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

 

MAP Testing Lesson 2

 

World Geography Topic 12 Lesson 4 Living in East Asia

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

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 625-629
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 625
• Journal Taken Notes 323
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 324
• Lesson Check page 629 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Geography Now North Korea

American History Topic 8 Review

 Page 544 Review and Assessment

Page 545

• Vocabulary and Key Ideas 1-7
• Critical Thinking 8-11
• Analyze Primary Sources 13
• Analyze Maps 14-16

World Geography Topic 12 Lesson 3 Later History of East Asia

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

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 616-623
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 616
• Journal Taken Notes 320
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 321
• Lesson Check page 623 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Geography Now China 

2025-2026 SOAP Information

 

Click the Link for More Information or to Sign Up

World Geography Topic 12 Lesson 2 Chinese Religions and Philosophies

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

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 611-615
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 611
• Journal Taken Notes 318
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 319
• Lesson Check page 615
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Geography Now Mongolia 

American History Topic 8 Lesson 6 The War's End

Essential Question:  When is war justified?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 531, 532, 533-543
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 533
• Journal Taken Notes 206
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 207
• Lesson Check page 543
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

• Ken Burns Civil War 

 

8th Grade Summer School Link

 Click Here to Register for Summer School at the High School

World Geography Topic 12 Lesson 1 Early Civilzations of East Asia

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

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 596-601, 603-610
• Journal Map Skills page 306-307
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 603
• Journal Taken Notes 316
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 317
• Lesson Check page 610 1-5
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  

 

American History: Civil War Vocabulary

 Define and draw pictures of the following words. 

Plantations Slavery Survival Value Wages Conductor Contributions Gourd Passengers Rebellious Abolitionists Agriculture Cotton Economy factories

Candidates Debates Expand Government Politicians Confederacy Elected Heritage Seceded Union Civilians Civil war Clash Devastated Flee

World Geography: Topic 11 Test South Asia

 

World Geography Topic 11 Review

Analysis Skills p. 591 

Review and Assessment 592-593

• Vocabulary and Key Ideas 1-7
• Critical Thinking 8-11
• Analyze Primary Sources 13
• Analyze Maps 14-16

American History Topic 8 Lesson 5 Emancipation and Life in Wartime

 Essential Question:  When is war justified?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 520-530
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 520
• Journal Taken Notes 203
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 204
• Lesson Check page 530
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Ken Burns Civil War

 

Barbary Pirates: Digging for the Truth

  

EQ: How did the United States deal with the Barbary Pirates during Jefferson's Presidency?

Explore:

• Pirates: Terror in the Mediterranean Digging for the Truth History Vault

Explain:

• Who are the Barbary Pirates
• What problems did they cause to the US?
• How did Jefferson deal with them?

Evaluate: 

• Class Discussion

American History Topic 8 Lesson 4 The Course of War

Essential Question:  When is war justified?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 512, 513-519
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 513
• Journal Taken Notes 201
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 202
• Lesson Check page 519
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Ken Burns Civil War

 

World Geography Topic 11 Lesson 7 Challenges Facing South Asia

Essential Question:  What Should Governments do?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 586, 587-590
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 587
• Journal Taken Notes 302
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 303
• Lesson Check page 590
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Geography Now: Sri Lanka

World Geography Topic 11 Lesson 6 South Asia at Work

Essential Question:  What Should Governments do?

 Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 579-585
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 579
• Journal Taken Notes 299
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 300
• Lesson Check page 585
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Geography Now: Bangladesh
• Geography Now: Bhutan

Talent Show Sign Ups

American History Topic 8 Lesson 3 Division and the Outbreak of War

 Essential Question:  When is war justified?

 Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 500, 501-511
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 501
• Journal Taken Notes 199
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 200
• Lesson Check page 511
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  

 

World Geography Topic 11 Lesson 5 Living in South Asia

Essential Question:  What Should Governments do?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 575-578
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 575
• Journal Taken Notes 297
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 298
• Lesson Check page 578
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

• Geography Now: Afghanistan
• Geography Now: Nepal

World Geography Topic 11 Lesson 4 Later History of South Asia

Essential Question:  What Should Governments do?

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 568-574
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 568
• Journal Taken Notes 294
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 295
• Lesson Check page 574
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Geography Now: India
• Geography Now: Pakistan

American History Topic 8 Lesson 2 Growing Tensions

Essential Question:  When is war justified? 

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 488, 489-499
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 489
• Journal Taken Notes 196
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 197
• Lesson Check page 489
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Small House of Uncle Thomas Ballet from The King and I

World Geography Topic 11 Lesson 3 Origins and Beliefs of Buddhism

Essential Question:  What Should Governments do? 

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 563-567
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 563
• Journal Taken Notes 292
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 293
• Lesson Check page 567
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

•  Life, The Universe, and the Buddha: Crash Course Religion #6

World Geography Topic 11 Lesson 2 Origins and Beliefs of Hinduism

Essential Question:  What Should Governments do? 

Engage:

• Video: 

Explore:

• Read pages 557-562
• Define and Draw Vocabulary page 557
• Journal Taken Notes 290
• Lesson Summary 
• Lesson Summary Spanish

Evaluate:

• Journal Practice Vocabulary page 291
• Lesson Check page 562
• Lesson Quiz 

Extend:

• Buddha and Ashoka: Crash Course World History #6