Throughout the first year of her tenure, Superintendent Dr. Amy Salvo said one idea kept resonating with her about who and what the Wright City School District is and what it should continue to be.

Salvo said that this year’s theme for the district, “Together We Can,” speaks volumes about her feelings on how the district has thrived and will continue to do so.

She added that the success of the district doesn’t lie with just its students and educators; it also extends to families, businesses, and community members.

“(The theme) exemplifies our commitment to partnering with families and the community to ensure every student’s success,” Salvo said. “When we work together, we are stronger – and our students benefit most. I am excited for the 2025-26 school year. Wright City is truly a special place, and when we work together as a team, our students benefit.”

Wright City schools Career Counselor Abigail Jackson said that from their first days in the school system until well after graduation, Wright City students are a valuable asset not just to the school system, but also to the community.

“It is a reflection of the Wright City R-II School District,” Jackson said. “As the career counselor, I support our district students and their future endeavors. This theme reflects my day-to-day interactions with students, staff, and the community. Together we can guide our Wright City R-II School District students to a bright future.”

Salvo said that even though the theme wasn’t announced until right before school, the drive to live out its message was prevalent at the administrative retreat on July 22 and remained so leading into the all-staff welcome on Aug. 13.

Dr. Holly Broadway-Yates, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment, added that the retreat was valuable for several reasons. 

She said that a bus tour afforded members of the district administration a chance to see the entirety of the district on an up-close and personal level. Salvo navigated members through the city, pointing out many key locations, the diversity of roads, including snow routes, and stated her commitment to every student, every day.

“The administrator retreat provided a valuable opportunity for our team to collaborate, grow, and align our goals before the new school year,” Broadway-Yates said. “A highlight of the day was a community tour, which allowed us to see firsthand the neighborhoods and families we serve beyond the school walls. This experience was a powerful reminder of the diverse backgrounds our students bring with them each day and the importance of our role in supporting their success.”

While “Together We Can” is the thematic focus for the district, Salvo added that there are four Ps – positivity, proactive, problem solving and professionalism – that staff members should strive to adhere to this year.

To lighten things for faculty and staff throughout the district, Salvo said that a fifth P – pep talks – should factor into the overall mental health of those who make the district great.

She invited each building in the district to be creative with a dance or skit to highlight their team spirit at the recent district welcome. Salvo said that sharing a laugh through a clip of a song or dance can prove valuable to both those performing and anyone on staff who gets the chance to view the clip.

"The world of education can be challenging, so it is essential for our team to take care of themselves,” Salvo said. “Fortunately, we have some amazing administrators who are eager to spread some joy and share a laugh to encourage one another in some uplifting clips.”