School

Electric co-op youth program means education, fun
Mallory Kelly, of Wheaton High School, was among the 85 students from across Missouri who participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative CYCLE (Cooperative Youth Conference and Leadership Experience) program. The conference was held July 16-19, 2024 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Jefferson City.

Southwest grad gets rootEd scholarship
Jordan Long, of Washburn, a 2024 Southwest High School graduate, was recently named as a recipient of the rootEd Undergraduate Scholarship. The root-Ed Undergraduate Scholarship offers students attending a 4-year University up to $12,000 a year for five years.

Rivalries rekindled by Big 8 restructure
The Cassville football team will rekindle Big 8 rivalries of yesteryear in its new schedule this season, which features a contest against each conference foe and one non-conference bout. Clay Weldy, Cassville football coach, said he's excited to play a Big 8 Conference slate consisting of Cassville, Aurora, East Newton, Lamar, Nevada, McDonald County, Monett, Mt.

Exeter trap team takes conference
The Exeter High School trap team just finished the spring season and attended the Missouri State High School Clay Target League State event in Linn Creek. Team members include: Tanner Raney, Jeremiah Reed, Tristan Voyles, Star Xiong, Lily Stevenson, Trinity Atkinson, Brexton Bowman, Briley Hargus, Rain Xiong, Jacob Stevenson and Cooper Caddell. The team took first place in the conference. Individual awards for the boys went to Voyles, 4th place, and Raney 8th place. Individual awards for the girls went to Star Xiong, 1st place; Stevenson, 3rd place; and Atkinson, 10th place. Also receiving awards for shooting a perfect 25 targets without a miss were Raney, Reed and Voyles.

Michelle Hilburn: Realizing the importance of science of reading strategies
As I enter my 19th year in education, I have experienced a number of shifts in the profession which include new strategies, new requirements, and new evidence to study. The most recent literacy education approach adapts learning strategies to align to the science of reading.
Community painting Portrait of a Graduate
Program aims to improve student outcomes in schools A collaborative effort between five Barry County school districts is attempting to improve student outcomes, and the project is asking for the community’s help. Traci Mitchell, Cassville assistant superintendent, said the Portrait of a Graduate (POG) work, which ties to district improvement plans and has been shown to improve student outcomes, reflects the county’s agreed upon competencies necessary for students to be effective and successful mem- bers of the community.

A sight to be ‘scene’
Northbound drivers on Main Street in Cassville have a new scene to sight as they travel into downtown Cassville. The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the completion of a vibrant new mural that now adorns the south side of the Cassville Democrat building.

Merlyn Johnson: Unsung heroes at Cassville schools
During the summer months, we celebrate the accomplishments of another successful year while simultaneously beginning to prepare for the next school year. Before we completely close-out this school year, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the hardworking and dedicated members of our transportation, maintenance, custodial, and food service departments for supporting all of our district accomplishments over the past 12 months.

Home school co-op celebrates first semester
The SHINE Ozarks Co-op held its open house and end of semester celebration on May 21st. The group, comprised of mainly Barry County residents, has 25 families enrolled and held its first semester in the spring. Five local homeschool mothers started the co-op to give families the opportunity for community while homeschooling. The group thanks First Baptist Church in Cassville and Washburn First Baptist Church for facility use. Interested families can find the co-op on Facebook at SHINE Ozarks Co-op Information or email ShineOzarks@gmail.com.

Summer school soaked in fun
From left, Samantha Adams, Laura Horton, Sianna Vargas Revolorio and Jeremiah Blankenship jump in the pool together during pool day at Cassville Summer School on Friday.