🚴 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.
AES School of Rock Spring Concert
🚨 Attention AES Families! 🚨
As we prepare our Title I Plan for the 2025-2026 school year, we need your valuable feedback! 📋 Your input helps us better serve our students and improve our school community.
🔗 Please take a few moments to complete our survey. Your voice matters and makes a difference in planning for the future!
💡 Thank you for your help!
https://forms.gle/eqUj5mxkNkH32wLT9
❄️ Winter Weather Update! ❄️
📢 All McDonald County Schools will be CLOSED on Wednesday, February 19 due to dangerous road conditions. 🚗⚠️
This will be AMI Day 4—students, be sure to check in for assignments! 📚💻
Stay safe & stay warm! ❤️
🚨 School Closure Announcement 🚨
Due to hazardous road conditions caused by winter weather, all McDonald County Schools will be closed Wednesday, February 12.
This will be AMI Day #2 — students should follow the AMI instructions provided by their teachers.
❄️ Stay safe, stay warm
🎉✨ 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
Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest
🎉 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! 📚✨
Our annual Title 1 meeting will be held in the gym before open house.
Open House!
Come join us and we cover school wide Title I data and programs. We will be updating our plan for the 24-25 school year and look forward to having your input. Wednesday, March 20th @3:30pm in the library.
Attention AES Families! We need your feedback as we prepare our Title I Plan for the 24-25 school year. Thank you for your help!
https://forms.gle/MyoTXDtL2ACwwCYr9
🚨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! 🔥❄️
