GAINESVILLE R-V SCHOOL DISTRICT
APRIL 2021 | DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
"QUALITY LEARNING TODAY FOR TOMORROW"
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
"We will commit our financial, educational, and personnel resources to equip all students with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop to their fullest potential as self-motivated, life-long learners."Website: www.gainesvillebulldogs.com
Location: 422 Bulldog Drive, Gainesville, MO, United States
Phone: 417-679-4200
DISTRICT-WIDE CALENDAR
APRIL 29: PTO TALENT SHOW
MAY 6: ELEMENTARY FIELD DAY
MAY 6 : JUNIOR HIGH WORLD FAIR
MAY 11: JUNIOR HIGH FIELD DAY
MAY 12: SENIOR AWARDS & BACCALAUREATE
MAY 13: KINDERGARTEN & 6TH GRADE GRADUATION
MAY 13: LAST DAY OF CLASSES
MAY 14: SENIOR GRADUATION
MAY 24-JUNE 18: SUMMER SCHOOL
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Gainesville R-V Welcomes Dr. Clint Hall as 2021-2022 JH/HS Principal
He is married to Shelby Hall, and they have two children, Scarlett and Rolen. Dr. Hall has said, “I am humbled to serve as the 7-12 principal at Gainesville. The community will find that I am a student-centered leader who strives to ensure that every student is given an exceptional educational experience. Working with Gainesville, leading this school and community in this capacity is truly an honor. I am very excited to become a Bulldog!" We are very excited for Dr. Hall to join our Gainesville team! Please join us in welcoming Dr. Hall to Bulldog Country.
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The following is a success story about our school written by our very own Vice President of the Board of Education, Jabet Wade. The U.S. Department of Education was asking for success stories and Jabet wrote this about our school, teachers, and staff.
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If 2020 taught us anything, it is that we can adapt to and thrive in the midst of big, unexpected changes. I knew Gainesville students and staff were special, but it wasn’t until a global pandemic rocked our world that it became apparent just how resilient they truly are.
When everyone left for spring break last year, no one could have predicted that they wouldn’t be back. Books, papers, art projects, jackets, water bottles and more were left in desks and lockers. Planning for the annual spring talent show was well under way. Sports teams were practicing. Field trips were scheduled. Everyone was preparing for final assessments. Graduation was set. The fourth quarter was here. And then it wasn’t.
While parents in our community were reeling from the news that school was canceled for the rest of the year, the administrative team, teachers and support staff at Gainesville (many of whom are parents also) were busy trying to figure out how they would finish out the year “virtually” and maintain contact with their students.
Internet access is a problem in our community. Some folks have it, many do not. Those of us who do have it often deal with very slow speed and occasional outages. So, while other school districts around the state were shifting to Zoom classes, Gainesville had to improvise even further. Paper packets were made available weekly in the school parking lot for students in preschool through eighth grade. Each week we were greeted with a smile and a wave from a staff member as we drove through to drop off and pick up packets and library books. High School students used Google classroom, and Internet access was extended to the school parking lot for students who didn’t have it at home.
In addition to at-home learning, meal distribution was a big part of our “virtual” plan. Meals were delivered weekly throughout the community via bus routes. Families could also pick up meals at certain times in the school parking lot. This continued well into the summer months. Our food service staff did an outstanding job and went above and beyond their call of duty.
When school ended in May, a final drop off and pick up day was scheduled. Elementary teachers were set up in the parking lot, and parents were invited to drive through to pick up their students’ belongings and say farewell to their teachers. We even snuck in a few hugs. It was an emotional day.
In June, our county had very few confirmed cases of Covid-19. We were able to have four weeks of in-person summer school and host a “Senior Week.” Prom, senior awards and graduation finally happened. Everything felt pretty normal. It was a welcome reprieve.
Meanwhile, our administrative team was hard at work developing a back-to-school plan that would include different levels of operation, from “Traditional School” (normal operation) to “Level 3” (AMI, or Alternative Methods of Instruction). It was a thorough and well-thought-out plan. The total case count was still very low in our county, but out of an abundance of caution we began at a Level 2 when we returned in person, five days a week in August. There were several safety measures in place, but we were thrilled to be back in school.
It was a rocky start. The first positive case within the district was announced on the third day of school. The number of quarantined students and staff escalated quickly within the first two weeks. The superintendent called the board and said he was going to suspend in-person learning for 10 days in an effort to get things under control. Students and staff were once again sent home to learn virtually. It felt like we had taken a big step backward.
Thankfully, our staff was prepared for this. We made it through the 10 days, and when we returned to in-person school we shifted to Level 3. This meant we would have even more safety measures in place and would switch from five days of in-person learning to four days in person with one day (Fridays) of virtual learning.
We are still at a Level 3 today, but it is working. The number of positive cases and close contacts is down considerably from when we started in August. Student attendance is better than anyone expected. Extracurricular club activities, sporting events, concerts and class parties don’t look exactly how they used to look. But they’re happening. And that’s all that really matters.
Jabet Morgan Wade
1998 Gainesville High School Graduate
Local Business Owner
Mother to Lola (4th grade) and Finn (2nd grade)
Vice President, Gainesville R-V Board of Education
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MAY 24 - JUNE 18
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From the Desk of Mrs. Armstrong...
Hello families!
As the year winds down, I wanted to take a moment and send out some updates and a very sincere thank you! I have truly appreciated your support over these past three years in Gainesville and feel blessed to count this district as a part of my educational journey.
In the next few weeks, there are several exciting things coming up! Of course High School Awards/Baccalaureate and Graduation are coming May 12th and 14th respectively. Additionally, there are several banquets and our final band/choir concert of the year. In the junior high, we have our annual World Fair on May 6th and will enjoy a Field Day on May 11th. If you have a student in JH and are interested in volunteering to help with Field Day, please send me an email or give me a call. Please keep an eye on the school calendar for ball games, banquets, and other events where you can support our kids.
We’re in the middle of MAP/EOC testing right now and the students are putting in a lot of effort to shine during this important time for our district. Keep getting those kids to bed on time and encourage them to eat a good breakfast either at home or at school.
The end of a school year always feels so hectic, so I want to encourage you to take time and make some memories with your children as this season winds down. You’ll never get another first or last year of junior high. You’ll never get another senior year, or first baseball season, or last FFA contest season. Savor it. These are the moments that we build into a life. Build yours into something you can treasure forever.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Armstrong
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PROM 2021
"A Night in the Park"
Prom King Westin Wilson
Prom Queen Shayla Wages
Prom Court: Katelyn Burke, Erin McKinzie, Shayla Wages, Kendra Sisney, Josh Richer, Carl Hejdak, Malakye Ray, Westin Wilson
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JUNIOR HIGH HANGOUT
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8th Grade students learn to cook the perfect pancake as a part of their interactive Everyday Living class!
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The 8th Grade art students were challenged to push their abilities and strive to make the best art they could to be on display in a large mural composed of artwork relating to their identity. The mural is still evolving with new creations being regularly added. They have used artist Keith Haring and also video game art as inspirations for their artworks.
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Eighth graders are testing their Rube Goldberg's to complete multiple tasks, including- putting toothpaste on a toothbrush, popping a balloon, watering a plant, putting out a candle, and ringing a bell. Students had to have at least 5 unique actions and include two random objects. Students are currently working on connecting all 5 Rube Goldberg's to work from one single student action. A Rube Goldberg is an elaborate looking machine created to perform a simple task.
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HS BASEBALL
Baseball is currently 10-3 on the season. We have hit really well this year, having a team batting average of .309. Our offense is lead by Jake Leeker, who is hitting over .500 with 8 doubles, 3 HR and has 16 RBIs. Bryce Hambelton (2), Aden Yarger, Landry Jenkins and Briar Walrath have joined the home run column as well. Our pitching staff has a team ERA of 2.492 and they all have done extremely well this year. We still have yet to put a complete game together where we swing it, field it and pitch it well. But when we do, I’m excited to see the team we will have on the field. This week starts a major week of games which includes Hartville and Conway, two teams we have lost to, and the Southern Missouri Invitational tournament.
Submitted by Coach Hobbs
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HS SOFTBALL
The Gainesville High School softball team has been using their spring season to make improvements on both their playing and team dynamic to better prepare them for the main fall season. They currently have a record of six wins and three losses, and they are hopeful to continue their winning season. Sophomore Sailor Anderson has helped the team by being a consistent pitcher that the team can count on.
The lady Bulldog softball team scored wins over Hartville and Seymour and took losses to Dora and Sparta. " We had a busy week playing four games. We got behind to Hartville but continued to fight our way back into it and pulled out a 7-6 win. On Tuesday, we played Dora and we just had trouble centering the ball on their pitcher, too many pop outs to the outfield and roll over ground balls. Dora used small ball and we didn't respond well, I will take the heat for that loss but we will be ready for that next time," commented Coach Joe Walrath. Dora pulled off the victory 3-9.
Next, the Lady Bulldogs went back to finish the Sparta tournament. Coach Walrath explained, "We played top seed Sparta first and they are not ranked ninth in the state for no reason. The girls played super hard defense, Sailor Anderson pitched great, Jesse Lathem and Hallee Donley hit hard, but at the end we lost 1-2. Great game, proud of the girls."
Finally, the Lady Bulldogs played the Seymour Tigers and came away with a 4-0 victory. "Sailor pitched great and Bretlyn Kastning came up with the big hit to seal the win, good job girls," Walrath said. The girls beat Norwood for the first time in several years during the Summit Conference tournament which won them third place. The team’s next game is this Thursday at Fordland.
Submitted by Coach Walrath
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JUNIOR HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL TRACK
Gainesville High School Track Team has competed in the last three weeks in the following meets: Ava Open, Willow Spring Relays, Zizzer Relays
Top 8 Places
Ava Open 4/1
Girls
6th 200 meter Jillian Morse
2nd 4 x100 meter Relay Marayia Deatherage, Jillian Morse, Carrie Richer, Jesse Lathum
Boys
4th High Jump Maliki Sherry
6th 4 x100 Relay Nate Richer, Maverick Bushner, Joshua Richer, Bryce Hambelton
2nd shot Joshua Richer
5th shot Bryce Hambelton
2nd 300 Hurdles Nate Richer
2nd Discus Joshua Richer
2nd Pole Vault Nate Richer
Willow Spring Relays 4/5
Girls
6th 100m Jessee Latham
6th 200m Jillian Morse
6th 400m Jillian Morse
7th Long Jump Carrie Richer
Boys
4th High Jump Maliki Sherry
6th Long Jump Maliki Sherry
1st Pole Vault Nate Richer
1st Discus Josh Richer
7th Javelin Colton Lawson
2nd Shot Put Josh Richer
Zizzer Relays 4/15
Girls
7th 4 x100 Relay Marayia Deatherage, Olivia Milligan, Carrie Richer, Jesse Lathum
Boys
3rd 300 Hurdles Nate Richer
3rd Pole Vault Nate Richer
1st Shot Josh Richer
1st Discus Josh Richer
Junior High
Gainesville Jr High John Botts-Papcke has competed in the last three weeks in the following meets: WPMS Open, Ava MS Open, and WPMS Ribbon Meet.
4/06/21 WPMS Open 4th Place Discus 71’5” 100m Dash 15.38 200m Dash 32.68
4/08/21 Ava MS Open 5th Place Discus 22.3
4/13/21 WPMS Ribbon Meet 7th Place Discus 22.59m
The track team has competitively done well, working hard toward districts. They have showed good ethics and sportsmanship. I am very proud of all the kids and their accomplishments.
Submitted by Coach Gary Emerick
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FBLA
The Gainesville FBLA Chapter celebrated FBLA Week April 5-8. On Monday we had an FBLA t-shirt day where members wore their favorite FBLA shirt. On Tuesday, the chapter appreciated members and teachers by giving members a snack and a drink and made lunch for elementary and high school teachers. On Wednesday, we had a hat day and all proceeds went to March of Dimes. On Thursday, we had a park clean-up day. Members picked up trash and sticks at the city park.
Missouri FBLA also announced the FBLA state winners on Tuesday, April 13th. We had nine students placed at state level! The Parliamentary Procedure team earned 5th place and the Public Service Announcement team placed 9th. Wyatt Alms is eligible to compete at the national level with his third place win in Intro to Parliamentary Procedure. We appreciate all our members for their hard work and dedication to their events.
Submitted by Gwendolyn Broderick, FBLA chapter reporter
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FFA
Congratulations to the GHS FFA Poultry Team. They placed in the top ten at the state FFA Poultry contest, placing 9th and receiving a Group 1 rating. Members of the team are Brady Myers, Jarett Hogan, Emory Warden and Andrew Hambelton.
The FFA officer team helped out at Grandparent's Day.
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ACADEMIC TEAM
After a late start due to Covid-19, the Gainesville High School Academic team had another very successful season. Starting January 16 with participation in the virtual Mountain Grove tournament, the team participated in several dual matches during February and March, including Fordland, Norwood and Conway.
Saturday April 10 brought another all day virtual Houston tournament, where the team finished 2nd out of 8 teams with a 6-1 record, losing only to Rolla. Three team members placed in the top 10 individually in this meet – Daniel Miller, Justus DeVries and Anastasia Goodson.
Saturday April 17 the team travelled to Campbell, south of Poplar Bluff, for the district tournament. The team won its first three matches, defeating Puxico, Bakersfield and Campbell to advance to the final match. GHS lost on the final question to a tough Summersville team, but still brought home the second place trophy. Team members Daniel Miller and Justus DeVries received medals for their individual success.
By virtue of their 2nd place finish in the Houston tournament, the team once again qualified for the national tournament, which will be held virtually this year in late May and June. In addition to those mentioned above, team members Daniel Dickey, Olivia Milligan, Brady Myers, Diana Wages and Erin Wilson are all integral members of the team and are to be commended for their hard work.
We are looking forward to a full season starting in the fall. All students in grades 9-12 are welcome and encouraged to participate. Questions cover a wide range of subjects, including popular culture, current events, art, music and religion, as well as the standard subjects of math, history, science and literature. Team members generally focus on studying one or two areas to provide strength to the team across the full range of topics. Any student interested for next year is encouraged to join!
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GES Library Gifted With Barney and Doris Douglas Book Grant
The Barney and Doris Douglas Family donated $250 in books to the Gainesville Elementary Library. All of the books donated were titles that GES students had recently requested to be added to the library. The gift is much appreciated and the books will be enjoyed by GES students.
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PRESCHOOL
Easter dance party!
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KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten enjoyed learning the colors of the rainbow this month while making rainbow jello. To top off our month, we celebrated Easter by having an Easter egg hunt at the football field. Hiding was done by our wonderful sixth grade students!
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FIRST GRADE
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SECOND GRADE
Second grade students have been learning about American symbols. After learning about what the American flag represents, students created a fun American flag treat
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THIRD GRADE
Third graders enjoyed performing for the Grandparent’s Day program.
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FOURTH GRADE
MAP testing is here, and fourth grade was prepared! In the first two weeks of April, MAP Attack was provided after school for an hour each day. Fourth graders were given the choice to stay after to prepare and review for the upcoming MAP test. As you can tell, we had a lot of fun!
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FIFTH GRADE
Fifth graders enjoy using a variety of fun ways to practice their spelling,, such as using Scrabble tiles to practice forming their words and activities such as “back-spelling”.