SR3 Parent Connection

As we roll into the end of the semester, I want to thank you for the role you play in your child’s success. Family life is busier than ever, and keeping kids healthy, fed, and in the classroom is no small task. These last few weeks of the semester are especially important with testing and benchmarking, and your support truly makes a difference.

With winter weather ahead, I want to pull back the curtain a little on how I decide when to call a snow day. When there’s even a chance of bad weather, I’m on the road by 4 a.m., driving county and gravel routes to see conditions firsthand. If things take a turn once school is already in session, I’m back out again, checking roads and weighing whether students and bus drivers are safer staying at school while crews treat the roads or dismissing early before conditions worsen. It’s impossible to get every call perfect, but every decision is made with the safety of our students, staff members, and bus drivers in mind.

On a more fun note: what a fall it’s been for SR3. Our students have had an incredible season across athletics — from packed stands to strong finishes, they’ve given our community plenty to celebrate. And of course, we hit a major milestone with the very first musical performed in our new Performing Arts Center. Seeing our students shine on that stage was truly special.

And if you’re looking for something festive to kick off the holiday season, our PAC will be showing Chrismystery — the holiday movie filmed right here in Savannah last year — this Saturday, November 22 at 4 p.m. It’s a fun chance to get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a little small-town movie magic.

Thank you for partnering with us, staying flexible during Missouri weather, and helping your students finish strong.

Cold weather season is quickly approaching, and our team is prepared long before the first flake falls. Here’s a quick refresher on how SR3 handles winter weather and how you can stay informed.

Who makes the call?

Our Superintendent works closely with Durham Bus Company to review road conditions, rural bus routes, facility readiness, current forecasts, and the timing of incoming weather. The Superintendent also drives key areas of the district to check conditions firsthand. Student and staff safety is always at the center of the call.

If school is open but it’s extremely cold…

Please make sure students dress warmly — heavy coats, hats, gloves, and proper footwear.
Elementary recess moves indoors anytime the temperature or wind chill is 25° or below.
As always, if you feel conditions aren’t safe for your child, you may keep them home; just notify the school office.

Why SR3 does not use late starts

Late starts create major challenges for families, transportation, and staffing. For that reason, our district maintains a consistent start time and does not use late-start schedules.

Where to check for updates

• Savannah R3 App (available for Android and iPhone)
• District Website: www.SavannahR3.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/SavannahSchoolDistrict (Watch for Official Page announcements like the one posted above)
• Area Media Outlets: KQ2, NewsPress Now, Eagle Radio

Missouri schools may use up to 36 hours of Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) instead of adding makeup days. These hours are used for the first several winter weather closures and allow learning to continue through pre-sent home packets or online lessons.

SR3 will:

• Use AMI for the first 36 hours of missed instruction.

• Use traditional “built-in” snow days for the next 36 hours.

And yes — we still believe in real snow days!
Even on AMI days, students shouldn’t spend more than about 2 hours on schoolwork. There should still be time for hot cocoa, sledding, and building the world’s best snowman.

Every April, our community elects members to the Savannah R-III Board of Education — a group of volunteers who help guide the big-picture decisions that shape our schools. If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved or make a positive impact, this may be your opportunity.

Three board seats, each with a three-year term, will be on the ballot for the April 7, 2026 election. Community members who are interested in running can file their candidacy at the District Office, located at 408 W. Market.

When and how to file

• Filing opens Tuesday, December 9 at 8:00 a.m.
  A line may form outside the white front doors (facing north) before opening.

• After that, filing is available during regular business hours:
  Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Filing pauses any day school is closed for weather or holidays.

• There is no filing during Christmas Break (December 22–30), except for the final filing day:

  • Tuesday, December 30 — office open noon to 5:00 p.m.

The final deadline to file is December 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
By law, the district cannot accept early or late filings.

More questions? E-mail us! communications@savannahr3.com

Savannah High School students are getting hands-on with the world of skilled trades through events like Dozer Days and Build My Future. These experiences give students the chance to step into real equipment, try industry tools, and learn directly from professionals who build and maintain our communities.

Both events highlight an important message: success doesn’t follow one single path. High-demand careers in construction, engineering, and skilled labor offer strong wages, valuable certifications, and opportunities close to home. By connecting students with hands-on learning, we’re helping them discover options beyond the traditional classroom.

We’re proud to keep expanding career exploration and celebrating the students who discover their spark in the trades.

Big things are happening in our Building Trades program! This year, our students completed their 40th student-built home, marking 50 years of hands-on learning, skilled instruction, and incredible craftsmanship right here in Savannah.

Generations of SHS students have learned real-world construction skills through this program, and their work has created dozens of high-quality family homes throughout our community. House #40 is the latest example of what students can accomplish when they’re given the space, tools, and mentorship to learn by doing.

The community is invited to tour the newly completed home during our open house on:

Saturday, December 13
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
203 N. Birch, Savannah, MO (right across from SHS)

Whether you're curious about the program, excited to celebrate this major milestone, or even considering purchasing a new home, this is a great chance to see student craftsmanship up close. Come walk through the space, meet the people behind the work, and help us honor 50 years of excellence in SR3 Building Trades.

There’s something special about watching a movie that was filmed in the place we call home — and we’re excited to bring that hometown magic to our brand-new Performing Arts Center. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and Savannah R3 School District are teaming up to host a Chrismystery Watch Party, featuring the Christmas movie filmed right here in our SR3 community.

📅 Saturday, November 22
🕓 4:00 p.m.
📍 Savannah High School Performing Arts Center

This family-friendly event is the perfect way to step into the holiday season together. Admission is $5 for adults, and kids 12 and under are free, with all proceeds supporting Andrew County Adopt-a-Family.

A few quick notes:
• This event is cash only so every dollar can go directly to local families.
• To help keep our beautiful new Performing Arts Center looking great, no food or drinks will be allowed inside.

We hope you’ll join us for a cozy afternoon of holiday cheer, community pride, and a celebration of a film created right here in Savannah.

There's a lot of information in this newsletter, but there's even more on the Back to School section of our website. And if you still can't find what you are looking for, give us a call! All of our campuses are open during regular school hours.