Rocket Review
Monthly Newsletter Update - January 2026
Dear West Nodaway Families,
Happy New Year! We hope you and your families had a safe, restful, and enjoyable winter break. The start of a new year is always a wonderful time to reflect, reset, and look ahead with excitement. As we begin the second half of the school year, we are thrilled to welcome our students back and continue the strong learning, growth, and traditions that make West Nodaway such a special place.
January at West Nodaway
January is an important month for setting goals, reinforcing routines, and building momentum in the classroom. Students are settling back into daily schedules, reconnecting with classmates, and continuing to develop both academically and socially. Our teachers and staff are focused on providing engaging instruction, high expectations, and a supportive learning environment for all students.
This time of year also encourages students to reflect on their progress and set personal goals for the remainder of the school year. We appreciate the support families provide at home by encouraging good study habits, positive attitudes, and consistent routines—it truly makes a difference in student success.
Winter Weather & Student Safety
As we move deeper into winter, student safety remains a top priority. As we say nearly every month, please make sure to send students in appropriate warm clothing during the winter months. We will go outside as much as we possibly can and any time the wind chill is above 25 degrees.
Please ensure students come to school with:
A warm coat
Hats and gloves
Pants (no shorts during cold weather)
Fresh air and movement are important for students, even in the winter months. Being properly dressed allows students to safely enjoy recess and outdoor activities while staying healthy and comfortable.
Attendance & Communication
Regular attendance is essential for student learning and success. Each school day provides valuable instruction and opportunities that cannot be fully replaced when missed. If your child must be absent, please notify the school office as soon as possible.
We also encourage families to stay connected through school newsletters, announcements, and other communications to remain informed about upcoming events, important dates, and any weather-related updates or schedule changes.
Thank you for your continued support of West Nodaway R-I School District. We are proud of our students, staff, and community, and we look forward to a positive and productive start to 2026.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. We value our partnership with families and appreciate all you do to support our school.
Warm regards,
Dr. Barnes
Elementary Principal & Superintendent
West Nodaway R-I School District
Happy New Year!
We’re hoping the new year brings us some healthy students. The last week of December was rough with illness and students being absent. Influenza seemed to make its way here.
We also enjoyed doing Small Mall with elementary students again this year. We hope our students gifted you with something special, they always love to do the shopping. Thank you for sending a quarter or an extra one to share with other students who didn’t have one.
Welcome to 2026 and second semester here at West Nodaway R-1.
Elementary students will be working on the character word of “perseverance” during January as well as goal setting. Students are showing engagement in the Character Strong curriculum and have done well with the individual, partner, and group components of various lessons. The upper elementary students have become quite familiar with creating scenario skits, role playing, and being a good audience member. The lower elementary students have done several team tasks or cooperative learning activities which is a step in moving from “I” to “we” thinking.
College and Career Mondays will continue this semester. The number of trips decreased this year due to my health complications. However, I’m on the mend and look forward to providing students the opportunity to explore various careers and college campuses. Please let me know if there is a specific career of interest and I will try to design a trip.
Last but not least, we will have a MAP/EOC recognition ceremony the evening of January 23 before the varsity basketball games. This is also Courtwarming so the night will be busy!! Students being honored will have free admission to the games and receive a bag of popcorn. More information will be sent home with students closer to time.
Please let me know if there are any concerns or questions you may have.
Mrs. Clayton
lclayton@wnrockets.com
District Information
Email: mbarnes@wnrockets.com
Website: wnrockets.com
Location: 17665 US Hwy 136, Burlington Junction, MO 64428, USA
Phone: 660-725-4613
Twitter: @WNrockets