Paws & Reflect Vol. 1

🌟 Welcome to the Oak Grove R-VI School District's Official Newsletter: Paws & Reflect! 🌟

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.

Monday, 1/20

• Martin Luther King Day - No School

Monday, 2/10

• No School- Professional Development Day for Staff

Monday, 2/17

• No School - President's Day

Wednesday, 2/19

• Board of Education Meeting

Friday, 3/14

• End of 3rd Quarter

To reduce the number of snow days—particularly consecutive—Oak Grove R-VI School District is implementing snow routes this school year. These snow routes primarily apply to rural gravel roads in Lafayette County, with alternative pick-up points identified on asphalt for families in affected areas.

Families impacted by the snow route pick-up changes should have received a detailed communication from our Transportation Department (The Bus Barn). Additionally, when snow routes are used, the district will notify all families to confirm that the school will be in session under these adjusted plans.

While there will still be times when regular snow days are necessary, we hope snow routes and late starts will allow us to navigate Missouri's winter weather challenges better. For more details about our late start program, please review this document: Oak Grove R-VI Late Start Plan We've also attached an infographic with winter weather updates and safety guidelines to help keep your family informed and prepared.

COMMUNICATIONS:

• A late start in the Oak Grove School District will be announced as early as possible and communicated to parents in the same manner as a school cancellation.

STUDENT ATTENDANCE:

• The Oak Grove School District respects the rights of parents to make decisions regarding the attendance, or late arrival, of their children on a late start day.

TRANSPORTATION:

• Bus transportation pick-up times for students and families will occur two hours later than normal. Buses will make every effort to be punctual, although traffic and road conditions may increase travel times.

SCHEDULES:

• All schools will begin classes 2 hours later than a regular day.

• High School 9:30 am

• Middle School 9:40 am

• Elementary 10:40 am

• Primary 10:35 am

• Building doors will open at the following times:

• High School 9:15 am

• Middle School 9:25 am

• Elementary 10:25 am

• Primary 10:20 am

• School dismissal times and afternoon bus transportation will remain on the regular schedule.

MEALS:

• School breakfast will be served as a grab and go to the classroom (ex. milk and muffin) for those wanting breakfast.

• Lunch shifts in all buildings will occur at the same time as a normal school day.

PROGRAMS:

• The Early Childhood Center (ECC) morning session will be canceled. Afternoon ECC class will resume on a normal schedule.

• All day Pre-K classroom will be on the same 2 hour late start as the Primary Building.

• Fort Osage Career Technology Center, Blue Springs Career Innovation Center, and Blue Springs JROTC students will not attend morning sessions. Afternoon sessions will attend as normal unless Fort Osage or Blue Springs School Districts are canceled.

ACTIVITIES:

• Activities or field trips that were to occur or have departure times prior to building late start times will be canceled or rescheduled.

• Activities or field trips that were to occur or have departure times after building late start times will occur as normal unless communicated differently.

As we approach the winter weather season, please keep these safety tips in mind:

• Stay informed by checking our website and social media for weather updates and school closures.
• Ensure your contact information is up-to-date in our system to receive notifications.
• Dress appropriately for the cold and watch out for icy conditions during drop-off and pick-up.

As temperatures drop, it’s important for students to bundle up before heading to school. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather with coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. Layers are key for staying warm during outdoor activities or waiting for the bus. Together, we can keep everyone comfortable and ready to learn!

Did you know that regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in your child’s academic success? Missing even a few days can add up quickly and impact your child's learning. Help your child succeed by:

• Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Preparing school items the night before to avoid morning rush.
• Scheduling appointments and vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.

Every day in class builds on the previous one, so consistent attendance helps your child stay on track academically and socially. Let’s work together to ensure every day counts!

The new year brings fresh goals, exciting projects, and a chance to build on the achievements of the first half of the year. We look forward to working together to ensure every child feels supported, inspired, and ready to succeed.

Here are important dates coming up second semester:

1/7- All students return back to school from winter break

1/20 - No School - MLK Day

2/10 - No School- Professional Development Day for staff

2/17- No School - President's Day

3/10 - OGP Grandparents' Night & Book Fair

3/14- End of 3rd Quarter

3/17-21- No School - Spring Break

4/18--21- No School

5/20 - Early Release- Last Day of School

5/27-6/13- Summer School (7:30-12:00)

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to our school community. Here's to a fantastic second half of the school year!

Warm regards,

Mrs. Laura Oyler

Principal

Oak Grove ECC & Primary

We look forward to working with our families to support the growth and learning of our OGE students throughout the rest of the school year. Below are a few upcoming dates to remember.

1/7/25 - First day back for students

1/20/25 - No School - MLK Day

2/10/25 - Professional Development day for OG staff

2/17/25 - No School - President's Day

3/14/25 - End of 3rd quarter

Go Panthers!

Mrs. Misti Raney

Principal

Oak Grove Elementary

Welcome back OGMS! I am excited to kick-off second semester and continue the fun and learning we had last year. I am looking forward to a new year with new opportunities for you to get involved at OGMS. I am challenging our students to get involved in a club or sport in this new year - it will help them grow in their interests, talents and friendships! We will also be starting our second semester schedules when we return from break. If students do not remember what their new schedule is please look online or check in with the office!

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

1/7/25 Students Return

1/20/25 No School - Dr. Martin Luther King Day

2/10/25 No School - Professional Development Day

2/17/25 No School - Presidents Day

3/14/25 End of 3rd Quarter

I am so excited to be back in school! I hope your holiday break was full of fun and relaxation and our students are ready to come back...we have a lot of fun and learning in front of us! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of OGMS - I truly love our students and can't wait to see what second semester brings! GO PANTHERS!

Mrs. McConville

Principal

Oak Grove Middle School

After an eventful 1st semester, highlighted by the first softball state championship, I hope students are primed for an outstanding 2nd semester as well. Numerous opportunities await them in academics, activities, and athletics, including academic letter awards, district and state competitions, and the next OGHS Academic Hall of Fame class and Panther of the Year.

While seniors prepare for graduation and their future beyond OGHS, the underclassmen will begin the 2025-26 course registration process soon. New offerings include a vocational agriculture program and a STEM program. Parents and students can learn about these programs and ask questions about all other departments at the annual Curriculum Night Monday, February 3, 6:00-8:00 PM. The counseling office will host a FAFSA Frenzy that same night for any senior planning to attend higher education next year.

As the school year progresses, I encourage active communication from teachers to students and parents and vice versa, and if you ever need Mr. Newman or me, please contact us via email, phone, or personal meeting. We want to help if students need assistance. I also encourage you to visit the HS website: https://oakgrove-oghs.ss10.sharpschool.com/ and review all the important information links and stay updated with the activities calendar: https://sites.google.com/ogr6.org/oak-grove-athletics-activities/home.

Again, I welcome everyone to 2nd semester and look forward to student achievements and milestones. In the immortal words of Wall of Fame coach and Mr. Oak Grove George Pirch, Go Panthers!

We're thrilled to honor the Q2 Building and Classroom Champions of the Oak Grove R-VI School District, who go above and beyond to make Oak Grove a brighter, better place daily!

Building Champions

Oak Grove R-VI High School: Danielle Kelley

• Handles one of the most challenging roles with patience and grace, advocating for her students and herself.
• Builds strong relationships and always works hard to support her students and classroom teachers.

Oak Grove R-VI Middle School: Nurse Amanda Jackson

• Keeps our building healthy and provides caring, compassionate support for students and staff alike.
• Handles one of the most challenging jobs with class and positivity, making everyone feel at ease.

Oak Grove R-VI Elementary: Tonya Sing

• Works tirelessly to keep our school clean and running smoothly without hesitation.
• Her detail-oriented dedication ensures a welcoming space for everyone.

Oak Grove R-VI Primary School + Oak Grove R-VI Early Childhood Center: Jessica Fugate

• A true advocate for our students and families, she jumps in with a positive attitude wherever needed.
• Provides resources, support, and encouragement to our entire community

Oak Grove R-VI High School: Jayme Donovan

• Leads the way in developing a fantastic agriculture program, going above and beyond for her students.
• Puts in countless hours to ensure her students’ success.

Oak Grove R-VI Middle School: Nancy O’Keefe

• Inspires students through amazing events and activities and leads by example with her dedication to StuCo.
• Always a team player, making a positive impact on our school.

Oak Grove R-VI Elementary: Jennifer Edwards

• Brings joy to her music classes, greeting students with smiles and even a ukulele!
• Ensures every student has an opportunity to shine in her music programs.

Oak Grove R-VI Primary School + Oak Grove R-VI Early Childhood Center: Lynette Harrenstien

• Goes above and beyond for her students and their families, believing in every child’s potential to excel.
• A shining example of dedication, care, and excellence in education

We are thrilled to announce that the Oak Grove Community Scholarships application process is now open. This is your chance to receive financial support for your educational journey, so don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity!

How to Apply

To complete your application:

1. Access the Scholarship Materials

   • The application form and Google Form are available in your Class of 2025 Counseling Google Classroom.

2. Fill Out the Google Form

   • The Google Form includes a list of scholarships along with descriptions.
   • Mark "Yes" for any scholarship(s) you wish to apply for.

3. Complete the Application Form

   • Ensure both the Google Form and the application form are filled out and submitted.

4. Submit Your Application

   • Email your completed application to smossie@ogr6.org by March 3, 2025.
   • Submit the Google Form by the same deadline.

Why Apply?

There’s scholarship money waiting to be awarded, and it’s an opportunity to invest in your future! Whether you’re pursuing college, vocational training, or another path, these scholarships can help make it possible.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Shannon Mossie at smossie@ogr6.org.

Take the time to apply—it’s worth it! Let’s make the most of these opportunities together.

This year, we are excited to continue our efforts in fostering a positive, uplifting culture through our Roar of Excellence. Our Oak Grove staff members work tirelessly to make a meaningful impact on our students, community, and each other, and this is a great way to recognize and celebrate their contributions.

If you've noticed a staff member going above and beyond, whether it's for their outstanding work with students, their support within the workplace, or their contributions to the community, take a moment to acknowledge them! Your shoutout will be shared to encourage, uplift, and shine a spotlight on their excellence.

Simply fill out the form below to submit your Roar of Excellence and help us continue creating a culture of appreciation and recognition in Oak Grove R-VI.

We are fortunate to have such a dedicated school board. The members—(Back Row: Jason Brown, Keith Moyer, Jimmy Schlicting, Jeff Jennings. Front Row: Randy McClain, Terry Honeycutt, Jamie Hackley )—each bring a wealth of unique knowledge and experience to our board. They all have a servant’s heart and work diligently to ensure that our school district continues to put students first. I personally want to thank each of them for their unwavering support of our mission.

The Oak Grove R-VI School District is committed to creating an exceptional learning environment for its students while ensuring the retention and recruitment of outstanding staff. To meet these goals, the district is proposing an April Tax Levy aimed at addressing financial needs and strategic priorities.

Here Are The Key Highlights

Financial Goals and Needs

• Staff Retention and Recruitment:

  • Increase base teacher pay to $45,000 by the 2027-2028 school year.

  • A 15% salary increase for all staff, requiring an additional $2,027,000.

  • Increase non-certified staff pay by 15% ($300,000).

  • Continue the Career Ladder program with $350,000 in funding (state portion).

  • Revamp extra duty pay based on experience and multiple roles ($50,000).

• Instructional and Classroom Enhancements:

  • Allocate $2,000 per grade level for manipulatives and classroom supplies.

  • Increase instructional and general supply budgets by 15% ($120,000) to cover inflation.

  • Support family nights, clubs, and outreach events.

• Facility and Safety Investments:

  • Allocate $250,000 to Fund 4 for facility improvements.

  • Enhance school safety measures with $100,000 for initiatives such as a potential School Protection Officer, Raptor Visitor Management System, and upgraded security cameras.

This tax levy proposal is designed to enhance the district’s mission by:

• Staff excellence through competitive salaries.

• Student learning with increased resources for classrooms and extracurricular activities.

• School safety and infrastructure for a secure and modern learning environment.

Together, these initiatives will help Oak Grove R-VI continue to thrive as a district of choice for students, families, and staff. For more details and updates, visit the Oak Grove R-VI website or attend an upcoming Board of Education meeting.

The Oak Grove R-VI School District is thrilled to announce its partnership with Archimages to create design renderings for the highly anticipated auxiliary gym construction at Oak Grove High School. These designs include updates to the exterior entrance foyer, an additional auxiliary gym, a new weight room, and a state-of-the-art wrestling room.

Tom Huffington, Project Manager, is leading this exciting initiative to enhance our facilities and provide more opportunities for our students. Stay tuned for updates as this project progresses!

Together, we’re building a stronger future for Oak Grove Panthers!

Below are some potential designs showcasing the future of these spaces.

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 to share your details and get featured. Let’s spread the word together!

Ready to inspire, educate, and make a difference? Oak Grove R-VI School District is seeking passionate individuals to join our team!

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 PTO, Booster Clubs, 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