South Callaway Middle School Picture Day is:
3/25/2026
ALL ATHLETES WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED FOR MEDIA PURPOSES.
NO MONEY IS DUE ON PICTURE DAY.
ALL IMAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE AFTER PICTURE DAY TO VIEW & ORDER
www.WagnerPortraitGroup.com
Questions? We are happy to help! 314-567-5900
3/25/2026
ALL ATHLETES WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED FOR MEDIA PURPOSES.
NO MONEY IS DUE ON PICTURE DAY.
ALL IMAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE AFTER PICTURE DAY TO VIEW & ORDER
www.WagnerPortraitGroup.com
Questions? We are happy to help! 314-567-5900
March is South Callaway R-II Board of Education Recognition Month!
Caleb Bartley - 5 years of Service on Board of Education!
Today, we wish to celebrate and appreciate the service of Caleb Bartley. Mr. Bartley has served on the South Callaway Board of Education since April 2021.
Thank you for your service to the South Callaway R-II District!
School Board Recognition Month Locally Elected Community Connected
Caleb Bartley - 5 years of Service on Board of Education!
Today, we wish to celebrate and appreciate the service of Caleb Bartley. Mr. Bartley has served on the South Callaway Board of Education since April 2021.
Thank you for your service to the South Callaway R-II District!
School Board Recognition Month Locally Elected Community Connected
South Callaway R-II Students...Success-Ready Citizens!
A Night in the City! Fine Arts Club students
A Night in the City! Fine Arts Club students
South Callaway R-II Students...Success-Ready Citizens!
South Callaway Cadet Teacher Nola Glover
South Callaway Cadet Teacher Nola Glover
SC MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL - POLAR PLUNGE FUNDRAISER!
South Callaway R-II Students...Success-Ready Citizens!
South Callaway Cadet Teacher Mia Drake!
South Callaway Cadet Teacher Mia Drake!
SHARE THE FAIR: Every Child Deserves a Story! Book Fair coming March 5th-16th!
We believe that no student should walk away from the book fair empty-handed. Our Share the Fair initiative is officially live, and we need your help to make some magic happen!
Your donations go directly toward:
Vouchers for students who might not otherwise be able to afford a book.
Building up our classroom libraries.
Sparking a lifelong love of reading for everyone in our school.
✨ How to help: https://shop.scholastic.com/stf/fund?orgUCN=600291135 or drop your spare change at the register!
Let's make sure every kid goes home with a new favorite story.
We believe that no student should walk away from the book fair empty-handed. Our Share the Fair initiative is officially live, and we need your help to make some magic happen!
Your donations go directly toward:
Vouchers for students who might not otherwise be able to afford a book.
Building up our classroom libraries.
Sparking a lifelong love of reading for everyone in our school.
✨ How to help: https://shop.scholastic.com/stf/fund?orgUCN=600291135 or drop your spare change at the register!
Let's make sure every kid goes home with a new favorite story.
SOUTH CALLAWAY R-II HIRES DISTRICT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & INNOVATION
The South Callaway R-II School District has hired Mrs. Tracey Burns as the district's new Executive Director of Learning & Innovation. Mrs. Burns begins her work at South Callaway with SY 26-27 following the current Director of Curriculum & Instruction Mary Van Orden, who retires in June.
Mrs. Burns brings a strong and well-rounded background in teaching and leadership. She holds an undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University in English Education, and a master’s degree from William Woods University in Secondary Administration and K-12 Administrative Leadership. In her 15 years of experience, Mrs. Burns has taught High School ELA including Drama, Yearbook, Cooperative Career Education and has been an A+ Program Coordinator. She has formerly served as a district Director of Curriculum and Assessment and is currently serving as Intermediate School Principal (grades 3-5) at Blair Oaks R-II. Her experience in classroom instruction, curriculum leadership, professional development, and building administration positions her well to champion teaching and learning across our district.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen to serve in this role. I am thrilled to join a district that has already established such a strong commitment to student success and excellence,” Burns says. “South Callaway’s pride, tradition, and focus on continuous improvement are evident, and I look forward to building on that strong foundation.”
“On a personal note, it is especially meaningful for my family to become fully part of the South Callaway community. We are grateful for the opportunity to invest not only professionally, but personally, in this district.” Mrs. Burns as the spouse of our Middle School HPE Teacher and Basketball Coach, Daniel Burns. The Burns’ three children: Karsyn-15; Eli-8, Maya-4 will be joining the Bulldog family as well.
The South Callaway R-II School District has hired Mrs. Tracey Burns as the district's new Executive Director of Learning & Innovation. Mrs. Burns begins her work at South Callaway with SY 26-27 following the current Director of Curriculum & Instruction Mary Van Orden, who retires in June.
Mrs. Burns brings a strong and well-rounded background in teaching and leadership. She holds an undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University in English Education, and a master’s degree from William Woods University in Secondary Administration and K-12 Administrative Leadership. In her 15 years of experience, Mrs. Burns has taught High School ELA including Drama, Yearbook, Cooperative Career Education and has been an A+ Program Coordinator. She has formerly served as a district Director of Curriculum and Assessment and is currently serving as Intermediate School Principal (grades 3-5) at Blair Oaks R-II. Her experience in classroom instruction, curriculum leadership, professional development, and building administration positions her well to champion teaching and learning across our district.
“I am honored and humbled to be chosen to serve in this role. I am thrilled to join a district that has already established such a strong commitment to student success and excellence,” Burns says. “South Callaway’s pride, tradition, and focus on continuous improvement are evident, and I look forward to building on that strong foundation.”
“On a personal note, it is especially meaningful for my family to become fully part of the South Callaway community. We are grateful for the opportunity to invest not only professionally, but personally, in this district.” Mrs. Burns as the spouse of our Middle School HPE Teacher and Basketball Coach, Daniel Burns. The Burns’ three children: Karsyn-15; Eli-8, Maya-4 will be joining the Bulldog family as well.
Future Farmers in the Making!
Our littlest Bulldogs are already making a big splash! In honor of National FFA Week (Feb. 23-27),students at the EC participated in a special coloring contest hosted by the South Callaway FFA chapter.
We are so proud of our winners, who showed off some serious artistic talent! 🖍️ To celebrate their hard work, South Callaway FFA officers stopped by to present each winner with a brand-new fishing pole 🎣
It’s never too early to start celebrating our agricultural roots. A huge thank you to our FFA officers for inspiring the next generation!
🐾 Way to go, Bulldogs!
Our littlest Bulldogs are already making a big splash! In honor of National FFA Week (Feb. 23-27),students at the EC participated in a special coloring contest hosted by the South Callaway FFA chapter.
We are so proud of our winners, who showed off some serious artistic talent! 🖍️ To celebrate their hard work, South Callaway FFA officers stopped by to present each winner with a brand-new fishing pole 🎣
It’s never too early to start celebrating our agricultural roots. A huge thank you to our FFA officers for inspiring the next generation!
🐾 Way to go, Bulldogs!
SC is hiring! Apply online today: https://scr2.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Certified Staff
-Substitutes needed for all areas
-Elementary Teacher Grades 3-5
-High School Social Studies
Classified Staff
-School Nurse
-Custodian FT
-Custodian PT
-Bus Aide
-Bus Driver
-Summer Positions
Certified Staff
-Substitutes needed for all areas
-Elementary Teacher Grades 3-5
-High School Social Studies
Classified Staff
-School Nurse
-Custodian FT
-Custodian PT
-Bus Aide
-Bus Driver
-Summer Positions
❄️ A Special Message from Our South Callaway R-II School Resource Officer, Deputy Cody Vandelicht! ❄️
Deputy Cody Vandelicht and fellow deputies will be taking the plunge — literally — to support a great cause! 🏊♂️🥶
On March 14 at 12:30 p.m., Deputy Vandelicht will participate in the Polar Plunge at Stephens Swimming Lake in Columbia (2001 East Broadway). The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser where 100% of donations go directly to support Special Olympics, helping provide opportunities for athletes to compete, grow, and succeed. 💙
Deputy Vandelicht invites the South Callaway community to support this meaningful event. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, your support is greatly appreciated. Just go use the QR code in the photo or go to: https://bit.ly/4aAhduv for more information.
Community members are also welcome to come out and cheer on the brave participants as they jump into the freezing cold lake! ❄️👏
Let’s show our Bulldog support for Deputy Vandelicht and the amazing athletes of Special Olympics! 🐾💙
Deputy Cody Vandelicht and fellow deputies will be taking the plunge — literally — to support a great cause! 🏊♂️🥶
On March 14 at 12:30 p.m., Deputy Vandelicht will participate in the Polar Plunge at Stephens Swimming Lake in Columbia (2001 East Broadway). The Polar Plunge is a fundraiser where 100% of donations go directly to support Special Olympics, helping provide opportunities for athletes to compete, grow, and succeed. 💙
Deputy Vandelicht invites the South Callaway community to support this meaningful event. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, your support is greatly appreciated. Just go use the QR code in the photo or go to: https://bit.ly/4aAhduv for more information.
Community members are also welcome to come out and cheer on the brave participants as they jump into the freezing cold lake! ❄️👏
Let’s show our Bulldog support for Deputy Vandelicht and the amazing athletes of Special Olympics! 🐾💙
Congrats to the middle school scholar bowl crew for bringing home the conference championship trophy earlier this week!
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recognizes National Public Schools Week this week.
Celebrating FFA Week at South Callaway R-II Schools!
February 21–28
This week we’re proud to recognize Middle and High School students in grades 7-12 who are growing more than crops — they’re growing leadership, responsibility, and real-world skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Through agricultural education, supervised experiences, and hands-on competitions, our FFA members develop confidence, teamwork, and career readiness that extends far beyond the classroom. Their work reflects the strong agricultural traditions of our community and the bright future ahead.
Please join us in supporting our FFA chapter and the future leaders of agriculture. Happy FFA Week to our outstanding South Callaway Bulldogs!
February 21–28
This week we’re proud to recognize Middle and High School students in grades 7-12 who are growing more than crops — they’re growing leadership, responsibility, and real-world skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Through agricultural education, supervised experiences, and hands-on competitions, our FFA members develop confidence, teamwork, and career readiness that extends far beyond the classroom. Their work reflects the strong agricultural traditions of our community and the bright future ahead.
Please join us in supporting our FFA chapter and the future leaders of agriculture. Happy FFA Week to our outstanding South Callaway Bulldogs!
📘 Strategic Planning at South Callaway R-II Takes Everyone’s Voice!
Each year during the first semester, the South Callaway R-II School District brings together a dedicated team of educators, staff members, and community representatives to review, revise, and refresh our district priorities. This annual process helps ensure that our work remains focused on what matters most for students and families.
Our planning centers on four key areas:
🔹 Progressive Leadership
🔹 Effective Teaching and Learning
🔹 Collaborative Climate and Culture
🔹 Equity in Education
This 22-member strategic planning team digs into everything from student achievement data and survey results to employee recruitment and retention, safe and secure facilities, and issues of district governance. Through thoughtful discussion and careful analysis, the team works together to develop and refine our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).
The CSIP serves as a dynamic, living master document that guides decision-making and continuous improvement across the district — always with the goal of preparing South Callaway students to be success-ready citizens.
Thank you to the team members who invest their time and insight to help shape the future of South Callaway, and to Dr. Tanya Vest & Dr. Kevin Daniel for facilitating our work!
Each year during the first semester, the South Callaway R-II School District brings together a dedicated team of educators, staff members, and community representatives to review, revise, and refresh our district priorities. This annual process helps ensure that our work remains focused on what matters most for students and families.
Our planning centers on four key areas:
🔹 Progressive Leadership
🔹 Effective Teaching and Learning
🔹 Collaborative Climate and Culture
🔹 Equity in Education
This 22-member strategic planning team digs into everything from student achievement data and survey results to employee recruitment and retention, safe and secure facilities, and issues of district governance. Through thoughtful discussion and careful analysis, the team works together to develop and refine our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP).
The CSIP serves as a dynamic, living master document that guides decision-making and continuous improvement across the district — always with the goal of preparing South Callaway students to be success-ready citizens.
Thank you to the team members who invest their time and insight to help shape the future of South Callaway, and to Dr. Tanya Vest & Dr. Kevin Daniel for facilitating our work!
The South Callaway Athletic Department is proud to announce that senior Graden Pontius has
signed his Letter of Intent to continue his academic and football career at the University of
Central Missouri.
Graden has been a dynamic and impactful presence for the bulldogs, standing out as both our
starting linebacker and quarterback during his career. His versatility, football IQ, and toughness
have made him one of the most respected competitors in our area. His performance earned him
multiple All-Conference and All-District honors throughout his career.
Beyond football, Graden exemplifies the definition of a true multi-sport student-athlete. He is a
four-sport competitor and key contributor in basketball, baseball, and track, demonstrating
year-round commitment to excellence. His impact across multiple programs speaks to his work
ethic, competitive drive, and team-first mindset.
At the University of Central Missouri, he will join a respected NCAA Division II program with a
strong football tradition. The opportunity to continue his career at UCM is a testament to the
dedication he has shown. The entire South Callaway community congratulates Graden and his
family on this tremendous accomplishment. We thank him for the leadership and pride he has
brought to our programs and look forward to following his continued success with the Mules.
Pictured FR L-R: Grace Pontius (sister), Graden Pontius, Kellie Pontius (mother), Corey Pontius
(father)
Pictured BR: South Callaway Football coaching staff
signed his Letter of Intent to continue his academic and football career at the University of
Central Missouri.
Graden has been a dynamic and impactful presence for the bulldogs, standing out as both our
starting linebacker and quarterback during his career. His versatility, football IQ, and toughness
have made him one of the most respected competitors in our area. His performance earned him
multiple All-Conference and All-District honors throughout his career.
Beyond football, Graden exemplifies the definition of a true multi-sport student-athlete. He is a
four-sport competitor and key contributor in basketball, baseball, and track, demonstrating
year-round commitment to excellence. His impact across multiple programs speaks to his work
ethic, competitive drive, and team-first mindset.
At the University of Central Missouri, he will join a respected NCAA Division II program with a
strong football tradition. The opportunity to continue his career at UCM is a testament to the
dedication he has shown. The entire South Callaway community congratulates Graden and his
family on this tremendous accomplishment. We thank him for the leadership and pride he has
brought to our programs and look forward to following his continued success with the Mules.
Pictured FR L-R: Grace Pontius (sister), Graden Pontius, Kellie Pontius (mother), Corey Pontius
(father)
Pictured BR: South Callaway Football coaching staff
Mrs. Brumfield's 8th grade students created American History Themed board games and invited parents and elementary students to come learn and play.
Middle School Social Studies students sampled traditional British tea and the colonists' "Liberty Tea" they drank to boycott the taxes on tea and sugar.
SCHS FBLA members attended the District Leadership Conference at Westminster College on Friday, February 13th. Students competed in online tests and performance events. Thirteen students qualified for the State Leadership Conference in Springfield, April 12-14. Congratulations to everyone who participated!
Congratulations to the following FBLA members on their 2026 District Leadership Conference
Results! Listed below are those that finished in the top 10 - Top 5 received medals!
(**indicates state qualifying)
Advertising - Aiden J - 6th place; Kai L - 7th place
Agribusiness - Hailey L - 7th place
Business Communications - Hayden H - 10th place
Computer Problem Solving - Tanner W - 8th place
Economics - Ryan C - 4th place**
Health Care Administration - Isabelle M - 2nd place**; Aiden J - 7th place
Hospitality & Event Management - Hailey L & Michaela S - 3rd place
Insurance & Risk Management - Natalie P - 2nd place**
Intro to Business Communications - Eli H - 3rd place**; Molly R - 7th place
Intro to Business Concepts - Eli H - 1st place**; Hayden H - 2nd place**; Brody T -
3rd place**
Intro to Business Presentation - Hailey L, Jordin M, & Molly R - 1st place**
Intro to Business Procedures - Eli H - 2nd place**
Intro to Public Speaking - Michaela S - 3rd place
Intro to Supply Chain Management - Molly R - 2nd place**; Jordin M - 5th place**
Job Interview - Ryan C - 1st place**
Journalism - Kai L - 5th place**
Marketing - Ryan C & Aaron H - 1st place**
Organizational Leadership - Aiden J - 3rd place**
Project Management - Jordin M - 9th place
Public Administration & Management - Natalie P - 3rd place**
Real Estate - Aaron H - 8th place
Securities & Investments - Chase H - 5th place**
Congratulations to the following FBLA members on their 2026 District Leadership Conference
Results! Listed below are those that finished in the top 10 - Top 5 received medals!
(**indicates state qualifying)
Advertising - Aiden J - 6th place; Kai L - 7th place
Agribusiness - Hailey L - 7th place
Business Communications - Hayden H - 10th place
Computer Problem Solving - Tanner W - 8th place
Economics - Ryan C - 4th place**
Health Care Administration - Isabelle M - 2nd place**; Aiden J - 7th place
Hospitality & Event Management - Hailey L & Michaela S - 3rd place
Insurance & Risk Management - Natalie P - 2nd place**
Intro to Business Communications - Eli H - 3rd place**; Molly R - 7th place
Intro to Business Concepts - Eli H - 1st place**; Hayden H - 2nd place**; Brody T -
3rd place**
Intro to Business Presentation - Hailey L, Jordin M, & Molly R - 1st place**
Intro to Business Procedures - Eli H - 2nd place**
Intro to Public Speaking - Michaela S - 3rd place
Intro to Supply Chain Management - Molly R - 2nd place**; Jordin M - 5th place**
Job Interview - Ryan C - 1st place**
Journalism - Kai L - 5th place**
Marketing - Ryan C & Aaron H - 1st place**
Organizational Leadership - Aiden J - 3rd place**
Project Management - Jordin M - 9th place
Public Administration & Management - Natalie P - 3rd place**
Real Estate - Aaron H - 8th place
Securities & Investments - Chase H - 5th place**
The ES would like to welcome back Brendon Mealy to the team for the 26/27 SY. Brendon completed his student teaching in the Elementary fall of 2025.
"I chose to do my student teaching at South Callaway because I wanted to be able to give back to the community that gave me so much. The culture, students and staff here at South Callaway are one of a kind, and I wanted to continue to be a part of it."
"I chose to do my student teaching at South Callaway because I wanted to be able to give back to the community that gave me so much. The culture, students and staff here at South Callaway are one of a kind, and I wanted to continue to be a part of it."
