This is a continuation of a monthly series from the Network for Educator Effectiveness. We share the accomplishments, creativity, and good news of our partner districts based on schools’ social media activity. Our hope is to spread positivity and bring even more attention to the amazing work happening in NEE schools.  

NEE schools were back at it after the holiday break as the month of January brought a wintery blast.  This month’s school spotlight looks at a few of the activities held despite snow, ice, and blustery temperatures. 

  • Many students spent hours working on special projects. A student from USD 459 Bucklin, KS, showcased what will become an epoxy tabletop, students from Maries County R-2 completed work on a new deck, and students from Hallsville showed off the work done in the art department. 
  • Performances are a big part of most school drama departments during the second semester.  Students from South Callaway will be presenting Cinderella and the Candy Kingdom in early February. This looks like fun!   
  • The popularity of podcasts continues to grow, and NEE schools are joining in.  Affton School District’s most recent episode discusses the use of AI in the classroom. 
  • Congratulations to Carl Junction’s Intermediate Honor Choir, Liberty’s Warren Hills Elementary Treble Makers, Bayless High School Band and all the groups who performed at the 86th Annual Missouri Music Educators Association Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks.  
  • While many field trips take place in the warmth of spring, you can still find places to go in the winter months.  Students from Diamond experienced the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium in Springfield and had a great time. 
  • Students played games both online and in-person. Students at Hayti High School recently enjoyed some online gaming competitions, including the Chiefs and Dolphins on Madden.  True North School was a bit more traditional as it hosted a fast chess tournament that attracted a total of 100 students from various schools from across the region
  • Giving is always in season for schools.  FCCLA atudents from La Monte prepared cinnamon rolls to help feed the unhoused community in their area. 
  • It’s that time of year again!  High school seniors are gearing up to make the next step in their educational career.  Here, a senior from Anselmo-Merna Public School is recognized for being accepted at the University of Nebraska. 
  • Super Bowl Spirit Weeks are taking place everywhere as the big game approaches!  We’ll check some of those out in our February blog. 

There is always so much going on in school districts during the second semester. While we can’t highlight everything, we do want to recognize the work administrators, teachers, support staff, and students do in NEE schools each and every day.  Watch for our next blog coming in February as we highlight some more of our great member schools. 

The Network for Educator Effectiveness (NEE) is a simple yet powerful comprehensive system for educator evaluation that helps educators grow, students learn, and schools improve. Developed by preK-12 practitioners and experts at the University of Missouri, NEE brings together classroom observation, student feedback, teacher curriculum planning, and professional development as measures of effectiveness in a secure online portal designed to promote educator growth and development.