Indian Insight

We’ve had an incredible start to the school year, and it has been wonderful to see the energy and excitement throughout our students and staff. There is so much to celebrate as we reflect on the success of the 2025–2026 school year and are prepared to carry that momentum into this year.

Please be sure to read the complete Indian Insight each week to stay informed about all the important information, upcoming events, and exciting things happening at PHS. We have a lot happening each week, and we want to make sure you don’t miss anything!

All juniors must take a college and career readiness assessment in Missouri. We are fortunate to offer 3 options for students at Pacific High School.

ACT - You should choose this test if you know you want to go to college.

WorkKeys - If you plan to go directly into the workforce after graduation, this option is for you.

ASVAB – This is the best option for you if you are unsure of what career path you want to pursue or if you are considering joining the military. The results can provide valuable insight into your strengths, interests, and potential career opportunities.

If you have questions, please reach out to our senior advisor, Nicole Ingersoll, at ningersoll@mvr3.k12.mo.us

Do you know someone 50 or older who would be interested in helping a child build confidence and succeed in reading and math?

Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring pairs volunteers aged 50 and above with students in grades K–3 to provide one-on-one support each week throughout the school year. Volunteers can work with one child or several students as tutors, mentors, and friends, helping students strengthen their reading and math skills while building meaningful relationships.

If you or someone you know would enjoy making a difference in a child’s education, sign up today! stloasis.org/tutoring

Call: 314-995-9506
Training: Thursday, October 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: MVR-III Central Office

Click this link for an informational video about the program. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Taylor Light -tlight@mvr3.k12.mo.us

Sarah Thompson- sthompson@mvr3.k12.mo.us

Missouri Senate Bill 68 requires all public schools in the state to restrict student use of

personal electronic communication devices (such as cell phones and smart watches)

throughout the school day. In the law it includes instructional time, passing periods, breaks, and meal times. The only exceptions allowed are in emergency situations, when device use is

specifically outlined in a student’s IEP or 504 Plan for medical reasons, or if determined by staff

for educational purposes.

At Pacific High School, we are fortunate to provide each student with a school-issued device,

and we are committed to creating a focused, distraction-free learning environment. As such,

students are not permitted to use cell phones at any time from 7:25 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. while on

district property. Cell phones may not be used during class, in the hallways, at lunch, or at any

other time during the school day. Phones may not be used as calculators or to listen to music.

Students who bring a phone to school must have it turned off and stored in their backpacks.

Phones should not be visible to staff during the school day. If a student needs to contact a

parent or guardian, they must do so through the main office.

Additionally, students are not allowed to use wireless Bluetooth earbuds or headphones during

the school day. With teacher permission, students may use wired earbuds or headphones that

connect directly to their school-issued Chromebook.

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the school’s Code of

Conduct. The school is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal electronic

device, whether it is in the student’s possession or has been confiscated by staff. It is the

student’s responsibility to secure their belongings at all times. Instruction will not be interrupted

to recover or search for missing devices.

7.2 Use of Devices (Cell Phones, Walkie-Talkies, Wireless Earbuds, Stereos, Radios, Video Cameras, Laser Pointers, Etc.) at Inappropriate Times or When They Become a Disturbance to the Educational Process

FIRST OFFENSE: The device is given to the teacher and the student can pick it up from the office at the end of the day.

SECOND OFFENSE: The device is given to the teacher, and the student can pick it up from the office at the end of the day, and one hour detention.

THIRD OFFENSE: The device is given to the teacher, and the student can pick it up from the office at the end of the day, and four power lunch detentions.

FOURTH OFFENSE: The device is given to the teacher, the parent will need to pick up the phone from school, and one day of ISS. Each additional offense will be an additional day of ISS. (e.g., Fifth Offense will be two days of ISS with parent pick up of the device).

*It should be noted that refusal to surrender a cell phone or other electronic device when directed to do so by a school staff member, teacher, or administrator is a violation of the PHS Student Handbook as Student Insubordination, and will receive further consequences as outlined in the Code of Conduct.

We are so excited to have our students back at PHS for the 25-26 school year. As we settle students into our routines, I want to share some important information with you. PHS is a 1:1 technology school. Each student is provided with a district-issued Chromebook. Students will use these devices throughout PHS daily. During the welcome back, your student was given a copy of our district-approved Chromebook Insurance Form.

Pacific High School strongly encourages purchasing Chromebook insurance to protect against accidental damage and repair costs. You may choose to opt out of the insurance. However, please know that the financial cost for any damage and subsequent repairs will be the responsibility of the student's parent or guardian.

Whether they purchase insurance or opt-out, your student must still return the form with your signature indicating their choice.

Please help us maintain the performance of these devices by reviewing our Acceptable Use Policy guidelines with your student:

• Chromebooks should only be used for educational purposes. Activities such as online gaming, searching inappropriate content, and online chatting are not permitted.

• Students are responsible for the care of their device. They should not share login information or passwords with anyone.

• If there is damage to the device, students should see Mrs. Kelm as soon as possible.

• Repeated misuse or damage to a Chromebook may result in a loss of technology privileges and financial restitution.

• Students must use a district-issued device. Personal electronics such as laptops and tablets are not permitted.

Thank you for helping us ensure our Pacific High School students have access to all of the tools they need to be successful.

First Week of School:

We continue to request that students arrive to school in the manner they plan on using for the school year. If your student will be a bus rider we encourage them to ride the bus to and from school on the first day. Students and bus drivers need to get into the routine of those normal procedures starting on day one.

There is a district bus route procedure in place to help keep students safe after dismissal. All bus transportation requests must run though the transportation department.

MVR-III uses the BusRight Parent App to communicate bus routes and times with parents. BusRight is a FREE parent app to allow parents to, in real-time, follow their child’s bus route to and from school, receive notifications when the bus begins and ends its route, view the expected arrival time at your child’s designated bus stop, and receive communication from the Transportation Department.

To access BusRight, please follow these simple steps:

1. Download the App: Download the BusRight app from your mobile device's app store.

2. Create an Account: Use your Infinite Campus email address to create a login.

3. Track Your Student: Begin tracking your child's bus routes immediately.

If you have issues creating your account, you will need to verify with your school building office that you are listed as the primary guardian in Infinite Campus. Find out more on BusRight on the District website under Transportation.

It is the goal of the Meramec Valley R-III School District to provide a safe environment for students. The district recognizes that rules regarding dismissal of students are a necessary part of the district’s safety program.

All visitors must enter the school through the office doors with state identification. Students who are going to be picked up before the end of the school day will be released through the office only. The cutoff for early pick-up and changes to dismissal is 2:15 with the exception of an emergency.

Important Health Information

• Dental Safari will be at PHS on December 1 this year to provide dental services to students.

• The Franklin County Health Department will also be holding an on-site student vaccination clinic at PHS on September 24 at 9:00 a.m. The student vaccine requirements for participation are attached.

• Please ensure that all students have up-to-date vaccination records or appropriate exemption forms on file by October 1 to avoid school exclusion. Many seniors may be missing their required second meningococcal vaccine.

• If you have any questions, please contact nurse Cara.

• Additionally, all medications, including over-the-counter medications, must be distributed through the nurse's office.

Studies show that a healthy breakfast gives children a head start to a successful day. Breakfast is $2.45 & lunch is $3.80 per day. MVR-III asks ALL families to complete the meal application to ensure continued funding to support ALL students in our district. Students from households that meet federal income guidelines are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals. Periodic notices will be sent home regarding meal account balance.

Parents can pay through Infinite Campus with a credit card or send in cash or check with their student to turn into Mrs. Emht.

In the case of inclement weather or other emergency situations, an announcement of changes will be made through our Communication Notification System. MVR-III utilizes this tool to enhance ongoing communication with parents and staff through voice call, text, mobile app notifications, social media, and the district website live feed. In cases of school cancelation, news channels 2, 4, and 5 will also have the information.

This system allows school administrators to keep parents updated quickly and efficiently with personalized messages that help them stay actively involved in their child’s education. Patrons can use the free mobile app to get rapid notifications and access a variety of school-related information.

Be sure to:

• ALLOW Notifications

• Select SETTINGS to choose the school(s) you want to follow

Infinite Campus offers a secure and intuitive online portal that allows you to access your child's grades, attendance records, and assignments. This feature will enable you to stay up-to-date on their academic progress. Parents and students have access to the Campus Portal, a confidential and secure website that allows users to log in and view information about progress in school.

How do I begin using my Parent Portal?

Mobile applications are available for both iOS and Android devices. Download to access information about your child's education anytime, anywhere. You will have the convenience of monitoring their progress and staying connected even while on the go.

How can I learn more about using Infinite Campus?

Infinite Campus created a Study Guide site, which provides step-by-step walk-throughs, screenshots, and videos of how to do most common activities within the portal. Check it out for the best way to find the information you need!

If you have additional questions regarding Infinite Campus or Campus Portal, please contact your child's school office.

Download the Eventlink app to see the High School calendar and athletic schedule.

Our 5th Annual Green Out Game is almost here! 🙌

Get your gear before the game on September 18 by visiting the merchandise webpage: https://bit.ly/mvr3green

Let’s pack the stands and make this year’s Green Out Game one to remember.

#MVNation

9/7 - Labor Day - No School

9/18 - Bridging the Future - Halftime of PHS Football

10/2 - Early Release - Homecoming Parade

10/2- Homecoming Football - 7:00 PM

10/3- Homecoming Dance - 7:00 PM

10/5 - 10/9 - Parent Teacher Conferences

Email: korris@mvr3.k12.mo.us
Website: https://www.mvr3.k12.mo.us/o/phs
Location: 425 Indian Warpath Drive, Pacific, MO, USA
Phone: (636) 271-1414
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHSINDIANPRIDE/