The Palmyra R-1 School District is now accepting proposals for ceiling grid and tile replacement at Palmyra Elementary School.
Project Details:
• 19 classrooms
• Approximately 14,422 square feet
How to Get More Information:
Palmyra R-1 Central Office
1703 S. Main Street
Palmyra, MO 63461
or call: 573-769-2066
All questions should be directed to Superintendent Jason Harper.
⏰ Submission Deadline:
Proposals must be received in hand by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Students first studied the chemistry of dyeing eggs and color mixing while decorating Easter eggs. The next day, they explored elastic potential energy and kinetic energy through an archery Easter egg hunt. Students aimed for balloons in search of the golden ticket and collected prize eggs for every balloon they popped.
What a fun way to bring science concepts to life through creativity, energy, and a little friendly competition! 🧡🖤
PHS Postsecondary Advisor, Ms. Hopke and PHS students had a great opportunity to experience college life during their visit to Truman State University! Students toured the campus, attended an Admissions presentation, and even enjoyed lunch in the dining hall.
It was a valuable day of learning, exploring, and envisioning what the future can hold! 🧡🖤
We are excited to welcome in our next group of Panthers into Kindergarten! 🧡🖤
Be sure to get ready by joining us for these important events:
📅 Call to schedule your appointment for Kindergarten Round Up April 13–17
🚌 Come ride a bus and meet the teachers on April 22nd – Panther Prep Night
☀️ Sign up for Kindergarten Academy happening June 1–5
🐾 We can’t wait to meet our future Panthers!
Now, let’s spotlight one of the amazing Kindergarten educators - Mrs. Hultz!
✨ 12 Years in Education
🍎 Favorite Thing About Teaching Kindergarten:
The kids! I love watching them learn new things and be so excited to share what they know.
📚 Favorite Children’s Book/Author:
The Napping House by Audrey Wood
🎉 Fun Fact:
I have a 130 pound German Shepherd named Zeke, he’s 9.
❤️ What Families Can Expect in Kindergarten:
Families can expect their kindergartner to gain confidence, grow friendships, and learn through play and games.
Thank you, Mrs. Hultz, for making kindergarten a place where learning is joyful and every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated! 🧡🖤
This experience was a celebration of their hard work, leadership, and commitment throughout the school year. We are proud of the positive example they set each day in our schools!
Thank you to these students and sponsor Mrs. Hillman for helping keep our schools safe and welcoming—we appreciate all that you do!
Mrs. Griesbaum's students recently were able to witness something truly amazing—hatching chicks! From patiently waiting to finally meeting the chicks after they arrived in the world, it was a hands-on learning experience full of excitement, curiosity, and smiles.
Moments like these help bring learning to life and create memories our students won’t forget! 🧡🖤
#PantherPrideInTheClassroom @ PES
Palmyra R-1 Schools will not be in session Thursday, Friday, or Monday.
Reminder for High School VoTech students: HCTC is in session Thursday!
📅 Classes resume Tuesday, April 7th.
Enjoy the break, relax, recharge, and we will see everyone back ready to finish the year strong! 🧡🖤
Last week at PES, our 4th graders took part in their annual basketball tournament—but the excitement did not stop on the court!
As part of their Social Studies Economics & Entrepreneurship Unit, students stepped into the role of young business owners, learning firsthand how money flows through a community and how entrepreneurs make an impact.
Each team created their own small business—developing a name, choosing products based on customer needs, researching prices, and setting their own to (hopefully!) turn a profit. Students even applied for real-world roles like cashiers, hosts, and booth workers.
The big question at the end? Profit or loss? 💰📊
If successful, students get to enjoy the rewards—like planning a special lunch or even a field trip!
This hands-on experience is a fun and meaningful way to bring learning to life. We are so proud of the creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving our students showed throughout the week! 👏
#PantherPrideInTheClassroom @ PES
Students in Earth Science explored the different zones of the ocean and discovered what lives in each one.
As a side project, some students chose to dive deeper into learning about sharks—and wow, did they deliver! Two students created incredible paper mâché sharks that truly brought their learning to life.
Check out their amazing work… we hope you enjoy it as much as we did! 🧡🖤
📸: Mrs. Frankenbach #PantherPrideInTheClassroom @ PHS
My name is Jeff Weaver. My wife, Britni, and I have been married for 18 years and live in Palmyra with our 4 kids – Laney, Gracie, Blake, and Sam. I have worked for General Mills for the past 15 years, prior to which I served in the Army for 11 years. We are an active family, busy with sports, 4H, and farming. We attend church at Palmyra United Methodist Church.
Why did you choose to serve on the school board? 💬
My motivation has always been based in 2 things – leadership and service. My kids have been blessed with remarkable teachers and faculty members that have helped shape them into the productive young people they are. Being on the board is a way to give back to the school that has invested so much into my kids, and to the community that generously supports our students and our district!
What do you love most about our district? 💬
The people! - students that represent our school in so many ways, educators who are deeply committed to student success, and a community that shows up with pride and support. It’s an environment where everyone is invested in helping our students succeed. I believe Palmyra is a truly special place.
Fun Fact? ⭐
I am an Olympic fanatic! I love sports, am extremely competitive, and deeply patriotic! Go Team USA! 🇺🇸
Fast Five with Jeff: ⭐
Coffee or Tea?- Coffee ☕
Early Bird or Night Owl?- Night Owl 🌙 🦉
Favorite School Event?- I’m going to break the rules and mention a few!
4th grade basketball tournament – I heard its roots can be traced as far back as 1974! Amazing!
Veterans Day assemblies – watching our students learn to express such genuine love and respect for veterans is nothing short of remarkable!
Tony Lenzini tournament – I love the way our fans turn out to support our teams!
It’s also really hard to beat a Friday night football game under the lights on a cool fall evening!
Favorite Subject in School?- Math 📚
One word that describes our district? Supportive 🤝
PHS Graduate? 🎓
No, Clark County High School Class of 2000
👏 Thank you, Jeff, for your service to our country and your continued leadership and dedication to Palmyra R-1! 🧡🖤
Meet your Palmyra R-1 School Board member, Amber Gottman! 🏫
My name is Amber Gottman. I am married to Jeff Gottman and we have four children in the Palmyra School District: Gabbie, Graysen, Brayden, and Brody. I am a nurse practitioner at Blessing Health Palmyra. My family attends the Apostolic Church in Taylor, MO.
Why did you choose to serve on the school board? 💬
I ran for the Palmyra School Board with goals to ensure our kids have the best educational opportunities available to them. Learning and success looks different for every student. My aim continues to be to provide programs, platforms and instruction to help stimulate and encourage our children’s physical, intellectual and social growth. I also wanted to help ensure our educators had the resources they needed to provide a positive learning environment.
What do you love most about our district? 💬
The support our community shows our students and educators.
Fun Fact? ⭐
My first job was the Tastee Freeze in Palmyra and I enjoy doing puzzles.
Fast Five with Amber: ⭐
Coffee or Tea?- Tea 🍵
Early Bird or Night Owl?- Early Bird 🌅
Favorite School Event?- Any event that brings the community out that showcases our students talents. 🎉
Favorite Subject in School?- Math 📚
One word that describes our district? Superior 💯
PHS Graduate? 🎓
Yes, Palmyra High School Class of 2004
👏 Thank you, Amber, for your leadership and commitment to making Palmyra R-1 a great place for our students! 🧡🖤
Our 4th grade basketball tourney is in full swing as the teams rotate and play games throughout the day. When they are not on the court, students are hard at work running the concession stand, raffle table, and drink station—learning teamwork on and off the court!
A big shoutout to our high school basketball players who stepped up to referee and run the scorer’s table. We love seeing our Panthers support one another! 🧡🖤
Job well done Panthers! 👏
What a great day at PES! The Science Fair was held Thursday, showcasing the 60 students in 1st-4th grade that participated! It was a busy morning, full of experimentation and learning.
Ribbons earned by participants will be presented during the school’s Awards Day in May. A Science Expert for each grade level will also be awarded at that time. Ms. Knoche and Mrs. Gard thank all of those who helped make the Science Fair a success, especially the judges: Kaitlynn McElvain, Ken Zielinski, Tanner Thornburg, Andre Castiaux, and Liane Hetherington-Ward from BASF.
PES will be open during the basketball tournament for public viewing of the Science Fair projects in the cafeteria.
A summary of all projects has been compiled in this YouTube video.
https://youtu.be/bg72WzwPx7s
Kathy and Tiffany had the opportunity to visit with our legislators and share the impact and importance of Parents as Teachers programs in our communities.
PAT is grateful for the opportunity to share our voice and proud to be champions for children! 🧡🖤
📸 Pictured: Diane Addison (Hannibal Parents as Teachers), Tiffany, Kathy, and Representative Greg Sharpe
📸 Pictured: Kathy, Representative Louis Riggs, Diane, and Tiffany
Mrs. Zook is currently the junior high Math and Science teacher at Marion County R-II School. She previously served as the Special Education Coordinator at Marion County, PE and Health teacher for the Hannibal School District.
Mrs. Zook began her career as a Special Education teacher in 2007 after graduating from Hannibal LaGrange University and earned her Masters degree from William Woods University.
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Zook to the Palmyra R-1 School District! 🧡🖤
We are excited to welcome in our next group of Panthers into Kindergarten! 🧡🖤
Be sure to get ready by joining us for these important events:
📅 Call to schedule your appointment for Kindergarten Round Up April 13–17
🚌 Come ride a bus and meet the teachers on April 22nd – Panther Prep Night
☀️ Sign up for Kindergarten Academy happening June 1–5
🐾 We can’t wait to meet our future Panthers!
Now, let’s spotlight one of the amazing Kindergarten educators - Mrs. Griesbaum!
✨ 22 Years in Education
🍎 Favorite Thing About Teaching Kindergarten:
I love to see how much the kids grow in knowledge and social skills in one year! I love their excitement to be here and learn!
📚 Favorite Children’s Book/Author:
"Socks for Supper" (an old book from when I was a kid) ; "Turkey Trouble"; & "Room on the Broom"
🎉 Fun Fact:
I have been a Parent Educator w/PAT & was a teen parent educator in Hannibal; taught 5-8th grade reading; 6th grade CA; 3rd grade & early childhood special education; & Kindergarten.
❤️ What Families Can Expect in Kindergarten:
Your child to learn & become more independent & initially exhausted from a big busy days of games & learning!
It is the people in our classrooms who make our district shine every day. Thank you Mrs. Griesbaum! 🧡🖤
Fresh air, hands-on learning, and a little sunshine make for a great day to be a Palmyra Panther! 🧡🖤
#PantherPrideInTheClassroom @ Palmyra Middle School
Thank you to everyone who joined us Monday night for our community meeting! 🏫
We appreciate those who were able to attend and the thoughtful conversation around school finance, upcoming legislation, and how it may impact our district at the April election and beyond. Your engagement and support mean so much to our schools and our future.
A summary of the topics discussed can be found in our most recent school board press release. The full press release can be found on our website under Board of Education, Board Meeting Press Release.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further, Mr. Harper would be happy to take the time to answer your questions! Call the Palmyra R-1 Central Office at 573-769-2066 or email: harperj@palmyrar1.us.
We are proud to partner with our community as we work together to support and strengthen the future of Palmyra R-1 School District.
Integrated Science students took on an engineering challenge by designing roller coasters for their marble “cars,” using potential and kinetic energy to create the ultimate ride. Each coaster had to include at least four thrills — hills, loops, curves, tunnels, jumps, or spirals — and a creative theme for extra points!
🏆 Chloe R.’s water park-themed coaster took 1st place with 7.04 seconds of fun
🥈 Edie W. & Jenna H.’s Candy Land coaster followed with 6.68 seconds
🌿 Best Theme went to Coby M. & Larson B. with their jungle/nature design
Students learned about structural supports, velocity, and problem-solving through trial and error — and discovered that persistence pays off!
#PantherPrideInTheClassroom @ PHS
