Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
BRADLEYVILLE SCHOOLS
Bradleyville puts focus on quality preschool services
As the Bradleyville School District works through financial challenges, one priority remains unwavering for Superintendent Dr. Kendra Stuart: ensuring every child receives the best academic opportunities.
Last summer, as preschool enrollment dipped, Dr. Stuart was faced with a difficult decision: reduce or eliminate a preschool classroom aide. But thanks to a Hope Grant from the Silver Dollar City Foundation, the district was able to keep a full-time aide in place, preserving the supportive and well-staffed environment Bradleyville’s preschool families rely on.
“Early education is imperative,” Dr. Stuart said. “Preschool prepares children for school and sets students up for a successful academic career. In our preschool classroom, we have children who have been worked with regularly and we have kids who may not have had that opportunity. When we have not just a teacher but a full-time aide working together with kids, we give students the time and attention they need. It levels the playing field and helps students successfully transition to kindergarten.”
Preschool teacher Sarah Graves has seen that impact firsthand.
“Preschool lays the groundwork for everything that comes next,” Graves explained. “Students learn routines, listening skills, how to line up, letters, numbers - skills that help them walk into kindergarten ready to succeed. And when you’re working with three- and four‑year‑olds, having an extra set of hands in the room makes all the difference.”
Preschool aide Taylor Cummings agrees.
“As a full‑time aide, I’m able to give one-on-one support to students who need a little extra help,” Cummings said. “We can also break into smaller groups, which is incredibly important at this age and developmental stage.”
Bradleyville’s preschool welcomes students starting at age three. Tuition is $6 per day, or $2 a day for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Families interested in learning more, or in signing up for the district’s preschool and kindergarten screenings on April 9–10, are encouraged to call 417-796-2288.
Silver Dollar City Foundation provides Hope Grants to the 14 public school districts serving Stone and Taney County children. These grants empower districts to address local needs ranging from early childhood education to literacy programs, behavioral support, social services, and student and family engagement. During the 2024–2025 school year alone, Hope Grant projects positively impacted nearly 3,000 students.
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson Education Foundation presents ‘A Night in the Arts’
You’re invited to a special night of creativity, music, and community impact! The Branson R-IV Education Foundation, in collaboration with Reeds Spring Wolf Pack Foundation and Hollister School Foundation, will host "A Night in the Arts" on April 19, 2026 at Yakov Smirnoff Theatre in Branson. This fundraiser celebrates student art and performance, and will benefit all 14 Stone and Taney County school districts.
The event will feature:
Original student-created artwork available through a live auction
Choir performances
Student culinary creations
Solo and small-group performances highlighting the incredible talent of our students
And MORE!
“This event is truly a dream,” explained Branson R-IV Education Foundation Chairman Sarah Rein. “Proceeds will be divided between the 14 districts to impact thousands of area students, and the kids are playing a huge role in the evening. "A Night in the Arts" is going to be an immersive experience and a wonderful way to celebrate our local youth,” Rein said.
Every ticket purchased helps support school foundations and the programs that enrich learning experiences for students across our region.
Tickets are on sale now at https://events.yakov.com/night-in-the-arts/2026-04-19 . Come enjoy an inspiring evening and be a difference maker in the lives of our local students.
For more information and updates follow "A Night in the Arts" on Facebook.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Reeds Spring Schools to create alternative school
Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom setting. Some face academic challenges, behavioral needs, or social-emotional issues.
A
s part of its Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, Reeds Spring Schools committed to evaluating and strengthening alternative support systems for students. That work has led to the creation of a new alternative school for students in grades 7–12.
“A task force visited multiple districts throughout the state, seeing the various ways alternative schools are run,” said Director of Special Services Garet Nunan.
“We came away with some really good ideas to move us forward.” The new alternative school will be located in a wing of Reeds Spring High School that is currently used as the district’s Central Office.
“It's critical that this program is in close proximity to the high school,” said Superintendent Dr. Cody Hirschi. “That way, students who are working through this program can get reintegrated into the traditional high school environment.”
The district has posted a job opening for a coordinator who will lead the development of the alternative school. The school will also be staffed with general education and special education teachers.“We want to serve these children with content-deep instruction, along with social-emotional tools that will help build the skills to be successful outside of school,” Nunan said.
Creating the alternative school will require the district to relocate its Central Office. A new building will be constructed just north of the Table Rock Career Center.“Over the last several years, we’ve been really good stewards of our finances and have built up enough reserves to be able to build a modest building to accommodate the Central Office,” Dr. Hirschi said.
Construction is expected to begin in late spring or early summer, with a target completion date of spring 2027. Once the Central Office is relocated, Table Rock Career Center construction students will assist with remodeling the high school wing, transforming it into a world-class environment for students.
Lady Wolves finish third at Lady Comet Classic
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE
Reeds Spring High School’s girls basketball team earned the third-place plaque at the Lady Comet Classic in Marionville. In the first game, RSHS defeated Monett 54-43. Allie Johnson led the way with 22 points. After losing to Ash Grove 57-35, the Lady Wolves rebounded in the third-place game to defeat Clever 40-37.
Boys Basketball The RSHS boys basketball team competed in the Spokane Tournament. The Wolves lost to Greenwood in the opening round, 61-41. Sam Carpenter led the team with 18 points. RSHS then defeated Rush 57-54, with Carpenter and Blake Pettigrew each scoring 14. In the consolation bracket championship, Spokane defeated Reeds Spring 51-35.
Wrestling Reeds Spring hosted a wrestling match last week, and two Wolves won both of their matches. Kadyn Allerton went 2-0 at 138 pounds, and Isaiah Hays was 2-0 at 215.