SHS Cadet Teacher Anna Harrington is shining in Mrs. Sinclair’s 5th grade ELA classroom! 🌟This week, she brought learning to life by designing and teaching an engaging figurative language lesson featuring Disney characters and quotes. Students were all in—especially during the fun, interactive game she created to test their knowledge! 🎉📚
Anna is not only building meaningful relationships with students, but also growing her passion for literacy and the art of teaching. By pairing her learning in Mrs. McCrary’s classroom with hands-on experience, she is gaining invaluable real-world skills and making a positive impact every day.
Anna is not only building meaningful relationships with students, but also growing her passion for literacy and the art of teaching. By pairing her learning in Mrs. McCrary’s classroom with hands-on experience, she is gaining invaluable real-world skills and making a positive impact every day.
At last night's Board of Education meeting, new board member Jeff Bauer and incumbents Susan Whitacre, Stacia Cudd, and Patrick Nichols were officially sworn in to serve on the Smithville Board of Education. Scott Jacoby was elected to serve as Board President, with Whitney Carlile assuming the role of Vice President.
*Not pictured: Patrick Nichols
*Not pictured: Patrick Nichols
It's Way Back When-sday! Who remembers Prom night 1983? From ruffles and sequins to corsages, this was a night full of laughter, friendship, and maybe a few spins on the dance floor!
At a special breakfast today, the Smithville School District proudly recognized the outstanding contributions of our dedicated educators and staff. We are excited to announce the 2026 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year!
Megan Jermain, Technology and Innovation Teacher at Horizon Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Teacher of the Year. From her nomination: "Megan's influence reaches well beyond technology skills; she inspires students to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and develop a lifelong love of learning."
Erika Opperman, Behavior Interventionist/Instructional Assistant at Eagle Heights Elementary School, is the 2026 Support Staff of the Year. From her nomination: "Whether sitting beside a child for intensive one-on-one support or quietly stepping into a bustling classroom, Erika builds relationships that spark academic growth and soothe fragile hearts."
We also celebrate the incredible finalists who were nominated for their dedication and impact:
Teacher of the Year Finalists
⭐ Leah DeYoung - Reading Specialist, EHES
⭐ Makenzie Kelly - 1st Grade Teacher, MES
⭐ Megan Klein - Social Studies Teacher, SHS
⭐ Amanda McCluskey - Process Coordinator, SSD
⭐ Angie Viebrock - Vocal Music/Drama Teacher, SMS
Support Staff of the Year Finalists
⭐ Alison Camacho – Administrative Assistant, MES
⭐ Donna Catlett – School Nurse, HES
⭐ Joey Elliott - Help Desk Technician, SHS
⭐ Mindy Hedgecorth - Communication Specialist, SSD
⭐ Cindy Krueger - Substitute Teacher, SMS
We are so proud to call each and every one of you Warriors!
#ssdpride
Megan Jermain, Technology and Innovation Teacher at Horizon Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Teacher of the Year. From her nomination: "Megan's influence reaches well beyond technology skills; she inspires students to believe in themselves, embrace challenges, and develop a lifelong love of learning."
Erika Opperman, Behavior Interventionist/Instructional Assistant at Eagle Heights Elementary School, is the 2026 Support Staff of the Year. From her nomination: "Whether sitting beside a child for intensive one-on-one support or quietly stepping into a bustling classroom, Erika builds relationships that spark academic growth and soothe fragile hearts."
We also celebrate the incredible finalists who were nominated for their dedication and impact:
Teacher of the Year Finalists
⭐ Leah DeYoung - Reading Specialist, EHES
⭐ Makenzie Kelly - 1st Grade Teacher, MES
⭐ Megan Klein - Social Studies Teacher, SHS
⭐ Amanda McCluskey - Process Coordinator, SSD
⭐ Angie Viebrock - Vocal Music/Drama Teacher, SMS
Support Staff of the Year Finalists
⭐ Alison Camacho – Administrative Assistant, MES
⭐ Donna Catlett – School Nurse, HES
⭐ Joey Elliott - Help Desk Technician, SHS
⭐ Mindy Hedgecorth - Communication Specialist, SSD
⭐ Cindy Krueger - Substitute Teacher, SMS
We are so proud to call each and every one of you Warriors!
#ssdpride
Come see creativity in action at our K–12 Art Exhibition! Join us in the High School PAC Lobby and Aux Gym to experience a wide range of student artwork—from colorful elementary pieces to detailed high school creations. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
📅 Friday, May 1 | 5–7 PM
📅 Saturday, May 2 | 9–11 AM
Bring your family and friends and help us celebrate the incredible talent of our students! 💚
📅 Friday, May 1 | 5–7 PM
📅 Saturday, May 2 | 9–11 AM
Bring your family and friends and help us celebrate the incredible talent of our students! 💚
Last week our Eagle Heights 3rd graders turned their classroom into a real-world marketplace! 🛍️
As part of their Economics Unit, students created their own products and opened “shops” to sell them to classmates. Instead of cash, they used purple Tribe Tickets, which are earned through completing homework, getting agendas signed, and meeting classroom expectations. Along the way, students learned key concepts like supply, demand, scarcity, and profit by experiencing them firsthand. They even paid “rent” and covered supply costs before enjoying their profits!
Learning comes to life when students get to apply it in meaningful ways. Great work, Eagle Heights! 💚
As part of their Economics Unit, students created their own products and opened “shops” to sell them to classmates. Instead of cash, they used purple Tribe Tickets, which are earned through completing homework, getting agendas signed, and meeting classroom expectations. Along the way, students learned key concepts like supply, demand, scarcity, and profit by experiencing them firsthand. They even paid “rent” and covered supply costs before enjoying their profits!
Learning comes to life when students get to apply it in meaningful ways. Great work, Eagle Heights! 💚
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"I would like to nominate this wonderful educator for the Ultimate Warrior Award. She supports our classroom each day with a calm, caring, and observant presence that makes a meaningful difference. She has a special way of noticing what students need and helping them feel seen, supported, and successful.
Her quiet dedication brightens our classroom, and the students truly enjoy having her there. She makes every day better just by being present, and we are so grateful for the kindness and support she brings.
She truly embodies what it means to be an Ultimate Warrior."
"I would like to nominate this wonderful educator for the Ultimate Warrior Award. She supports our classroom each day with a calm, caring, and observant presence that makes a meaningful difference. She has a special way of noticing what students need and helping them feel seen, supported, and successful.
Her quiet dedication brightens our classroom, and the students truly enjoy having her there. She makes every day better just by being present, and we are so grateful for the kindness and support she brings.
She truly embodies what it means to be an Ultimate Warrior."
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Hannah is a phenomenal teacher who prioritizes the needs and growth of our students. She is extremely knowledgeable and works hard everyday to help students thrive. Her amazing abilities are evident in the incredible projects and work kids produce. Horizon is a great school because of exceptional teachers like Hannah."
"Hannah is a phenomenal teacher who prioritizes the needs and growth of our students. She is extremely knowledgeable and works hard everyday to help students thrive. Her amazing abilities are evident in the incredible projects and work kids produce. Horizon is a great school because of exceptional teachers like Hannah."
Way Back When-sday: 1976 edition! 💚
Our Girls Varsity Track team showing what Warrior pride looked like 50 years ago.
Recognize anyone? Tag them below!
Our Girls Varsity Track team showing what Warrior pride looked like 50 years ago.
Recognize anyone? Tag them below!
The Warrior Closet is a free program set up through the Smithville School District that allows families to have accessibility to the school supplies, clothing, and hygiene items that they need. It is located behind Smithville Middle School.
Today’s lesson looked a little different—in the best way! Mr. McCluskey's Civil Engineering and Architecture class stepped out of the classroom and into a real world learning experience. Students met with the teams from Incite Design Studio and Newkirk Novak, the architecture and construction partners on our high school project, and toured the job site to see construction in action.
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Emilie is an extremely dedicated and hardworking teacher who pushed students not only towards mastery but also teaching them to understand the math they are doing. Her critical thinking, and mathematical skills are beyond admirable. We are lucky to have her at Horizon."
"Emilie is an extremely dedicated and hardworking teacher who pushed students not only towards mastery but also teaching them to understand the math they are doing. Her critical thinking, and mathematical skills are beyond admirable. We are lucky to have her at Horizon."
✨WARRIOR SHOUT-OUT✨
"Jana daily brings a joyful approach to everything she does. Jana's compassion for others and constant uplifting attitude makes Eagle Heights more welcoming to all. Whether it is a student needing a comforting correction in the hallway, who ends up feeling like a superhero, or a colleague who receives her support, and realizes that what we do matters, we all walk away from interactions with Jana feeling better about ourselves. I know when I see Jana coming, that a brilliant truth bomb with genuine support will be mine to receive."
"Jana daily brings a joyful approach to everything she does. Jana's compassion for others and constant uplifting attitude makes Eagle Heights more welcoming to all. Whether it is a student needing a comforting correction in the hallway, who ends up feeling like a superhero, or a colleague who receives her support, and realizes that what we do matters, we all walk away from interactions with Jana feeling better about ourselves. I know when I see Jana coming, that a brilliant truth bomb with genuine support will be mine to receive."
This week we recognize our outstanding assistant principals for their leadership, support, and dedication to students and staff. Thank you for the many ways you keep our schools running smoothly and help create a positive environment for all!
Today we celebrate our school librarians who inspire a love of reading, support learning, and help students find the resources they need to succeed. Thank you for all you do to keep curiosity and discovery alive in our schools!
Way Back When-sday spotlight on 1996! This shot from the yearbook demonstrates the importance of body language. Do you recognize anyone?
Today we celebrate our incredible instructional assistants who make a difference in every classroom, every day. Thank you for your dedication, care, and the countless ways you support our students and staff, you are truly appreciated!
Today we recognize Accompanist Day and thank our talented accompanists for the incredible role you play in our schools. Your musicianship supports performances, enhances instruction, and helps our students shine on stage and in the classroom. We appreciate the time, talent, and heart you bring to our music programs.🎶
The Warriors Explore K-8 Summer School is BACK and better than ever! We’ve revamped our program to a 6-hour day (8:15 AM - 2:15 PM) that is just right for learning without the burnout.
What’s New?
The morning will be filled with academic deep-dives into ELA & Math to get a head start on next year. In the afternoon we will have hands-on exploration and enrichment activities! 30 minutes of physical activity daily + weekly attendance incentives.
Location: Maple Elementary
Dates: June 1–26
Hours: 8:15-2:15
REGISTRATION IS OPEN TODAY! Don't wait, the window closes on April 17th.
https://www.smithvilleschooldistrict.net/page/summer-program
What’s New?
The morning will be filled with academic deep-dives into ELA & Math to get a head start on next year. In the afternoon we will have hands-on exploration and enrichment activities! 30 minutes of physical activity daily + weekly attendance incentives.
Location: Maple Elementary
Dates: June 1–26
Hours: 8:15-2:15
REGISTRATION IS OPEN TODAY! Don't wait, the window closes on April 17th.
https://www.smithvilleschooldistrict.net/page/summer-program
The Warriors Explore K-8 Summer School is BACK and better than ever! We’ve revamped our program to a 6-hour day (8:15 AM - 2:15 PM) that is just right for learning without the burnout.
What’s New?
The morning will be filled with academic deep-dives into ELA & Math to get a head start on next year. In the afternoon we will have hands-on exploration and enrichment activities! 30 minutes of physical activity daily + weekly attendance incentives.
Location: Maple Elementary
Dates: June 1–26
Hours: 8:15-2:15
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Don't wait, the window closes on April 17th.
https://www.smithvilleschooldistrict.net/page/summer-program
What’s New?
The morning will be filled with academic deep-dives into ELA & Math to get a head start on next year. In the afternoon we will have hands-on exploration and enrichment activities! 30 minutes of physical activity daily + weekly attendance incentives.
Location: Maple Elementary
Dates: June 1–26
Hours: 8:15-2:15
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Don't wait, the window closes on April 17th.
https://www.smithvilleschooldistrict.net/page/summer-program
