Branson Pirate athletes prepare for fall season
To prepare for the season ahead, our Football Pirates attended several camps focusing on strength training, speed development, and mental toughness.
The Softball Pirates emphasized teamwork through bonding activities, aiming to come together as a unified squad ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season.
The Branson High School Varsity Competition Cheer Squad received training from a professional NFL cheerleader based out of Kansas City to gear up for state competition.
The Volleyball Pirates participated in camps, showcases and tournaments to sharpen their skills on the court.
The BHS Boys Soccer team focused on tactical drills to enhance their game strategy and participated in several competitive scrimmages to improve their match readiness.
We can’t wait to see all of our Pirate athletes in action this fall and we hope you will make plans to join us on campus for a game or two.
Hollister High School Students embrace leadership opportunities over the summer
Students from Hollister High School took full advantage of various leadership opportunities over the summer, gaining valuable experience, developing new skills, and making lifelong connections. These remarkable young leaders represented their school and community in programs across the state and the nation.
Four students—Aidan Connell, Gibsyn Penny, Lucas Nelson, and Harley Viall—attended Missouri Boys State, a prestigious program designed to teach students about government operations and civic leadership. Reflecting on the experience, Lucas Nelson said, "MO Boys State was a rewarding, engaging and challenging experience. I loved getting to meet new people and enjoyed the opportunity to share our experiences. I developed new leadership skills and learned more about our government and how it operates."
Aidan Connell further expanded his leadership experience by interning with United States Representative Eric Burlison, gaining first-hand insights into the workings of government at the federal level.
Two Hollister students, Olivia Buttram and Maya Retasket, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hollister and the Branson-Hollister Rotary Club, participated in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). "RYLA allowed me to meet new friends from around the state," Olivia Buttram shared. "While there, we found our true selves and how to work best in a team to solve problems. We were also taught that we can find new ways to solve problems through hard work and dedication." Olivia also attended the FFA HYMAX Leadership Academy, further enhancing her leadership credentials.
Three students—Harley Viall, Lucas Nelson, and Ryan Southern—had the unique opportunity to visit the Johnson Space Center for the STEMLiner IV program, where they engaged with cutting-edge STEM initiatives and explored potential career paths in science and technology.
A group of students including Mahali Loftis, Addison Kimrey, Addison Wilson, Cason Kemp, Mileah Albert, Calli Schill, Samantha Herrera-Rivas, and Daniel Pasillas attended the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC), where they delved into the history and significance of the nation's capital. Cason Kemp reflected on the experience, saying, "The WLC trip made me realize never to turn down an opportunity or take any opportunity for granted. This trip was eye-opening and made me realize how much our nation was built on God, as evidenced by Bible scriptures on many monuments throughout the city. Our country’s capital is beyond any textbook or pictures. I loved every second of every moment I had with my teacher, friends and all of the new people I met."
Dr. Jared Terry, Principal of Hollister High School, praised the students for their commitment to growth and leadership, stating, "We are incredibly proud of our students for seizing these opportunities to develop their leadership skills and represent Hollister on such prestigious platforms. Their experiences this summer will undoubtedly shape them into the leaders of tomorrow."
New teachers join Hollister Tiger Family
The Hollister R-V School District proudly welcomed its newest members to the Hollister Tiger Family during the New Teacher Institute held from July 29 through July 31, 2024.
Hollister's New Teacher Institute is a comprehensive program designed to introduce educators to the “Hollister Tiger Way” and immerse them in the vibrant Hollister Family culture. Over three days, new teachers were engaged in a series of activities and learning sessions that fostered connections with colleagues, the community, and the core values that define Hollister.
Participants were paired with experienced mentors who will support them throughout their first year. A highlight of the program was a luncheon with the board of education, where new teachers had the opportunity to interact with district leadership. Additionally, a guided bus tour provided a deeper understanding of the Hollister community, further integrating these educators into the local culture.
The institute also focused on practical elements essential for success in the classroom, including district curriculum guidelines, lesson planning strategies and classroom preparation for the upcoming school year.
New teachers include: Jesse Baker, Lanna Fletcher, Tatumn Kibbe, Christy Smith, Erinn Tanner, Michelle Kesel, Annette Copeland, Jason Buschman (counselor), Leslie Davis, Denise Banderman, Jeremy Tanner, First Sgt. Barkefelt, Justin Pock, Andrew Garner, Heidi Fuller
As these educators embark on their journey with the Hollister R-V School District, they do so with a strong sense of belonging and a commitment to excellence, ready to contribute to the continued success of the district.
New teachers join Reeds Spring Schools
Nineteen new teachers have joined the Reeds Spring School District. They reported for duty a few days before the rest of the teachers, to learn about the district's culture and commitment to academic and personal excellence.
All staff members return to work on August 13 and students begin class on August 20.
The new teachers are listed below.
Primary School
Jennifer Byers
Kristian Farnsworth
Emily Kaufman
Elementary School
Sadey Deaton
Kaitlyn Kissee
Dawn Schwartz
Maegan Seaman
Intermediate School
Tracy Dubuque
Middle School
Hayden Champion
Karim Dawani
Joshua Keys
Julie Michel
High School
Kyle Anderson
Danielle Ashford
Bobbie Boone
Blake Gronvold
Trent Oxenreider
Cyndi Trimble
Table Rock Career Center
Brent Patrick
School of the Ozarks hosts Classical Christian Education Teacher Training
The School of the Ozarks hosted their first teacher training on July 22-25, for teachers who are in their first years of teaching within the Classical Christian Education model. Over 100 teachers throughout North America attended the three-day training sessions, with most of their expenses being paid by the Stanley M. Herzog Charitable Foundation.
“We want to help train teachers to give an education that many of us did not receive. When the movement will really take off is when those who have been classically educated come back to teach and run these schools,” said Dr. Brad Dolloff, dean of School of the Ozarks. “Through the preparation and training of these new teachers, they are better equipped to accomplish the goal of growing the movement of Classical Christian Education to create disciples for Christ. School of the Ozarks looks forward to expanding their teacher training so the influence of Classical Christian Education will continue to transform students, teachers and families.”
Dr. Brian Polk serves as the new director of the Center for Classical Christian Education at School of the Ozarks and the director of accreditation at Society for Classical Learning (SCL). Through his roles, Polk will lead the future training of teachers in developing the Classical Christian model and help schools become accredited through SCL.
“We believe that Classical Christian Education has the ability to transform hearts, lives and our culture,” Polk said. “We believe this so strongly that we want to share that transformation with other people.”
Sessions led by the school’s seasoned classical educators aimed to equip teachers with practical tools and knowledge that will benefit those who are new to the Classical Christian movement. Dr. Kyle Rapinchuk, head of school at Sager Classical Academy and the former curriculum director at the Beulah I. Winfrey Upper School at School of the Ozarks, planned the training alongside the School of the Ozarks staff and led sessions for grades nine-12. Additionally, Jenni Carey, the S. Truett Cathy Lower School’s curriculum director, led six-nine training, while Beth Howard, kindergarten teacher, led K-six to better accommodate teachers' individual needs.
There were four main sessions that every teacher attended: Purpose, preparation, pedagogy, and portrait. For teachers in their first few years of teaching classically and Christianly, it was necessary to establish the purpose of Classical Christian Education, which required defining and cultivating wisdom and virtue for students and their families. Preparation of teachers looked different for each grade level; however, it was centered around the question, “How can we, as teachers, best serve our students and parents?”
Pedagogy, or “strategic teaching,” focused on student learning with an emphasis on effective assessment, classroom management and the principles of teaching. Lastly, the portrait of a graduate session gave teachers insight on what qualities a well-rounded student should possess as they leave their respective institutions, rooted in becoming a more complete image of Christ.
“I’m encouraged that this is something that matters across the country, that people see this as important, and that lots of people are willing to make the sacrifice to invest in these kids with this kind of education,” said Evan Adams, teacher of Greek and Integrated Humanities at Classical School of Wichita.
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