Medical clinic slated for New Madrid County R-1 School District

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The addition of a school-based medical clinic will make access to health care easier for students in the New Madrid County R-1 School District.

During the R-1 School Board’s February meeting, Bridgett Masterson, director of special services, presented information regarding a SEMO Health Network clinic at New Madrid County Central High School. Currently, SEMO Health Network operates a clinic in the Sikeston R-6 District.

According to Dr. Sam Duncan, R-1 superintendent, the addition of a student clinic was under discussion several years ago but was delayed due to the pandemic.

“But now it is going to happen,” Duncan said. “Students will have access to health services and as it develops, possibly mental health services.”

Initial plans call for the clinic to have a secured outside entrance as well as access by students from inside the building.

Also during the February meeting, the board approved re-instating the carpentry class at the Technical Skills Center.

Duncan said the Board has made improving and expanding TSC one of its priorities. He praised the leadership of former directors Laura McVey and Renee Smith and current director Andrea Harris and former Rep. Don Rone for their assistance with bringing about many improvements.

“Every program is led by teachers doing the right thing for kids and it shows. Some of our alumni have exited the programs, gone directly into the workforce,” Duncan said. “Now is the time to move back into carpentry.”

Duncan said depending on the instructor hired the program could cover heating, venting and air-conditioning as well as plumbing. This would couple well with the TSC’s electrical pathways program, he added.

“We feel the addition of this program will help our community by giving more students a leg up in a career that is needed in this area. After graduating, participants could stay home and make a great living,” Duncan said.

Also during the February meeting:

• Students with the District’s Future Farmers of America program and FFA sponsor Ethan Hunziker made a presentation.

Hunziker proposed more students from the local FFA program attend the National FFA Convention. He explained it would be a way for participants to bring more ideas home about FFA programing and careers in agriculture.

In addition Duncan shared a letter received from a parent praising Hunziker as an ag teacher and FFA instructor.

• Principals from throughout the District presented information regarding academics and instructional leadership in their buildings.

Duncan described the portion of the meeting as an open dialogue with the Board of Education.

“The administrative team at this moment in time is exceptional. I would go as far to say it is one of the most talented group of school leaders I have been with in one setting,” the superintendent said. “It is really a pleasure to hear from them and to know that the Board appreciates their talent.”

• Several calendar revisions were approved.

Following the days missed in January, school will now end at noon Wednesday, May 22. Duncan noted should any further days of school be missed, the make-up days will be added at the end of the year rather than shorten spring break.

Graduation for the Class of 2024 begins at 6:30 p.m. May 14. The last day of class for the seniors is May 10, 2024.

The District calendar for the 2024-2025 school year (pictured above) was approved. According to the superintendent it is similar to the 2023-2024 school year.

The March Board meeting was rescheduled to March 7.

• A new math series for students in kindergarten through fifth grade was adopted.

Duncan said elementary administrators worked with staff for more than a year to determine the best math series for students. Also he pointed out with the addition of the new series, every core subject at every level was upgraded in the past five years.

• As part of the February meeting, all school administrators, directors, principals were unanimously rehired for next year.

Also employed were: Dwayne Stanley as golf coach, Angela Anderson as a custodian/bus driver and Sarah Springer and Lorya Knox as special education assistants. The resignation of Amber Stafford as special education assistant was accepted.

Following the meeting, Duncan noted the District is currently advertising all positions open for the 2024-2025 school year.

“Most of the openings are due to retirement,” Duncan said. “Hopefully we will begin interviewing soon. New Madrid County R-1 is a great place to be with strong benefits and wonderful administrators. We would love to see people apply to join us.”