Rural Schools, Missouri’s Future: A Community Conversation

Hosted by Mexico Public Schools & North Callaway R-I

Tuesday, September 29

Mexico High School, Emmons Hall

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Presented by Duane Martin, education advocate and school law attorney with EdCounsel

Panel Participants: Dr. Troy Lentz, Mexico Schools Superintendent; Dr. Kenya Thompson, North Callaway Superintendent; Mrs. Jessica Ekern, Mexico Schools School Board President 

Public schools are the heart of rural Missouri communities. They educate our children, support local families, anchor local economies, and help shape the future of our towns. They serve as community gathering places, major employers, activity centers, and investments in the future of our towns and the next generation.

This town hall program invites parents, educators, board members, business leaders, public officials, and community members to take a clear-eyed look at Missouri’s policy approach to rural public schools. 

Together, we will ask three practical questions: Are rural schools being placed in a hole? Is Missouri continuing to dig that hole deeper? And what can citizens do to help rural schools, rural students, and rural communities move forward?

The goal is to inform, engage, and encourage Missourians to understand what is at stake for rural schools and why these schools matter to the future of our state. The goal is not to attack any person, party, or official. 

This event is free and open to the public. 

8 days ago, Kenya Thompson
Rural Schools Community Conversation, Tuesday Sept 29 at Emmons Hall in Mexico, MO. From 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
North Callaway Middle School Gym Update
- The gym roof has been replaced and is now waterproof and airtight
- The last coat of sealer was put on the gym floor this week
- The new floor is a solid wood floor that replaces the old sports court flooring.
- We still have work to complete in the classrooms for tile
- The gym should open to students in the next couple of weeks

We know this has been a long, drawn-out project, so we want to thank our middle school teachers, coaches, administrators, students, and families for their patience. We look forward to hosting many events in this updated and shiny space. It's a great time to be a Thunderbird! #ThunderbirdProud
8 days ago, Kenya Thompson
Floor view of the new middle school gym floor.
Top view of the new middle school gym floor.
Softball Game Update The softball game at Van Far on Thursday has been pushed back — new start time is 6:00 PM.
8 days ago, Dale Long
North Callaway softball falls 10-9 to South Callaway.
9 days ago, Dale Long
SWEEP! North Callaway varsity volleyball takes down New Bloomfield 3-0.
9 days ago, Dale Long
JV Volleyball wins! Our JV squad took down New Bloomfield in 2 straight sets tonight.
9 days ago, Dale Long
The softball game tonight against South Callaway is pushed back to a 6:00pm start.
9 days ago, Dale Long
Thunderbirds win Our volleyball team took down Russellville in four sets.
10 days ago, Dale Long
T-BIRDS WIN! Thunderbirds softball takes down Russellville, 9-1!
10 days ago, Dale Long
JV volleyball takes down Russellville, 2 sets to 1!
10 days ago, Dale Long
The Varsity Softball game tonight has been pushed back to a 6:00 PM start time.

Thank you for your flexibility and support.
10 days ago, Dale Long
JV Football Update

The JV football game scheduled for tonight at Hermann has been cancelled due to Hermann having low numbers.
10 days ago, Dale Long
Big win for the softball team — they beat Van-Far 13-4 and finished 5th place at the Hallsville Tournament! Great job, ladies!
12 days ago, Dale Long
Ladybird softball beat New Bloomfield 7-1 and now heading to the 5th place game against Van-Far.
12 days ago, Dale Long
🏈🔥 GAME DAY SPIRIT IS IN THE AIR! 🔥🏈 Our Thunderbird football players kicked off game day by bringing some BIG energy to our elementary students! 📣💚🖤 One of the BEST benefits of having our elementary schools on a central campus is getting to see these connections happen every day! Our youngest Thunderbirds get to look up to, cheer for, and be inspired by our high school athletes — and our football players get to be positive role models for the next generation. 🏈⭐ From high-fives and smiles to sharing that Thunderbird Pride, these moments are what make our school community so special! Let’s PACK THE STANDS and cheer on our Thunderbirds tonight! 📣🏈 LET’S GO, THUNDERBIRDS! 💚🖤 #ThunderbirdProud #GameDay #GoThunderbirds
13 days ago, Niki Buschmann
NC Football team greeting NCES students
NC Football team greeting NCES students
NC Football team greeting NCES students
NC Football team greeting NCES students
NC Football team greeting NCES students
NC Football team greeting NCES students
NC Football team greeting NCES students
NC Football team greeting NCES students
Please see the attached image for the updated bracket for the Hallsville Softball Tournament.
The Lady Thunderbirds will play on Saturday in Hallsville at 9:30 AM.
13 days ago, Dale Long
Hallsville Softball Tournament
Tough loss for the Lady Thunderbirds tonight, falling to Harrisburg 6-1 in the first round of the Hallsville softball tournament.
14 days ago, Dale Long
Please see the attached bracket for the Hallsville Softball Tournament.
North Callaway will play the first game on Thursday at Harrisburg, with a 6:30 PM start time. We look forward to a great night of softball and strong Thunderbird support.
17 days ago, Dale Long
Hallsville Softball Tournament
🎥 90-Second Superintendent Update

School is almost here, and there’s a lot happening across North Callaway! 🦅💚🤍

In this 90-Second Superintendent Update, Dr. Thompson shares a few important back-to-school reminders, including Open House events, updates about bus routes and transportation, and a few other things families need to know as we get ready to welcome students back.

Thank you to our families, students, and staff for helping us get ready for another great school year. We’re excited to see our hallways come alive again!

▶️ Take 90 seconds to hear the latest from the Superintendent! More details were emailed to registered families earlier today.

Go Thunderbirds! 💚🤍
https://youtube.com/shorts/3qT-uvISIlw?si=PUVal3D-9RlDqmcT
22 days ago, Niki Buschmann
What a great way to kick off the school year! 🎉

Thank you to all of our families and students who joined us for the Middle School and High School Open House events! We loved seeing everyone back in our buildings, meeting teachers, exploring classrooms, and getting ready for another fantastic year. 💚🤍

A special shout-out to our National Junior Honor Society members for volunteering their time and helping make the Middle School Open House a success. Your leadership and willingness to serve are a great example of what it means to be a Thunderbird!

We’re excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to see our students back in the hallways! It’s going to be a great year to be a Thunderbird! 🦅💚🤍
22 days ago, Niki Buschmann
picture of national junior honor society members at NCMS