Students in the Warren County R-III School District are gearing up for their return to the classroom Aug. 16.An eager cast of 42 new staff members will be led by first-year Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith, who returns to the district after previously serving as R-III assistant superintendent.“We have a lot to be excited about this year,” said Klinginsmith. “We’re going to celebrate and be ready for the year to get started.”New teachers reported for orientation last week and all teachers will return to the classroom Aug. 9.“We have a lot of people who have already been getting their classrooms set up,” said Klinginsmith, who is determined to build connections within each building.“I set a personal goal this year of knowing every staff member’s name,” said Klinginsmith, who spent the past three years in the Wentzville School District.Enrollment numbers are still unclear heading into Day One, but growth is evident in many other areas, including both facilities and staff.“We have two new curriculum coordinators coming on board,” said Klinginsmith. “We’re focused on collaborative learning among staff, and we want to make sure we can guarantee a consistent curriculum taught throughout every classroom.”The district also has hired another master’s level mental health therapist.“That’s going to help us understand kids better,” said Klinginsmith. “Whenever a kid is in crisis we can break that down and have somebody brief teachers on how not to let these things escalate.”Klinginsmith says the positions were not additions but restructured and within the budget.He says his primary message this year is the power of one caring adult.“Every kid deserves this and anybody can be that person,” said Klinginsmith. “We want to make sure our teachers are reaching out to all kids and making them feel safe and welcome at school. Every kid has talent and we just need to help them find that in themselves. I truly believe in the power of one caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life.”Warren County R-III School District logo