Rocket Review
Monthly Newsletter Update - January 2023
Happy New Year!
Greetings All,
I hope this writing finds you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after the holiday season. The first half of the year seemed to go by rather quickly. I want to encourage you to be involved in the happenings of the school district. Our next Board meeting is on January 11th. We will present the calendar for the 23-24 school year at this meeting. The proposal is to continue the four-day week, and the new calendar is very similar to the one we are following this year. If you have comments you would like to make in regard to the calendar, please let me know, as we do two readings of the calendar before the Board approves it.
There were two seats open for the Board election in April this year. The two incumbents were the only ones to file for the two open seats. Therefore, we will not need to have an election in April. This will save us the election cost, and the two incumbents will be sworn in and continue their terms. I would like to thank all present Board members for their service and dedication to the success and safety of West Nodaway students.
If you are able to do so, I want to encourage you to get out to a Nodaway Valley Thunder Basketball game. Both the boys and girls teams are playing competitive basketball. I know the student athletes appreciate the support of the community.
As always, if you have any questions or want to visit, please stop by the office.
Happy New Year!
Dr. Barnes
Welcome 2023!
Happy New Year, Rockets! I hope everyone had a wonderful break and a very Happy New Year. I
am excited to start the second semester of the 2022-2023 school year, and I am amazed at how fast the first semester has come and gone. Although winter break has come and past, unfortunately the cold weather has not. I often see students in shorts or light jackets on the coldest of days. I ask that every student please dress appropriately for the weather and bring hats, gloves, and winter coats. The weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always best to be prepared. If you are in need any winter clothing, please contact the school and we will be more than willing to help out.
As the school handbook states, all students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on
time for classes, in order to benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline and responsibility. Regular attendance is essential to success in school. State law requires students to be punctual and in attendance, unless the child has an excused absence. In the past there has been a lot of leniency in absenteeism due to Covid-19 and navigating unchartered territory, but it is time to get back to normal and hold ourselves accountable to make sure students are at school.
● Board Policy 2310 states that once a student has exceeded 7 days of absenteeism
per semester, the matter may be referred to the county juvenile office or other
necessary officials. Educational neglect charges can and will be filed against the
parent/guardian in issues of extreme absence. In any situation of high absenteeism, whether
excused or unexcused, may require summer school or other similar interventions.
● Students missing 20% or more of the school year (approximately 30 days) will be
under consideration for retention, and promotion to the next grade level will be
reviewed before the administration.
If your child begins to approach 7 days absent, I strongly recommend bringing in
documentation from a doctor to excuse each absence specifically. I greatly appreciate your
assistance and help getting our students to school and keeping them in school. Please refer to
the elementary handbook if you have any questions or need more clarification regarding our
attendance policy.
We have had a great time having guest join us for a grade level lunch, and we will be continuing
these lunches for the remainder of the school year until every grade level has had their day.
Please keep checking for events in which guest are invited to celebrate with us - events such as
class lunch day, and quarterly awards assemblies.
I am truly honored to be the principal at West Nodaway, and if you have any concerns or
questions, please reach out to the classroom teachers or myself so that we may help you. Have
a great new year everyone!
Mr. Conn
First up will be Kid's Sight. This is a photo screening program through the Lion's Club that will be here on January 19th. This program is a great resource for our younger grades (PreK-1st Grade) to detect early visual problems with a simple picture of the eye. We've had great success with this program for several years and are excited to have them come again. I will follow up with those that get a referral.
Looking forward to February, warmer temperatures, and National Heart Month, with our Kid's Heart Challenge.
The beginning of 2023 brings the second semester of school and for seniors that means finalizing post-graduation plans! Whether students are looking at a trade school, two-year college or four-year university, Admission deadlines are fast approaching. To help pay for schooling, there have been over 80 scholarships provided to seniors with many more to come between now and April. Over the next quarter students should finalize their plans for after graduation, complete as many scholarships as possible, and request letters of recommendation as needed.
Juniors had a presentation about Missouri Boys and Girls State right before break. Please contact Mrs. Clayton if interested in attending. There are already students from other school districts reaching out for roommates or carpooling options. Not only does this program look good on a resume but it also offers scholarship opportunities and college course credit.
Shout out to the West Nodaway students selected for Upward Bound: Portia McKenzie, Violet Reasoner, and Emalee Wynn! Upward Bound has extended the application deadline to January 21st and would like more 9th-11th grade students to apply. Forms are located in the counselor's office.
I look forward to working with students throughout this coming semester. Please reach out to me if there are any questions or concerns about your student.
Mrs. Clayton
District Information
Email: mbarnes@wnrockets.com
Website: wnrockets.com
Location: 17665 US Hwy 136, Burlington Junction, MO 64428, USA
Phone: 660-725-4613
Twitter: @WNrockets