In April 2022, the Scott County R-IV community showed support for the students by approving the $6.5M bond issue for capital projects. The final phase of the bond projects were completed in April 2024.

With the bond proceeds, the district was able to replace 22 HVAC units throughout the campus to provide more efficient heating and air. In addition, the district repaired structural damage to an exterior wall in the high school.

The district replaced the nearly 30 years old bleachers in the high school gym and installed new lighting for the baseball and softball fields.

The middle school received a facelift with new ceilings, tile, offices, and security vestibule. The security vestibule added a second layer of entry at the middle school similar to the high school and elementary. This addition ensures that all main entrances require a double check before entering the buildings.

The addition of a new 11,000 square feet building to the high school houses a weight room, classroom, three locker rooms, and three offices. This building is a long overdue project that provides the students with access to a facility that is first class. The new locker rooms provide boys and girls more additional space classes and activities.

You are invited to attend Open House on August 15th to tour campus and see all of the updates.

Over the past three years, utilizing the bond proceeds and different grants, the district has replaced or added many new safety features throughout campus.

The 2022 bond proceeds allowed the district to install the middle school security vestibule that requires a double check-in system for approved entry. Additionally, the district installed concrete security bollards around all exterior glass entries.

A grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supported the district to install shatterproof window tint on all exterior glass on campus. In addition, the grant helped to replace and add security cameras district-wide. In recent news, exterior doors at schools have been discussed. The district installed alarms on all exterior doors that will alert the security officers and building offices if a door is left open too long.

The district was awarded a COPS grant from the Department of Justice. With these proceeds, the district installed a chain link fence the full northwest perimeter of the campus. Along with the fencing, the district purchased a new lockdown and alerting system, HAVEN Lock. Checkout the advanced safety measures they provide for everyone on campus. The district also purchased MOSWIN radios for the School Resource Officers. In the event of an emergency, the new radios allows them to communicate with all law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

The Board of Education and administration places the safety of staff and students as one of the highest priorities in the annual budget. The district will continue to seek affordable resources to protect everyone when on campus.

Meet Mr. Josh Carmack, the Director of Transportation and Bus Mechanic for the entire fleet. Mr. Carmack is responsible for ensuring that over 600 students ride to and from school on reliable and safe busses.

The district owns 20 busses and runs 16 routes a day. For the 2023-2024 school year, the district fleet traveled over 130,000 miles in regular routes and over 30,000 miles for student activities.

Mr. Carmack has led the Scott County R-IV Transportation Department to six continuous years of safety awards with the Missouri Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. New in 2023, the district added a safety program to all busses (Transfinder) to assist with route efficiency through scheduling and tracking. Coming this school year, a software program will be launched to allow parents to view their student's bus schedule and assignment.

Before school starts back on August 21st, please take a minute to review bus safety procedures with your student. It is important for students to follow all safety procedures and expectations. Everyone working together will help provide the best transportation experience for all students.

The mission statement for the district reads, "We develop students, in partnership with our community, to thrive in an ever-changing world." The statement is a reminder that the top priority is to educate students and prepare them for whatever life brings their way after graduation. One important part of the learning process is attendance. If students are absent several days a month, it adversely affects the outcome throughout their time in school.

Research over the past ten years has shown that chronic absenteeism leads to many negative factors from elementary to high school. Chronic absences negatively impact academic performance and contribute to risk factors of dropping out of school before graduating. Other studies have shown that poor attendance in school is linked to poor habits in the work force and health*.

The good news is that if these habits are corrected early, the risk of a negative outcome is reduced. The district highly supports parent involvement in the educational process. One way is to encourage them to be at school regularly.

Teachers work hard to prepare lessons that are engaging and intended to be delivered in-person. Students who are absent do not have the same opportunity to experience the lesson as it was originally delivered.

This year, the district and local agencies will be helping schools, parents, and communities to encourage regular attendance. The school district and local law enforcement agencies define "regular attendance" as missing less than ten unexcused days a school year. If you have any questions about the district attendance policies, please refer to the student handbook post on the district website (KellyHawks.org).

*The United States Government. (2023, September 15). Chronic absenteeism and disrupted learning require an all-hands-on-deck approach. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/cea/written-materials/2023/09/13/chronic-absenteeism-and-disrupted-learning-require-an-all-hands-on-deck-approach/