Away Game Day! Join us at Bloomfield at 4:30PM.
Featured player today is Ava Asmus!
Featured player today is Ava Asmus!
Staff Spotlight, Mrs. Bickings
What inspired you to start teaching?
My high school English teacher, who was also my basketball coach, inspired me to become a teacher and a coach. She had very high standards in the classroom and on the court but there was never a time where I doubted that she cared about me. Seeing how she used genuine relationships to teach us, inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I want to be the kind of teacher and coach who leaves that same lasting impact.
What do you love most about working with your students?
The thing I love about teaching is when I get to see the expression on a student's face when they know they’ve succeed. Sometimes things don’t come easy in my classroom and my students have to work a littler harder than most, so when I get to see how proud they are of themselves, even for a small success, it is truly the best thing!
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I used to run 2-3 miles a day but after having kids, I developed an allergy to any kind of high impact exercising--I get hives and my eyes swell shut! So now I have to stick to walking. I have a lot of other weird allergies, but being allergic to cardio is the weirdest.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
One word I would use to describe my classroom: Welcoming
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give my students: Don't wait for a hero to come save you when you can be your own hero.
What inspired you to start teaching?
My high school English teacher, who was also my basketball coach, inspired me to become a teacher and a coach. She had very high standards in the classroom and on the court but there was never a time where I doubted that she cared about me. Seeing how she used genuine relationships to teach us, inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I want to be the kind of teacher and coach who leaves that same lasting impact.
What do you love most about working with your students?
The thing I love about teaching is when I get to see the expression on a student's face when they know they’ve succeed. Sometimes things don’t come easy in my classroom and my students have to work a littler harder than most, so when I get to see how proud they are of themselves, even for a small success, it is truly the best thing!
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I used to run 2-3 miles a day but after having kids, I developed an allergy to any kind of high impact exercising--I get hives and my eyes swell shut! So now I have to stick to walking. I have a lot of other weird allergies, but being allergic to cardio is the weirdest.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
One word I would use to describe my classroom: Welcoming
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give my students: Don't wait for a hero to come save you when you can be your own hero.
Congratulations to Cora Woods, Piper Bennett, and Zaylie Diebold on passing their Missouri CNA board exams!
We appreciate the hard work and dedication these ladies put into earning their nursing credentials, and we’re thankful for our partnership with Mrs. Kathy Grubbs and the Sikeston Career and Technology Center.
We appreciate the hard work and dedication these ladies put into earning their nursing credentials, and we’re thankful for our partnership with Mrs. Kathy Grubbs and the Sikeston Career and Technology Center.
Staff Spotlight, Mrs. Seyer
What inspired you to start teaching?
My own kids! My favorite part of parenting is also teaching. As parents we are our children's first teachers. Watching them grow and change was so rewarding I wanted to do it on a larger scale.
What do you love most about working with your students?
The growth has been amazing! Kindergarteners go from 0 to 100 in their first year. Some of them come in with no knowledge at all. To watch them become readers has been the most fulfilling part of my job.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
This question made me realize I talk a lot about my personal life. Which I think is a good thing! My students know all about my family, my hobbies and my pets. I can't think of anything that might surprise them. I even tell them all the weird foods I've eaten when traveling! They love to connect our lessons with personal stories.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
Encouraging. I make sure all my kids know that not everyones best looks the same. But we are all there to learn and do our own personal best. One of my favorite quotes is "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
Never be afraid to change course. I didn't get my teaching degree until I was 38 years old. Change can be scary. But sometimes it's the best thing for us.
What inspired you to start teaching?
My own kids! My favorite part of parenting is also teaching. As parents we are our children's first teachers. Watching them grow and change was so rewarding I wanted to do it on a larger scale.
What do you love most about working with your students?
The growth has been amazing! Kindergarteners go from 0 to 100 in their first year. Some of them come in with no knowledge at all. To watch them become readers has been the most fulfilling part of my job.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
This question made me realize I talk a lot about my personal life. Which I think is a good thing! My students know all about my family, my hobbies and my pets. I can't think of anything that might surprise them. I even tell them all the weird foods I've eaten when traveling! They love to connect our lessons with personal stories.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
Encouraging. I make sure all my kids know that not everyones best looks the same. But we are all there to learn and do our own personal best. One of my favorite quotes is "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
Never be afraid to change course. I didn't get my teaching degree until I was 38 years old. Change can be scary. But sometimes it's the best thing for us.
Staff Spotlight, Ms. Tankersley
All the teachers that I had in elementary school and high school! I want to make a difference in my students' lives, the same way that they did mine.
What do you love most about working with your students?
I love seeing my students succeed, especially when they get excited about understanding a concept they were struggling with.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I am an avid NASCAR fan! I also enjoy hunting and fishing in my spare time.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
One word I would use to describe my classroom is welcoming. My goal is to make anyone who walks into my classroom feel welcome in the space and also by the people in it.
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give them is that hard work pays off. You will never regret trying your hardest on something, but you might if you do not give your full effort.
All the teachers that I had in elementary school and high school! I want to make a difference in my students' lives, the same way that they did mine.
What do you love most about working with your students?
I love seeing my students succeed, especially when they get excited about understanding a concept they were struggling with.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I am an avid NASCAR fan! I also enjoy hunting and fishing in my spare time.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
One word I would use to describe my classroom is welcoming. My goal is to make anyone who walks into my classroom feel welcome in the space and also by the people in it.
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give them is that hard work pays off. You will never regret trying your hardest on something, but you might if you do not give your full effort.
Home Game Day!!! vs. Portagville at 4:30pm. See you there!
Today's featured player is Claire Sitz!
Today's featured player is Claire Sitz!
Staff Spotlight, Mrs. Woodfin
What do you love most about working with your students?
What I love most about working with my students is watching them grow—both academically and personally. It is incredibly rewarding to see a student go from feeling unsure or struggling with a concept to gaining confidence and understanding. Those moments when something finally “clicks” are some of the most meaningful parts of teaching.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I love playing the piano and flute! At times when I feel very stressed, I sit down at the piano and play my favorite classical and gospel tunes. It really relaxes me. I played the flute in high school, and my husband bought me a new flute for christmas. It is so much fun to re-learn techniques that I had forgotten.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
My classroom is STRUCTURED because students understand that I expect them to listen, participate, and put forth their best effort every day. They know that my #1 Rule is, "When Mrs. Woodfin is talking, I am listening!"
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
My advice would be to NEVER GIVE UP! Even though things in life can be difficult, keep trying, keep learning, and believe in yourself.
What do you love most about working with your students?
What I love most about working with my students is watching them grow—both academically and personally. It is incredibly rewarding to see a student go from feeling unsure or struggling with a concept to gaining confidence and understanding. Those moments when something finally “clicks” are some of the most meaningful parts of teaching.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I love playing the piano and flute! At times when I feel very stressed, I sit down at the piano and play my favorite classical and gospel tunes. It really relaxes me. I played the flute in high school, and my husband bought me a new flute for christmas. It is so much fun to re-learn techniques that I had forgotten.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
My classroom is STRUCTURED because students understand that I expect them to listen, participate, and put forth their best effort every day. They know that my #1 Rule is, "When Mrs. Woodfin is talking, I am listening!"
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
My advice would be to NEVER GIVE UP! Even though things in life can be difficult, keep trying, keep learning, and believe in yourself.
The second grade class is always enthusiastic when they come to the library. They enjoy reading and rally for each other as they strive to make their reading goals!
Staff Spotlight, Mrs. Kaitlyn Schlitt
What inspired you to start teaching?
I graduated from this school, and I had such a positive experience here growing up. I loved school and I was inspired by the teachers who encouraged me along the way. Coming back to teach felt like a full-circle moment and a chance to give that same support to my students
What do you love most about working with your students?
I love seeing their creativity come to life. Every student has their own unique style and ideas, and it’s really cool to watch their personalities show in their art projects.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I take all the toppings, even the cheese, off my pizza before eating it!
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
Colorful!! 🎨
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
The mindset you carry, shapes the life you create.
What inspired you to start teaching?
I graduated from this school, and I had such a positive experience here growing up. I loved school and I was inspired by the teachers who encouraged me along the way. Coming back to teach felt like a full-circle moment and a chance to give that same support to my students
What do you love most about working with your students?
I love seeing their creativity come to life. Every student has their own unique style and ideas, and it’s really cool to watch their personalities show in their art projects.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I take all the toppings, even the cheese, off my pizza before eating it!
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
Colorful!! 🎨
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
The mindset you carry, shapes the life you create.
Staff spotlight, Mr. Stengler
What inspired you to start teaching?
My wife Amee, who has been a kindergarten teacher since 1997, inspired me to start teaching.
What do you love most about working with your students?
What I enjoy most is when my students have that "lightbulb" moment and they understand a concept that we've been working on!
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I received my pilot's license when I was in college (back in the dark ages!).
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
Productive
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
Your life has destiny and purpose!
What inspired you to start teaching?
My wife Amee, who has been a kindergarten teacher since 1997, inspired me to start teaching.
What do you love most about working with your students?
What I enjoy most is when my students have that "lightbulb" moment and they understand a concept that we've been working on!
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I received my pilot's license when I was in college (back in the dark ages!).
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
Productive
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
Your life has destiny and purpose!
Home Game Day!!! We play Gideon at 4:30pm.
Today's featured player is Wheetley Romas : )
Today's featured player is Wheetley Romas : )
Staff Spotlight, Mr. Bickings
What inspired you to start teaching? All of my teachers and coaches along the way. They were a huge part because of how much time they invested in me and I have always wanted to pay it forward. Hopefully there is someone I have taught or coached that will do the same.
What do you love most about working with your students? Seeing them grow over the years as students and when they have their lightbulb moment about understanding things.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you? I am afraid of horses and holding newborn babies.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom? Fun
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be? If you don't make sacrifices for the things you want, the things you want become the sacrifice.
What inspired you to start teaching? All of my teachers and coaches along the way. They were a huge part because of how much time they invested in me and I have always wanted to pay it forward. Hopefully there is someone I have taught or coached that will do the same.
What do you love most about working with your students? Seeing them grow over the years as students and when they have their lightbulb moment about understanding things.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you? I am afraid of horses and holding newborn babies.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom? Fun
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be? If you don't make sacrifices for the things you want, the things you want become the sacrifice.
Game Day! Today at Malden at 4:30pm.
Today's featured player is Lila Peterson!
Today's featured player is Lila Peterson!
Staff spotlight, Mrs. Daniel
What inspired you to start teaching?
To be honest, teaching was the last career I ever imagined for myself! Despite people telling me I’d be a natural, I pursued a medical science degree instead. Life circumstances led to me graduating without a clear path, my stepfather—a retired Ag teacher—encouraged me to give education a try. It turned out to be the best decision of my life. I truly feel that teaching is my God-given calling and exactly what I was made to do.
What do you love most about working with your students?
I love that no two days are ever the same. My students keep me on my toes, hold me accountable, and constantly inspire me to be a better version of myself.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I've read 50+ books a year for the past 10 years. Yes, I read for FUN!
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
SCIENCE!
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
Believing in yourself is more important than having anyone else believe in you. Your own confidence is the foundation for success in your life.
What inspired you to start teaching?
To be honest, teaching was the last career I ever imagined for myself! Despite people telling me I’d be a natural, I pursued a medical science degree instead. Life circumstances led to me graduating without a clear path, my stepfather—a retired Ag teacher—encouraged me to give education a try. It turned out to be the best decision of my life. I truly feel that teaching is my God-given calling and exactly what I was made to do.
What do you love most about working with your students?
I love that no two days are ever the same. My students keep me on my toes, hold me accountable, and constantly inspire me to be a better version of myself.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
I've read 50+ books a year for the past 10 years. Yes, I read for FUN!
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
SCIENCE!
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
Believing in yourself is more important than having anyone else believe in you. Your own confidence is the foundation for success in your life.
Staff spotlight, Mrs. Dennis
What is your role at our school, and how long have you been here?
I am the elementary principal. I have served in this position for three years, but have been at Oran Schools for 15 years. I have been in education for a total of 26 years.
What do you love most about working with students?
I truly love working with students because I enjoy getting to know them as individuals and building genuine relationships with them. Taking the time to connect, understand who they are, and support them means a lot to me. I love being someone they can trust and feel comfortable with. It is especially rewarding to see their growth over time, both academically and personally. Watching them gain confidence, develop new skills, and grow into themselves is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
Share a fun fact about yourself that students might not know about you.
My favorite childhood movie was “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” which I can probably recite word for word. I also love music! I listen to many different genres and from many different decades. You can often find me listening to instrumental music in my office.
What was your favorite subject in school?
MATH! Even though I truly struggled with math throughout my earlier years, I learned to love it! Ask the teachers, I try to jump in and teach math for them all the time!
What's one piece of advice you'd give to students?
One piece of advice I’d give is to always try your best and not be afraid to make mistakes. That’s a big part of how we all learn and grow. Not everything will come easy, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep going! Challenge yourself, work hard, and stay the course…you will make it!
What is your role at our school, and how long have you been here?
I am the elementary principal. I have served in this position for three years, but have been at Oran Schools for 15 years. I have been in education for a total of 26 years.
What do you love most about working with students?
I truly love working with students because I enjoy getting to know them as individuals and building genuine relationships with them. Taking the time to connect, understand who they are, and support them means a lot to me. I love being someone they can trust and feel comfortable with. It is especially rewarding to see their growth over time, both academically and personally. Watching them gain confidence, develop new skills, and grow into themselves is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
Share a fun fact about yourself that students might not know about you.
My favorite childhood movie was “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” which I can probably recite word for word. I also love music! I listen to many different genres and from many different decades. You can often find me listening to instrumental music in my office.
What was your favorite subject in school?
MATH! Even though I truly struggled with math throughout my earlier years, I learned to love it! Ask the teachers, I try to jump in and teach math for them all the time!
What's one piece of advice you'd give to students?
One piece of advice I’d give is to always try your best and not be afraid to make mistakes. That’s a big part of how we all learn and grow. Not everything will come easy, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep going! Challenge yourself, work hard, and stay the course…you will make it!
New Look. Same Spirit.
Our school is more than just a building—it’s a community. Keep following our socials for the big reveal!
#SchoolSpirit #CommunityFirst #LogoRefresh
Lady Eagles Game Day! Today at 4:30 at home vs Clearwater.
Today's featured player is Kinley Debrock.
Today's featured player is Kinley Debrock.
Staff spotlight, Dr. Adam Friga
What is your role at our school, and how long have you been here?
I am the Superintendent of Schools and this is my 21st year working in our school district and I am also a proud Oran graduate. I have 28 years total experience in this school district.
What do you love most about working with students?
Serving and supporting students are the foundation of why I love working in public education. I know that EVERY student has the ability to be great at something. Helping students grow and mature into productive people is one of my life's passions. All kids are great and they deserve our absolute best.
Share a fun fact about yourself that students might not know about you.
When I am driving alone, I enjoy listening to classical music.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Tough question. Math and History
What's one piece of advice you'd give to students?
NEVER EVER let anyone place their limitations on you. You deserve an awesome life and can have that no matter what you come from, but you MUST be willing to put in the work. Go get em.
What is your role at our school, and how long have you been here?
I am the Superintendent of Schools and this is my 21st year working in our school district and I am also a proud Oran graduate. I have 28 years total experience in this school district.
What do you love most about working with students?
Serving and supporting students are the foundation of why I love working in public education. I know that EVERY student has the ability to be great at something. Helping students grow and mature into productive people is one of my life's passions. All kids are great and they deserve our absolute best.
Share a fun fact about yourself that students might not know about you.
When I am driving alone, I enjoy listening to classical music.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Tough question. Math and History
What's one piece of advice you'd give to students?
NEVER EVER let anyone place their limitations on you. You deserve an awesome life and can have that no matter what you come from, but you MUST be willing to put in the work. Go get em.
Congratulations to Nick! He is one of our April Students of the Month. Here's what his teachers had to say about him!
-Nic is such a kind student and a joy to have in class. He takes pride in completing his work correctly and getting it done on time. He is a quiet and respectful student. He is always willing to help and does so with a smile.
-Congrats on Student of the Month. I enjoyed having you in class over the years. Keep up the good work.
-Nick is a hard working student. He is always willing to help out with anything that is needed. He’s an awesome and thoughtful student and has a great attitude for his work and the others around him. I’m grateful he shared his guitar skills last year!
-Nick enjoys solving problems mentally and shows confidence in his thinking. His ability to work through problems in his head is impressive.
-Nic is such a kind student and a joy to have in class. He takes pride in completing his work correctly and getting it done on time. He is a quiet and respectful student. He is always willing to help and does so with a smile.
-Congrats on Student of the Month. I enjoyed having you in class over the years. Keep up the good work.
-Nick is a hard working student. He is always willing to help out with anything that is needed. He’s an awesome and thoughtful student and has a great attitude for his work and the others around him. I’m grateful he shared his guitar skills last year!
-Nick enjoys solving problems mentally and shows confidence in his thinking. His ability to work through problems in his head is impressive.
Congratulations to Lila! She is one of our April Students of the Month. Here is what her teachers had to say about her!
-Lila is a great-spirited and imaginative student; she always has the best ideas and puts the best drawings on top of her amazing work. I am very grateful to be one of her teachers :) She has a great future ahead of her!
-Good job on Student of the Month. I enjoy having you in class. Keep up the good work.
-Lila always gives her best effort and has a positive attitude. She consistently does her best and is a great role model in the classroom.
-Lila is such a sweet girl. She is always kind to her classmates and respects her teachers. She is not afraid of putting in hard work to do her best.
-Lila is a great-spirited and imaginative student; she always has the best ideas and puts the best drawings on top of her amazing work. I am very grateful to be one of her teachers :) She has a great future ahead of her!
-Good job on Student of the Month. I enjoy having you in class. Keep up the good work.
-Lila always gives her best effort and has a positive attitude. She consistently does her best and is a great role model in the classroom.
-Lila is such a sweet girl. She is always kind to her classmates and respects her teachers. She is not afraid of putting in hard work to do her best.
