Submitted by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer

Sikeston, Missouri - "Back to school" can be an expensive time for family's, especially for those with multiple children. To help relieve some of the financial pressures that area family's face this time of year, a group of area leaders have developed HopeFest. HopeFest will take place on August 17 at the YMCA in Sikeston, Missouri from 5pm-9pm.

At HopeFest, family's can come and receive free backpacks and free school supplies. It will be setup like a shopping area to allow students to pick out the supplies they need. Free haircuts, vision & dental screenings, food, and music will also be provided. In addition, any teacher can get a free back massage from one of the professionals on hand.

"The group of people who organized HopeFest are very passionate educators and parents. There is great need within this region and we wanted to do our part. We want to serve the families and honor our educators," says Brad Aycock, one of the organizers. "There are no requirements, no forms, no registrations. If your kids (k-12) need these items and services, come out and join us.

Everything is free. For teachers and students from Sikeston, TCA, St. Francis, Risco, Charleston, Oran, Richland, Dexter, Bloomfield, East Prairie, Malden, Gideon, Bernie, Hayti, Kennett, Portageville, Scott Central, Kelly, Scott City, Cape, or anywhere else - this for you and we want to help you," says Aycock.

The backpacks and supplies will be distributed to the first 1000 to arrive. The first 600 students will receive a free limited edition HopeFest tshirt. For more information, text or call Brad Aycock at 573.421.1824. The YMCA is located at 511 Taylor Street in Sikeston, Missouri.

Submitted by

Beth Farrar, SMT Writer

Essex, Missouri - From the Principals Desk, by Mrs. Cindy Rhodes (Richland High School and Junior High Principal)

Welcome back! It is hard to believe but it is time for school to start once again. We have so many new things happening this year: 6+1 Writing Initiative, BYOD, Archery curriculum and Archery Team, Hunter Safety, Chrome Books, guest access to wifi, a brand new security system, AP History, AP English IV, ALICE Training for students. This is just the beginning of the many things we are bringing to Richland to give our students the edge over others they need to be competitive and successful in the future.

Because of all the many changes, we will be hosting an orientation night on Tuesday, August 12^th to share information with parents and the community members. Orientation will be held in the cafeteria. We will have two different groups divided by grade levels. The 7^th grade class and parents recently had their very own personal orientation and open house on August 8^th. Open house will take place tonight (Tuesday, August 12^th), at 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Come join us for free food and a chance to meet the staff!

Richland received two grants recently. Elementary received a grant for a new playground and High School Agriculture received an enhancement grant for new equipment and tools, including a brand new tractor!

Our maintenance crew has worked extrememly hard to get the building ready for the staff and students. Please visit us on Tuesday, August 12^th for Open House and Orientation to hear more about the exciting changes happening here at Richland High School and Junior High.

Aside from the new programs we are now offering, we also have a lot of new faces in the high school building this year! Richland is proud to welcome the following new teachers, we can’t wait for you to meet them!

Beverly Hampton – High School Counselor

Ginny Hunter – High School Secretary

Adam Touchette – Technology Director

Stefanie Dennison – High School Math

Hannah Gregory – Junior High Math and High School Science

Kyle Carter – Business and Computers

Amanda King – ISS

Stephanie Raymer – Special Education Assistant

Candy Harper – Cook

Here are some important dates (for all students)

August 30^th – Picture Day (Does not include senior composites)

September 10^th – Miss RHS

10^th Grade – September 6^th: Jostens Class Ring Information, September 12^th: Jostens Class Ring Order

12^th Grade – September 6^th: Jostens Graduation Information, September 12^th: Jostens Graduation Order

The ShowMe Times would like to encourage all of our readers to support our local school system. The education and growth of young people in our community is important to everyone's future.

We would like everyone to join us as we encourage these young students in their pursuits. 

So lets get involved by supporting the events at our schools.

If you would like to submit information and a picture of a student and his/her accomplishments, send it to news@showmetimes.com.  We would love to hear from you.