Notes from the Superintendent
Dr. Mark D. Hedger, Superintendent of Schools
Welcome Back to School 2021-22
Strafford Community,
Welcome to the start of the 2021-2022 school year! The start of a new school year is always an exciting time, not only for students, but for families and our staff as well. In this spirit, as we prepare to start the new school year it is my pleasure to welcome the students, families and staff of Strafford Schools back, ready to continue the important work of our school mission – Strafford R-VI School will develop the potential in every student by providing a learning environment conducive to developing individuals who display positive character traits and contribute to our changing society.
Over 1,300 Preschool – 12th grade students will return to school on August 23, eager for the opportunity to see friends, participate in a variety of activities and engage in learning. Our staff renews their commitment to unlocking the potential of every student to help them be successful in this work.
I feel a renewed sense of excitement for the start of this school year because of the energy our students, staff, parents and community bring to our school community and all the possibilities that working together provide. Our school district excels because of this collective effort, focus and commitment. I look forward to the work we will accomplish this year.
As always, thank you for your continued support,
Dr. Mark D. Hedger, Superintendent of Schools
Beginning of School Dates to Remember
The first day of school is quickly approaching! Please see the information below regarding important dates and links to helpful details. Parents/guardians, please watch your email inbox for communication from our building offices closer to these dates.
* Monday, August 2 - Daycare and Pow Wow Programs Open
* Tuesday, August 3 - New Student Registration Begins/Details HERE
* Monday, August 9 - High School Fall Sports Practices Begin
* Monday, August 16 - Middle School Fall Sports Practices Begin
* Tuesday, August 17 - 5th Grade Orientation - 6:00-8:00pm - More Details TBA
* Thursday, August 19 - Open Houses/Orientations- More Details TBA on Events
Early Childhood Center Open House - 5:00-7:00pm
Elementary Open House - 5:00-7:00pm
6th-8th Grade Open House - 6:00-8:00pm
High School Open House - 6:00-8:00pm
Freshmen Orientation/A+ Informational Meeting - 6:30-7:45pm
* Monday, August 23 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Return to Learn Planning
Strafford Early Childhood Education
Strafford Schools values the importance of Early Childhood Education. We hope to continue to be a frontrunner in the area preparing our youngest learners for their educational journey.
DISTRICT CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
FEMA Building
HPER Building (Health Physical Education and Recreation)
Parent Resource: 15 Questions to Replace "How was school today?"
STRAFFORD SCHOOLS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
STRAFFORD R-VI IS HIRING!
ESSER III FUNDING
ESSER III INFORMATION
Data shows that the pandemic has had a significant impact on student learning, both across the country and in our school district.
Strafford Schools is launching a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process to help determine how it should potentially spend additional federal dollars to address unfinished learning and COVID-19 recovery.
More information regarding ESSER III and a stakeholder survey can be found at this link: https://www.straffordschools.net/Content2/532
FOOD SERVICE
The USDA approved free breakfast and lunch again for students for the 2021-22 school year. The meal prices below will be charged when a student gets a second breakfast or lunch.
2021-2022 Food Service Prices:
Breakfast $2.15
Reduced breakfast $.30
Reduced lunch $.40
Elementary student lunch $2.65
Middle school and high school student lunch $2.90
Adult lunch $3.60
* Any student, including students on free and reduced meals, who takes a second meal will be charged full price for that second meal. This also includes second milks or milks purchased without a meal.
More information can be found at the link below:
THANK YOU TO OUR CUSTODIAL AND MAINTENANCE CREW
CARE TO LEARN/MUSGRAVE FOUNDATION GRANT
We are excited to announce a new partnership for the 2021-22 school year between Strafford Schools and Care to Learn! Like most school districts, the percentage of our students in the poverty range is increasing, so there was a need for an additional non-profit organization in our community. Our goal is for our new Care to Learn - Strafford chapter to work alongside our established Strafford School Foundation to meet even more needs of our staff and students.
And the good news doesn’t stop there! Care To Learn was awarded a $20,000 grant to begin a chapter within our school district. This was a part of the Musgrave Foundation’s new “Change for Children” grant program totaling $250,000 given to various organizations within our area. Thank you to Care To Learn and the Musgrave Foundation for making this possible. Stay tuned for more information to be announced once school starts!
IMPORTANT DATES
New Student Registration Begins
Tuesday, Aug 3, 2021, 08:00 AM
Strafford Board Room
High School Fall Sports Practices Begin
Monday, Aug 9, 2021, 07:00 AM
Strafford High School, West McCabe Street, Strafford, MO, USA
Middle School Fall Sports Practices Begin
Monday, Aug 16, 2021, 07:00 AM
Strafford Middle School, West McCabe Street, Strafford, MO, USA
5th Grade Orientation
Tuesday, Aug 17, 2021, 06:00 PM
Strafford Middle School, West McCabe Street, Strafford, MO, USA
District Open House
Thursday, Aug 19, 2021, 05:00 PM
Strafford High School, West McCabe Street, Strafford, MO, USA
First Day of School
Monday, Aug 23, 2021, 07:30 AM
Strafford High School, West McCabe Street, Strafford, MO, USA
Dr. Mark D. Hedger
Strafford Schools
Email: markh@straffordschools.net
Website: straffordschools.net
Location: 201 West McCabe Street, Strafford, MO, USA
Phone: 417.736.7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/straffordpublicschools/
Twitter: @SuptMarkDHedger