As summer break comes to an end, school districts across Chariton County are preparing for the 2025–26 academic year. This week, Northwestern R-I, Salisbury R-IV, Brunswick R-II, and Keytesville R-III School Districts released important back-to-school announcements for students, parents, and the community.
Northwestern R-I School District
Northwestern R-I shared several updates for students and parents. The district highlighted The Gates Scholarship, a competitive program accepting applications through Sept. 15, 2025, for exceptional student leaders. Families are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and apply online.
In athletics, high school cross country practice begins Monday, Aug. 11, while junior high cross country practice starts Monday, Aug. 18. The district also announced a “First Come, First Served” school supply and lunch distribution event in partnership with Burrell Behavioral Health. Agencies or individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the school.
For sports fans, all Thunder Softball home games will be live-streamed free of charge on HUDL TV. Viewers can watch online at HUDL TV – Thunder Softball.
Salisbury R-IV School District
Salisbury R-IV announced new school hours for the upcoming year. Doors will open at 7:45 a.m., the first bell will ring at 8:00 a.m., and classes will begin at 8:05 a.m. Dismissal is scheduled for 3:11 p.m.
The district also reminded families that all junior high and high school athletes must have an active account on Privit, with completed annual participation forms and uploaded physicals, to be eligible for sports and activities. For assistance, families may email .
Brunswick R-II School District
Brunswick R-II announced that students in grades 7–12 may pick up their Chromebooks during the district’s Open House on Monday, Aug. 18, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the library. Parents or guardians must complete online enrollment before Chromebooks can be issued.
In junior high athletics, the Lady Thunder softball schedule has been updated. The game with Slater on Sept. 8 has been canceled, and the Norborne/Hardin-Central game originally scheduled for Sept. 9 has been moved to Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
Brunswick students can also benefit from a generous backpack and school supply donation. Metro Lutheran Ministry, through Patricia Hernandez, provided 50 elementary and 50 high school backpacks—each filled with supplies. These are available to any Brunswick student, first come, first served, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., now through Aug. 15. Families should use the west band doors and ring the doorbell for access to the high school office.
The Brunswick FFA Chapter earned recognition at the Northeast District Expo. Callie Henke took home Grand Champion titles in both the Shorthorn Bull and Shorthorn Heifer divisions, and Addison Shipp also represented the district in competition.
Keytesville R-III School District
Keytesville R-III reminded families that Grades 7–12 registration and Chromebook pickup took place Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For the 2025–26 school year, the district is using online registration through the TeacherEase Parent Portal. Parents and guardians are encouraged to log in as soon as possible to complete the process. New families should contact the school office at 660-288-3767 for assistance with enrollment.
The district also posted notice of its upcoming Tax Rate Hearing, with more information available through the school office.

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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