Hello Whirlwind families!

We hope your family enjoyed a wonderful holiday and had time to celebrate with the people most important in your lives.

December will be a quick month with only 13 school days, so let’s make the most of our time together. Be on the lookout for our Winter Math and Reading Challenges coming home before break!

We truly value our partnership with you in your child’s education.
Exciting things are happening at Archie Elementary in December and January!

Finally, don’t forget to check out the important dates listed below. You can also stay up to date on upcoming activities—from early childhood to high school—by using the Events tab on the Archie App.

#ArchieStrong

Mrs. Stroud, Elementary Principal

• Monday, December 1st- No School/Staff Professional Development

• Tuesday, December 2nd-Friday, December 19th-Benchmark Testing
• Tuesday, December 2nd- Senior Citizen Luncheon (see below)
• Wednesday, December 3rd- Winter Concert for Kindergarten-5th Grade @ 6:30 p.m. in the Dome
• Monday, December 8th- No School

• Wednesday, December 10th- Winter Concert for 6th-12th Grade at 7:00 p.m. in the West Gym

• Friday, December 12th- Blood Drive (watch Facebook for details)

• Monday, December 15th-Friday, December 19th- Winter Dress-Up Week (watch for details)

• Monday, December 15th- Monday School, School Board Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

• Monday, December 15th & 16th- Santa Shop

• Friday, December 19th- Winter Parties and Early Release

• Monday, December 22nd- Monday, January 5th- Winter Break

• Monday, January 5th- No School/Staff Professional Development

• Tuesday, January 6th- Back to School in 2026

• Monday, January 12th- No School (snow make-up day if needed)

• Monday, January 19th- No School (Martin Luther King Day), Board Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

• Monday, January 26th- Monday School, 95th Archie Tournament begins

As many of you know, the only licensed daycare center in Archie closed on November 26, 2025, leaving our community, which is already classified as a childcare desert, with an urgent need. The Archie  R-V School District is committed to supporting families, and we are working to establish a high-quality childcare program on our campus through grant funding, a partnership with a local childcare provider, and partnerships with many of you. 

To make this possible, we are seeking support from community members, organizations, and businesses. Our strongest grant opportunity requires matching in-kind contributions, meaning local partnerships are essential. With your help, this program can grow to serve the entire Archie community.

We welcome monetary donations as well as in-kind services and items. All contributors will be recognized with signage at the school in appreciation of their support.

If you would like to help or learn more, please contact Kristi Reynolds, Early Childhood Director, at 816-293-5312 ext. 1093 or kreynolds@archie.k12.mo.us. You can also scan the QR code below to share how you can help. 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to strengthen our community. Together, we can ensure families in Archie have the care and support they need to thrive.

#Archie Strong, 

Mrs. Stroud

Watch for a hard copy to come home in your child's folder. 

Character Trait of the Month:  COMPASSION

Whirlwind families-

Our character word for December is compassion.

Compassion encourages children to notice the feelings of others, respond with kindness, and make choices that strengthen our community. When children practice compassion, they grow more confident, build healthier relationships, and contribute to a more understanding and supportive environment for everyone.

Here are a few simple ways you can reinforce compassion at home:

Model empathy in everyday moments. Children learn from what they see. Talking about your own feelings and acknowledging theirs helps normalize empathy.

Encourage perspective-taking. Asking questions like “How do you think they felt?” helps kids pause and reflect before reacting.

Praise caring actions. Noticing when your child shows kindness—big or small—helps reinforce that compassionate choices matter.

Create opportunities to help. Simple acts, such as helping a sibling or caring for pets, give children chances to practice compassion regularly.

Read books or share stories. Conversations sparked by stories help children understand others’ experiences and emotions.

We appreciate your partnership in helping students develop the values that shape their character and guide them throughout their lives. 

Warm wishes-

Carolyn Johnston, PK-12^th Grade Counselor

cjohnston@archie.k12.mo.us

The Archie PTO had a busy fall running the concession stand for all home football games. Thank you to all of the volunteers who gave their time to support our PTO!

Next up is the Santa Shop—one of our students’ favorite events of the year. Please take a close look at the dates and details so your child doesn’t miss out on the fun of shopping for loved ones.

Mark your calendars now for the PTO Dance on February 7, 2026! This wonderful event is a special evening for students and their parents or guardians. If you would like to help, please watch for more information in the coming months.

Once again, thank you to this amazing group of individuals who help make our PTO successful!

Mrs. Mooney and our Whirlwind artists created a patriotic backdrop for our Veterans and families to get their pictures taken.  We love seeing the same faces year to year and enjoy welcoming new guests who can participate. 

See below for details regarding the Archie R-V Senior Citizen Luncheon on December 2nd. 

Take a look at the list of participants and the ceremony events from our Veterans Day Assembly. Many veterans joined us for breakfast and the assembly that followed. We appreciate everyone who helped make this a meaningful recognition of our veterans. Thank you to our guest speakers, Robert Kyle and Bridgette Tinnan, for sharing what it means to be a veteran and how we can serve within our communities.

Celebration Program

Welcome – Mr. Schulte, H.S. Principal

Pledge of Allegiance –5th Grade Students: Layla Hixon, Gauge Fisher, Maggie Brown, and Chance Dishong

Star Spangled Banner – Middle and High School Band and Choir, Mr. Mills, Band Director and  Ms. Bryson, Choir Director

“Singing Freedom’s Song”--Mark Weston - Middle and High School Choir, Ms. Bryson, Choir Director

Opening Reading – Mr. Tenholder, H.S. Social Studies Teacher

Band Introduction – Dr. Harris, H.S. Social Studies Teacher

“Salute to America’s Finest” – Paul Lavender

High School Band, Mr. Mills, Band Director 

Flag Holder- Chase Kendrick 

Introduction of Guest Speaker -  Mrs. Heston, M.S. Social Studies Teacher

Guest Speakers – Robert Kyle, US Marine Sergeant and Bridgette Tinnan, Ammunition Technician

Missing Man Table Presentation – Jim Pierce

Closing Moment of Silence, Taps – Jackson Parks

Mrs. Johnston led character education lessons on thankfulness in November. Students discovered that being thankful can create a chain reaction that helps cultivate a positive and supportive school community.

November was our first month to draw six students' names to win a free donut at our local Casey's.  Students earn Whirlwind Bucks in electives classes, at lunch, in Title I, and various other places throughout the day.  

Thank you to Parris Entrikin, Casey's manager, for partnering with our school to make this special treat possible! 

You Matter Archie was at it again this month, helping to make our day!  Many YMA members spent the morning passing out ducks and welcoming the Archie R-V students and staff into the building! We are thankful for this community partner! 

Archie Elementary would like to give a shout-out to our Whirlwind football team! We had a great time signing posters and cheering on our Whirlwinds throughout the post-season. Whirlwind pride starts now! Thank you to the families who come out to support the Whirlwinds in every sport and activity. #ArchieStrong

These students were recognized for their acts of service in the classroom and throughout the school building. They are always willing to help friends, staff members, and guests whenever they see a need. You may also notice that their families are visible in the community, giving their time through coaching, service careers, PTO, and much more.#ArchieStrong

We didn’t have a Macy’s Day Parade, but we held our own balloon parade at our November assembly! The kindergarten students learned all about the Macy’s Day Parade, created their own special balloons, and then proudly shared them at the assembly.

• Archie R-V Website

• School Supply Lists

• 2025-2026 Calendar

• 2025-2026 Elementary Handbook

• September Breakfast & Lunch Menus

• Parent Portal-Infinite Campus

• Staff Favorites

We ask that families take a moment to review the updated handbook. Notable additions include the state-mandated cell phone policy, updated dress code guidelines, lunch guidelines, and changes to staffing.

The 2025–2026 calendar and events tab will help you schedule doctors’ appointments, plan vacations, and organize childcare needs.

#ArchieStrong

#Archie Strong

816-293-5312

Tamara Stroud, Principal

www.archie.k12.mo.us

302 W. State Route A

Archie, MO 64725