SENECA R-7 SCHOOL DISTRICT

Celebrate Our Young Musicians Seneca Elementary is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting the highly anticipated Kindergarten Spring Sing Music Program. This delightful event showcases the musical talents and hard work of our young students. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our school's commitment to fostering creativity and expression in our children. Event Details The Spring Sing is scheduled for May 8th. We will have two performances to accommodate families and friends. The first show will begin at 2:30 PM, and the second performance will take place at 6:30 PM. Both shows will be held in the spacious and welcoming Elementary Gym. This venue provides an excellent atmosphere for our budding musicians to shine. Dress Code To make this occasion even more memorable, students are encouraged to wear their best attire. Dressing up not only adds charm but also gives the students a sense of pride as they perform. We believe that dressing for the occasion enhances their confidence and creates a festive atmosphere. Community Involvement We look forward to welcoming families and the community to join us in celebrating the achievements of our kindergarteners. It is a chance for parents, guardians, and community members to see firsthand the efforts our students have invested in their music education. Engaging with students in this way strengthens the bonds between school and home, creating a supportive environment for their growth. Why Music Matters Participating in music programs offers numerous benefits for young learners. Research shows that music education can enhance cognitive development. It improves language skills, boosts emotional intelligence, and fosters social connections. Through singing and performing, our kindergarteners learn valuable lessons about teamwork and discipline. Prepare for an Uplifting Experience Mark your calendars and prepare for an uplifting experience. This Spring Sing Music Program will highlight the talents of our youngest learners. It will be filled with joy, laughter, and pride. Each performance will showcase the hard work and dedication of the students, making it a meaningful celebration for everyone involved. Feel free to invite friends and family to join the festivities. The more, the merrier! Let’s come together to create an unforgettable event for our students. Conclusion In conclusion, the Kindergarten Spring Sing Music Program at Seneca Elementary promises to be a fantastic occasion. It is a celebration of growth, talent, and community. We can't wait to see you on May 8th! Join us in applauding our kindergarteners as they take the stage. Let’s make this a memorable day filled with music, joy, and laughter! Don't miss out on this wonderful event that showcases the incredible accomplishments of our young musicians.

Important Details for Seniors and Parents When: August 21, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Where: SHS Gymnasium Who: 2026 Seniors & their parents Welcome Address Join us for an informative evening hosted by Mrs. Lori Brock, the rootEd Post-secondary Advisor. She will kick off the night with a warm welcome and an overview of the agenda. This event is designed to help both students and parents navigate the exciting yet challenging journey ahead. College Admissions Insights Katelin Witman, an MSSU Admission Recruiter, will provide valuable insights into the college admissions process. She will discuss what colleges look for in applicants and how students can enhance their applications. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on the steps needed for a successful college application. Financial Aid Information Understanding financial aid is crucial for students planning to attend college. Amber Myers from MSSU will explain the various types of financial aid available, including scholarships, grants, and loans. She will also guide families on how to fill out the FAFSA form, which is essential for securing financial assistance. Job Center Services The transition from high school to the workforce can be daunting. Donna Clemens, a Benefit Program Associate, and Erin Jakaitis, a WIOA Youth Career Coach, will present job center services available to students. They will discuss resume building, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. This session is particularly beneficial for those considering entering the workforce directly after graduation. Senior Information Session Rebecca DePriest, the Senior Sponsor, will share important information regarding senior year activities. This includes details about prom, graduation, and other key events. Parents and students will learn about deadlines and requirements to ensure a smooth senior year. Jostens Cap and Gown Information Austin Tinnes from Jostens will be present to discuss cap and gown orders. He will provide information on how to place orders and what students need to wear for graduation. This is an essential part of the senior experience, and students should not miss this session. Project Graduation Overview Tasha Stephens will talk about Project Graduation, an event designed to provide a safe and fun environment for graduates on graduation night. Parents will learn how they can get involved and support this important initiative. Attendance and Behavior Policies Dr. Kate Mock, the Assistant Principal, will address attendance and behavior policies. Understanding these policies is vital for maintaining good standing throughout the senior year. Dr. Mock will emphasize the importance of attendance and how it impacts academic success. Counseling Center Information Nicki Strickland, the School Counselor, will provide information about the Counseling Center. She will discuss the resources available to students, including academic support, mental health services, and college counseling. This session is crucial for students seeking guidance during their senior year. Conclusion The evening will conclude with remarks from Lori Brock, the rootEd Post-secondary Advisor. She will summarize the key points discussed and encourage families to stay engaged throughout the senior year. This event is a fantastic opportunity for students and parents to gather essential information and ask questions. We look forward to seeing everyone there! For more information, please visit our website here. ---wix---

What a year it has been to be a Seneca Indian! From the opening whistles of late summer to the intense postseason runs of spring, our student-athletes and coaches have put on a masterclass in dedication, talent, and grit. We have smashed school records, claimed state crowns, and represented our community with ultimate class. Here is your comprehensive look back at the defining moments, breakout stars, and championship legacies written during the 2025–2026 school year. 🏆 THE TITLETOWN SPOTLIGHTS: STATE CHAMPIONS! 📣 Cheerleading: Six-Time Defending State Champions! Our powerhouse cheerleading program has built an absolute dynasty, and this year they cemented their place in history. With their latest crown, Seneca Cheer has officially won 6 consecutive Missouri State Championships (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025)! This unbelievable run brings the program's historic total to 12 State Championship titles overall (including 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017). Not content with just dominating the state level, the squad took their elite talents to the national stage this year, showcasing Seneca pride at the prestigious NCA High School Nationals in Dallas, Texas. Congratulations to our cheerleaders on continuing a golden era of Seneca tradition! 🏈 Football: Class 3 State Champions! The fall of 2025 will forever be remembered as the year the Indians reclaimed gridiron glory. Following an electric campaign highlighted by the Ozarks Sports Zone Fall Preview, Seneca Football marched all the way to the top, capturing the MSHSAA Class 3 State Championship in a thrilling 33-26 victory over Lift for Life Academy at Spratt Stadium! After falling just short in the state title game the previous two seasons, our battle-hardened Indians adopted a "Don't Flinch" motto to overcome an injury-riddled year and postseason adversity. In true Seneca fashion, our physical offense rushed for a staggering 390 yards in the final—with senior stars Brodie Probert and Roman Miller each eclipsing 180 yards on the ground. This historic win marks the program's third football state title and its first since 1995! ⚾ THE NEXT-LEVEL GLANCE: RECORDS & COMMITMENTS Jagger Wilson: The Oklahoma Commitment & On-Field Dominance Few athletes have captured the region's attention quite like sophomore two-way phenom Jagger Wilson (Class of '27). The Big Commitment: Jagger officially announced his commitment to continue his baseball career at the University of Oklahoma! Elite Scouting Metrics: Perfect Game Scout officially clocked his fastball hitting an incredible 86–89 mph, backed by a sharp breaking ball (78–82 mph) and heavy low-70s curve. On-Field Performance: He backed up the hype on the mound. In a massive C4D12 semifinal showdown, Jagger pitched a spectacular 5-inning no-hitter, racking up 11 strikeouts to lead the varsity squad to a dominant 10-0 victory over East Newton. 🥎 Abby Jamros: A Historic, Record-Shattering Softball Season Senior standout Abby Jamros (2026 RHP/UTL) put together an offensive season for the ages, cementing herself as one of the most dangerous hitters in Seneca history. Abby completely rewrote our softball program's stat sheets by finishing her season with: A jaw-dropping .585 batting average 55 total hits 23 doubles 🥇 VARSITY PROGRAMS & NEXT-LEVEL COMMITS 🤼 Wrestling: Big 8 Powerhouse The wrestling mats were hot all winter. The team moved to an 11-0 undefeated dual record mid-season after a thrilling 41-34 victory over 2X defending Class 2 State Champion Odessa, and hosted a spectacular 63rd Annual People's Bank of Seneca Tournament welcoming 15 teams across 4 states. Lady Indian Harley Lankford also secured a phenomenal 7th place finish at the prestigious Newton Girls Tournament of Champions. ⚾ Baseball: Future Stars & College-Bound Seniors The baseball program as a whole is absolutely booming from top to bottom: Drew Sherwood officially announced his commitment to play collegiate baseball at Connors State College! Eli Manley and Isabella Lankford signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level. The Seneca Junior High Baseball team proved the future is bright by capturing the Big 8 Conference Championship! 🏐 Volleyball: Senior Leadership & Media Spotlights Our Lady Indians Volleyball team entered the season with high expectations, returning a powerful, experienced core of seniors highlighted by the Ozarks Sports Zone Fall Preview. 🏃‍♂️ INDIVIDUAL BREAKOUTS & TRADITION 👟 Track & Field: A Run at the Junior Olympics Our track program continues to develop elite individual talent. This past year, rising 8th-grader Matt Stewart put Seneca on the national radar by qualifying for the prestigious AAU Junior Olympics in Houston, Texas. Coming into the tournament seeded 50th, Matt dug deep to finish 43rd in the nation before jumping right into his junior high football season! 🏀 Basketball: Court Victories Our basketball programs made plenty of noise during the winter stretch. In addition to a dominant home-court victory for the Lady Indians over Exeter, Seneca was proudly showcased in the Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri Basketball Magazine during our high-profile "Super Night" double-headers against New Heights and Diamond. Thank You, Indian Nation! Behind every record broken, state title ring earned, and college signing is a tireless community of coaches, parents, booster clubs, and the loudest fans in Missouri. Thank you for showing up for Big Red all year long! #TPC #TraditionPrideClass #GoIndians #StateChampions

Families eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program, either by household income or direct certification, may qualify for Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (SEBT). This summer benefit offers $120 in grocery benefits per eligible student. If your student is already receiving free or reduced-price meals this school year, their information will be submitted. Families not eligible during the 2025–2026 school year can use the Missouri SuN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to verify eligibility.

Brodie Probert Congratulations to Brodie Probert for being honored with the Neosho Lions Club Student of the Month award on Thursday, April 30th. This prestigious accolade acknowledges Brodie's hard work, dedication, and exceptional contributions to his school and community. The Neosho Lions Club, known for its commitment to supporting local youth and promoting academic excellence, selects students who exhibit leadership, character, and a strong dedication to their studies. Brodie's achievement highlights not only his academic success but also his involvement in extracurricular activities and his positive influence among peers. Through demonstrating exemplary behavior, Brodie has made a significant impact. This award encourages him to continue striving for excellence in all his endeavors. It is a proud moment for him, as well as for his family, friends, and teachers who have supported him along the way. Well done, Brodie! Keep up the excellent work, and may this recognition inspire you to achieve even greater heights in the future.

We would like to invite the community of Seneca to our first annual SHS Decision Day  The celebration will be held in the new gym on May 6th at 2pm. Each Senior will share their post-secondary plan. Local colleges have agreed to attend as well as military representatives. We will have refreshments following the celebration! We will have designated seating for family and community.   Contact Lori Brock with questions lbrock@senecar7.com

Good afternoon, As the year is quickly wrapping up, this is a reminder that your PD logs will be due soon. I’ve linked a copy of this year’s log below—please be sure to use this version rather than one from a previous year. I will have a folder available at each building later this week for log submissions. All logs are due by May 15th. A few reminders: All full-time certified staff are required to log 15 hours. New teachers should consult their mentor for specific instructions, as their PD log requirements differ. Any activity that furthers your professional knowledge can count as PD. PD may be completed during contract time or outside of it. To find your Vector training hours, log in and view your training history here: https://seneca-mo.safeschools.com If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your building representative or me—we’re happy to help! Building Representatives EC – Sheri Guesby Elem – Julie Repplinger Int – Jennifer Burr, Allison House JH – Stephanie Cole HS – Angela Connor Thank you! Robin Patterson https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o-mMebJRo1qUUlGhDy0yst7FWBABfSzymKupG7iqshY/copy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SENECA, MO-  The Seneca R-7 School District is proud to announce the hiring of James Carter as the new Principal of Seneca Intermediate School, effective August 1. Mr. Carter currently serves as Assistant Principal at Neosho High School, where he has led efforts in instructional improvement, student support systems, and school culture. In his role, he has partnered with teachers to enhance classroom practices, analyzed student data to support at-risk learners, and implemented effective behavioral and restorative discipline systems. His leadership reflects a strong commitment to ensuring success for every student. Prior to his work in administration, Mr. Carter served as a teacher and coach, where he built and led highly successful soccer programs. His teams earned multiple district championships and received recognition at the state and national levels, highlighting his ability to develop talent, build strong team culture, and lead with purpose. “We are excited to welcome James Carter to Seneca Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Brandon Eggleston. “James is a relationship-driven leader who understands how to build a positive school culture focused on learning. His experience supporting students, developing staff, and leading successful programs makes him an excellent fit for our district and our continued commitment to Tradition, Pride, and Class.” Mr. Carter shared his excitement for joining Seneca Schools: “I am honored to join the Seneca R-7 School District. Seneca’s strong tradition of excellence and commitment to putting students first is evident, and I am excited to work alongside a talented and dedicated team of educators to support student success at Seneca Intermediate.” Mr. Carter holds an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Northwest Missouri State University, along with a master’s degree in Health and Human Performance from Pittsburg State University. The Seneca R-7 School District looks forward to the leadership Mr. Carter will bring as the district continues to focus on high levels of learning for all students.

Seneca R-7 is proud to offer high-quality before and after school programming through our TPC Kids After School Program, where students have opportunities to learn, lead, and grow beyond the school day. This week, members of our TPC team met with our state coach as part of our annual continuous improvement process. Each year, our team reflects on program strengths, reviews data, and sets goals to ensure we are providing the best possible experience for our students and families. Our most recent Program Quality Assessment (PQA) highlights many strengths within the program. Observations show that TPC provides a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where students feel welcomed and valued. Strong relationships between staff and students, along with hands-on, engaging activities, create meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. These results reflect the core components of high-quality afterschool programs, which are designed to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical development through enriching experiences and strong adult relationships . As part of our ongoing growth, the TPC team has identified a key focus for the upcoming year: enhancing student reflection and voice. This work will provide students with more opportunities to think about their learning, share feedback, and actively shape their experience within the program. In addition, the program will continue to expand student leadership opportunities, empowering students to lead activities, support peers, and take on meaningful responsibilities. These experiences help build confidence, responsibility, and collaboration skills that benefit students both in and out of the classroom. The TPC Kids After School Program directly supports Seneca R-7’s CSIP commitments, including: Providing a safe and supportive learning environment Creating innovative, student-centered learning experiences Fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking Strengthening school and community connections Perhaps most importantly, thanks to the School-Age Community (SAC) grant, Seneca R-7 is able to provide FREE before and after school care for students. This funding allows the district to expand access for families while continuing to elevate the quality of programming offered. TPC Kids is more than after school care—it is a place where students belong, explore, lead, and grow.

At Seneca Early Childhood, learning is an exciting journey that continues beyond the regular school day. Our Pre-K Enrichment Program provides our youngest learners with opportunities to explore, create, and discover through hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and joy. This weekly enrichment program is designed to give students meaningful opportunities to learn through play, creativity, and exploration. Throughout the semester, students participate in engaging activities that support early childhood development while encouraging collaboration, imagination, and problem-solving. Students experience a wide variety of enrichment activities including STEAM projects, science experiments, art activities, pretend play, puppetry, gardening, movement activities, and creative sensory experiences. Each session is designed to help children build foundational skills while having fun in an engaging and supportive environment. The Pre-K Enrichment Program reflects the Seneca R-7 School District’s commitment to providing innovative learning experiences and supporting the growth of every student. Our district’s Continuous School Improvement Plan emphasizes creating opportunities for students to engage in authentic learning experiences while ensuring time is dedicated to collaboration and enrichment opportunities that support student growth. By offering enrichment experiences at an early age, we are helping develop the intellectual, social, and creative abilities of our students, aligning with the district’s vision of preparing every child for success. These experiences also foster curiosity and a love of learning that will benefit students throughout their educational journey. Most importantly, the program allows our early learners to build friendships, develop confidence, and experience the joy of discovery in a nurturing environment led by our dedicated early childhood educators. We look forward to sharing photos and highlights throughout the year as our Pre-K students enjoy these exciting enrichment experiences.

SENECA ELEMENTARY KINDERGARTEN SREENINGS APRIL 13 - 8AM - 7PM APRIL 14 - 8AM - 4PM Children who will be 5 on or before July 31st, 2026, and plan to attend Kindergarten in the fall need to be screened and/or enrolled. Please use this link, or call 417-776-2785 to make an appointment.

SENECA, Mo. — The Seneca R-7 School District officially broke ground on the new Career Exploration Center at Seneca High School, marking a major step forward in the district’s long-range facilities plan. Students, staff, school board members, and community members gathered to celebrate the start of construction on the facility, which will expand opportunities for hands-on learning and career exploration for Seneca students. The project is part of a long-term vision that began nearly a decade ago and was identified as a priority by the district’s Long Range Planning Committee in 2019. Through that process, community members, parents, teachers, students, and school leaders worked together to evaluate district facilities and plan for future needs. “This project didn’t start last year,” said Seneca Board of Education President Ron Wallace. “It began nearly ten years ago through our long-range facilities planning process. Committees of students, parents, teachers, and board members studied our facilities and asked what Seneca would need in the future. This was truly a community effort involving the citizens, parents, and students of the Seneca R-7 School District.” The bond supports several improvements across the district, including: Construction of the Career Exploration Center at Seneca High School Relocation and alignment of career and technical education programs Conversion of the current FFA building into a district maintenance facility Additional district-wide facility improvements Construction of new storm shelters at the Junior High School. Superintendent Dr. Brandon Eggleston expressed appreciation for the community’s support of Seneca students. “We are incredibly grateful to our community for believing in our students and supporting this vision,” Eggleston said. “This career exploration center will provide opportunities for hands-on learning and career readiness that will benefit Seneca graduates for many years to come.” Students representing several Career and Technical Education programs participated in the ceremony and helped turn the first shovels of dirt to mark the beginning of construction. Construction will continue over the coming months as the district works to expand opportunities that prepare Seneca students for success after graduation.