Aurora R-8 School District

10/27/2026

Teacher Proud Tuesday – This Week's Winners!

Aurora R8 is proud to recognize this week's Teacher Proud Tuesday winners! These dedicated educators make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and staff every day.

Aurora High School – Matthew George

Matthew goes above and beyond to support his colleagues at Aurora High School. He works closely with teachers to ensure important evaluation data is entered accurately and on time, helping the evaluation process get off to a smooth start. His dedication, teamwork, and willingness to step in wherever needed make him a valued member of the high school team!

Aurora Junior High – Marsha Burton High

Marsha is dedicated to supporting her students academically, socially, and emotionally. She goes above and beyond to ensure every student feels valued, supported, and cared for. Her compassion and willingness to listen, encourage, and provide guidance help create an environment where students know they matter. Her commitment to meeting the needs of the whole student makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves every day!

Aurora Learning Center – Wendee Wessel

Wendee goes above and beyond to ensure her students have the support they need to succeed. She willingly gives her time before and after school to help students reach their goals while providing encouragement and maintaining high expectations. Her dedication to helping students recognize their potential and achieve success truly embodies what it means to be a Houn Dawg. Wendee is a valued member of the ALC team!

Robinson School – Emily Johannes

Emily consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues and help students succeed. She takes the initiative to develop instructional resources, organize materials, and find creative ways to make learning meaningful. From preparing phonics lessons and assessments for her team to creating hands-on science experiences for students, her dedication and willingness to take the lead make a positive impact throughout Robinson School!

Pate Early Childhood Center – Madison Zabala

Madison brings a positive attitude and a welcoming smile to Pate each day! She is actively engaged with her students, creating meaningful interactions and a positive learning environment. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and genuine enjoyment of working with students make her a wonderful colleague and a valued member of the Pate team!

Congratulations to all five of our Teacher Proud Tuesday winners! Thank you for the passion, dedication, and care you bring to Aurora R8. We are proud to have you as part of our Houn Dawg family!


Aurora High School Aurora Alternative Learning Center Aurora Junior High Robinson School Pate Early Childhood Center

10/26/2026

NOW HIRING – IMMEDIATE OPENING!

Aurora R8 is hiring immediately! Robinson School is seeking a dedicated, student-centered Administrative Assistant to join our team!

Apply Now: https://auroramo.schoolspring.com/

Responsibilities include:
•Serving students, families, and staff
•Supporting daily office operations
•Managing attendance and student records
•Assisting with bookkeeping and finances
•Working in a fast-paced school environment

Position Benefits:
•12-month position
•Four-day school week (Monday–Thursday)
•Vacation and sick leave
•Health insurance stipend

Compensation based on the district's approved pay scale

View the District Pay Scale:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tv14rSXbXsjQ2k8ngDUXXZT3LDIXeB5o/view

Apply Today!
https://auroramo.schoolspring.com/

Don't miss this opportunity to join the Robinson School team and make a difference every day! We're accepting applications for immediate hiring.

10/23/2026

Red Ribbon Spirit Week | October 26–29

It's time to show our Houn Dawg spirit while promoting healthy choices and a drug-free future!

Students and staff are encouraged to participate in our Red Ribbon Week dress-up days!

Monday, October 26 – Pajama Day: Dream big, stay drug free!

Tuesday, October 27 – Neon Day: Aim for a bright future!

Wednesday, October 28 – Sports Wear: Team up against drugs!

Thursday, October 29 – Orange & Black: Say BOO to drugs!

We look forward to a fun week of school spirit and positive messages as we encourage our Houn Dawgs to make healthy choices!

10/23/2026

Thank you so much to Arvest Bank for your generous donation to our program. Our students ❤️ you!

10/22/2026

Attention, Pate and Robinson Students

Aurora's Got Talent!

Aurora High School's Theatre Department is hosting a districtwide talent show, and Aurora R8 students and staff are invited to audition!

Auditions: Wednesday, November 4
Auditions will take place at schools throughout the district. Participants should prepare a family-friendly act lasting 1–3 minutes. Video auditions may also be submitted by email. Auditioning does not guarantee selection.

Register: https://forms.gle/qNJVuNgTLYFuSVxK8

°Talent Show: Friday, December 4
°Dress Rehearsal: 1:00–4:45 p.m. (selected performers)
°Performance: 5:00 p.m.
°Location: AHS Black Box Theatre
°Admission: $3 per person

Audience members can vote through donations for the Fan Favorite Award!

Proceeds will help support Aurora High School's International Thespian Society Troupe #4470 in attending the Missouri Thespian Festival.

Questions or video auditions:
Ms. Hildebrand
[email protected]
(417) 678-3355, ext. 1325

10/22/2026

Just a reminder the Fall Band Carnival is October 29th at the high school.
Aurora High School Aurora Junior High Aurora Alternative Learning Center Robinson School Pate Early Childhood Center

Hard to believe, but October is here and it's time to announce our annual Fall Band Carnival! Please join us at Aurora High School on Thursday, October 29, from 5-8 pm, for this fun annual event supporting our Aurora Band Program!

10/21/2026

Congratulations to Brandon Rinker, Aurora R8 District Teacher of the Month, and Chris Diaz, District Staff Member of the Month!

Both were recognized for their outstanding dedication to Aurora R8 and received a $50 award generously provided by Pettit Law Firm.

In a thoughtful act of generosity, Chris donated his $50 award to support the district's La Posada event coming up in December!

A special thank you to Pettit Law Office for sponsoring these awards and for your continued support of Aurora R8 students and staff. We appreciate your partnership in recognizing the people who make a difference in our district every day!

Congratulations, Brandon and Chris, and thank you for all you do for HD Nation!

Pate Early Childhood Center Robinson School Aurora Junior High Aurora Alternative Learning Center Aurora High School

10/21/2026

Dear Aurora R8 Families,

At Aurora R8, we know that strong schools are built on strong relationships with students, families, and our community. As Missouri introduces a new school grading system, we want to make sure our families understand what it means for our schools.

How Are Schools Graded?

Missouri's new system gives each school district and each school building a letter grade from A to F. Grades are based on student test scores, how much students improve over time, how well students are prepared for life after high school, and high school graduation rates.

The first grades are part of a trial system and use results from the 2024–2025 school year. The letter grades will be published in December, 2026. The state is still working to improve the system. These grades are separate from the state's Annual Performance Report (APR) and school accreditation.

What Does a Letter Grade Tell Us?

A letter grade is one way to measure how a school is doing, but it does not show everything happening in our classrooms. Student attendance, school improvement efforts, and many of the programs and experiences that help students grow are not part of the new grade.

A Closer Look at the Aurora R-8 School District

We are proud of our students, our staff, and the progress being made across our district.

Our graduation rate has been higher than the state average for five years in a row.

In 2025, 46.9% of Aurora students who took the ACT scored above the national average.

Our district has an average of 14 students for every teacher.

These are just a few ways we measure success. We also know there is always room to improve. Our staff continues to use student results to guide teaching, meet student needs, and help every child grow.

Our Focus on Students

What makes Aurora R-8 special is the people who fill our schools each day. Our teachers and staff know their students, care about their success, and work hard to help them reach their goals. We are proud to be part of a community that supports its schools and believes in its children.

No matter how schools are measured, our focus remains the same: helping every Aurora R8 student learn, grow, and succeed.

Thank you for being part of our R8 family and for trusting us with your children. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Dr. Yocom
Superintendent, Aurora R-8 School District

10/20/2026

🍎 Teacher Proud Tuesday – This Week's Winners! ❤️🖤

Aurora R8 is proud to recognize this week's Teacher Proud Tuesday winners! These dedicated educators make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and staff every day.

Aurora High School – Maggie Reed

Maggie's passion and dedication to her students shine through in everything she does. She holds students to high expectations while providing the individualized resources and support they need to succeed. Her caring, attentive approach to special education, along with her willingness to support her colleagues, makes her a valued member of the Aurora High School team!

Aurora Junior High – Sandy Wilson

Sandy goes above and beyond to support both students and staff at Aurora Junior High. She leads by example, setting high expectations for her students while giving her very best to help them succeed. Her dedication, persistence, and genuine care are evident in every interaction. With her positive attitude, strong leadership, and willingness to go the extra mile, Sandy makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her!

🌟Aurora Learning Center – Dr. Amy Garton

Amy has been a wonderful addition to the Aurora Learning Center! Her passion for teaching and genuine care for her students are evident in the engaging, hands-on lessons she creates. From teaching students how to prepare affordable meals in FACS to providing individualized support in math, she goes above and beyond to help students succeed. In a short time, she has built meaningful relationships with her students and become a valued member of the ALC team!

Robinson School – Brandon Rinker

Brandon makes every student feel welcomed and valued by starting each day and class with a positive interaction. His warm greetings and genuine care help create an encouraging environment where students feel noticed and supported. Beyond the classroom, he is a dependable team member who is always willing to step in and lend a hand. His positive attitude, kindness, and commitment to others make a meaningful difference for both students and staff at Robinson School!

Pate Early Childhood Center – Michelle Fischer

Michelle brings a positive attitude and a welcoming smile to Pate each day! She goes out of her way to make students and staff feel valued and encouraged, helping create a warm and supportive environment. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and willingness to lend a helping hand make her a wonderful teammate and a valued member of the Pate family!

❤️🖤 Congratulations to all five of our Teacher Proud Tuesday winners! Thank you for the passion, dedication, and care you bring to Aurora R8. We are proud to have you as part of our Houn Dawg family!


High School Aurora Alternative Learning Center Junior High Robinson School Pate Early Childhood Center