Kelso and Nell Holcomb: schools in the news

We love sharing good news that's happening in our area schools. Two schools in particular had news worth sharing last week.

Congratulations to the Kelso School District in New Hamburg for receiving a perfect score on its Annual Performance Report from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The K-8 district has being showing improvement for a few years. Its 100 percent score this year was preceded by 90.8 percent last year and 86.8 percent in 2013. Its climb resulted from mastering the four categories assessed in the evaluation: academic achievement, subgroup achievement, high school readiness and rate of attendance.

District superintendent Kim Burger praised teachers and the community for the success, saying that "they are very committed to doing what's best for kids." But success is created by more than what happens in the classroom. Kelso's C-7 School has been tending to students' physical needs, as well. It is true that youngsters with empty stomachs struggle to maintain full minds. So school has been sending bags of food home to families in need.

"We have an opportunity to really focus in and help our families," Burger said. "And that's the focus I've tried to take as an administrator, is to treat this as a family and not just a school. I think just creating that culture of a family is a big difference."

The work to foster educational excellence continues throughout the state, but it is important to stop and celebrate the victories. A+, Kelso.

We give Judy Holcomb and Dr. John Holcomb an A+ as well. The couple donated $100,000 to Nell Holcomb School District for the building of a walking/running track. The donation is the largest single donation the school has ever received, according to superintendent Darryl Pannier.

Dr. Holcomb said, "We felt like we should do something to emphasize our respect for the school," which was named after his aunt. After asking for a list of priorities, the Holcombs went for the top of the list. The school desired a track for some time, and the Holcombs were glad to make the dream come true.

Construction will begin after the end of the school year.

Congratulations to our schools, and thanks to our generous community members for placing a high priority on children's education.