Cassville R-IV School District is making consistent communication a top priority for 2023.
One of the best ways to build and maintain good relationships is to form and maintain open communication. In the Cassville R-IV School District, we have chosen to make consistent engagement with all stakeholders — students, staff, parents and the community — a top priority in our recently updated Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP).
As a district, we are always looking for ways to give you a choice in how you receive information from us, as well as ways to streamline our methods of communication. Our desire is for staff, families, and community members to be informed about what Cassville R-IV Schools is doing and why.
We wish for all to have a choice in how you receive information and that you have opportunities to give us feedback. The best possible communication tool is face-to-face interaction, and we strive to build relationships as much as possible in this manner.
My favorite part of the week is connecting with students and families, as well as interacting with staff members. When that is not possible, and we need to communicate with a large group of people — whether families, staff, or community — I am grateful for our robust system of communication tools. With the direction and support of our Board of Education and Administrative Team, we are able to use the following tools to create and manage our websites, messaging, and more.
School Messenger
This system currently supports our phone and email messages, allowing us to contact families throughout the entire district. This tool allows us to send the most critical text and email messages such as weather cancellations and other safety/crisis situations.
Text messaging
Families have the option to signup to receive district text messages. This tool is utilized to update families about important information such as schedule changes, reminders, events, safety/crisis situations and more.
Social Media
This tool is growing in use and gives us multiple ways to showcase our programs and provide information. Cassville R-IV is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Website and District App
Although websites are not as prominent as they once were, the district maintains a comprehensive district-wide website, which we are continuing to refine and update. A district app is also available to download and provides easy access to lunch menus, event calendar, Canvas, notifications and more.
District Publications
The district sends out a monthly e-newsletters, the Wildcat Chat, through school messenger. It is also posted on our website and on social media. Annually, the district prints a magazine, The Black and Gold Review, that highlights new programs, alumni, district calendar and contact information and more.
Apps such as Seesaw
This tool provides opportunities for students — and teachers — to really think outside the box. Students can show their work and thought processes in real time by submitting a video of themselves working through a math problem, snapping a picture of a paragraph they wrote, recording themselves reading a poem, or uploading a file to demonstrate their learning. This is just one example of the many educational apps that are available. Many of our staff also use Class Dojo and Remind which have similar features.
Canvas
This is a learning management platform that is being used by our middle school and high school buildings this year. Next year, this platform will be utilized district- wide. Canvas easily connects teachers and students and is used to monitor grades, manage active enrollments and assignment submissions, share course documents and syllabus information and facilitate message correspondence between students and teachers.
The Cassville Democrat and Barry County Advertiser
This is a community deeply ingrained in their local newspapers with many weekly readers. Our staff work closely with our local publications keeping them updated on exciting and interesting happenings through the school year. I also provide periodic superintendent articles updating readers about many of the wonderful things going on throughout the district.
We are always considering ways to improve/update our communication methods to ensure they are comprehensive, user-friendly, professional, and consistent. As parents and guardians, you can help by updating your contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses with your child’s school.
We want to be sure you receive important messages from your child’s school and our district. Thank you for partnering with us as we work together to provide the very best opportunities for your child’s education.
Merlyn Johnson is the superintendent of the Cassville school district. He may be reached at mjohnson@cassville.k12. mo.us.
