
Please join us on Wednesday, August 26, at 6:00 p.m. in the CHS Library for our Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) meeting!
A CSIP is our district's long-term strategic plan for improving student achievement, school operations, and overall performance. Your ideas, feedback, and perspective are an important part of shaping the future of California R-1.
We can't wait to collaborate with our families, staff, and community members as we work together to make our schools even stronger. We hope to see you there!

We are excited to welcome our CMS Pintos back for another great school year! Here are important details to help families prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.
🏫 Building Information
California R-I Middle School
📍 211 South Owen St.
California, MO 65018
📞 573-796-2146
📠 Fax: 573-796-8257
📝 Registration Information
Middle School registration for the 2026–2027 school year will now be completed online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Families will no longer need to complete the traditional paper packet.
Families should complete the online registration portion before attending in-person registration. If you need access to a computer or internet to complete registration, assistance will be available during in-person registration.
Middle School registration is required for all students and families. During registration, families will:
✅ Complete necessary paperwork
✅ Pick up student schedules and locker assignments
✅ Receive Chromebooks
✅ Tour the building and place items in lockers before school begins
A $25 Chromebook user fee and Chromebook paperwork are required for all incoming 5th grade and new students. Families may also add money to student lunch accounts during registration.
📅 Middle School Registration Dates
Tuesday, August 11
5th & 8th Grade Registration
⏰ 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Wednesday, August 12
6th & 7th Grade Registration
⏰ 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Thursday, August 13
Makeup Registration (All Grades)
⏰ 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
🏫 Open House
Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Open House is optional and allows students and families to meet teachers and visit classrooms before the first day of school. Please note that schedules and locker assignments will not be available during Open House.
🎒 CMS PTSA School Supply Program
The CMS PTSA is offering a School Supply Program for students in grades 5–8 for the 2026–2027 school year!
For $25 per student, families can have essential classroom supplies provided, including core academic supplies and commonly requested classroom items such as Clorox wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, and paper towels.
Families will only need to purchase:
✅ Backpack
✅ Binder
Students enrolled in PE and Band may still need to provide any course-specific materials required by those programs.
Families may complete the Google Form and submit payment during Open House.
Questions? Contact CMS PTSA Teacher Representative Andee Lutz at [andrea.lutz@californiak12.org](mailto:andrea.lutz@californiak12.org)
⏰ Daily Schedule | 2026–2027
🏫 Building Opens: 7:00 AM
🍽️ Breakfast Begins: 7:15 AM
Students arriving before school will be supervised in the gymnasium or cafeteria until they are released to their hallways. Beginning at 7:30 AM, students may also choose to visit the library to read or complete homework.
School Start Times:
• 5th & 7th Grade: 7:50 AM
• 6th & 8th Grade: 7:53 AM
Dismissal Times:
• 5th & 7th Grade: 3:00 PM
• 6th & 8th Grade: 3:03 PM
🚌 Transportation Information
Students are eligible for bus transportation if they live more than one mile from their assigned school.
Students who live less than one mile from school are not eligible for bus transportation.
If an eligible student would like to ride a different bus (such as going home with a friend), a parent or guardian must contact the Transportation Department in advance to ensure space is available.
🚌 Transportation Questions:
Bus Barn — 573-464-4383
We look forward to a great year at California Middle School! 💙

Pinto Pride was created during the 2025-2026 school year to provide students, staff, and community members with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding employees who make a difference in the lives of our students every day.
Each month, students, staff, and community members are invited to nominate and vote for a staff member they believe goes above and beyond in serving students and supporting the California R-1 School District. The goal of Pinto Pride is to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening throughout our district and recognize the dedicated individuals who help make our schools a great place to learn and grow.
We're excited to expand the program during the 2026-2027 school year by recognizing two Pinto Pride winners each month—one certified staff member and one support staff member. This expansion allows us to celebrate even more of the amazing employees who positively impact our students every day.
We need your help!
Pinto Pride is made possible through the generosity of our community. We are currently seeking local businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring this meaningful staff recognition program. Sponsorships help provide monthly prizes and allow us to continue recognizing the exceptional work of our educators and support staff throughout the school year.
Supporting Pinto Pride is a wonderful way to invest in the people who make a difference in the lives of our students while showing your commitment to the California R-1 community.
If you are interested in becoming a 2026-2027 Pinto Pride Sponsor, or would like more information, please contact:
Ashley Benton
Communications Coordinator
California R-1 School District
📧 ashley.benton@californiak12.org
Thank you for supporting our staff, our students, and our community. Together, we can continue celebrating the outstanding Pintos who make California R-1 a special place to learn, grow, and succeed!

We are excited to announce that Mrs. Lewis is our new Middle School Administrative Assistant!
Many of you already know Mrs. Lewis, and we're thrilled to have her stepping into this important role. Her dedication to our students, staff, and school community makes her a wonderful addition to the middle school office.
Congratulations, Mrs. Lewis! We are so excited for you and can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish in your new position.
Welcome to your new role, Mrs. Lewis! 💙

The High School and Middle School gyms will be closed August 3–8.
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope everyone enjoys a great week! ❤️
It’s officially August, which means it’s time for a new newsletter! 📰💙
Our August Newsletter is here, and it has everything you need to know as we get ready to head BACK TO SCHOOL! 📚✏️ From important dates and reminders to helpful back-to-school information, we’ve got you covered.
We’re also sharing some fun updates on construction happening around the district! 🏗️👀 We can’t wait to show you what’s happening and what’s in store for our schools.
We are getting closer and closer to welcoming our students back, and we cannot wait to see those smiling faces! 😊💙 Let’s kick off another amazing school year the right way!
https://app.smore.com/n/yzkfb
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! 🐴💙
#PintoPride #BackToSchool #CaliforniaPintos #AugustNewsletter
🎒 FUN FACT FRIDAY! 🎒
Sorry kids… we know summer is flying by, but the countdown is officially ON! 📚😄 It’s almost back-to-school month, which means it’s time to start learning all those important middle school details!
Welcome to Middle School Fun Fact Friday! 🐴💙 Today’s topic: BUILDING TIMES! ⏰
Because let’s be honest… the first day of middle school is not the day to show up wondering, “Where do I go? What time is it? Did I miss something?” 😂 We’ve got you covered!
📅 5th & 7th Grade Schedule
🏫 7:00 AM – Building opens for walkers and drop-offs (all students report to the gym)
🥞 7:15 AM – Breakfast begins in the cafeteria
🚌 7:30 AM – Bus riders enter the building (students may choose the cafeteria, gym, or library)
🎒 7:45 AM – Students head to lockers and first hour
📖 7:50 AM – First hour begins
🏁 3:00 PM – Dismissal
📅 6th & 8th Grade Schedule
🏫 7:00 AM – Building opens for walkers and drop-offs (all students report to the gym)
🥞 7:15 AM – Breakfast begins in the cafeteria
🚌 7:30 AM – Bus riders enter the building (students may choose the cafeteria, gym, or library)
🎒 7:48 AM – Students head to lockers and first hour
📖 7:53 AM – First hour begins
🏁 3:03 PM – Dismissal
Pro tip from CMS: Set that alarm clock now… because “I thought school started at 8:30” is not the way we want to start the year! 😉⏰
We can’t wait to see you in the halls! 💙🐴
It’s a great day to be a Pinto!

Middle school students… you might want to start paying attention. 👀
That little orange flag you see in the grass?
It’s not there by accident. 😉
Something NEW is in the works at the middle school, and while we aren’t quite ready to reveal what it is, we can tell you this…
It’s something we think our students are going to LOVE. ❤️
Thanks to the generosity of the Burgers Foundation and the incredible fundraising efforts of our middle school students, we’ve been given the opportunity to give back to our students in a BIG way!
We’re just getting started, but we’re already excited about what’s ahead. 🙌
So, middle school students… what do you think is coming?! 🤔
👇 Drop your best guesses below!

Big things are happening here at the California R-1 School District! From new roofs and HVAC systems to playground construction and new flooring, it's been a busy summer across our campuses.
Every project is bringing us one step closer to welcoming our students and staff back for an amazing school year. We can't wait to see the finished results—and even more importantly, the smiling faces walking through our doors in August! ❤️
Thank you to everyone working hard behind the scenes to help prepare our schools for another great year. The countdown to the first day is on! 🎉



Skip the shopping and let the CMS PTSA School Supply Program help check those back-to-school items off your list!
For just $25 per student, your child will receive many of the classroom supplies needed for a successful school year, including:
✏️ Core academic supplies
🧻 Tissues
🧼 Hand sanitizer
🧽 Clorox wipes
🧻 Paper towels
…and other commonly requested classroom essentials!
Families will only need to purchase a backpack and binder. Students enrolled in PE or Band may need additional course-specific supplies.
💰 With basic school supplies often costing more than $27 per student—before adding classroom essentials—this program is a convenient and affordable way to make sure your student is prepared for the first day!
📝 How to Sign Up:
✅ Complete the Google Form and pay the $25 at school registration
OR
✅ Register and pay during Middle School Registration/Open House
📋 Google Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1VXqAktHRHz9-FuIE0z_nPmiKo9io7jfSck6ScNeQsJ8/edit
Questions? Contact CMS PTSA Teacher Representative Andee Lutz at andrea.lutz@californiak12.org.
📎 Want to buy your own supplies? No problem! See the school supply list below for more details!
We can’t wait to welcome our Pintos back for a great school year! 💙

📱 **Did You Know? — Infinite Campus vs. California R-1 App Edition!**
Have you ever wondered…What's the difference? 🤔
Great question! While **Infinite Campus** and the **California R-1 App** work together, they each have a different purpose!
🖥️ **Infinite Campus = Your Student Information Center**
This is where families can find important student information, including:
✅ Grades
✅ Attendance
✅ Class schedules
✅ Report cards
✅ Fees
✅ Food service/lunch account information
✅ Registration information
📲 **California R-1 App = Your School Communication Center**
This is where families can stay connected with everything happening at California R-1:
✅ District and school announcements
✅ Important updates
✅ Calendar events
✅ Athletics and activities information
✅ Emergency notifications
✅ Translated messages
✅ Classroom and group communication (when applicable)
⭐ **Did you know? You can also access Infinite Campus through the California R-1 App!**
No need to search for another link — simply open the **California R-1 App**, find the Infinite Campus link, and quickly access the information you need about your student.
So, which one should you check?
📚 **Need to know your student’s grade?** → Check **Infinite Campus**
📅 **Want to know what’s happening at school?** → Check the **California R-1 App**
🍎 **Need to add lunch money?** → Check **Infinite Campus**
📢 **Need school announcements and reminders?** → Check the **California R-1 App**
Two apps. Two purposes. One goal: **Keeping California R-1 families informed and connected!**
Make sure you have the **California R-1 App** and your **Infinite Campus account** ready for the upcoming school year!

If you've driven past the Elementary or Middle School recently, you've probably noticed all the progress even from outside. From new flooring and roofing to HVAC improvements and a brand-new playground, our schools are getting ready to welcome students back!
We can't wait to share more updates and see these projects come to life as we get ready for an amazing 2026–2027 school year! 💙🐴

This Thursday and Friday
📍 Location: California Elementary Gym
👟 For students entering Grades K–5 (2026–2027 school year) who signed up!
Camp Times:
📣 Grades 3–5: 9:00–11:00 AM
📣 Grades K–2: 12:00–2:00 PM
✨ Camp includes:
• Cheer practice & a mini routine
• Fun games & spirit activities
• Camp T-shirt
• Parent performance at the end of the final day's session
Be sure to wear athletic shoes and bring a water bottle. We can't wait to see everyone showing their Pinto spirit! ❤️
It's a great day to be a Pinto!
Now is the perfect time to start planning your family's next getaway. Before you book your trip, take a look at the 2026–2027 Moniteau County R-1 School Calendar and plan your travels during scheduled school breaks and days when school is not in session.
Planning ahead helps students stay in the classroom, minimizes missed instructional time, and allows families to make the most of school breaks.
View the 2026–2027 School Calendar here: https://www.californiak12.org/page/2026-2027-school-calendar

Don’t call the Ghostbusters… call the CMS Office! 😉📚
Whether you have a question, need help, or just need to know who to contact, the CMS Office is here for you!
📧 Email: ms-office-assistance@californiak12.org
📞 Phone: (573) 796-2146
A few helpful office reminders for our Pintos:
⏰ If your student is absent: Please call the office before 10:00 AM.
📚 Need homework? Contact the teacher directly!
🏠 After-school plans? If your student already knows where they are going after school, the office does not need to be notified.
🤒 Feeling sick? Students should visit the nurse. The nurse will determine next steps and contact a parent if needed. (Students should not use their cell phones to contact parents during the school day.)
One more important note: The office does not contact individual teachers when a student is absent. If your student will be gone and you need help with assignments or need to communicate with a specific teacher, please reach out to that teacher directly.
Save this info now… because middle school questions happen faster than you can say, “Wait… where’s my Chromebook?” 😆
We’re here to help our Pintos have a successful year! 💙🐴
It’s a great day to be a Pinto!

Our new HVAC system is being installed, and we're excited to see another big improvement happening across our schools this summer! These upgrades will help create a more comfortable learning environment for our students and staff for years to come.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back to see all the progress being made.
It's a great day to be a Pinto! ❤️

No! Students are NOT required to download the California R-1 app.
💻 When students return to school, they will access their Rooms on their Chromebooks through the district website during the school day.
📲 Does your student have a smartphone and want to stay connected to classes, sports, clubs, or activities outside of school? They can absolutely use the app—but it is completely optional.
Optional Student App Login Instructions:
✅ Download the California R-1 app.
✅ Tap "Sign in with Google."
⚠️ Do NOT enter your username and password on the first login screen.
✅ Select your school Google account when prompted.
✅ You'll then have access to your assigned Rooms!
The California R-1 app is a great way to stay in the loop, but remember—it is not required for students. Everything they need for school will also be available through their Chromebook.

The Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) has partnered with Parent ProTech to provide families with a fantastic digital safety resource library!
Whether you're looking for guidance on:
✅ Screen time
✅ Online safety
✅ Social media
✅ Gaming
✅ Digital wellness
✅ Trending apps and technology
Parent ProTech offers practical, easy-to-use resources to help families navigate today's digital world with confidence. The platform is regularly updated by digital safety experts to keep up with the ever-changing technology our children use.
We encourage all of our California R-1 families to take advantage of this free resource!
📲 Sign up today:
https://app.parentprotech.com/698/moniteau-co-ri/en/signup?source=admin
Be sure to check it out—there are tons of great resources for parents and caregivers!
Due to the extreme heat, Middle School Football Camp has been moved to 7:00–8:30 p.m. tonight to help keep our athletes safe.
📍 Location: California High School Football Field
If weather or conditions require it, camp activities will be moved to the high school weight room.
Thank you for your understanding, and we'll see everyone tonight! 🏈💙

The Moniteau County R-1 School District is looking for a full-time Paraprofessional to join our team at California Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year!
📍 Location: California Middle School
🕒 Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Qualifications:
✅ Missouri DESE Substitute Teacher Certificate or
✅ Missouri Paraprofessional Certification
If you're passionate about supporting students and making a difference every day, we'd love to have you on the Pinto team!
Apply today by visiting [www.californiak12.org](http://www.californiak12.org) and selecting Employment→ Employment Opportunities, or apply directly through TalentEd:
https://california.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Come help us continue Equipping Today's Children for Tomorrow's Challenges!
