Dear Strasburg families,
In the coming days or weeks, you may see something coming out in regards to letter grades for all public schools in Missouri. We want you to hear this from us, along with what it means.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is developing its first pilot A–F grades for public schools, created under an executive order Governor Mike Kehoe signed in January.
This grade is a pilot, meaning it is not final. It is the first year of a brand-new state system, based on test results from the 2024-25 school year, and the state is still finalizing how grades are calculated. We fully expect the framework to change over time, and as it does, our grade may change too. It is one measure among many. We have shared concerns with the state about how quickly this system was developed, and we will continue to do so.
We Are Accountable to You First
You've told us what matters most to you in our schools, through surveys, conversations, emails, and planning committees, and we've acted on it:
You told us that literacy matters. We added a full time Title Reading Teacher, received extensive professional development in L.E.T.R.S (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), and continue to focus our WIN time on reading and writing essentials.
You told us that career readiness matters, and we listened! We added PLTW courses, career exploration through our full-time counselor, a student journalism and newspaper class, and Eagle TV, where students write scripts, produce videos, and host a student television show. These opportunities help our Eagles develop real-world skills in communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and technology as they prepare for their futures.
You told us that we needed to increase our MAP Scores. We trained our teachers in curriculum and instruction development and have aligned and implemented new curriculum in all content areas that align to the Missouri Learning Standards.
Here is what we are focused on improving:
Student Achievement: Strengthen reading and mathematics outcomes by using i-Ready results, MAP assessment data, classroom assessments, and teacher collaboration to identify learning gaps and adjust instruction.
Literacy Development: Continue Science of Reading and LETRS training, targeted reading interventions, and WIN time focused on essential reading and writing skills. Use Superkids, Wonders, and student performance data to guide instruction and support struggling readers.
Curriculum Alignment: Continue refining and aligning our K–8 curriculum with Missouri Learning Standards, ensuring consistent expectations, strong transitions between grade levels, and meaningful learning opportunities across core and special-area courses.
Student Support and Behavior: Strengthen proactive behavior supports through BIST strategies, the Behavior Risk Assessment Team (BRAT), and collaboration with families. Continue monitoring behavior trends and connecting families with additional resources when needed.
Attendance and Family Partnerships: Monitor attendance, communicate with families, and work together to identify and address barriers that may affect student engagement and learning.
Student Opportunities and Readiness: Continue developing hands-on learning, career exploration, technology, and extracurricular opportunities that help students build academic, social, and real-world skills.
How We Will Measure Progress: Review assessment results, attendance, behavior trends, and classroom evidence throughout the school year to evaluate progress, identify areas needing attention, and make informed decisions.
When Families Will Hear About Progress: Share updates through school newsletters, district communications, parent-teacher conferences, and board reports, highlighting improvements, ongoing challenges, and next steps.
Our commitment is not simply to earn a letter grade. It is to use meaningful data, feedback, and collaboration to continuously improve the educational experience and outcomes for every Strasburg C-3 student.
But no state rating can replace what you know as a parent about your child.
You know their teachers, their classroom, and the progress they are making. Our responsibility is to work alongside you to help your child meet their educational goals and achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether it’s an A–F grade or another measure from Jefferson City, that mission does not change and neither does our commitment to the local systems, relationships and priorities we have built to meet the needs of our students and families.
Public schools serve every student who walks through our doors, including children with very different needs, circumstances and starting points. That responsibility is fundamental to who we are, and it is one reason a single letter can never tell the whole story of a school or the educators who choose to serve there.
Thank you for your partnership. Our teachers and staff work every day to help each student grow, and we will keep you informed along the way.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chrystal Mayfield
Superintendent
Strasburg C-3 School District