Notes from the Superintendent
Dr. Mark D. Hedger, Superintendent of Schools
2021-22 Volume 2
"Hotter than a pistol"
Strafford Community,
This week, we welcomed our staff back for the start of the 2021-22 school year. As part of my first day message to our educators, I showed the following video to our teachers. You are welcome to click on the picture below to see the video about a young man they nicknamed J-Mac. As you watch the video, don't just watch J-Mac, but try to pay special attention to those around him. Notice their excitement as this young man experiences success. Finally, pay special attention to the way they celebrate J-Mac's success and the impact it has on him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=1fw1CcxCUgg&feature=youtu.be
J-Mac's story started with a staff member (coach) who believed in him, which in turn led to him believing in himself. This educator and those around him took the time to invest in this young man, to support him, and to celebrate his success.
As parents and as educators, we must work together to serve as the support system for each and every one of our students. We must believe in them and in each other, we must invest in them and each other, and we must support them and each other.
Finally, we must celebrate them. How incredible would it be if every student left Strafford Schools feeling like they were "hotter than a pistol!"
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to serve each child in our district,
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.
* Thursday, August 19 - Open Houses/Orientations
All events are either scheduled by sign up only or staggered times in order to limit exposure.
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 Plan (SRCSP)
Parent Resource: Helping Children Find Meaning When Reading
(Please click the picture below for some reading learning resources for parents)
STRAFFORD ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Jessica Rockafellow-Gray
Strafford High School Class of 2015
Biography:
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Strafford in 2015. While I was at Strafford, I played clarinet in the marching/concert band and tenor saxophone in the jazz band. Some of my favorite clubs were FBLA, Scholar Bowl, and Mu Alpha Theta. Outside of school, I worked at Andy’s Frozen Custard and was involved in the Cox Medical Explorers and SWMO Area Health Education Center’s ACES Program.
I attended Drury University in Springfield and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2019. I applied for lots of scholarships while I was in high school, and I was able to graduate from Drury debt-free! While I was at Drury, I became heavily involved in research and had the opportunity to present my work at an American Chemical Society national convention. My research generally looked at the prevention and treatment of staphylococcus aureus infections in bone cells.
After graduating from Drury, I worked as a phlebotomist at the Cox North Laboratory where I learned many valuable skills. I was responsible for drawing blood from inpatients at the hospital, patients in the ER, and outpatients that came to the lab for fasting lab work from their primary care physicians. I learned a lot about lab testing procedures, drawing blood, and interacting with a variety of patients.
I left Cox North in the Summer of 2021 to marry my wonderful husband, Jacob; and in July, we moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma so that I could begin medical school at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Classes so far have been difficult, but I am enjoying the opportunity to use all the things I’ve learned in biology and chemistry in high school and undergrad to study the human body!
If you have any questions about research, scholarships, being a pre-med student, or anything else, then you can email me at jessicarockafellow@outlook.com. Med school keeps me pretty busy so I may not answer right away, but I will eventually!
How did Strafford Schools help you with your current path?
When I was a student at Strafford, there were opportunities for us to participate in science fairs, and I believe that is what got me initially interested in research. I’m glad that I gave it a try in high school because research in undergrad was very fun! Not to mention research also looks really good on medical school applications!
What advice would you give to current Strafford Schools students?
Utilize the resources available to you to set yourself up for success, whether that be asking your teachers for advice, applying for scholarships to make college cheaper, or joining clubs to explore your passions.
Strafford Schools is proud of Jessica Rockafellow-Gray and all of the many other successful Strafford Schools graduates!
We are excited for Strafford Indians Fall Sports and Activities!
Please click on the pictures below for the Ozarks Sports Zone previews for Strafford Indians Football and Volleyball.
O-Zone Strafford Football Preview
O-Zone Strafford Volleyball Preview
LUMEN Parent Portal Help Desk
- Parents/guardians who do not know their login information for their LUMEN Parent Portal need to contact their student's building office to receive the login information.
- Parents/guardians who have been locked out of their LUMEN Parent Portal can fill out the Google Form found HERE. This will be submitted to our IT department and someone will contact you when it is corrected.
STRAFFORD R-VI IS HIRING!
Full Time Bus Drivers
Paraprofessionals
Substitute Teachers, custodians, and bus drivers
Day Care/POWWOW Staff
2nd Shift Custodians
COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC
Free Clothing Event, August 19, 5-7 pm
IMPORTANT DATES
COVID Vaccine Clinic
Thursday, Aug 19, 2021, 07:00 AM
Max Evans Gymnasium, 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
Varsity Football vs. Liberty (Mountain View)
Friday, Aug 27, 2021, 07:00 PM
Strafford High School, West McCabe Street, Strafford, MO, USA
Varsity Volleyball at Branson Invitational
Saturday, Aug 28, 2021, 08:00 AM
Branson High School, P Road 65-60, Branson, 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