Tuesday, September 29, 2020
School Calendar
Dates to Remember
10/7  Community Flu Clinic
10/14 Primary & Intermediate Dental Clinic
10/23 No School, Faculty PLC Day
10/26 Picture Retake Day
10/28 & 10/29 Parent Teacher Conferences
10/30 No School

The school athletic and activities calendar in its entirety can be viewed on the school website or in the free Hallsville Schools' app available in Google Play and the iTunes App Store.
Hallsville School District Community Survey
Focusing on Our Future 

Last week, Mr. Downs sent out a superintendent update reflecting on the start of our school year as well as our bond construction completion and priorities outlined in our strategic plan.  

With the completion of our bond projects, including an expansion of the primary school along with other campus safety projects, it is now time to revisit our facility plans and establish priorities for future capital improvement projects. Mrs. Yeagy received a grant for the free administration of a community survey to be conducted by Patron Insight. This brief survey will address a number of topics but will be primarily focused on our remaining facility needs. The survey is open to all parents, employees, and members of the community to complete, and we encourage you to share the link with your friends and neighbors. The survey will be a tool to share your thoughts as the district plans for future bond issues and campus improvements.

The survey is now open and can be completed using the link below. We encourage you to take a few moments to provide your view on this important topic!

Flu Clinic
Wednesday, October 7

The Columbia/Boone County Health Department is once again offering a free flu vaccine for children 6 months to 18 years of age. On Wednesday, October 7 students can receive the flu vaccine during school hours. Community members can come to the Intermediate commons from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to receive a flu vaccine. The cost is $25 for adults; free for children 6 months to 18 years of age. Insurance is accepted. Face coverings will be required when entering the building.  

In order for your child to receive a flu vaccine at school, they must return a signed permission form to their school nurse by October 1. 
Intermediate & Primary Dental Clinic
Wednesday, October 14

A preventive oral health program is available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and your school. The program is offered to all children in the state of Missouri, including those who receive regular dental care. On Wednesday, October 14, during school hours students in Preschool through fifth grade can have a dental professional provide an oral screening and a trained volunteer apply a thin coating of fluoride varnish. 

In order for your child to receive a dental screening at school, they must return a signed permission form to their school nurse by October 5. 
Board of Education
September Highlights

Below are highlights of items discussed during the open session of the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, September 16.  You can read the full September Board Highlights here

RECOGNITIONS
Students & Staff: Mr. Downs opened recognitions by recognizing district staff members for their important role and efforts they played in helping our students get back to school. Their dedication and collaboration have been, and will continue to be, vital to the success of our students. Mr. Downs also recognized all students for being adaptable and taking the established safety protocols responsibly. 

Mrs. Terry:  Mrs. Terry, Intermediate Interventionist, was recognized for taking on a long term sub position in 5th grade when there was no permanent substitute available. She understands the importance of a class starting off the year with structure and community. She always puts students’ needs first and maintains a positive attitude throughout the process. 

Mr. Blakemore: Mr. Blakemore, Activities Director, was recognized for his hard work and dedication over the previous few weeks. The athletics department has faced challenges with games being canceled at the last minute, and Mr. Blakemore has worked tirelessly to ensure our students have continued performance opportunities.  

Mrs. Nichols: Elementary Assistant Principal, Mrs. Nichols, was recognized for entering her role during the most challenging and uncertain times in education. She has handled new situations with professionalism and a positive attitude. She has also jumped in to support students and staff, even when the path has been unclear.    

CONSENT AGENDA
2020-2021 Enrollment: September is the month when the district reviews August enrollment and attendance data. With the start of school delayed until September 1, there is no August data for review. Similar data based on student enrollment and attendance from September 1-11, 2020 is listed below. As expected and has been seen in districts across the region, our enrollment is down slightly, including kindergarten enrollment. We assume that since kindergarten is not required by law in Missouri that some families have elected to delay initial enrollment until next fall. Also, some families have opted to homeschool their children. 

CMU Dual Credit Agreement: The board approved the MACC dual credit agreement. Cooperative agreements with local colleges and universities provide increased options for students with minimal district expenditures. A copy of the agreement can be found here.  

DISTRICT REPORTS
Assessment & Accreditation: September is when the district normally reviews state testing results and our Annual Performance Report (APR). Since all state testing was canceled last spring due to the school closures, there is no related accountability data for the 2019-2020 school year. One would also presume that student attendance data—another key metric in our state’s accreditation structure—may experience some reliability and validity concerns based on the impacts of the pandemic. At this time, DESE has not mentioned a timeline for the APR or when the district should expect any state accountability data. 

Strategic Improvement:  Absent APR data, which is the primary drivers of our own district improvement efforts (e.g., the balanced scorecard and Building Improvement Plans), principals have been asked to instead focus the efforts of their buildings on the following two areas for now: (1) the continuing safety of students and staff, and (2) ongoing preparations for continued student success during the implementation of remote learning, when necessary. As the district continues the implementation of the new iReady assessments in math and reading, we will rely on these data as key measures of student learning during the 2020-21 school year. 

CARES Act Supplementals: Late this summer, DESE and the governor announced additional subgrants being made available at the state level to recover some funds related to COVID expenses. The state finally released guidance on these grants, and Mrs. Tharp has been working diligently to document our expenses in order to recover whatever funds we can. This week, we submitted a request to recover $28,439 spent on meal distribution during the closure. Early next week, we plan to submit another $58,625 to Boone County and the state for expenses related to PPE and other protective measures (e.g., cleaning supplies, sanitizer, plexiglass partitions, etc.). Later this fiscal year, we also intend to apply for reimbursement of any additional transportation expenses related to our pandemic response.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
School Safety: The District safety meeting is scheduled for September 30.

Board of Education meeting agendas are available on the school district website by date. The next regular session meeting will be on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.   
#Building Our Tribe
Bond Construction Updates

The September 2020 report presented to the board outlined updates on the construction progress for various projects around the district. SMWilson has turned all work over to the district including roofing, security camera, and public address system. Final walks with the design team and the district have been conducted, and they are addressing a few final action items. 

Board action was requested on the following change orders: (1) Credit for gym equipment, and (2) general conditions for additional projects completed through change orders. At the Board's request, SMWilson has worked with the subcontractor to secure estimates for additional brickwork to the exterior walls of the north gym. SMWilson will continue moving forward with the additional brickwork.  

Additionally, SMWilson has requested Board approval of pay application #14, also included in the update. Klingner will review, approve, and certify the pay application in advance of Board approval.

NHS Induction Ceremony
Welcome New Members

Hallsville High School held its National Honor Society (NHS) induction on Sunday, September 27 in the Intermediate Commons. 27 new members were inducted into the chapter. The 2020-2021 NHS Officers are as follows: 
  • President: Lydia Stephens
  • Vice Presidents:
  • Emma Crocker (Field Trips & Volunteering)
  • Delaney Chrisman (Blood Drives)
  • Kylie Mesmer (School Events)
  • Grace Hauptmann (Induction)

Congratulations to our newest NHS members! 
Jay Allen
Isabelle Aust
AJ Austene
Lauren Blakemore
Josie Bolte
Will Brammer
Caitlyn Casey
Clancy Crawford
Zac Gresham
Rachel Hargis
Mason Herbold
Reagan Herd
Ashlyn Hough
Andrew Kabrick
 Saxton Lockwood
Jack March
Jackson Morton
Taylor Morton
Riley Nichols
Avery Oetting
Emma Parnell
Isabelle Peterson
Chloe Quintana
Kylie Ryan
Graci Tonnies
Hailey Vanskike
Lydia Weitkemper
Yearbook Ads 2021
Buy an Ad Today! 

Hallsville High School yearbook students have been busy making phone calls selling yearbook ads to local businesses! In the past, yearbook students visited businesses trying to sell business ads. However, this year, they have focused on making personal phone calls. Business ads are a crucial part of our yearbook program, as they help offset the cost for our students. Each ad helps to ensure that books are kept at a low price in the future. 
 
If your business is interested in purchasing a yearbook ad, please reach out to our yearbook advisor, Heidi Lenon, at [email protected]. Ads can be purchased in sizes ranging from business card size up to a full-page ad!  
Become a Substitute Teacher
Kelly Educational Services

Have you ever considered substitute teaching? Now is a great time to get started! The Missouri State Board of Education approved an alternate route to obtain a substitute certificate on August 18. If you are interested and are not yet certified, you can complete the recently-approved 20-hour online training partnership with Frontline Education.

Individuals with a valid Missouri teaching certificate who wish to substitute teach in a school district are no longer required by DESE to apply for a substitute certificate. Individuals who are interested in obtaining their Sub Certificate for the first time can visit DESE’s website to fill out an application, submit documentation, and get information for a background check: dese.mo.gov/substitute
School & Community Events
Upcoming Events
Community Events & Resources

Family Access Center of Excellence (FACE) of Boone County is here to help youth (ages 0-19) and their families connect to services that address their needs in this challenging time, including mental health, social services, parenting support, and activities at home. All of their services are free to Boone County families and youth. You can call them at 573-771-3223 or visit them online here

The Hallsville Food Pantry will take place on Tuesday, October 27 from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the Hallsville Baptist Church. Food is provided at no cost for families in need. Please contact the church at 573-696-3621 the third week of the month to set up an appointment. Dates for each month are also posted on the district’s calendar which can be found online here or on the app! 

Check out the Hallsville Farmers & Artisans Market on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Tribble Park. Shop for local fresh produce, beef, herbs, jellies, elderberry juice, bath products, and more! 

You can view all Peachjar flyers here or by individual building here.
Improve lives through learning.
Hallsville School District
421 East Highway 124
Hallsville, MO 65255

Phone: 573-696-5512
Fax: 573-696-3606
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