Cougar Update
October Edition 2

Please read the message from Dr. Smith, Principal.
Congress Cougars,
As we near the end of the first quarter, we've noticed an increase in the number of students walking to school or being dropped off by parents/guardians. It's crucial that all parents comply with the assigned car rider line when dropping off their students. While we appreciate most parents who are following this rule, some choose to bypass the line. Please understand that by doing so, you are putting your child's safety at risk and will be responsible for any consequences.
We are working hard to speed up the car rider line. You can drop off your students slightly before 7:00 AM, and they can wait in line until we open the doors at 7:00 AM. We have closed the front doors to facilitate a faster line, allowing those transporting students to drop immdiately. We've observed some parents and guardians waiting until they reach the administrator on duty to embrace, kiss, and hug their children for the day. These actions slow down the line and cause frustration for other parents who are tasked with dropping off siblings or trying to get to work. Students should be prepared to exit the vehicle starting at the Aquatic Center's door.
If the car rider line is backed up, we may redirect traffic. If this happens, please follow the light. For students who walk to school, we are pleased to announce the addition of a crossing guard at the top of Congress Avenue, Mr. Crouch. Additionally, the city has installed a crosswalk and a button to indicate student crossing. As the mornings become darker, if you arrive at the crosswalk and the crossing guard is not present, please ensure your child's safety by driving or walking them across the street.
We understand that the cell phone policy is not favored among all families; please be aware that the cell phone policy is a district-wide policy, and students who deliberately use their cell phones during the school day may face consequences imposed by administration. We want to ensure that our school remains a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our students, staff, and families.
We also want to express our appreciation to our incredible PTA! Our second Congress Color Run was a tremendous success, thanks to your support and participation. We are just about $800 short of the amount we raised last year, so the PTA is making a final push for donations. Your contributions, big or small, make a significant difference. You can use the buttons below to donate, or as always, you can send a check or cash to the school.
Lastly, we want to remind you to sign up for our parent conferences on October 23rd and 24th. Please use the team links below to sign up. Please note that our staff will have dinner from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on October 24th, and the building will not be accessible from 2:55 PM to 4:00 PM. Please respect the staff break and conclude your session before 2:55 PM.
We are deeply grateful for your cooperation and support in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all our students, staff, and families. Your active participation is what makes our community strong. Thank you for being a valued member of our school.
Sincerely,
Dr. Smith
Parent Conferences - October 23rd and 24th
Show Off Your Cougar Spirit
Therapy Dog at Congress Middle School
Let's Meet Timber
Coming Soon!
•Male
•Labrador Retriever
•Turning 2 in November
•Certified Therapy Dog
•Completed the Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) test
•Loves people
•Loves playing ball and frisbee
Looking For Ways To Get Involved?
Let's Go To Peru
We’re going to Peru in Summer 2026, and you’re invited!
Dear families,
We’re excited to tell you more about the trip we’re planning with EF Tours, our educational travel partner. Please be sure to register for this info session to be considered for this opportunity using the button below.
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
In this info session, we’ll talk about:
- How this opportunity will benefit your student
- What we’ll see and do on our trip
- Everything that’s included in this experience
- How we’re keeping this safe and affordable
- How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period
There are limited spots on this trip, so we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Thanks,
Steve Chrostowski
Rock The Pink
Celebrating 5 Years Cancer Free
Mark your calendar for "Pink Week" for Breast Cancer Awareness - October 7 - 11, 2024.
You will see teachers and staff in Hats and Jeans all week for a great cause "Breast Cancer Awareness."
Our students will have Spirit week (please see flyer). We will raise awareness and funds for a Breast Cancer Cure. Our funds raised will be donated to
The American Cancer Society (ACS) that helps with the best research for Breast Cancer and all Cancers.
Our very own Mrs. Bradford, is a 5 Year Survivor this year and she will walk in the ACS Making Strides Breast Cancer
walk with her family and friends, on October 26, 2024.
Our "Pink Out" Game is on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Breast Cancer will affect 1 in 8 women.
It has no time line and can affect women and men.
By raising funds each year it assures that the best treatments are available
and we can have a cure some day.
Thanks for your help with this special week.
“S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G B-E-E"
Exciting News! The Scripps National Spelling Bee Program is back again this year! It’s easier than ever to participate! At our middle school level, the first round is entirely online. More details regarding registration will be coming soon, but the school-level competition should take place in November.
If you want to start studying, please see Mrs. Curtis in the library and she will give you some resources. G-O-O-D L-U-C-K!”
Thank you,
Marianne
Marianne G Curtis
Library Media Specialist
Get Your Yearbook Early
Let's Vote Workshop
Congress PTA Presents - Culver's Night - 10/16
Culver's Night Volunteers Needed🙏
We need your help for our upcoming Culver's night event! Culver's has requested that we have greeters and servers available from 5pm to 8pm to welcome families and get them excited what's on the menu.
Use the button below to signup!
Thank you so much for your support!
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION and BELONGING
AVID
What is AVID?
- AVID teaches skills and behaviors for academic success.
- AVID provides intensive support with tutorials and strong student/teacher relationships.
- AVID creates a positive peer group for students.
- AVID develops a sense of hope for personal achievement gained through hard work and determination
For more information:
Contact
Ryan Campbell
AVID Elective Teacher and Coordinator
Bring Your "A" Game!
Keep In Touch
Safe Online Reporting
Message from Sprigeo
We created Sprigeo so people would feel safer at school. When a person really needs help or there is a safety threat at school we hope you will step up and send in a report. Sending in a false report makes it harder for your school to help the people who really need it. If necessary you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can find out more about Sprigeo and the School District Safety Evaluation at Sprigeo.com. Thanks for using Sprigeo!
Joe Bruzzese, Founder of SprigeoIf you feel unsafe or know someone who feels unsafe, please report it here. After you fill out the form below, Sprigeo sends an email to a school administrator with all of the details from your report. You can also download one of our apps from the Apple Store or the Android Marketplace to submit a report.
- Safety threats, bullying, harassment or intimidation at school
- Safety threats, bullying, harassment or intimidation outside of school
- Cyberbullying; Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
- Fights, drugs, alcohol or weapons at school
- Friends who talk about hurting themselves
Park Hill Student / Parent Handbook
Park Hill School District 2024-2025 Parent-Student Handbook
Handbook Summarizes District Policies and Rules The district wrote the School Handbook to provide important information concerning specific rules, policies and procedures related to the safety and operation of our schools. For schools to operate safely and efficiently, you and your student(s) must be familiar with and abide by the expectations, procedures and rules outlined in this handbook.
The student handbook summarizes district policy and contains general guidelines and information. Refer to official policy and procedure/regulation documents for specific information at http://boepublic.parkhill.k12.mo.us/com/browse.aspx. In the event of a conflict between this handbook and a Board policy or procedure/regulation, the Board policy or procedure/regulation takes precedence and controls. In the event of a conflict between this handbook and any applicable law, the applicable law takes precedence and controls.
This handbook’s content may be changed from time to time throughout the school year. An up-to-date version will be maintained online at http://www.parkhill.k12.mo.us. It is the responsibility of students, parents/guardians, and families to review such changes and to remain apprised of the current version of the handbook. Please contact your student's building principal if you have any questions regarding this handbook.