McDonald County High School Homecoming 2025
The excitement is building at Mustang Stadium as McDonald County High School prepares for Homecoming 2025! Students, staff, and community members are gearing up for a night full of tradition, spirit, and Mustang Pride.
This week, the band, JROTC, cheerleaders, MC Pom members, and Homecoming Court practiced on the field, perfecting every step, formation, and entrance. From marching notes to big smiles, the team is ready to put on a show under the stadium lights.
Homecoming Festivities โ Friday, September 25:
6:30 pm: Queen Coronation Ceremony
7:00 pm: Football Kickoff โ Mustangs vs. Monett Cubs
Homecoming isnโt just a gameโitโs a celebration of our students, our community, and the traditions that make McDonald County Schools special. Come out, cheer loud, and make this a night to remember!
6 days ago, McDonald R-1 School District
McDonald County Schools Improvement Plan
At McDonald County Schools, we believe in continuous growth and collaboration. Recently, teachers, administrators, and community members met to review our districtโs overall improvement plan. Together, we celebrated the progress weโve made, identified areas for growth, and shared ideas to keep moving forward.
We are grateful for the time, effort, and input from everyone who contributed to these important conversations. Your voices help shape a brighter future for our students, staff, and families.
By working together, weโre ensuring that McDonald County Schools continues to be among the best in the regionโfulfilling our commitment to every child, every day, whatever it takes.
6 days ago, McDonald R-1 School District
Attendance Matters: Let's Make This a Great School Year Together!
At McDonald County Schools, we believe that every single school day counts. That's why we're taking a moment this September, during Attendance Awareness Month, to shine a light on just how important it is for your student to be in school every day they can.
We know that sometimes things come upโkids get sick, and life happens. We get that! But when students are consistently in class, they build a strong foundation for their learning. They don't just absorb lessons from a book; they participate in discussions, collaborate with friends, and feel like a true part of our school community.
Being present helps your child stay on track, build confidence, and develop good habits that will serve them for a lifetime. When they're here, they're learning, growing, and thriving.
Let's make this year an incredible one for our students by making attendance a top priority. We're so much better when we're all here together!
If you have any questions or need to report an absence, please contact your student's school directly. We're here to help!
29 days ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐๐ข๐ฉ๐๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ซ
Principals across McDonald County Schools are officially back and getting ready for an exciting new school year!
They recently gathered for one of their first meetings of the year to review important district updates, learn about new policies, and discuss school leadership strategies. These meetings help ensure our schools are aligned and ready to support students and staff from day one.
Our principals are working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the return of teachers on August 12 and students on the first day of school, August 19.
Weโre proud of their dedication and leadership as we look forward to a strong start to the 2025-2026 school year.
#EveryChildEveryDayWhateverItTakes
2 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐ง Paving Projects Near Completion Across the District! ๐ป
As we gear up for the new school year, we're excited to share that all campus parking lots across the McDonald County School District have been newly paved!
Crews have just finished up work at Southwest City Elementary and Mustang Academy. The teacher parking lot at Anderson Elementary is also completeโpaved, striped, and ready to welcome staff back to school.
This project is part of the $21.5 million bond issue approved by voters in April 2022, and it's already making a big difference. With cleaner, safer, and more professional spaces to park, our teachers and staff can start their day focused and ready to support students.
Itโs a small change with a big impactโless mud and gravel tracked inside, fewer maintenance headaches for custodians, and a more welcoming environment for everyone.
Thank you to our community for your continued support. Together, weโre building a better learning experience for every child, every dayโwhatever it takes!
2 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐ด McDonald County Students Learn Life Skills on Two Wheels in Unique Summer Biking Class !
Students in grades 7โ12 are earning more than just a physical education credit this summerโtheyโre 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-TVโs 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 resilienceโall while allowing students to explore the outdoors and engage in an exciting, fast-growing sport.
McDonald Countyโs location near Northwest Arkansasโknown as the Mountain Biking Capital of the Worldโoffers 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!
๐ธ Watch for the full story airing soon on KOAM-TV.
3 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ง ๐
๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ฐ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒ!
Summer school is heating upโin the best way possibleโacross 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 centersโbringing science and nature lessons to life.
At McDonald County High School, students in the Driverโs 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.
4 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐๐๐ค๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ โ ๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ!
The MCHS student-built tiny house is officially move-in ready โ 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 โ a true piece of Mustang history.
๐ธ 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.
๐ Bidding ends Friday, June 20 at 4:00 PM โ donโt miss your chance to own a unique home built with heart and skill.
๐ View the gallery and place your bid here:
https://sites.google.com/mcdonaldr1.net/mchs-tiny-house-2025/home4 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
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
โThis is another great step forward in making our schools safer, more accessible, and more welcoming,โ said Dr. Eric Findley, Superintendent of McDonald County Schools. โWeโre thankful for the support of our community in making these improvements possible.โ
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.
4 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
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 toolsโeven 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 Schoolโs 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.
โWe are incredibly thankful to our community for supporting these improvements,โ said Superintendent Dr. Eric Findley. โFacilities like this not only promote student health and athletic development, but also ensure safety during emergencies. Itโs a perfect example of how smart investment benefits everyone.โ
More improvements funded by the bond are underway throughout the district, with additional updates to be shared in the coming months.
4 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
McDonald County students returned to classroomsโand even the great outdoorsโon 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 yearโs 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 Countyโs summer school program offers a unique opportunity for students to stay engaged, active, and connected through June 27.
Whether theyโre lifting weights, sketching wildlife, or solving puzzles, students are embracing every opportunity to learn and growโeven in the summer.
4 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
โ๏ธ Winter Weather Update! โ๏ธ
๐ข All McDonald County Schools will be CLOSED on Wednesday, February 19 due to dangerous road conditions. ๐โ ๏ธ
This will be AMI Day 4โstudents, be sure to check in for assignments! ๐๐ป
Stay safe & stay warm! โค๏ธ
8 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐จ School Closure Announcement ๐จ
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 โ students should follow the AMI instructions provided by their teachers.
โ๏ธ Stay safe, stay warm
8 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐โจ A Historic Day for McDonald County Schools! โจ๐
McDonald County Schools celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Anderson Elementary Storm Shelter, completing the districtโs initiative to provide storm shelters at every campus. ๐ซ๐ช๏ธ
The project, funded by a $21.5 million bond issue approved by voters in 2022, includes six new storm shelters at:
๐ White Rock Elementary
๐ Rocky Comfort Elementary
๐ Noel Elementary
๐ Pineville Primary
๐ Anderson Middle School
๐ 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. ๐ฅ๐ฃโจ School board members, community leaders, and hundreds of students attended the ceremony, where school leaders officially cut the ribbon.
Missouriโs 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 districtโs dedication to student safety and academic success. ๐ช๐
Just another example of how McDonald County Schools make a difference in the lives of every child, every day, whatever it takes! โค๏ธ๐ค
8 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐ฃ Heads up, McDonald County!
โ There will be no school on Monday, January 6.
๐ฉโ๐ซ Teacher Work Day is happening, so students will have the day off.
๐
Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 7.
#TeacherWorkDay #NoSchool #EveryChildEveryDay
9 months ago, McDonald R-1 School District
Due to the possibility of extreme weather, all activities and practices for this evening, November 4th, are cancelled. This includes basketball and wrestling tryouts.
Please stay safe- we will see you tomorrow!
11 months ago, Angie Brewer
Tomorrow night and Thursday night are Parent Teacher Conferences at MCHS from 4-8 PM. Our teachers want to see you and talk about your student's progress in their classes. You can email them if you have a specific time that you would like to meet with them and they can schedule you, or you can also just show up... either way, we hope you will come to the building! Each teacher you visit with will give you an entry ticket for our TV giveaway. We are giving away two 32 inch Amazon TVs so come get those tickets! We will also have pizza and salad in the cafeteria free for families if you don't have time to cook dinner. It is always one of the greatest nights of the year when we get to see our families in our building. We hope to see you tomorrow night at MCHS!
12 months ago, Angie Brewer
Hey Mustangs! Tomorrow kicks off the 2025 school year. We are excited to welcome you back and see you in the hallways again! Here are a few reminders as we get ready to head back to the high school.
1. First hour starts at 8:05, so students should be in the building by 8AM. Dismissal is at 3:30.
2. A free super snack will be offered to all students between 6th and 7th hours. They will be on carts throughout the school similar to how breakfast is offered.
3. Dress code- no half shirts, short shorts, leggings without a shirt long enough to cover your backside, or pajamas.
4. Your teachers have pencils, pens and paper for you. If they have a specific supply for their class they will let you know tomorrow but those will be rare. You do need a backpack.
5. Charge your Chromebook!!
6. Cellphones are only allowed between classes and at lunch. Put them away during class.
7. Lunch forms will come home with all students tomorrow. Get them turned in to see if you qualify for free or reduced lunches. The first seminar with all forms returned gets a pizza party!
8. Get involved in something. Try a sport, FFA, Drama, Band, E- Sports, Future Teachers Club, something!! School is more fun when you are involved!
9. Check your emails and check your schedule in Powerschool. Wednesday is the last day for schedule changes.
10. If you get lost, confused, scared, etc...come to the Main Office, the Counseling office or Room 303- we are here to help you!
We will see you tomorrow. This will be the BEST year yet! Go MC!
about 1 year ago, Angie Brewer
๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐๐ค, ๐๐๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฌ! ๐
The McDonald County Schools team kicked off the school year in style today! ๐ฅณ 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. ๐ถ
New teachers and staff were warmly welcomed into the McDonald County School family, and everyone was inspired to reflect on what makes them smile. ๐
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 19thโlet's make this year one to remember! ๐โจ
about 1 year ago, McDonald R-1 School District
๐๐ Ahoy, future engineers and scientists! ๐๐
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! ๐ถโจ 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. ๐โโ๏ธ๐
This hands-on project is not just about having fun on the waterโstudents are diving deep into the principles of science and engineering! Theyโre learning about:
๐ฌ Buoyancy: What makes things float or sink?
๐ ๏ธ Structural Integrity: How strong can a cardboard boat really be?
๐ 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! ๐๐ข
over 1 year ago, McDonald R-1 School District
