Help us welcome Zoe O'Meara to the SR3 Family! 💛🖤

Zoe is joining Helena Elementary as a Special Education Teacher, and she'll be beginning her very first year in education.

When deciding where to start her teaching career, Zoe says it was the people who made SR3 feel like home. She was inspired by the welcoming atmosphere, the support among staff, and the district's commitment to helping every student succeed. She's excited to grow as an educator while making a difference in the lives of her students.

Outside the classroom, Zoe enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and—believe it or not—riding dirt bikes! She also admits an iced coffee is an instant mood booster and says her teaching superpower would be an endless supply of coffee. ☕🏍️

We're excited to have Zoe join our team and can't wait to see the impact she'll make at Helena Elementary.

Welcome to the SR3 Family, Zoe! #WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
about 3 hours ago, Savannah R3
Portrait of new Helena Elementary Special Education Teacher Zoe O'Meara smiling outdoors in a white outfit with a graduation stole.
🏡 Sometimes, home is the place you choose.

About seven years ago, Kinsley Whisenand and her family made Savannah home because they loved the small-town feel and sense of community. This fall, she's excited to take that connection one step further as the new Attendance Secretary at Savannah High School.

Whether she's welcoming students and families through the front office or cheering on her son, Dean, from the sidelines at a baseball or football game, Kinsley enjoys being part of the community she now calls home.

She believes that positivity is contagious.

"Bringing positivity creates positivity! When someone can share a positive thought or comment it makes my day better, and I try to share the same with others."

When she's not at the ballfield, you'll likely find Kinsley at the gym—or wishing for her dream superpower: an endless supply of caffeine! ☕😉

Welcome to the SR3 Family, Kinsley! We're excited to have you at Savannah High School.

#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
1 day ago, Savannah R3
Black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge features a portrait of Kinsley Whisenand. Text identifies her as the Attendance Secretary at Savannah High School.
How does Missouri decide how much state funding each school district receives?

Many people assume the state simply divides education funding equally among school districts. In reality, Missouri uses something called the Foundation Formula to calculate how much state funding each district receives.

Think of it as Missouri's funding calculator. Rather than giving every district the same amount, the Foundation Formula considers factors such as:

• Student attendance
• Local property values
• Local tax effort
• State funding appropriated by the legislature
• Other factors established in Missouri law

Here's a simplified look at how the process works:

1. The Missouri Legislature appropriates funding for K-12 public education.

2. The Foundation Formula calculates how much state funding each Missouri public school district receives.

3. Missouri school districts receive their calculated share of state funding.

4. Those funds are then used by school districts to support teaching and learning for students.

Later this week, we'll take a closer look at where the Foundation Formula gets the information it uses to make those calculations.

#WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
2 days ago, Savannah R3
Flowchart showing the Missouri Legislature appropriating education funding, the Foundation Formula calculating each district's share, and districts using those funds to educate students.
🖤💛 Savage Alum Alert! 💛🖤

For Jennifer Flint, joining the SR3 team feels a lot like coming home.

A proud 2016 Savannah High School graduate, Jennifer is returning to SR3 as a Parents as Teachers Parent Educator, where she'll have the opportunity to support young children and families throughout our community.

Jennifer says she always knew Savannah was a special place.

"I went to school here and know how great the community is already. I knew this would be a great team to work with!"

Some of her favorite memories as a student include serving as a Share Aid during her senior year, when she had the opportunity to work with students at Savannah Middle School. Today, she's excited to give back to the same community she once called home.

When she's not working with families, Jennifer enjoys reading, playing tennis, building LEGO creations, and spending time with her husband, Payton, and their three boys—all proud members of the SR3 Family.

Welcome home, Jennifer! We're excited to have you back at SR3. 💛🖤

#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
2 days ago, Savannah R3
Black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge features a portrait of Jennifer Flint. Text identifies her as a Parents as Teachers Parent Educator in Special Services. A gold "ALUM" icon indicates she is a Savannah R3 graduate.
💛 Please help us welcome Duke Newsted to the SR3 Family!

This fall marks an exciting new chapter for Duke. As he prepares for his September wedding, he's also beginning a new role at SR3 as a Paraprofessional, Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach, and Assistant Middle School Track Coach.

After working in the Park Hill School District, Duke says Savannah immediately felt like home and offered the opportunity to continue doing what he loves—supporting students and coaching young athletes.

When asked what inspires him most, Duke didn't hesitate:

"Just seeing my students and athletes' faces light up after they have finally figured something out they didn't think they could do."

Outside of school, you'll likely find him hunting, fishing, cheering on college wrestling, or spending time with his fiancée, Kaitlynn, and their families as they prepare for their wedding this fall.

Welcome to SR3, Duke! We're excited to have you on the team and wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new season. 💛🖤

#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
4 days ago, Savannah R3
Black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge features a portrait of Duke Newsted. Text identifies him as a Paraprofessional, Assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach, and Assistant Middle School Track Coach serving Savannah Middle School and Savannah High School.
💛 Please help us welcome Ashley Lippold to the SR3 Family!

Ashley joins John Glenn Elementary as our new 2nd Grade Teacher, bringing 20 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping students grow into confident problem-solvers.

After teaching third grade in St. Joseph, Ashley was drawn to Savannah because of its strong sense of community and collaborative spirit.

"Joining SR3 felt like a great opportunity to contribute my experience, continue developing professionally, and be part of a team that values collaboration, commitment, and continuous improvement."

For Ashley, this move is a true family adventure. She and her husband, Garrett, are excited to become part of the SR3 community, and their 9-year-old twins, Cruz and Jett, will be joining John Glenn as fourth graders this fall.

When she's not in the classroom, Ashley enjoys crafting, decorating for events, spending time by the pool or at the beach, and making memories with her family.

Welcome to SR3, Ashley! We're excited to have you and your family as part of our community. 💛🖤

#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
5 days ago, Savannah R3
Black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge features a portrait of Ashley Lippold. Text identifies her as a 2nd Grade Teacher at John Glenn Elementary.
What does Amendment 5 actually say?

There's been a lot of discussion about Amendment 5, but many voters haven't had the opportunity to read the actual language that will appear on the ballot.

Today's graphic includes both the official ballot language and the Missouri Secretary of State's official Fair Ballot Language to help explain what voters will see on the ballot.

Because Missouri's individual income tax is the state's largest source of General Revenue—and General Revenue helps fund public education—Amendment 5 has generated questions about what the proposal could mean for schools.

At this time, the long-term impact on public school funding cannot be known with certainty because implementation would require future legislative action over several years.

Learn more, including our FAQ and links to official resources, at savannahr3.com/mo5.

Savannah R3 is providing factual information from official sources and is not advocating for or against Amendment 5.
6 days ago, Savannah R3
Side-by-side comparison titled "What does Amendment 5 actually say?" The left column displays the official Missouri Amendment 5 ballot language. The right column displays the Missouri Secretary of State's official Fair Ballot Language explaining what a "yes" vote and a "no" vote would mean. A source note at the bottom credits the Missouri Secretary of State's 2026 Ballot Measures. The graphic directs readers to compare the official legal language with the state's voter-friendly explanation.
🖤💛 Savage Alum Alert! 💛🖤

Some stories have a way of coming full circle.

Just four years after graduating from Savannah High School, Khia Haley is returning home as our newest History Teacher—stepping into the very classroom of the teacher who first inspired her to pursue education.

A proud member of the Class of 2022 and a graduate of Missouri Western State University, Khia credits her former government teacher, Mrs. Ross, with making a lasting impact on her life.

"She has a wonderful way of integrating storytelling into valuable lessons—not only history lessons, but life lessons as well."

Now, following Mrs. Ross's retirement, Khia has the opportunity to carry that legacy forward for the next generation of Savage students.

When asked what brought her back to SR3, her answer was simple:

"This community is wonderful. The people are supportive, caring, and so kind. This place is home!"

We're excited to welcome Khia back to SR3—somehow, we always knew she'd find her way back home.💛🖤
☺️#SR3Family #WeAreSR3
6 days ago, Savannah R3
Graphic featuring a black SR3 staff ID badge hanging from a black "SR3 Family" lanyard on a white background. The badge displays a portrait of Khia Haley smiling outdoors while holding a gold apple. Text identifies her as a History Teacher at Savannah High School. A gold "ALUM" icon indicates she is a Savannah R3 graduate.
Calling all incoming 2nd–8th grade softball players! 🥎

Savannah High School players and coaches are hosting a Youth Softball Camp on Saturday, August 15, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the Savannah Spring Sports Complex.

Campers will work on hitting and defensive skills, then cool off with a fun slip-and-slide sliding drill.

The cost is $20 per camper and includes a T-shirt. Please bring a water bottle, any personal softball equipment, and wear shorts with either cleats or tennis shoes.

Register here: http://bit.ly/4yp6Cwh

Registration will also be available the morning of camp. Cash or checks made payable to Savannah Softball will be accepted.

Questions? Email Coach Rebekah Glenn at rebekah.glenn@savannahr3.com.

We’re looking forward to a fun morning of softball with our younger players! #SR3Family #WeAreSR3
7 days ago, Savannah R3
Youth Softball Camp for incoming grades 2–8 on Aug. 15, 8:30–10:30 a.m. at Savannah Spring Sports Complex.
Does anyone else feel like summer is slipping by? ☀️😅

Whether you're soaking up every last minute or already counting down to the first day of school, we've got you covered!

We've launched a new Back 2 School Page to make it easy to find many of the resources families need before the school year begins, all in one place.

You'll find things like:
📚 School supply lists
🗓️ Important dates and calendars
🚌 Transportation information
📸 First Day of School signs
✈️ Vacation planner
❓Frequently asked questions
...and more!

We'll continue updating the page throughout the summer as new information becomes available, including Online Registration, which opens August 1.

📌 Bookmark the page now and check back often—we'll keep adding resources to help your family get ready for a great school year!

🔗 https://www.savannahr3.com/o/savannah-r3/page/back-to-school-2026
8 days ago, Savannah R3
Graphic with the headline "Back 2 School Starts Here!" above a screenshot of Savannah R3's Back 2 School webpage displayed on a tablet. Gold arrows point to the webpage, which features the 2026-27 school year start date of Wednesday, August 26, a back-to-school checklist, school supply lists, transportation information, First Day of School signs, important dates, and other family resources.
Where does Missouri get the money it sends to public schools?

Last week, we shared that approximately 42% of Savannah R3's operating revenue comes from the State of Missouri.

That naturally leads to another question:

Where does the State of Missouri get the money it uses to help fund public education?

Today, Missouri's General Revenue Fund—the primary source of state funding for public schools—comes from several sources, including:

• 62% Individual income tax
• 23% Sales and use tax
• 7% Corporate tax
• 6% Other state revenue

Missouri Amendment 5 proposes changes to the state's tax structure. While the long-term impact on public school funding is not yet known, understanding how schools are funded today helps explain why school districts across Missouri are paying close attention.

As always, Savannah R3's goal is to provide factual, nonpartisan information—not advocate for or against any ballot measure.

Learn more on our community information page:
🔗 https://www.savannahr3.com/page/mo5
9 days ago, Savannah R3
Black background with the question, "Where does Missouri get the money it sends to schools?" The word "Missouri" is highlighted in gold.
Bar chart showing the primary sources of Missouri's General Revenue Fund: 62% individual income tax, 23% sales tax, 7% corporate tax, and 6% other revenue.
Black background with the statement, "Nearly 2 out of every 3 dollars in Missouri's General Revenue Fund come from the individual income tax."
Black background with the heading "Why does this matter?" followed by the statement, "Amendment 5 proposes changes to how Missouri collects tax revenue."
Black background stating, "The long-term impact on school funding is still unknown, but understanding today's funding helps explain why school districts are paying attention." The slide directs viewers to learn more at savannahr3.com/page/mo5.
Did you know?

About 42% of the funding Savannah R3 receives to support our schools comes from the State of Missouri.

No single funding source supports our schools on its own. Local, state, federal, county, and other funding all work together to support teachers and staff, transportation, technology, instructional programs, student services, and the day-to-day operation of our schools.

Want to learn more about how Missouri public schools are funded? Visit our new Understanding School Funding page for answers to common questions, an explanation of Missouri's Foundation Formula, and additional information about Amendment 5.
12 days ago, Savannah R3
Graphic showing a dollar bill highlighted 42% in gold with the text: "Did You Know... 42% of SR3 funding comes from the State of MO?"
Already looking forward to your NEXT vacation? 🌴✈️

We get it.

Whether you're planning a long weekend, a holiday trip, or spring break, our 2026–27 Vacation Planner makes it easy to see every scheduled school break at a glance.

When possible, planning vacations during scheduled school breaks helps students stay on track while making the most of family time.

2026–27 Scheduled School Breaks:
Labor Day: Sept. 5–7
Long Weekend: Sept. 25–27
Long Weekend: Oct. 23–25
Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 25–30
Winter Break: Dec. 18–Jan. 5
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan. 16–18
Presidents' Day: Feb. 13–15
Spring Break: March 20–29

📌 Save this graphic for future planning—and send it to Glam-ma so she knows when to visit! 💛

#WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
13 days ago, Savannah R3
Savannah R3 2026–27 Vacation Planner. Scheduled school breaks include: Labor Day, Sept. 5–7 (3 days); Long Weekend, Sept. 25–27 (3 days); Long Weekend, Oct. 23–25 (3 days); Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 25–30 (6 days); Winter Break, Dec. 18–Jan. 5 (19 days); Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 16–18 (3 days); Presidents' Day, Feb. 13–15 (3 days); Spring Break, March 20–29 (10 days). Attendance Matters! Plan your vacations during scheduled school breaks.

Over the coming weeks, you'll notice Savannah R3 sharing more information about how Missouri public schools are funded.

On August 4, Missouri voters will consider Amendment 5, and we've received questions about what it could mean for public education.

Our role isn't to tell anyone how to vote. Our role is to provide factual, easy-to-understand information and connect our community with reliable resources.

We've created a new Understanding School Funding page on our website to help answer some of the most common questions.

14 days ago, Savannah R3
Graphic reading "Understanding School Funding: A Community Information Series" with an outline of the state of Missouri in black and gold.
Tryouts are coming up fast, and are scheduled before school starts back this year!

To help our athletes get ready, we'll be hosting a three-week Pre-Season Program leading into tryouts, three days a week.

We're focusing on: strength and power in the weight room, vertical training to get you jumping higher, speed and footwork through agility, and the team skills that get you ready for our system. Each week builds on the last, so by the time tryouts arrive, you've already put in the work, and it shows.

We would love for you to come try out and be part of something special. This is an amazing program, built on hard work and a group that pushes each other to be better. More than that, it's a community. We have fun, we develop leaders, and we build athletes who carry what they learn here long after the season ends.

Pre-Season Prep | 5:30 to 7:30 PM July 20, 22, 24 July 27, 29, 31 August 10, 12, 14

Tryouts | 5:30 to 7:30 PM August 17 & 18

Current physical required, on file or brought to tryouts.
16 days ago, Savannah R3
Black and gold Savannah Middle School volleyball graphic with a large volleyball image and text listing tryout prep dates in July and August, plus tryout dates on August 17 and 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Savannah Middle School. Contact email shown is chelsea.becker@savannahr3.com
Black, gold, and white Savannah Middle School volleyball calendar for July and August 2026 showing tryout prep on July 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 and August 10, 12, 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with tryouts on August 17 and 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Additional August practice dates, a parent meeting on August 19, and school-year events are also listed.
A group of 28 Savannah High School students recently had the opportunity of a lifetime as they traveled to Italy and Greece.

During the trip, students visited many historic sites, including the Colosseum, the Vatican, Pompeii, the Parthenon, and the ancient cities of Epidaurus and Mycenae. Along the way, they experienced hands-on learning, explored different cultures, and made memories they will carry with them for years to come.

We’re so glad these students had the chance to learn beyond the classroom and experience history in such a meaningful way. #SR3Family #WeAreSR3
16 days ago, Savannah R3
A group of Savannah High School students and chaperones pose in a sunny plaza in Rome near a fountain and historic buildings.
Savannah High School students pose at Pompeii with Mount Vesuvius in the background on a bright, sunny day.
Four travelers smile in front of the Colosseum in Rome, standing on a cobblestone street near the stone arches.
Students explore ancient ruins with historic buildings and arches in the background under a clear blue sky.
Savannah High School students and chaperones smile together on a boat with bright blue water surrounding them.
A group of Savannah High School students and chaperones pose at an ancient stone amphitheater in Greece.
There's something special about the Fourth of July in a small town.

From community celebrations and backyard cookouts to fireworks and time spent with family and friends, we hope your holiday is filled with fun, laughter, and lasting memories.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

#WeAreSR3 #SR3Family
18 days ago, Savannah R3
Nighttime view of Savage Field with fireworks in the sky above the stadium. Text reads: "Small Town. Big Pride. Happy Fourth of July! Savannah R3 School District."
Tryouts are coming up fast, and are scheduled before school starts back this year!

To help our athletes get ready, we'll be hosting a three-week Pre-Season Program leading into tryouts, three days a week.

We're focusing on: strength and power in the weight room, vertical training to get you jumping higher, speed and footwork through agility, and the team skills that get you ready for our system. Each week builds on the last, so by the time tryouts arrive, you've already put in the work, and it shows.

We would love for you to come try out and be part of something special. This is an amazing program, built on hard work and a group that pushes each other to be better. More than that, it's a community. We have fun, we develop leaders, and we build athletes who carry what they learn here long after the season ends.

Pre-Season Prep | 5:30 to 7:30 PM July 20, 22, 24 July 27, 29, 31 August 10, 12, 14

Tryouts | 5:30 to 7:30 PM August 17 & 18

Current physical required, on file or brought to tryouts.
21 days ago, Savannah R3
Black and gold Savannah Middle School volleyball graphic with a large volleyball image and text listing tryout prep dates in July and August, plus tryout dates on August 17 and 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Savannah Middle School. Contact email shown is chelsea.becker@savannahr3.com.
Black, gold, and white Savannah Middle School volleyball calendar for July and August 2026 showing tryout prep on July 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 and August 10, 12, 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with tryouts on August 17 and 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Additional August practice dates, a parent meeting on August 19, and school-year events are also listed.
The deadline to register for bus transportation for the 2026-27 school year is less than a week away!

If your student will need transportation next year, please take a few minutes to complete bus registration now.

Registering by July 1 helps us build routes and prepare for the first day of school. Students registered after July 1 may not be added to a route until after Labor Day.

🚌 Register here: https://forms.gle/XiUCo8TmnNTUbzxk9

Don't let this important item get left on the summer to-do list! #SR3Family #WeAreSR3
27 days ago, Savannah R3
Graphic featuring a yellow school bus driving down a road with a bright blue sky in the background. Large text reads, "Don't Miss the Bus!" with a speech bubble that says, "Bus Registration Due July 1." The graphic reminds families to register for school bus transportation before the July 1 deadline for the 2026-27 school year.
We’re proud to share that William Calderwood represented SR3 at the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Richmond, Virginia, and finished among the top 60 students in the nation in Big Questions Debate.

Big Questions is a one-on-one debate event that asks students to think deeply about topics connected to science, philosophy, and religion. This year’s resolution focused on whether people prefer moral systems rooted in religion or in philosophy.

Just getting to nationals was a huge accomplishment. Will qualified by finishing in the top two in our district, which included nearly 35 competitors and is one of the largest Big Questions districts in the country. From there, he went on to compete against more than 160 of the top qualifiers from across the nation.

Congratulations, Will, on this incredible achievement and on representing SR3 so well. We’re proud of all the work that got you there. #SR3Family #WeAreSR3
29 days ago, Savannah R3
William Calderwood stands outdoors in a blue suit, holding a National Speech & Debate Tournament plaque and wearing debate ribbons.