In the coming days or weeks, you may see something coming out in regards to letter grades for all public schools in Missouri. We want you to hear this from us, along with what it means.
About the Rating
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is developing its first pilot A-F grades for public schools, created under an executive order Governor Mike Kehoe signed in January.
Chillicothe R-II received a B (84.38% of total points)
Chillicothe High School received a B (89.88% of total points)
Chillicothe Middle School received a C (78.11% of total points)
Chillicothe Elementary School received a B (83.19% of total points)
This grade is a pilot, meaning it is not final. It is the first year of a brand-new state system, based on test results from the 2024-25 school year, and the state is still finalizing how grades are calculated. We fully expect the framework to change over time, and as it does, our grade may change too. It is one measure among many. We have shared concerns with the state about how quickly this system was developed, and we will continue to do so.
We Are Accountable to You First
You've told us what matters most to you in our schools, through surveys, conversations, board meetings, and we've acted on it:
You told us you wanted our students to develop workplace readiness skills. We started creating real world opportunities for students to develop these skills through client connected projects, internships, and job-shadowing.
You told us you wanted safe schools for our students, staff, and guests. We coupled with the City of Chillicothe to provide a team of School Resources Officers who are keeping buildings safe, are conducting drills and training, are working on anti-bullying campaigns, and continue to support the DARE program.
You also deserve a full, current picture of how our students are doing. Here are a few things we're proud of:
96.85% (2025) of Chillicothe High School students graduated in four years, compared to 91.44% across the State of Missouri.
13 of 14 subject areas/grades tested by state Map and End of Course Exam exceeded the state average for the past two school years.
Chillicothe R-II students attended school at a rate of 92.7% (2025) compared to the state average of 78.5%.
100% of Chillicothe R-II graduates who are enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs are placed in their respective fields compared to Missouri's rate of 94.5%
And here is where we're focused on improving:
Our district math educators are aligning curriculum and refining classroom instruction to drive student growth and achievement in mathematics.
We are implementing a district-wide focus on Real World Learning, ensuring our students do more than just master state standards for a test. Students gain the practical skills needed to apply that knowledge in everyday life.
Improving community literacy is a top priority. Supported by a $50,000 Comprehensive State Literacy Grant, our K-8 teachers are refining instruction to build stronger readers and writers.
You can find more information about our district's progress and priorities at www.chillicotheschools.org. Select District Leadership and Plans and then select Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.
But no state rating can replace what you know as a parent about your child.
You know their teachers, their classroom, and the progress they are making. Our responsibility is to work alongside you to help your child meet their educational goals and achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether it's an A-F grade or another measure from Jefferson City, that mission does not change and neither does our commitment to the local systems, relationships and priorities we have built to meet the needs of our students and families.
Public schools serve every student who walks through our doors, including children with very different needs, circumstances and starting points. That responsibility is fundamental to who we are, and it is one reason a single letter can never tell the whole story of a school or the educators who choose to serve there.
Thank you for your partnership. Our teachers and staff work every day to help each student grow, and we will keep you informed along the way.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dan Wiebers
Superintendent
Chillicothe R-II School District
Hornet Nation - let’s show some love to our CHS Boys Soccer teams!🖤
Wishing our Boys Varsity and JV a strong match and a safe trip as they hit the road today to take on Kirksville. Play hard, play smart, and bring home the win!
Go, Hornets!
Substitutes play a huge role in keeping learning moving forward and supporting our classrooms every day. If you’re looking for meaningful, flexible work that makes a real difference for kids, we’d love to have you join our team.
Why sub for us?
$127.20 per day
Flexible hours (work when it fits your schedule)
Flexible location (opportunities across the district)
By stepping in as a substitute, you help us stay focused on what matters most: Student Success & Learning, strong support for our staff, and Building a Brighter Future for our children and our community.
Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? Send us a message or contact the district office to get started. Please share this post to help us spread the word!
Several groups -and one retiree - were recognized last night at our regular Chillicothe R-II October Board of Education Meeting.
We were proud to recognize our Special Olympics athletes who recently represented Chillicothe in Track & Field Day in Carrollton. Your effort, teamwork, and determination make our district and community proud!
We also thanked our hardworking school nurses and counselors for the care, support, and guidance you provide our students every day. You make a difference in more ways than we can count.
Finally, we recognized Richard Wilson, who has retired after 12 years of service as a bus driver. Thank you, Richard, for safely transporting our students and for the steady, caring presence you brought to our district.
To all who were recognized - thank you for your dedication and hard work. We appreciate you!
There will be early dismissal tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 22nd for Parent-Teacher Conferences, and no school on Friday, Oct. 23rd.
To view the early dismissal times for each school, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/2ws3u49p
Enjoy the long weekend, Hornet Family!
Rainbows over CES, and the High School this morning! What a beautiful reminder of our vision: Building a Brighter Future for Our Children and Our Community.
Proud of the work happening across our district every day to support student success, strengthen our culture and communication, engage our staff, and keep our schools safe and secure - rain or shine.
We’re proud to recognize our senior players:
Lake Englert
Brennen Fitzpatrick
Coy Jones
Landen Longo
Ryan Schuler
Uriah Hunt
Come out, pack the stands, and help us celebrate these student-athletes for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to CHS.
District play is here! Good luck to our CHS Varsity Volleyball team as they hit the road to Savannah tonight for their opening District match against Cameron.
We’re cheering you on from Chillicothe - play hard, play together, and represent Hornet Nation with pride!
Go, Hornets!
Races begin at 4:00 PM - we’re wishing all of our runners great times, strong finishes, and a fantastic meet.
Go Hornets!
CHS Hornet fans - let’s wish our CHS JV Football team the best of luck tonight as they are on the road to take on Moberly at Moberly High School.
Kickoff is at 6:30 PM - safe travels and play hard, Hornets!
Go, Hornets! 🏈🐝
Good luck to our CHS Varsity Softball Team as they head to Mexico to take on Centralia in the District Championship at 6:00 PM.
Let’s show our Hornets pride and cheer them on as they play for the title!
Go Hornets! 🐝🥎
🚌💛 It’s National School Bus Safety Week (October 19–23 ) and it’s a perfect reminder for all of us to slow down, stay alert, and help keep our students safe!
As you’re driving this week (and all year long), please remember:
🚦 Watch for stopped buses and be ready to stop - especially on rural roads and in neighborhoods
🐢 Slow down in school zones and near bus stops
↩️ Give buses extra space - they make frequent stops and wide turns, and visibility can be limited
📵 Stay distraction-free - a few seconds of attention can make a lifelong difference
Keeping students safe supports our district goals every day: Student Success & Learning, Strong Culture & Communication, and Safety & Security ✅
Thank you for helping us build a brighter future for our children and our community 🌟
Let’s make it a safe week - and a safe school year - for every student rider! 🐝🚌
Results (Class 3):
2nd Place – Parade
2nd Place – Field Show
3rd Place – Indoor Auxiliary
3rd Place – Indoor Drum Line
These results are a reflection of our students’ hard work, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. A big thank-you to our band instructors, James Cookinham and Hannah Mountz, for their leadership and dedication to our students.
And to our families and community - thank you for supporting our band program. Your encouragement truly helps our students shine!
CHS History Club and Art Club teamed up for a cross-curricular field trip to the Renaissance Festival on October 10, and our students had a great time learning outside the classroom!
We’re also really proud to share that 32 of our 34 students earned FREE admission through the Scholars Program thanks to their amazing GPAs. Way to go! You’ve worked hard, and it shows!
Trips like this connect right back to our CSIP goals by supporting:
Student Success & Learning through hands-on, real-world experiences
Strong Culture & Communication as we celebrate accomplishments and build school pride
Congrats to our students, and thank you to everyone who helped make the day happen!
Softball Class 3 District 4 Tournament
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 11:00 AM
CHS vs. Kirksville
Mexico High School
Come out and cheer on our team as they begin postseason play - let’s show them that Hornet support!
Let’s go, Hornets!
These two have brought energy, leadership, and Hornet pride to every game day, and we hope our community will come out and show them just how much they’re appreciated.
Join us tonight as they cheer on our Hornets at the home game vs. Moberly - let’s pack the stands and make it a night to remember!
It’s Senior Night at the CHS home football game! Tonight, as we take on Moberly, we’re excited to recognize our CHS Senior Band members and the energy they bring to Friday nights. We're talking about you - Mason Eckert, Danika Harkins, Kaetlin Jenkins, Makaila Kennedy, Ava Lance, Izabella Leverett, Carlee Regan, and Kierra Williams!
Kickoff is at 7:00 PM—come out, fill the stands, and help us celebrate these seniors. Let’s show them how much our community appreciates their dedication and school spirit.
Because it’s simple: it’s not a football game without the band.
See you tonight!
Tuesday, Oct. 20
5:00 PM
Administrative Offices
The meeting agenda is available here: https://tinyurl.com/4n894wyt
These meetings are an important way we stay connected and move our work forward—supporting our district goals of Strong Culture & Communication, Student Success & Learning, and ongoing Safety & Security through transparency, planning, and community partnership.
We hope to see you there!
Mrs. Wheeler and Mr. Constant’s U.S. History classes wrapped up their Roaring Twenties unit today with a “speakeasy” celebration… that was promptly busted up by Officer Hogan. Unfortunately for us, Officer Hogan does not accept bribes, and our carbonated contraband was officially confiscated! It was a fun, memorable way to reinforce learning and keep students engaged.
We also want to celebrate the incredible partnership between our students and community organizations. Xi Alpha Kappa (Chillicothe chapter) member Julie Barnes stopped by with muffins to thank our CHS Key Club students for volunteering to paint faces at Chautauqua. Julie shared how the face painting supports charity programs - and we’re proud to see our students using their time and talents to make a difference.
These moments reflect what we’re working toward every day in Chillicothe Schools:
Student Success & Learning through engaging, meaningful experiences
Strong Culture & Communication through positive connections and celebration
Staff Engagement that makes learning fun and impactful
Safety & Security thanks to supportive community partners like Officer Hogan
Building a Brighter Future for our children and our community - together.
It’s also Senior Night, and we can’t wait to celebrate and recognize our seniors for all they’ve given to our program and our school. Let’s pack the stands, be loud, and show them the support they deserve!
Go Hornets! 🏈
