SENECA R-7 SCHOOL DISTRICT

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.

Jefferson City, Mo. – On February 10, Seneca students Addison Sampson and Maddy Hembree, along with the school’s rootEd advisor, Lori Brock joined fellow rootEd students and advisors from across Missouri at the State Capitol. During rootEd Capitol Day, participants met with legislators to share firsthand how career and college advising is supporting students’ career success and strengthening Missouri’s workforce pipeline. rootEd Missouri places dedicated career advisors in rural high schools to help students define and realize their career goals, whether through college, workforce credentials, apprenticeships, or military service. Through partnering with local employers, rootEd advisors help students learn about in-demand careers, including those close to home, and the necessary training or education pathways. Governor Mike Kehoe met with rootEd Capitol Day participants to discuss the initiative’s impact on rural students and communities and the importance of making students aware of career pathways aligned to Missouri’s workforce needs. As part of rootEd’s Capitol Day, Sampson, Hembree, and Brock met with their legislator Rep. Dirk Deaton. Students from schools with a rootEd advisor from across the state described to legislators how working one-on-one with their rootEd advisor helped them to better understand their options for after graduation and access the right training and education for their chosen career pathways. High school seniors and recent graduates also represented high schools with rootEd advisors in Ava, Moberly, New Bloomfield, Ste. Genevieve, and Trenton. Dr. Karla Eslinger, Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, invited rootEd students and advisors to the Missouri State Board of Education meeting, which coincided with rootEd’s Capitol Day, and during the meeting, engaged with each student and advisor, asking about their plans after graduation. Additionally, Mary Schrag, President of the Missouri State Board of Education, recognized rootEd Missouri for its success in supporting college and career readiness across the state in the President’s Report section of the meeting. rootEd’s Impact for Rural Students and Communities Since launching in 2018, rootEd Missouri has supported more than 60,000 Missouri high school seniors and as of the 2025-2026 academic year, operates across 173 rural high schools, reaching nearly half of the state’s rural high schools. rootEd was able to expand into an additional 50 schools this academic year, thanks to state funding signed into law by Governor Kehoe. The results of rootEd’s model are clear: 20% more students pursuing college or career training after high school and 47% fewer students entering low-skill, low-wage jobs. In her meeting with Rep. Deaton, Addie Sampson, a senior at Seneca High School who plans to become a government teacher and is an A+ Scholarship recipient, shared how her rootEd advisor, Lori Brock, helped her: “My rootEd advisor Ms. Brock has been incredible in helping me plan for my future. As I’ve applied to schools this year and tried to figure out how to make it all possible, it’s been so helpful to have Ms. Brock right down the hall. She helps me break everything into steps, and walks me through each part, and it’s made such a difference to know she is always in my corner.” Lori Brock, the rootEd advisor at Seneca High School who has worked as an educator in Missouri for 35 years and now supports all 118 seniors while beginning prep with younger classes, shared, “My role as a rootEd advisor is to help students explore all of their career options, to figure out a plan for their next step for the relevant training or education, and of course, to carry out that plan together.” Brock continued, “To support that work, I regularly partner with local employers through engagements including career speakers and apprenticeships to give students ideas and insights on the great career opportunities, including those right by home.” Working with Educators and Employers “rootEd bridges education and industry by helping schools connect students’ next steps in training or education to their long-term career goals,” said Brian Crouse, Chief Operating Officer of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “When rural schools have a rootEd advisor, students are set up to understand the skills and opportunities required to thrive in Missouri’s evolving workforce, today and into the future.” To date, rootEd advisors have partnered with more than 700 businesses and organizations across Missouri on career exposure opportunities including job shadowing, internships, and industry tours. Nearly 99% of rootEd seniors participate in at least one regional career exploration experience, and rootEd schools have 30% higher participation in apprenticeships. Dr. Hal Higdon, Chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College, which operates rootEd Missouri, shared, “Connecting education and training to in-demand careers helps both students and local economies thrive, and rootEd advisors provide the expertise, connections, and passion to do just that. We’re proud of the rootEd advisors who serve as these critical bridges in rural communities across Missouri.” rootEd Missouri is a statewide public-private partnership between the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Ozarks Technical Community College, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and national nonprofit rootEd Alliance. To learn more about rootEd Missouri, including viewing our new video, visit our website here. About rootEd Alliance Founded in 2018, rootEd Alliance is a national nonprofit that helps rural high school students achieve career success and strengthens America’s skilled workforce. rootEd places dedicated career advisors in rural high schools to support students in defining and realizing their career goals, whether through a college degree, workforce credentials, apprenticeships, or military service, while partnering with communities, states, and employers to close talent gaps and drive rural economic prosperity. To date, rootEd advisors have supported nearly 90,000 students across 280 rural high schools in six states, including Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Alaska, Idaho, and Tennessee. rootEd Alliance is made possible by a group of philanthropists, convened by BDT & MSD Partners. Learn more here.

To make up for the snow days that have already impacted the Seneca School District, there will be school on the remaining make-up dates (these dates will all be on a Monday): Monday, March 2nd Monday, March 23rd Monday, April 13th Remember to check your school's Facebook pages and local news for school closings due to weather and any other important announcements.

SENECA, MO - The Seneca R-VII School District is excited to announce the hiring of Will King as the next Principal of Seneca High School. A familiar and trusted leader in the Seneca community, King is a 1995 graduate of Seneca High School and brings more than two decades of experience serving Seneca students and families. “Will King is a proven leader who has consistently built a strong culture and climate while maintaining high standards for learning,” - Dr. Brandon Eggleston “Will King is a proven leader who has consistently built a strong culture and climate while maintaining high standards for learning,” said Dr. Brandon Eggleston, Superintendent of Seneca R-VII Schools. “Seneca High School has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and I know Mr. King will not only continue that momentum, but also strengthen the great work taking place for our students, staff, and community.” King currently serves as Principal of Seneca Intermediate School, a position he has held since 2016. He began his career in the Seneca School District more than 23 years ago as a math teacher at Seneca High School. After two years in the Chadwick School District as an Athletic Director, Head Boys Basketball coach, and teacher, King returned to Seneca in 2004, where he taught math and physical education. He also served as Head Boys Basketball Coach from 2004–2022. King holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Math Education from Missouri Southern State University, a Master’s Degree in Administration from William Woods University, and a Specialist Degree in District Administration from Arkansas State University. “I consider myself truly blessed that most of my career has been spent in the Seneca School District,” - Principal, Will King “I consider myself truly blessed that most of my career has been spent in the Seneca School District,” King said. “Seneca is a special district and community - full of tradition, pride, and class. I believe strongly in positive relationships and collaboration, and I am excited to begin this new role by partnering with our outstanding high school staff as we continue preparing students for success beyond high school.” King and his wife, Lisa, are proud members of the Seneca community. Lisa has served as an administrative assistant at Seneca Elementary School for 18 years. Together, they have three daughters: Addie (‘19), Mallorie (‘22), and Jolie, who is currently a 10th grade student at Seneca High School. Will and Lisa are also proud grandparents to four grandchildren. King will officially begin his duties as principal on August 1st. See the attached PDF press release.

Seneca R-7 is Hiring: Full-Time Cook (Food Service Department) The Seneca R-7 School District Food Service Department  is currently accepting applications for a Full-Time Cook  to join our team. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced kitchen environment, take pride in serving others, and want a stable full-time position with purpose behind it, we would love to hear from you. About the Position Seneca R-7 School District is seeking dependable candidates for a full-time cook to support daily meal service for students and staff. Primary Duties As a full-time cook, responsibilities include: Meal preparation Serving meals Cleaning and kitchen upkeep This role plays an important part in keeping our schools running smoothly and making sure students are served meals safely and efficiently each day. Requirements Candidates must be able to: Pass a background check Pass a drug test Pass a physical Lift 50 pounds  from the floor to the countertop multiple times Maintain a great attitude  and work well with different management styles Preferred Qualifications (But Not Required) The following is preferred, but not required: Previous kitchen experience SafeServe certificate Don’t have those yet? No problem. We are willing to train the right person  who is motivated, dependable, and ready to learn. To Apply Visit our career page and look for the Full-Time Cook posting Questions? For more information about this position, please contact: Heidi Boyer 📞 417-776-2585 ✉️ hboyer@senecar7.com Apply Today This position is posted until filled  and the starting date is immediate , so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Position Type:  Full-Time Location:  Seneca R-7 School District, Seneca, MO Job ID:  5033763

Greetings! I have curated multiple articles and scholarship opportunities for you to consider. All Seniors should find something  that applies to them at this time! COLLEGE BOUND These schools recently made Forbes’ List of 500 America’s Top Colleges  from the Show Me State: William Jewell, UMKC, SLU, MO S&T, Truman State, Mizzou, WashU, Rockhurst, and Maryville! These were  highlighted through U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings: UMSL, MSU, and William Woods. Preparing for College Webinar Series   Parents of college-bound students, this 3 part series will help you with information, insights & tools to navigate college financing, & get ready to complete the FAFSA. https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5070877/DCAB0B5006FCF644841E3164C1EF6D76 Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship information Dual Credit / Dual Enrollment Scholarship For Students | dhewd.mo.gov ADHD Friendly College List https://www.additudemag.com/best-colleges-for-students-with-adhd-disability-services/ College Tours https://admissions.tufts.edu/blogs/inside-admissions/post/questions-to-ask-your-college-tour-guide/ College Applications https://www.siena.edu/news/story/seven-common-college-application-mistakes/ Ultimate Guide to Writing your College Essay Ultimate Guide to Writing Your College Essay – BigFuture Student Resume Template: https://hubs.ly/Q02_nNjL0 100 of the best Common App activities examples: https://empowerly.com/applications/common-app-activities-examples/?utm_campaign=Empowerly+Newsletter FAFSA  - why fill it out even if you don’t think you will receive aid https://thecollegeinvestor.com/53238/why-fill-out-the-fafsa/ FAFSA  for parents https://studentaid.gov/articles/fafsa-for-parents/ A great resource for college bound student athletes ncsasports.org NAIA Eligibility Center information https://www.naia.org/findyourpath/index https://play.mynaia.org/ The world’s only university designed specifically to serve deaf and hard of hearing students : https://gallaudet.edu/ Missouri State University Priority application date — December 1, 2025: Students should apply for admission and submit their FAFSA by December 1, 2025, for maximum consideration for Missouri State scholarships,  as well as state and federal programs. Students who are admitted with a completed FAFSA submitted by December 1 will receive their scholarship and financial aid offer before winter break. UCM Announces New & Updated Scholarships UCM is excited to share updates to merit scholarships and criteria, along with several new scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen  students starting Fall 2026! All new and updated details can be found on our website here . Updates include: Red and Black Scholarship; ACT Excellence Scholarship (new!); Out-of-State Visit Award (new!) Provost Excellence Scholarship (Deadline: December 1, 2025) The Provost Excellence Scholarship is a competitive $16,000 award for incoming transfer and freshmen students with a 3.85+ GPA. Click here  to review eligibility requirements.  ACT                            SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION Now’s the Time to Create My Scholarship Central Account My Scholarship Central connects more than 16,000 students each year to over 200 scholarships. You may be asking, “Where are all the scholarships on My Scholarship Central?” Don’t worry – opportunities open in January.  Students can create an account and complete the general application now, and they will receive email updates as new scholarships open throughout the school year.   Check out the   My Scholarship Central Search Tool !  This map connects students to the large scholarship providers in their area. National Honor Society Scholarship $2 million to 600 students (Deadline Nov 24) https://www.nationalhonorsociety.org/advisers/the-nhs-scholarship/ Mental Health Scholarship $1,500 - 2 Awards (Deadline: November 30, 2025) To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: Write an essay answering the following: Why do you believe we as a nation are dealing with an addiction crisis? What are the consequences of this addiction for the individual and society? How can we remedy the crisis on both the individual and societal level?  Applications can be found by going to: Mental Health & General Education Scholarship | Seasons In Malibu Hagan Scholarship $60,000 - 1200 Awards (Deadline: December 1, 2025) To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: Must have achieved an unweighted 3.50 Core GPA Must enroll in an eligible four-year college or university the upcoming fall semester after high school graduation. Must work 240 hours from January 1 to September 1 prior to the start of the fall semester of each academic year. Work must be regularly scheduled employment performed under supervision for compensation. Employment can be full-time or part-time. Parents Adjusted Gross Household Income reported for the 2024 Federal Income Tax Purposes must not have excluded $100,000. Applications can be found by going to: Q & A – Hagan Scholarship Foundation Big Future Scholarships BigFuture Scholarships: Earn by Planning for College and Career Lamber-Goodnow Scholarships (Deadline: December 1, 2025) College Scholarship  Two for $1,000 each Nursing Scholarship  One for $1,000 Law School Scholarship  One for $1,000 Medical School Scholarship  One for $1,000 Physical Therapist / Occupational Therapist Scholarship One for $1,000 Scholarship Application - Lamber-Goodnow Scholarships Common App Scholarship - $2,000 - 2 Awards (Deadline: December 15, 2025) To be eligible for the scholarship a student must: A) Be in Grade 11 or Grade 12. B) Have achieved a GPA of 2.5 or greater during their last academic year. Applications can be found by going to: Scholarship Application - Common App Scholarship Aviation Scholarships $5,000 - 31 Awards (Deadline: December 19, 2025 ) A list of scholarships focused on aviation, including pilot training, aeronautics engineering, aviation management, airframe and powerplant (A&P) maintenance, and more. EAA Post-Secondary Scholarships WORKFORCE Clement Truck Driving Academy training for CDL financial assistance available Clement Truck Driving Academy Vocational, Technical & Trade School Scholarships Vocational, Technical & Trade School Scholarships | Fastweb AWS Welder Training Scholarship AWS Welder Training Scholarships | Fast-Track Your Welding Career AWS District 17, Ozark Section Apprenticeships There are several online resources to learn more about apprenticeships, including MDHEWD’s website , the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website , and moapprenticeconnect.com . You can also search a university’s or college’s website for information about apprenticeships. MILITARY Military Child of the Year …if you’d like to be nominated, contact lbrock@senecar7.com  ASAP!     Military Child of the Year® Award - Operation Homefront

We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity for the Class of 2029  through the My Missouri “MyMO” Scholarship Promise , a program designed to help students from low-income backgrounds stay on track for college success, starting now, in 9th grade! 📄 Download or view the full flyer here: 💰 What Is the MyMO Scholarship Promise? The MyMO Scholarship Promise , offered by the Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation (MSLF) , rewards students who meet academic and attendance goals throughout high school. Eligible students can earn up to $10,000 total  toward college, that’s $2,500 per year  from freshman through senior year, just by staying focused and meeting yearly benchmarks. Funds are paid directly to the student’s chosen college in Missouri to cover tuition or other eligible educational costs. 🧾 Who Can Apply? Students must: Be Pell Grant eligible  (based on the Federal Student Aid Estimator) Attend a Missouri public, charter, private, or homeschool  program Open and contribute to a MOST 529 account  using promo code MO-SLF29 Plan to attend a Missouri college or university  after graduation Applications open January 1, 2026 , and close March 2, 2026 . Students will be notified if selected by May 1, 2026 . 🧭 How to Apply Visit studentaid.gov/aid-estimator  and complete the Federal Student Aid Estimator . Open a MOST 529 savings account  (you can use the promo code: MO-SLF29 ). Go to moslf.org/programs.aspx  or scan the QR code on the flyer to apply. 📚 Year-by-Year Benchmarks To earn each year’s $2,500 award, students must meet specific goals that can be found in the attached flyer. 🌟 Why It Matters The MyMO Scholarship Promise not only helps students financially, it also builds strong college habits early. By rewarding consistent effort and engagement, the program helps students graduate high school ready to take on college with confidence and financial support. 📅 Don’t Miss It! Applications for the Class of 2029 open in January of the Freshman Year . Students and parents are encouraged to review the flyer and begin exploring the steps today. 📄 Download or view the full flyer here: If you have questions, please email lbrock@senecar7.com

The mission of Seneca School District is "Every child, every day, whatever it takes". SHS's Seneca Strong event is an excellent example of this mission statement. Every student in SHS had the opportunity to participate in Future-Ready activities on October 1st.  Seniors attended a College Fair, ate in a dining hall and participated in a photo scavenger hunt on MSU campus.  Juniors completed the ASVAB, listened to the wisdom of an adult panel regarding career paths and life in general and participated in team building activities or listened to a Job Center speaker on options other than college.  Sophomores completed the PreACT and toured the Joplin Advanced Training & Technology Center. Both Juniors and Sophomores were treated to a catered lunch.  Freshmen heard from the Job Center speaker and toured Pitt State, eating in their dining hall.   The "whatever it takes" included a large number of adults investing time and effort in order to make this happen. The students were provided a great lunch by the Wyandotte tribe; teachers served as sponsors, test proctors, bus drivers and panel speakers; Pittsburg State University and the Advanced Technology Training Center hosted our students providing tours; Nixa High School included our students in their Regional MOACAC College Fair; A MO National Guard member set up team building activities (despite the government shut down); several community members served as panel speakers and the Job Center representative presented to both the Freshmen and Juniors. This was created by the High School's Assessment team and organized by the Counseling office, including the rootEd advisor. THANKS to all involved!

August 21 Seneca High School hosted a new format for Senior Parent Night on August 21, led by rootEd Advisor Lori Brock , counselor Nicki Strickland , and assistant principal Dr. Kate Mock . Representatives from Jostens , MSSU admissions and financial aid, Job Center Services , and Project Graduation  shared valuable resources with families. With about half of the senior class represented, the night was a strong start to Seneca’s first year with rootEd Missouri . Jostens added excitement by donating a cap and gown  for a drawing among attendees.