SENECA R-7 SCHOOL DISTRICT

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.

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.