Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO

Why I Serve Diane Woodring Nutrition Services Specialist Kickapoo High School... 16 Years Serving "I love my kids, and I love my job. My job is to feed the kids, of course, but it's so important for me to share my heart with my kids. I’ve gotten notes from students before who told me that when I would listen to them, when I noticed them or gave just a minute of joy, it made a difference. I have a note on my locker that says I cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone that makes a ripple and makes a change. So, I can cast a smile. When I was here as a student, our homecoming theme was we’ve only just begun. These kids have a huge future ahead of them. I’m glad I get to help share some love and joy with them while they’re here."

If you know an outstanding SPS teacher, nominate them at the link below.

May your Mondays be merry and bright.

Day after day, brick by brick, Springfield Public Schools is Building Up our community. Teachers, custodians, school police and support staff work together every day to serve our 25,000 students and their families. They’re movers, innovators and leaders, Building Up learners and their classrooms. Our team is laying a foundation for academic success, and they’re constructing solutions to hard problems. At SPS, we’re Builders. These #TeamSPS members show how #SPSBuilds.

"The nearly $14 million project funded by a $168 million bond issue approved by voters in April 2019 overhauled the existing building, added a safe room gymnasium, addressed accessibility and security challenges and built enough new space to serve 350 students." Via the Springfield News-Leader. #SaferStrongerSchools #SPSProgress

When complete in August 2022, the building will serve up to 725 students grades 6-8 in a 130,000-square-foot building. #SPSProgress

Nearly $14 million was invested to modernize Springfield’s oldest elementary school.

Track bus delays. www.sps.org/busdelays

"We all play an important part in making sure our house is safe." - Firefighter Tanner from Springfield, MO Fire Department Each year, firefighters teach hundreds of lessons to SPS students during #FirePreventionMonth. This year, they created seven age-appropriate fire safety virtual lessons to make sure students still received life-saving information, including this lesson developed for first-graders. MORE: http://ow.ly/USUj50C2VgP

SPS is serving more early childhood students than ever before. Find out how during the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools Lunch & Learn

On days like today, we love cozy classrooms. This one is Jayme Carabello's, a teacher in the SPS Academy of Fine & Performing Arts. Her space for 25 fifth-graders is located on the second floor of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts for Springfield Little Theatre -- formerly the McDaniel School.

Brush your teeth -- that's what Captain Super Grin says! Virtual Assemblies Support Healthy Dental Habits at 4 SPS Elementary Schools (including Weaver Elementary). LEARN MORE: http://sps.org/latest

Hosted by sidekick superheroes Toothpick and Tooth Fairy and led by Captain Super Grin, Weaver Elementary learn how to brush their teeth twice a day, floss, eat healthy food and defeat Caz Cavity.

Faces of SPS Liza Gray Teacher, Academy of Fine & Performing Arts... 21 years ago, I entered the teaching profession with the goal of connecting the art community with local schools. At the Academy of Fine & Performing Arts, I am finally realizing that dream. With my teammate Jayme Carabello, we have created 7 Creative Process Units that allow us to connect our students with arts professionals at the Springfield Art Museum, The Springfield Regional Arts Council, our local government city planning professionals, local architects and a host of celebrated artists that chose to make Springfield their home. I’m amazed by our students, our space and the fun we have together.

On Tuesday night, a mobile food pantry provided Westport K-8 students and their families with food and resources. The drive-thru pantry was one of the many ways James River Church and other community partners are supporting SPS students and their families during a difficult school year. #supportSPS

Denelle Hoff is the school community liaison at WilliamsElementary. She likes to think of her job as the ABCs, focusing on attendance, behavior and community. #SPSBuilds

Watch the Board of Education LIVE at 5:30 p.m. https://youtu.be/GT8Vcrhltxw

If you could create a state, what would it be? Delaware Elementary School fourth-graders researched, designed and illustrated their dream for an American state. It's part of their unit on government. #EveryLearnerEveryDay