The Rocket Review
Monthly Newsletter Update: October 2026
Dear West Nodaway R-I School District Families and Community,
As we enter the month of October, I want to take a moment to recognize the meaningful work taking place throughout West Nodaway R-I School District. The beginning of a school year establishes the foundation for academic growth, personal development, and a strong sense of belonging. Our students and staff have demonstrated an encouraging commitment to these priorities during the first several weeks of school.
Our primary focus continues to be student achievement and academic growth. Teachers are using classroom evidence, formative assessments, and ongoing observations to identify individual learning needs and provide targeted instructional support. This process allows educators to make informed decisions about instructional strategies while ensuring that students are appropriately challenged and supported. Academic success is not simply measured by a single assessment; rather, it is reflected in sustained growth, productive learning habits, critical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge in meaningful contexts.
Equally important is our commitment to developing the whole student. We recognize that educational success encompasses more than academic performance. Students benefit from opportunities to develop collaboration, communication, perseverance, responsibility, and problem-solving skills. These competencies contribute to students’ long-term preparedness for college, career, and civic life. Our teachers, support staff, coaches, sponsors, and activity leaders play an important role in creating these opportunities each day.
October also provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of school-community partnerships. A successful school district is strengthened when families, educators, students, and community members share a common commitment to student success. Communication and collaboration among these groups help create consistency between school and home and reinforce the expectations we hold for our students. I encourage families to remain engaged with teachers, monitor student progress, attend school activities, and celebrate the accomplishments of our students.
I also want to express my appreciation to our staff. Their professionalism, dedication, and willingness to continually refine their practice are essential to the success of our district. Effective education requires intentional planning, reflective practice, collaboration, and a willingness to respond to the evolving needs of learners. Our staff demonstrates these qualities every day.
As the school year progresses, we will continue to evaluate our practices, examine student learning data, and pursue opportunities for continuous improvement. Our goal is to maintain high expectations while providing the support necessary for every student to make meaningful progress.
Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and support of West Nodaway R-I School District. Together, we can foster an educational environment in which students are challenged to achieve, encouraged to grow, and prepared to contribute positively to their communities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barnes
Superintendent
West Nodaway R-I School District
Hello Rocket Family! It's hard to believe its already October! Fall is my favorite part of the year!
Since our September newsletter, our teachers and students have stayed busy! Our overall attendance has been really good. Please continue to hold your student to a high standard and ensure they are in school on a regular basis.
We are just a few short weeks away from the end of the first quarter! Please check the school calendar for important dates such as grade checks and activities.
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on October 26th from 12:30-7:00pm. The MS/HS is an open house style so please come and go as it works in your schedule. Participation in our building has been low the last few years, so I encourage you to attend and learn more about your student(s) academic progress and happenings in the classrooms.
As I shared last month, the JH/HS continues to implement Character Strong during 8th hour every
Tuesday. We are also still utilizing Check and Connect.
Please check the school calendar on the website. In addition, it's important you stay current on your
students’ grades thru the parent portal in Infinite Campus. Grade checks will occur every two weeks.
Below are the tutoring hours that are available for the JH/HS students.
Tutoring Hours:
- Math: Daily 7:15 am - 7:35 am and Tues/Wed/Thurs 3:50 pm - 4:30pm
- ELA: Wed/Friday 7:15-7:35, no after-school until VB season is over.
- Science: Every day 7:15am - 7:35am and 3:50 pm - 4:30pm
- Social Studies:
- Music: Wed/Thur/Fri 7:15 - 7:35am and Thur 3:50 - 4:30pm
- Scholarships/College Apps: Tues-Friday 7:00-7:30am and Tues-Thurs 3:50-4:30pm
Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, please give me a call, email, or stop in the office.
Mrs. Livengood
Elementary Parents,
Should we keep our fingers crossed that fall is actually here? I don’t want to jinx us, but I am enjoying the cooler temperatures we have had this last week and definitely the rain that we have needed!
Friday, October 2nd is Custodian Appreciation Day. We appreciate all the hard work Mr. Skyeler and Ms. Debbie do to keep our buildings clean!
If cooler temperatures are truly in our future, please watch the weather and make sure to send jackets or sweatshirts with your children. Outdoor recess will be utilized unless it is raining.
September 25- Mid-Term Progress Reports will be coming home. This is the half way point for the 1st quarter. Please check your child’s report, sign and return.
October 6-9 is Homecoming Week! We will be participating in spirit dress up days with a few minor changes for the elementary.
Tuesday, Oct 6- Global Soundcheck: Dress up as your favorite musician
Wednesday, Oct 7- Family Vacay: Let’s Go to the Beach!
Thursday, Oct 8- Living in Pink Paradise: Pink Out! Wear your Pink!
Friday, Oct 9- World Tour Finale: Thunder Spirit Day!
All festivities, excluding the game, will be at Nodaway Holt.
Homecoming game starts at 7:00 at Burlington Junction!!
Friday, October 16 we will hold our first Attendance incentive party! All elementary students that have 95% or higher attendance percentage for 1st quarter will receive an extra 15 minute recess. This incentive will change each quarter. We want students to understand the importance of being at school as much as possible!
Friday, October 16 ends our 1st quarter of school. Mrs. Meyer will be sending out an email through Sign Up Genius to sign up for Parent-Teacher Conference Times.
Friday, October 23, PTO Glow Party after school - Elementary gym
Monday, October 26 - Parent-Teacher Conferences 12:30-7
Friday, October 30, Trunk or Treat and Classroom Parties- More information to come
Mrs. Stevens
KidSight Vision came and tested all our elementary students and a handful of older students who failed my vision test. We screened 108 students and had 10 referrals, so if you didn’t hear from me your student passed this screening. We are lucky to have the Lion’s Club come provide this service to our students. If you have a student who was referred please get the follow ups scheduled soon! There is financial assistance available so please reach out with any questions.
7th grade students completed our CPR in school class. We worked it into their babysitting unit and they all did great with hands only CPR. We have manikins with built in clickers and follow a video led instruction. We also reviewed Epi pens and refreshed them on our AED machines.
We are hoping to do flu shots during parent teacher conferences on October 26th. Still waiting to hear back on this date. We will keep you posted on Facebook. This is open to WN students, staff, families and community members. All are welcome!
Kelli Hoyt
660-725-4126
October brings many college and career exploration opportunities for students 7-12 to learn outside the school building:
October 7 – Herzog Career Day. Juniors and Seniors interested in construction, transportation, welding, etc. can experience hands-on activities to learn about career options through Herzog.
October 12 – College & Career Monday field trip to Northwest Missouri State University dairy/creamery and local MFA facilities including grain elevator, propane, and fertilizer. The event is open to all 7-8th grade students.
October 13 – My Success event at St. Joseph Civic Arena for all juniors. Students will have an opportunity to talk with businesses in each career pathway and participate in hands on activities such as putting on fireman gear and seeing how a pulmonary machine works. This is a great opportunity for students to inquire about job options, skills and education requirements.
October 14 & 19 – Northwest Missouri State Major Specific Days. Juniors and Seniors can meet instructors, experience a class lecture, interact with students, and take a tour of campus.
October 19 - College & Career Monday field trip to The Builders Apprenticeship in Kansas City where students can learn about construction, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, etc. The event is open to all 7-12th grade students.
October 22 & 27 – Northwest Missouri State Major Specific Days. Juniors and Seniors can meet instructors, experience a class lecture, interact with students, and take a tour of campus.
October 28 – Build My Future event at Bethany Fair Grounds. Students will have an opportunity to explore trade occupations and talk with potential future employers. Students will participate in hands on activities such VR welders and robotics.
October 29 – Missouri Western State University representative will be at West Nodaway to meet with interested juniors and seniors.
As a reminder, ACT test prep, college athletics, scholarships, etc. can be located on the counseling department webpage. You can access this through the West Nodaway homepage and finding it under the “Student Links” section or going to https://wnrocketscounselor.weebly.com All secondary students have access to IXL which also provides an online tool to prepare for the ACT.
Please contact me if there are any concerns about your child or if there are any questions.
Mrs. Clayton
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