π Attention Houston High School Sophomores!
Interested in joining a PRTC (Piney River Technical Center) program for hands-on career and technical training? Nowβs the time to act! πΌβ¨
π What You Need to Do:
β‘οΈ Stop by and meet with Ms. Volk to pick up your program application
β‘οΈ Complete your ICAP immediately
π Deadline: Applications are due March 6
π Interviews will be scheduled by the instructor
π Learn more about the programs and application details:
π https://www.houston.k12.mo.us/page/prtc
Donβt miss your chance to gain real-world skills and career experience!
Interested in joining a PRTC (Piney River Technical Center) program for hands-on career and technical training? Nowβs the time to act! πΌβ¨
π What You Need to Do:
β‘οΈ Stop by and meet with Ms. Volk to pick up your program application
β‘οΈ Complete your ICAP immediately
π Deadline: Applications are due March 6
π Interviews will be scheduled by the instructor
π Learn more about the programs and application details:
π https://www.houston.k12.mo.us/page/prtc
Donβt miss your chance to gain real-world skills and career experience!

πΎπ Houston FFA Open House β Join Us! ππ½
Houston Schools is excited to share that the Friends of the FFA will be hosting a Houston FFA Open House, and our community is invited to attend!
π Location: Houston PRTC
π« Address: 206 W. Spruce St.
π Date: February 7, 2026
β° Time: 11:00 A.M. β 1:00 P.M.
Stop by to:
πΆοΈ Enjoy free chili and drinks
π€ Meet the Friends of the FFA Officers and our Houston FFA Officers
π£ Attend the official meeting following the open house
This event supports efforts to provide funds and resources that strengthen our agricultural program and FFA chapter right here in the Houston area. Weβre proud of the opportunities FFA provides our students, and we appreciate the communityβs continued support.
We hope to see our students, families, alumni, and community members there! π±
Houston Schools is excited to share that the Friends of the FFA will be hosting a Houston FFA Open House, and our community is invited to attend!
π Location: Houston PRTC
π« Address: 206 W. Spruce St.
π Date: February 7, 2026
β° Time: 11:00 A.M. β 1:00 P.M.
Stop by to:
πΆοΈ Enjoy free chili and drinks
π€ Meet the Friends of the FFA Officers and our Houston FFA Officers
π£ Attend the official meeting following the open house
This event supports efforts to provide funds and resources that strengthen our agricultural program and FFA chapter right here in the Houston area. Weβre proud of the opportunities FFA provides our students, and we appreciate the communityβs continued support.
We hope to see our students, families, alumni, and community members there! π±

π₯π Library Book Trailer Contest Winner! ππ₯
Middle school and high school students have the opportunity to create book trailers for books in our school library! A book trailer is just like a movie trailer β its goal is to spark interest and make others want to read the book.
Weβre excited to announce that Karlie Johnston (7th grade) is our January Book Trailer Contest Winner! ππ
Great job, Karlie, on using creativity to bring a story to life and inspire others to read! We canβt wait to see more amazing trailers from our students.
Middle school and high school students have the opportunity to create book trailers for books in our school library! A book trailer is just like a movie trailer β its goal is to spark interest and make others want to read the book.
Weβre excited to announce that Karlie Johnston (7th grade) is our January Book Trailer Contest Winner! ππ
Great job, Karlie, on using creativity to bring a story to life and inspire others to read! We canβt wait to see more amazing trailers from our students.

Spring sports are right around the corner!
Make sure youβre ready to go before the first practice on Monday, March 2!
β Sports physicals must be up to date
β Physicals are valid for 2 years
β If yours is close to expiring, schedule an appointment now
Donβt wait until the last minute β get everything taken care of so you can hit the ground running!
Contact Brent Hall, athletic director, for questions.
Make sure youβre ready to go before the first practice on Monday, March 2!
β Sports physicals must be up to date
β Physicals are valid for 2 years
β If yours is close to expiring, schedule an appointment now
Donβt wait until the last minute β get everything taken care of so you can hit the ground running!
Contact Brent Hall, athletic director, for questions.

π ASVAB Testing Update π
ASVAB test scores from the January testing session are now available and have been uploaded to the Assessment tab in Infinite Campus for students who participated.
Ms. Volk will meet with all students who tested in January during Club Day in March to review their results and discuss how their skills and strengths align with potential career paths. Each student will also receive a printed copy of their score report at that time.
π A big thank you to all of the students who tested! They came prepared, followed expectations, and represented our school extremely wellβwe are very proud of them.
π Juniors who were unable to test in January will have the opportunity to take the ASVAB in Fall 2026.
If you have questions about scores or upcoming meetings, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Tara Volk, High School Counselor.
Thank you for your continued support!
ASVAB test scores from the January testing session are now available and have been uploaded to the Assessment tab in Infinite Campus for students who participated.
Ms. Volk will meet with all students who tested in January during Club Day in March to review their results and discuss how their skills and strengths align with potential career paths. Each student will also receive a printed copy of their score report at that time.
π A big thank you to all of the students who tested! They came prepared, followed expectations, and represented our school extremely wellβwe are very proud of them.
π Juniors who were unable to test in January will have the opportunity to take the ASVAB in Fall 2026.
If you have questions about scores or upcoming meetings, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Tara Volk, High School Counselor.
Thank you for your continued support!

π Houston High School Student of the Month β Keaton Hinkle π
For January, weβre celebrating the βLβ in our PROBLEM Solver vision β Lifelong Learners! A lifelong learner is someone who continually seeks opportunities to grow, both inside and outside the classroom. Itβs about building knowledge, developing skills, and always striving to improve for both career success and personal fulfillment.
Sophomore Keaton Hinkle exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner through dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to doing his best each day. πβ¨
Congratulations, Keaton! We are proud of the example you set at HHS! ππ
For January, weβre celebrating the βLβ in our PROBLEM Solver vision β Lifelong Learners! A lifelong learner is someone who continually seeks opportunities to grow, both inside and outside the classroom. Itβs about building knowledge, developing skills, and always striving to improve for both career success and personal fulfillment.
Sophomore Keaton Hinkle exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner through dedication, curiosity, and a commitment to doing his best each day. πβ¨
Congratulations, Keaton! We are proud of the example you set at HHS! ππ

π¨ Positions Available at Houston Schools!
Weβre excited to announce coaching opportunities for the 2026 season:
βΎ Anticipated Head Middle School Baseball Coach
π₯ Junior High Head Softball Coach
If youβre passionate about working with student-athletes and making a positive impact, weβd love to hear from you!
π© Contact Brent Hall at bhall@houston.k12.mo.us
or 417-967-3024 for more information.
π₯οΈ Apply online here: https://houstonr1.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Help us continue building strong programs and great experiences for our Tiger athletes!
Weβre excited to announce coaching opportunities for the 2026 season:
βΎ Anticipated Head Middle School Baseball Coach
π₯ Junior High Head Softball Coach
If youβre passionate about working with student-athletes and making a positive impact, weβd love to hear from you!
π© Contact Brent Hall at bhall@houston.k12.mo.us
or 417-967-3024 for more information.
π₯οΈ Apply online here: https://houstonr1.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Help us continue building strong programs and great experiences for our Tiger athletes!

π Big Applause for Jack Sandberg! π
Please join us in congratulating Senior Jack Sandberg, who has been selected to represent Houston High School in an Honor Choir at the Southwest American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA) Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico this March!
This is an exceptional honorβchoir students from 7 states audition, and only a select group is chosen from hundreds of talented singers. Those selected perform with peers from across the Southwest under a renowned conductor, working on high-quality choral literature at this prestigious, biannual conference.
Being chosen for the SWACDA Honor Choir is a huge accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of Jack. If you see him, be sure to congratulate him!
As Jack prepares for this exciting opportunity, anyone who would like to help support him is welcome to reach out. Please contact the High School office if you are interested.
π Conference Dates: March 4β7
Please join us in congratulating Senior Jack Sandberg, who has been selected to represent Houston High School in an Honor Choir at the Southwest American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA) Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico this March!
This is an exceptional honorβchoir students from 7 states audition, and only a select group is chosen from hundreds of talented singers. Those selected perform with peers from across the Southwest under a renowned conductor, working on high-quality choral literature at this prestigious, biannual conference.
Being chosen for the SWACDA Honor Choir is a huge accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of Jack. If you see him, be sure to congratulate him!
As Jack prepares for this exciting opportunity, anyone who would like to help support him is welcome to reach out. Please contact the High School office if you are interested.
π Conference Dates: March 4β7

π Houston Community Foundation Varsity Boys Basketball Tournament π
Get ready for a week of exciting varsity boys basketball action! The Houston Community Foundation Tournament tips off January 19β24 and features great matchups all week, leading up to championship play on Saturday.
π Tournament Dates: Jan. 19, 20, 22 & 24
π Location: Houston
Pool Play:
Two pools of three teamsβeach team will play everyone in their pool. Final standings will determine Saturdayβs matchups.
β° Saturday Finals β Jan. 24:
β’ Noon β #3 Pool A vs #3 Pool B
β’ 1:30 PM β #2 Pool A vs #2 Pool B
β’ 3:00 PM β #1 Pool A vs #1 Pool B
Come out and support our athletes for a full week of competitive basketball and school pride!
Get ready for a week of exciting varsity boys basketball action! The Houston Community Foundation Tournament tips off January 19β24 and features great matchups all week, leading up to championship play on Saturday.
π Tournament Dates: Jan. 19, 20, 22 & 24
π Location: Houston
Pool Play:
Two pools of three teamsβeach team will play everyone in their pool. Final standings will determine Saturdayβs matchups.
β° Saturday Finals β Jan. 24:
β’ Noon β #3 Pool A vs #3 Pool B
β’ 1:30 PM β #2 Pool A vs #2 Pool B
β’ 3:00 PM β #1 Pool A vs #1 Pool B
Come out and support our athletes for a full week of competitive basketball and school pride!

π 2026 Thayer Winter Classic β Girls Basketball Tournament π
The Lady Tigers are headed to the 52nd Annual Thayer Winter Classic, with a full week of competitive girls basketball ahead!
Opening Round
π Monday, January 19
β° 6:30 PM
π Houston vs. Thayer
Tournament play continues throughout the week, wrapping up with consolation games, the 3rd place game, and the championship on Saturday, January 24.
Good luck to our Lady Tigersβcome out and support them!
The Lady Tigers are headed to the 52nd Annual Thayer Winter Classic, with a full week of competitive girls basketball ahead!
Opening Round
π Monday, January 19
β° 6:30 PM
π Houston vs. Thayer
Tournament play continues throughout the week, wrapping up with consolation games, the 3rd place game, and the championship on Saturday, January 24.
Good luck to our Lady Tigersβcome out and support them!

Jasmine, a 5th grader in Mr. Holladayβs class, was rewarded for an amazing achievementβcompleting 1,000 sight words! πβ¨
This accomplishment reflects her hard work, dedication, and growth as a reader. We are so proud of Jasmine and the effort she puts into her learning each day. Keep up the great work! ππ
This accomplishment reflects her hard work, dedication, and growth as a reader. We are so proud of Jasmine and the effort she puts into her learning each day. Keep up the great work! ππ

πΎ FFA Greenhand Motivational Conference πΎ
Yesterday, our FFA students attended the District Greenhand Motivational Conference in West Plains, and it was a day full of learning and inspiration! Students had the opportunity to meet many Missouri FFA State Officers and Area 13 Officers, who shared how FFA opens doors to new opportunities through the 3 Circle Model of Agricultural EducationβClassroom Instruction, SAE Projects, and FFA involvement.
After the conference, students visited the Ozark Regional Stock Yards for a hands-on look at the livestock industry. They observed a cow and bull sale, watched local producers unload cattle, saw a veterinarian processing cattle, and gained valuable insight into current cattle conditions and market prices.
A powerful day connecting classroom learning to real-world agriculture and leadership opportunities!
Yesterday, our FFA students attended the District Greenhand Motivational Conference in West Plains, and it was a day full of learning and inspiration! Students had the opportunity to meet many Missouri FFA State Officers and Area 13 Officers, who shared how FFA opens doors to new opportunities through the 3 Circle Model of Agricultural EducationβClassroom Instruction, SAE Projects, and FFA involvement.
After the conference, students visited the Ozark Regional Stock Yards for a hands-on look at the livestock industry. They observed a cow and bull sale, watched local producers unload cattle, saw a veterinarian processing cattle, and gained valuable insight into current cattle conditions and market prices.
A powerful day connecting classroom learning to real-world agriculture and leadership opportunities!

πΆ Houston Bands Winter Concert πΆ
Join us this Saturday for an evening of music as our talented Houston band students take the stage for their Winter Concert!
π Saturday, January 10
β° 6:00 p.m.
π Hiett Gymnasium
Come support our students and enjoy a wonderful night filled with seasonal favorites and musical excellence. We hope to see you there! πΊπ·πΆ
Join us this Saturday for an evening of music as our talented Houston band students take the stage for their Winter Concert!
π Saturday, January 10
β° 6:00 p.m.
π Hiett Gymnasium
Come support our students and enjoy a wonderful night filled with seasonal favorites and musical excellence. We hope to see you there! πΊπ·πΆ

Drinking Water Testing Update π§
The Houston R-I School District continues to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff.
Superintendent Dr. Justin Copley has shared an important update regarding our drinking water testing program in partnership with Get the Lead Out, LLC. Please click the attached PDF to review detailed information about recent testing and results.
Thank you for your continued support of Houston R-I School District.
The Houston R-I School District continues to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff.
Superintendent Dr. Justin Copley has shared an important update regarding our drinking water testing program in partnership with Get the Lead Out, LLC. Please click the attached PDF to review detailed information about recent testing and results.
Thank you for your continued support of Houston R-I School District.

MEET OUR TEAM β‘οΈ Mr. John Cope will join Houston Schools for the 2026-27' school year as the Auto Technology Instructor . Welcome to the team Mr. Cope!
π₯ POSITION: Auto Technology Instructor
π₯ YEARS IN EDUCATION: First year and trained auto technician for 30 years
π₯ ABOUT MR. COPE: "I earned my GED. I have a wife and 4 grown children. I love to hunt and fish, spend time with my family. I owned my own business for 30+ years. Several years in Texas and then in MO, when I then retired. It was nice to come home as an Owensville native. I am active in my church and in many mission events that we participate in."
π₯ WHAT EXCITES HIM ABOUT JOINING THE DISTRICT: "I am excited for the opportunity to help guide students to a profitable and professional future. With a better understanding of how to work on vehicles of all kinds and how to deal with people in different environments. How to have pride in your work and be honest in all you do."
π₯ POSITION: Auto Technology Instructor
π₯ YEARS IN EDUCATION: First year and trained auto technician for 30 years
π₯ ABOUT MR. COPE: "I earned my GED. I have a wife and 4 grown children. I love to hunt and fish, spend time with my family. I owned my own business for 30+ years. Several years in Texas and then in MO, when I then retired. It was nice to come home as an Owensville native. I am active in my church and in many mission events that we participate in."
π₯ WHAT EXCITES HIM ABOUT JOINING THE DISTRICT: "I am excited for the opportunity to help guide students to a profitable and professional future. With a better understanding of how to work on vehicles of all kinds and how to deal with people in different environments. How to have pride in your work and be honest in all you do."

π Cabool Holiday Tournament β Almost Here! π
The countdown is on! Our Houston Tigers will tip off tournament play at the Cabool Holiday Tournament, and excitement is already building.
Nowβs the perfect time to start planning your week and getting ready to cheer on our Tigers as they hit the court for this favorite holiday tradition. Every game counts, and Tiger Nation support makes all the difference!
π Admission Reminder:
π΅ $10 cash at the door
π± $8 digital ticket
π« Grab your digital ticket early here: https://bit.ly/3Mbvm7L
Check out the bracket below and get ready for a great week of basketball.
Go Tigers! β€οΈπ€
The countdown is on! Our Houston Tigers will tip off tournament play at the Cabool Holiday Tournament, and excitement is already building.
Nowβs the perfect time to start planning your week and getting ready to cheer on our Tigers as they hit the court for this favorite holiday tradition. Every game counts, and Tiger Nation support makes all the difference!
π Admission Reminder:
π΅ $10 cash at the door
π± $8 digital ticket
π« Grab your digital ticket early here: https://bit.ly/3Mbvm7L
Check out the bracket below and get ready for a great week of basketball.
Go Tigers! β€οΈπ€

π Get ReadyβOur Lady Tigers Are Headed to the Mountain Grove Holiday Tournament! π
Itβs almost tournament time, and excitement is building as our Lady Tigers prepare to take the court in Mountain Grove on December 22! This team has been grinding, growing, and gearing up for a big week of holiday hoops.
We canβt wait to watch them compete, bring the energy, and represent Houston with pride!
Check out the bracket and start planning your game daysβletβs fill the stands and cheer them on every step of the way!
Itβs almost tournament time, and excitement is building as our Lady Tigers prepare to take the court in Mountain Grove on December 22! This team has been grinding, growing, and gearing up for a big week of holiday hoops.
We canβt wait to watch them compete, bring the energy, and represent Houston with pride!
Check out the bracket and start planning your game daysβletβs fill the stands and cheer them on every step of the way!

π¨β¨ Middle School Artists Shine at the Cabool School Art Show! β¨π¨
Congratulations to Ms. Brylee McCain for earning 2nd Place and Ms. Myles Copley for placing 3rd at the Cabool School Art Show! ποΈπ
Our middle school scholars truly made us proud β with over 10 entries, every student received accolades from guests and judges alike. Amazing creativity, hard work, and talent on display! β€οΈπ€
Way to go, artists! π
Congratulations to Ms. Brylee McCain for earning 2nd Place and Ms. Myles Copley for placing 3rd at the Cabool School Art Show! ποΈπ
Our middle school scholars truly made us proud β with over 10 entries, every student received accolades from guests and judges alike. Amazing creativity, hard work, and talent on display! β€οΈπ€
Way to go, artists! π

ππ Houston Tigers Earn 2025 Academic All-State Honors ππ
Congratulations to our Houston Football players who have been named 2025 Academic All-State! This recognition highlights their dedication both on the field and in the classroom. β€οΈπ€
To earn Academic All-State honors, student-athletes must meet at least two of the following three criteria:
βοΈ Score 25 or higher on the ACT or 1200 or higher on the SAT
βοΈ Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher (non-weighted)
βοΈ Rank in the top 20% of their class
GPA and class rank are determined based on the standings at the beginning of the academic year.
We are incredibly proud of these Tigers for setting the standard of excellence through hard work, discipline, and commitment. Way to represent Houston Football!
Congratulations to our Houston Football players who have been named 2025 Academic All-State! This recognition highlights their dedication both on the field and in the classroom. β€οΈπ€
To earn Academic All-State honors, student-athletes must meet at least two of the following three criteria:
βοΈ Score 25 or higher on the ACT or 1200 or higher on the SAT
βοΈ Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher (non-weighted)
βοΈ Rank in the top 20% of their class
GPA and class rank are determined based on the standings at the beginning of the academic year.
We are incredibly proud of these Tigers for setting the standard of excellence through hard work, discipline, and commitment. Way to represent Houston Football!

π ALL-DISTRICT HONORS! π
Congratulations to our Houston Tigers who were named to the Missouri Football Coaches Association All-District Class 2 Football Team! Your hard work, dedication, and determination on the field truly paid off.
β Oliver Greiner β Offensive Line
β Tucker Venn β Defensive Back
β DJ Riley β Defensive Back
β Mason Dodson β Tight End
We are proud of each of you and the way you represent Tiger Football!
Congratulations to our Houston Tigers who were named to the Missouri Football Coaches Association All-District Class 2 Football Team! Your hard work, dedication, and determination on the field truly paid off.
β Oliver Greiner β Offensive Line
β Tucker Venn β Defensive Back
β DJ Riley β Defensive Back
β Mason Dodson β Tight End
We are proud of each of you and the way you represent Tiger Football!

