Richards Rockets

Ray Murphy Becomes MSBA President-Elect Mr. Ray Murphy, Richards School Board Vice-President, continues to demonstrate his dedication to the education of all students here at Richards & throughout the state. We are so honored to announce his election as MSBA President. The Missouri School Boards’ Association is a not-for-profit organization that exists to help school boards ensure all students succeed. Ray Murphy of the Richards R-V School District was elected president-ele...ct of the Missouri School Boards’ Association at a meeting of the MSBA Delegate Assembly on June 18. Mr. Murphy has served as MSBA vice president during the past year. The election was held in conjunction with the MSBA’s Igniting Great Ideas Summit held June 18-19 in Springfield, Missouri. Congratulations!

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that the flag of the ...United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white, and that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation. Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. As you celebrate the anniversary of the Stars and Stripes, here are ten facts about Old Glory. 1. Bernard Cigrand, a small-town Wisconsin teacher, originated the idea for an annual flag day, to be celebrated across the country every June 14, in 1885. That year, he led his school in the first formal observance of the holiday. Cigrand, who later changed careers and practiced dentistry in Illinois, continued to promote his concept and advocate respect for the flag throughout his life. 2. It is widely believed that Betsy Ross, who assisted the Revolutionary War effort by repairing uniforms and sewing tents, made and helped design the first American flag. However, there is no historical evidence that she contributed to Old Glory’s creation. It was not until her grandson William Canby held an 1870 press conference to recount the story that the American public learned of her possible role. 3. The lyrics of The Star-Spangled Banner, America’s national anthem since 1931, are taken from a patriotic poem written by Francis Scott Key after he witnessed the Battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. His words were set to the tune of To Anacreon in Heaven, a popular British drinking song. 4. In the 1950s, when it seemed certain that Alaska would be admitted to the Union, designers began retooling the American flag to add a 49th star to the existing 48. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old Ohio student named Bob Heft borrowed his mother’s sewing machine, disassembled his family’s 48-star flag and stitched on 50 stars in a proportional pattern. He handed in his creation to his history teacher for a class project, explaining that he expected Hawaii would soon achieve statehood as well. Heft also sent the flag to his congressman, Walter Moeller, who presented it to President Eisenhower after both new states joined the Union. Eisenhower selected Heft’s design, and on July 4, 1960, the president and the high school student stood together as the 50-star flag was raised for the first time. Heft’s teacher promptly changed his grade from a B- to an A. 5. Unlike setting an intact flag on fire, flying one upside-down is not always intended as an act of protest. According to the Flag Code, it can also be an official distress signal. 6. The Flag Code stipulates that the Stars and Stripes should not be used as apparel, bedding or drapery. 7. The practice of draping coffins in the American flag is not reserved for military veterans and government officials. On the contrary, any burial may incorporate this tradition. 8. Etiquette calls for American flags to be illuminated by sunlight or another light source while on display. 9. During the Vietnam War era, some demonstrators burned American flags as an act of protest. The Flag Protection Act of 1968 was enacted in response, making it illegal to burn or otherwise deface the Stars and Stripes. In two landmark decisions 20 years later, the Supreme Court ruled that the government couldn’t curb individuals’ First Amendment rights by prohibiting desecration of the U.S. flag. Respectful burning of damaged flags according to established protocol has always been acceptable. 10. When flags are taken down from their poles, care must be taken to keep them from touching the ground. In fact, the American flag should always be kept aloft, meaning that rugs and carpets featuring the Stars and Stripes are barred by the Flag Code.

We will have to wait for final rankings for our rocketry teams until all regional competitions have been completed, sometime after June 19!

Richards Rocket teams make the news!

Boys Basketball

Valentine flowers will be on sale the day we return to school. They will be delivered during the Valentine parties. $1.00 Each

Valentine parties will be held on the first day we return to school. We hope that day will be Tuesday, February 16. Parties will be held at 2:30 PM.

Richards volleyball ball games vs. Glenwood scheduled for tomorrow, February 11 are cancelled. They will be rescheduled. We will post when the new date has been determined.

School will be closed again tomorrow, Thursday, February 11 due to continuing weather conditions. We hope to see everyone back at school Tuesday, February 16. Reminder: School is closed Friday, February 12 for scheduled Teacher In-Service and Monday, February 15 for Presidents Day.

Due to the strong chance of ice at drive time and throughout the day we will not have school today at Richards School February 10th. Stay warm and stay safe.

Youth Basketball Games for Richards vs. Glenwood scheduled for this evening are cancelled due to weather conditions. There are no plans to reschedule.