Winona R-III School District

Kindergarten had a wonderful first week! Our little learners worked hard, made new friends, and had lots of fun! We’re off to a great start! 💜💛

In the Middle School 8th graders also reviewed the Scientific Method this week in science. Students made a hypothesis on how many water droplets would fit on the surface of a penny. They performed an experiment to test their hypothesis and then gathered data and made a conclusion.

In Middle School Science this week 7th graders reviewed the Scientific Method. Students made a hypothesis on how many water droplets would fit on the surface of a penny. They performed an experiment to test their hypothesis and then gathered data and made a conclusion.

Mrs. Stacy's Class did a quick science experiment at the end of the day. We decided to find out how to blow up a balloon without your mouth! This is what we discovered: When you mix baking soda and vinegar, something exciting happens! 🧪✨ The baking soda and vinegar react when they touch. They make a gas called carbon dioxide. The gas makes lots of bubbles and fizz!

Winona Meet the Teacher!! 📚 We are pleased to announce that Mrs. Diana Massey has joined our Wildcat family as our new Special Education Director!  Mrs. Massey is a 1997 high school graduate of Van Buren High School, a 2002 graduate of College of the Ozarks, and earned her degree from the University of Missouri–St. Louis in 2004. She’s no stranger to the classroom! This school year marks her 24th year working in Special Education. Throughout her career, Mrs. Massey has served in the East Carter, Valley Springs Ranch School, and Southern Reynolds County School Districts. “Special Education has always been more than just a job to me. I enjoy helping students recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and become as independent and successful as possible. After 24 years, I continue to find purpose in the work I do and feel fortunate to have chosen a career where I can make a difference in the lives of children and families.”  Outside of work, Mrs. Massey’s greatest joy is her family. She is married to Bland Massey, and together they have two boys. Their oldest son is attending Three Rivers College, while their younger son, Alex, is an 11th grader at Winona. Mrs. Massey also enjoys growing and preserving fresh vegetables and spending time with all the people she loves.  Mrs. Massey is excited about this new chapter in her life and looks forward to serving the students and families of Winona.

🛠Winona Meet the Teacher🛠 We are pleased to announce the addition of Mr. Michael Meck to our district as our new Industrial Art teacher. Mr. Meck was raised in Alabama until high school, after which he relocated to Wisconsin, where his parents had originally settled. Shortly after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Army and completed a distinguished 25-year military career before retiring for service to our nation.  Mr. Meck has teaching experience and was an instructor for a few years for long range marksmanship and other combat classes. This year will be the first year in a public school district for Mr. Meck and his goal for this year is “to turn the shop into a place students are excited to come work and create.”  When he’s not at school, Mr. Meck enjoys working on mechanics, competitive shooting and spending time outdoors. We’re excited to have him join our school and look forward to seeing the creativity and enthusiasm he brings to the shop! Let’s welcome him to our Wildcat family!!

September 2nd Cross Country Race @ Peck Ranch. TIME CHANGES.
Due to possible extreme temperatures and heat warnings, the race times will be as follows.
Elementary will race @ 9:00 am
HS Boys race @ 10:45 am
HS Girls race @ 11:15 am
Jr. High Boys @ 11:45 am
Jr. High Girls @ 12:00 noon.

If the weather becomes extreme, the Jr. high boy and girls MAY run at the same time. It will all depend on the weather.

Safety is our MAIN concern.

Arrive early so you can see all the races.

Your High School Winona Wildcats open the season at home tonight against the South Iron Panthers. Game time is 4:00pm. Come out and enjoy a night at the ball park, concession on site. Please remember to keep the parking lot clear in front of Howdy's Laundromat. Instead, use the CITY PARKING LOT LOCATED BEHIND the laundromat.

📚Meet our New Teacher📚 Please join us in welcoming Miss Jenna Jenkins to the Winona R-III District family! We are excited to have her joining our Wildcat team as our 7th and 8th Grade ELA teacher. Miss Jenkins is from Van Buren and is beginning her seventh year in education. Teaching runs deep in her family; both of her parents were educators for more than 30 years! Before becoming a Wildcat, Miss Jenkins taught in the Clearwater and East Carter School Districts.  Outside of her classroom, Miss Jenkins enjoys spending time with her family and assisting her dad on their family farm with their cattle. Miss Jenkins’ goal is “to help my students succeed not only academically, but also in character and as individuals.” She is grateful and looks forward to being a part of our Wildcat family!!

 “Guess the Staff Member” Posts How well do you know our Winona R-III Staff…

👩‍🏫Winona Meet the Teacher 👩‍🏫 We are pleased to extend a warm welcome to Mrs. Shawna Rutledge as she joins the Winona R-III District family. She will be serving as the Science teacher for our 5th and 6th grade students. Originally from Summersville, where Mrs. Rutledge attended her early education. She will be bringing a strong local connection and a well-rounded background to her new role into her science classroom.  Mrs. Rutledge and her husband, JD, reside in Birch Tree with their three sons—Brody, Jaren, and Sawyer. She holds a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education and has extensive experience in the field, having served as a Kindergarten and First Grade teacher at Birch Tree Elementary for the past eight years. She is eager to join the Winona school community and contribute her expertise to this vibrant educational environment. Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Rutledge prioritizes time with her family and friends, as well as outdoor activities. She particularly enjoys spending time on the river and finds boating to be her most favorite pastime, as well as swimming and kayaking. Mrs. Rutledge is looking forward to a wonderful school year. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to work here and excited to get to know my students, their families and all the staff.” Mrs. Rutledge, welcome to our Wildcat family!! 💜💛

Some information about our sports physicals. The clinic in Winona, will be giving free sports physicals through August 31. Not through September. So if you need to get those done go up there before August 31 and get a free sports physical.

Welcome back to school. As a reminder, Jostens will be here on August 25th to pass out ring order information and senior order information. Packets will be sent home at that time.

First Week of School

🏫Back to School 🏫 Please remember to treat everyone with respect and compassion this year. If you notice a someone who appears to be alone, we encourage you to warmly invite them to join you and your friends, or to initiate a friendly conversation with them. Offering a little extra patience, encouragement, and kindness can have a profoundly positive impact on someone’s life. Let us all strive to be understanding and considerate, as we never truly know the challenges someone may be facing. Together, we can create a welcoming and supportive environment for every student. Drivers, please be mindful of school buses for all of our area schools are starting back Monday! 🚍 They are carrying our cherished gifts, and we all hope for a safe journey to and from school. Let us work together to make this the best school year yet, and we look forward to seeing all of you Wildcats on Monday morning! 💜💛

"If any athletes have not got their physicals and need to do so, please do so before the end of September. After that they will not be free."

August 20th, 2026
OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT!!!

School starts Monday, August 24th. 1 change for the school bus routes. If you ride Mickey's bus, you will be picked up 30 minutes earlier due to combining bus routes. Ms. Brandy will be running this route. Can't wait to see everyone. Don't forget, open house on Thursday, August 20th beginning @ 5:00 pm.

Check out our afterschool programs, and when they start.

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