Graphic with dates for Winter Break 2025.

Winter Break and Calendar Update

Winter Break will begin on Friday, December 19th with an early release for our students. There will be no student attendance from Monday, December 22nd through Monday, January 5th. Students will return on Tuesday, January 6th.

At the December 8th meeting, the Raytown Quality Schools Board of Education approved a modification to the district calendar. March 20th, previously scheduled as an early dismissal and professional development day, will now be a full student attendance day. This change ensures we are able to recoup instructional hours lost due to weather-related closures and the use of our Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days earlier this school year.

Image of RQS Day contest winners and Board of Education President Alonzo Burton and Superintendent Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox.

RQS Day Contest Winners I December Ray of Hope Award

Congratulations to the RQS Day Why I Love My School Contest winners for being recognized as our December 2025 Ray of Hope honorees. This group of students were recognized for their creativity, school pride, and inspiring contributions to the contest. The heartfelt entries submitted by each student reflect the spirit of Raytown Quality Schools and celebrates the people, places, and experiences that make each of our schools special.

Images of new trails early learning students with santa.

Santa Visits New Trails Early Learning Center 🎁

Santa stopped by New Trails Early Learning Center during their holiday parties to help spread Holiday cheer. Students and staff sang carols with Santa, took photos, and showed off holiday projects in the classroom. A huge thanks to the Blue Ridge Optimist Club and to Board of Education Vice President Nodie Newtown III for making this a special memory for our students.

Image of South High School cheerleader at the Raytown Academies Designation Ceremony.

Academies of Raytown Designation Ceremony 🏆

Last month, we celebrated an important milestone with a special designation ceremony honoring the community leaders, staff, and administrators who are helping make the Academies of Raytown transformation possible. The event featured powerful performances from both Raytown High School and Raytown South High School. Thank you to Ford Next Generation Learning for supporting our schools as we step boldly into this new model for secondary learning! To learn more about the career academies, please visit our website: Career Academies

Image of students at Raytown South High School during the Middle School Signing event.

Raytown South Middle School Students Attend Signing Day at Raytown South High School 🏋

Raytown South High School proudly hosted a Middle School Signing Event for the Cardinal Football Program, a special opportunity to celebrate and support our future student-athletes. The event brought together staff, coaches, and upperclassmen to welcome middle school students as they officially signed on to be part of the Cardinal Football family. Students enjoyed breakfast and a guided tour of the building, followed by meaningful remarks from coaches and student leaders who shared insight into the values of teamwork, commitment, and pride that define the program.

Photos of culinary students at Cinder for Restaurant night.

Culinary Night at Herndon Career Center 🍤

Culinary students hosted restaurant night on Thursday, November 20th. Reservations and tables were booked up for this limited opportunity. Guests enjoyed three course meals and students showcased their skills from the kitchen to the table service! Thank you to our community for supporting students as they build on their craft. While there are no open reservations available at this time, be on the lookout for upcoming opportunities to dine with us at Cinder!

Image of Raytown High School Theater students performing in the fall musical, Hadestown.

RHS Theater Celebrates Successful Fall Musical 🎤

The Raytown High School Theater Department celebrated another successful fall production with its presentation of Hadestown. The musical was a hit, showcasing the incredible talent, dedication, and creativity of our student performers and crew. The production reflects the continued growth and excellence of the theater program, and the momentum doesn’t stop there! Students are already hard at work preparing for their upcoming play.

Graphic promoting National Special Education Day with photo of SPED teachers at convocation.

National Special Education Day - December 2nd 👏🏻

December 2nd marks National Special Education Day, commemorating the anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) signed in 1975, a landmark law that ensured students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education.

Thank you to all of our special education professionals for always working hard to make sure our students are seen, heard, and supported.

Graphic of Substitute of the Month, Linda Sharp, with Ann Hudgens and Dr. Carl Calcara.

RQS Substitute Teacher of the Month 🍎

Congratulations to Linda Sharp for being recognized as December's Substitute of the Month from the RQS HR team! Ms. Linda's dedication and willingness to step in where needed truly make a difference. We’re proud to recognize her hard work and service!

Are you interested in making a difference? Apply to become a substitute! Visit our website here for more information: Substitute at RQS

Image of Santa at the Wellness Center with two children during cookies with santa.

Cookies with Santa at the RQS Wellness Center 🍪

The Raytown Quality Schools Wellness Center hosted their annual Cookies with Santa event on Saturday, December 13th. Thanks to the Wellness Center team for hosting families from all over the community. Special shout-out to Colin from the communications team for taking pictures to send to families. Happy Holidays!

Graphic that says 'School Board Candidate Filing'

2026 Board of Education Candidate Filing 📝

The Raytown C-2 School District encourages qualified persons interested in running for a position on the School Board to file to be a candidate in the April 2026 election. Interested persons may file at the superintendent's offices located at 6608 Raytown Rd., Raytown, MO. Appointments are required. Filing ends December 30th at 5 p.m. Filing will not occur on days the district is closed.

December 2026 Recognition and Observance Days

December 2nd - National Special Education Day
December 9th - School Board Candidate Filing Begins
December 19th - Early Release for Students
December 22nd - Winter Break Begins
December 30th - School Board Candidate Filing Ends

To view our district calendar, visit our website here.

Have something you want to see us share in our newsletter or social media? Email us at communications@raytownschools.org for consideration.