Salem R-80 School District -

Happy last day of school, Tigers! Reminder, today is an early release day!

We hope everyone has a memorable break.

Congratulations to William Lynch Elementary and Salem Upper Elementary for their Tier 3 Award of Excellence in Missouri School Wide Positive Behavior Support.
The Tier 3 Award of Excellence honors schools providing high-quality, intensive, and individualized behavioral supports for students with the most critical needs.

Happy School Comms Day to Salem R80's Communicator Mrs. Kara Constance!

Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Day to the drivers who safely carry students to and from school every day. Your patience, kindness, and dedication make a difference far beyond your routes. Thank you for the early mornings, the friendly greetings, and the care you show our students. You are truly appreciated!

Pictured left to right: Clay Moody, Catherine Pepper, Nathan Ragsdale, Bryan Wisdom, Rick Raw, John Nolan, and Dalton Sanders
Not pictured: Heather Johnson and Tabitha Mackley

This is Superintendent Nate Wills, out an abundance of caution, the Salem Fire Dept was contacted and arrived on site due to an alarm sound emanating from our intercom system in the middle school. No fire was found nor any alarms pulled. We appreciate the prompt response of our fire department.

Happy Healthcare Professionals Day to Faye Parker, Jordan Conway, and Jessika Gray! These staff members are the calm in the middle of it all, helping students feel safe and heard. They take care of everything from scraped knees to managing chronic conditions. We rely on them every day to keep our students healthy, cared for, and ready to learn. Thank you for all that you do!

Salem R-80 would like to thank our dedicated teachers for the vital role they play in shaping the future of our students. They spend a great amount of time both in and out of the classroom to ensure every student is successful. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to everyone who helps shape our students' lives! Who was your most memorable teacher?

Happy Principal's Day to our administrative team! Our principals pour their hearts into everything they do, working to create opportunities for every student to become a safe, respectful, and responsible learner. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of students and staff. We thank you for all that you do!

Dr. Blau: William Lynch Principal
Mr. Piatt: Upper Elementary Principal
Dr. Green: Middle School Principal
Mrs. Heavin: High School Principal
Mr. Moody: High School Assistant Principal
Mr. Moore: High School Assistant Principal

Important Notice: During a tornado warning, buses and students will not be dismissed until the warning has expired. Instead, students will practice tornado procedures. Thank you for your understanding.

Weather Update: All after school activities are canceled today.

Coffee Connections is canceled for Wednesday, April 29th. Thank you for your understanding!

Salem R-80 proudly recognized several staff members for their outstanding work this year! Please join us in congratulating these dedicated teachers and staff for their achievements.

Retirees: Rowdy Mackley, Yvi Presley, and Hazel Krewson
(Not pictured: Eric Myers and Katy Delong)

2025-2026 MSTA South Central Teachers of the Year: Jessica Parker (PK-4th grades), Amanda Walker (5th-8th grades), and Heather Johnson (9th-12th grades)

Teachers and Staff Members of the Month throughout the 2025-2026 school year: Mandi Conway, Monica Lyle, Kathy Grover, Mystee Swank, Heather Maglothin, Jody Heavin, Jennifer Bass, Heather Johnson, Jennifer Rensch, and Carmen Vaughan
(Not pictured: Catherine Pepper, Danelle Roos, and Jenn Moss)

2025-2026 Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Rensch

2025-2026 Staff Member of the Year: Mandi Conway

Congratulations, Tigers!

Happy Administrative Professionals Day to Shelia Adamick, Mandi Conway, Katy Delong, Kathy Grover, Brenda Hanning, Mary Hinkel, Jenn Moss, Danelle Roos, Tonya Sanders, Crystal Strange, Carmen Vaughan, Elyse White, and Traci Wulff!

These staff members keep every building running smoothly through their efficiency in their vital roles and go above and beyond behind the scenes. They’re the first friendly face you see when you walk in one of our buildings and the first helpful voice you hear on the phone. Join us in showing these Tigers our appreciation below!

Congratulations to our South Central MSTA Educators of the Year!

Congratulations to Lea Deller, who was honored at the 2026 Youth Art Month celebration at the Missouri State Capitol. Lea received the prestigious President’s Choice Award, along with art supplies and a $100 Blick gift certificate. Her teacher, Cody Nickles of Salem High School, was also recognized with a $200 Blick gift certificate. Representing Salem High School alongside Lea were Haley Yerk, Madison Reese (for the group calendar project), and Jhonine Maralit, each showcasing high-quality work that reflected the talent and creativity of our students.

Organized by the Missouri Art Education Association, Youth Art Month (YAM) is a nationwide observance held each March to emphasize the importance of visual arts education for all students. The 2026 theme, “The World Needs Art,” was highlighted through a statewide exhibit featuring exceptional K–12 artwork from across Missouri, displayed in the Capitol from mid-March through April. Each MAEA member art teacher may submit up to four student artworks, ensuring broad representation from schools statewide. The celebration concluded with an awards ceremony on April 9, 2026, in the Capitol Rotunda, where top honors—including the Governor’s Mansion Award, the Governor’s Award, the MAEA Chairman Award, and the MAEA President’s Award—recognized both student achievement and the dedication of art educators.

Come see the Lion King Junior!

Salem R-80 is celebrating the superheroes of our classrooms: paraprofessionals! From supporting students one-on-one to jumping in wherever needed, they make every student feel seen and capable through every lesson and helping hand they provide.

We appreciate all that you do every day. Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day to you all!

Middle School: Candi Mathes, Lynn Mast, Deborah Dawson, Kim Warden, Janice Griffith

High School: Jackie Ard, Dana Connell, Allen Kimrey

Upper Elementary: Codee Sagdalen, Macie Strange, Shawna Hargis, Lynette Happel, Christine Smith, Denise Freeman, Kelly Tinker, Debra Heck, Sarah Montoya, Donna Hoyt, Amber Price, Heather Whitlock

William Lynch: Mystee Swank, Jenny Stark, Mandi Lucas, Julie Hatridge, Tarah Lapointe, Radene Callicut, Marissa May, Natalee Westerman, Angel Hunter, Sarah Yates, Sara Wells

Join the Salem R-80 team for the 2026–2027 school year! Explore all current openings and apply online at: https://www.salemr80.org/page/jobs

Current Openings

William Lynch Elementary:
Kindergarten Teacher
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Middle School:
6th Grade Science Teacher
Special Education Teacher

High School:
ISS Teacher (Coaching Required)
Credit Recovery Teacher (Coaching Required)
Special Education Teacher

We’d love to have you on our team!

Please congratulate Mrs. Monica Lyle as the March 2026 Teacher of the Month and Mrs. Mandi Conway as the March 2026 Staff Member of the Month.

In total, forty one nominations were submitted throughout the district from other members, parents, students, and community members to highlight contributions made by nominees regarding the district mission and CSIP goals designed to support student learning in every aspect.

Thank you again for your dedication to "every child ensured a chance to become a safe, respectful, responsible learner for the 21st Century."