Montgomery County R-II

Student registration for returning families for the 2025-2026 school year will be open June 15. You must log into the Parent Portal to update your student(s) information for the coming school year. If you need help with your Parent Portal username or password, please email jschluss@mc-wildcats.org. Families new to the district can enroll anytime by going to www.mc-wildcats.org and choosing New Student Enrollment.

Wednesday, May 21 we will celebrate Dr. Bottoms and his years of service to MCR2 and public education. Please join us!

There is still time to sign up for summer school! Students entering K-5th grade next year can sign up for Summer Journey by contacting the elementary offices for enrollment forms. Students entering middle school should contact one of the offices for enrollment forms. High school students should see the counselors to sign up.

Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. Jeanette teaches preschool and Title I reading at JBE. Her nomination says, “I’d like to nominate Jeanette Ventimiglia for her incredible dedication to her students and her constant pursuit of excellence. She’s always finding new, impactful resources and visuals that help both her and her colleagues elevate their teaching. Jeanette’s care for others is clear—not only as a mom who always shows up for her own kids but also in the way she fosters meaningful relationships with her students and supports them wholeheartedly. Her passion and commitment truly make a difference every day.” Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. Jeanette Ventimiglia with the Wildcat Award.

Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. Karen teaches ELA at MCHS. Her nomination says, “Karen Milner has been a long time wildcat. She started off subbing and then moved to Spanish and then to Language. Karen has always been supportive and willing to dig in and do what needs to be done. She has awesome relationships with kids and works hard to help them reach their goals. Karen makes school and class fun with her wit and humor. Karen works with students at the National Honor Society sponsor and puts on a very excellent NHS induction ceremony, often paying for things out of pocket. Karen is a great coworker. She is very deserving of the wildcat award and many others. I truly admire and look up to Karen Milner.” Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. Karen Milner with the Wildcat Award.

Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. Jessica teaches K-5th grade art at MCE and JBE. Her nomination says, “Ms. Davis has worked hard to create a trauma-informed classroom as well as integrating social-emotional learning into her class time. She understands that art is not just a creative outlet but also a powerful tool for healing, self-expression, and growth. Beyond her work in the classroom, Ms. Davis is deeply committed to professional growth, staying up to date with the latest art techniques. She actively seeks out professional development opportunities, attending yearly conferences to bring fresh, innovative ideas back to their students.” Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Ms. Jessica Davis with the Wildcat Award.

Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. TyLee teaches 2nd grade at MCE. Her nomination says, “Mrs. Heredia is creating life-long learners in her classroom. My daughter is excited about making progress on her academic goals. Mrs. Heredia has done a fantastic job of getting her students excited to learn and grow! She is creating productive citizens by teaching not only academics but kindness, friendship and honesty. I appreciate the discussions that my daughter comes home to re-tell. I love hearing, “Mrs. Heredia says…”. You can tell that her students love and respect her. Thank you for giving my child the love of learning, Mrs. Heredia.” Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. TyLee Heredia with the Wildcat Award.

At the May meeting of the Board of Education Ms. Jessie Cobb was named the Northeast Missouri Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals. The award was presented by MoASSP board member, Mrs. Deb Hill-Haag. Pictured from left to right: Brian Ernst, MCHS Principal, Deb Hill-Haag, MoASSP, and Jessie Cobb, MCHS Assistant Principal.

MCHS seniors, Avery Ridgley and Landon Pottebaum, served as the student representatives to the Board of Education this school year. Since graduation is just around the corner, May will be their last meeting. Dr. Bottoms presented them both with a plaque as a thank you for their time and in put during the 2024-2025 school year.

At the May meeting of the Board of Education we recognized two retirees. Mrs. Karen Milner and Dr. Tracy Bottoms were present to receive their proclamations from Representative Bruce Sassmann's office. Mrs. Lynette Gray was not present but also recognized for her years of service to public education.

If you have a daughter that will be in 7th-12th grade during the 2025-2026 school year, and she is interested in playing basketball, check out the information below. Please reach out to Coach Basinger for more information and details.

The community is invited to attend an open house honoring Dr. Bottoms. He is retiring at the end of this school after 29 years of service to public education.

Don't forget to get your elementary student signed up for Summer Journey, happening May 28 through June 24 at MCE!

Montgomery County R-II Wildcat Award, Mrs. Marina Hullings March 2025 Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. Marina is a paraprofessional at MCE. Marina goes above and beyond her job description each day. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who is needing it at school whether it be a student or a teacher. Marina has such a calm presence and is a "safe" space for many students at MCE. Her calm demeanor, selfless, and caring attitude makes her an asset to everyone at MCE. Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. Marina Hullings with the Wildcat Award.

Join our team!

Montgomery County R-II Wildcat Award, Mrs. Lori Farrar March 2025 Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. I am honored to nominate Mrs. Lori Farrar, our outstanding sixth-grade Science teacher, for the Wildcat Award. Mrs. Farrar exemplifies excellence in education and embodies the heart and spirit of our school community. Mrs. Farrar’s passion for teaching is evident in the creative and engaging ways she helps students grasp Earth science concepts. She constantly seeks out new and exciting methods to make learning fun, fostering both curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Her lessons inspire students to explore, ask questions, and develop a love for science. Beyond her remarkable teaching skills, Mrs. Farrar’s personal qualities make her a true gem in our school. She is gracious, patient, and always organized, creating a classroom environment that is both nurturing and structured. Her generosity extends beyond her students; she is a team player who is consistently among the first to step up and offer help, whether it’s for a school event, a colleague in need, or a challenging situation. Mrs. Farrar is more than a teacher—she is a blessing to our building, our students, and our staff. Her dedication, kindness, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to our school. Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. Lori Farrar with the Wildcat Award.

MCR2 Summer School will be May 28-June 24, 2025. Look for information from your child's school about how to register for summer school. New this year, for K-5 (based on 2025-2026 grade level) we are partnering with Catapult Learning to offer Summer Journey! Join us for a fun summer together with our FREE Summer Journey program. Register today by returning the enrollment form to save your family’s spot!

This is just a reminder that the MCR-II School District will be in session on Monday, April 14. However, the district will not be in session on Friday, April 18, due to Easter Break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 22.

Montgomery County R-II Teachers of the Year As a district, we are fortunate to have so many amazing teachers. We truly have great teachers who are willing to go above and beyond their required duties to support our students. It is difficult to choose the recipients of awards like this one because we have so many great nominees. Each winter the district accepts nominations from staff members, parents/guardians, and students for Teacher of the Year. We recognize one from each building, and from those four a district Teacher of the Year is selected and submitted to be considered for the state Teacher of the Year. For the 2024-2025 school year Mrs. Keri Rhodes, Mrs. Tara Polston, Mrs. Madelyn Woods, and Mrs. Julie Ellis, have been selected to represent their respective buildings as Teacher of the Year. From those four deserving individuals, Julie Ellis was selected as the MCR2 Teacher of the Year. All four teachers show our students kindness, go the extra mile for our students, and are experts in their craft. They work hard daily to empower their students and colleagues. As a district, we are so honored that these ladies choose to be Wildcats! Keri Rhodes, Special Education, Jonesburg Elementary Mrs. Keri Rhodes is an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. Her dedication, creativity, and empathy create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. She has made a remarkable impact on her students, including helping one progress from limited communication to using two-word phrases. Her innovative teaching methods, passion for student success, and deep knowledge make her a truly deserving candidate for Teacher of the Year. Tara Polston, Library Media Specialist, Montgomery City Elementary Mrs. Tara Polston, librarian at Montgomery City Elementary, was nominated for Teacher of the Year due to her dedication, passion, and commitment to student success. She creates an engaging and inclusive library environment, offering innovative resources like Legos and hands-on activities to foster critical thinking. Mrs. Polston also provides targeted reading interventions, supports students' social-emotional well-being, and plays a key leadership role in the school community. She strengthens parent and community involvement through events like Grands Day and book fairs, and collaborates with staff to ensure the school functions smoothly. Her contributions as a team player, along with her involvement in professional development, make her an outstanding candidate for this honor. Madelyn Woods, Special Education, Montgomery County Middle School Mrs. Madelyn Woods is a highly deserving candidate for this award due to her exceptional dedication and care for her students. For the past three years, she has gone above and beyond to support the education and emotional well-being of her students. Madelyn not only ensures that her students have the necessary tools and accommodations to succeed but also fosters their confidence and growth. She has been a constant support and advocate for her students, always available to offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. Her compassionate and caring approach makes a lasting impact on all her students, and her communication with parents further demonstrates her commitment. Madelyn's influence extends far beyond the classroom, making her an unforgettable teacher who is truly deserving of this recognition. Julie Ellis, Language Arts, Montgomery County High School Mrs. Julie Ellis is an exceptional teacher dedicated to providing high-quality learning experiences and mentoring students at Montgomery County High School. She consistently plans thoughtful and detailed lessons that encourage students to do their best and prepares them for life after high school. Beyond academics, she helps students with college preparation, including providing scholarship opportunities, writing recommendation letters, and offering ACT prep. Julie is also a leader in her department and our school, willing to share her knowledge and resources with others. She goes above and beyond to support students and staff, organizing events and celebrating others’ achievements. Her passion, dedication, and willingness to help make her a valuable asset to our school and community.

Phone systems at both MCMS and MCHS are operational again.