✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"On the morning of 11/4 at Eagle Heights Elementary, Brody checked on one of the soccer goals as students played on the playground during Play Club. He discovered that the soccer goal was damaged and may harm a student. Before he removed the goal from the playground, he explained to the curious group of students (who had gathered around him) how it had been damaged. He explained to the students that we all need to take care of the playground equipment so we can play on it for years to come.
As this event took place, a group of teachers stood in awe as Brody spoke to the students with kindness instead of just removing the goal from the playground without explanation."
"On the morning of 11/4 at Eagle Heights Elementary, Brody checked on one of the soccer goals as students played on the playground during Play Club. He discovered that the soccer goal was damaged and may harm a student. Before he removed the goal from the playground, he explained to the curious group of students (who had gathered around him) how it had been damaged. He explained to the students that we all need to take care of the playground equipment so we can play on it for years to come.
As this event took place, a group of teachers stood in awe as Brody spoke to the students with kindness instead of just removing the goal from the playground without explanation."
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Brea is a fantastic teacher and librarian. She works hard to create interactive experiences for her students in the library, as well as "themed months" which keep the kids engaged and excited to learn. She has taken the time to truly get to know her students and their interests, she can quickly give them personalized book recommendations when they ask. Brea is so supportive of the learning of her students and their love for reading. She is helpful and collaborative with other staff members, and is always looking for ways to do what is best for her students. We are lucky to have her at Maple on the Encore team!"
"Brea is a fantastic teacher and librarian. She works hard to create interactive experiences for her students in the library, as well as "themed months" which keep the kids engaged and excited to learn. She has taken the time to truly get to know her students and their interests, she can quickly give them personalized book recommendations when they ask. Brea is so supportive of the learning of her students and their love for reading. She is helpful and collaborative with other staff members, and is always looking for ways to do what is best for her students. We are lucky to have her at Maple on the Encore team!"
Way Back When-sday:
Smithville High School students used to plan their evenings by calling friends on the pay phone—before everyone carried one in their pocket!
Do you remember using a pay phone?📞✨
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Mrs. Krueger is such an asset to our building. She is always thinking about and acting upon how she can best serve our building and its students. She goes above and beyond and jumps in to help whenever it's needed. Her compassion, teamwork and dedication make a huge difference in our building. Thank you for always putting students first and being such a positive force at SMS!"
"Mrs. Krueger is such an asset to our building. She is always thinking about and acting upon how she can best serve our building and its students. She goes above and beyond and jumps in to help whenever it's needed. Her compassion, teamwork and dedication make a huge difference in our building. Thank you for always putting students first and being such a positive force at SMS!"
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"I am honored to nominate Monica Leary for the Ultimate Warrior Award. As a Vice Principal at our high school, she consistently goes above and beyond for our students, staff, and school community. Without a doubt, she is an amazing principal and the entire high school staff feel extremely grateful to have the privilege of working with her.
What sets her apart is not just her work ethic, but the heart she puts into everything she does. She is a tireless advocate for student success, always ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our students. Whether it's supporting teachers in and out of the classroom, being present for teachers and students during tough times, or stepping in wherever she's needed without hesitation, she leads with integrity, empathy, and strength.
Her door is always open, and she creates a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where both students and staff feel seen, heard, and valued. Her ability to handle challenges with grace and her constant push for excellence inspires those around her to rise to their full potential.
Simply put, she is an integral pillar of our school. Her leadership is unmatched, and her impact is lasting. She doesn’t just show up. She shows up with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our school’s success.
She truly embodies what it means to be a Warrior."
"I am honored to nominate Monica Leary for the Ultimate Warrior Award. As a Vice Principal at our high school, she consistently goes above and beyond for our students, staff, and school community. Without a doubt, she is an amazing principal and the entire high school staff feel extremely grateful to have the privilege of working with her.
What sets her apart is not just her work ethic, but the heart she puts into everything she does. She is a tireless advocate for student success, always ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our students. Whether it's supporting teachers in and out of the classroom, being present for teachers and students during tough times, or stepping in wherever she's needed without hesitation, she leads with integrity, empathy, and strength.
Her door is always open, and she creates a safe, positive, and inclusive environment where both students and staff feel seen, heard, and valued. Her ability to handle challenges with grace and her constant push for excellence inspires those around her to rise to their full potential.
Simply put, she is an integral pillar of our school. Her leadership is unmatched, and her impact is lasting. She doesn’t just show up. She shows up with purpose, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our school’s success.
She truly embodies what it means to be a Warrior."
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"This staff member is in her first year teaching and she shows wisdom and promise of a seasoned educator. I am proud to be on her team to share the support with her. "
✨DOUBLE WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Sarah is a new addition to our Maple Elementary School family. She brings her great experience as a nurse to our team and prioritizes our students' health and wellbeing. She is kind, patient, and handles the numerous visits to her office like a champ."
"Nurse Sarah has jumped right into her role as a school nurse! She is already developing great relationships with the students and staff at Maple. She is truly showing that she has our students best interests in mind when it comes to all aspects of their health. She has shown she can stay calm and composed during stressful situations all while showing true compassion for those she is helping. She is extremely professional and proficient, mixed with a little bit of fun and we love having her at Maple!"
"Sarah is a new addition to our Maple Elementary School family. She brings her great experience as a nurse to our team and prioritizes our students' health and wellbeing. She is kind, patient, and handles the numerous visits to her office like a champ."
"Nurse Sarah has jumped right into her role as a school nurse! She is already developing great relationships with the students and staff at Maple. She is truly showing that she has our students best interests in mind when it comes to all aspects of their health. She has shown she can stay calm and composed during stressful situations all while showing true compassion for those she is helping. She is extremely professional and proficient, mixed with a little bit of fun and we love having her at Maple!"
🧠💬 Happy School Psychologists Appreciation Day! 💬🧠
Today we honor the amazing school psychologists who support our students’ mental health, growth, and success every day. Thank you for being a listening ear, a guiding hand, and a source of strength in our schools! 💚
Way Back When-sday ✨
Throwing it back to 1991 when a group of students went all out for Nerd Day, rocking glasses, suspenders, and big smiles!
Who else loves dressing up and showing their school spirit? 🎉🤓
Throwing it back to 1991 when a group of students went all out for Nerd Day, rocking glasses, suspenders, and big smiles!
Who else loves dressing up and showing their school spirit? 🎉🤓
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"April is very deserving of this award due to her constant positive attitude and energy. April is the face that our guests see when entering the building and our primary receptionist for phone calls, and she does a wonderful job marketing Smithville High School as an inviting and welcoming place. Even in the face of the adversity due to construction, location shifts, new schedules, etc, April has met every difficulty head on and with a smile. April Griggs is an absolute Ultimate Warrior!"
"April is very deserving of this award due to her constant positive attitude and energy. April is the face that our guests see when entering the building and our primary receptionist for phone calls, and she does a wonderful job marketing Smithville High School as an inviting and welcoming place. Even in the face of the adversity due to construction, location shifts, new schedules, etc, April has met every difficulty head on and with a smile. April Griggs is an absolute Ultimate Warrior!"
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Mrs. Berry is the kind of teacher who rarely seeks the spotlight, yet her quiet presence shapes her classroom in profound ways. Each day, she shows up with steady patience, listening carefully to her students’ worries, celebrating their small victories, and guiding them with gentle understanding. She doesn’t need recognition to know her work matters—she sees it in the way a shy child finds their voice, or when a struggling reader finally lights up with confidence. Her care runs deep, woven into every lesson, every encouraging word, and every moment she chooses compassion over frustration. Though her efforts may go unnoticed by the wider world, to her students she is unforgettable—the teacher who believed in them, day after day."
"Mrs. Berry is the kind of teacher who rarely seeks the spotlight, yet her quiet presence shapes her classroom in profound ways. Each day, she shows up with steady patience, listening carefully to her students’ worries, celebrating their small victories, and guiding them with gentle understanding. She doesn’t need recognition to know her work matters—she sees it in the way a shy child finds their voice, or when a struggling reader finally lights up with confidence. Her care runs deep, woven into every lesson, every encouraging word, and every moment she chooses compassion over frustration. Though her efforts may go unnoticed by the wider world, to her students she is unforgettable—the teacher who believed in them, day after day."
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Trevor is the definition of dedication—balancing the roles of athletic director, coach, and teacher with energy and grace. Always busy yet always available, he inspires others through his positivity, hard work, and ability to get things done. We appreciate his commitment and the countless ways he makes a difference every day!"
"Trevor is the definition of dedication—balancing the roles of athletic director, coach, and teacher with energy and grace. Always busy yet always available, he inspires others through his positivity, hard work, and ability to get things done. We appreciate his commitment and the countless ways he makes a difference every day!"
No school October 30th and 31st.
Horizon Elementary students had a blast at their fall party when a petting zoo came to visit! Kids laughed and smiled as they got to meet and pet goats, bunnies, chickens, a fluffy alpaca, and more! It was the perfect way to celebrate fall together.
🚨 Now Hiring: Network Administrator 🚨
The Smithville School District is seeking a Network Administrator to join our Technology Department!
📅 Apply Today!
🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://smithville.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5415201
Come join the Warrior Family!💚
The Smithville School District is seeking a Network Administrator to join our Technology Department!
📅 Apply Today!
🔗 Learn more and apply here: https://smithville.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5415201
Come join the Warrior Family!💚
Way Back When-sday! 📸✨
Throwing it back to 2002 — a group of high school girls striking a pose in front of a Chicago statue during an unforgettable trip!
Does anyone recognize these faces or remember this trip?
Throwing it back to 2002 — a group of high school girls striking a pose in front of a Chicago statue during an unforgettable trip!
Does anyone recognize these faces or remember this trip?
Today is College & Career Day at Smithville High School! Students had the opportunity to explore their futures during our annual College and Career Day! They connected with college and military recruiters at the fair and heard presentations from professionals representing a wide range of career fields. It was an inspiring day, helping our Warriors take the next step toward their futures!
In Mrs. Stone's fourth-grade class, students are learning about knights, craftsmen, monks, and nuns by reading books and using a graphic organizer. As they read, they gather important facts about each group and organize the information into sections such as daily life, clothing, jobs, and roles in society. This helps them better understand life during the Middle Ages and make connections between what they read and what they learn.
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Adam has been an incredibly impactful educator for more than a decade at Smithville MS. Those who know, know. Those who don't, should. Started as an incredible art teacher but when they asked him to take over, develop and make the industrial tech program his own? He can do that. Go get a certification to teach PE/Weights also? No problem. Be the head coach of the MS football AND track teams and help turn both into two of the best programs in the city? He's done that too. Horizon needs a Gaga Ball Pit? He'll build it. Teach summer school for a decade? Absolutely. Step in and be admin on days when they are gone? Yep. Design the yearbooks every year? Of course. The list goes on and on.
All while being a phenomenal Dad, great husband, colleague, friend and a role model in our community. He'll probably deflect the attention and say ""He's not even the best teacher in his own household"" and that might be true but his impact over the past decade deserves the utmost respect and our attention. He's a true one of one. "
"Adam has been an incredibly impactful educator for more than a decade at Smithville MS. Those who know, know. Those who don't, should. Started as an incredible art teacher but when they asked him to take over, develop and make the industrial tech program his own? He can do that. Go get a certification to teach PE/Weights also? No problem. Be the head coach of the MS football AND track teams and help turn both into two of the best programs in the city? He's done that too. Horizon needs a Gaga Ball Pit? He'll build it. Teach summer school for a decade? Absolutely. Step in and be admin on days when they are gone? Yep. Design the yearbooks every year? Of course. The list goes on and on.
All while being a phenomenal Dad, great husband, colleague, friend and a role model in our community. He'll probably deflect the attention and say ""He's not even the best teacher in his own household"" and that might be true but his impact over the past decade deserves the utmost respect and our attention. He's a true one of one. "
✨WARRIOR SHOUT OUT✨
"Mrs. Alwes has so much knowledge to share and our 1st graders are so lucky to have her as one of their leaders. Her teaching style is very engaging and she always finds a way to keep her students attention. She is an excellent problem solver and always steps in to help. She started as one of our permanent substitutes and now we are lucky to call her one of our own here at Horizon!"
"Mrs. Alwes has so much knowledge to share and our 1st graders are so lucky to have her as one of their leaders. Her teaching style is very engaging and she always finds a way to keep her students attention. She is an excellent problem solver and always steps in to help. She started as one of our permanent substitutes and now we are lucky to call her one of our own here at Horizon!"
