Our Climate and Culture Survey results show strong participation with 339 parent responses, 120 staff responses, and over 500 student responses to guide our continuous improvement plan. We're sharing key strengths and opportunities for growth based on this valuable feedback.

• 85% of students agree teachers and adults treat them with respect
• Students' sense of belonging remains consistent across transitional grades (3rd, 6th, 9th)
• Only 38% of students feel their peers get along with one another
• Student-to-student relationships improve with age (23% positive at Telegraph, 55% at high school)
• 49% of students believe their peers respect teachers, while staff perception is higher at 58%
• Morning meetings at Telegraph Elementary are successfully building community through daily gatherings
• We'll focus on expanding opportunities for student connections and reinforcing our "Be a Better Bystander" program

We're very proud of our strengths and committed to addressing areas for growth. Your feedback plays a huge role in helping us get better, so thank you to everyone who participated in the surveys.

Discover how the Jefferson R-7 School District is setting new standards in education with Superintendent Dr. David Haug at the helm. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into their impressive nine-point APR score jump to 92.4% and learn how collaboration and strategic planning are driving this success. David shares the district's unwavering commitment to nurturing crucial traits like hard work, perseverance, problem-solving, and empathy among students and staff. You'll also hear about the district's strategic involvement with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and how it's paving the way for future residential and commercial growth.

In this episode, we delve into how Jefferson R-7 is navigating economic challenges like the Ameren closure with the expertise of its Board of Education. Dr. Haug elaborates on the district's approach to fostering success beyond just winning, focusing on the mindset and actions that lead to sustained achievements. Our conversation also highlights the importance of the CSIP process as a medium for community involvement, further solidifying the district's dedication to transparency and continuous improvement. Tune in to explore how a blend of community engagement and strategic foresight is creating a thriving environment for everyone at Jefferson R-7.

Ready to experience the most thrilling Homecoming Week ever? Brace yourselves as Baylor Pemberton, Mallory Wilkey, Mitchell Obermeyer, and Nolan Naucke walk you through an entire week packed with excitement, spirit, and memorable moments. We kick off with interactive games at the younger buildings and move on to transforming our hallways into a Broadway spectacle. From the high-energy bonfire to the themed spirit days like Dress as Your Favorite Musical and Greasers vs. Beachers, every single day is designed to bring our community together in the most fun and engaging ways.

But that's just the beginning! Join us as we paint the town blue on Blue Jay Day with a pep rally, carnival, and the much-anticipated homecoming parade down Blue Jay Way. Don't miss the big game against Perryville where we'll crown our king and queen before wrapping up the week with a spectacular dance on Saturday night. Grab your calendar and mark these dates because you won't want to miss a single moment of this unforgettable Homecoming Week. Buckle up for a week filled with laughter, camaraderie, and pure school spirit!

Curious to learn how one person's dedication can preserve a community's rich history? Join us as Superintendent Dr. David Haug introduces the R-7 Advocate Recognition, a new initiative celebrating those who go above and beyond for the Jefferson R-7 School District. Our first honoree, Barb Jackson, has an inspiring story that showcases her relentless passion for our community. From her early days as a devoted bus driver to her meticulous efforts in organizing historical documents, Barb's contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. You'll discover how her work has led to identifying the 2024-25 school year as the district's 75th Jubilee, commemorating the 1949 reorganization of local schools into Jefferson R-7.

But that's not all—this episode also brings to life the experiences of one of our cherished bus drivers. With fond memories of navigating challenging routes and implementing essential safety measures, this bus driver's 24-year journey exemplifies dedication and love for the Jefferson R-7 community. Listen in as we share stories filled with gratitude, admiration, and a deep-seated passion for preserving the local history that makes our district exceptional. Don't miss this heartfelt episode that honors those who make a lasting impact on Jefferson R-7.

What if your child’s stress could lead to life-altering decisions? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. David Haug, Superintendent of Jefferson R-7 School District, as he sheds light on the pressing challenges our schools face today. In this episode, Dr. Haug discusses the recent threats affecting our communities and the critical importance of communication between parents and children. You’ll gain valuable insights into how to talk to your kids about the seriousness of these situations and the significant consequences of poor decisions.

Dr. Haug also shares his experiences in dealing with stressful environments and emphasizes the vital role of school resources in maintaining a safe and supportive atmosphere. Hear about the positive start to the school year despite external pressures and learn how parental guidance can play a pivotal role in preventing mistakes driven by stress. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone invested in the well-being of our students and communities.

Join us as Dr. Haug candidly shares his experiences and the difficult choices he had to make in ensuring the safety and well-being of his students. He takes us through the steps his team took, from involving counselors to the School Resource Officer, and how they navigated the complex decision-making process of when to communicate these concerns to parents and the community. 

Dr. Haug also gives us a sobering look at the broader impact of social media on students' mental health, revealing how pervasive and distressing online messages can exacerbate their anxieties. He doesn’t shy away from expressing his frustration with the negative influence of certain online platforms and passionately advocates for increased parental involvement in managing their children's digital lives. Hear Dr. Haug's heartfelt commitment to protecting his community and his personal approach to safeguarding his own family from these digital dangers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about school safety and the well-being of our youth in today's digital landscape.

Revisit the vibrant journeys of Jefferson R-7's Class of 2014 with Superintendent David Haug, as he reconnects with Claire Johnston, Cole Lankford, and Jacob Hill to explore their remarkable post-graduation lives. Claire reveals her shift from an agriculture degree to becoming a dedicated middle school English teacher in Illinois, while Cole recounts his evolution from an athletic scholarship to discovering his true passion in teaching and coaching in New Jersey. Jacob shares his unique blend of IT and horticulture expertise, now applied in his project management role at Bayer, all while balancing family life with corporate responsibilities. Their stories illuminate how their high school experiences shaped both their professional and personal paths.

Travel back to the formative days at Jefferson High School, where the class of 2014 navigated the challenges and joys of a newly established institution. Relive the 2013 transitional period with insights from David Haug and the vital role played by Mr. Rourke in a smooth handover. Feel the excitement as Cole Lankford discusses his initial reservations about the new school, which evolved into a unique opportunity to build new traditions. From the collaborative rollout of Chromebooks to the cultural contributions of their class, this episode emphasizes the importance of mentorship and peer connections during these pivotal years.

Discover the immense benefits of early college courses and how programs like A-plus and dual enrollment paved the way for confident transitions to higher education. Hear personal anecdotes about the autonomy, leadership, and time management skills developed through hands-on projects and competitive sports. From creative video projects to unforgettable athletic successes, the class of 2014 shares memorable moments and the lasting camaraderie that defined their high school years. Join us in acknowledging the profound impact of these formative experiences and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the enduring bonds forged during their time at Jefferson High School.

Ever wondered how a school district can revolutionize its communication with parents and the community? Join us as we uncover the Jefferson R-7 School District's groundbreaking efforts to enhance accessibility and transparency. Hear from Superintendent David Haug, who unveils the district's new streamlined one-page communication tool, a game-changer following last year's traffic flow improvements. Principal Rouggly shares his expert strategies on maintaining consistent and timely communication, which has impressively driven a 95% registration turnout. Plus, Athletic Director Tara Fish introduces her plans to leverage the ThrillShare app, keeping everyone in the loop about school events and activities with real-time updates.

Celebrate the exceptional leadership and communication prowess of Mr. Rouggly and Mrs. Fish in their new roles. Discover how their ongoing contributions have fortified the school's connection with the community. Understand the importance of including non-staff members in meetings for a more holistic perspective on school matters. Stevie’s initiative to centralize information through a user-friendly one-page design also comes under the spotlight. As we look toward the upcoming school year, we extend our gratitude for the team's unwavering dedication to improving communication, making it more effective and accessible for families and patrons. Tune in for this enlightening discussion that promises valuable insights and practical takeaways!

Ever wondered how a well-rounded high school experience can set the stage for an ambitious military career? Join me, David Haug, as I chat with Catryn Cattoor, a 2021 Jefferson R-7 graduate, who recently embarked on a life-changing journey to Italy through her Air Force officer development training. Catryn shares her firsthand experience working with NATO, the balance of academic rigor at Washington University in St. Louis, and the invaluable lessons in time management and teamwork she gained from high school. Tune in for her insightful advice on navigating the ROTC program and the importance of language learning.

Discover the unique opportunities provided by the Air Force ROTC program, where traditional college life intertwines with military training. In our discussion, we delve into the diverse career paths available within the program, from piloting to financial management. Learn about the commitment required, including leadership labs and physical training, and how scholarships like "You Can Fly" can help cadets explore their interest in aviation. Get a detailed look at the support offered by ROTC cadre, ensuring that cadets are guided towards fulfilling and exciting career opportunities.

Finally, we celebrate the exceptional talent within our community by highlighting the remarkable achievements of our high school athletes. This heartfelt segment is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our student-athletes, and an expression of gratitude for their contributions to our community. Don't miss this engaging episode filled with practical tips, inspiring stories, and a deep appreciation for our students' talents.