We are excited to recognize our February Students of the Month! These students consistently demonstrate strong character, a commitment to learning, and a positive impact on those around them.
From showing leadership in the classroom to supporting their peers and striving for excellence each day, these students truly set the standard. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly proud of the example they set for our school community.
👏 Congratulations to our February honorees! Keep shining and continuing to make a difference—we are proud of each and every one of you!
#StudentOfTheMonth #WildcatPride #MakingADifference
We are proud to recognize our outstanding January Students of the Month! These students have demonstrated what it truly means to be dedicated, respectful, and committed to their learning and school community.
Each of these individuals goes above and beyond—whether it’s through their hard work in the classroom, their positive attitude, or the way they support and encourage others. They represent the very best of what it means to be a part of our school.
👏 Congratulations to our January honorees! We are so proud of you and all that you accomplish each day. Keep up the great work!
#StudentOfTheMonth #WildcatPride #ExcellenceInAction
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, compassion, and hard work our paraprofessionals bring to our schools each and every day. They are the quiet heroes who step in wherever they are needed—supporting instruction, building meaningful relationships with students, and helping create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Our paraprofessionals provide one-on-one support, assist in small group instruction, help manage classrooms, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed. Their patience, flexibility, and commitment make a lasting difference not only for our students, but for our teachers and entire school community.
Today and every day, we thank our paraprofessionals for the vital role they play in helping our students learn, grow, and thrive. We appreciate you more than words can express!
Verona Elementary will be conducting Preschool and Kindergarten Screenings for the 2026–2027 school year on April 20–23, 2026.
✨ Preschool Screenings: For children who will be 4 years old by August 1, 2026
✨ Kindergarten Screenings: For children who will be 5 years old by August 1, 2026
Screenings are an important step in helping us get to know your child and ensure a smooth start to their educational journey!
📞 To schedule your child’s appointment, please call Melissa at 1-833-402-9580 Ext. 552.
We look forward to welcoming our future Verona Wildcats! 🐾
https://forms.gle/7YpbD7fuhV7rEsWR8
If you prefer a paper copy, please notify your child's teacher. Thank you so much for your input!
As the April 7 election approaches, I want to take a moment to share clear, straightforward information about Senate Bill 3 and what it could mean for Verona Schools and for public education as a whole. This ballot issue proposes limiting how much property taxes can increase on a homeowner’s primary residence, an idea that many understandably view as positive. After all, everyone wants to pay less in taxes. However, there is more to consider.
Lawrence and Barry Counties are currently classified as a 0% growth county, which means that if SB 3 passes, property tax revenues for local taxing entities would be permanently locked at their FY24 levels. This would freeze the total amount of property tax collected each year, regardless of future increases in property values, new construction, or inflation. As a result, schools, emergency services, and other local government operations would not see revenue growth from property taxes over time, leading to budget constraints, reduced services, or increased reliance on alternative funding sources to keep up with rising costs.
Why does this matter to Lawrence & Barry County schools?
Property taxes play a critical role in funding our schools. At Verona, they account for approximately 46% of our total revenue, directly supporting staff salaries and benefits, classroom resources, student programs, and the day-to-day operations that keep our district running. When local revenue is limited, it has an immediate impact on our ability to sustain these essential services. This challenge comes at a time when school districts across Missouri are already facing significant financial pressures, including a projected $138 million state budget shortfall, potential per-student funding decreases of several hundred dollars, and a funding formula that is already underfunded by approximately $190 million. In addition, transportation funding is expected to decline while other funding sources remain flat, even as costs continue to rise without matching increases in support. At the same time, schools are being asked to do more, meeting new mandates, enhancing safety measures, and expanding academic expectations....without additional funding.
A “yes” vote would approve the proposed limits on how much property taxes can increase on a homeowner’s primary residence. For taxpayers, this could provide more predictability and protection from rising property tax bills. However, because local school districts rely heavily on property tax revenue, limiting those increases would slow the growth of funding available to districts like Verona R7. Over time, this may affect how schools plan for expenses such as staffing, programs, and facility needs, particularly if costs continue to rise.
A “no” vote would keep the current system in place, allowing property tax revenues to continue adjusting based on existing laws and local assessments. This means school districts would maintain their current funding structure and capacity for revenue growth tied to property values. At the same time, homeowners could continue to see property tax increases if property values rise.
I encourage you to stay informed and review the ballot language.
Sincerely,
Melody Whitehead, Superintendent of Verona Schools
During this Lunch & Learn, students explored the Pathway to Apprenticeship Program and gained valuable insight into the wide range of opportunities available within the construction trades right here in our community. From skilled trades to long-term career pathways, they were able to hear directly from industry professionals about what it takes to succeed and how to get started.
Through our Verona Wildcat Works program, we are intentionally connecting students to real-world career experiences while helping them build the skills needed to confidently enter the workforce directly after high school. Opportunities like this are a powerful example of that mission in action.
Experiences like this help bridge classroom learning with real-world application, empowering our students to make informed decisions about their futures. We are excited to see where these opportunities may lead them!
If you are an employer and would like to learn more about the Verona Wildcat Works – Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program, please contact Brandi Freiburger at 833-402-9580 Ext. 502. We are actively working to connect our students with meaningful employment opportunities and career exploration experiences.
Thank you to our local construction partners for investing in our students and helping build the next generation of skilled professionals.
