School districts across Chariton County remained active throughout January with classroom learning, student recognition, service projects, and winter activities. Updates from Brunswick R-II, Keytesville R-III, Northwestern R-I, and Salisbury R-IV reflect continued academic focus and strong community involvement.
Brunswick R-II Promotes Literacy, Service Learning, and Winning Basketball
The Brunswick R-II School District launched a literacy initiative encouraging students in grades PreK–12 to read for a chance to earn tickets to the 2026 Missouri State Fair, reinforcing the importance of reading while offering a unique incentive.
Students also participated in service-focused learning. Members of the FBLA Web Design class created handmade Valentine’s Day cards for residents at the Brunswick Healthcare Center, designing, printing, and writing thoughtful messages.
Career exploration continued as Mrs. Sims’ 8th-grade Family and Consumer Sciences class visited County Bank to learn about banking operations, financial careers, and real-world money management.
The Brunswick Junior Class is raising funds through a quilt raffle to support class activities. The drawing will be held on January 23, 2026, during halftime of the varsity boys’ home basketball game. Participants do not need to be present to win.
On the basketball court, Brunswick teams recorded several notable victories:
- Lady Cats 69, Northwestern 16 during a Pink Out game supporting cancer awareness
- Wildcats 72, Northwestern 45
- Wildcats 64, Westran 54 at the New Franklin Tournament
The Brunswick Wildcats finished second overall at the New Franklin Tournament, capping off a strong stretch of tournament play.
Brunswick R-II also recognized students through its Wildcats of the Quarter and Wildcats of the Semester programs, honoring students for attendance, behavior, and academic performance.
Keytesville R-III Emphasizes Hands-On Learning and Student Recognition
At Keytesville R-III School District, students engaged in hands-on academic projects and leadership activities throughout January.
Sixth-grade science students applied the engineering design process by building towers from marshmallows and spaghetti, focusing on collaboration and problem-solving.
Elementary students welcomed author Katy Martin and illustrator Season Duncan from the Good Days book series, who shared insight into writing, illustrating, and publishing.
Keytesville High School is preparing for Courtwarming 2026, which will include spirit week dress-up days, a pep rally, basketball games, coronation, and a courtwarming dance for students in grades 7–12.
Students were also recognized for success in FCCLA STAR Events, with several competitors earning medals and qualifying for state competition. Elementary students received Positive Office Referrals and were honored as ROARing Tigers.
Northwestern R-I Celebrates Homecoming and Competitive Basketball
The Northwestern R-I School District celebrated Homecoming 2026 with pep assemblies, class floats, varsity basketball games, and coronation ceremonies. Asa Elliott and Sophie Speichinger were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.
Northwestern basketball teams recorded the following results:
- Lady Eagles 50, Southwest 29
- Eagles 78, Southwest 31
Northwestern also recognized student leadership through its R.I.S.E.ing Eagle program and honored community support by recognizing Chariton County Mutual Insurance as an Eagle Pride Sponsor.
Salisbury R-IV Focuses on Student Recognition and Community Partnerships
At Salisbury R-IV School District, students and staff celebrated Courtwarming Week 2026 with themed dress-up days, basketball games, and coronation events.
Students were recognized for academic achievement through honor roll announcements, and the district acknowledged community support with a recent donation from the Orscheln Industries Foundation.
Chariton County Schools Continue to Strengthen Community Connections
Across all four districts, January activities highlighted a shared commitment to student success, leadership development, and community engagement. From literacy initiatives and classroom innovation to school traditions and competitive athletics, Chariton County schools continue to serve as a cornerstone of their communities.
Jason Sears
Jason Sears is the founder, editor and lead reporter of The Chariton Beacon, a news site created to provide much-needed local coverage for Chariton County, Missouri. Recognizing the lack of accessible, reliable news in the area, Jason launched the site with the goal of keeping his community informed about the events and issues that matter most. With a deep understanding of small-town life, he is dedicated to ensuring that Chariton County has a trustworthy and comprehensive source for local news, strengthening connections within the community.
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Upcoming Activities
- Jan 15Jan 15 @ 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
Cousins Maine Lobster at Tractor Supply Company (CARROLLTON, MO)
- Jan 16Jan 16 @ 6:00 pm - Jan 17 @ 7:00 pm
2nd Annual Coyote Hunt
- Jan 16Jan 16 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Missouri at a Crossroads: What Citizens Must Do Now
- Jan 17Jan 17 @ 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Kick off to Prom Sale
- Jan 18Jan 18 @ 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Parent + Child Dedication