Tuesday, December 14, 2021
School Calendar
Dates to Remember

Wednesday, December 15: Board of Education Meeting
Wednesday, December 22: Dismissal at 12:30 p.m.  
Thursday, December 23 - Monday, January 3: Winter Break
Tuesday, January 4: No School, Faculty PLC Day
Wednesday, January 5: School Resumes, Beginning of Second Semester
Monday, January 17: No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Superintendent Update
Winter Message

Hallsville Families,

With each holiday season comes the opportunity for us to consider the previous calendar year, reflect on what we have learned, and give thanks for our many blessings. This year, these seem more important than ever before.

Despite the unprecedented challenges of the past two years, we are thankful for the important role we play in serving the children of Hallsville. Although academic recovery from interrupted learning is rarely like flipping a switch, our students are demonstrating steady growth in response to the focused efforts led by our wonderful teachers, principals, and other instructional staff. 

Our enrollment continues to climb, which is a testament to the reputation of our school district and its impact on the growth of our community. And excitement is beginning to stir regarding our next campus expansion, as the district recently held its third community forum to plan our upcoming construction project to initiate the phased replacement of our aging middle school building. There is much for us to celebrate.

Thank you for entrusting the education and growth of your children to our schools. The students, their learning, and their health motivate us to do our best each day. Our teachers, administrators, and staff will continue to strive to provide our students with the tools and encouragement they need to experience success, both in school and beyond.

All the best to you as we head into the new year. Thanks for your unwavering support of both students and staff during these challenging days. I hope each of you are blessed with joy and tranquility during this holiday season.

Sincerely,
John Downs
Superintendent of Schools
Community Forum #3
Focusing on the Future

The Board of Education held its third community forum on Monday, December 1. Updated Architectural and Engineering drawings were presented, as well as an updated cost estimate. The middle school drawings showed a phased approach with phase 1 being the addition of an east wing of classrooms, with the option to add a second floor at a later date, as well as future phases for replacing current wings.  

The master plan document shows the relocation of the track to the current location of the football field. After the special session board meeting, the board asked Klingner to provide additional information on the possibility of relocating the football field and track to the high school.  

You can find updated conceptual drawings and cost estimates at the link here: https://www.hallsville.org/our_district/bond_construction 
The goal of the community forums is to hear from district leaders and Board of Education members on a potential no tax-rate increase bond for the April 2022 ballot and seek community feedback on identified campus facility needs. Mr. Downs recommends the Board develop ballot language during the regular December meeting in advance of the January deadline. 
Enjoy your winter break!
Dismissal on Dec 22 at 12:30 p.m.
 
School will dismiss for winter break on Wednesday, December 22 at 12:30 p.m. School resumes for students on Wednesday, January 5. 
 
The full district calendar is available on our website and through the free school app. Download the free Hallsville Schools' app available in the Google Play and the iTunes App Store .
Winter Weather
Preparing for the Season

As nice as December has been, winter weather is right around the corner! There are several ways Hallsville notifies the community of weather-related 2 hour delayed starts, cancellations, closings, or early dismissals. Whatever decision is made, it is made based on the best information available and in the best interest and safety of our students and staff. With this in mind, we encourage you to create a plan for your family in the event of a school 2-hour delay, cancellation, or early dismissal.

Hallsville App Notifications: Probably the most convenient way for a parent or community member to receive school cancellation information is by downloading the free Hallsville R-IV app from the Google Play or iTunes store. This way, when the school message is sent out, you don't have to answer a phone call or check a voicemail because the notification pops up right on your phone. Be sure that you set your personal phone notifications to recognize when a message is sent. 

Automated Calling & Email System: We use our School Messenger automated system to make calls and send emails using phone numbers and email addresses in our student information system. If you need to update your information, please contact the building level secretaries. 

Social Media: We will post to our Facebook and Instagram as soon as the calling and app notifications have been sent. 

Local Media: Look for notifications on local stations: channel 8 KOMU-TV, channel 17 KMIZ-TV, channel 13 KRCGTV, and radio outlets: KFRU AM, KCLR/Y107 FM, KWWR, KRES.

More information on a 2-hour delayed start option and winter weather questions can be found on our website.
Ugly Sweater
Holiday Dress Up Days
Show your holiday spirit! 

Students and staff are encouraged to show their holiday spirit with building-level dress-up days! 

Hallsville Primary School
Wednesday, 12/15:
Holiday Hats

Thursday, 12/16:
Christmas Sweaters

Friday, 12/17:
Hallsville Purple & Gold Spirit Day

Monday, 12/20:
Wear your green and red! 

Tuesday, 12/21:
Polar Express Day, Wear your PJs

Wednesday, 12/22: 
Holiday Shirts (made at school!)
Hallsville Intermediate School
Wednesday, 12/15:
Holiday Hats! 
Thursday, 12/16:
Christmas Sweaters

Friday, 12/17:
Hallsville Purple & Gold Spirit Day

Monday, 12/20:
Wear your green and red! 

Tuesday, 12/21:
PJ Day

Wednesday, 12/22: 
Holiday Shirts
Hallsville Middle School
Wednesday, 12/15:
Dress as a holiday character

Thursday, 12/16:
Ugly Sweater Day

Friday, 12/17:
Holiday Hat Day
Hallsville High School
Wednesday, 12/15:
Christmas Socks

Thursday, 12/16:
Ugly/Holiday Sweater Day

Friday, 12/17:
Santa vs. Grinch
School Board Filing
Interested in serving on the board? 

Are you interested in running for a seat on the Hallsville School District Board of Education? The Hallsville R-IV School District encourages qualified persons interested in running for a position on the School Board to file to be a candidate in the April 5, 2022 election. Interested persons may file at the superintendent’s office located at 421 E. Highway 124, Hallsville, Missouri. For more information contact Nan Berkbuegler, Board Secretary, at 573-696-5512 ext. 1351. More information on the qualifications and duties of a school board member can be found on the district website here
Board of Education 
November Highlights

Below are highlights of items discussed during the open session of the Wednesday, November 17 Board of Education meeting. The full agenda and highlights can be found on the district website. The next regular session meeting is Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hallsville Primary School cafeteria. 

RECOGNITIONS
Ada Tharp, Pam Scott, and Nan Berkbuegler were recognized after the district audit for the work and processes they have implemented in Central Office. 

Michelle Threlkeld, Dianna Orr, Gabe Halicks, Justin Miller, and Kari Yeagy were recognized for the support they have provided to the Activities Department. 

2021-2021 DISTRICT AUDIT
The auditor presented their end of year annual report findings for June 30. The district had the best reading attainable. Previous year reports resulted in a deficiency regarding segregation of duties over financial reporting. However, this deficiency was removed this year due to new procedures implemented with Central Office. 

BOARD CANDIDACY FILING
The board approved candidate filing for the Board of Education. Filing opened December 7, 2021, at 8:00 AM and will close December 28, 2021, at 5:00 PM. The two terms expiring April 2022 are Rebecca Hoskins and Bryan Wildenhain. Both are three-year terms.

SUPPLEMENTAL PAY FOR COVERAGE AND INTERPRETERS
The board approved an updated schedule of supplement pay and rates of pay will continue until modified by the Board of Education. The updated schedule includes pay for interpreter services, coverage during lunch, and classroom coverage during scheduled conference and plan time.  
With each program evaluation, strengths, concerns, and future recommendations are reviewed. Regarding the Curriculum and Assessment Program evaluation, the district intends to move forward with posting the Assistant Superintendent vacancy at the beginning of the year. This position is critical to continued success in the realization of our strategic improvement initiatives related to increased student learning. 

TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION
The district continues to move forward with our 1:1 initiative. The supplemental purchase of student devices was approved in December, however, devices are still two to nine weeks out for shipment. The expansion of the wireless network approved in April is the greatest remaining challenge for 1:1 initiative completion. 144 wireless access points remain back ordered, with no estimated shipping date.    

HHS BUILDING IMPROVEMENT PLAN 
The high school staff has been reviewing the building improvement plan relating to missing assignments and failed courses. HHS has exceeded its three-year goals and has updated its goals for the next three years. You can see the updated goals here

NEW TEACHER COHORT MEETINGS
One goal of the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) is to provide a student-focused climate and excellent staff as a means to student success. One strategy to support this goal is the continued implementation of New Teacher Cohort Meetings. The primary school’s focus of their monthly meetings includes discussing NEE indicators, classroom management, effective teaching strategies, and more. Building-level teacher leaders have also played an integral role in co-leading these meetings. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION REFERRAL DATA
Special Services is seeing an increase in referrals for special education. This trend is not isolated to our district but seen across the state. Over the past two years, the education system has been impacted by the pandemic with school closures, virtual instruction, and interrupted student instruction, all of which have affected student learning and progress. The district’s focus continues to be on addressing student learning loss through high-quality instruction and support through classroom intervention models. 

DONATION OF MEMORIAL BENCH
The board approved Hallsville High School Class of 1980 donation of funds totaling nearly $1,180 to the middle school, designated for the purchase of a bench in memory of Hallsville teacher Kathi Worden. The installed bench would be located in front of the middle school building. A plaque attached to the bench would read, "In Memory of Kathi Worden / Class of 1980". The bench would be purchased and installed by district personnel.
School & Community Events
Be Involved
Hallsville Youth Opportunities & Events

Hallsville High School Cheer is hosting their annual cheer clinic for boys and girls in grades kindergarten through 6th grade! The clinic is Saturday, January 8, and students must be registered by Wednesday, December 22 to receive a t-shirt! You can print out a registration form by clicking the link above and sending in payment to your child’s building. 
Upcoming Events
Community Events & Resources

Hallsville G0-Getters 4-H Christmas Event
The second annual Hallsville Go-Getters 4-H Christmas event is this Saturday, December 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Hallsville Fairgrounds. Breakfast and pictures with Santa will be available from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. In addition, there will be games and activities and a vendor fair.  

The City of Hallsville is hosting their annual food drive on Saturday, December 18. Families that are in need of assistance, can sign up over the phone or inside City Hall. Delivery is also available! Please call City Hall at 573-696-3885 for more information! 
All events listed above can be viewed on Peachjar by clicking the purple event title. You can view all Peachjar flyers here or by individual building here.

If you would like your community event or student club posted on Peachjar and on the ENews, please email [email protected].
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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