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. 

Graphic image with social media reaction icons and text that reads "Social NEE-dia School Spotlight"

The end of another school year is upon us, and NEE schools are as busy as always.   Before we “graduate” into 2024-25, let’s recognize the pursuits of teachers and students throughout our districts.  Before we get into details, here is a list of some important dates this month: 

  • School Principal’s Day (May 1)
  • Physical Education Appreciation Week (May 1-7) 
  • Children’s Mental Health Week (May 5-11) 
  • Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10) 
  • School “Lunch Hero” Day (May 6) 
  • National School Nurse Day (May 8) 
  • Memorial Day (May 27) 

What else is going on in our network districts?  Well let’s take a closer look at the events that helped to shape the last few weeks of school within NEE schools. 

  • Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Brian Gahagan’s Green Team, Chanute High School  was named the “Kansas Green School of the Year” by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education.  
  • Districts like Potosi, Liberty, Mexico and Moberly recognized their building leaders during School Principals’ Day on May 1st.  NEE joins the celebration of all dedicated principals who do amazing work every day. 
  • May 3rd was School Lunch Hero Day as schools honored their cafeteria staff members.  Be sure to check out the proclamation made by Spokane to honor their Lunch Heroes. 
  • Students at Longview Farm Elementary in Lee’s Summit celebrated creativity and storytelling at their Writer’s Club Publishing Party!  Dedicated fourth grade writers and illustrators poured their hearts and minds into crafting captivating stories throughout the year. 
  • Lakeland R-3 Schools found themselves at the end of the rainbow in May! Check out the beautiful photo. 
  • Dressed for success!  Students from North Shelby participated in this year’s Scholar Bowl Final Four, finishing in 2nd place. 
  • A parking prank at Ava ended poorly for one student as an “unauthorized vehicle” was removed from the student lot.  Check out her jeep as it was being towed away!  Some Ava seniors avoided issues with their vehicles by taking to the streets during Senior Bike Ride 2024. 
  • Union R-XI School District went all out again this year for employee recognition. The district recognized building teacher and classified employees of the year, district years of service recipients, district retirees, the district teacher of the year, the district classified employee of the year, and the extra mile award recipient.  
  • Students from Stover recently designed and built a car for this year’s Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals Pedal Car Challenge.  This is an annual event that takes place at Lake of the Ozarks. 
  • Seniors at Jasper created ceiling tile projects to brighten their hallways.  Check out this beautiful piece of art that was recently completed.  
  • Like many others, Grain Valley Schools celebrated Physical Education Appreciation Week.  Check out their video, which highlights some of the fun activities students enjoyed.  
  • Teacher Appreciation Week was May 6-10.  Talented instructors were honored by schools throughout our network including Midway R-I and Fulton.  
  • Aurora Borealis made an appearance in Southeast Missouri during the month of May.  Check out the amazing photos from Marquand-Zion School that highlighted the event. 
  • Many graduating seniors made their last hallway walk this month.  Giltner’s seniors took their last walk hand in hand with the future of their school district – the kindergarten class!  
  • The graduate hat (also known as an academic cap, graduate cap, mortarboard, or trencher) is part of the formal attire worn by graduating students.  The important question about this headwear—how high can you throw it?  Seniors from Lincoln, Macks Creek, and Sparta sent their mortarboards skyward! 

There was so much going on in our member schools during May, and it was great to put a spotlight on a few of these activities.  While we can’t highlight everything, we do want to recognize all of our outstanding schools for the work administrators, teachers, support staff, and students are doing each and every day.  At this time of year, NEE wants to extend a special congratulations to all graduates and to those educators who are retiring.  Good luck to all of you as you move into your next adventure!

That’s a wrap on the 2023-24 school year.  Watch for our next blog coming in September as we will celebrate the beginning of a new year in our NEE 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.