THE LATEST FROM SPS

NEWS RESOURCES LEARNING UPDATES STUDENT STORIES STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Sept. 7, 2023


Announcing Class of 2023 SPS Hall of Fame Inductees 🏆

Five exceptional SPS alumni will be inducted in October.


The SPS Hall of Fame Class of 2023 includes: David L. Harrison, author and philanthropist; Daniel E. Arnall, award-winning journalist and senior vice president of news programming for MSNBC/NBC News Group; and Steve Cash, Randle Chowning and Larry Lee, founding members of The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.

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SPS University/Open House events going on now

A dunk tank at Pipkin Middle School, an ice cream social at Phelps Center, so many classroom visits --

SPS U/Open House events are going on now.

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Dr. Lathan honors the impact and legacy of

MSU President Clif Smart

Congratulations to my friend – a tireless advocate for not only

Missouri State University, but for public education, SPS,

Springfield and our entire region.


Throughout his tenure, Clif has demonstrated an incredible commitment to collaboration and innovation, while always remaining focused on ensuring that every student can access those opportunities. I deeply appreciate the many ways he has opened doors for not only SPS, but K-12 districts throughout the area. His lasting legacy can be found in so many new opportunities now available to students – from the AgAcademy at Darr Agricultural Center and a GoCAPS classroom at the eFactory, to the Future Educators program and the newly formed Alliance for Healthcare Education. Clif has enabled the expansion of dual-enrollment opportunities, providing scholarships for students qualifying for free or reduced price meals. He has supported countless opportunities for our students to be present on campus and to experience college first-hand, inspiring them to dream and to reach for their full potential.


While Clif will definitely be missed, he has prepared MSU for this transition incredibly well, which is a real tribute to his vision and leadership. I know that many great things are ahead for MSU and for our students – and we thank Clif for his dedication and service.


DESE announces Missouri Close the Gap Grant

Close the Gap Grant applications will open on Sept. 20, 2023 and close Oct. 25, 2023.


This program provides a one-time grant of up to $1,500 for Missouri K-12 public school district and charter school students to use toward allowable educational expenses.

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WHAT'S TRENDING ON SPS.ORG

HHS student journalists named finalists in National Scholastic Press Association contest


Winners will be announced Nov. 4. View the Hillcrest segments on the HTV website: https://htv.buzz. 



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SPS & Foundation for SPS name 2023-2024 Ambassadors


Later this month, Springfield Public Schools will welcome its newest group of Ambassadors, who will begin a year-long journey of learning about Missouri’s largest school district.

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Give Back Day set for Thursday, Sept. 7


Every contribution, no matter how big or small, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of countless young minds.

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Share your thoughts about how the school year is going


More than 800 participants have already shared their thoughts and rated those submitted by others. Be sure to join the conversation by Friday, Sept. 8, when the exchange closes.

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SPS United: Officer Cory Grider, school police officer at Jarrett Middle School

“It has been a dream of mine to become a police officer ever since I was a child.  While going to the academy, I realized that the most vulnerable people that I could help were kids.  I wanted to set a good example to the kids that police officers are good people and can help so hopefully in the future, it may deter them from a life of crime.


As a school police officer at Jarrett, my job is to be both an adult who listens and an authority figure who keeps us safe. It’s a balance. Every day, I want to be approachable and accessible. I want the kids to come to me if they have an issue or have a concern about something at school. If there’s something that feels unsafe, I should be an adult that they come to and the students know they won’t be in trouble if they say something.


At the same time, I’m also part of the discipline team at Jarrett. It’s essential that I help keep our building safe and secure, and sometimes, I have to be the bad guy. But if I’m the mean cop all the time, I’m not doing my job. I have to have positive relationships with students to be an effective school police officer."

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Share your #SPSUnited story to be featured this school year. Email story@spsmail.org.


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