McDonald County R1 School District

🚴 McDonald County Students Learn Life Skills on Two Wheels in Unique Summer Biking Class ! Students in grades 7–12 are earning more than just a physical education credit this summer—they’re gaining confidence, endurance, and real-world skills through the McDonald County High School Mountain Biking Summer School class. Now in its second year, the course is one of the only programs like it in the southwest Missouri region. Ten students are enrolled this summer, taking part in both classroom instruction and hands-on training that focuses on safe, effective riding techniques. This week, KOAM-TV’s Lonny Walton visited the MCHS campus to spotlight the class in action. Students demonstrated skills including obstacle maneuvering, controlled braking, navigating curves, gear shifting on climbs, and maintaining balance and control during downhill rides. The course is designed to meet PE credit requirements while also promoting an active lifestyle, supporting mental health, and building technical skills students can carry with them long after graduation. Mountain biking teaches discipline, focus, and resilience—all while allowing students to explore the outdoors and engage in an exciting, fast-growing sport. McDonald County’s location near Northwest Arkansas—known as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World—offers students access to hundreds of miles of professional-grade trails in Bentonville and Bella Vista. These world-class resources provide a unique training ground and directly support the growth of the Mustang Mountain Biking Team, a competitive club sport offered during the regular school year. Thank you to KOAM-TV for helping share this story of innovation, movement, and Mustang pride! 📸 Watch for the full story airing soon on KOAM-TV.

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲! Summer school is heating up—in the best way possible—across McDonald County Schools! Students at all grade levels are diving into hands-on, real-world learning experiences designed to keep them engaged, challenged, and excited to learn. At Anderson Elementary, 4th and 5th graders recently combined teamwork and creativity to build houses using 3D shapes they created themselves, competing for awards like tallest, widest, and coolest design. Meanwhile, Noel Elementary students have been venturing beyond the classroom with field trips to explore caves and wildlife centers—bringing science and nature lessons to life. At McDonald County High School, students in the Driver’s Education program got a powerful lesson on the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. School Resource Officers Buck Owen and Mike Willett led the training with help from Rocky Comfort Elementary, who provided pedal cars to help simulate real-world scenarios. With two weeks still to go, summer school continues to offer meaningful learning opportunities made possible by the hard work and dedication of our incredible teachers and staff.

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐂𝐇𝐒 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 — 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥! The MCHS student-built tiny house is officially move-in ready — and now you can see the stunning interior for yourself! From the cozy double lofts to the sleek vinyl flooring, every detail was crafted by students in the McDonald County High School Carpentry Program. One of the highlights? The gorgeous trim made from the original MCHS gym bleachers — a true piece of Mustang history. 📸 A full photo gallery is now live, giving you an inside look at this one-of-a-kind home. Even better? It could be yours! The tiny house is currently up for auction, with all proceeds going straight back to the carpentry program to support hands-on learning and future builds. 🕓 Bidding ends Friday, June 20 at 4:00 PM — don’t miss your chance to own a unique home built with heart and skill. 👉 View the gallery and place your bid here: https://sites.google.com/mcdonaldr1.net/mchs-tiny-house-2025/home

Paving Projects Underway Across McDonald County Schools Bond-Funded Improvements Enhance Access and Safety for Students, Staff, and Visitors Construction crews are rolling through McDonald County Schools this summer, bringing major upgrades to parking areas and driveways across the district. On Monday, workers and heavy machinery were on site at McDonald County High School, laying fresh asphalt on the high-traffic area behind the school. This section is frequently used by buses during student pickup and drop-off, as well as by staff who park near classroom entrances. The project is part of the $21.5 million bond issue approved by voters in April 2022. That bond has already funded the construction of six storm shelters and multiple renovations across various campuses. Now, attention has turned to improving campus access and traffic flow through much-needed paving work. In addition to McDonald County High School, other schools receiving new pavement include: Anderson Elementary Pineville Elementary White Rock Elementary Southwest City Elementary Mustang Academy “This is another great step forward in making our schools safer, more accessible, and more welcoming,” said Dr. Eric Findley, Superintendent of McDonald County Schools. “We’re thankful for the support of our community in making these improvements possible.” These paving projects are designed not only to improve the appearance of school campuses but also to enhance safety and convenience for everyone who visits or works at McDonald County Schools.

The new McDonald County Junior High Weight Room at Anderson Middle School is now complete, fully equipped, and ready for student-athletes across the district. The space is designed to support strength and conditioning training, giving junior high athletes the tools they need to prepare for fall sports and stay active year-round. Coaches and maintenance crews recently unloaded and set up a wide range of equipment, including barbells, weight benches, dumbbells, kettlebells, weighted exercise balls, and other strength-training tools—even during a rainy day. The weight room is already in use this summer as athletes work on building endurance, strength, and overall fitness. In addition to its use as a training facility, the weight room also serves as Anderson Middle School’s storm shelter. Built to meet safety standards for severe weather, the space provides protection for students and staff during emergencies. This multi-purpose function ensures that the facility supports both physical development and safety. The new weight room was part of the $21.5 million bond issue approved by McDonald County voters in 2022. The bond is funding several important projects across the district, including building upgrades, safety enhancements, and other improvements. The completion of this facility represents another step forward in providing high-quality spaces that support student success in and out of the classroom. “We are incredibly thankful to our community for supporting these improvements,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Findley. “Facilities like this not only promote student health and athletic development, but also ensure safety during emergencies. It’s a perfect example of how smart investment benefits everyone.” More improvements funded by the bond are underway throughout the district, with additional updates to be shared in the coming months.

McDonald County students returned to classrooms—and even the great outdoors—on Monday as the district officially launched its 2025 summer school session. From athletics to science and problem-solving, students across grade levels began their summer learning adventures with hands-on activities designed to keep their minds and bodies active. Junior high student-athletes from across the district gathered for the first time this summer at Anderson Middle School to begin strength training and conditioning. Coaches led students through weight training exercises and conditioning skills to help prepare them for the upcoming school year’s sports seasons. It was a strong start for teams building not only physical fitness but also teamwork and discipline. Meanwhile, science came alive in the fresh air as students in the outdoor summer science class used their surroundings as a living laboratory. With sketchbooks in hand, they observed nature and created scientific drawings, blending creativity with critical thinking as they explored local ecosystems. In the classroom, students like those at Anderson Elementary turned their focus to biology and logic. Young learners studied the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates, sparking excitement about the animal kingdom. Later, they shifted gears to tackle problem-solving challenges using puzzles, boosting their reasoning and collaboration skills. McDonald County’s summer school program offers a unique opportunity for students to stay engaged, active, and connected through June 27. Whether they’re lifting weights, sketching wildlife, or solving puzzles, students are embracing every opportunity to learn and grow—even in the summer.

🎉✨ A Historic Day for McDonald County Schools! ✨🎉 McDonald County Schools celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Anderson Elementary Storm Shelter, completing the district’s initiative to provide storm shelters at every campus. 🏫🌪️ The project, funded by a $21.5 million bond issue approved by voters in 2022, includes six new storm shelters at: 🏠 White Rock Elementary 🏠 Rocky Comfort Elementary 🏠 Noel Elementary 🏠 Pineville Primary 🏠 Anderson Middle School 🏠 Anderson Elementary The project also added student services offices at Pineville Primary, new classrooms at Southwest City Elementary, White Rock Elementary, and Anderson Middle School. The event was filled with school spirit, featuring performances by the high school band, cheerleaders, and pom team. 🥁📣✨ School board members, community leaders, and hundreds of students attended the ceremony, where school leaders officially cut the ribbon. Missouri’s Commissioner of Education, Dr. Carla Eslinger, joined the celebration, highlighting the importance of providing safety and security for students, giving families peace of mind and helping students focus on learning. This milestone represents the district’s dedication to student safety and academic success. 💪📚 Just another example of how McDonald County Schools make a difference in the lives of every child, every day, whatever it takes! ❤️🖤

📣 Heads up, McDonald County! ❌ There will be no school on Monday, January 6. 👩‍🏫 Teacher Work Day is happening, so students will have the day off. 📅 Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 7. #TeacherWorkDay #NoSchool #EveryChildEveryDay

🎆 Here's to a GREAT 2025, McDonald County! 🎇 Wishing our students, families, and staff a year filled with success, happiness, and growth. Let's make it our best year yet! ❤️ #HappyNewYear #2025 #EveryChildEveryDay

🎉✨ The countdown to a new year is on, McDonald County! ✨🎉 Just a quick reminder about this week's schedule: 🗓️ Wednesday, January 1: New Year's Day 🎆 – No School! 🗓️ Thursday, January 2: Back to School! 🏫✏️ 🗓️ Friday, January 3: School in Session! 🍎📚 We can't wait to see everyone back in class starting Thursday! Let’s kick off 2025 with an amazing start! 🚀💥 #MCR1Strong #WelcomeBack 🎉

🎉 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬! 🎉 The McDonald County Schools team kicked off the school year in style today! 🥳 Teachers started the day with a hearty breakfast and uplifting conversations, cheered on by the MC Pom Team, cheerleaders, student athletes, and the spirited marching band. 🎶 New teachers and staff were warmly welcomed into the McDonald County School family, and everyone was inspired to reflect on what makes them smile. 😄 With just two days left to prepare, teachers are getting ready to fill their classrooms with those smiles. The first day of classes for students is Monday, August 19th—let's make this year one to remember! 📚✨

🌊🚀 Ahoy, future engineers and scientists! 🚀🌊 Our amazing Summer School STEM class at McDonald County High School is taking on the ultimate challenge: building boats out of cardboard and duct tape! 🛶✨ These young innovators will soon put their creations to the test at the Neosho YMCA pool to see if they sink or float with at least one brave sailor on board. 🏊‍♂️🏆 This hands-on project is not just about having fun on the water—students are diving deep into the principles of science and engineering! They’re learning about: 🔬 Buoyancy: What makes things float or sink? 🛠️ Structural Integrity: How strong can a cardboard boat really be? 📏 Design and Testing: The importance of planning, prototyping, and refining. We can't wait to see the creativity and ingenuity our students bring to life! Stay tuned for updates and cheer them on as they set sail! 🌟🚢

🚧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 🚧 Exciting changes are happening at Pineville Elementary School! 🏫 Crews are hard at work expanding the office area and front entrance. The front brick has been removed, and dirt work is in full swing to prepare for the new space. This remodel will give our front office and nurse's area more room to accommodate visitors and provide better care for our students. 🏥 This expansion is part of the $21.5 million bond issue passed by voters in 2022. 🗳️💰 But that's not all! Across the district, we're also: 🔹 Building storm shelters for safety ⛑️ 🔹 Adding new classrooms for more learning space 📚 🔹 Expanding office areas for our special education department 🏢 Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to improve our schools for the future! 🚀 #McDonaldCountySD #PinevilleElementary #SchoolConstruction #BuildingOurFuture #CommunityFirst #EducationMatters 🧱🏫🚧🧱🏫🚧

🌞📚 "𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫!" 📏🌟 Our amazing 4th and 5th graders at Southwest City Elementary are inching their way into some exciting academic lessons that are both fun and educational during summer school. In this week's lesson, students are mastering the art of measurement. Using rulers, they are measuring everyday classroom items like pencils, crayon boxes, and glue bottles. 🖍️📏✏️ They then record their findings on a worksheet, practicing their math and observation skills. Why is this important? 🧠 Critical Thinking: Measuring and recording data helps students develop analytical skills. 🔢 Math Skills: They get hands-on experience with units of measurement and number sense. ✍️ Attention to Detail: Accuracy is key, teaching them to pay close attention to the world around them. 💡 Practical Application: These are real-world skills they'll use throughout their lives! We're so proud of our students and the hard work they're putting in this summer. Keep up the awesome work, future scholars! 🎉👏 #SummerSchoolRocks #LearningInAction #McDonaldCountySchools #FutureScholars #HandsOnLearning #MathMagic #EducationMatters #SouthwestCityElementary 📚✨

🎓 Introducing the 2024 McDonald County High School Graduation Guide! 🎓 Attention graduating seniors, proud parents, and guests, We are delighted to announce the eagerly awaited commencement of the 2024 McDonald County High School graduation ceremonies! This year's celebrations promise to be unforgettable as we honor the remarkable achievements of our graduating class. 📅 Save the Date: Friday, May 10, 2024 Baccalaureate Ceremonies: Mark your calendars for a momentous occasion on Friday, May 10, at 5:30 PM. Join us for a solemn and reflective gathering as we celebrate the spiritual journey of our graduates. Graduation Ceremonies: The grand finale will take place after the Baccalaureate, at 7:00 PM, at Mustang Stadium. Prepare for an evening filled with pride, joy, and memorable milestones. 🎓 What to Expect: Location: Both ceremonies will be held at Mustang Stadium, providing ample space for all attendees to comfortably witness this monumental occasion. Guidelines: Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Please adhere to the guidelines outlined to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. 📝 Graduation Guide: For any questions or clarifications, we have prepared a Graduation Guide, featuring information about the ceremonies, protocols, and more. Let's come together to celebrate the achievements, aspirations, and bright futures of the McDonald County High School Class of 2024!

🚨REMINDER🚨 Don't forget! 🗓 Monday (2/19) was previously scheduled as a day off, but students and staff will be in school to make up for a snow day! ❄️ Let's make the most of it! 💪 👀 See you all bright and early! 🌟

🚫❄️Important announcement from the McDonald County School District: ⚠️ Due to dangerous driving conditions caused by winter weather, all McDonald County Schools will be closed on Monday, February 12.🧊 💻 This will NOT be an AMI day. No AMI work is expected today. 📚 Stay safe, McDonald County! 🔥❄️

👏 How about a round of applause for a teacher who’s a cut above? 💇‍♀️ ✂️🌟 🎉🌟 We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Lindsey Cartwright, Second-grade teacher at Noel Primary School, has been named the McDonald County Schools Teacher of the Month for February! 🌟🎉 🍎 Mrs. Cartwright's incredible dedication to her students and her heartwarming act of kindness truly embodies the spirit of excellence we cherish in our district. Her principal, Denisa Douthit, beautifully captured her impact: "Mrs. Cartwright is such a natural born teacher... She has made a point to form connections with not only her students but their families as well." 🏫💖 💇‍♀️ Douthit says Mrs. Cartwright - a former hairstylist - noticed one of her students feeling self-conscious due to his appearance. Without hesitation, she offered to give him a haircut, bringing smiles and confidence to the student and his family. This act of kindness exemplifies Mrs. Cartwright's compassion and dedication to her students' well-being. 🌈✂️ Mrs. Cartwright was recently surprised in her classroom with flowers, gifts, and heartfelt congratulations from McDonald County School leaders! 🌸🎁✨ A huge thank you to our sponsor, Veregy LLC., for their generous support in recognizing Mrs. Cartwright's outstanding contributions to our school community! 🙌🏼🎊 🌟 Join us in celebrating Mrs. Cartwright's outstanding achievement and the positive impact she makes on every child, every day, whatever it takes! 🎉👏

🚫❄️Important announcement from the McDonald County School District: ⚠️ Many back roads across the county continue to be ice-covered, slick, and dangerous for our buses to travel. Therefore, all McDonald County Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 23.🧊 💻 This will NOT be an AMI day. No AMI work is expected today. 📚 Stay safe, McDonald County! 🔥❄️

🚫❄️Important announcement from the McDonald County School District: ⚠️ Many roads across the county are slick and hazardous due to freezing rain. Therefore, all McDonald County Schools will be closed on Monday, January 22.🧊 💻 This will be an AMI day. Students, follow the AMI Day 5 instructions given by their teachers. 📚 Stay safe and stay warm! 🔥❄️ #McDonaldCountySchools #WinterWeather #SchoolClosing #AMIDay5 #StaySafeStayWarm