Springfield Missouri Public Schools

For one Westport third-grader, she couldn't wait to get a new pair of shoes. "The shoes I'm wearing, they're broken," she says. "I can't wait for my new shoes." Reliable Subaru partnered with United Way of the Ozarks to deliver free new shoes to 350+ students at Westport K-8 School Jan. 16. The second collaboration between the local retailer and nonprofit organization provided a total donation of 500 pairs of brand-new shoes and 1,000 pairs of new socks for students at the school. Reliable Subaru, a Springfield-based auto dealer, is making the donation, in collaboration with United Way of the Ozarks, through the Subaru of America Loves to Help initiative. Reliable is partnering with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit that manufactures brand-new, high-quality coats and shoes for students. “We’re so happy to connect our school district with the resources that local businesses can provide,” said Brandi VanAntwerp, president/CEO of United Way of the Ozarks. “It’s wonderful to be together and see the impact Subaru’s donation has on hundreds of children.” #supportSPS #UnitedistheWay #417LeadingtheWay #ReliableSubaru #SubaruLovestoHelp #SubaruSharetheLove #OperationWarm

During National School Counselor Week, you’re invited to celebrate an outstanding #TeamSPS school counselor to be recognized as SPS Counselor of the Year. 🏆 This award recognizes outstanding school counselors who meet the unique needs of the students they serve. Nominate a school counselor: https://bit.ly/4jdBuIy

Glendale High School Agricultural teacher, Makayla Barry, has been awarded $4,900 with two grants through CASE (Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education) and sponsored by Corteva Agriscience. One grant is for teacher training with a new course offering, and the other grant is for equipment and supplies. The new course, Advanced Plant Science, is designed for upperclassmen who want to deepen their knowledge of agriculture. “This class dives into advanced topics like plant biology, crop management, and sustainable practices, including hydroponics, giving students experience in soilless farming,” said Barry. “Additionally, a small engines unit will teach students to maintain and repair the mechanical systems used in agriculture. The course blends academic rigor with hands-on applications, preparing students for careers in agriculture, horticulture and mechanical systems.” “Grant awards enable me to transform agricultural education by integrating cutting-edge tools and resources into my curriculum. These items will help me create engaging, hands-on labs that deepen understanding in animal and plant science while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” continued Barry. “The addition of advanced equipment supports research projects and experiential learning, which help students stand out in scholarship applications and competitions.” By providing opportunities to work with industry-relevant technology, these grants ensure students are not only prepared for academic success but also equipped for careers in agriculture, STEM fields, and beyond. Ultimately, the funding helps Barry achieve her goal of offering a comprehensive and forward-thinking agriculture program that engages and inspires students. “I became an agriculture teacher because I’m passionate about preparing students for real-world opportunities in agriculture and connecting them to hands-on, meaningful experiences,” said Barry. “Agriculture impacts our lives daily, and I enjoy teaching students to appreciate its importance while equipping them with valuable skills. Starting the agriculture program at Glendale has allowed me to create engaging opportunities that inspire student learning and career readiness.” #SPSProud

Construction of a new Pipkin Middle School is one step closer to becoming a reality. 🚧 On Jan. 21, 2025, Springfield Public Schools closed on the 8.86 acre property previously owned by The General Council of the Assemblies of God. The closing comes after a 180-day period of due diligence, which allowed SPS to fully assess the site and complete other necessary requirements prior to development. “We are pleased that we have achieved this important milestone and are positioned to move forward with building a new middle school for students in midtown Springfield,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent. “Our community was committed to keeping Pipkin as close to its current location as possible. Soon residents will start to see visible signs of progress.” The property, located only a quarter of a mile from the current Pipkin location, is bordered by West Division Street on the north, West Lynn Street on the south and North Campbell Avenue on the east. Demolition of existing structures on the property should begin in March 2025 and construction of the school is expected to be completed in 2027. In March 2024, the Board of Education unanimously approved purchasing the property, following a lengthy search for a suitable parcel of land large enough to accommodate a modern middle school campus near the heart of the Pipkin community. The purchase of the property and construction of the new middle school is funded by Proposition S, which voters authorized in April 2023 with a 77.67 percent approval rate. “Moving forward at this location honors the feedback we received from Pipkin parents and other community members and fits with the recommendations made by the Community Task Force on Facilities,” Dr. Lathan explained. “This will be an exciting new era for Pipkin Middle School and our community,” said Mr. Duane Cox, principal. “Our students, staff and parents are eager to watch the progress of their new school home as it is constructed over the next two years.”

Happy National School Counseling Week. 💙 We honor and celebrate each of our dynamic school counselors, who help students find success wherever they are. Join us in celebrating these incredible members of #TeamSPS with a COMMENT BELOW.

"The Future Educators program is not only an essential program for our district, but it is an opportunity for our district to continue to connect and impact the lives of the next generation of educators. Given the nationwide teacher shortage, developing our own in-house pipeline of future educators helps address the issue. Providing mentorship and additional resources is invaluable, as it sets the student up for success and strengthens our efforts. Through our collaborative partnership with Missouri State University, our students have access to top tier education and the opportunity to come back and teach in the same schools they were once students in, providing a full circle experience that is rewarding and beneficial for them and our district. As an SPS Staff Ambassador, my goal is to better support the district by fostering stronger communication and collaboration between staff, students and the community. My daughters are products of SPS and are thriving individually due to the educational experiences they have and are receiving. By promoting the district's initiatives and celebrating its successes, I hope to create a sense of unity and pride among my family, friends and community. Additionally, I always strive to be a positive influence and resource, helping to create an inclusive, supportive environment for all. Ensuring that our educators are passionate, dedicated and equipped with the resources necessary to teach, we create an environment where students can succeed both academically and personally. Quality teachers not only inspire students, but they foster a love of learning and provide guidance and support necessary for growth. When we prioritize the recruitment and retention of exceptional educators, we are directly contributing to a learning atmosphere that prepares students for future success. Having a strong teaching staff builds a foundation of knowledge, critical thinking and confidence for success-ready students, positioning them for achievement beyond graduation." - Terry Campbell, Student Access and Opportunity Coordinator

Your Future. Our Focus. SPS is seeking passionate, caring educators to become SPS teachers in 2025-2026. 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐒𝐏𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 🔵 Thursday, Feb. 13 🔵 4:30-5:30 p.m. 🔵 SPS Professional & Virtual Learning Center, 1410 S. Kansas Expressway Why attend: 🔵 Learn about open positions and how to apply 🔵 Network with SPS leaders and departments 🔵 Discover all the benefits and supports available for SPS teachers RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gR7-dExb

SPS is looking for a 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐫𝐝. ✨ Apply now to Coordinator I - Systems Analyst: https://lnkd.in/gmskBanx #nowhiring #itjob #systemanalyst #informationsystems

"I strongly believe that middle school is one of the most challenging periods in a young person’s life. It’s a time of immense change, self-discovery and navigating daily challenges. At the same time, I see every student as a future contributor to society – and potentially a catalyst for meaningful change in the world. With that perspective, I am deeply committed to designing lessons that are both personalized and intentional, aimed at fostering the growth of each individual student. At the start of the year, I dedicate time to truly understanding my students: their strengths, areas for growth and unique personalities. This foundation allows me to build instruction that not only supports their development as learners but also helps them find confidence in who they are. Through this intentional approach, I strive to help students uncover the wonders of science – and, more importantly, the wonders of themselves. I want them to see how their contributions matter, not just to the classroom but to the bigger picture. When students recognize their role in the success of the whole, they’re better equipped to shape a brighter future for themselves and for all of us. In my classroom, every day is a new opportunity. Every mistake is a stepping stone for growth, and every student is a valuable part of the learning community. I work hard to create an environment where students feel seen, supported and encouraged to take on challenges. What keeps me motivated is knowing that I can play a role in unlocking that potential for each student who walks through my door. The moments when a student realizes they’re capable of more than they thought, or when they take pride in their own progress...those are the moments that fuel my passion and drive to keep striving for excellence." - Annette Fugitt, science teacher at Pipkin Middle School #SPSProud

𝐃𝐫. 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧'𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖. The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education has completed its annual evaluation of the superintendent, unanimously approving a one-year contract extension for Dr. Grenita Lathan through the 2027-2028 school year. This is the fourth contract extension of Dr. Lathan’s SPS tenure. “The Board of Education affirms Dr. Lathan’s continued leadership of Missouri’s largest public school district,” said Danielle Kincaid, board president. “SPS seeks to be Missouri’s district of choice and Dr. Lathan’s outstanding focus on academic achievement, robust professional development opportunities for staff, and collaboration with stakeholders is key to achieving this strategic vision.” As part of its consensus, the Board of Education acknowledged the following strengths during the evaluation period - from January 2024 through January 2025. Improvement in Academic Achievement: For the third consecutive year, SPS has increased its overall score on the Annual Performance Report from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 🔵 Sixteen SPS schools achieved a double-digit increase in total points over the prior year. 🔵 In the area of academic proficiency, SPS showed improvement in all three main areas tested: English Language Arts increased by 0.5 percent, Mathematics increased by 1.4 percent, and Science increased by 1.9 percent. MAP and End of Course results indicate that SPS students achieved improvement over the previous year’s scores as follows: 🔵 In English Language Arts for students in fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh grades, and in English II; 🔵 In Mathematics for students in fifth and seventh grades, and in Algebra I, and Algebra II; and 🔵 In Science for students in fifth and eighth grades, and Biology. For the second consecutive year, SPS earned 100 percent of points possible for monitoring Kindergarten Readiness and completion of eighth-grade planning for the pathway to graduation. 🔵 For the fifth consecutive year, SPS celebrates its highest graduation rate. The 2024 graduating class of 1,922 students achieved a graduation rate of 97.4 percent, compared with 96.5 percent in 2023. “I deeply appreciate the support of our Board of Education,” said Dr. Lathan, superintendent. “These dedicated leaders serve as volunteers and their devotion to SPS and to our students, staff and community is unmatched. I am honored to serve as superintendent, thankful to collaborate with such a talented team of educators and support staff, and I am confident that even greater things are ahead for our district.”