The Nest Podcast

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary: Jefferson R-VII School District 2025-26 Commemorative Logo

Patriotism meets education in this forward-looking address from Superintendent David Haug as Jefferson R-7 School District prepares for a momentous 2025-26 academic year. The excitement is palpable as Haug reflects on recent accolades that have positioned the district as a leader in civic-minded education. The district proudly received dual honors last year—recognition from the Daughters of American Revolution for exceptional flag care practices across campus, and a commendation from the United States Army National Guard acknowledging the district's commitment to respectful partnerships. These relationships have blossomed into meaningful experiences for students, with National Guard members conducting team-building activities with PE classes and athletic teams. Such collaborations exemplify how community partnerships enhance educational experiences beyond traditional classroom settings. Looking ahead, Jefferson R-7 is launching an innovative flag protocol education program in anticipation of America's 250th anniversary. Administrators Mr. Rouggly and Mr. Horn are spearheading this initiative to ensure students develop a deeper understanding of proper flag etiquette and care. The program will include specialized advisory sessions and the development of comprehensive educational materials available to both students and community members. To commemorate this historic national milestone, the district has created a special "United States of America 1776-2026" logo and commemorative pins that will be available at extracurricular events. Don't miss your chance to own this piece of history while supplies last—and join us in celebrating what promises to be an extraordinary year where patriotism and educational excellence converge to create meaningful learning experiences for our students!

Building Stronger Communities: Survey Insights from Jefferson R-VII

Our Climate and Culture Survey results show strong participation with 339 parent responses, 120 staff responses, and over 500 student responses to guide our continuous improvement plan. We're sharing key strengths and opportunities for growth based on this valuable feedback. • 85% of students agree teachers and adults treat them with respect • Students' sense of belonging remains consistent across transitional grades (3rd, 6th, 9th) • Only 38% of students feel their peers get along with one another • Student-to-student relationships improve with age (23% positive at Telegraph, 55% at high school) • 49% of students believe their peers respect teachers, while staff perception is higher at 58% • Morning meetings at Telegraph Elementary are successfully building community through daily gatherings • We'll focus on expanding opportunities for student connections and reinforcing our "Be a Better Bystander" program We're very proud of our strengths and committed to addressing areas for growth. Your feedback plays a huge role in helping us get better, so thank you to everyone who participated in the surveys.

Building Success Through Strategic Planning and Collaboration

Discover how the Jefferson R-7 School District is setting new standards in education with Superintendent Dr. David Haug at the helm. We promise you'll gain valuable insights into their impressive nine-point APR score jump to 92.4% and learn how collaboration and strategic planning are driving this success. David shares the district's unwavering commitment to nurturing crucial traits like hard work, perseverance, problem-solving, and empathy among students and staff. You'll also hear about the district's strategic involvement with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and how it's paving the way for future residential and commercial growth. In this episode, we delve into how Jefferson R-7 is navigating economic challenges like the Ameren closure with the expertise of its Board of Education. Dr. Haug elaborates on the district's approach to fostering success beyond just winning, focusing on the mindset and actions that lead to sustained achievements. Our conversation also highlights the importance of the CSIP process as a medium for community involvement, further solidifying the district's dedication to transparency and continuous improvement. Tune in to explore how a blend of community engagement and strategic foresight is creating a thriving environment for everyone at Jefferson R-7.

Spirit Days and Exciting Events: Your Ultimate Homecoming Guide

Ready to experience the most thrilling Homecoming Week ever? Brace yourselves as Baylor Pemberton, Mallory Wilkey, Mitchell Obermeyer, and Nolan Naucke walk you through an entire week packed with excitement, spirit, and memorable moments. We kick off with interactive games at the younger buildings and move on to transforming our hallways into a Broadway spectacle. From the high-energy bonfire to the themed spirit days like Dress as Your Favorite Musical and Greasers vs. Beachers, every single day is designed to bring our community together in the most fun and engaging ways. But that's just the beginning! Join us as we paint the town blue on Blue Jay Day with a pep rally, carnival, and the much-anticipated homecoming parade down Blue Jay Way. Don't miss the big game against Perryville where we'll crown our king and queen before wrapping up the week with a spectacular dance on Saturday night. Grab your calendar and mark these dates because you won't want to miss a single moment of this unforgettable Homecoming Week. Buckle up for a week filled with laughter, camaraderie, and pure school spirit!

Honoring Legacy: The R-7 Advocate Recognition and Celebrating Community Heroes

Curious to learn how one person's dedication can preserve a community's rich history? Join us as Superintendent Dr. David Haug introduces the R-7 Advocate Recognition, a new initiative celebrating those who go above and beyond for the Jefferson R-7 School District. Our first honoree, Barb Jackson, has an inspiring story that showcases her relentless passion for our community. From her early days as a devoted bus driver to her meticulous efforts in organizing historical documents, Barb's contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. You'll discover how her work has led to identifying the 2024-25 school year as the district's 75th Jubilee, commemorating the 1949 reorganization of local schools into Jefferson R-7. But that's not all—this episode also brings to life the experiences of one of our cherished bus drivers. With fond memories of navigating challenging routes and implementing essential safety measures, this bus driver's 24-year journey exemplifies dedication and love for the Jefferson R-7 community. Listen in as we share stories filled with gratitude, admiration, and a deep-seated passion for preserving the local history that makes our district exceptional. Don't miss this heartfelt episode that honors those who make a lasting impact on Jefferson R-7.