Lion's Link #lionpride

The Missouri Legislature recently passed SB 68, a part of which is a complete ban on personal electronic devices for students during school hours. This includes cell phones, smart watches, and any "portable device that is used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically." We have previously had a similar policy for students with very few issues enforcing it, but this law encompasses more devices than just cell phones.

Mrs. Burrows will go over these new guidelines with students on the first day of school, as well as the discipline policy that goes with it. We appreciate your support as we all work together to create an environment that maximizes student learning and the safety of everyone in the school environment.

Please click here for a list of this year's meal prices, including the cost for reduced meals. This is also included every week with this newsletter in the Quick Links section.

We also request that everyone fill out a free/reduced meal eligibility form if you are within the eligibility guidelines. The paperwork is not difficult, and we are happy to assist you in filling it out. All you need to know is the number of people living in your household and the gross income for any wage earners living there.

Even if you’re unsure whether your family qualifies, filling out the meal benefits application not only benefits your household—but the entire Miller County R-III School District community. Here are important reasons to submit the application:
1. You may qualify for free or reduced-price meals and Summer EBT funds. This can lead to meaningful savings on breakfast and lunch costs each month and savings on food during the summer months (e.g. SUN Bucks Summer EBT).
2. It brings in additional funding for our schools. Completed applications help the district secure critical funding for technology, internet access, instructional support and more.
3. Your student could save on college readiness exams. Eligible students may receive reduced fees for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams, and gain access to scholarship opportunities.
4. Many colleges offer application fee waivers based on free/reduced meal eligibility.
5. It affects our state funding. The number of approved applications directly can influence the amount of funding our district receives from the state.

6. It helps area daycares to also qualify for assistance with their meals.
The application process is confidential, fast, and makes a real difference. Please pick up a copy of the form at the office to complete during in-person registration next week.
Questions? Please contact the office.

This year, our school calendar includes designated make-up days in case of closures due to inclement weather. These dates are listed in the lower left-hand corner of the calendar in the order they will be used. As snow days occur, we will announce the corresponding make-up dates to help families plan ahead. You may click the link below for a copy of this year's calendar.

We also have a Google Calendar on which we try to include all school activities as well as community activities that involve the school. You can access it here: http://bit.ly/3IXwUk4

• 8/4 - 8/7: Early enrollment; stop by the office to pick up paperwork
• 8/2 - 8/10: Dead week for all MSHSAA activities
• 8/11: First day for HS baseball and softball practices; New teachers report to work
• 8/13: All teachers report to work
• 8/14: Open House/Back-to-School Fair, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; COMC Sports Physicals available
• 8/15: Back to School Splash, 7:00 p.m., Eldon pool
• 8/18: First day--classes begin at 8:00 a.m.--can't wait to see everyone!
• 8/19: FFA Alumni Meeting, 6:30 p.m., FFA classroom
• 8/20: FFA meeting, 3:30 p.m.; Board meeting, 6:00 p.m., HS library

The mission of the Miller County R-III School District, in partnership with our students, parents, staff, and community, is to promote PRIDE and provide a quality education that inspires our students to be lifelong learners.

2025-26 Meal Prices

2025-26 School Calendar

Purchase student accident insurance from K&K

Calendar of All School Events

Title I Resources:

School Wide Program Plan

School, Parent, and Family Engagement Policy

Parents Right to Know

The Miller County R-III School District has the following openings available:

• Substitute Teachers, as needed, $105/day, must have substitute certificate and pass a background check.
• Substitute Bus Drivers, as needed, $31.60 per route (a.m. or p.m.) and $15/hour for trip drivers, including wait time. If you do not have a CDL, we have an on-site trainer who will train you if you commit to substituting for our district.

Interested parties should contact Dr. Spencer at tspencer@tuscumbialions.k12.mo.us, or come by central office during working hours for an application.

It's always a great day to be a Lion! Come join our Pride!

The Miller County R-III School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

The process for getting a CDL is not difficult, and we will help you! Here is what you need to do:

• Take the written portion of the exam. Here is the study guide. You can get a printed copy at any testing site. You will need to take the test for School Bus, Class B with passengers. You do NOT need to test for air brakes.
• After you pass all portions, take the paper the testing site gives you to the license office and get your permit. You also have to take 2 forms of proof-of-residency and a photo ID.
• Come see us--James Luttrell is our federally approved site trainer, and he will provide your training to take the pre-check and driving portions of the test. He will also take you to the testing site when you take the test. Before he does that, we will need you to complete an application and get a fingerprint background check to ensure you are eligible to work for the district.
• After you pass your test, you will take your paperwork to the license office again with 2 forms of proof-of-residency and a photo ID and get your CDL.
• Keep all of your receipts--we reimburse for the permit, CDL, and fingerprints, and we pay for the drug testing and physical.
• As soon as you have a CDL, are approved by the Board, have a DOT physical, and pass a pre-employment drug test, you can sub bus routes and/or drive activity trips.

If you are interested in becoming a substitute teacher and you do not have the required 36 college hours, you can do an online course that will allow you to get a substitute certificate. Here is the link to that course, and here is the link to the DESE web page that gives you more information about what you need to do to get a substitute certification. Our daily rate for subs for the 2025-26 school year will be $100/day!