🌟 Calling All Local Businesses & Community Partners! 🌟
During the 2025-2026 school year, California R-1 proudly launched a new staff recognition tradition called ❤️ Pinto Pride ❤️
Each month, students, staff, and families nominated and voted for a staff member who went above and beyond through kindness, leadership, dedication, and support for others. Through our “Loving Our Pintos” initiative, we were able to recognize the incredible employees who make a difference in the lives of our students every single day.
Thanks to the generosity of our amazing community sponsors, each monthly winner received:
🎉 A prize basket filled with favorite things and donated items
👕 A custom Pinto Pride t-shirt
⭐ An exclusive Pinto Pride decal reserved only for winners
As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, we are excited to EXPAND the program by recognizing both:
🍎 Teacher of the Month
🛠️ Support Staff Member of the Month
That means we will celebrate 18 outstanding staff members throughout the school year!
💙 BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP! 💙
We are currently seeking businesses and community sponsors willing to support Pinto Pride through:
✔️ Monthly donated items
✔️ One-time donations for the school year
✔️ Monetary donations to help purchase prizes and recognition items
In appreciation of your support, sponsoring businesses will be recognized monthly on district social media pages and in our district newsletter.
California R-1 is incredibly blessed to have such a supportive community, and we truly appreciate businesses that invest in our students and staff. It is always a GREAT day to be a Pinto! ❤️💙
If your business is interested in becoming a Pinto Pride sponsor for the 2026-2027 school year, please email me at ashley.benton@califoniak12.org for more information or with any questions. We would love to partner with you to continue recognizing the amazing people who make our district special!
Thank you for your support and consideration!
During the 2025-2026 school year, California R-1 proudly launched a new staff recognition tradition called ❤️ Pinto Pride ❤️
Each month, students, staff, and families nominated and voted for a staff member who went above and beyond through kindness, leadership, dedication, and support for others. Through our “Loving Our Pintos” initiative, we were able to recognize the incredible employees who make a difference in the lives of our students every single day.
Thanks to the generosity of our amazing community sponsors, each monthly winner received:
🎉 A prize basket filled with favorite things and donated items
👕 A custom Pinto Pride t-shirt
⭐ An exclusive Pinto Pride decal reserved only for winners
As we prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, we are excited to EXPAND the program by recognizing both:
🍎 Teacher of the Month
🛠️ Support Staff Member of the Month
That means we will celebrate 18 outstanding staff members throughout the school year!
💙 BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP! 💙
We are currently seeking businesses and community sponsors willing to support Pinto Pride through:
✔️ Monthly donated items
✔️ One-time donations for the school year
✔️ Monetary donations to help purchase prizes and recognition items
In appreciation of your support, sponsoring businesses will be recognized monthly on district social media pages and in our district newsletter.
California R-1 is incredibly blessed to have such a supportive community, and we truly appreciate businesses that invest in our students and staff. It is always a GREAT day to be a Pinto! ❤️💙
If your business is interested in becoming a Pinto Pride sponsor for the 2026-2027 school year, please email me at ashley.benton@califoniak12.org for more information or with any questions. We would love to partner with you to continue recognizing the amazing people who make our district special!
Thank you for your support and consideration!
Attention Middle School Parents!
We are aware that some families did not receive summer school letters in the mail. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.
Here’s what you need to know about Middle School Summer School:
📅 Summer School Dates: May 27 – June 19
⏰ Hours: 7:30 AM- 3:00 PM
📍 Location: CES
Students should arrive on time each day and be ready for a fun and successful summer learning experience!
If you have questions regarding transportation, schedules, or enrollment, please contact the middle school office.
🚨 WE ARE HIRING! 🚨
The Moniteau County R-1 School District is seeking a Middle School Administrative Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year! 📚✏️
📍 Middle School Office
📅 11-Month Position (August 1 – June 30)
We are looking for someone who is organized, professional, patient, and enjoys working with students, staff, and families. Experience with receptionist/secretarial duties and computer applications is preferred.
Come join the Pinto family and make a difference every day! ❤️💙
For more information and application details, please contact the Moniteau County R-1 School District.
https://www.californiak12.org/o/carisd/page/employment
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! 🐴
The Moniteau County R-1 School District is seeking a Middle School Administrative Assistant for the 2026-2027 school year! 📚✏️
📍 Middle School Office
📅 11-Month Position (August 1 – June 30)
We are looking for someone who is organized, professional, patient, and enjoys working with students, staff, and families. Experience with receptionist/secretarial duties and computer applications is preferred.
Come join the Pinto family and make a difference every day! ❤️💙
For more information and application details, please contact the Moniteau County R-1 School District.
https://www.californiak12.org/o/carisd/page/employment
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! 🐴
🍎🥪 Check out the Elementary & Middle School lunch menu! You can also find the menus in the Dining tab on the school website or app for easy access anytime! 📱💻
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! ❤️
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! ❤️
Today’s the day! 🥎🎉
Our California Softball Youth Camp kicks off today, and we are so excited to see all of our future Pintos out on the field! 💙
Get ready for a day full of fun, learning, and softball skills! Let’s make it a great one! 💪✨
Our California Softball Youth Camp kicks off today, and we are so excited to see all of our future Pintos out on the field! 💙
Get ready for a day full of fun, learning, and softball skills! Let’s make it a great one! 💪✨
Where do we even begin to honor some truly incredible members of our Pinto family? 💙❤️
This year, we say goodbye to two amazing staff members who are retiring and leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and countless lives touched along the way.
✨ Donna Birdsong — thank you for 5 wonderful years of caring for our students and supporting our building.
✨ Amy Higgins — 28 years of dedication, memories, laughter, and impact that will never be forgotten.
Donna and Amy, we appreciate you more than words can say. Thank you for every smile, every encouraging word, every long day, and every student you helped along the way. Your impact will continue long after this year. We will miss you dearly, but we are so excited for the fun, relaxation, adventures, and memories ahead for both of you! ❤️
We are also saying goodbye to some other wonderful members of our team — Dyan Ingram, Susan Ferrell, and Alyssa Harry. Thank you for everything you have poured into our district and students. While we are sad to see you go, we cannot wait to see all the big things your futures hold!
Once a Pinto, always a Pinto. ❤️💙
This year, we say goodbye to two amazing staff members who are retiring and leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and countless lives touched along the way.
✨ Donna Birdsong — thank you for 5 wonderful years of caring for our students and supporting our building.
✨ Amy Higgins — 28 years of dedication, memories, laughter, and impact that will never be forgotten.
Donna and Amy, we appreciate you more than words can say. Thank you for every smile, every encouraging word, every long day, and every student you helped along the way. Your impact will continue long after this year. We will miss you dearly, but we are so excited for the fun, relaxation, adventures, and memories ahead for both of you! ❤️
We are also saying goodbye to some other wonderful members of our team — Dyan Ingram, Susan Ferrell, and Alyssa Harry. Thank you for everything you have poured into our district and students. While we are sad to see you go, we cannot wait to see all the big things your futures hold!
Once a Pinto, always a Pinto. ❤️💙
🍦🎉 Middle School Sweet Treats + Birthday Celebration! 🎉🍦
A huge shoutout to our amazing PTSA for treating all middle school students to ice cream and bomb pops today! What a fun and refreshing way to celebrate and brighten the day—thank you for supporting our students! 💙
We also want to wish a very happy birthday celebration to Coach Coach Heebs! 🎂🥳 We appreciate everything you do for our students and hope you have a fantastic day!
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! 🐴✨
A huge shoutout to our amazing PTSA for treating all middle school students to ice cream and bomb pops today! What a fun and refreshing way to celebrate and brighten the day—thank you for supporting our students! 💙
We also want to wish a very happy birthday celebration to Coach Coach Heebs! 🎂🥳 We appreciate everything you do for our students and hope you have a fantastic day!
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! 🐴✨
As the school year comes to an end, our district communication platform is changing!
Please make sure you have activated your parent account. Many sports Rooms have already started sharing information, and some parents are not currently receiving those messages.
To stay connected:
📱 Download the California R-1 app
💻 Or log in through the school website using your activation email or phone number
For important school alerts such as weather closures and emergency notifications, text “START” to 98900 to opt in to text alerts.
We will begin fully using this communication platform during summer school, so please make sure you are ready to receive communication regarding your student!
Thank you, and it’s a great day to be a Pinto!
Please make sure you have activated your parent account. Many sports Rooms have already started sharing information, and some parents are not currently receiving those messages.
To stay connected:
📱 Download the California R-1 app
💻 Or log in through the school website using your activation email or phone number
For important school alerts such as weather closures and emergency notifications, text “START” to 98900 to opt in to text alerts.
We will begin fully using this communication platform during summer school, so please make sure you are ready to receive communication regarding your student!
Thank you, and it’s a great day to be a Pinto!
Today is the day, Pintos! 🎉 Last day of school is here!
Have a GREAT summer—be safe, and have fun!😎☀️
We can’t wait to see you back in August! 📚✨
(Or next week on Tuesday if you’re in summer school—no escaping us that easily 😉)
Have a GREAT summer—be safe, and have fun!😎☀️
We can’t wait to see you back in August! 📚✨
(Or next week on Tuesday if you’re in summer school—no escaping us that easily 😉)
Last week in Mr. Felber’s 7th Grade History classes, students participated in a Mock Trial centered on President Andrew Jackson and questions about his actions, the Constitution, and the role of government in American history.
Students learned how a courtroom trial works and how the different roles work together within the judicial process. Each class featured students serving as the judge, prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, witnesses, Andrew Jackson himself, and the jury. Both sides presented their arguments before the jury of each class worked together to decide a final verdict of guilty or not guilty on the charges presented by the prosecution.
This activity gave students the chance to step into history instead of just reading about it. Along the way, they practiced public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking, and learned how to support decisions with evidence and discussion.
Great job to all of our 7th Grade History students for the effort and professionalism they showed throughout the trial process!
Students learned how a courtroom trial works and how the different roles work together within the judicial process. Each class featured students serving as the judge, prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys, witnesses, Andrew Jackson himself, and the jury. Both sides presented their arguments before the jury of each class worked together to decide a final verdict of guilty or not guilty on the charges presented by the prosecution.
This activity gave students the chance to step into history instead of just reading about it. Along the way, they practiced public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking, and learned how to support decisions with evidence and discussion.
Great job to all of our 7th Grade History students for the effort and professionalism they showed throughout the trial process!
Snaps from the 8th Grade Poetry Café! ☕📖
Ms. Distler organized a special event where more than 20 students bravely shared their original poems in front of their peers. We are so proud of our students for using their voices, creativity, and confidence to express themselves. Great job to everyone who participated — it’s a great day to be a Pinto!
Ms. Distler organized a special event where more than 20 students bravely shared their original poems in front of their peers. We are so proud of our students for using their voices, creativity, and confidence to express themselves. Great job to everyone who participated — it’s a great day to be a Pinto!
Communication with our community and guardians is very important to us! Be sure to check out our district communication guide, which includes information about our new app, communication platform, and ways to stay connected throughout the school year. Stay informed and never miss an update — it’s a great day to be a Pinto!
Students had the best time at the STAAR party yesterday! We are so proud of the students who were able to attend and celebrate all of their hard work. It’s a great day to be a Pinto!
🎉 Congratulations to our FINAL Pinto Pride winner of the 2025-2026 school year, Andrea Hill at the Middle School! 🎉
Mrs. Hill was nominated by so many students and families for the incredible impact she has made in her classroom this year. From making math fun with games and activities to helping students feel confident, supported, and excited to learn, her positive influence shines through every single day.
Students shared that Mrs. Hill:
✨ Makes learning fun and exciting
✨ Explains math in ways that make it easier to understand
✨ Encourages and supports every student
✨ Creates a welcoming classroom environment
✨ Always has a positive attitude and caring heart
Thank you, Mrs. Hill, for going above and beyond for your students and for making such a difference at the Middle School. We are so proud to celebrate you as our final Pinto Pride winner of the year!
✨ A HUGE thank you to our incredible sponsors who helped make this award so special! We couldn’t do it without your support! 💛
🌟 Hays Rock Works
🌟 Skin Remedy Wellness Spa
🌟 First Student
🌟 Elite Pest Controls
🌟 Juul Chiropractic
🌟 Cal’s Thriftway
🌟 Central Bank
🌟 Studio Salon
🌟 Lovebug Play Center
🌟 Elementary PTO
🌟 Grace Print House
🌟 The Flower Shop for All Occasions
Your generosity and support mean so much to our students and school community! #PintoPride #ItsAGreatDayToBeAPinto
Mrs. Hill was nominated by so many students and families for the incredible impact she has made in her classroom this year. From making math fun with games and activities to helping students feel confident, supported, and excited to learn, her positive influence shines through every single day.
Students shared that Mrs. Hill:
✨ Makes learning fun and exciting
✨ Explains math in ways that make it easier to understand
✨ Encourages and supports every student
✨ Creates a welcoming classroom environment
✨ Always has a positive attitude and caring heart
Thank you, Mrs. Hill, for going above and beyond for your students and for making such a difference at the Middle School. We are so proud to celebrate you as our final Pinto Pride winner of the year!
✨ A HUGE thank you to our incredible sponsors who helped make this award so special! We couldn’t do it without your support! 💛
🌟 Hays Rock Works
🌟 Skin Remedy Wellness Spa
🌟 First Student
🌟 Elite Pest Controls
🌟 Juul Chiropractic
🌟 Cal’s Thriftway
🌟 Central Bank
🌟 Studio Salon
🌟 Lovebug Play Center
🌟 Elementary PTO
🌟 Grace Print House
🌟 The Flower Shop for All Occasions
Your generosity and support mean so much to our students and school community! #PintoPride #ItsAGreatDayToBeAPinto
🎲 Mrs. Motley’s sixth-grade history classes wrapped up their study of the Aztec, Maya, and Inca civilizations by creating their own board games to showcase what they learned! Students did an amazing job designing games that were fun, creative, and informative while highlighting key facts about each culture. Great work by all of our students on this engaging project! It’s a great day to be a Pinto! 🏛️✨
🎉 REMINDER: BIG EVENTS THIS WEEK AT CMS! 🎉
The last week of school is here, and we have so many fun activities and celebrations happening!
📅 5/18
⭐ STAAR Party
📅 5/19
🌳 7th Grade Trip to the Park
🎤 8th Grade Poetry Café
⚖️ 5th Grade to the Courts and 5 & 50
☔ Rain date for the 8th Grade BBQ if needed
📅 5/20
🍔 8th Grade BBQ on the fields all day
🎤 8th Grade Poetry if BBQ moves to 5/19
🌳 5th Grade Trip to the Park in the AM
📅 5/21
🏅 6th Grade Awards Ceremony
🏅 8th Grade Awards Ceremony
We are looking forward to a GREAT week at CMS! ❤️
The last week of school is here, and we have so many fun activities and celebrations happening!
📅 5/18
⭐ STAAR Party
📅 5/19
🌳 7th Grade Trip to the Park
🎤 8th Grade Poetry Café
⚖️ 5th Grade to the Courts and 5 & 50
☔ Rain date for the 8th Grade BBQ if needed
📅 5/20
🍔 8th Grade BBQ on the fields all day
🎤 8th Grade Poetry if BBQ moves to 5/19
🌳 5th Grade Trip to the Park in the AM
📅 5/21
🏅 6th Grade Awards Ceremony
🏅 8th Grade Awards Ceremony
We are looking forward to a GREAT week at CMS! ❤️
🏀 We Are Hiring! Come join our coaching staff!
The Moniteau County R-1 School District is looking for an 8th Grade Boys Head Basketball Coach for the 2026-2027 school year.
If you are passionate about developing student-athletes, building teamwork, and making a positive impact, we would love to have you join Pinto Nation! 💙
Interested applicants can apply through the district website or contact the district office for more information. https://www.californiak12.org/o/carisd/page/employment
The Moniteau County R-1 School District is looking for an 8th Grade Boys Head Basketball Coach for the 2026-2027 school year.
If you are passionate about developing student-athletes, building teamwork, and making a positive impact, we would love to have you join Pinto Nation! 💙
Interested applicants can apply through the district website or contact the district office for more information. https://www.californiak12.org/o/carisd/page/employment
Today was the last day of our youth basketball camp, and we had an absolute blast. Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders did a great job. It’s always a fun week, and this year was no different.
Big shoutout to our HS players who worked our camp. Would’ve been impossible without their energy and leadership.
Big shoutout to our HS players who worked our camp. Would’ve been impossible without their energy and leadership.
2026 California Softball Youth Camp is here! Open to this year’s 1st–5th graders (next year’s 2nd–6th graders), this is a great opportunity for young athletes to learn new skills, build confidence, and have fun on the field!
💲 Cost: $25.00
➡️ Checks payable to: California High School
👕 Early Sign-Up Bonus: Register early to receive a camp t-shirt!
📅 Deadline for guaranteed t-shirt: FRIDAY!!
📬 Turn in forms to your school or mail to:
Attention: Ashley Anderson
11608 East Railroad
Centertown, MO 65023
👨👩👧👦 Multiple campers? Each additional camper is just $20.00!
⚠️ Walk-ups are welcome the day of camp, but t-shirts are only guaranteed for those registered by the deadline!
Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to grow your game—it’s always a great day to be a Pinto! 💙
Reminder: School will be out on the 21st, which is an early release day! ☀️
