Meet your Palmyra R-1 School Board member, Leisa Hinkle! 🏫

Hi, my name is Leisa Hinkle. My husband, Richard, and I have been married for 35 years and live in Taylor, MO. I am a retired teacher from the Palmyra School District, business owner of The Urban Nest and an active community member. All four of my children - Emilee, Austin, Katee and Cooper - graduated from the Palmyra R-1 School District. My favorite hobby is spoiling my beautiful granddaughters, Oaklee, Piper, Naomi and Natasha.

As a parent, educator, business owner, and community member, I bring a well-rounded perspective and a deep loyalty to our district. I believe Palmyra is a wonderful place to raise and educate children. 🎓

Fast Five with Leisa: ⭐
Coffee or Tea: Neither
Early Bird or Night Owl: Early Bird
Favorite School Event: Basketball
Favorite Subject to teach: Graphic Arts or Yearbook
One word that describes our district: COMMITTED!

Are you a Palmyra graduate?
No, but worked for the district from August 1994 - May 2019.

Fun Fact? ⭐
Mrs. Hinkle did not provide a fun fact or throw back pictures, but thankfully one of her first (and maybe even a favorite) Palmyra student is on staff and was able to find some pictures from the past to share. Mrs. Hinkle's fun fact is she has not changed a bit since her early days at PHS!

👏 Thank you, Leisa, for your years of dedicated service, your leadership, and the lasting impact you have made on our students, staff, and community—we are truly grateful! 🧡🖤
9 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Hinkle family picture
Staff photo from 1994-1995 yearbook
Staff photo from 1994-1995 yearbook
Palmyra FFA Hosts Area Contest 🐾🌾

This weekend, Palmyra FFA was proud to host a contest, welcoming schools from across the area to compete and showcase their skills!

Thank you to all the schools who participated and to everyone who helped make the event a success! 👏
10 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Palmyra FFA hosted contest for floriculture
Palmyra FFA hosted contest
Palmyra FFA hosted contest
Palmyra FFA hosted contest
Palmyra FFA hosted contest
Palmyra FFA hosted contest
PHS students have been prepping for the ACT. Four nights, four subjects, one goal 🎯

Students put in the work at our ACT Crash Course and are ready for PHS District test day! 💪📚

Good luck Panthers!
10 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
ACT prep night
ACT prep night
Beautiful day to kick off the track season at Hannibal!
10 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
track
track
track
track
track
Quiz Bowl Success at CCC Tournament! 🏆🧠

This Saturday, our PHS Quiz Bowl team competed in the Clarence Cannon Conference Tournament at Clark County and represented Palmyra well! 🧡🖤

The Varsity team kicked things off with a strong win over Macon, battled in a close matchup with Centralia, and finished the day with a victory over Monroe City to earn 3rd place overall! 👏

We are also proud to recognize our All-Tournament selections:
✨ Levi – 3rd Place JV All-Tournament Team (40 PPG)
✨ Joseph – T-5th Place Varsity All-Tournament Team (33.3 PPG)
✨ Matthew – T-3rd Place Varsity All-Tournament Team (50 PPG)

Great work by all of our Quiz Bowl competitors! 📚💡

📸 Coach Hopke
11 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Varsity quiz bowl 3rd place CCC tourney
JV and Varsity quiz bowl members of all tourney team at CCC tourney
Varsity quiz bowl 3rd place CCC tourney
Congratulations to Ms. Knoche – FCCLA Adviser of the Year! 🎉

We are proud to celebrate this incredible achievement as Ms. Knoche was named New Adviser of the Year at the recent MO FCCLA State Leadership Conference—an honor recognizing outstanding advisers with fewer than five years of experience.

In just four years of teaching Family and Consumer Sciences, she has truly raised the bar. Ms. Knoche doesn’t just promote FCCLA—she lives it through her classroom instruction, mentorship, and dedication to service.

Thanks to her leadership, students have had the opportunity to shine on a national stage, competing in National LifeSmarts and National STAR Events. She is also committed to innovation, securing grants to bring cutting-edge resources like a 3D printer and VR headsets into her classroom—creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Knoche on this well-deserved recognition! 👏
11 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Ms. Knoche awarded New Adviser of the year award for FCCLA
Ms. Knoche awarded New Adviser of the year award for FCCLA
Reminder, Panthers! 🧡🖤

Spring break has come to an end - school resumes Monday, March 23.

Also, we will hold a community meeting Monday at 6:00 PM in the PHS gym to discuss school finance legislation and the Homestead Property Tax Credit/Senate Bill 3 that will be on the April ballot.

Hope you had a great break, Panthers, we look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
11 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
School finance and MO Legislation updates, Monday, March 23rd at 6 pm PHS
PES Science Fair is Almost Here! ✨🔬

Our students will showcase their creativity, curiosity, and scientific thinking at the PES Science Fair on March 26th! 🧪💡

📅 Thursday: Students will present their projects to judges and classmates
🏀 Friday: Community viewing will take place during the 4th Grade Basketball Tournament

We are excited to see all the hard work our Panthers have put into their projects—be sure to check them out! 🧡🖤
11 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
PES Science Fair March 26th
Meet your Palmyra R-1 School Board Secretary, Doug Meyers! 🏫

I’m a 1995 graduate of Palmyra High School. After graduating, I moved away to attend Missouri Western State University, but my heart was always in Palmyra. I eventually returned home, knowing this was where I wanted to build my life, raise my family, and invest my time and energy. 🎓

Nineteen years ago, I was honored to step into the City of Palmyra’s first full-time Parks and Recreation Director position after the passage of the quarter-cent sales tax supporting our parks. That opportunity shaped not only my career but also my life, allowing me to serve a community I care deeply about.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to stay involved in several areas that help strengthen our community. I currently serve on the Palmyra Main Street Committee and have been involved with American Red Cross Aquatics education for the past 25 years. I’m also proud to be a Missouri Master Gardener. In addition to my work with the City, I have had the privilege of serving on the Palmyra R-1 School Board for the past 11 years. 🤝

One of the ways I enjoy staying connected to our school community is volunteering in the press box on Friday nights during football season, helping run the music and contribute to the game atmosphere.

My wife, Carla, also serves our community through her work and her longtime leadership with the Palmyra Booster Club. Together we’ve raised three children here in Palmyra, and I’m incredibly proud of the paths they are carving out.
Our oldest son, Zane, is a Palmyra High School graduate and a young and successful business owner in Palmyra. He is now in his third year as a barber after opening Meyers Barber Co. Our second son, Zeke, also graduated from Palmyra High School and went straight into the workforce. He now serves the community as a full-time mail carrier with the United States Postal Service here in Palmyra. Our youngest, Zola Grace, is a freshman at Palmyra High School, a three-sport athlete, and very active in school activities.

Palmyra has shaped who I am. My commitment to this community has never been about titles, but about service, stewardship, and making sure Palmyra remains a place where families are proud to live, work, and build their future.

Why do you choose to serve on the school board? 💬
I choose to serve on the school board because strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. Our schools shape not only the education of our children, but also the character, opportunities, and future of our town. Serving on the board allows me to help ensure that Palmyra students have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed. It’s also a way for me to give back to a community that has given so much to my family. Being involved in decisions that impact our students, teachers, and families is a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m proud to help guide the future of our district.

What do you love most about our school district? 💬
What I love most about our school district is the strong sense of community and pride that surrounds it. Palmyra schools are supported by dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, parents, and community members who truly care about our students. It’s a place where people show up for one another—whether that’s in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, or in the stands. Our district provides opportunities for students in academics, athletics, and activities, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.

Fast Five with Doug ⭐
Coffee or Tea: Coffee
Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl
Favorite School Event: Friday night football games, there’s nothing better than the whole community showing up under the lights.
Favorite Subject in School: Recess… which probably explains why I ended up working in Parks and Recreation.
One Word to Describe Our District: Pride

Fun Fact? ⭐
Over the past 15 years, I’ve planted more than 500 Missouri native trees throughout Palmyra landscape… and I still have a pretty good fastball from my fast-pitch softball days.

Are you a Palmyra graduate?
Palmyra High School Class of 1995

👏 Thank you Doug! We are grateful for the time, commitment, and heart you bring to serving our Panther and Palmyra family. 🧡🖤
13 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Board Member family picture
Board Member senior picture
Kindergarten Staff Spotlight ✨

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. Churchwell!

✨ 31 Years in Education

🍎 Favorite Thing About Teaching Kindergarten:
The kids! Being around their honesty and enthusiasm is truly special. Seeing how they perceive the world is always a joy, and it’s a privilege to play a role in shaping the next generation.

📚 Favorite Children’s Book/Author:
For the past 10 years, Mo Willems has been a favorite—especially the beloved Elephant & Piggie series!

🎉 Fun Fact:
This teacher has experience across many grade levels and subjects, including Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th, and 6th grade, Middle School Art, FACS, and Title Reading!

❤️ What Families Can Expect in Kindergarten:
Students will grow in independence, building confidence as they learn to rely less on parents and more on their own abilities.

Join us in celebrating the dedication and passion that make our classrooms so special! 🧡🖤
15 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Mrs Churchwell
Mrs. Churchwell teacher of all things
Stay Safe, Panthers! ⚡️

Our 5th and 6th grade students had an electrifying learning experience today! 🧡🖤

Josh Hirner, Safety Representative with Northeast Power, visited as part of their Energizing Safety Program to teach students all about electrical safety. Students had the chance to see real coal up close, try on lineman safety equipment, and even watch a powerful demonstration of electricity in action! ⚡️

Hands-on learning like this helps our students better understand how to stay safe around electricity while having a little fun along the way!
16 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School - coal sample
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School - coal sample
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School
Energizing Safety demonstration at Middle School

Palmyra R-1 Community Meeting

Join us for an important Community Meeting to discuss school finance and Missouri legislation updates that will impact public education now and into the future.

📅 Monday, March 23rd
⏰ 6:00 P.M.
📍 Palmyra High School

Topics of Discussion:
• School Finance Legislation
• Homestead Property Tax Credit / Senate Bill 3 (on the April ballot)

We encourage all community members to attend, stay informed, and be part of the conversation about the future of our schools.

We hope to see you there!

16 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
School finance and MO Legislation updates, Monday, March 23rd at 6 pm PHS
Meet your Palmyra R-1 School Board Vice President, Andrew Lehenbauer! 🏫

Andrew Lehenbauer, a 2003 graduate of Palmyra High School and 2005 OSU-Okmulgee grad with a degree in applied science with emphasis on diesel power systems. My wife Jessica and I have 3 beautiful daughter who are students in Palmyra. 🎓

After working in the heavy construction repair sector for almost a decade, I came back to work full time on my family's farm. I am the Operation Manager at Lehenbauer Farms Inc. I work with my dad, Ronnie, along with my brother Mark and his wife Amy, to make LFI a producer of choice. Rooted in faith and family values, our mission at LFI is to lead with innovation and resourceful stewardship, serve our community, and build lasting relationships to create a legacy of farming excellence. 🤝

Why did I choose to serve on the school board? 💬
I chose to serve on the board because I wanted to invest in our youth. Time is our greatest and most precious commodity. In this ever-changing world, I wanted to be a part of the discussion on how we spend our time and resources to educate our kids so they can have the confidence to tackle the challenges that will be thrown at them as adults.

What do I love most about our district? 💬
I love how our district and community sets high expectations for every aspect of learning. Our students and staff continually exceed those expectations which extend beyond just grading and standardized testing. We always have room for improvement and growth, but thru strong goals and hard work our administration, staff, and students will continue to grow together in their educational journey to help each student see success. The fact we have strong community backing and support makes us one of the best districts to raise your kids.

Fun Fact? ⭐
I hate sweet potatoes 🚫🍠

Fast Five with Andrew: ⭐
Coffee or Tea: Sweet Tea 🥤
Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl 🌙 🦉
Favorite School Event: Graduation 🎓
Favorite Subject in School: Vo-Tech Welding 🔥🛠️
One word that describes our district: Proud 💪

Are you a Palmyra graduate?
Palmyra High School Class of 2003

👏 Thank you Andrew for your dedication to Palmyra R-1 and for helping lead our district forward! 🧡🖤
17 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
School board family picture
School board senior picture
A symphony of learning for our PES 3rd graders!

Students attended the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People’s Concert on Friday and had a great time listening to the orchestra while learning about the instruments and the instrument families that make up a symphony. 🎻🎺🥁

What a great opportunity for our Panthers to experience music in a whole new way! 🧡🖤
17 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Bus ride for the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert
Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert
Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert
Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert
Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert
Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert
Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert
Quincy Symphony Orchestra Young People's Concert
Scheduled Break Reminder, Panthers! 📚

Just a quick reminder that there will be no school on Thursday and Friday, March 19 & 20.

Enjoy the long weekend and we will see everyone back in class on Monday!

📅 Looking ahead:
The next scheduled break will be April 2, 3, and 6.

Have a great day, Panthers! 🐾📚
18 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
Spring break, no school Thursday and Friday.
School calendar 2025-2026
Palmyra R-1 School District Update 📢 No School – Monday, March 16th ❄️ • This will be SNOW DAY. A huge thank-you to PES 3rd grade student, Maggie for providing our snow day graphic! A great looking panther ready for some snow day fun! 🐾❄️ Stay warm and safe, Panthers! We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday! 🧡🖤
18 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
no school
PHS After Prom Quarter Madness is almost here!

Join us for a fun evening while supporting our PHS students and the After Prom event!

📅 Tuesday, March 17
🚪 Doors Open: 5:30 PM
💰 Auction Begins: 6:30 PM
📍 Sesquicentennial Building – Flower City Park

Come out for a night of Quarter Madness, great food, and shopping with local vendors!

🍽 Food by Rebel Pig
Free will donation meal featuring:
• Smoked Pulled Pork
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
• Green Beans
• Dessert & Drink

🛍 Vendors include:
Tupperware, Three Sisters Boutique, K’s Keychain Kreations, Thirty-One, Sarah’s House of Nails, Mandyish, K’s Bags, TRAK Treats, Lemongrass, Oakridge Engraving, and more!

Bring your quarters and get ready for a fun night of bidding, prizes, and community support for our students.

We hope to see you there! 🧡🖤🐾
18 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
PHS After Prom Quarter Madness
It’s Selection Sunday, and that can only mean one thing… March Mammal Madness is back! 🐾🏆

Our science classes will once again be participating in the exciting tournament created by researchers at Arizona State University. Students will analyze animal traits, habitats, and behaviors to predict which species will advance through the bracket.

Students will research the animals, fill out their brackets, and see if their predictions survive the wild world of March Mammal Madness! 🌎🦣

Who will survive and advance? Stay tuned as our students follow the tournament and cheer on their picks!

#PantherPrideInTheClassroom
18 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
March Mammal Madness brackets
March Mammal Madness brackets
March Mammal Madness brackets
March Mammal Madness brackets
March Mammal Madness brackets
March Mammal Madness brackets

Meet your Palmyra R-1 School Board President, Roth McElvain! 🏫

Roth is a 2011 graduate of Palmyra High School and a 5th generation farmer. He has been married to Kaitlynn for 11 years and they have 3 children: Atticus, Frederick, and RuthAnn. Roth was elected to the school board in 2019 and appointed President in 2025. 🎓

Community Connection: 🤝
Kiwanis Board Member
Lewis and Marion County Cattlemen’s Association Board Member
Knights of Columbus Member
Palmyra School Foundation-School Board Liaison
I believe that strong communities come from resilient people coming together and working towards growing a better tomorrow for the next generation.

Why did I choose to serve on the school board? 💬
I chose to serve on the board as way to give back to the school and the community that I love so much. Education is the building block for successful communities and we are so fortunate of Palmyra’s excellent track record of educating our children. Through serving on the school board, I found my passion for policy making and education advocacy.

What do I love most about our district? 💬
I love to see the passion for student success from all our district staff members. The Palmyra community always steps up to support our students and our school.

Fun Fact? ⭐
My Family has been farming on the same farm ground since 1898. 🚜

Fast Five with Roth: ⭐
Coffee or Tea: Black Coffee ☕
Early Bird or Night Owl: Night Owl 🌙 🦉
Favorite School Event: Graduation — I love shaking each graduate’s hand and wishing them luck. 🎓
Favorite Subject in School: Math 📚
One word that describes our district: Innovative 💡

PHS Graduate?
Yes I graduated from Palmyra in 2011.

👏 Thank you Roth for your leadership and dedication to our students, staff, and community! 🧡🖤

20 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
School Board President McElvain family picture
School Board President McElvain senior picture

Did you hear that? 👂🔊

Our 8th graders worked on their active listening skills with Mrs. McBride. Panthers had to carefully listen to the speaker in their group and follow directions to create a design. This activity challenged them to communicate clearly, listen closely, and work together as a team.

Mrs. McBride said they did a great job collaborating and had a fun time with the challenge! 🧡🖤

#PantherPrideInTheClassroom @ Palmyra Middle School

20 days ago, Palmyra R-1 School District
8th grade worked on their active listening skills with Mrs. McBride
8th grade worked on their active listening skills with Mrs. McBride
8th grade worked on their active listening skills with Mrs. McBride