Tri-Lakes Education News
- Submitted to Branson Globe
- 17 minutes ago
- 5 min read
BRANSON SCHOOLS
Branson Public Schools: Safety Department celebrated on School Resource Officer Appreciation Day
To the world, they are protectors. To our students, they are mentors, high-five givers, and friendly faces in the hallway. On February 15, we proudly recognized and thanked our entire Safety Department for the dedication, professionalism and care they bring to our schools every day. Our School Resource Officers and School Protection Officers play a vital role in keeping our campuses safe, building positive relationships with students and staff, and supporting a secure learning environment. We are so grateful for their selfless service to our school community!
Branson Schools name February Pirate Proud honoree
For the month of February, we are proud to recognize Mr. Spenser Cross, History Teacher at Branson Junior High, as our Pirate Proud honoree!
Mr. Cross has served the Branson School District for five years and was nominated by both colleagues and students for the meaningful impact he makes every day. Known for his motivational and engaging teaching style, Mr. Cross brings history to life while creating a classroom where students feel welcomed, valued and inspired to learn.
Beyond the classroom, he coaches cross country and sponsors Junior High Student Council, consistently encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and believe in themselves. His nominators describe him as impactful, supportive and someone who truly makes students want to be Pirates.
Do you know a Pirate who goes above and beyond for students, staff, or our community? We’d love to hear about them! Please submit their name with some reasons why you think they should be a Pirate Proud honoree. We're looking forward to celebrating our staff through your nominations! The Pirate Proud nomination form link is: https://bit.ly/3AytT1S
Portrait of a Pirate: Perseverance
This month, Branson Schools is focusing on perseverance: never giving up, even when things get tough. Perseverance isn’t about avoiding struggle; it’s about learning how to move through it with confidence, support and determination.
For our students, perseverance shows up in many ways: tackling a tough math problem, practicing a skill that doesn’t come easily, navigating friendships, or learning from mistakes. These moments matter because they help students understand that growth takes time - and that effort is just as important as achievement.
Why perseverance matters
At school, students are learning far more than academic content. They’re learning how to respond when something feels hard. When perseverance is encouraged and modeled consistently:
● Challenges become opportunities to learn, not reasons to quit
● Students begin to value effort, practice and improvement
● Confidence grows through experience and persistence
Over time, these lessons help students build resilience they can carry far beyond the classroom.
What students experience at school
Students see perseverance in action every day through the adults who support them. It looks like:
● Teachers and staff trying new approaches when something isn’t working
● Encouragement that focuses on progress, not perfection
● Steady support during difficult moments
These experiences send a powerful message: You can do hard things, and you don’t have to do them alone.
Families and schools play an important role together in helping students develop perseverance. When adults model calm problem-solving, patience and determination, students learn that setbacks are a natural part of learning and life.
At Branson Schools, perseverance is one of the ways we live out our “Be the Difference” theme - helping students grow into confident learners who know how to adapt, persist and rise to challenges.
REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS
Central Bank recognizes Reeds Spring Character Champions
Reeds Spring Elementary School and Reeds Spring Intermediate School are proud to celebrate three students who show outstanding character. Liam Nelson, Baylee Leimkuehler and Caden Clevenger have been named Character Champions, a prestigious honor presented by Central Bank. The recognition took place during a high school basketball game on February 10.
Central Bank has been honoring Character Champions for 27 years, reinforcing the importance of strong values in our community. Each winner receives a prize package containing:
· A framed certificate
· A letter from the Central Bank President
· A personalized poster
· A personalized group photo
· A group poster featuring all winners
· A piggy bank with $5
· A Character Champion t-shirtLiam, Baylee and Caden make the school district and our entire community proud.
Reeds Spring and Table Rock Career Center students thrive at technology competition
Six area students have advanced to a state technology competition. At the Technology Student Association (TSA) regional competition in Springfield, Connor Love placed first in Biotechnology.
Emma Putalavage, Kailey Criger, and Emilia Pearson placed first in Fashion Design, and Calvin Waters and Wyatt Coursey placed second in Music Production. These students all attend either Reeds Spring High School or Table Rock Career Center.The Missouri TSA State Championships Conference will be held on April 12-14 at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
TSA is a nonprofit, nationally recognized Career and Technical Student Organization devoted to the development of students in technology education. Missouri TSA serves more than 2,200 middle and high school students in 90 local school chapters.
Reeds Spring Cheerleaders place fifth in state
The Reeds Spring High School cheerleaders placed fifth at the Missouri Cheer Coaches Association Game Day State. The squad competed in the 3A Division.
“We are so proud of how these kids persevered,” said Cheer Coach Stephana Bekebrede. “Each athlete gave their all during our routine, and they performed the best we have seen.”
Girls BasketballThe Reeds Spring High School girls basketball team improved its record to 18-6 with two wins last week. The Lady Wolves beat Fair Grove 26-23 and beat Hollister 56-50. Saylor Johnson led the team with 16 points in the win over Hollister.
Boys BasketballThe Wolves lost to Fair Grove 44-40 and lost to Hollister 48-41.
Girls WrestlingThe season ended at the Class 1 District 3 Tournament. No wrestlers advanced to state.
Reeds Spring Elementary School Learners of the Month
Second grade, left to right: Emory Darting, Chloe Krystof, Ryker White, Ariea Nelson, Jaimee Goss, Logan Boggs
Third grade, left to right: Hadleigh Davis, Alexander Fullerton, Christopher Simmons, Charlie Conner, Kailey Hembree, Alex Alonso-Perkins
Fourth grade, left to right: Dawson Wright, Lincoln Mooth, Leon Alonso-Perkins, Eleanor Graves, Ross Lewis, Dawson Cole
Not pictured: Cash Mease
Reeds Spring Schools to host robotics competition Feb. 20-21
Two dozen teams will fill Reeds Spring Intermediate School on February 20-21 for the 5th Annual VEX IQ Robotics Tournament. The 24 teams of students, grades 5-8, come from all over Missouri and Arkansas. They will showcase robots they have designed and programmed to complete tasks, which will be judged on speed and precision. This is the last qualifying tournament before the state championships. These teams hope to ultimately qualify for the VEX IQ World Championship, set to take place in St. Louis in April.
The Reeds Spring competition runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free, and concessions will be available. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see young innovators in action!
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Keith Kramer kkramer@wolves.k12.mo.us.