Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

Kickapoo High School’s Envirothon team placed first at the state competition and will continue on to the national competition at Mississippi State University in July.🌱📏🏆 Both Kickapoo and Central participated in the high school level international environmental and natural resource problem-solving competition at the regional and state level.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/3Rq0WRF.

“I broke my shoulder toward the end of my first semester in high school and had difficulties with getting caught up. I was also working at a cattle ranch and found the regular schedule of school did not allow me to work at the times that best fit that job. My folks and I looked into several options and decided Launch Virtual Learning might be my best option. I was not certain how it would all work for me. After my first semester with Launch, I found it was all I was looking for and needed in high school and it has been great for the rest of my time in high school.

Virtual learning has been great. I am able to determine the times that I work on school and when I’m able to work my job at the cattle ranch, and I have been able to focus on participating in rodeos over the last few years. Having the ability to budget my time between all of those things has been very helpful. I did not do great with having to spend all day in classrooms and found myself very distracted while doing so. Being able to do my class work when I want has allowed me to focus better on the subjects I am learning.

After graduation, I will be spending the summer competing in several rodeo circuits including competing at the National High School Rodeo Finals and starting to ride in Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) events. In the fall, I will be attending Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri, and competing on the college rodeo team in Saddle Bronc Riding. Launch has taught me that I am capable of being successful in my education. I did not have any intentions of continuing on to college after high school, but Launch has provided me the confidence to do that and to go to college to rodeo, which is a major part of my life currently.”

- Kian O’Connor, senior with Launch Virtual Learning

Sequiota Elementary third grader Miley Anderson led the Pledge of Allegiance at the Board of Education meeting last night.🇺🇸 She is the winner of Superintendent Dr. Lathan's holiday card design contest, and her artwork entitled “Van Gogh Wonderland” will be shared with the community this holiday season!