NMCC graduation for class of 2025 set for Friday, May 16

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The Class of 2025 will graduate on a Friday night rather than a Tuesday.

At their October meeting, the New Madrid County R-1 School Board set graduation for 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025. The seniors’ last day will be May 9.

Superintendent Bridget Masterson explained the change allows families to spend more time with the graduates and enables out-of-town guests to attend. She also noted staff members often help oversee Project Graduation, which follows the ceremony. The change will provide the staff time to rest after the all-night celebration.

Also the Board approved a separate alternative school graduation

“This has been a problem in past,” said Masterson. “We have students who graduated early or joined the military and had to miss the traditional graduation ceremony.”

She said depending on the need, it is planned to offer these students the opportunity to take part in a ceremony in the auditorium where their families and friends can attend.

Kris Lyons with Ramey’s Supermarket presented information to the Board regarding a school-team store at the business. He proposed the business would sell merchandise with the Eagle logo enabling those attending school sporting events or other activities to show their support of the Eagles. In return for the use of the logo, some of the proceeds from the sales will be donated to the School District.

The Board agreed to the proposal.

Other actions during the October meeting included:

• Christie Kenedy presented information regarding curriculum. Currently the District is working with Step Up, a company which ensures the curriculum taught in the classroom follows Missouri learning standards.

• Principals reviewed Renaissance literacy and numeracy data with the Board. As part of the District’s continuing school improvement goals, the Renaissance program assists teachers with determining student academic needs and setting targets to reach those standards.

• Also principals reviewed common formative assessments, another bench-marking tool, with the Board. Masterson described the assessments as small tests given before starting lessons to do determine how teachers need to guide their instruction.

• Approval was given to notify the Missouri School Board Association to re-run the superintendent search.

• A review of student attendance showed most schools in the District reporting attendance up over this time last year.

“One of our focus points is to improve attendance,” Masterson said. “We are working with local authorities to get students to class.”

• In personnel matters, the Board transferred Shelby Smith from teacher assistant to teacher at Lilbourn Elementary School. Phil (PJ) Flanders was employed as a maintenance/bus driver and Justin Vaughan as the welding instructor for the Technical Skills Center.

The resignations of Daniel Darnall as welding instructor, Brittany Myers as special education assistant, and Caitlyn Hunter as a teacher at Lilbourn Elementary were accepted.

• Approval was given for the District’s 2024-2025 bus routes. This action sets in motion the means by which the District is reimbursed by the state.

• The substitute teacher list for the 2024-2025 school year was approved.

• Several policies and procedures were adopted to maintain compliance with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This included polices on student alcohol and drug use and student alcohol and drug testing.

• A request by Southeast Premier Volleyball to use the Central Middle School gym for practices beginning in November was approved

• The CD investments were reviewed.

• A letter from Roger Sherman thanking the Board for use of the Lilbourn Elementary School facilities during the Lilbourn High School reunion was read.

Following the meeting, Masterson noted the first quarter has come to an end.

“The fall is always filled with lots of activities for our students, parents and alumni,” she said. “The time has gone by quickly.”