NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY ADDS 10 NEW MEMBERS
The Southwest Chapter of the National Honor Society added 10 new members on Wednesday at its annual Induction ceremony in the high school gymnasium. The group inducted Senior Brianna Hoover and Sophomores Dakota Cotton,Taytum Cotton, Aubrey Holt, Holly Johnson, Molly Hendrix, Holley Montondo, Payton Petronella, Abi Hnem, and Sidney Roe. The new officer team was also sworn in, including: Olivia Hnem (President), Addyson Payne (Vice President), Gracie Swanepoel (Secretary), and Taytum Burgess (Treasurer). The outgoing officers were Addison Pendergraft, Cheyenne Holt, Andrew Russell, and Jack Cornell. Other NHS members are: Missy Freeman, Cecilia Goines, Emma Outhouse, Jaretsi Quintanilla, Tobias Smith, Victor Tellez, Katie-Ann Tenorio, Lyndon Vanzandt, Aiden Barnett, Olivia Clanton, Kylee Rhodes, and Lane Hendrix. Freshmen Milly Brinkman and Paula Callison served as ushers for the ceremony. Mr. Voyak is the advisor.
FROST, VILLACIEROS BOTH EARN GOLD AT DIAMOND
Senior Dylan Frost won the high jump and Sophomore Lucia Villacieros captured the two-mile on Tuesday at the Diamond Invitational Track Meet.
Other highlights:
the girls 4x100 relay finished 4th and narrowly missed a medal.
Freshman Race Pippin was 5th in the high jump and PR'd in the long jump.
Senior Bree Paulsen PR'd in the discus and Emily Brooks did the same in the shot.
Southwest travels to Carthage on Thursday and to Seneca on Monday.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In recent weeks, our district has become aware of several negative comments and posts on Facebook and other social media platforms regarding our schools. We understand that families care deeply about their children and their educational experience, and we respect the right of community members to share concerns. However, the tone and nature of some of these discussions have begun to strain the important relationship between our schools and the families we serve.
Our district firmly believes that the best outcomes for students occur when families and schools work together in partnership. When concerns are shared primarily through social media rather than through direct communication, it can lead to misunderstandings, incomplete information, and a breakdown of trust. We also recognize that at times students and parents may feel unheard when concerns are raised, and we understand how frustrating that can be.
We respectfully ask that, before turning to social media, concerns be addressed through the appropriate chain of command. This allows district and building-level administrators the opportunity to fully investigate and respond. Please know that all concerns brought forward will be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. While we may not always be able to meet every expectation, particularly when doing so would require overlooking inappropriate actions, we are committed to handling all situations in a fair, consistent, and professional manner.
We would also like to address a common concern that arises in online discussions. At times, posts reference staff members or disciplinary matters and suggest that the district is not taking action. It is important to understand that personnel matters are governed by strict legal and Human Resources confidentiality requirements. Because of these protections, the district is often unable to publicly share details regarding investigations or disciplinary actions, even when they are actively being addressed. These safeguards are in place to protect the rights and privacy of all employees and to ensure due process.
Our teachers, staff, and administrators work hard each day to serve the students of this community, and they deserve an environment of respect and support. Likewise, our families deserve open communication and responsiveness. In some cases, prior negative interactions have made staff hesitant to reach out, which can further impact communication. By working together respectfully, we can strengthen these connections.
If you have questions, concerns, or information you would like to share, we strongly encourage you to contact your child’s teacher, building principal, or the district office directly. Open and respectful communication ensures that concerns are heard and addressed by those best positioned to help.
At the heart of everything we do is a shared goal: the success, safety, and well-being of every student in our district. Maintaining a strong, positive partnership between home and school is essential to achieving that goal.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tosha Tilford
Superintendent of Southwest Schools
DYLAN FROST BREAKS 19-YEAR HIGH JUMP RECORD
Senior Dylan Frost broke school record and won the high jump Monday at the Republic Invitational in high school track. Dylan jumped 1.90 meters or 6-foot-3 (2.75 actually), breaking the 2007 mark of 6-foot-2 set by Randy Burns. Also, Senior Tobias Smith won the 2-mile in a PR of 11.19.67. Other highlights:
Dylan was 7th in the long jump (5.65 meters).
Sophomore Kylee Ruiz and Freshman James Marsani both PR'd in the javelin,
Southwest travels to Diamond Tuesday for the Wildcats Invitational.
As the April 7 election approaches, I want to take a moment to provide clear and straightforward information regarding Senate Bill 3 and its potential impact on Southwest R-V and public education as a whole.
This ballot issue proposes placing limits on how much property taxes can increase on a homeowner’s primary residence. While this may sound appealing—after all, everyone appreciates lower taxes—there are additional factors to consider.
Barry County is currently designated as a 0% growth county. If SB 3 passes, property tax revenues for local taxing entities would be permanently capped at FY24 levels. This means the total amount of property tax collected each year would remain the same, regardless of increases in property values, new construction, or inflation. Over time, this could create financial challenges for schools, emergency services, and other local government operations, potentially leading to tighter budgets, reduced services, or increased reliance on other funding sources.
Why this matters for Barry County schools:
Property taxes are a vital source of funding for our district. At Southwest R-V, they make up approximately 32% of our total revenue and directly support staff salaries and benefits, classroom resources, student programs, and daily operations. When this source of revenue is limited, it directly affects our ability to maintain these essential services.
This comes at a time when school districts across Missouri are already facing financial pressures, including a projected $138 million state budget shortfall, possible reductions in per-student funding, and an already underfunded state formula by approximately $190 million. In addition, transportation funding is expected to decline while other funding sources remain flat—even as operational costs continue to rise. At the same time, schools are being asked to meet new requirements, enhance safety measures, and expand academic expectations without additional funding.
What this means for us:
Taken together, these factors could result in tighter budgets, difficult decisions regarding staffing and programs, and increased pressure to do more with fewer resources. Local funding decisions, particularly those related to property taxes, play a significant role in our ability to continue providing high-quality educational opportunities for our students.
A “yes” vote would approve limits on how much property taxes can increase on a homeowner’s primary residence. While this may offer taxpayers greater predictability and protection from rising tax bills, it would also slow the growth of funding available to school districts like Southwest R-V. Over time, this could impact how districts plan for staffing, programs, and facility needs as costs continue to rise.
A “no” vote would maintain the current system, allowing property tax revenues to adjust based on existing laws and property values. This would preserve the district’s current funding structure and its ability to grow revenue over time. However, homeowners could continue to see increases in property taxes as property values rise.
Our focus moving forward:
Regardless of the outcome, we will remain committed to prioritizing our students and staff, managing our resources responsibly, and communicating openly about any challenges or decisions we face.
I encourage you to stay informed, review the ballot language, and consider how these issues connect to the work we do each day. Please also take time to share this information with family and friends in Barry County (see attached).
Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and our community. If you have any questions about Senate Bill 3, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Tosha Tilford
Superintendent, Southwest R-V School District
FFA CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENTS RESULTS FOR JUDGING TEAMS
Floriculture Team
Aiden B
Cecilia G
Amy B
Oliver C
Julian S
Dairy Cattle Team
Michael F
Bentley P
Payton P
Soils Team
Addy P
Addy K
Lyndon V
Jimena A
Horse Team
Bri H
Evan V
Holley M
Emma S
North Shelby Invitational results (40 schools)
Soils 2nd
Floriculture 5th
Crowder Aggie Days (60 schools)
Soils 1st
Floriculture 5th
Dairy Cattle 35th (with only 2 team members)
Horse 23rd
FROST LEADS SOUTHWEST TRACK AT MAC COUNTY
Senior Dylan Frost earned the lone medal for Southwest in the McDonald County Track Meet Thursday. Dylan jumped 5-feet-10 inches and finished third based on number of scratches. He also scored in the long jump (5.5 meters) and helped the 4x200 relay earn an 8th-place finish.
Some other highlights:
- Sophomore Sidney Roe was 4th in the mile and -2-mile, scoring in both events. Sophomore Lucia Villacieros was 6th and 7th, also scoring
- Junior Bailie Miniard PRd in the 100 in 11.69 seconds, shaving .42 off his time
- Sophomore Jackson Kimball PR'd in the 800 (2:42)
- Junior Lane Hendrix fell one meter short of the school record in the javelin with a throw of 33.93 meters.
The Trojans have a busy week upcoming with meets at Republic on Monday, Diamond Tuesday, and Carthage Thursday.
Southwest FBLA wins 7 medals at the March 25th Crowder Business Contest.
Conner Jones - 1st place Business Computer Applications
Brielee Jones - 2nd place General Business
Riley Cole - 3rd place Economics
Christopher Renfro -3rd place Principles of Marketing
Andrew Russell - 3rd place Business Law
Dominic Wilson 3rd place - Business Communication
Ashlynn Burges and Christopher Renfro placed 3rd in Social Media Strategies
Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, March 19
1:00-7:00 pm
WOULD YOUR CHILD FALL FOR A PHISHING SCAM?
For children in grades K-2, show your child what fake ads or links can look like in games and videos. Help them pause before clicking.
For children in grades 3-5, scam alerts! Teach your child to ignore pop-ups and fake giveaways promising free items in games or apps.
For children in grades 6-12, teach your teen how to spot scams, from phishing texts to fake influencers. Use real examples from apps they actually use.
Learn more on Parent ProTech: https://app.parentprotech.com/838/southwest-rv/en/signup?source=admin
If you have already signed up, select "Log in" at the bottom of the page.
SOUTHWEST TRAP TAKES 7 MEDALS
The trap team started out the season last weekend. Saturday, March 7, at the MO Winter Games in Branson, and Sunday, March 8, at the AIM shoot in Bella Vista. Congratulate these kids when you see them, it was a cold, windy weekend of trap shooting!
Saturday:
Brooklynn Freeman - Ladies Division - 3rd place
Riley Phillips - Sub Junior Division - 3rd place
Levi Carden - Junior Division - 1st place
Jesse Jones - Junior Gold Division - 3rd place
Sunday:
Layten Cole - Sub Junior Division - 1st place
Levi Carden - Junior Division - 2nd place (reverse score tie breaker for 1st)
Jesse Jones - Junior Gold Division - 1st place
Speech and Debate travelled to Monett on Friday, March 6, for districts.
Here are the results:
Ashlyn Taylor 8th Place Radio
Christian Renfrow 5th Place Radio
Tatum Burgess 6th Place Storytelling
Kylie Ruiz and Ashlyn Taylor 5th Duet Acting
Ashlynn Burgess 8th Place Humorous Interpretation
Tatum Burgess 8th Place Original Oration
Ashlynn Burgess 7th Place Original Oration
Tesla Eubanks 8th Place Poetry
STATE QUALIFIERS:
Christian Renfrow and Tatum Burgess 3rd Place Duet Acting
Christian Renfrow 4th place Poetry
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Senior Brianna Hoover and Sophomores Dakota Cotton, Taytum Cotton, Aubrey Holt, Holly Johnson, Molly Hendrix, Holley Montondo, Payton Petronella, Abi Hnem, and Sidney Roe for being accepted into the Southwest Chapter of the National Honor Society. The induction ceremony is Wednesday, April 1 at 1:45 p.m in the high school gymnasium. The group will also be installing new officers: Olivia Hnem (President), Addyson Payne (Vice President), Gracie Swanepoel (Secretary), and Taytum Burgess (Treasurer).
Southwest Speech and Debate traveled to New Covenant in Springfield over the weekend. Here are results:
Tesla Eubanks: 6th Place Radio Speaking
Tatum Burgess and Christian Renfrow: 5th Place Improvised Duet Acting
Ashlynn Burgess: 3rd Place Humorous Interpretation
Tatum Burgess: 1st Place Champion Storytelling
Southwest will host our 2nd Annual Speech tournament at the high school this Saturday February 28th.
