8th Grade Promotion Slideshow 2025

2025 McDonald County High School Commencement Address

It’s a rare and deeply humbling honor—one that few teachers ever expect to receive—to stand here and deliver the final public school lesson to an entire graduating class. 

A typical graduation address talks about universal life lessons the speaker wishes to impart. But, I am a teacher not an inspirational speaker and since I teach social studies, it should come as no surprise that my final lesson to you will be a historical one. 

In 1961, the Missouri State Highway Commission released its annual tourism map—something many towns relied on to bring in visitors and fuel local economies. But to the surprise of the people of our county, the popular tourist destinations of Noel, Pineville, and Southwest City were left off the map entirely. This oversight was more than a clerical error; it posed a real threat to the livelihoods dependent on tourism.

There is an old axiom, ‘You can’t fight city hall’ which means an individual can’t win a fight against the government, but don’t let anyone tell you the citizens of this county ever walked away from a fight. Instead of sending a few letters of disapproval to the state highway commission, who were responsible for the map, they chose a more radical approach. They declared independence from the state of Missouri and so was born the McDonald Territory—a self-declared republic that managed to peak the interest of people and grabbed headlines across the country.

They printed their own stamps, issued passports, and even elected a president. It was in all honesty a bit silly—but it was also strategic, heartfelt, and rooted in a deep pride for their community. And you know what? It worked. The publicity campaign forced the state to acknowledge the oversight and helped shine a spotlight on the community's vibrant spirit.

Class of 2025, this story isn’t just a piece of local historical trivia—it’s an example of how to live with courage and creativity in the face of being underestimated, overlooked, or in this case literally being left off the map.

As you embark on your post-graduate journeys, remember the spirit of the McDonald Territory. When faced with obstacles, approach them with determination and ingenuity. Embrace challenges as opportunities to demonstrate your character and to effect positive change.

Your education has equipped you with knowledge and skills, but it's your spirit and resilience that will guide you through life's uncertainties. Stand firm in your values, support one another, and never underestimate the impact of a united community.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. May your future be as bold and resilient as the legacy of the county that you come from. 

McDonald County Secession Attempt

McDonald Territory

Rick Steves Videopalooza 2 Hour Specials

Rick Steves Videopalooza Art of Europe

American History Topic 9 Lesson 4 The Aftermath of Reconstruction

Essential Question: How should we handle conflict?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 574-579
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 574
• Journal Taken Notes 227
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 228
• Lesson Check page 579 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  

World Geography Topic 13Lesson 5 Challenges Facing Southeast Asia

 Essential Question: What role should people have in their government?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 676-679
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 676
• Journal Taken Notes 351
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 352
• Lesson Check page 679 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

World Geography Topic 13 Lesson 4 Southeast Asia at World

 Essential Question: What role should people have in their government?

 Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 669, 670-675
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 670
• Journal Taken Notes 349
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 350
• Lesson Check page 675 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

American History Topic 9 Lesson 3 Reconstruction and Southern Society

 Essential Question: How should we handle conflict?

 Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 564-565, 566-572
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 566
• Journal Taken Notes 225
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 226
• Lesson Check page 572 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  

Wold Geography Topic 13 Lesson 3 Living in Southeast Asia

 Essential Question: What role should people have in their government?

 Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 664, 665-668
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 665
• Journal Taken Notes 347
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 348
• Lesson Check page 668 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

World Geography Topic 13 Lesson 2 Independent Southeast Asia

 Essential Question: What role should people have in their government?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 659-663
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 659
• Journal Taken Notes 344
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 345
• Lesson Check page 663 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

American History Topic 9 Lesson 2 Radical Reconstructionism

Essential Question: How should we handle conflict?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 558-563
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 558
• Journal Taken Notes 223
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 224
• Lesson Check page 563 1-4
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  

World Geography Topic 13 Lesson 1Early History of Southeast Asia

 Essential Question: What role should people have in their government?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages  646-653, 655-658
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 655
• Map Skills pages 332-333
• Journal Taken Notes 342
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 343
• Lesson Check page 658 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

World Geography Topic 12 Lesson 6 Challenges Facing East of Asia

Essential Question: What are the costs and benefits of technology?

 Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 639-643
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 639
• Journal Taken Notes 327
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 328
• Lesson Check page 643 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•   Geography Now Japan

6 and 7 Grade Summer Strength Program

Click This Link to Sign Up

2025 JH SUMMER STRENGTH & PERFORMANCE

2025 Summer Strength & Performance training kicks off on June 2nd and will run through June 27th. Designed for athletes of all sports and skill levels, this program focuses on building the strength, power, agility, and conditioning required for our athletes to perform at their best. All 7th/8th grade athletes at McDonald County are expected to attend.

JUNIOR HIGH SESSIONS (MON-FRI):

• Dates: June 2nd - June 27th

• Time: 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

• Location: Anderson Middle School Weight Room

ACTIVITY BUS INFO:

• Activity buses will be running to and from Anderson Middle School from the other summer school locations (Noel, White Rock, Anderson Elem.)

• Students who are enrolled in summer school for the full day will be back in time to eat lunch

  
  

  2025 JH SUMMER STRENGTH & PERFORMANCE

  
  
  
  

  2025 Summer Strength & Performance training kicks off on June 2nd and will run through June 27th. Designed for athletes of all sports and skill levels, this program focuses on building the strength, power, agility, and conditioning required for our athletes to perform at their best. All 7th/8th grade athletes at McDonald County are expected to attend.

  
  

American History Lesson 1 Early Reconstruction

Essential Question: How should we handle conflict?

 Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 546-549, 551-557
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 551
• Journal Taken Notes 220
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 221
• Lesson Check page 557 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  

World Geography Topic 12 Lesson 5 East Asia at Work

Essential Question: What are the costs and benefits of technology?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 630-637
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 630
• Journal Taken Notes 325
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 326
• Lesson Check page 637 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

MAP Day 6

 

MAP Day 5

 

MAP Test Lesson 4

 

MAP Testing Lesson 3