Submitted by Ethan Sickels,

Rock Port R-II Superintendent

The sun has been shining (for the most part), the temps are getting warmer, and we are still in school this spring . . . how much better can it get! I’d rather not remember what we dealt with this time last year; instead, focusing on the fact we are in school, keeping plenty busy with academics, activities, and athletic events, and once again enjoying some great success as a Blue Jay family this spring.

In case you missed it, our High School Scholar Bowl team steamrolled the 275 Conference this year in the regular season and at the Conference Tournament, and currently hold an 18-0 record! We host Class 2 District 8 competition on April 17, and are hopeful our team can advance towards the State Tournament again this year.

During these last six weeks of school, we will tackle our required MAP and EOC testing. The tests are designed to be shorter this year, as many districts in our state have just returned to full time schooling over the past couple of months. We still aren’t sure what information will be returned from these tests, so valuable data may not be obtainable. However, we have high expectations that our students will continue to perform well, and know our efforts throughout this school year have allowed for academic growth not every district has experienced. There are some definite advantages to small schools in Missouri, and this year is certainly proving no exception.

Financially, we are in a much better spot than a month ago. The governor releasing the withholding from our budget means we will see just over $75,000 more in revenue than budgeted at the beginning of the year. Keep in mind this is money we should receive, but eight months ago we had no clue where our state finances were headed. In addition, stimulus funds from rounds one and two have allowed us to purchase new textbooks and are making significant upgrades in our technology. We still have no official word on what this last stimulus passed by the President means for our school district . . . however, it sounds like it could be a large amount of money. While the stimulus funding has some strings, it has certainly been beneficial in allowing our school district to improve our options for distanced and virtual learning.

That’s enough updates for now. I do hope spring means the beginning of a much more positive outlook for our community and country. Continue to take good care of yourselves and your families. As always, I leave you with three important words . . . GO BIG BLUE!