Friday Night Lights Tonight!
District Championship Game
Adrian vs. North Platte - 7pm
Let's go, Blackhawks!
District Championship Game
Adrian vs. North Platte - 7pm
Let's go, Blackhawks!
Congratulations to the Middle School and High School students of the month for October!
Pictured, L to R: HS: Berkleigh Pierce, Junior and Marcella Ridgley, 8th grade.
The Adrian School District's Veterans Day assembly is truly one of the most meaningful events of the year. Students in grades K–12 came together today to honor and recognize the local men and women who have served or are serving our country.
FBLA members worked incredibly hard to organize a memorable assembly that honored the veterans in attendance. They invited Michelle Nebocat, a Marine veteran, to serve as the guest speaker. Her inspiring speech delivered a powerful message that resonated with students of all ages. FCCLA members also showed their appreciation by preparing breakfast for the veterans before the assembly. MS and HS Multimedia students, elementary students, the MS/HS Choir, the MS/HS Band, and many other students and staff helped make the program a heartfelt tribute to those who have served.
The respect, gratitude and commitment displayed by the students and staff to honor area veterans reflects the very best of what it means to be part of the Blackhawk family.
To anyone who has served or is serving in the United States Armed Forces, a sincere thank you from the Blackhawks for your service.
Here are a few pictures from today's assembly, including: Adrian FBLA members and Adviser Kinda Williams; FBLA President Aynsley Zerbe, Senior, who led the assembly; Guest Speaker Michelle Nebocat; MS/HS Choir; Veterans at breakfast and at the assembly; and Adrian Boy Scouts Troop 238. Photos taken by Marlee Harris and Ellionna Cashman, Yearbook Staff.
FBLA members worked incredibly hard to organize a memorable assembly that honored the veterans in attendance. They invited Michelle Nebocat, a Marine veteran, to serve as the guest speaker. Her inspiring speech delivered a powerful message that resonated with students of all ages. FCCLA members also showed their appreciation by preparing breakfast for the veterans before the assembly. MS and HS Multimedia students, elementary students, the MS/HS Choir, the MS/HS Band, and many other students and staff helped make the program a heartfelt tribute to those who have served.
The respect, gratitude and commitment displayed by the students and staff to honor area veterans reflects the very best of what it means to be part of the Blackhawk family.
To anyone who has served or is serving in the United States Armed Forces, a sincere thank you from the Blackhawks for your service.
Here are a few pictures from today's assembly, including: Adrian FBLA members and Adviser Kinda Williams; FBLA President Aynsley Zerbe, Senior, who led the assembly; Guest Speaker Michelle Nebocat; MS/HS Choir; Veterans at breakfast and at the assembly; and Adrian Boy Scouts Troop 238. Photos taken by Marlee Harris and Ellionna Cashman, Yearbook Staff.
Happy Veterans Day! Thank you to all who have or are selflessly serving the United States of America!
Congratulations to Adrian High School Senior Kenton Merrifield, who was selected as a recipient of the Harmony Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award! This award recognizes Kenton’s outstanding character, dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.
Kenton was honored at a reception hosted by the Harmony Mission Chapter of DAR on Monday, November 9, 2026. As part of the presentation, he shared his thoughts on patriotism. Kenton’s mom, Alicia Merrifield, also had the special honor of pinning him with his DAR Good Citizen pin.
Congratulations, Kenton, on this well-deserved honor!
All veterans, Adrian FBLA and the Blackhawks would love to honor you tomorrow morning, beginning with breakfast at 7:30am and an assembly at 8:30am! Join us!
FILING DATES FOR SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
The Adrian R-III School District encourages qualified persons interested in running for a position on the School Board to file to be a candidate for the April 6, 2027 election. Interested person may file in-person at the Superintendent’s Office located at 601 N. Houston, Adrian, MO 64720. For more information, contact Mr. Don Lile at 816-297-2710 ext. 4001.
Filing will begin on December 15, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and will continue during the district’s regular business hours, which are Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Except for the first and last day of filing, filing will not occur on days that the Adrian R-III School District is closed due to inclement weather. Candidates should call (816) 297-2710 ext. 4002 or email
charlotte.johnson@adrian.k12.mo.us to inquire if offices are open. Filing will also not occur during winter break when the district is closed: December 23, 2026 through January 1, 2027. The Superintendent’s office will be open on January 5, 2027 until 5:00 p.m. for the final day of filing. There are three positions available each with three-year terms.
The Adrian R-III School District encourages qualified persons interested in running for a position on the School Board to file to be a candidate for the April 6, 2027 election. Interested person may file in-person at the Superintendent’s Office located at 601 N. Houston, Adrian, MO 64720. For more information, contact Mr. Don Lile at 816-297-2710 ext. 4001.
Filing will begin on December 15, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. and will continue during the district’s regular business hours, which are Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Except for the first and last day of filing, filing will not occur on days that the Adrian R-III School District is closed due to inclement weather. Candidates should call (816) 297-2710 ext. 4002 or email
charlotte.johnson@adrian.k12.mo.us to inquire if offices are open. Filing will also not occur during winter break when the district is closed: December 23, 2026 through January 1, 2027. The Superintendent’s office will be open on January 5, 2027 until 5:00 p.m. for the final day of filing. There are three positions available each with three-year terms.
AHS students enrolled in dual credit classes received a scholarship from the Adrian Optimist Club!
From Adrian R-III:
The Adrian Optimist Club has presented scholarships to the Blackhawks for years. One of the scholarships they offer is the Floyd Buhr College Credits Scholarship. This year, the Optimists awarded this scholarship to eight juniors and seniors enrolled in dual credit classes. Presenting the scholarships on behalf of the Adrian Optimist Club is AHS Teacher Mr. Jake Weeks. Recipients are: Devon Duncan, senior; Aynsley Zerbe, senior; Claire Newkirk, senior; Berkleigh Pierce, junior; Sydney Gach, senior; Emma Holmes, senior; Grace Engeman, junior; and Mya Glass, junior. Congratulations!
Thank you to the Adrian Optimist Club for always supporting the Blackhawks on their educational journeys.
These items were found after the football game on the home side. They will be in the MS/HS Office.
At the State cross country meet today, the Lady Blackhawks locked up sixth place with two medalists on the podium. Libby Nebocat, senior, claimed 16th place and Junior Kenzie Coones placed 21st. Libby set a new school record and she is the highest placing girl in school history. Coach Rylee Mabe said l the team ran very well today.
The girls began training in the summer and worked hard this season. It showed in their personal bests and school records. Coach Mabe is proud of this team and is grateful for all the support. He said, "Thank you to the parents and community for all the support. It is truly special here."
The 2026 State Girls Cross Country Team: Leah Ford and Libby Nebocat, seniors; Avery Rodgers, Emma Smith, Mya Glass, Kenzie Coones, juniors; and Alayna Patterson, freshman. Congratulations!!!
🎉 Congratulations to Mrs. Chancy Glynn! 🎉
Congratulations to Mrs. Chancy Glynn on completing the Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator Apprenticeship!
Mrs. Glynn completed hours of learning through a partnership with Missouri State University.
She was presented this certificate, along with 14 fellow Missouri educators, at a recent ceremony held by DESE Career & Technical Education Director Perry Gorrell in Jefferson City.
👏 A special thank you goes to Betty Glasgow, Apprenticeship Consultant, for her dedication developing these strong Missouri leaders.
🖤💛 Thank you, Mrs. Glynn, for your commitment, connecting our Blackhawk students with opportunities of the future.
Congratulations to Mrs. Chancy Glynn on completing the Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator Apprenticeship!
Mrs. Glynn completed hours of learning through a partnership with Missouri State University.
She was presented this certificate, along with 14 fellow Missouri educators, at a recent ceremony held by DESE Career & Technical Education Director Perry Gorrell in Jefferson City.
👏 A special thank you goes to Betty Glasgow, Apprenticeship Consultant, for her dedication developing these strong Missouri leaders.
🖤💛 Thank you, Mrs. Glynn, for your commitment, connecting our Blackhawk students with opportunities of the future.
On November 4, six Adrian FFA members competed at Area Fall Speaking in Osceola. They wrote, memorized, presented, and answered questions about their speeches comprised of various topics. The top two in each category advance to districts at UCM next Wednesday. Way to go, Blackhawks!
Results from Adrian FFA:
Evie S. - 2nd in MO Forest Producers Association
Erin W. - 1st in MO Sheep Producers
Rylee O. - 2nd in MO Young Farmers Education Association
Berkleigh P. - 3rd, Alt to Districts in MO Pork Association
Khloe M. - 1st in MO Pork Association
Macy S. - MO Forest Producers Association
Good Luck at State, Lady Blackhawks!
Dear Staff, Parents, and Community Members,
In the coming days, the state of Missouri will release preliminary letter grades for public schools across the state. At Adrian R-III School District, we believe transparency is essential. We want our staff, families, and community to hear directly from us about this new grading system, what it measures, what it does not measure, and the concerns we have regarding its implementation.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is introducing its first pilot A-F grading system for public schools, established through an executive order signed by Governor Kehoe in January. As these preliminary grades are released, we believe it is important for our community to understand three key points:
• Every school district and school building will receive a single letter grade.
• This system is in addition to Missouri’s existing Annual Performance Report (APR); it does not replace it.
• The grading system relies heavily on standardized test scores, assessed once per school year, providing a limited picture of overall school performance.
It is important to recognize that this is a pilot program—the first year of a new state-level system using performance data from the 2024–2025 school year. As the framework evolves, the criteria and resulting grades may change over time. The current A–F grading framework is based on an executive order and action by the State Board of Education rather than state law.
We support accountability and continuous improvement in public education, which the APR supports. However, we have expressed professional concerns to the state regarding the accelerated timeline for developing and implementing this system. In response to this concern, the Adrian R-III Board of Education passed a resolution in opposition to the A-F grading system. We believe school evaluation should be fair, comprehensive, and reflective of the many factors that contribute to student learning and success. Standardized test scores provide one measure of performance, but they are only a snapshot in time. They cannot fully capture the quality of instruction, the growth of individual students, the dedication of educators, or the many ways our schools serve the community.
Ultimately, no state-assigned letter grade can replace the knowledge and perspective of a parent. You see the relationships your children build with their teachers, the support they receive in the classroom, the challenges they overcome, and the progress they make each day. Those experiences matter. Our responsibility is to partner with you to help every student reach their full potential.
Regardless of the letter grade assigned or the requirements established in Jefferson City, our mission remains unchanged. We will continue to focus on the local priorities, programs, and systems that support student achievement and reflect the values of our community.
Public education serves every child who walks through our doors, without exception. Our schools welcome students with different abilities, needs, backgrounds, life circumstances, and starting points. This commitment is fundamental to who we are. It is also why we believe a single letter grade can never fully represent the work of a school or the dedication of the educators who serve our students each day.
Strong public schools are essential to the future of our communities. Building and sustaining that strength requires meaningful accountability, thoughtful evaluation, and, above all, trust between our schools and the families we serve. While state ratings may provide one perspective, they should never define the full value of a school or the success of its students.
Thank you for your continued trust, support, and partnership. We remain committed to keeping our community informed as this process unfolds and to advocating for an evaluation system that fairly reflects the work happening in our schools every day.
Our commitment to our students, our families, and our community will not change.
Sincerely,
Adrian R-III School District
In the coming days, the state of Missouri will release preliminary letter grades for public schools across the state. At Adrian R-III School District, we believe transparency is essential. We want our staff, families, and community to hear directly from us about this new grading system, what it measures, what it does not measure, and the concerns we have regarding its implementation.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is introducing its first pilot A-F grading system for public schools, established through an executive order signed by Governor Kehoe in January. As these preliminary grades are released, we believe it is important for our community to understand three key points:
• Every school district and school building will receive a single letter grade.
• This system is in addition to Missouri’s existing Annual Performance Report (APR); it does not replace it.
• The grading system relies heavily on standardized test scores, assessed once per school year, providing a limited picture of overall school performance.
It is important to recognize that this is a pilot program—the first year of a new state-level system using performance data from the 2024–2025 school year. As the framework evolves, the criteria and resulting grades may change over time. The current A–F grading framework is based on an executive order and action by the State Board of Education rather than state law.
We support accountability and continuous improvement in public education, which the APR supports. However, we have expressed professional concerns to the state regarding the accelerated timeline for developing and implementing this system. In response to this concern, the Adrian R-III Board of Education passed a resolution in opposition to the A-F grading system. We believe school evaluation should be fair, comprehensive, and reflective of the many factors that contribute to student learning and success. Standardized test scores provide one measure of performance, but they are only a snapshot in time. They cannot fully capture the quality of instruction, the growth of individual students, the dedication of educators, or the many ways our schools serve the community.
Ultimately, no state-assigned letter grade can replace the knowledge and perspective of a parent. You see the relationships your children build with their teachers, the support they receive in the classroom, the challenges they overcome, and the progress they make each day. Those experiences matter. Our responsibility is to partner with you to help every student reach their full potential.
Regardless of the letter grade assigned or the requirements established in Jefferson City, our mission remains unchanged. We will continue to focus on the local priorities, programs, and systems that support student achievement and reflect the values of our community.
Public education serves every child who walks through our doors, without exception. Our schools welcome students with different abilities, needs, backgrounds, life circumstances, and starting points. This commitment is fundamental to who we are. It is also why we believe a single letter grade can never fully represent the work of a school or the dedication of the educators who serve our students each day.
Strong public schools are essential to the future of our communities. Building and sustaining that strength requires meaningful accountability, thoughtful evaluation, and, above all, trust between our schools and the families we serve. While state ratings may provide one perspective, they should never define the full value of a school or the success of its students.
Thank you for your continued trust, support, and partnership. We remain committed to keeping our community informed as this process unfolds and to advocating for an evaluation system that fairly reflects the work happening in our schools every day.
Our commitment to our students, our families, and our community will not change.
Sincerely,
Adrian R-III School District
PARAPROFESSIONAL POSITION AVAILABLE
Adrian R-III School District
The Adrian R-III School District is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and student-centered Paraprofessional to join our team!
At Adrian R-III, we believe in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. We offer a highly desirable four-day school week, a collaborative work environment, strong administrative and staff support, and wonderful students who make a difference in our work each day.
The ideal candidate will bring a positive, team-oriented attitude, flexibility, and a genuine passion for working with students with diverse learning needs. This individual will work alongside certified staff to support student success, promote inclusion, and create meaningful learning experiences.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Supporting students in the classroom and throughout the school day.
• Assisting with the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Working collaboratively with teachers and other staff to meet individual student needs.
• Helping foster a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must meet Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for paraprofessional employment. Qualifying options include:
• Completion of at least 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution.
• A passing score on the Missouri-approved Paraprofessional Assessment.
• Other DESE-approved qualifications.
If you enjoy working as part of a team, have a heart for helping students, and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, we would love to hear from you!
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online at asdmo.us/jobs .
Please submit a completed application, college transcripts or other proof of qualification, and references to:
Brenna Rich
Director of Special Services
Email: brenna.rich@adrian.k12.mo.us
Come be part of the Adrian R-III team, where the work you do makes a difference every day!
Adrian R-III School District
The Adrian R-III School District is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and student-centered Paraprofessional to join our team!
At Adrian R-III, we believe in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. We offer a highly desirable four-day school week, a collaborative work environment, strong administrative and staff support, and wonderful students who make a difference in our work each day.
The ideal candidate will bring a positive, team-oriented attitude, flexibility, and a genuine passion for working with students with diverse learning needs. This individual will work alongside certified staff to support student success, promote inclusion, and create meaningful learning experiences.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Supporting students in the classroom and throughout the school day.
• Assisting with the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Working collaboratively with teachers and other staff to meet individual student needs.
• Helping foster a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must meet Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements for paraprofessional employment. Qualifying options include:
• Completion of at least 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution.
• A passing score on the Missouri-approved Paraprofessional Assessment.
• Other DESE-approved qualifications.
If you enjoy working as part of a team, have a heart for helping students, and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children, we would love to hear from you!
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online at asdmo.us/jobs .
Please submit a completed application, college transcripts or other proof of qualification, and references to:
Brenna Rich
Director of Special Services
Email: brenna.rich@adrian.k12.mo.us
Come be part of the Adrian R-III team, where the work you do makes a difference every day!
Now Hiring: Nighttime Custodian
The Adrian R-III School District is seeking a dependable and dedicated individual to join our team as a full-time, year-round Nighttime Custodian.
This position offers a competitive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
Work Schedule:
During the school year: Monday–Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
During the summer: Four 10-hour workdays per week.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should complete an online application at asdmo.us/jobs and submit the completed application to:
Superintendent Don Lile
Email: don.lile@adrian.k12.mo.us
Join the Adrian R-III team and become part of a district committed to serving its students and community!
The Adrian R-III School District is seeking a dependable and dedicated individual to join our team as a full-time, year-round Nighttime Custodian.
This position offers a competitive benefits package, including health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
Work Schedule:
During the school year: Monday–Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
During the summer: Four 10-hour workdays per week.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should complete an online application at asdmo.us/jobs and submit the completed application to:
Superintendent Don Lile
Email: don.lile@adrian.k12.mo.us
Join the Adrian R-III team and become part of a district committed to serving its students and community!
ALL-CONFERENCE AND ALL-DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL HONORS!
All-Conference
Grace Engeman Conference Co-Player of the Year
Daisey Fenton 1st Team
Alexa Rodgers 1st Team
Sydney Gach 2nd Team
Aubrey Rodgers 2nd Team
All-District
Grace Engeman 1st Team
Daisey Fenton 1st Team
Alexa Rodgers 1st Team
Sydney Gach 2nd Team
Aubrey Rodgers 2nd Team
The Lady Blackhawks finish the season after a 5-set loss in a hard fought game. They played with heart and left it all on the court!
The Lady Blackhawks win districts and advance to the State Cross Country Meet on November 6th at Gans Creek in Columbia!
The Blackhawks ran well and had a strong finish to their season!
Congratulations athletes and Coach Mabe!
Four Lady Blackhawks Golfers Named 2026 MHSGCA Girls Golf Academic All-State!
The Missouri High School Golf Coaches Association has recognized four Blackhawks who work hard and are committed to excellence both as students and athletes. Pictured are the 2026 MHSGCA Girls Golf Academic All-State recipients from AHS. Left to right: Junior Rylee O'Farrell, Senior Claire Newkirk, Senior Lily Hughes, and Junior Jacie Essenpries.
Academic All-State Qualification Criteria
3.5 Non-Rounded, Non-Weighted Cumulative GPA OR 25 ACT Superscore OR 1200 SAT; Sophomore, Junior, or Senior in good standing with their team/school; and considered a Varsity golfer by the coach’s/school’s standards.
Congratulations, ladies, on this well-deserved honor!
Picture by Derrick Elmer, MS Multimedia Class