Tri-Lakes Education News

BRANSON SCHOOLS

Branson Schools wrap up a year of Portrait of a Pirate

As we wrap up our year-long journey highlighting the Portrait of a Pirate, it’s a fitting time to pause and reflect - not just on what we’ve said each month, but on what we’ve built together as a school community.

Over the course of this school year, we intentionally focused on six essential traits that define what it means to be a Branson Pirate: Adaptability, critical thinking, integrity, compassion, communication and perseverance.

Month by month, we explored what these traits look like in our classrooms, hallways, activities, homes and community. More importantly, we saw them in action. We saw adaptability when students adjusted to new challenges and families navigated busy schedules with flexibility. We saw critical thinking in thoughtful questions, problem-solving and meaningful conversations. We saw integrity in quiet moments of honesty and responsibility - even when no one was watching. We saw compassion in everyday acts of kindness and inclusion. We saw communication strengthening partnerships between school and home. We saw perseverance as students kept working, growing and pushing forward - even when learning felt hard.

While our formal monthly spotlights are coming to a close, the Portrait of a Pirate is not.

This work was never meant to live only in a newsletter or on a poster. It is a shared language. A shared expectation. A shared commitment to developing students who are not only academically prepared, but future-ready in character and competence.

As we finish the school year, these traits matter more than ever. The final stretch often requires extra patience, resilience, collaboration and grace. It’s a powerful opportunity to continue modeling what we want our students to carry with them long after they leave our classrooms.

Families, your role in this work has been essential. The conversations at the dinner table. The encouragement after a tough day. The reminders to make thoughtful choices. The celebrations of growth - big and small. When school and home reinforce the same values, students thrive.

Portrait of a Pirate is not a one-year initiative. It is the foundation of who we are and who we are becoming as a district. Together, we are building Pirates who know how to adapt to change, think critically, act with integrity, lead with compassion, communicate effectively and persevere through challenges.

Thank you for partnering with us this year. Thank you for reinforcing these traits at home. And thank you for helping us create a culture where character and achievement go hand in hand.

Branson Junior High to host ribbon cutting ceremony for new activity center

 Branson Public Schools will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Branson Junior High Activity Center on April 1, 2026.

The event will take place from 9 - 10 a.m. at Branson Junior High School, located at 263 Buccaneer Drive. The public is invited to attend, and district administrators will provide tours of the new facility following the ceremony. Refreshments will be served.

The Branson Junior High Activity Center, a project fully funded by the district, represents an exciting step forward for students, staff and the community. The new facility will provide expanded opportunities for learning, wellness and connection, supporting a wide range of student activities and programs.

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REEDS SPRING SCHOOLS

Reeds Spring Primary School Preschool Learners of the Month

Top row, left to right: Tucker Bates, Harrison Childers, Bennett Cross, Willow NoelBottom row, left to right: Kimber Robertson, Marcus Stewart, Harper Vanhook, Calla Williams (Photo submitted)

Reeds Spring Kindergarten and Preschool Screenings

Reeds Spring Primary School is scheduling appointments for kindergarten and preschool screenings. The screening dates are April 7-10.To enroll in kindergarten for the next school year, a child must be five years old by July 31. Preschoolers must turn three years old by July 31. Students currently enrolled in Reeds Spring’s preschool do not need to schedule a screening. They will be screened during the school day.To make an appointment, please call 417-22-3241. Families should bring a birth certificate, vaccination record and proof of residency to the screening.

Reeds Spring Elementary School Learners of the Month

Second grade, left to right: Ace Walker, Tristan Richardson, Illyana Arbelo, Amelia Rehmert, Sloane Weaver, Terra Jones, Winifred Cunningham Third grade, left to right: Talullah Conner, Kylee Leimkuehler, Baylee Sweat, Quinn Reinsch, Wilder Sawyer-Ingargiola, Andrea NajeraFourth grade, left to right: Addie Reed, Kinley Conner, Kali Loza, Tinley Neely, Syler Hilton, Maelinn Harmon (Photos submitted)

Lady Wolves win district basketball championship

For the first time since 2001, Reeds Spring High School girls basketball team is the district champion. The Lady Wolves defeated Aurora in the championship game, 40-29. Saylor Johnson led the team with 18 points. In the semifinals, RSHS beat Forsyth 52-32.

Lady Wolves (Photo submitted)

Boys basketballThe Reeds Spring High School boys basketball season ended with a 50-40 loss to Springfield Catholic in the district tournament. Brody Pettigrew led the Wolves with 14 points. The team finished the year with a record of 5-21.

Speech and debateThree Reeds Spring High School students advanced to state in Speech and Debate. Mikayla Baker placed second in Dramatic Interpretation, Colbie Cypret placed second in Humorous Interpretation and fourth in Original Oratory, and Violet Hall placed fourth in Storytelling. The state competition will be held on April 24.