This is a continuation of a newly created monthly series from NEE. We are looking to 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.  

Graphic with spotlights and social media icons with the words "Social NEE-dia School Spotlight"

Since our initial blog in this series was published in mid-February, many activities have taken place in NEE member schools.   

  • School counselors were recognized during National School Counseling Week for the impact they have working with their students.  NEE joins our member schools to say thanks for all you do. 
  • Bus drivers were also honored on Bus Driver Appreciation Day.  We are thankful for all you do to transport students safely each and every day.  
  • Many of our member schools celebrated FFA Week February 18-25 by sharing the impact that organization has on its members.  Schools were very creative in the many ways they highlighted their local chapters.  One such example is Buchanan County R-IV, where students sponsored a food drive and restocked pantry boxes in two locations.  Another example is West Plains R-VII School District, where Dr. Wesley Davis spoke to FFA members AND tried on his FFA jacket from 1992.  Dr. Davis is the superintendent of schools, a farmer, and a Cabool R-IV School District FFA alumnus.  Dr. Davis commented, “The jacket may not fit anymore, but the lessons learned in FFA still do.”  

Counseling Week, Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and FFA Week were showcased throughout NEE districts.  However, there were many celebrations unique to member schools.  Here are a few more highlights from the last few weeks: 

  • Ashley Young, history teacher from Sedalia School District, will be traveling to Poland this summer for the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation fellowship.  Safe travels, Ashley! 
  • The artwork of Arcadia Valley senior McCoy Lucy was chosen for the 2023 Senate Student Arts Exhibit at the state capitol in Jefferson City.  Thanks for sharing such great work. 
  • Lebanon R-3 hosted the first-ever Yellowjacket Summit!  With over 100 community members in attendance, the district’s progress over the past five years was shared while gathering inspiration and ideas from attendees for the next five-year plan.  Good luck, Yellowjackets, as you move forward.  
  • MODOT representatives visited Charleston R-I Schools and held a bridge-building competition with students while discussing opportunities, including summer internships for college or trade school students.  It’s awesome to see engineering at work!    
  • Coaches Brad Stewart (Verona R-7), Kris Flood (Republic R-III), and Skip Brock (Jasper R-5) all earned their 500th career basketball victories within a one-week period in February.  Congratulations on this impressive milestone! 
  • This year’s Rock Bridge Bruinthon (Columbia Public Schools) raised more than $14,000 for Miracle Families at the University of Missouri Women’s and Children Hospital. Great going, Rock Bridge! 
  • Osage County R-1 students “tasted” success at this year’s District 2 FBLA Conference!  Good luck at the state conference. 
  • Osceola School District’s Megan Trautweiler received her official appointment to the United States Naval Academy during a phone conversation with Congressman Mark Alford.  This had to be a wonderful moment for everyone involved.   
  • Carl Junction Schools celebrated Kindness Week with dress-up days, creating kindness quilts, and practicing daily acts of kindness at school.  Thank you for sharing your kindness with others.    
  • Building and construction students at Anselmo-Merna Public School have been busy on a recent project.  Things are looking up for the Coyotes, WAY UP! 
  • Art teacher Rachel Kline from Lee’s Summit R-7 School District is one of 19 local artists to have pieces displayed at the new terminal at Kansas City International Airport. Her ceramic pieces will be permanently displayed at Gate B46, so make sure you check them out on your next trip into or out of KC! 
  • Excelsior Springs High School’s mock trial team advanced to the state tournament in Kansas City.  Congratulations to all those who will be participating in this event at the end of March.  
  • So many schools have been represented by outstanding groups during the winter months.  One of these squads is the girls’ wrestling team from Chanute High School, 4-1A State Champions.  Way to go!   
  • Schools everywhere look to bring fun into their schools.  Students at University Academy recently played bingo and received books as prizes.  What a great way to promote reading in a school! 

While we were able to showcase a number of activities, there is so much more going on in NEE schools, and it is all great to see.  While we can’t highlight all things each month, we do want to recognize all our outstanding schools for the work your administrators, teachers, support staff, and students are doing each and every day.  Be sure to watch for our Social NEE-dia School Spotlight coming in April! 

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.