
Let's all congratulate Charla Lashley, Maple Grove Elementary reading teacher. She is this week's #TeacherProudTuesday honoree! MGE principal Aubrey Bauer said of Mrs. Lashley's commitment to her students, "Her dedication to their success is unmatched, and she’s always there to inspire and support them every step of the way." Thank you for all you do, Mrs. Lashley!


All incoming kindergarten students are invited to the Kindergarten Round-Up and Registration on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. Visit your child’s school, meet the teachers, and register your child for kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year!
PLEASE NOTE: THE CHILD MUST TURN 5 BEFORE AUG. 1, 2025


A big congratulations goes out to Nora Wideman, a 4th grade student from High Ridge Elementary. Nora won first place in the 2025 Kindergarten Registration t-shirt design contest! You can see her winning design on the t-shirt she is wearing in the photo.
Great job, Nora!


It's Library Media Specialist Appreciation Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible Library Media Specialists who bring the magic of reading, research, and technology to life in our schools. Thank you for all you do for our students!



Join us this evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Valley Middle School for STEAM Night!
Refreshments will be provided, and 22 hands-on activities will be held in classrooms. The gym will have all kinds of robotics and art displays, Kona Ice will be available for purchase, and much more. The cost is $3.00 per person. Don't miss out on this student-created and student-led event!


Today we celebrate our paraprofessionals, lunch and playground aides, and Lion Care staff.
From helping to guide students in the classroom to keeping them safe on the playground and providing care before and after school, you all make a difference every single day. Your dedication, patience, and kindness do not go unnoticed! Thank you for everything you do for all of the students of Lion Nation!




Congratulations to our #SupportStaffSuperstar of the Week, House Springs Elementary paraprofessional Malinda Spurgeon. HSE principal Angie Ritzel said "She is an exceptional educator and always challenges her students to meet their highest potential." Thank you for everything you do for our students, Ms. Spurgeon!


There is a tornado warning in our area. Children will not be released until the warning is over. We are taking shelter in schools. Buses are heading back to elementary schools and ECC campus if they have already left.

All after school activities for
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
have been canceled due to the timing of the anticipated thunderstorms.
Lion Care will still be in session.


We are one month away from the deadline to register for Summer School and the 2025-26 school year! Summer School is tentatively scheduled for June 2-30, 2025.
All families must complete the online registration by May 2, 2025, to ensure transportation for both 2025 Summer School and the 2025-2026 school year. Summer School is tentatively scheduled for June 2 - June 30, 2025. If registration is not complete by the deadline, your student will not receive transportation for the first full week of summer school or for the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
Please visit the Northwest R-I School website at https://www.northwestschools.net/OLR to register.


Today, we celebrate the incredible Occupational Therapists of Lion Nation who help our students develop the skills they need to succeed, both in and out of the classroom. From improving motor skills to building confidence and independence, their impact is truly life-changing. Thank you for all you do for our students!


Congratulations to Valley Middle School ELA/Speech and Drama teacher Brook Culleton. She is this week's #TeacherProudTuesday honoree! VMS Assistant Principal Pam Helferstay said "She has the most profound effect on students. They come into her class scared to even stand up in front of their classmates. They leave with all the confidence in the world and hoping to take Mrs. Culleton's next class." Thank you for all you do for our students, Mrs. Culleton!


The 14th Annual Northwest Soccer "Kick It" 5K will be held at Northwest High School on April 26. This event helps support the boys and girls soccer programs in the Northwest District. All participants registering by April 17 will receive the Kick It 5K Shirt.
Learn more about the event, and how to register at www.northwestlionssoccer.com.


Congratulations go out to Valley Middle School food service staff member Eleana Rauscher, this week's #SupportStaffSuperstar! VMS principal Dr. Spencer Storey said "Not only does she do a fantastic job in food service, she starts so many students' days off on the right foot...She has a knack for connecting with all students." Congratulations, Ms. Eleana, and thank you for all you do for our students and staff!


We had a fantastic morning at House Springs Elementary Leadership Day! Students showcased their leadership groups, shared their unique talents, and led visitors on tours of the school. It’s been an inspiring day for everyone!











Ms. Stahlman’s third graders at Maple Grove Elementary had a special visit from Ms. Amanda and Chef Tori with Northwest food service provider SFE! They brought the Smoothie Bike, teaching students about the benefits of dairy while blending up a delicious treat.
Students took turns pedaling to power the blender, mixing strawberries, banana, yogurt, and milk into a sweet and healthy smoothie. A fun and tasty way to learn about nutrition!











Lion Nation: Here's a reminder that the Annual Online Registration Update for the 2025-2026 school year and for 2025 K-12 Summer School is open.
All families must complete the online registration by May 2, 2025, to ensure transportation for both 2025 Summer School and the 2025-2026 school year. Summer School is tentatively scheduled for June 2 - June 30, 2025.
If registration is not complete by the deadline, your student will not receive transportation for the first full week of summer school or for the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
Please visit the Northwest R-I School website at https://www.northwestschools.net/o/nsd/page/online-enrollment-and-registration.


Congratulations to Donya McAteer, Early Childhood Center teacher at Murphy Elementary. She is this week's #TeacherProudTuesday honoree! MES principal Gretchen Gorgal said "Her dedication to fostering a positive, fun, and enriching learning environment for our young children is truly inspiring." Thank you for all you do for our youngest Lions, Ms. Donya!


Congratulations to Northwest Early Childhood Center teacher Kristen Price, the 2025 Northwest R-I District Teacher of the Year!



Welcome back, Lion Nation! We hope you had a fantastic spring break and are ready to finish the school year strong! Just like school, construction on the Valley Middle School addition is in full swing today. Let's make the rest of the school year amazing!

