Learning in Action: Exploring the World Under a Microscope
Learning comes to life when students get curious and get hands-on. That was the case recently in a 6th-grade classroom at Rocky Comfort Schools, where students transformed their classroom into a research lab.
As part of learning in action across McDonald County Schools, students learned how to use microscopes to take a closer look at the world around them. They examined slides featuring pollen grains, animal hair, fish scales, and dandelion fuzz.
The activity gave students an opportunity to see just how much detail is hidden in the world around us, while developing their skills as young scientists.
That’s Learning in Action in McDonald County Schools! ❤️🖤
Learning was happening in all kinds of ways during a recent visit to Southwest City Elementary as part of McDonald County Schools’ Learning in Action series.
In kindergarten, students were busy practicing their handwriting skills as they learned to write the letter “C.” The activity required patience, focus, and a steady hand, and the students were up to the challenge.
Down the hall, junior high students were taking learning to a much larger scale. Using math skills, graph paper, and paper chains, students were creating a unique design that will eventually cover an entire hallway wall. The project requires careful planning, spatial awareness, and plenty of creativity and craftsmanship.
Outside, STEM students were putting their technology and mechanical skills to work as they built and flew drones through an obstacle course. Students combined computer skills, mechanical know-how, and hand-eye coordination as they worked to successfully navigate their drones.
From practicing letters to designing a hallway and flying drones, there was plenty of action and plenty of learning taking place at Southwest City Elementary.
That’s what Learning in Action is all about: giving students opportunities to take what they learn in the classroom and put those skills to work in meaningful, hands-on ways.
Learning in Action in the Classroom at McDonald County Schools
What does learning in action look like for our youngest students? At Noel Primary, it looks like counting plastic spiders, sorting colorful objects, building with blocks, cutting playdough, and even playing with UNO cards.
As part of our look at Learning in Action, we’re highlighting the many ways students across McDonald County Schools are learning by doing, and Noel Primary is a great example of how hands-on experiences can make learning meaningful for young children.
Kindergarten students are practicing important early math skills through a variety of activities. They are sorting objects by color, counting items such as plastic spiders and tiny apples, and using UNO cards to recognize numbers and colors. Students are also counting as they build with blocks, combining math practice with hands-on exploration.
Our early childhood students are developing important foundational skills through hands-on activities as well. Cutting playdough with scissors gives students an opportunity to practice fine motor control and coordination, while building with blocks encourages creativity, problem-solving, and other important developmental skills.
While these activities may look simple, each one provides an opportunity for students to practice skills, make connections, and build confidence. For young learners, being able to touch, move, sort, count, build and create can turn a simple classroom activity into a meaningful learning experience.
At McDonald County Schools, Learning in Action means finding engaging ways to help every child learn and grow, starting from the very beginning. ❤️🖤
Building the Skills to Be Ready to Learn
The first days of Pre-K are filled with much more than ABCs and 123s. Our youngest students are learning the important routines, procedures, and social skills that help them feel comfortable and successful at school.
Across McDonald County Schools, Pre-K students are practicing skills such as walking in line, following directions, listening during story time, sharing with friends, keeping their hands to themselves, and learning how to play and interact with others.
For example, we recently visited Pre-K classrooms at White Rock Elementary and Pineville Primary and saw students putting these new skills into practice. These may seem like simple things, but they are important building blocks for learning. When students know what to expect, understand classroom routines, and feel comfortable with their classmates and teachers, they are better prepared to focus on learning.
Our teachers spend time during those first days and weeks practicing these skills, encouraging students and helping them become more independent. It is all part of making sure our youngest learners are ready to learn, grow, and succeed.
Little skills today. Big learning tomorrow. ❤️🖤
Learning Through Creativity at Anderson Elementary
Our 4th graders at Anderson Elementary are getting back into the rhythm of learning with hands-on activities that make review engaging and meaningful.
In social studies, students reviewed the continents and oceans by coloring and labeling maps. In math, they completed “math crafts” that included coloring numbers and grouping images to demonstrate their understanding.
These types of activities are especially helpful at the beginning of the school year. They allow students to review important skills, practice following directions, build confidence, and ease back into classroom routines while keeping learning fun.
We appreciate the creative ways our teachers help students connect with what they are learning every day! ❤️🖤
Learning in Motion: 7th Graders Explore States of Matter
What happens when you turn a 7th-grade science class into a room full of molecules? You get learning in motion!
Students at Rocky Comfort Elementary recently explored the differences between solids, liquids, and gases through a creative, hands-on activity.
Students first worked together to represent a solid, showing how particles stay close together. They then became liquid, demonstrating how water moves, creates waves and interacts with other objects. Finally, students experienced the freedom of gas, moving around the classroom to show how gas particles spread out, move unpredictably and flow freely when given an opening.
Activities like this allow students to experience science rather than simply read about it. By physically modeling how particles behave in different states of matter, students can build a stronger understanding of the concepts they are learning.
This is one example of the creative and engaging learning happening in classrooms across McDonald County Schools. Our teachers continue to find meaningful ways to bring lessons to life and help students connect what they are learning to the world around them.
Sometimes the best way to learn science is to get moving!
A Day of Learning for Those Who Help Our Students Learn
Today, teachers across McDonald County Schools are taking part in professional development focused on learning, collaboration, and student success.
Professional development gives our teachers time to step away from the daily classroom routine and focus on an important question: How can we do an even better job helping every student learn and grow?
Teachers are reviewing student data, sharing ideas, working together, and identifying strategies that can help them better meet the needs of the students in their classrooms.
This work is an important part of providing a high-quality education. Just as we want our students to be lifelong learners, we want our teachers to continue learning and growing, too.
When teachers have time to learn, collaborate, and improve their practice, our students benefit.
Even when students aren't in the classroom, our focus remains on them. ❤️🖤
McDonald County Staff POWER UP Wellness for the New School Year
McDonald County Schools staff kicked off the new school year by focusing on something that is important all year long: their own health and wellness.
The district's POWER UP Wellness Event brought teachers and staff together for a morning of learning, fun and connection. Staff participated in health screenings, visited vendor booths, and chose from a variety of wellness classes focused on physical health, mental wellness, nutrition, financial health, mindset, technology and more.
With more than 20 class choices available, staff had opportunities to learn new things and discover practical tools they can use in their everyday lives. The morning also provided plenty of opportunities for staff to have fun, connect with coworkers and start the school year on a positive note.
McDonald County Schools recognizes that healthy and supported staff are an important part of healthy and successful schools. The POWER UP event is part of the district's ongoing commitment to employee wellness and providing staff with resources to support their well-being in all aspects of life.
A special thank you goes to Freeman Health System, the event presenters, vendors, community partners, and everyone who helped make the POWER UP Wellness Event a success.
POWER UP your wellness. POWER UP your mindset. POWER UP your year!
McDonald County Schools Celebrate Successful Open House Night
McDonald County Schools welcomed students and families across the district for a successful Open House Night on Thursday, August 20.
All schools across the district participated, giving families the opportunity to meet teachers, visit classrooms, connect with classmates, and get a preview of the exciting year ahead. Schools were filled with smiling faces and plenty of excitement as students and families prepared for the first day of school.
Thank you to all of our families, students, teachers, and staff who helped make Open House a great success!
Now, it’s time to get ready for the first day of school on Monday, August 24! We can’t wait to welcome our students back for another great year at McDonald County Schools.
Every child, every day, whatever it takes.
McDonald County Schools Welcomes Staff Back with Celebration and Student Voice
McDonald County Schools officially kicked off the new school year Wednesday with a special welcome back celebration for the people who make the district run every day.
Teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, custodians, maintenance workers, administrators and support staff gathered for breakfast and a morning filled with school spirit, encouragement and excitement for the year ahead.
The celebration included performances and appearances from McDonald County student groups, including cheerleaders, MC Pom, the band and others. The crowd also heard an important message directly from students.
For the first time, members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council presented their ideas for how McDonald County Schools can continue to improve and become an even better place for students.
The students’ presentation received a standing ovation from the crowd and left a lasting impression on many of the teachers and staff members in attendance. Several staff members shared that the students’ ideas and enthusiasm inspired them to strive for greatness throughout the new school year.
The welcome back celebration was a reminder of what makes McDonald County Schools special: students and staff working together, listening to one another and sharing a common goal of helping every student succeed.
With the celebration complete, staff will spend the remainder of the week participating in training, planning and preparing for the arrival of students.
The first day of school for McDonald County students is Monday, August 24.
The new school year is here, and McDonald County Schools is ready to make it a great one.
Every child, every day, whatever it takes.
Freshman Academy Helps Class of 2030 Find Their Way at MCHS
About 250 incoming freshmen from schools across McDonald County Schools came together at McDonald County High School for Freshman Academy, giving students an opportunity to get familiar with their new school before the first day of classes.
For many students, starting high school comes with plenty of questions. Where is my classroom? How do I find my way around? Who are my teachers? What will high school really be like?
Freshman Academy was designed to help answer those questions and turn some of those first-day nerves into confidence and excitement.
Students explored the high school, received their class schedules, met teachers and staff, and connected with upperclassmen who shared advice about making the transition to high school. Students also received special welcome bags to help kick off their high school journey.
For many of these students, Freshman Academy was also an opportunity to see old friends and meet new classmates from across the district as they prepare to come together as one freshman class at MCHS.
The event gave students a chance to become familiar with the building, meet some of the people who will support them, and feel a little more prepared for the start of their freshman year.
Sometimes, the best way to feel ready for something new is simply to find your way around first.
McDonald County Schools welcomes the Class of 2030 to MCHS and wishes them a great start to their high school journey!
#EveryChildEveryDayWhateverItTakes
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 – Friday, September 25:
6:30 pm: Queen Coronation Ceremony
7:00 pm: Football Kickoff – Mustangs vs. Monett Cubs
Homecoming isn’t just a game—it’s 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!
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 district’s overall improvement plan. Together, we celebrated the progress we’ve 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, we’re ensuring that McDonald County Schools continues to be among the best in the region—fulfilling our commitment to every child, every day, whatever it takes.
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 up—kids 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!
𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫
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.
We’re proud of their dedication and leadership as we look forward to a strong start to the 2025-2026 school year.
#EveryChildEveryDayWhateverItTakes
🚧 Paving Projects Near Completion Across the District! 🛻
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 complete—paved, 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.
It’s a small change with a big impact—less 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, we’re building a better learning experience for every child, every day—whatever it takes!
