We want to reach out to provide context for a situation that transpired this afternoon on one of our bus routes.
One of our bus drivers experienced a medical emergency while en route back to the school. He was able to safely exit the roadway and contact school personnel. School and emergency personnel responded to the scene. The driver was treated by emergency personnel and the bus was transported back to the school.
When the incident occurred, all of the students had been dropped off and no students were on the bus or involved in the incident.
At this time, the driver is being treated and is in stable condition. While we are committed to transparency as a district, we ask that you please give privacy and respect to the driver and around the situation at this time.
Thank you,
Dr. Jon Johnson, Superintendent
Just a reminder that there will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 21st.
We’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, September 22nd!
GO BEARS! 🐻
September 2026 Regular Session Board Meeting
6:00PM || Board Conference Room
| Live: https://youtube.com/live/vHVHmlUZ9W4
| Agenda: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=208&MID=26585&Tab=Agenda
📚 LOCK IN THE LOWEST PRICE OF THE YEAR! 📚
Back-to-school season is here, and so is our BEST yearbook deal of the school year! 🎒✨
Don't wait until the price goes up—order your HIGH SCHOOL Yearbook before our Back-to-School Sale ends on Friday, September 18th. Capture all the memories, friendships, and milestones at the absolute lowest price.
🛒 Order online today: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1059516/Willow-Springs-High-School/2027-Yearbook/20260810111551877107/CATALOG_SHOP/
⏰ Deadline: September 18th
Get ready to show off your school pride because Homecoming week is September 28th- October 2nd! High school students will be competing all week long for the ultimate prize: a free pizza lunch for the winning grade level! 🍕🏆
How to Earn Spirit Points:
Spirit Dress-Up Days: Show out every day in your best themed outfits.
Class Float Building: Bring your best designs and teamwork to build the ultimate parade float.
Secret Competitions: Stay tuned for more information about our class competition events!
Which class is taking home the crown this year? Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, or Freshmen?
Stay tuned right here for full competition details ! 🎈
FFA Back to School BBQ
Our members took competitive spirit to a whole new level -cow tongue football- because regular football is just far too ordinary for an Ag chapter. Huge thanks to everyone who came out, grabbed a burger, and embraced the chaos.
Call the middle school office today to secure your copy!
What a week! The halls of the high school are officially buzzing again, and we could not be more excited to welcome back our students for another amazing school year.
Week 1 Highlights:
Finding classrooms and catching up with friends at schedule pick-up
The first-day morning excitement
Seniors leading the way with their tradition-packed painted denim
Getting right back into the groove of learning, sports, and school activities
Thank you to our dedicated teachers, staff, administrators, and parents for making this week's transition so smooth.
Your high school yearbooks have officially arrived! You can pick up your pre-ordered copy at the main high school office starting today during regular school hours.
Didn't order one in advance?
Don't worry—we have a limited number of extra yearbooks available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis.
Price: $50
Location: High School Office
Pick Up Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Monday – Friday)
Stop by soon to grab yours and relive all the best memories before the extra copies sell out! 📸
https://menus.healthepro.com/organizations/579
📚As the school year quickly approaches, please keep the following dates in mind as you prepare for the upcoming school year.
🕗 School Hours:
The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and students are dismissed at 3:24 p.m.
🚌 Transportation Reminder
If you have not already been contacted, parents/guardians should contact the Willow Springs School District Transportation Office or your child’s appropriate bus driver before the first day of school to confirm your child’s exact pickup and drop-off times.
Please be aware that route schedules and designated stops have been adjusted or changed for the upcoming school year.
During the first week of school, bus pickup and drop-off times may not be exact as routes are being established and adjusted. Please have students ready earlier than the communicated time and allow for some flexibility as drivers and routes settle into their schedules.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work to ensure a safe and smooth start to the school year! 🚌💙🐻
| Live: https://youtube.com/live/9NV_xei3FYY
| Agenda: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=208&MID=26448
As we prepare to welcome students back, Willow Springs R-IV Schools will be making some adjustments to daily bus routes for the 2026–2027 school year.
These changes are being made after carefully reviewing several factors, including:
🟡 Declining ridership in certain areas of the district
🟡 Ongoing school bus driver shortages
🟡 Limited transportation funding for Missouri school districts
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we will continue to evaluate and improve our transportation services while following recommendations and guidelines from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
📞 Beginning August 11, families affected by route changes will receive a phone call with information specific to their bus route.
If you have any questions about school transportation, please contact the Transportation Office at 417-469-3260
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work to provide safe and reliable transportation for all of our students.
💙🐻 Thank you, and GO BEARS! 🐻💙
Immunization Reminder
As we prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, don’t forget that students entering preschool, kindergarten, 8th grade, and 12th grade must meet Missouri immunization requirements before attending school.
If you’re unsure whether your child is up to date, please contact your healthcare provider or take advantage of the FREE monthly immunization clinic offered by the Howell County Health Department.
Let’s work together to keep our students healthy and ready to learn!
The first day of school is just around the corner, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back for another amazing year at Willow Springs Schools!
Be sure to save this Upcoming Events schedule so you don’t miss important dates for:
New Student Enrollment
Open Houses
Grade-Level Orientations
High School Schedule Changes
These events are designed to help students and families start the school year prepared and confident.
We can’t wait to see our hallways filled with smiling faces, reconnect with familiar friends, and welcome new members to the Bear family.
