ENews: Friday, February 21, 2025
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Friday, February 21:
Hallsville Intermediate Science Night
Thursday, February 27:
Golden Tribe Dinner & Basketball Event
Friday, February 28:
FFA Pancake Dinner
Monday, March 3:
School In Session | Weather Make-Up Day
Friday, March 7:
Third Quarter Ends
Monday, March 10:
School In Session | Weather Make-Up Day
Tuesday, March 11:
Fourth Quarter Begins
Tuesday, March 18:
CTA School Board Candidate Forum
Wednesday, March 19:
Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, March 25 - Friday, March 28:
No School, Spring Break
You can view the district calendar online here or subscribe to the calendar here.
You can subscribe to the District and Athletics & Activities events and calendar here.
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 |
During the February Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the 2025-2026 district calendar. The 2025-2026 school calendar is based on the 2024-2025 calendar. However, due to the timing of Christmas break, the district will lose two instructional days. To address this, the calendar adds two instructional days on Mondays in the fall. This adjustment maintains the same number of instructional hours as the current year and balances the number of instructional days between the first and second semesters. The school year will still conclude before Memorial Day and include a full week of Spring Break. |
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At the February meeting, the Board of Education approved the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to solicit responses from firms interested in serving as construction manager at-risk for planned building projects to be funded with proceeds from the issuance of bonds if approved by voters in April 2025. In addition, the Board discussed whether or not it would be advantageous to pay the Architecture and Engineering firm Klingner to begin designing bond issue projects prior to the bond passing. This would allow the District to begin construction much sooner after the potential passing of the bond.In December, the Board approved its decision to place a $6.5 million no-tax-increase bond issue on the April 8, 2025, ballot to support the district’s next major construction projects, which include the following:
Parking and traffic flow improvements
Construction of additional classrooms
A multipurpose sports field with an artificial surface
Installation of security doors
The priorities outlined above support Phase 2 in the Board-approved Facility Master Plan while also permitting flexibility to include projects to address other needs.
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Yearbooks are now on sale! Elementary books (PreK-8th grade) are $15, and High School yearbooks are $40. If buying with cash or check, please complete this form. If purchasing online, please hit the button below! All yearbook orders must be submitted by Friday, March 21.
The elementary book (PreK-8) will be delivered in May before school is out for the summer. The high school book will be available in August 2025. Seniors or senior parents will be able to pick up books in the high school office. The later delivery date on the high school book is due to coverage of spring sports and events, such as Prom and Graduation.
Hallsville High School Yearbook Order Code: 23923
PreK-8th Grade Elementary Yearbook Order Code: 23929
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We’re excited to introduce the Hallsville Alumni Spotlight in our ENews! This feature highlights Hallsville High School graduates who have made a difference in our community or excelled in their fields. Each month, we’ll share inspiring stories that showcase the Hallsville spirit.
Know an alum who deserves to be recognized? Let us know—we’d love to share their story! Email communications@hallsville.org for more information.
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 |
Kelly Austene Raines, HHS Class of 1995
Kelly Austene Raines was born and raised in Hallsville. She graduated from Hallsville High School in 1995. Her parents are Patricia and the late Alan Austene. She lives in Texas City with her husband Scott and son Austen.
What kind of post-high school training or schooling did you have?
After graduating from Hallsville, I attended Pensacola College in Florida, playing softball and earning an associate's degree. I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in business from Lindenwood College in St. Louis.
What are you doing now?
I am the head softball coach and athletic director at Galveston College, where I have worked for four years. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Region 14 named me the Mid-South A District Coach of the Year in 2024.
Our team, The Whitecaps, won a Region 14 South Conference co-championship and a Region 14 Tournament title, played five games deep into the 2024 NJCAA DI World Series, and earned a No. 5 nationwide ranking last season after playing the College World Series. I have been coaching softball for 24 years.
How did Hallsville School prepare you for life?
Hallsville Schools gave me the tools I needed to succeed in both college and life. Moving from small-town Hallsville High School to a large college in Pensacola, Florida, was a big transition, but I felt well-prepared for the academic challenges. I credit Mr. Rich Trinklein and Mrs. Connie Rutherford for their high expectations and guidance, which played a key role in my success.
Beyond academics, Hallsville also helped me develop the confidence and self-assurance to excel in both my studies and collegiate athletics.
What part of Hallsville did you take with you?
I think I took many of the small town values from Hallsville with me. I like to make connections with my players and I enjoy working at a smaller school so I can get to know my players well. I like to recreate the community feel and friendliness that I felt when I was at Hallsville. Hallsville shaped me, and I want to make Hallsville proud of me.
What advice would you give students today?
Go out and do what you love, and don’t let anything get in the way. If you have to leave Hallsville to do what you love, that is ok, although it may be scary. You can take parts of Hallsville with you.
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Hallsville High School sophomore Madilyn Carmichael showcased exceptional public speaking skills in the American Legion High School Oratorical Contest! Representing Boone County, she won first place at the district level, earning a spot in the Zone 1 competition, where she finished third against tough competition.
This year's American Legion High School Oratorical Contest focused on America's Constitution! In Madilyn Carmichael's speech, she spoke about the relevance of the U.S. Constitution in everyday life. She emphasized how constitutional rights impact her daily activities, even as a 16-year-old who cannot yet vote. To prove her point, she highlighted the First, Forth, and Sixth Amendment.
She concluded by reminding the audience that the Constitution is a living document, designed to grow with society. It not only grants freedoms but also requires individuals to respect others' rights and stay informed. Her speech encouraged her listeners to view the Constitution as more than a historical artifact, but as a framework that continues to shape and protect their daily lives.
Hallsville is incredibly proud of Madilyn’s achievements, which reflect her dedication, talent, and passion for civic engagement. Her success highlights the strength of Hallsville’s students and the support of the community that encourages them to excel!
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We are excited to introduce the Hallsville Golden Tribe, a new program open to community members aged 60 and older! This group was created to strengthen connections and offer members the opportunity to stay informed, engaged, and involved with the achievements and programs of Hallsville School District. The Golden Tribe aims to enhance community ties while celebrating the accomplishments that contribute to the success of our students, teachers, and district programs. Please join us on Thursday, February 27, for dinner and the season's last regular home basketball games!
Community Event & Dinner
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 5:00 p.m.
Hallsville Middle School
The event will include:
- Dinner followed by Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball game
- HHS Student Achievements
- Update from our School Counseling Program
- School District Updates
- Tour of the new Hallsville Middle School wing
Varsity Girls Basketball Game | 6:00 p.m.
Varsity Boys Basketball Game | 7:30 p.m.
Hallsville High School, West Gym
Please RSVP by Friday, February 21
Call 573-696-5512 or email communications@hallsville.org
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The Hallsville Community Teachers Association (CTA) will host a School Board Candidate Forum on Tuesday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the Hallsville Primary School cafeteria. Board candidates who have filed for the Tuesday, April 8 election will be in attendance to answer questions and meet community members. Eight candidates are running for two open seats.
School Board Candidates (in order of filing):
Jason Brown
Courtney Thompson
Christopher McLeland
Christopher Teel
Rebecca Brewer
Michelle Haddock
Adam Riley
Chase Bunger
Current Board of Education members whose terms are expiring in April 2025:
Bryan Wildenhain
Shaunna Turner
CTA encourages community members to submit questions here for candidates to answer at the forum. The link will close on Friday, February 28. If you have questions regarding the forum, please contact CTA President Kayla Eads at keads@hallsville.org.
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Due to inclement weather, the Hallsville School District will be in session on the following dates:
- Monday, March 3
Monday, March 10
Monday, April 7
You can read more on inclement weather on the district's website.
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Save the date for Summer School 2025!
1st Grade - 12th Grade:
June 3 - June 27, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Friday
No school Thursday, June 19
Kindergarten Jumpstart: Open to students entering kindergarten in the Fall of 2025.
Session I: Wednesday, June 4 through Friday, June 13, 8:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Will follow the traditional Tuesday through Friday schedule, with school starting on Wednesday, June 4.
Session II: Tuesday, June 17 through Friday, June 17, 8:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Will follow the traditional Tuesday through Friday schedule, with no school Thursday, June 19
More information will be released to families in March!
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Below are highlights of items discussed during the open session of the Hallsville Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The full highlights are available here. The next regular session meeting is tonight, Wednesday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the Hallsville Primary School cafeteria.
STADIUM PROJECT UPDATE: Progress Report #2
SMWilson provided a monthly construction update for the Board of Education to review, along with the most recent pay application and change order #4 for Board consideration. Despite challenging weather conditions, locker room construction is progressing. Excavation for footings is underway, and rebar has been secured. A temporary road has been installed to access the bleacher pad, and excavation for the pad has begun. The team continues to make progress whenever the weather allows.
PROGRAM EVALUATIONS CSIP Goal 3: Quality Governance
The Board approved the evaluations of the Federal Programs , Career Education , and Gifted and Talented Education program. Each review includes program goals, evidence of change, concerns, and future recommendations.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT (PBIS)
CSIP Goal Area 2: Excellent Schools
Our district remains committed to implementing the PBIS initiative through collaboration among our District Leadership subcommittees, Building PBIS teams, and the support of State PBS consultants. Each summer, the state PBIS team hosts a summer institute, offering professional development opportunities for schools and districts to deepen their understanding of PBIS practices. This event also serves as a platform for districts currently implementing PBIS to exchange best practices and effective strategies. We are excited to send a team representing multiple buildings to this year’s institute. Additionally, we are proud to announce that Codi Campos, a long-standing PBIS leader at the Intermediate School, has been awarded a scholarship covering the cost of registration for the event.
HMS PBIS CARNIVAL CSIP Goal Area 2: Excellent Schools
The Middle School hosted a carnival on January 30th in the west gym for students who have been safe, respectful, and responsible during the first semester. Students played skeeball, high striker, prize walk, and many more games. They also made some balloon animals and had a chance to throw a pie at Mr. Bolton, Mr. Cooney, and Mr. Sides. Allowing students to earn rewards in school can have a positive impact on their motivation, behavior, and overall learning experience.
HPS & HIS CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH CSIP Goal Area 2: Excellent Schools
Hallsville Primary and Intermediate Schools' character focus this month is kindness. They have been reading books, discussing, and sharing examples of kindness. Students have been learning about acts of kindness and how important it is to show kindness to others.
HHS SECURITY DOORS
Many mid-Missouri high schools have a second set of security doors requiring visitors to be seen and buzzed in by office staff before entering the building. Hallsville High School currently lacks this feature, meaning visitors have direct access to the building once inside the main doors. While check-in is required at the office, adding a second set of locking doors is a critical security improvement.
TRANSPORTATION
The Missouri State Highway Patrol fleet inspections scheduled for Thursday, February 20, have been postponed. The district has received its “new” buses, upgraded from 2015 to 2017 models at no additional cost, and we are awaiting titles for licensing. We continue working on TransAct setup, with some delays due to a new customer representative and plan to begin tablet testing next week. Additionally, a new hire is training for her CDL, and we are developing recruitment packets to fill 2-3 driver openings for next year.
SPECIAL SERVICES UPDATE
An update was provided to the Special Services Department in January regarding Title IX Enforcement.
SCHOOL SAFETY CSIP Goal 3: Quality Governance
The district will hold a school safety meeting on April 17 at 4:00 p.m. in the middle school.
POLICY UPDATES CSIP Goal 3: Quality Governance
In November, MCE recommended the adoption of Policy 1422 related to Advertising/Signage on District Property. However, after a thorough review of our district’s specific needs, the district determined that integrating Policy 1422 with our current Policy 1475 would be the most effective approach. Policy 1475 has been in place for many years and addresses most of our district's advertising needs. However, the incorporation of Policy 1422, which addresses selling advertising rights on scoreboards and similar areas, was not covered in Policy 1475. To address this, we took that portion from Policy 1422 and updated Policy 1475 accordingly. This is the first reading.
TRICOUNTY CONFERENCE (TCC) UPDATE
Our conference has no changes at this time, but discussions are ongoing. The TCC voted against expanding to include Mexico and Moberly, though Hallsville supported the proposal. A separate meeting was held to explore the possibility of forming a new conference, and several schools participated in positive discussions. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for February 25 to continue exploring the idea.
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YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES
Hallsville FFA Pancake Dinner
Join the Hallsville FFA for their Pancake Dinner on Friday, February 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Shop. Free will donations will be accepted.
Hallsville Optimist Youth Cheer Sale
Hallsville Optimist will have old youth cheerleading uniforms available for sale at the basketball game on Friday, February 27. Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of history!
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COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
Hallsville Veterans Memorial
The Police Foundation of Hallsville is raising funds for a Veterans Memorial at Tribble Park. Community members are invited to purchase an engraved brick honoring those who served. Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or a supporter of our military, your contribution helps build a space where stories and sacrifices are forever cherished. Orders must be placed before March 31, 2025.
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Hallsville School District
www.hallsville.org
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