Paws & Reflect
Vol. 11 Back To School Edition
PAWS & REFLECT Vol. 11: Back To School Edition
Back to school is here and we’re excited to kick off the 2026–2027 school year!
In this edition of Paws & Reflect, you’ll find important back-to-school resources for parents and families, welcome-back messages from District leadership, and key dates to help you prepare for a successful start to the year.
We can’t wait to welcome our Panthers back and make this another great year at Oak Grove R-VI School District!
A Message From Our Superintendent of Schools
Back to School: We Are Ohana
As another school year begins, there is an unmistakable sense of excitement throughout the Oak Grove R-6 School District. Hallways will soon be filled with laughter, classrooms will come to life, and our staff will be eagerly welcoming students back for another year of learning, growth, and opportunity.
This year, our district theme is Ohana.
The Hawaiian word Ohana means family, but it also carries a deeper meaning—that no one is left behind or forgotten. It is a reminder that we are stronger when we care for one another, support one another, and work together toward a common purpose.
At Oak Grove, Ohana represents our students, our staff, and our community. Each plays a vital role in the success of our schools, and together we create an environment where every child can thrive.
Our dedicated teachers and staff have spent countless hours preparing classrooms, refining lessons, and planning meaningful experiences that will challenge and inspire students. Their commitment to serving students extends far beyond academics. They are mentors, encouragers, and champions who help them discover their strengths and reach their full potential.
To our students, know that you belong here. Whether you are entering kindergarten, starting middle school, beginning your senior year, or joining us for the first time, you are an important part of the Panther family. We encourage you to embrace new opportunities, build lasting friendships, and give your best effort every day.
To our parents and guardians, thank you for entrusting us with your children. Education is most successful when schools and families work together. Your encouragement at home, your involvement in school activities, and your partnership with our staff make an incredible difference in the lives of our students.
To our Oak Grove community, thank you for your continued support of our schools. Strong public schools are built through strong community partnerships. Whether you volunteer your time, mentor a student, attend performances and athletic events, support our booster organizations, or simply cheer on our Panthers, you help create a culture where students know they are valued and supported.
As we begin this new school year, we remain committed to our mission: To empower and inspire learners to maximize their potential. Every decision we make is centered on providing students with outstanding educational opportunities while preparing them to become successful citizens, leaders, and lifelong learners.
Being a Panther means more than attending school—it means belonging to something bigger than ourselves. It means celebrating one another's successes, lifting each other during challenges, and remembering that we all have a role in helping our students succeed.
As we move forward together, let us embrace the spirit of Ohana. Let us continue building a district where every student feels seen, every staff member feels appreciated, and every family knows they are an important part of our journey.
On behalf of the Oak Grove R-6 Board of Education and our entire staff, thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to celebrating the many accomplishments of our Panther family.
Here's to a wonderful school year. Go Panthers!
Mindy Hampton
Superintendent of Schools
Oak Grove R-6 School District
2026 - 2027 School District Calender At A Glance
OGR6 District Calendar 2026-2027
OGR6 Vacation Planner 2026-2027
OGR6 Start & End Time Bell Schedule
OGR6 Early Release Day Bell Schedule
OGR6 Late Start Plan Bell Schedule
OGR6 Mission and Vision
Mission:
- To empower and inspire leaners to maximize their potential.
Vision:
- Oak Grove R-VI School District will be the leader in providing innovative opportunities and experiences for students.
Important Resources
Parent Resources
Parent Resources Page of the Oak Grove School District Web Site. We hope you find the information to be helpful and informative.
Be sure to sign up for SIS Parent Portal Link. Contact the main office of the building that your child(ren) attend. You can access grades, attendance, lunch balances and schedules of your child(ren).
Stay Connected with Beacon Connect
The Beacon Connect Family App offers parents peace of mind by providing
real-time updates on your child’s school bus location, notifications for boarding/arrival, and alerts for delays or emergencies.
Keeping Our Schools Safe: Report Concerns with Courage2ReportMO
At Oak Grove R-VI School District, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community remain a top priority—during the school day and at school-sponsored events. We understand that sometimes, situations arise when teachers or administrators may not be immediately available. That’s why we want to remind everyone about Courage2ReportMO—a statewide program designed to give students, parents, and community members a safe, anonymous way to report concerning behavior.
Courage2ReportMO operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and accepts reports related to Missouri students in pre-K through 12th grade. Types of violence or concerning behavior that can be reported include:
Bullying and harassment
Physical fights or assaults
Threats or possession of weapons
Sexual misconduct
Vandalism or property damage
Self-harming behavior or suicide concerns
There are three easy ways to report:
📞 Call: 1-866-748-7047
📲 Download: The free Courage2Report app
🌐 Visit: www.Courage2ReportMO.com
By speaking up, you could help protect a student in crisis, prevent violence, or stop harm before it happens. If you see something, say something. Your voice can make a difference.
Suicide Prevention & 988 Guide for Missouri Schools
The following information is provided by the Missouri Suicide Prevention Network (MSPN) along with their partners. The full toolkit can be accessed by using the the link below.
By raising awareness and fostering empathy, we can contribute to a community where mental health is prioritized, and no one feels alone in their struggle.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or harm, help is available.
Call or text 988.
A Message From Your Principals
Welcome Back to Oak Grove Primary & Early Childhood Center!
On behalf of the entire staff at Oak Grove Primary and Early Childhood Center, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new and returning students and families! We hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with fun, relaxation, and special memories. We are excited to welcome everyone back and begin another incredible school year together.
Our teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare classrooms and create engaging learning experiences for every child. We look forward to partnering with our families to ensure each student has a successful, safe, and rewarding school year.
Meet the Teacher Night will be held on Wednesday, August 19, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. This is a come-and-go event, giving families the opportunity to meet their child's teacher, visit the classroom, and become familiar with the school before the first day. We encourage families to bring students' school supplies that evening to help make the first day of school a little easier.
Parents may now log into the Parent Portal to view their child's 2026–2027 classroom teacher assignment. We encourage you to check your account prior to Meet the Teacher Night.
Important Dates:
8/19 - Meet the Teacher 3:30-5:30pm
8/24 - First day of school - Early Release at 12:30pm
8/25 - Second day of school - Early Release at 12:30pm
8/26 - Third day of school- Full school day
We are truly looking forward to welcoming our students through our doors and beginning a year filled with learning, growth, and celebration. Thank you for entrusting us with your children each day. Together, we will make this an outstanding school year!
Welcome Back OGE Panthers!
The halls are ready. The classrooms are ready. And most importantly… WE ARE READY FOR YOU!
There is something special about the start of a new school year—the excitement of new beginnings, fresh goals, new friendships, and all the possibilities that come with a brand-new year of learning.
At Oak Grove Elementary, we are looking forward to filling our school with laughter, learning, kindness, curiosity, and LOTS of Panther pride!
To our families, thank you for being such an important part of our school community. We are excited to partner with you throughout the year as we encourage our students to learn together, grow together, and celebrate our success!
Let’s make this school year amazing! 🌟 GO PANTHERS!
Important Upcoming Dates
8/19 - Meet the Teacher 3:30-5:30pm
8/24 - First day of school - Early Release at 12:40pm
8/25 - Second day of school - Early Release at 12:40pm
8/26 - Third day of school- Full school day
9/4 - Early Release at 12:40pm
9/7 - No School
9/25 - Early Release at 12:40pm
Welcome Back, Panthers!
Welcome back to all the Oak Grove Middle School Panthers! We are excited to begin a new school year filled with learning, growth, and new experiences.
This year, we are excited to welcome all the new staff and students to our Panther family. We look forward to the energy, experience, and enthusiasm they bring to our school community.
There are many exciting opportunities ahead, including special events, extracurricular activities, athletics, band, choir, clubs, and activities that allow students to discover new interests, build friendships, and make lasting memories. We encourage every student to get involved and try something new!
Most importantly, let's continue to show our Panther Pride by being respectful, responsible, kind, and committed to doing our best each day.
Thank you to our families for your continued support. We are looking forward to a fantastic year!
Welcome back, Panthers! Let's make it a great one!
Important Upcoming Dates
August 19th 6th Grade Open House 6:00 - 7:00
7th and 8th Grade Open House 7:00 - 8:00
August 21st District - All Buildings Closed
August 25th 1st Day of School (11:40 Dismissal)
August 26th Early Dismissal (11:40 Dismissal)
September 7th Labor Day - NO SCHOOL
September 23rd OG Middle School Picture Day
Welcome to Oak Grove High School and the 2026–27 School Year!
It is an exciting time to be a Panther! As we begin a new school year, I am incredibly proud of the energy, pride, and sense of community that make Oak Grove High School such a special place. Whether students are returning to familiar hallways or new to OGHS, we are excited to welcome them back and begin another great year together.
At OGHS, we want every student to find opportunities to learn, grow, and discover what they are capable of achieving. Our classrooms will provide opportunities for academic challenge and success, while athletics, activities, the arts, clubs, and other student organizations give students the chance to pursue their interests, develop leadership skills, and build connections with others.
As the year begins, our staff will work with students to develop what the ‘Panther Way’ means to them, set goals, try new endeavors, and build positive, meaningful relationships with the OGHS staff, and their peers.
I also want to thank our parents and families for the important role you play in the success of our students. Your partnership, encouragement, and support make a tremendous difference. When our school and families work together, our students are given the best opportunity to thrive.
I am looking forward to getting to know our students and families and to all that we will accomplish together this year. Let’s make 2026–27 a year filled with purpose, Panther pride, growth, and plenty of memories!
Please refer to the OGHS Activities Calendar for important dates and events throughout the school year. I will also communicate important information and reminders by email as the year progresses. A few key dates are included below to help you get started.
Important Dates
Freshman Orientation - August 20
District Buildings Closed - August 21
August 24 - 1st Day of School!! Early Release at 11:30AM
August 25 - Early Release at 11:30AM
August 25 - CTC/ROTC/CIC First Day
September 1 - Senior Graduation Class Meeting
September 2 - OGHS Picture Day
September 4 - OGHS Early Release at 11:30AM - Professional Development Day
September 7 - NO School - Labor Day
September 11 - Senior Graduation Order Day ,
September 25 - Early Release at 11:30AM Professional Development Day
September 28 - Sophomore Class Jewelry Meeting
October 7 - Sophomore Class Jewelry Order Day
October 9 - Early Release at 11:30 - Homecoming
October 10 - Homecoming Dance 7-10PM
November 13 - College and Career Readiness Day
1st Semester Final Exams - December 16 and 17,
1st Semester Final Day Early Release 11:30 AM - December 18.
Oak Grove School District Introduces Eventlink for Athletics & Activities
with Activities Director, Ryan Schartz
As we prepare for the 2026-27 school year, the Oak Grove School District is excited to announce that we are transitioning to Eventlink as our new platform for all Athletics and Activities information.
Eventlink will provide families and fans with a more convenient and accurate way to stay connected with Oak Grove events.
With Eventlink, you can:
- Receive real-time notifications of schedule changes, cancellations, postponements, and updates.
- Follow your student-athlete or activity participant and keep track of their schedules.
- View event schedules, locations, and important information in one place.
- Purchase digital tickets for all home athletic events in advance.
Cashless Gate Admission
Beginning this school year, the Oak Grove School District will move to cashless gate admissions for all home athletic/activity events.
Fans will have two convenient options:
- Purchase tickets online before arriving at the event.
- Purchase tickets at the gate using a credit or debit card.
To avoid waiting in line, we strongly encourage all fans to create an Eventlink account using the instructions attached. When creating your account, please be sure to select "Oak Grove High School" to receive the most accurate schedules, notifications, and event information.
We are confident that Eventlink will improve communication, provide more timely updates, and make following Oak Grove Athletics and Activities easier than ever.
Thank you for your continued support of Oak Grove students. We look forward to an outstanding 2026-27 school year!
Partner With Panther Nation
Looking for a way to make an impact in Oak Grove? Our sponsorship opportunities give local businesses the chance to support the programs that matter most to them.
Whether your business wants to champion our athletic programs, celebrate our teachers and staff, support student activities, or invest in district-wide initiatives, there’s an opportunity to get involved.
Support our students. Celebrate our staff. Strengthen our community.
Explore our sponsorship opportunities and become a partner in Panther Nation!
Panther Athletics Sponsorship Program 2026-2027
Oak Grove R-6 School District Sponsorship Program 2026-2027
Get Your Event or Fundraiser Featured
If you’d like us to promote your flyer, event, or fundraiser, we’re here to help! Contact the Central Office at 816-690-4156 or email our Communications and PR Coordinator Eric Mitchell emitchell@ogr6.org to share your details and get featured.
Share Your Voice
Great things are happening every day in Oak Grove R-VI—and your voice helps tell that story.
We’re asking students, families, staff, and community members to share feedback, ideas, or experiences. What’s working? Where can we improve? We’re listening—and we use what you share to keep getting better.
A Thank You to Our Community!
None of our successes would be possible without the ongoing support of our community. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our parents, volunteers, and community members who contribute to the success of Oak Grove R-VI School District. Whether you’re involved in the BOE, PTO, Athletic Booster Club, volunteering in a school, or offering encouragement to students and staff, your involvement makes a world of difference. We are better as a district with you involved.
#BETTERTOGETHER
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