With the 2025-2026 school year approaching, Chariton County’s school districts—Keytesville R-III, Brunswick R-II, Northwestern R-I, and Salisbury R-IV—have been bustling with preparations, offering dynamic academic programs, thriving athletic teams, and strong community involvement. Serving students across Chariton County, these districts embody a commitment to nurturing growth and opportunity. Here’s how each district prepared for an inspiring year, showcasing the vibrant heart of our local communities.
Keytesville R-III School District: Student Support and Teamwork
Keytesville R-III School District set the stage for a successful year with initiatives prioritizing accessibility and extracurricular engagement. The district’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) secured donations to provide free school supplies for all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, easing financial burdens for families. Preschool parents received specific guidance from Mrs. Cassie for any additional needs, reflecting Keytesville’s family-focused approach.
The Thunder Football program, a collaborative effort with Brunswick R-II and Northwestern R-I, kicked off with practices running Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 AM in early July. Coach Croy’s captivating football camp photos highlighted the team’s dedication, ensuring compliance with Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) standards for scrimmage readiness. The Keytesville FFA planned its Annual Car Wash for August 1, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, offering vehicle washes, detailing, and $10 bagged lunches, encouraging community support for student fundraising. The district also partnered with Brunswick and Northwestern for the Lady Thunder Softball program, with varsity and junior high schedules set to begin August 23, 2025, at the Carrollton Jamboree.
For more information, visit the Keytesville R-III School District website.
Brunswick R-II School District: Fostering Community and Excellence
Brunswick R-II School District built a strong community foundation this summer. On July 27, 2025, a Parent Meeting at 1:00 PM in the Brunswick Gymnasium invited junior high and high school athletic parents to connect and promote a positive sports culture, sponsored by the Brunswick Booster Club. The Brunswick FFA Chapter shone at the Chariton County Youth Fair, with students like Henry Butterfield, Ellie Jenkins, and others earning Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion awards in categories like tomatoes, cucumbers, and marigolds. At the Chariton County Livestock Show, Callie Henke and Addison Shipp secured top honors, including Grand Champion Shorthorn Bull and Supreme Champion Ewe. The FFA also celebrated students like Alex DeLashmutt and Sawyer Barnett, whose hams were selected for the Blue Ribbon Silent Auction at the fair.
Brunswick’s FBLA Chapter celebrated Emmalyn Newman’s 5th-place finish in the FBLA Mission and Pledge at the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, CA, with a community welcome on July 3, 2025, featuring fire trucks and applause downtown. The Back-to-School Open House is scheduled for August 18, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, allowing families to meet teachers and drop off supplies, with school hours from 8:09 AM to 3:05 PM and office hours from 7:45 AM to 4:00 PM. Online registration for 2025-2026 opened in July via the district’s TeacherEase platform.
Learn more at the Brunswick R-II School District website.
Northwestern R-I School District: Highlighting Student Achievements
Northwestern R-I School District prepared for 2025-2026 with a focus on classroom innovation and student recognition. Teachers shared Amazon Wish Lists to enhance classrooms with community-supported resources. The district joined Keytesville and Brunswick in the Thunder Football and Lady Thunder Softball programs, with practices and fundraising to equip athletes. High school practices are set for August 11, 2025, and junior high on August 18.
A standout achievement was Sydney Robinson being named Girls’ Athlete of the Year by CherryRoad Media for her leadership and performance in basketball, averaging 16 points per game. Gracie Buck and Sophia Speichinger represented Northwestern at ALA Girls State at Lindenwood University, gaining insights into government operations. School supply lists for preschool through high school were shared, ensuring students are ready for the year.
Explore more at the Northwestern R-I School District website.
Salisbury R-IV School District: Academic and Athletic Leadership
Salisbury R-IV School District FCCLA students, Luke Britt and Brylee Walla, represented Salisbury at the National Leadership Conference in July 2025, showcasing their leadership skills. Business teacher Stephanie Gladbach was honored as a Northeast Teacher of the Year Finalist at Truman State University, highlighting the district’s exceptional faculty.
The Junior High Football Camp ran July 16-18 and July 23-24, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Junior High Softball Practices will be held on the Gold Field at Potts from 6:30 to 7:30PM, on July 22, 24, 29 and 31, then resume August 5 and 7. The official practice will be August 18, time to be determined.
Visit the Salisbury R-IV School District website for more details.
A Thriving Future in Chariton County
From Keytesville’s FFA initiatives to Brunswick’s FFA and FBLA successes, Northwestern’s student accolades, and Salisbury’s academic prowess, Chariton County’s school districts are vibrant centers of learning and community spirit. Events like Brunswick’s Parent Meeting, Northwestern’s athletic programs, and Salisbury’s football camps invited residents to engage with these dynamic schools before the school year began. Chariton County offers a supportive environment where students excel academically and personally, making it a great place for families to call home.
Stay connected by visiting district websites and attending local events to experience the heart of Chariton County’s educational community.
