Friday, September 5th, 2025
Important Dates to Remember
Message from the Superintendent
High School Construction Update
Four-Day School Week Update
Reminder: New State Law Limits Student Device Use
Football/Soccer Stadium Guidelines
School-Related Announcements
Community-Related Events and Announcements
Monday, September 15th: Board of Education Meeting | 6:30PM
Friday, October 10th: 12:30PM Early Dismissal
Friday, October 10th: Homecoming Parade | 2PM
Monday, October 13th: No School | Teacher Professional Development Day
REMINDER: 2PM early dismissal every Wednesday throughout the school year to allow teachers and staff time for professional development.
Dear Southern Boone School District Families,
As we wrap up the second week of the new school year, I want to take a moment to share how proud I am of the strong start we’ve had across our schools. Walking through our buildings, I’ve seen students quickly settling into routines, teachers creating welcoming and engaging learning environments, and staff working together to support the needs of every child.
The first days of school always bring an extra buzz of excitement, and that energy has been evident in our hallways, classrooms, and at school events. Whether it’s kindergartners learning their very first school songs, high school students diving into advanced coursework, or our athletes and performers representing our district with pride, the Southern Boone spirit is alive and thriving.
None of this would be possible without the continued partnership of our parents and community. Your encouragement, involvement, and support make a tremendous difference in helping our students succeed.
We look forward to keeping this momentum going as we move further into the year. Thank you for your trust in us and for being an essential part of the Southern Boone family. Together, we are building a year full of growth, learning, and success for every student.
Yours in Education,
Dr. Tim Roth
School Superintendent
High School Construction Update
Work continues on the construction project at Southern Boone High School.
The foundation for the new addition has been poured, and concrete block walls are now going up. The new concrete parking lot between the high school and outdoor stadium is finished and looking great, while roof replacement work on the high school’s English wing is underway.
The addition will feature a state-of-the-art vocational and agriculture department with two classrooms, lab space, and a shop. It will also include two new art classrooms and a family and consumer science classroom to better serve our growing student population.
These improvements are made possible through the $11.6 million No Tax Rate Increase Bond Issue, approved by voters in April 2024. We are excited to see these projects taking shape and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students and community.
Additional information about the project is available at sbschools.us/future.
Four-Day School Week Update
The Southern Boone School District and Board of Education are continuing discussions about exploring the possibility of transitioning to a four-day school week, beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.
The goal of exploring this option is to support teacher recruitment and retention, improve work-life balance, and enhance student engagement and well-being.
A committee made up of administrators, teachers, parents, and Board members was formed earlier this year. The group held its first meeting in August, where members reviewed survey results and discussed potential benefits, concerns, areas of exploration, and key questions. The committee will meet again this month to continue its work.
Upcoming work by the committee includes developing a list of frequently asked questions, planning upcoming community presentations, and creating an informational page on the district website.
Any decision on whether to move forward with a four-day school week will ultimately be made by the Southern Boone Board of Education through a formal vote, following a thorough process of feedback and analysis.
Reminder: New State Law Limits Student Device Use
With the new school year underway, we want to remind families about Missouri’s new law (Senate Bill 68) limiting student use of personal electronic devices during the school day. The Southern Boone Board of Education has approved Policy JFCD: Student Use of Personal Communication Devices, which you can view here.
What’s a “device”?
Cell phones
Smartwatches
Wireless headphones/earbuds
Gaming devices
Tablets & laptops (when not used for instruction)
Key reminders for students:
Cell phones must be silenced and kept in backpacks.
Smartwatches may not be worn during the school day.
Devices are not allowed from the first bell until dismissal—including class, lunch, assemblies, and passing periods.
Exceptions:
If outlined in an IEP, 504, or health plan
In an emergency
Before or after school
When authorized by an administrator for learning purposes
This law is designed to reduce distractions, improve focus, and support student well-being. Thank you for your cooperation as we create the best learning environment possible for all students.
Football/Soccer Stadium Guidelines
With the fall sports season underway, we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans. The Southern Boone School District kindly asks students and parents to review and follow the updated stadium guidelines below:
Football/Soccer Stadium Guidelines:
PreK-4th Grade: Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and sit with them.
5th-12th Grade: Students must sit in the designated student section or with their parents/guardians.
No Recreational Items: Footballs, frisbees, soccer balls, and similar items are not permitted in the stadium.
Seating Requirement: Students should remain seated in the bleachers unless visiting the concession stand or restrooms. Playing, socializing, and running in open areas of the stadium are not allowed.
Field Access: Fans are not permitted on the track and field.
Restrictions: No outside food, drinks, pets, student backpacks, large bags, or student re-entry are allowed.
If a student does not follow these expectations, their parent or guardian will be notified to pick them up from the game.
All fans will enter the stadium through the large middle gate this year.
Thank you in advance for helping us maintain these guidelines during football and soccer games at the district’s outdoor stadium. Together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.
Free and Reduced Meal Application
With the new school year underway, the Southern Boone School District is encouraging families to fill out the free or reduced meal application.
Parents are asked to fill out the Free and Reduced Meal Application for the 2025-2026 school year. The school district is encouraging all families to fill out an application. Even if you think your family won’t qualify, your application can help the school district in many different areas, including federal funding and qualifying for grants. Completing an application is the only way to be considered for free or reduced meals.
You can fill out the application online or download and print off a paper copy of the application. A link to fill out an online application is available in the parent portal account in Infinite Campus by clicking the "More" tab on the menu on the main page. You can turn in the completed form to your child’s school office or central office.
If you have any questions regarding free or reduced meals or need assistance with filling out an application, please call central office at 573-657-2147.
VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE 2025-2026 FREE AND REDUCED MEAL APPLICATION HERE
FREE AND REDUCED MEALS APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Setting up Recurring Payments in Parent Portal
To make managing lunch balances and school fees easier, Infinite Campus allows parents to set up recurring payments directly through the Parent Portal. This option provides a convenient, secure way to ensure your child’s account always has funds available without needing to remember individual payments. Below you’ll find step-by-step directions on how to set up and manage recurring payments in your Parent Portal account.
When signing into Parent Portal, you will see My Accounts in the upper right corner of the Home Page. You will click on My Accounts.
You will then be taken to Manage Account and you will click on Recurring Payments.
The next screen will show you Food Services, click on View.
A slide out window will appear to the right of the screen. This is where you will choose a Frequency and create your Recurring Payments.
Personal Learning Device Maintenance Program
The Southern Boone School District is offering an optional protection plan for all student Chromebooks and iPads.
If you choose not to enroll in the Personal Learning Device Maintenance Program for the 2025-2026 school year, the cost of repairing the Chromebook and iPad is then the full responsibility of the student and parents, not to exceed the total replacement cost.
The deadline to enroll in the Personal Learning Device Maintenance Program is September 27th, 2025.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PERSONAL LEARNING DEVICE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM HERE
Introducing Rooms: Your New Communication Hub
Southern Boone is excited to launch Rooms, a new two-way communication platform built right into the Southern Boone App. Families can now connect directly with teachers, coaches, and staff—all in one secure place.
What You’ll Find in Rooms
Classroom announcements
Athletic, club, and activity updates
One-on-one and group conversations
School and district news & reminders
Key Features
Instant updates: Choose app, email, or text notifications. Click here to learn how to set your notification preferences
All in one place: One login and inbox for all your children.
Better messaging: Reactions, threaded replies, photo/video sharing, mute options.
Personalized: Automatic translation to your preferred language.
Get Started
Download the free Southern Boone App
Log in
Parents: Use the email/phone number in your Infinite Campus parent portal.
Students: Select the Google icon and sign in with your school email.
Or access online at id.thrillshare.com.
Set Notifications Your Way
Open the Southern Boone App → More → Settings → Notification Preferences
Choose push, email, or text—and set alerts as instant, hourly, or daily.
Be sure your app is up to date in your app store.
Rooms makes communication simple, consistent, and personalized—helping you stay connected to every step of your child’s school experience.
Additional information and resources for parents and students are available at
sbschools.us/rooms.
Questions? Contact us at communications@sbschools.us.
SAVE THE DATE: Join us for Dine in the Dirt with the Southern Boone Learning Garden on Sunday, September 21st, 2025 from 3–6pm (dinner at 4pm). Enjoy a delicious locally sourced meal featuring our very own garden-grown veggies!
Learning Garden (behind the Primary School)
$25 per person | $65 per family/group
Questions or donations? Contact Lyra Noce at lnoce@sbschools.us
WE'RE HIRING! We're looking for passionate individuals to join our team this school year! Explore all current openings and apply online today at sbschools.us/employment.
Download the Southern Boone App today! With the app, you're able to stay updated with the latest school news, important information, upcoming events and more. Learn more about the app at sbschools.us/app.
Southern Boone PTA Spirit Wear Fundraiser
Show your Eagle Pride this school year! Southern Boone PTA is hosting an Eagles Spirit Wear Fundraiser with awesome, one-of-a-kind designs you won’t want to miss!
Adult & Child sizes available
Short sleeve & sweatshirt options
Order deadline: September 15th
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ONLINE ORDER
Don’t wait—grab your spirit wear today and support Southern Boone PTA!
The 2025-26 Southern Boone Athletic Booster Club member registration is now open!
Here’s what you need to do:
Submit payment — registration isn’t complete until we receive payment. Venmo is preferred: https://venmo.com/SBC-Boosters
Pick your membership package
Southern Boone Scouts Recruiting New Members
We’re all ready to put down our screens (even if just for a few moments) to experience “real”. Real nature, real friendships, real excitement! In Scouting, we learn life skills…skills that matter. We make friendships that mean something. We value each other and the communities around us. From taking your first hike in the mountains…to starting your first campfire...Scouts is about testing your limits and pushing yourself to do things you never thought possible. Don't let adventure pass you by and miss out on what's real. Check out Scouting in Southern Boone!
Boys and girls from K-5th grade are invited to check out Pack 134 at a Pack meeting and tour at the Ashland Fire Station on Tuesday, September 16 at 6:30pm.
For more information, contact Jamie Barbarick at 573.673.5505 or jamiebarbarick@yahoo.com
Boys and girls aged 11 to 18 are invited to check out Troop 134 at a Troop meeting at the Ashland Optimist Building on Monday, September 22 at 7:00pm.
For more information, contact Danny Paul at 573.489.2876 or jdppm7@gmail.com
Fall 2025 Walking School Bus Program
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 to Friday, October 3, 2025
Hi everyone! We are happy to invite your family to join the Walking School Bus program and we look forward to walking your child/children to school. A Walking School Bus (WSB) is a group of children who walk to school together under the supervision of adult leaders (e.g. a parent/grandparent or community member). The program promotes good health, a cleaner environment, reduced traffic around school, and a ready-to-learn attitude for the school day. Daycares are welcome to join us. We currently have two “bus stops,” or starting points for the walkers. Contact Joan Seidel at jseidelpetralia@gmail.com if you are interested in forming a Walking School Bus route in your neighborhood or if you have questions about the program. We will be happy to help your kids walk to school.
Current “Bus Stop”:
Ashland Public Library Parking Lot-- Supervision begins at 7:20 AM; children start walking to school at 7:30. Kids can arrive any time between 7:20 AM and 7:30 AM.
Please register the first day your child walks. We need parent/guardian contact information for every child. Children can always join us along the route if we pass by your house. Kids can join Walking School Bus any time throughout the program. Come when the walk fits your schedule. This goes for kids and adult volunteers, we are a flexible group.
Always look for adult volunteers with yellow Walking School Bus back packs before leaving your child at the “bus stop.”
Your WSB Team will operate every morning (weather permitting). Rain and/or lightning will cancel the walk. Threats of severe weather cancel the walk.
If you are late, but can see us walking, your child can join us. We don’t walk at lightning speed.
Send a water bottle with your child if it is hot outside.
Photographs of the children may be used in promotional materials
Parents/grandparents are always welcome to join us. Adults have as much fun as the kids!
To be a WSB adult volunteer walker or for more information, please contact Joan Seidel at jseidelpetralia@gmail.com.
Ranken Technical College Upcoming Events
Event #1: The Ranken Experience
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: Ranken Technical College – Ashland Campus
Networking with business, education, and community leaders
Overview Presentation on Ranken’s programs and workforce impact
Campus Tour of our labs, classrooms, and hands-on learning spaces
Event #2: Ranken Job Fair
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Ranken Technical College – Ashland Campus
An excellent opportunity for employers to meet and interact with Ranken students
Build early connections with the next generation of highly skilled professionals
Whether you have attended past events or are curious to experience Ranken Ashland for the first time, we would be honored to have you join us.
Register for either or both events here: https://ranken.edu/employers/events-general-information/
5275 West Red Tail Drive
Ashland, MO 65010
573-657-2147
www.sbschools.us
communications@sbschools.us