The Board of Education and staff at Cassville R-IV are excited about the upcoming academic year that is already filled with optimism, energy and opportunity.

The theme for all schools across Missouri this year is “What We Do Matters.” This theme reflects our shared belief that each moment is a chance to learn, grow, connect and move forward together.

One of the most meaningful areas of focus this year will be our continued work on our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). This process is vital to shaping the future of our district. Updated in collaboration with our staff, families, and community stakeholders last spring, the CSIP serves as our roadmap for improvement, growth and success. It represents our commitment to academic excellence, student well-being and the collective pursuit of educational innovation.

Aligned with our CSIP is the Barry County “Portrait of a Graduate” initiative, which outlines the essential skills and attributes every Cassville graduate should possess — such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration and resilience. These guiding principles support our mission to ensure students are not only career- and college-ready, but also equipped to thrive in life beyond our classrooms.

School safety remains a top priority in the Cassville R-IV School District. We continue to review, upgrade and implement safety protocols and facility enhancements to ensure a secure learning environment for all students and staff. Our partnerships with local law enforcement and first responders remain strong, and we are grateful for their ongoing support and collaboration.

We will also be implementing Senate Bill 68 this year, which prohibits student access to cell phones during the school day. This state legislation supports our belief in minimizing distractions, improving student focus and fostering stronger social interactions. More specific guidelines will be provided by building administrators.

Throughout the summer, our maintenance and custodial teams have been hard at work improving facilities across the district to enhance the educational experience for students and staff. Here are just a few of the projects this summer:

• The Wild C Farm project continues to progress, offering authentic agricultural learning opportunities and strengthening our FFA and vocational programming.

• Construction on the new soccer press box and storage facility was completed and will provide greater functionality for both athletes and spectators.

• A new digital marquee was installed near the Central Office building to help communicate important events and celebrations with our community.

• Additionally, the former band room has been transformed into a fully equipped weight room, now available to support student-athletes and physical education classes throughout the day.

We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our Cassville community. Over the years, our local businesses, banks and civic organizations have consistently partnered with our schools to enrich the student experience and strengthen our programs. Whether through sponsorships, mentorship, donations or volunteerism, this generous support plays a vital role in helping our students succeed.

We value these strong community relationships and look forward to deepening our connections in the years to come.

As we enter the new school year, we are committed to nurturing a positive district culture and promoting growth through effective instructional practices and meaningful extracurricular programs. These efforts reflect our belief that success is built on strong relationships, high expectations in our mission to engage and inspire a community of learners for success in life.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Cassville R-IV family. Your support, involvement and commitment are critical to our collective success. Let’s make this an outstanding year, together.

Merlyn Johnson is the superintendent of the Cassville school district. He may be reached at mjohnson@cassville.k12. mo.us.