associate degree in nursing, Cassie’s professional background is rooted in community health nursing, with a focus on connecting people to vital resources. She previously worked in case management nursing, where she helped individuals overcome challenges by linking them to the support they needed. In fact, many of you may already know Cassie from her prior work with South Callaway as one of our school nurses, and we are excited to have her back on the team!
As our School Family Community Liaison, Cassie’s mission is simple but powerful: “Breaking all Barriers. Little by Little.” In this role, she will focus on addressing the social determinants of health that can affect students' ability to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. Cassie will work to identify available resources within our community and connect students and their families to those services. Whether it’s access to food, housing support, mental health services, or other needs, her goal is to ensure that every student has the tools and support necessary to succeed.
Cassie’s office is located in Room 116 on the middle school’s lower level, and she is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. She’s also flexible and can meet with students and families after school hours if needed. Cassie will work through mid-June and resume her role in late July.
Staff are encouraged to refer students who might benefit from Cassie’s support, but students and families are also welcome to reach out to her directly without a referral. She can be contacted via email or by calling 573-676-5225, extension 5116.
When asked about her goals for the next semester, Cassie already has big plans.
"My goals for this semester is to build trust with students and their families and just let them know that I am here to help. We all have been through hard times and faced difficult circumstances where we’ve felt a need for help. My goal is to offer that help and let them know that they are not alone," she says.
"My goal is to also spread the word about the Food Market that will be starting mid-February. Students and their families can come and 'shop' for food, personal care, and clothing for free. It will be located in my office and will be available for students and their families to access upon appointment."
Please join us in welcoming Cassie Oliver to her new role. We know her compassion, dedication, and expertise will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families.
Reflecting on the First Semester and Looking Ahead
Dear Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As we begin a new calendar year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the many accomplishments of our students, staff, and district as a whole. This has been a semester marked by hard work, growth, and progress, and I am excited to share a few highlights as we look forward to an equally strong second half of the school year.
Positive Feedback on Climate and Culture
One of the cornerstones of our success is ensuring that our schools are safe, supportive, and welcoming for all. I am pleased to share that the results of our recent Climate and Culture Survey reflect just that. Students and staff across the district have expressed feeling safe and supported in their learning and working environments. This feedback affirms our ongoing efforts to foster a culture of care and belonging in every classroom and building. Thank you to everyone who contributes daily to creating a positive atmosphere for our entire school community.
Continued Academic Growth and Improvement
The latest Annual Progress Report (APR) from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) highlights steady student growth and consistently high levels of district-wide continuous improvement. Always a work in progress, these results speak to the dedication of our educators, the hard work of our students, and the partnership we have with families to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. As we move into the second semester, we remain committed to maintaining this momentum through collaboration with all parties and striving for even greater achievements.
Strategic Planning for Facilities
In collaboration with the Board of Education, we have been hard at work developing both short- and long-range plans for facility management and improvement. These plans are essential to ensuring that our buildings remain safe, functional, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of our students and staff. I am particularly excited to share that construction on our FEMA safe room building is well underway and remains on schedule. We believe this project will be a tremendous asset to our district and community for years to come.
Technology Advances
This year, we have made significant strides in technology to enhance communication and accessibility for our families. We recently launched a new district website and mobile app, designed to provide a more user-friendly experience and better access to important updates, resources, and information. These tools will help keep our school community connected and informed as we move forward together.
Introducing the School-Family-Community Liaison
We are thrilled to announce the addition of a new School-Family-Community Liaison position, supported through a grant we have been working to secure for the past two years. This role is dedicated to strengthening the partnerships between our schools, families, and the broader community. By fostering positive relationships and providing additional support to families, this liaison position will play an important role in ensuring all students have the resources they need to succeed.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the second semester, I encourage everyone to join me in reflecting on the incredible work we have accomplished together. There is so much to look forward to in the months ahead, from academic milestones to extracurricular achievements and the continued progress of our district initiatives. Together, we will build on the strong foundation we have established and make the second half of this school year even more remarkable.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. It is a privilege to serve this wonderful community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the incredible people who make up your South Callaway R-II School District. Here's to an exciting start to 2025 and a strong second half of our school year.
Yours in Education,
Corey Pontius,
Superintendent
A Message from the Early Childhood Principal!
Happy New Year and welcome back! I hope you all had a joyful and restful winter break filled with cherished moments. As we step into the second semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve seen and share our excitement for what lies ahead. Below you will find more information on a variety of these items.
As we begin this new semester, we’re energized to continue this momentum. Our classrooms are already buzzing with enthusiasm, and we have exciting learning experiences planned for the weeks ahead. We’ll also continue to prioritize creating a safe and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed. Thank you for being part of the South Callaway Early Childhood community!
The EC, It Begins Here!
Leigh Dunlap
Principal, South Callaway Early Childhood
Parents As Teachers
As a district, we are thrilled to continue to offer a robust and engaging Parents as Teachers Program. Our program is growing and Mrs. Mealy is always available to share insights and resources that celebrate the extraordinary journey of parenthood and the invaluable role you play in your child's development. If you have a child ages birth to kindergarten entry, please reach out to Mrs. Mealy (sara.mealy@sc.k12.mo.us) to learn more about the program.
Upcoming PAT Events:
January 11- Roll into the New Year 9-10 a.m.
Families will bring in their new riding toys to ride in the cafeteria/gym. There will also be some activities for the families to do together.
A Message from the Elementary School Principal!
It’s a Great Day to be a Bulldog!
It’s hard to believe we have completed our 1st semester of the 2024/2025 School Year. We have observed so much growth in our students. The last several months have been filled with exciting activities, celebrations, and accomplishments that have truly made it a memorable semester for our Bulldog community.
- Our community spirit was on full display as the Elementary School participated in the Mokane Worlds’ Fair Parade. The parade allowed us to showcase our school pride, creativity, and unity, reinforcing the strong bond within our Bulldog community.
- Several students and staff participated in a basketball game hosted by the Harlem Wizards. All the Callaway county schools gathered together with the lead from Central Missouri Communication Action-Callaway County. All together CMCA and schools were able to raise over $10,000 for the Callaway County Housing Initiative.
- Additionally, our school actively supports SERVE through a food drive, underlining our commitment to making a positive impact and contributing to the well-being of others. In October, families came together for an engaging evening at our Books and Ball Night, celebrating the joy of reading through fun literacy activities and sports.
- We are also excited to see significant growth academically in our students during this last semester. This is a testament to the dedication of our staff in ensuring academic success for every student. This commitment to fostering growth and progress carries throughout the entire building, creating an environment where every child can reach their full potential.
- Our Leader in Me program is flourishing at our school, with Action Teams actively making a positive impact. These teams provide a platform for students to explore their passions and talents. Notable highlights include a performance in the Veterans Day Assembly and tech-savvy initiatives, showcasing the diverse talents and interests of our students. Additionally, there’s a passionate group dedicated to showcasing and promoting our beautiful campus. These are just a few examples of the incredible projects that emerge from our Action Teams.
- Please download the new SC Bulldogs app for upcoming events this second semester at the Elementary.
We extend our appreciation to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and incredible students for making the 1st semester a resounding success. As we approach the 2nd semester, let’s continue working together to create an enriching and positive learning environment for...
Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day!
Adam DuBuque,
SCES Principal
A Message from the Middle School Principal!
When middle school students do something inappropriate, and I am sure it will come as no surprise that they do, I am frequently asked when I call a parent about an issue, “What did you do with the other student?” I know this may seem like a cop out to some, but this is a question that no administrator or teacher can answer. An administrator and/or teacher can only speak with you about your child. Any conversation about another child, if one is involved, is a breach of confidentiality.
Finding high quality teachers has become increasingly difficult over the past decade. Over the last 3-4 years in particular, I’ve noticed a significant decline in applicants when a position comes open. I almost expect to only get 2-3 applicants for a position that has been posted for several months. This is not specific to South Callaway, which is an incredible school. It is a nationwide problem, and it is affecting the entire span of grades from PK-12.
There are a number of reasons for this, and one of the biggest is an increase in inappropriate student behaviors at school. I’ll just say that teachers are saints, and until a person has spent a few months in a classroom full of 25 teenagers with raging hormones while trying to teach writing, they will never understand how incredibly difficult this task truly is. We use a program called SWIS (School-Wide Information System) at South Callaway Middle School. SWIS is used to track all student behaviors. Some of this information is very interesting. Below are a few statistics from the 2023-2024 school year. I will also say that our Middle School Bulldogs are some of the best young people around. I have 100% faith in their ability to understand and adapt to the standards of behavior for all the various environments they will find themselves in life.
I am asking parents to help us reinforce those standards of behavior at school by sending your student a strong message of support for school as a productive place for learning and growing for all. Let them know about your expectations that they show their teachers, fellow students, and themselves respect by following school policies and classroom rules. If your child reports a problem or concern, review the student handbook and the teacher's classroom rules when you are discussing options and possible solutions. Ask them how they are using the Leader in Me's seven habits to help them prioritize, participate, and communicate with others. Finally, please feel free to give your child's teacher or me a call or send an email if you have a concern.
Best wishes,
Gary Bonsall, Principal
South Callaway Middle School
A Message from the High School Principal!
Happy New Year!
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families, we concluded the first semester on a high note. From academic successes to extracurricular accomplishments, South Callaway High School has much to celebrate. I am especially proud of the resilience and perseverance shown by our students as they navigated challenges put in front of them during finals week!
The start of a new semester is a perfect opportunity for reflection and fresh starts. Whether it's setting new academic goals, exploring extracurricular interests, or building stronger connections with peers and staff, this is a chance for everyone to approach the rest of the year with purpose and enthusiasm.
As always, we are committed to supporting our students academically, socially, and emotionally. If your child needs additional resources, such as tutoring, counseling, or guidance for the college and career process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated staff is here to help.
The second semester is filled with opportunities for growth, celebration, and preparation for the future, especially for our seniors as they approach graduation. Let’s work together to ensure every student finishes the year strong, confident, and ready for what comes next.
Here’s to a successful and rewarding second semester!
Go Bulldogs!
Tucker Bartley,
SCHS Principal
It Takes EVERYONE to Transport Our Students Safely!
South Callaway Transportation Department would like to share the news of the new mini bus that will be used for our Special Learning Center students. We will begin using the bus in January. The students and our staff are very excited to have it on route. Also we are excited that we received our new route bus, this last October. All but one on our route buses now have AC on them.
Our annual Bus Inspection will be March 6, 2025. The Highway Patrol will be onsite to inspect the entire fleet.
The South Callaway Transportation Department is happy to announce the return of Rus and Deana Vandeloecht back to our transportation family as full time drivers.
We would like to Thank parents for the support for helping keep our students safe by reminding them of the bus rules and how to get on and off the bus.
We are just like any other school district, we are short staffed. If you have any time throughout your day that you would like to become a bus driver or an aide, reach out to the Transportation Department. We do onsite paid training.
Sincerely,
Michelle Alford,
Director of Transportation
Let's Talk About Technology!
First semester sure flew by, didn’t it? We here in the Technology Department have been busy working to improve and maintain our already existing infrastructure and devices. We have a couple of announcements and thoughts regarding our work.
New website! Our website, www.sc.k12.mo.us, has been updated for the 21st century. Make sure you check it out. It also has an accompanying app (SC Bulldogs) which you can download from the App store of your choice. The QR code shown below should take your device to that app.
Special thanks to our own Mrs. Stephanie Stambaugh, who has worked tirelessly over the past few months with our new friends at Apptegy to make this updated website possible.
Our hope is that it becomes an invaluable resource for you and your family. Check it out when you have an opportunity to do so.
Finally, “thank you” for reading. Below you will find more information the website and our new mobile app, about the care and repair of student IPads, sources for the correct charging supplies should they be needed, and about Apple Intelligence and its potential role in educational technology.
We in the Technology Department are looking forward to a great 2nd semester of the 24/25 school year.
Chad Hecktor,
Director of Technology
Charge Blocks & Cables
The school has issued a charge block and cable to each student with an iPad. At times we are notified that these have been lost. Students may purchase a new charge block / cable from us for $19 each (a total of $38 for the charge block and cable). Alternatively, families can purchase blocks / cables on their own to use. We recommend using products from Apple with their iPads.
Below are links to such blocks / cables on Amazon.com.
Apple USB-C Woven Charge Cable (1 m)
and
Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter - iPhone Charger with Fast Charging Capability, Type C Wall Charger
A reminder that we will only collect charge blocks and cables from students who will not be returning to our school during the 25/26 school year. This means the vast majority of students / families need to make plans for how to store their charge blocks / cables over the summer. It also means that charge blocks / cables will not be distributed during the 25/26 iPad Distribution Days in August of 2025.
A Word About Apple Intelligence...
With the arrival of iPadOS 18.2 comes Apple’s integration of artificial intelligence, which they style as Apple Intelligence. Apple Intelligence refers to the various smart features and technologies built into Apple devices, like our iPads, and are designed to make them easier to use and more helpful.
Until we can better grasp how integrating AI into our day to day iPad usage will impact our learning environment, we will restrict our student iPads from allowing sign in and use of external intelligence integrations such as ChatGPT.
AI has amazing potential to aid students in their lives. However, we would encourage you to speak with your students about the importance of using them as a tool in conjunction with other resources. Using AI as a stand-alone resource can be problematic. Some news outlets are currently criticizing AI tools such as Apple Intelligence as being “too immature” to produce reliable information for the public.
Teaching & Learning... The SC Way!
As Director of Curriculum & Instruction, I often reflect on the vital role parents play in their children’s academic success.
I can think of at least one household in which the use of real, adult-sized tools (instead of the popular toy versions) was encouraged at a young age. This ultimately led to a Kindergarten student showing up at school with a screwdriver, wrench, and a hammer in his backpack intending to "fix" his dear teacher's wobbly desk. Fortunately, his plan was discovered early in the day by a very observant principal who noticed he could barely walk down the hall from the weight of it all. Under her gentle guidance, he explained he had learned about the bad desk leg and thought he should be a helper like the boy in the story he had read the day before. After some negotiation, a custodian was dispatched to fix the desk, the tools were safely stored in the office, and the student entered the classroom 10 lbs. lighter and thrilled that he had "solved" a problem. I'm not exactly sure this is the outcome that the teacher or the author of the book had in mind, but there is no doubt this child was certainly engaged in the previous day's lesson! And, it certainly proves the point that what happens at home and school are so very, very connected.
When parents actively support and inspire their children, it creates a powerful ripple effect that enhances student engagement and achievement in the classroom. Here are a few practical ways you can nurture and inspire a love for learning in your child:
1. Foster Curiosity at Home
Encourage your child to ask questions, explore new ideas, and think critically. Whether it’s through family discussions about current events, science experiments in the kitchen, or simply reading together, creating a curiosity-driven environment at home can translate into an engaged and eager learner at school.
2. Celebrate Effort Over Outcomes
Risk-taking, failure, and correction are great teachers. Help your child understand that learning is a journey. By praising their effort and persistence rather than focusing solely on grades, you build resilience and a growth mindset. This encourages them to stay engaged even when challenges arise. Help them understand that the learning is a whole process. Ask them regularly about how and what THEY think they are learning in school.
3. Partner with Teachers
Stay informed about what’s happening in the classroom. Regular communication with your child’s teacher can help you identify areas where your child may need extra support or enrichment. When students see a united front between home and school, it reinforces the importance of education.
4. Set the Stage for Success
Create a consistent routine that includes time for homework, breaks, and family activities. A quiet, organized space for studying can make a big difference in helping your child focus and feel prepared for school each day.
5. Model a Love of Learning
Children are keen observers. When they see you reading a book, solving a puzzle, or expressing enthusiasm about a new skill you’re learning, they’ll be inspired to adopt a similar attitude toward their own education.
Engagement in the classroom begins with a foundation laid at home and the right tools loving placed in the backpack. By fostering curiosity, celebrating effort, and maintaining strong school-home connections, you can help your child thrive academically and develop a lifelong love for learning. Together, we can empower our students to reach their fullest potential.
Mary Van Orden,
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Celebrating Our Exceptional Paraprofessionals
In every school, there are individuals who go above and beyond, often working quietly behind the scenes to make a profound impact on students' lives. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on our paraprofessionals—the unsung heroes who serve in countless roles, from tutors to personal care assistants, friends to advocates.
Paraprofessionals play a critical role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students. They wear many hats:
Tutors who provide extra help to students struggling with lessons
Teachers who assist in delivering individualized instruction
Comforters who offer support when students are feeling overwhelmed
Advocates who speak up for students' needs and well-being
Personal Care Assistants who ensure that students with physical or medical needs are well cared for throughout the day
What is often less visible is the emotional and physical toll that this work can take. Our paraprofessionals are frequently on the frontlines, absorbing the brunt of verbal and sometimes physical aggression. They provide a calming presence and safety for students in moments of crisis, always maintaining a level of professionalism and dedication that is truly remarkable.
They also show incredible flexibility. Whether they’re assisting in the Early Childhood Center one day or moving to the high school the next, their ability to adapt to the changing needs of students speaks volumes about their commitment to making a positive impact, wherever they are needed most.
Our paraprofessionals are truly exceptional. They do their jobs with unwavering professionalism, always putting the needs of our students first. They are caring adults who have our students' best interests at heart and work tirelessly to create the best possible educational experience for them.
I am incredibly proud to work alongside these outstanding individuals. They are the backbone of our school community, and their hard work and dedication deserve to be celebrated.
Thank you to our South Callaway R-II Paraprofessionals for everything you do.
Denise Vestal,
Samatha Turner,
Amy Lamar,
Dara Kinney,
Cynthia Whisler,
Lanet Dowling,
Tammy Laughlin,
Alley Kirby,
Julia Torufa,
Carletta Markley,
Beth Combs,
Kourtni Pursifull, and
Nichole Clark
You make a difference every single day!
Amanda Wogan,
Director of Special Services
Winter Sports & Activities Offer a Great Experience!
Dear Community Members/Parents/Supporters,
As we usher in the new year, we are excited to share updates and highlight the start of our winter sports season. The athletes, coaches, and staff have been preparing with incredible dedication, and we are looking forward to an action-packed winter full of competition, growth, and community spirit.
Winter Sports
This winter season, we have a variety of teams and athletes ready to showcase their talents and represent our school with pride. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect from our winter programs:
Boys' & Girls' Basketball: Both teams are looking to build on last season’s successes. With a mix of seasoned players and eager newcomers, they are poised for an exciting campaign. Don’t miss the thrilling home games scheduled throughout the season!
Wrestling: Our wrestling program has been showing incredible growth. With a talented group of student-athletes, they are preparing for a competitive season and are excited to challenge themselves in tournaments and dual meets.
Support Our Teams
Your support means everything to our athletes! We encourage you to come out and cheer on our teams at home games and events. We have a packed schedule, and your presence in the stands makes a huge difference. Check out our athletics calendar on the website to see when your favorite teams are competing.
If you can not make it to the games in person please check out the links to our home game livestreams.
Health and Safety First
The health and safety of our student-athletes are our top priorities. As we move through the winter season, we continue to follow all necessary precautions regarding physical well-being, and we emphasize proper conditioning, injury prevention, and mental health awareness. Our athletic trainers and coaches are always available for guidance and support.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
58th Annual South Callaway Varsity Basketball Tournament - Jan 13 thru 18
Wrestling Invitationals: Jan 21 and Feb 4 (Senior Night)
Boys Basketball Senior Night - Feb 3
Girls Basketball and Cheerleading Senior Night - Feb 6
Wrestling Districts - Girls 2/15, Boys 2/22
Wrestling State - Feb 26 & 27
Boys/Girls Basketball Districts - Feb 24 thru Mar 1
Boys/Girls Basketball State Tournament - Mar 12 thru Mar 15
For a complete schedule of all winter events, please visit our athletics page on the school website.
Thank You for Your Continued Support
As we dive into the winter season, we want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support of our athletic programs. The success of our student-athletes is due in large part to the encouragement and involvement from our community. Your commitment truly makes a difference!
We look forward to another exciting winter season filled with memories, victories, and continued growth. Here’s to a season of excellence both in and out of the game!
Warm regards,
Tony Brandt, Athletic Director
Contact South Callaway R-II Schools...
Main Number: 573-676-5225
South Callaway R-II Early Childhood: PAT & Grades PK-2, Dial 1
- E-mail the Principal - leigh.dunlap@sc.k12.mo.us
South Callaway R-II Elementary School: Grades 3-5, Dial 2
- E-mail the Principal - adam.dubuque@sc.k12.mo.us
South Callaway R-II Middle School: Grades 6-8, Dial 3
- E-mail the Principal - gary.bonsall@sc.k12.mo.us
South Callaway R-II High School: Grades 9-12, Dial 4
- E-mail the Principal - tucker.bartley@sc.k12.mo.us
South Callaway R-II Special Services Department: Dial 5
- E-mail the Director - amanda.wogan@sc.k12.mo.us
South Callaway R-II Transportation Department: Dial 6
- E-mail the Director - michelle.alford@sc.k12.mo.us
South Callaway R-II Athletics Department: Dial 7
- E-mail the Director - tony.brandt@sc.k12.mo.us
South Callaway R-II Maintenance Department: Dial 8
- E-mail the Director - chad.mealy@sc.k12.mo.us
South Callaway R-II Central Office: Dial 0
- For the General Inquiry & Reception Desk - dana.pickering@sc.k12.mo.us
- For the Human Resources Dept. - debbie.popplewell@sc.k12.mo.us
- For the Accounting Dept. - autumn.young@sc.k12.mo.us
- For the Technology Dept. - chad.hecktor@sc.k12.mo.us
- For Curriculum & Instruction - mary.vanorden@sc.k12.mo.us
- For the Superintendent - corey.pontius@sc.k12.mo.us
Website: www.sc.k12.mo.us. USPS: 10135 State Rd C, Mokane, MO, 65059
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This digital newsletter is published by the South Callaway R-II School District on a quarterly basis throughout the school year. In SY 24-25, newsletters were published on 7/8/24, 10/7/24, 1/13/25, & 4/7/25. A weblink to the newsletter will be sent by SchoolMessenger to parents, by email to employees, and available on the website and all District social media accounts.