Branson Schools
Branson hires new principals for 2025-26 school year
Branson High School and Cedar Ridge Primary will gain new principals for the 2025-2026 school year.
Dr. Sara Strohm has been named the new Principal for Branson High School. Strohm replaces Dr. Jack Harris, who will move into the role of Assistant Superintendent in 2025-2026. Strohm spent four years as Principal of Reed Academy with Springfield Public Schools prior to becoming an Assistant Principal at Branson High School in 2023. She also spent time teaching and coaching in the Bolivar and Seymour school districts.
Dr. Kara Swofford has been named Principal of Cedar Ridge Primary, replacing Carol Furman who will leave the district in June. Prior to her current role, Director of the Teacher Education Department at College of the Ozarks, Swofford served as Principal of Reeds Spring Early Education Center and Primary School from 2003-2007. Dr. Kara Swofford is married to outgoing Superintendent Dr. Brad Swofford.
Strohm and Swofford will begin their new duties July 1, 2025.
Branson’s One Book, One School a success
Cedar Ridge Elementary completed its second annual One Book, One School event: a shared journey of reading and fun! This year featured the beloved classic “Stuart Little” by E.B. White.
The One Book, One School initiative aims to connect home and school by providing each family with a free copy of “Stuart Little” to read together at home. At school, students dive into discussions, activities and projects that bring the book to life, all while enhancing their literacy skills.
The idea was inspired by Cedar Ridge librarian Kendra Helsel, who was introduced to the One Book, One School concept through a librarian social media group.
To drum up excitement around the book reveal, the school hallways were transformed into a whimsical scene with NYC backdrops, as well as pictures of cats, mice and pawprints, and teachers and staff dressing up as cats, mice and birds, offering more playful hints to the mystery.
Thanks to the creative efforts of Cedar Ridge Elementary second grade teacher Kinzee Penner, the program also incorporated a fun writing activity. Penner wrote a grant to purchase a small mouse and a blank book for each classroom, allowing students to take turns hosting “Stuart” for the day and documenting his adventures in a shared classroom journal.
College of the Ozarks
College of the Ozarks Agriculture Department hosts annual FFA workshop
On March 1, 2025, the College of the Ozarks agriculture department hosted its annual, national Future Farmers of America Workshop. High school students from all over Missouri and Arkansas attended the workshop.
This workshop is an opportunity for high school FFA students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while sharpening their contest abilities. Throughout the workshop, C of O students shared the knowledge and skills they have gained through their education and work experiences on campus. C of O students also served as judges and proctors for the events. The goal was to create an interactive experience that would teach practical skills and challenge the FFA students’ knowledge. They participated in a variety of workshops and contests such as floriculture, farm management, agronomy, nursery/landscaping, entomology, meats, public speaking, horse judging, dairy cattle, dairy foods, livestock judging, forestry, soils and poultry.
The student workers and supervisors of the beef farm, hog farm, processing plant, agronomy, feed mill, dairy and greenhouse/garden workstations collaborated to make the FFA Workshop successful.
Hollister Schools
Hollister High School Show Choir season results
The Blue Harmony Singers, a talented group of 31 high school performers, presented “King Midas: The Golden Touch,” in five Missouri competitions. Overall, they earned three first place awards, one third place award, and special recognition for best costumes, Judge’s Choice, Best Ballad, Best Soloist, Best Closer, and Best Show Design. In addition, Blue Harmony hosted the Hollister Show Choir Invitational.
Hollister Middle School students selected for SCMMEA District Honor Choir
Six talented students from Hollister Middle School were selected to participate in the prestigious South Central Missouri Music Educators Association (SCMMEA) District Honor Choir, held at Southwest Baptist University. Selected students are Sophia Munier, Gracie Loftis, Brooklyn Buecker, Jessica Barney, Olivia Rogers and Elijah Burk
Hollister summer school registration open
Join us for summer school FUN, May 28-June 24.
F = FREE transportation, FREE meals and fabulous fun
U – Unforgettable experiences
N – Nutritious breakfast and nutritious lunch
For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.hollister.k12.mo.us/summerschool. Students do not need to live in the Hollister School District to attend summer school.
Reeds Spring Schools
More than 200 guests attend Golden Friends Luncheon
More than 200 community members attended the Reeds Spring School District’s annual Golden Friends Luncheon on March 12. The district treats guests to a free meal and entertainment as a way to thank the community for its support. Guests enjoyed performances by the RSHS Choir, RSHS Jazz Band and the Elementary Singers.
Reeds Spring and Table Rock Career Center students shine at science fair
Students from Reeds Spring High School and Table Rock Career Center showcased their expertise at the Ozark Science and Engineering Fair, held at Missouri State University. Three projects received third place recognition: Connor Love and Rielan Frisbie in botany; Aubree Stuart and Elizabeth Inselman in environmental science; and Lily Wilmsmeyer, Andrew Hulliung and Landon Hafar in zoology. Three more projects were given honorable mention: Hoyt Gubin, Mathew Maher and Landon Munhollon in engineering; Mitchell Swetska and Stephanie Westerhold in physics and astronomy; and Keili Devors, Addison Crane and Tabatha Leo in biochemistry.
Reeds Spring band members qualify for state
Reeds Spring High School’s band will send three soloists and a quartet to the State Music Festival. They qualified by earning gold ratings at the district solo and ensemble competition.
Gold ratings: Sydney Eby: Soprano Clarinet solo; Hazel Morefield: Flute solo; Teagan Sage: Bass Clarinet Solo; Hannah Williams, Sydney Eby, Jypsie Atchison, Ariana Cothran: Mixed Woodwind Quartet. The State Music Festival is scheduled for May 2 in Columbia.
Reeds Spring choir members qualify for state
Brennan Bilberry – solo; Samara Lillie – solo; Malacki McGregor – solo; Landon Munhollon – solo; Morgan Nicholls – solo; Kaylee Sammons – solo; Calvin Waters - solo; Mixed Ensemble: Brennan Bilberry, Wyatt Coursey, Colbie Cypret, Samara Lillie, Matthew Maher, Thomas McGuane, Kaylee Sammons, Calvin Waters ; Mixed Ensemble: Mikayla Baker, Blaiklee Cage, Morgan Nicholls, Noah Norris, Landon Munhollon, Ava Sammons, Jayden Turner. The State Music Festival is May 2 in Columbia.
Table Rock Career Center
Table Rock Career Center March Professionals of the Month
Table Rock Career Center recognized two students from its Construction program and two from its Engineering program as Professionals of the Month. The construction students are Kaleb Dry, junior from Chadwick, and Brody Pettigrew, junior from Reeds Spring. The engineering students are Hunter Pollard, senior from Forsyth, and Shane Pearson, senior from Reeds Spring.
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