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.
❄️ 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
🎉 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! 📚✨
🚧 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 🧱🏫🚧🧱🏫🚧
🚨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! 🔥❄️
🚫❄️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
🚫❄️Important announcement from the McDonald County School District:
⚠️ Many roads across the county continue to be slick and hazardous. Therefore, all McDonald County Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 17.
💻 This will be an AMI day.
Students, follow the AMI Day 4 procedures given by their teachers. 📚
Stay safe and stay warm! 🔥❄️
🚫❄️Important announcement from the McDonald County School District:
⚠️ Due to hazardous road conditions caused by winter weather, all McDonald County Schools will be closed on Monday, January 15.
💻 This will be an AMI day.
Students, follow the AMI Day 2 procedures given by their teachers. 📚
Stay safe and stay warm! 🔥❄️
🎉 Hey McDonald County Schools! 🎉
❄ Snow day fun is over, and we're back to school on Wednesday, January 10! 📚
Don't forget to dress warmly and bring your smiles! 😊😍
#BackToSchool #SchoolIsCool #SnowDayWho #McDonaldCountySchools 🚌
🚫❄️Important announcement from the McDonald County School District:
⚠️ Due to hazardous road conditions caused by winter weather, all McDonald County Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 9.
💻 This will be an AMI day.
Students, follow the AMI Day 1 procedures given by their teachers. 📚
Stay safe and stay warm! 🔥❄️
#McDonaldCountySchools #WinterWeather #SchoolClosing #AMIDay1 #StaySafeStayWarm
🎉🎄 It’s Christmas Break McDonald County Schools! 🎅
From Monday, December 18 to Tuesday, January 2, students will be enjoying a well-deserved Christmas break. 🎁
Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 3.
Wishing everyone a fantastic break, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! 🎊🌟
#MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear #MCSSchools #ChristmasBreak #CelebrateAndServe #TimeToRelax 🌲📆
Here are the Spirit Days for the MCHS Football Homecoming for the week of October 2 through 6.
🇺🇸 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲: 𝐖𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗/𝟏𝟏/𝟎𝟏 🇺🇸
Today we remember the heroes and honor the fallen. 🗽❤️ On this Patriots Day, we stand united, reflecting on the strength of our nation. 🤝
📚 Many of our teachers will be sharing the importance of this day in America’s history with our students, ensuring that the legacy lives on. 📖🙏
Let us never forget. 🕊️🇺🇸
🇺🇸🗽❤️
Mark your calendars, everyone! 📆
We are thrilled to announce the McDonald County School District's Open Houses on Thursday, August 17th! 🗓️
🕰️ Open House Times: 🕰️
🏫 McDonald County High School: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
🏫 Anderson Elementary School: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
🏫 Anderson Middle School: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
🏫 Pineville Primary: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
🏫 Pineville Elementary School: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
🏫 Noel Primary: 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
🏫 Noel Elementary: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
🏫 Rocky Comfort Elementary: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
🏫 Southwest City Elementary: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
🏫 White Rock Elementary: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
🎈 Join us for an evening filled with fun and excitement! 🎈 Meet your wonderful teachers, explore your new classrooms, and get ready to make amazing memories in the upcoming school year! 📚🤩
🎊 Let's kick off this academic year with positivity and enthusiasm! 🎊 See you all at the Open Houses! 🏫😄 #BackToSchool #OpenHouse #McDonaldCountySchools #EducationMatters 📚🍎
