Staff spotlight: Mrs. Chronister
What inspired you to start teaching?
I actually never thought about being a teacher when I was in high school. I enjoyed school, did well, and was involved in extra-curriculars. I just never saw myself returning to school as a teacher. I went to college and studied marketing and public relations. I graduated and worked as a graphic designer, creating advertising and publications that were seen internationally. For a while I worked freelance, and during that time, a friend who was a high school English teacher asked me to consider covering her class as a long-term substitute while she was recovering from health concerns. I had a strong English and literature background, so I took the challenge, thinking I was just being a good friend. What I found out was that I had been given an amazing opportunity to try out a new career! I was hooked! I returned to college and took a semester's worth of classes required to take the English certification exam....and 23 years later, I am still teaching!
What do you love most about working with your students?
I started out teaching junior high and high school aged students and then migrated to primarily teaching grades 7-9. My friends call that grade span the "eye-rollers," and while that can be true, I truly loved all of the self-discovery that happens during those years. Personalities really start to shine and seeing those personalities come through in their writing voice definitely made all the grading more enjoyable. The past two years, I have been in the library and that continues to be an amazing transition. I did not anticipate how much I would enjoy watching emerging readers become more confident readers. I spend a good portion of every morning sitting on the floor with second graders, helping them discover their next favorite read.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
When you teach a grade span and loop with the kids for 3 years, I don't know that there is much left to tell them about me! I have been married for nearly 30 years, have an amazing group of friends, and love dogs. In my spare time we go to concerts, hike, snow ski, boat, travel, read, quilt, and hang out by the fire pit.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
I hope my students would describe by classroom as "consistent". The rule is the rule today, tomorrow and always, and it applies to everyone. I hope my students saw my classroom as a place where they could be themselves and shine! I loved to watch them build new skills and improve upon old ones. I think a lot of the time they did not even realize just how hard they were working. I think the library could be described as "consistent," too. I don't want there to be any anxiety about my expectations. Another descriptor could be "organized". When younger elementary students can go straight to a section and find the book they want without any assistance, something is clicking.
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
I want my students to know that this chapter is not the end. Going to the next grade, graduating high school, moving into their "real life"....none of those things are the end. They are the gateway. Mistakes will be made, but they can be fixed. Parts of childhood will be mourned, but each new experience will shape what is to come. Experience as much as you can, create life-long friendships, keep inching towards your goals and then set new ones!
What inspired you to start teaching?
I actually never thought about being a teacher when I was in high school. I enjoyed school, did well, and was involved in extra-curriculars. I just never saw myself returning to school as a teacher. I went to college and studied marketing and public relations. I graduated and worked as a graphic designer, creating advertising and publications that were seen internationally. For a while I worked freelance, and during that time, a friend who was a high school English teacher asked me to consider covering her class as a long-term substitute while she was recovering from health concerns. I had a strong English and literature background, so I took the challenge, thinking I was just being a good friend. What I found out was that I had been given an amazing opportunity to try out a new career! I was hooked! I returned to college and took a semester's worth of classes required to take the English certification exam....and 23 years later, I am still teaching!
What do you love most about working with your students?
I started out teaching junior high and high school aged students and then migrated to primarily teaching grades 7-9. My friends call that grade span the "eye-rollers," and while that can be true, I truly loved all of the self-discovery that happens during those years. Personalities really start to shine and seeing those personalities come through in their writing voice definitely made all the grading more enjoyable. The past two years, I have been in the library and that continues to be an amazing transition. I did not anticipate how much I would enjoy watching emerging readers become more confident readers. I spend a good portion of every morning sitting on the floor with second graders, helping them discover their next favorite read.
What's a fun fact your students might not know about you?
When you teach a grade span and loop with the kids for 3 years, I don't know that there is much left to tell them about me! I have been married for nearly 30 years, have an amazing group of friends, and love dogs. In my spare time we go to concerts, hike, snow ski, boat, travel, read, quilt, and hang out by the fire pit.
What's one word you'd use to describe your classroom?
I hope my students would describe by classroom as "consistent". The rule is the rule today, tomorrow and always, and it applies to everyone. I hope my students saw my classroom as a place where they could be themselves and shine! I loved to watch them build new skills and improve upon old ones. I think a lot of the time they did not even realize just how hard they were working. I think the library could be described as "consistent," too. I don't want there to be any anxiety about my expectations. Another descriptor could be "organized". When younger elementary students can go straight to a section and find the book they want without any assistance, something is clicking.
If you could give your students one piece of advice to carry with them, what would it be?
I want my students to know that this chapter is not the end. Going to the next grade, graduating high school, moving into their "real life"....none of those things are the end. They are the gateway. Mistakes will be made, but they can be fixed. Parts of childhood will be mourned, but each new experience will shape what is to come. Experience as much as you can, create life-long friendships, keep inching towards your goals and then set new ones!
Kindergarten Screening will be held on April 1!
If your child is starting Kindergarten this fall, be sure to call the elementary office to schedule your screening time at 573-262-3435 ext. 1.
We’re excited to welcome our future Eagles!
If your child is starting Kindergarten this fall, be sure to call the elementary office to schedule your screening time at 573-262-3435 ext. 1.
We’re excited to welcome our future Eagles!
Today we celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss with lots of reading and Seuss-inspired fun!
Students were thrilled to have a surprise visit from The Lorax, which added a little extra excitement to our day. It was a fun day at Oran Elementary!
Big News for Oran R-III!
The Oran R-III School District is proud to announce that Fletcher Shoemaker has earned an Exemplary rating on trumpet solo in the MSHSAA Solo and Small Ensemble Festival.
During his audition, Fletcher performed Andante and Allegro by Joseph-Guy Ropartz, showcasing his talent, dedication, and hard work.
With this outstanding achievement, Fletcher will advance to the Missouri State contest this April.
Please join us in congratulating Fletcher on this incredible accomplishment and wishing him the best of luck at State.
#OranR3 #EaglePride #StudentSuccess
Congratulation to Reed Branson! He's one of our February Students of the Month. Here's what his teachers had to say about him!
Reed is a very hard-working student. He is always eager to learn and improve in his studies. He is a very kind and caring classmate.
Reed is a hard worker and has the best manners. He is someone that I can count on to always help in the classroom.
Reed- showed great dedication and talent in band this year. Always kind and respectful, he contributed positively to the group and works well with others. He has an incredible work ethic and shows great appreciation for his teachers.
Reed is a hard working student. He is always eager to learn and is willing to do anything that is needed. He will lend a hand when needed and not complain about the task at hand.
Reed is a very hard-working student. He is always eager to learn and improve in his studies. He is a very kind and caring classmate.
Reed is a hard worker and has the best manners. He is someone that I can count on to always help in the classroom.
Reed- showed great dedication and talent in band this year. Always kind and respectful, he contributed positively to the group and works well with others. He has an incredible work ethic and shows great appreciation for his teachers.
Reed is a hard working student. He is always eager to learn and is willing to do anything that is needed. He will lend a hand when needed and not complain about the task at hand.
Congratulations to Hayden Hollis. He's one of our February Students of the Month! Here's what his teachers had to say about him!
Hayden works very hard in class. He listens intently and always turns his assignment in on time.
Hayden is a down-to-earth and capable student. I think he's going to do and create amazing things!
Hayden- He is a patient and attentive student who shows a genuine willingness to learn. He listens carefully, takes his time to understand new concepts, and approaches challenges with a calm and positive attitude. His steady effort and openness to feedback help him continue to grow academically. He is a pleasure to have in class.
Hayden is a great student and so pleasant and respectful to have in class. He is a great listener and he’s so responsible.
Hayden works very hard in class. He listens intently and always turns his assignment in on time.
Hayden is a down-to-earth and capable student. I think he's going to do and create amazing things!
Hayden- He is a patient and attentive student who shows a genuine willingness to learn. He listens carefully, takes his time to understand new concepts, and approaches challenges with a calm and positive attitude. His steady effort and openness to feedback help him continue to grow academically. He is a pleasure to have in class.
Hayden is a great student and so pleasant and respectful to have in class. He is a great listener and he’s so responsible.
Congratulations to Stephanie Caldwell! She's one of our February Students of the Month. Here's what her teachers had to say about her!
Stephanie is always working hard and has the kindest heart. I love her enthusiasm!
Stephanie is a focused, responsible, and diligent student. It's been awesome to have her in the classroom!
Stephanie- She is a consistently sweet and thoughtful student who brings positivity to the classroom each day. She’s a wonderful cheerleader!!She encourages others and celebrates their successes. Her kindness and caring nature make her a joy to be around, and she helps create a supportive and welcoming classroom environment.
Stephanie is just a joy to be around. She’s always friendly and smiling, she is so kind to others, and such a good example to others of what having a huge heart looks like!
Stephanie is always working hard and has the kindest heart. I love her enthusiasm!
Stephanie is a focused, responsible, and diligent student. It's been awesome to have her in the classroom!
Stephanie- She is a consistently sweet and thoughtful student who brings positivity to the classroom each day. She’s a wonderful cheerleader!!She encourages others and celebrates their successes. Her kindness and caring nature make her a joy to be around, and she helps create a supportive and welcoming classroom environment.
Stephanie is just a joy to be around. She’s always friendly and smiling, she is so kind to others, and such a good example to others of what having a huge heart looks like!
Congratulation to Mili Fuemmeler. She's one of our February Students of the Month! Here's what her teachers had to say about her!
Mili is always someone I can count on to help me and help others.
Mili is a hard-working student who participates in class and asks questions if she doesn't understand. She is a shining star!
Mili is a kind, self-motivated student with every capability of excelling in whatever field she chooses!
Mili- She is a kind and respectful student who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude in class. She is always on time and comes prepared to learn each day. Her strong work ethic and determination help her produce high-quality work. She is a pleasure to have in class and sets a wonderful example for her peers.
Mili is always someone I can count on to help me and help others.
Mili is a hard-working student who participates in class and asks questions if she doesn't understand. She is a shining star!
Mili is a kind, self-motivated student with every capability of excelling in whatever field she chooses!
Mili- She is a kind and respectful student who consistently demonstrates a positive attitude in class. She is always on time and comes prepared to learn each day. Her strong work ethic and determination help her produce high-quality work. She is a pleasure to have in class and sets a wonderful example for her peers.
We’ve been learning about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in 1st grade social studies the last couple of weeks. Today, students got to choose which president they would like to write about and they chose facts we compiled to add to their writings.
Sophomore students at Oran High School recently had the opportunity to gain life-saving skills during Health class! 🚑❤️
We would like to extend a huge thank you to North Scott Ambulance District for taking the time to come to Oran High School and provide hands-on CPR training for our sophomore Health students.
During the training, students practiced chest compressions, learned how to properly respond in an emergency situation, and gained confidence in knowing what to do if someone is in cardiac arrest. These real-world skills empower our students to act quickly and responsibly in critical situations.
We are so thankful for community partnerships like North Scott Ambulance District that help prepare our students not only academically, but with practical skills that can truly save lives.
Great job, sophomores! 👏 #OranPride
We would like to extend a huge thank you to North Scott Ambulance District for taking the time to come to Oran High School and provide hands-on CPR training for our sophomore Health students.
During the training, students practiced chest compressions, learned how to properly respond in an emergency situation, and gained confidence in knowing what to do if someone is in cardiac arrest. These real-world skills empower our students to act quickly and responsibly in critical situations.
We are so thankful for community partnerships like North Scott Ambulance District that help prepare our students not only academically, but with practical skills that can truly save lives.
Great job, sophomores! 👏 #OranPride
Olivia Smith was privileged to attend the Missouri VFW Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Awards Banquet at Lake of the Ozarks, where she was awarded First Place in the Patriot’s Pen Essay contest out of more than 3,000 entries statewide.
Olivia had the opportunity to tour the Missouri State Capitol and the Museum of Military History in Jefferson City. In addition she was given the honor of reading her essay to all who attended the banquet.
A special thank you to the Morley VFW and Auxiliary, the District 15 VFW and Auxiliary, and the Missouri VFW and Auxiliary for their support and for providing students with meaningful opportunities like this. We are so proud of Olivia and this outstanding accomplishment.
Library day hits different when you’re learning to read! Kindergarten students are hunting for sight words and using "picture power" to decode the story.
#BuildingReadingConfidence
#BuildingReadingConfidence
Mrs. England's first grade class earned a reward day where they could bring their favorite stuffies (aka reading buddies) to school. At breakfast, the first graders proactively asked Mrs. Chronister if their reading buddies could come to the library in the afternoon.
Congrats to the Sr. Beta Quiz Bowl team- Alex Burlison, Reid Hobbs, Rylan Romas, and Rylan White! These young men placed top 8 in preliminaries and will be competing at Beta State Convention for the opportunity to represent Missouri Beta at Nationals this summer.
Thank you to our students who attended the “Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Young Generations” presentation with Mark C. Perna. It was a powerful message about discovering purpose and building your future.
A special thank you to Marice Lawson and the Sikeston R-6 School District for the invitation and for hosting this opportunity.
Big takeaway: If the “Want To” is strong enough, the “How To” will come.
This message aligns directly with the Oran R-III Portrait of a Graduate work we are doing, as we strive to develop students who are purpose-driven, resilient, and prepared to take ownership of their future.
21 Hacks: www.markcperna.com/hacks
A special thank you to Marice Lawson and the Sikeston R-6 School District for the invitation and for hosting this opportunity.
Big takeaway: If the “Want To” is strong enough, the “How To” will come.
This message aligns directly with the Oran R-III Portrait of a Graduate work we are doing, as we strive to develop students who are purpose-driven, resilient, and prepared to take ownership of their future.
21 Hacks: www.markcperna.com/hacks
Lady Eagles Softball is selling fan gear! Get your order to Mrs. Daniel by March 6th.
Check out the next video in the Eagle Profiles Series, where Dr. Friga talks with students about the importance of academic relationships.
Click on the link to watch the clip:
https://youtu.be/x36ZcKaR6Rc
Click on the link to watch the clip:
https://youtu.be/x36ZcKaR6Rc
Congratulations to Elsie! She is one of our January Students of the Month. Here's what Elsie's teachers had to say about her.
-Elsie works very hard in math. She is very kind and sweet. She is a great asset to the 8th grade class.
-Elsie- You are a delight to have in class. Keep up the good work.
-Elsie is an imaginative and creative spirit. I am so proud to have her in my class!
-You play music with great skill and confidence, and you always listen carefully and follow instructions in class. Your positive attitude and respect for learning make you a wonderful student. Keep up the excellent work!
-Elsie works very hard in math. She is very kind and sweet. She is a great asset to the 8th grade class.
-Elsie- You are a delight to have in class. Keep up the good work.
-Elsie is an imaginative and creative spirit. I am so proud to have her in my class!
-You play music with great skill and confidence, and you always listen carefully and follow instructions in class. Your positive attitude and respect for learning make you a wonderful student. Keep up the excellent work!
Congratulations to Morgan! She is one of our January Students of the Month. Here's what her teachers had to say about her!
-Morgan is a standout worker who takes every challenge in stride. She is proactive, dependable, and brings a bright, positive energy to our school community.
-Morgan is self driven and hard working. Always wants her work to be flawless.
-Morgan is always friendly and willing to help others. She is a hard worker and will take on any challenge in front of her.
-Morgan is a thoughtful and wonderful student. She will most definitely find success with her skill in design!
-Morgan is dedicated and hardworking, always listening carefully and giving her best effort in class. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude contribute greatly to her success.
-Morgan is a standout worker who takes every challenge in stride. She is proactive, dependable, and brings a bright, positive energy to our school community.
-Morgan is self driven and hard working. Always wants her work to be flawless.
-Morgan is always friendly and willing to help others. She is a hard worker and will take on any challenge in front of her.
-Morgan is a thoughtful and wonderful student. She will most definitely find success with her skill in design!
-Morgan is dedicated and hardworking, always listening carefully and giving her best effort in class. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude contribute greatly to her success.
Congratulations to Lucas! He's one of our January Students of the Month. Here's what his teachers had to say about him.
-Lucas is a great student. He listens well in class and asks questions if he doesn't understand.
-Lucas- I enjoy having you in my class. Thank you for coming into class with a positive attitude and good work ethic every day. Keep up the good work.
-Lucas is a patient and intelligent student; he is clearly driven by success and will keep finding it!
-He is consistently kind and respectful, always greeting others with a friendly “good morning.” He listens attentively and follows directions! Great Student
-Lucas is a great student. He listens well in class and asks questions if he doesn't understand.
-Lucas- I enjoy having you in my class. Thank you for coming into class with a positive attitude and good work ethic every day. Keep up the good work.
-Lucas is a patient and intelligent student; he is clearly driven by success and will keep finding it!
-He is consistently kind and respectful, always greeting others with a friendly “good morning.” He listens attentively and follows directions! Great Student
