Mr. P Proclaims
Wow, what a way to start a school year. I thought that the district had had enough excitement this summer with all the construction. This is not the first time I have been wrong, but a fire! Since the fire, I have told people that I would never wish a fire on my worst enemy; however, if one has to have a fire I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. First, it was not during the school day; therefore, no children were in danger of getting hurt. Second, it was not during a teacher workday; therefore, no staff members were hurt. Third, fire fighters were not hurt putting out the fire. Fourth, the fire damage was basically contained to the electrical room downstairs. Finally, the things destroyed in the fire can and will be replaced by our insurance company. Within two weeks of the fire, the downstairs was ready for use.
Two years ago the patrons of the Community R-VI School District voted for a bond issue to make necessary repairs and renovations to the school buildings. The renovations are almost complete. There are still some little things to complete such as trim on the lockers. When you drive by the school, you will notice the new brickwork on the high school or the enclosed hallway between the Vo Ag building and the high school. Some of the renovations that you may not notice from the road are new windows have been installed, the roof replaced, new lighting in the classrooms and new lockers in the middle and high school. The changes have definitely brightened up the interior of the building. The students have made several positive comments about the changes in the building. If you have the opportunity, stop by and see the changes.
I am excited and delighted to be serving as the Community R-VI District’s superintendent. I am pleased to have Steven Wolf and Natalie Gibson as part of my administrative team and feel fortunate to be working with some of the best educators, staff and Board of Education members in Missouri. These individuals truly care about students and making the educational program at Community R-VI second to none. Again this year, there are some new staff members; I encourage you to read about them in this issue.
Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, each state is required to assess all school districts to determine if each district has made adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward meeting the academic testing standards and additional measures set by the state. Based on the results of this year’s academic testing, the Community R-VI School District did not make adequate yearly progress and is considered “in need of improvement”. The good news is Community R-VI made tremendous gains in the achievement. The changes we have made in the last couple years are beginning to show results. The achievement levels of our students are going in the right direction, we have to continue to move forward. The Community R-VI School District has challenges ahead. However, with the support of the parents/patrons and hard work on the part of the staff and students we can and will overcome any obstacle we face.
New Faces at CR6
With every new school year, there is usually a few new faces. This year is no exception. The District welcomes 9 new teachers and 2 staff members who made a change in position.
Darla Deimeke is the new Art teacher. Mrs. Deimeke has been teaching for 18 years. Prior to working for R-VI, Mrs. Deimeke was a supervisor and substitute teacher. Mrs. Deimeke likes gardening, sewing, and painting. In addition, Mrs. Deimeke declares herself a HGTV Junkie.
Christy Dry is the new Elementary Secretary. She used to work for the United States Postal Service. Christy likes to read, travel, and shop for antiques. Christy says one thing that is unique about her is that she loves riding Harleys.
DeAnn Gould is the new Secretary to the Superintendent and Board of Education. DeAnn has 16 years of secretarial experience and a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri. Prior to returning to R-VI, DeAnn was a tax office manager and an administrative assistant. DeAnn loves to play the piano, read, watch Lifetime movies, and spend time with her family.
The new Elementary Special Education teacher is Darla Haines. Mrs. Haines has 15 years of teaching experience. She was a stay-at-home mom of two sons—Jake, age 6, and Nick, age 3. According to Mrs. Haines, she doesn’t have much free time but she does like to quilt, bake, read, and deer hunt.
Kim Hart is in her fifth year of teaching. She is the new 6th Grade Reading and Spanish I and II teacher. Ms. Hart comes to us from Holden, Missouri where she was the Spanish and At Risk—Target Teacher at Holden Middle and High Schools. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, crafts, cake decorating, cooking, and cultural activities. Ms. Hart said Roy Rogers used to tell her stories at her Grandmother’s café in El Mirage, California.
Kate Krattli comes to the district as a first year Middle School Language Arts teacher. In May 2009, Ms. Krattli graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia. She did her student teaching at Montgomery County R-II. Ms. Krattli say her hobbies include trout fishing, refinishing furniture, reading, and going for walks. Ms. Krattli noted that she has been whitewater rafting three times.
Melisha McCoskey is the new Middle and High School Course Recovery, Option, and In School Suspension (ISS) teacher. She has taught three years, prior to coming to R-VI. Mrs. McCoskey has taught English and even home schooled her children. She likes to sew, write, and be with her children. In addition, Mrs. McCoskey has published a book of church skits.
The new Elementary and Middle School Counselor is Patti Pazdera. Mrs. Pazdera comes from Wentzville, Missouri where she was the Middle School Counselor at Wentzville South Middle School. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, reading, and crocheting. Mrs. Pazdera stated her first job was at the age of 14 when she worked at KVCM/KMCR in Montgomery City. She was a radio announcer on the weekends and after school in the evenings. Mrs. Pazdera brings 12 years of teaching experience to our district.
Matthew Wessel, new Middle School Math, Science, and Computer Aided Drafting/Design (CAD) Exploratory teacher, is in his first year of teaching. Prior to teaching at R-VI, Mr. Wessel was a full-time student. In December 2008, Mr. Wessel graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Missouri — St. Louis with a degree in middle school education with an emphasis in math and science. Additionally, Mr. Wessel was a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist for nine years. He reports two of his hobbies are model railroading and photography. Mr. Wessel is originally from Leominster, Massachusetts on the East Coast.
Although Julie Hunt is not a new face, she has a new assignment. Ms. Hunt is the 5th Grade Math and Enrichment teacher. She has 10 years of teaching experience. Ms. Hunt comes to us from Brownstown, Illinois where she was a 5th Grade teacher at Brownstown Elementary. Her hobbies include horses, camping, canoeing, and swimming. She likes to go camping with her horse. Ms. Hunt says when she was a kid, she did not like school.
Mary Thomas is the new Interactive Television (ITV) DC Aide position. Prior to working for R-VI, Mrs. Thomas was a support coordinator for developmentally disabled children, specializing in dual diagnosis at Boone County Family Resources. Her hobbies include reading, counted cross stitch, crocheting, crafts, sewing, collecting angels (300+), managing the library at First Baptist Church (FBC) Vandalia, and teaching 1st and 2nd grade Sunday School at FBC. Mrs. Thomas has played the piano and organ for various churches since she was 12 years old. Currently, she plays for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vandalia.
Project Prom
We will be holding an after prom party on May 8, 20010 at the YMCA in Mexico. This will be a non-alcohol, non-drug event for our student that attend prom. Food, prizes, and activities will be provided. Letters have been sent out to area businesses asking for donations. If you have a high school student, please send your e-mail address to willson@cr6.net. We will hold our next meeting on October 26, after the junior high basketball games. We need everyon's help to make this a success.
Thanks, Bonnie Wilson, Chairperson for Project Prom
A Rockin' Good Year
Each month, the elementary celebrates their accomplishemnt at an assembly. Much of this time is spent recognizing their succes in School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports. Classes are honored by the specials teachers for Classes of the Month. The classes are given a "record" to hang in the Hall of Fame in the elementary hallway. The students are given certificates if their ticket is chosen for being safe, respectful, or responsible while at school. People from all areas of the school can recognize a child for showing one of the big three characteristics. These students picture is taken and posted i local newspapers. The elementary also recognized a staff member as the "Chart Topoper". Staff members can compliment each other on a daily basis with a note that is posted in the workroom. One not is then chosen and that individul gets to hang a blow-up guitar outside of their door for the month. Their picture is also published in the local newspapers. The elementary has started the year strong and hopes to continue to have a "rockin" year!
We’re on the web!
Www.cr6.net
Home of the Trojans.
Dates to Remember
August 13 New Teacher Workshop
August 24-25 All Staff Workshop
August 26 Classes Begin
September 4 PDC Early Release 12:30 p.m.
September 7 Labor Day-No School
October 16 PDC Early Release 12:30 p.m.
October 21-22 Parent Teacher Conferences
3:30 p.m.— 7:30 p.m.
October 22 End 1st Quarter
October 23 No School
November 19 PDC Early Release 12:30 p.m.
November 25 Early Release 12:30 p.m.
November 26-27 Thanksgiving Break
December 11 PDC Early Release 12:30 p.m.
December 16-22 Final Exams
December 22 End 1st Semester
December 22 Early Release 12:30 p.m.
December 23 Begin Christmas Break
January 4 Classes Resume
January 15 PDC Early Release 12:30 p.m.
January 18 M.L. King Birthday-No School
February 10-11 Parent Teacher Conferences
3:30 p.m.— 7:30 p.m.
February 12 No School
February 15 President’s Day-No School
February 26 PDC Early Release 12:30 p.m.
March 12 End 3rd Quarter
March 19 PDC Early Release 12:30 p.m.
March 31 Spring Break Begins
April 6 Classes Resume
April 30 PDC Early Release 12:30 p.m. May 11-14 Senior Finals
May Baccalaureate
May Commencement
May 17-20 Final Exams
May 21 Last Day Dismiss 12:30 p.m.
May 24 Teacher Workday
June 1-28 Summer School
Make-up Days
January 18**
February 15**
February 12**
March 31**
May 24
May 25
** If not needed as a make-up day, there will be no school.
2 Pre School Workshops
4 Holidays
176 Student Attendance Days
Contract Days
179 Actual Work Day