Montgomery County R-II

Montgomery County R-II Wildcat Award, Mrs. Marina Hullings March 2025 Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. Marina is a paraprofessional at MCE. Marina goes above and beyond her job description each day. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who is needing it at school whether it be a student or a teacher. Marina has such a calm presence and is a "safe" space for many students at MCE. Her calm demeanor, selfless, and caring attitude makes her an asset to everyone at MCE. Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. Marina Hullings with the Wildcat Award.

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Montgomery County R-II Wildcat Award, Mrs. Lori Farrar March 2025 Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. I am honored to nominate Mrs. Lori Farrar, our outstanding sixth-grade Science teacher, for the Wildcat Award. Mrs. Farrar exemplifies excellence in education and embodies the heart and spirit of our school community. Mrs. Farrar’s passion for teaching is evident in the creative and engaging ways she helps students grasp Earth science concepts. She constantly seeks out new and exciting methods to make learning fun, fostering both curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Her lessons inspire students to explore, ask questions, and develop a love for science. Beyond her remarkable teaching skills, Mrs. Farrar’s personal qualities make her a true gem in our school. She is gracious, patient, and always organized, creating a classroom environment that is both nurturing and structured. Her generosity extends beyond her students; she is a team player who is consistently among the first to step up and offer help, whether it’s for a school event, a colleague in need, or a challenging situation. Mrs. Farrar is more than a teacher—she is a blessing to our building, our students, and our staff. Her dedication, kindness, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable asset to our school. Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. Lori Farrar with the Wildcat Award.

MCR2 Summer School will be May 28-June 24, 2025. Look for information from your child's school about how to register for summer school. New this year, for K-5 (based on 2025-2026 grade level) we are partnering with Catapult Learning to offer Summer Journey! Join us for a fun summer together with our FREE Summer Journey program. Register today by returning the enrollment form to save your family’s spot!

This is just a reminder that the MCR-II School District will be in session on Monday, April 14. However, the district will not be in session on Friday, April 18, due to Easter Break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 22.

Montgomery County R-II Teachers of the Year As a district, we are fortunate to have so many amazing teachers. We truly have great teachers who are willing to go above and beyond their required duties to support our students. It is difficult to choose the recipients of awards like this one because we have so many great nominees. Each winter the district accepts nominations from staff members, parents/guardians, and students for Teacher of the Year. We recognize one from each building, and from those four a district Teacher of the Year is selected and submitted to be considered for the state Teacher of the Year. For the 2024-2025 school year Mrs. Keri Rhodes, Mrs. Tara Polston, Mrs. Madelyn Woods, and Mrs. Julie Ellis, have been selected to represent their respective buildings as Teacher of the Year. From those four deserving individuals, Julie Ellis was selected as the MCR2 Teacher of the Year. All four teachers show our students kindness, go the extra mile for our students, and are experts in their craft. They work hard daily to empower their students and colleagues. As a district, we are so honored that these ladies choose to be Wildcats! Keri Rhodes, Special Education, Jonesburg Elementary Mrs. Keri Rhodes is an outstanding teacher who goes above and beyond for her students. Her dedication, creativity, and empathy create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. She has made a remarkable impact on her students, including helping one progress from limited communication to using two-word phrases. Her innovative teaching methods, passion for student success, and deep knowledge make her a truly deserving candidate for Teacher of the Year. Tara Polston, Library Media Specialist, Montgomery City Elementary Mrs. Tara Polston, librarian at Montgomery City Elementary, was nominated for Teacher of the Year due to her dedication, passion, and commitment to student success. She creates an engaging and inclusive library environment, offering innovative resources like Legos and hands-on activities to foster critical thinking. Mrs. Polston also provides targeted reading interventions, supports students' social-emotional well-being, and plays a key leadership role in the school community. She strengthens parent and community involvement through events like Grands Day and book fairs, and collaborates with staff to ensure the school functions smoothly. Her contributions as a team player, along with her involvement in professional development, make her an outstanding candidate for this honor. Madelyn Woods, Special Education, Montgomery County Middle School Mrs. Madelyn Woods is a highly deserving candidate for this award due to her exceptional dedication and care for her students. For the past three years, she has gone above and beyond to support the education and emotional well-being of her students. Madelyn not only ensures that her students have the necessary tools and accommodations to succeed but also fosters their confidence and growth. She has been a constant support and advocate for her students, always available to offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. Her compassionate and caring approach makes a lasting impact on all her students, and her communication with parents further demonstrates her commitment. Madelyn's influence extends far beyond the classroom, making her an unforgettable teacher who is truly deserving of this recognition. Julie Ellis, Language Arts, Montgomery County High School Mrs. Julie Ellis is an exceptional teacher dedicated to providing high-quality learning experiences and mentoring students at Montgomery County High School. She consistently plans thoughtful and detailed lessons that encourage students to do their best and prepares them for life after high school. Beyond academics, she helps students with college preparation, including providing scholarship opportunities, writing recommendation letters, and offering ACT prep. Julie is also a leader in her department and our school, willing to share her knowledge and resources with others. She goes above and beyond to support students and staff, organizing events and celebrating others’ achievements. Her passion, dedication, and willingness to help make her a valuable asset to our school and community.

Phone systems at both MCMS and MCHS are operational again.

Incoming phone calls to MCMS and MCHS are down currently. Also, those two buildings are without the internet. When those systems are up, another message will be sent out.

We have the best paraprofessionals!

Montgomery County R-2 is fortunate to have many great staff members and many wonderful community members who support our kids. The district recognizes staff members, as well as our community supporters each month with Wildcat Awards. The community members receive the P.A.W.S. award, P.A.W.S. stands for Perpetually a Wildcat Supporter. We are honored to recognize the Montgomery City Kiwanis Club for the Wildcat P.A.W.S Award in acknowledgment of their continued support of our school district. The Kiwanis Club supports our students and staff in multiple ways. The group frequently hosts student organizations and teams to hear about their work and achievements. Not only do they often support these groups financially, they are genuinely interested in and impressed by the hard work and dedication of our students and staff. The Kiwanis mini grant program began 17 years ago, and is supported financially by many other civic groups in the county. The program recognizes the innovation and extra efforts of our teachers by providing additional materials, memberships, and resources that directly benefit students in our community. We continue to take nominations for the Wildcat and P.A.W.S. Award by completing the linked form, or you can email me (jschluss@mc-wildcats.org) your nominations. Congratulations Kiwanis members, and thank you for your continued dedication to our students, district and community!

Lady Wildcats Basketball is hosting a Youth Spring Skills Academy

Enjoy some BBQ and baked good, and support our kids!

Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. Amanda makes things happen. She excites and invigorates her students. They love coming to her class, and love the fun and creative projects she has going on. The amount of time and effort she puts into the FFA and the members can't be calculated. She's making an impact on students that will last them the rest of their lives. Mrs. Sullivan is great at supporting and encouraging her students while also expecting independence. She builds strong relationships with her students while making the connection between what they are learning with life after high school. Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. Amanda Sullivan with the Wildcat Award.

Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. I am thrilled to nominate Mrs. Kathy Reagan, custodian at Montgomery County Middle School, for the Wildcat Award. Mrs. Reagan is an irreplaceable member of our school community whose dedication and pride in her work elevate our building and brighten the lives of everyone in it. Kathy works tirelessly to keep our school spotless and our systems running smoothly. Her relentless attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensure that our building is always a clean, welcoming, and functional environment for students, staff, and visitors. Kathy approaches every task with care, always going above and beyond to maintain the high standards she sets for herself and her department. Beyond her hard work, Kathy is a friendly face and trusted adult for our students. For some of our toughest kids, she is a source of stability and connection. Her approachable demeanor and genuine care make her a go-to for students who need a listening ear or a helping hand. Kathy’s organizational skills and leadership keep her department running like clockwork. She ensures that tasks are manageable and efficiently completed, making life easier for everyone in the building. Every morning, Kathy opens doors and turns on lights for teachers, ensuring that no one has to start their day in an empty, dark classroom—a small act of kindness that speaks volumes about her thoughtfulness and dedication to the school community. Kathy Reagan is more than a custodian—she is a cornerstone of Montgomery County Middle School. Her pride in her work, connection with students, and care for her colleagues make her truly deserving of the Wildcat Award. Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Mrs. Kathy Reagan with the Wildcat Award.

We would love to meet our future Wildcats! If your child will be 5 years old on or before July 31, 2025, please call to schedule their screening.

We are still looking for our future Wildcats! If you have not already, please notify an elementary office if you have a child under 5 years old. There's still time to schedule preschool screening, please note the MCE date has changed!

We know AMI days can be a challenge for families, we appreciate your effort to support our students!

Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. Ginia has a knack for teaching kids. There is not a day that I don't hear about how well she knows her students and their likes and dislikes. She is supportive and accepting of all students and finds ways to include the students who may not have an interest in art at first. She is never negative or judging towards students or staff. Students feel comfortable in her classroom and it shows! Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Ms. Ginia Gowin with the Wildcat Award.

Today, we are celebrating individuals who truly embody our district’s 2024-2025 focus: “Educate, Encourage, Empower.” These remarkable staff members go beyond their roles, inspiring both students and colleagues every day. Empowerment starts with believing in our students’ potential. Our recipients create environments where every child feels valued and encouraged to take risks, nurturing their self-confidence and fostering independence. Miss Brittany shows up every day with a positive attitude ready to go. She does her best to help support the classroom and the students at all times. She has a quiet respectful manner that is calming and supportive for the students. We love her willing attitude to work hard and guide the students to always do and be their best. Thank you for all your hard work. She is always very enthusiastic about helping our preschoolers. She goes out of her way to ensure every child will be successful. Brittany deserves this award because she is helping to enrich the students' outlook of not only school life but also by encouraging them to be good people in their community. Brittany is a fantastic person in the preschool room! She is always so helpful and kind to all of the students. My son is in preschool and he always talks about how nice and helpful Miss Brittany is! I know with a class full of 5 year olds- things can get crazy, but she always seems so calm about everything. Ms. Brittany is such an amazing para for the AM preschoolers. I have NEVER not seen a smile on her face. She helps in every way possible. She makes sure our kids are happy, safe, and learning! Our district’s mission is to create lifelong learners and productive citizens. The Wildcat Award winners support our mission by building meaningful connections, creating a supportive learning environment, and through their commitment to professional growth. Their dedication fosters a love for learning and makes our schools welcoming spaces. Today we are honoring Ms. Brittany Gilbert with the Wildcat Award.

Montgomery County R-2 is fortunate to have many great staff members and many wonderful community members who support our kids. The district recognizes staff members, as well as our community supporters each month with Wildcat Awards. The community members receive the P.A.W.S. award, P.A.W.S. stands for Perpetually a Wildcat Supporter. We are honored to recognize Pat and Janet Stumbaugh for their unwavering support of MCR2. As proud MCR2 alumni, they exemplify the spirit of our district and they bleed blue and white. As lifelong supporters of academics, they have consistently championed the importance of education and celebrated the achievements of our students. If they aren’t traveling or at an event for their grandchildren, you’ll find them in the front row at ball games cheering enthusiastically for our Wildcats and creating an atmosphere of encouragement and pride. Their unwavering dedication to our schools and community serves as an inspiration to all. They’ve supported everything from Khoury League to NRG and so much more. Their enduring connection to MCR2 truly embodies the heart of our district. Thank you both, for your passionate support and commitment to our Wildcats! We continue to take nominations for the Wildcat and P.A.W.S. Award by completing the linked form, or you can email me (jschluss@mc-wildcats.org) your nominations. Congratulations Pat and Janet, and thank you for your continued dedication to our students, district and community!