September 16, 2025
We are aware of a social media post that has raised concern among parents and community members. Our district has received numerous contacts regarding this matter. Out of an abundance of caution, we immediately reported the post to local law enforcement.
Law enforcement officials have investigated and determined that there is no threat to our schools, students, or staff.
We want to thank everyone who reached out to report the post. Your partnership helps us keep our schools safe and ensures that concerns are addressed quickly and responsibly.
As always, the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.
Respectfully,
Richie Leeker
Superintendent
Kennett #39 School District
We are aware of a social media post that has raised concern among parents and community members. Our district has received numerous contacts regarding this matter. Out of an abundance of caution, we immediately reported the post to local law enforcement.
Law enforcement officials have investigated and determined that there is no threat to our schools, students, or staff.
We want to thank everyone who reached out to report the post. Your partnership helps us keep our schools safe and ensures that concerns are addressed quickly and responsibly.
As always, the safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.
Respectfully,
Richie Leeker
Superintendent
Kennett #39 School District
Please join us this Wednesday, September 17, at 5:30, at the Kennett Career and Technical Center for our Open House. These upgrades were made possible by the passing of our recent bind.
KSD #39 is proud to congratulate and recognize Mr. Carl Dees, a dedicated member of our Maintenance Staff, as an "Incredible Indian" Award recipient! 🏆
Here’s what his nomination had to say:
“Carl Dees goes above and beyond every single day. His hard work, positive attitude, and willingness to help wherever needed make him an invaluable part of our district. Carl doesn’t just take care of our buildings—he takes care of our people. His kindness and dedication set an incredible example for students and staff alike.”
Congratulations, Mr. Dees! Your commitment and positive spirit make a lasting difference for our schools and community.
Community members can continue to nominate KSD #39 staff for this special recognition by completing this form: Incredible Indian Nomination Form
A huge thank you to our Kennett Police Department for keeping our students safe! Each morning, the department positions themselves near our schools to monitor traffic and ensure a smooth, safe start to the day. Officer Hale was near KMS this morning.
Your presence makes a difference — protecting our students, staff, and families as they arrive at school. We truly appreciate your partnership in keeping safety a top priority. 💛🖤 #CommunityFirst #StudentSafety #ThankYouKPD
Your presence makes a difference — protecting our students, staff, and families as they arrive at school. We truly appreciate your partnership in keeping safety a top priority. 💛🖤 #CommunityFirst #StudentSafety #ThankYouKPD
KSD #39 would like to welcome Kallie Jo Tilmon to the Kennett Indian Family—Mrs. Tilmon teaches FACS at Kennett High School. We are excited for the Tilman family and wish them the best!
Join us for the Kennett Career & Technology Center Open House on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Culinary Arts Building.
Come tour our updated spaces, see the exciting renovations & audio enhancement, and celebrate the opportunities made possible for our students and community through the passing of our No Tax Increase Bond Initiative.
Come tour our updated spaces, see the exciting renovations & audio enhancement, and celebrate the opportunities made possible for our students and community through the passing of our No Tax Increase Bond Initiative.
In response to Missouri Senate Bill 68—Keeping Classrooms Focused—the Kennett #39 School District is sharing the following important announcement regarding the use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during the school day. This new state law requires all public schools to implement policies that limit or prohibit student cell phone use during instructional hours, ensuring a safe, focused, and distraction-free learning environment for every student.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGvxyGNaDQ/BL5swt35auYrlE2a4dIawg/edit?utm_content=DAGvxyGNaDQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
KHS Graduation will be Live Streamed by KTMO on the Kennett High School Facebook page.
Due to inclement weather, KHS Graduation will be inside the KHS Gym. Doors will open at 7:00. You must have a ticket to enter.
📣 Graduation Ceremony Update – Decision Coming by 6:30 PM
Dear KHS Families and Community,
As we prepare for tonight’s graduation ceremony, we want to keep you informed about the decision-making process regarding the location of the event. A final decision will be made and announced by 6:30 PM this evening.
We are carefully considering several key factors, including:
The setup time required for the sound system
The condition of the field and seating due to recent rain
Our readiness to move the ceremony indoors to the KHS gym if necessary
🌟 Please note: Regardless of whether the ceremony is held outdoors or indoors, all attendees must have a ticket to enter.
We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure a safe and memorable celebration for our graduates and their families. Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
Richie Leeker
KSD #39 Superintendent
The Kennett #39 School District Board of Education would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible educators who inspire, challenge, and support our students every single day.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication, creativity, and compassion. You are the heart of our schools, and your impact reaches far beyond the classroom. 💙🍎
This week — and every week — we celebrate YOU!
#ThankATeacher #TeacherAppreciationWeek #EducationMatters #WeLoveOurTeachers
KSD#39 is excited to announce the newest recipient of the Kennett Education Foundation Grow Your Own Teacher Scholarship. Alexis Pate was awarded a $32,000 scholarship and will attend the SEMO Kennett Branch to study Elementary Education. We want to thank our local FTA for supporting our future teachers and the Kennett Education Foundation for their investment to our school district and community.
KSD #39 would like to congratulate and recognize Mr. Brandon Burke for being nominated and selected as a recipient of the "Incredible Indian" Award. Mr. Burke is the District Technology Director. His nomination form states, "Mr. Burke is always open to trying new ideas in technology for the district. He goes above and beyond to ensure our district is in compliance all while keeping things running smoothly. Anytime there is a problem or issue, he can get it solved quickly and efficiently. He is like The Wizard behind the curtain-keeping things running behind the scenes! His job can be very stressful at times, but he always remains calm and collected. He supports all staff trying new techniques and/or products with technology and is a great leader." Congratulations, Mr. Burke! Community members are able to nominate KSD #39 staff by completing this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14rSPzr81kclbJjIU4dToZsoJp_L0I19p4kdI99xle7Y/viewform
PRESS RELEASE
Dear Parents:
I want to share information with you about an incident today in our district that occurred at South Elementary School. Thanks to the immediate action of a student, staff and local law enforcement, all students and staff are safe and no one was injured.
After District staff received a report that a student had brought a weapon to school, District staff immediately confiscated the weapon and notified law enforcement. Law enforcement arrived and took possession of the gun, which was unloaded. The District is committed to working with local law enforcement and cooperating with their investigation. While the District cannot comment on the details of the investigation, the District’s policies strictly prohibit the possession of weapons on District property.
The District would like to express its appreciation for the student who reported the weapon and to District staff and local law enforcement for their swift response.
The District is committed to providing students, parents, and staff with a safe learning environment. Parents, please contact the District or law enforcement with any questions or concerns.
Respectfully,
Dr. Richie Leeker
Superintendent
Kennett #39 School District
KSD #39 would like to congratulate and recognize Mr. Gus Venson for being nominated and selected as a recipient of the "Incredible Indian" Award. Mr. Gus works in our Maintenance Department and as our Plumber. His nomination form states, " ...Mr. Gus always does anything asked of him and never argues. Mr. Gus is one of the first to volunteer to help out. He takes pride in his work and loves being a part of the Kennett #39 School District." Congratulations, Mr. Gus! Community members are able to nominate KSD #39 staff by completing this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/14rSPzr81kclbJjIU4dToZsoJp_L0I19p4kdI99xle7Y/viewform
Today, we celebrate the incredible careers and lasting legacies of our retiring teachers and staff. Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our students have shaped countless lives and inspired generations.
On behalf of our entire school community, thank you for the years you’ve spent guiding, teaching, and supporting our students. You’ve made a difference that will be felt for years to come.
Congratulations on your retirement—you’ve earned every moment of this new chapter!
#ThankYouTeachers #RetirementCelebration #ProudToTeach #GratitudeInEducation
We are honored to invite our Kennett #39 community to a special Retirement Ceremony as we celebrate and thank the incredible educators who have dedicated their careers to shaping the lives of our students.
Please join us as we recognize their years of service, commitment, and the lasting impact they’ve had on our district.
Date: May 1, 2025
Time: 5:00-6:00 PM
Location: Kennett High School Cafeteria
Let’s come together to show our appreciation and give them the heartfelt sendoff they truly deserve.
#Kennett39Proud #ThankYouTeachers #RetirementCelebration
KSD #39 would like to congratulate and recognize Mrs. Erin Franklin for being nominated and selected as a recipient of the "Incredible Indian" Award. Mrs. Franklin is the Kennett Middle School Counselor Secretary. Her nomination form states, "Mrs. Franklin is a great asset to our school. She always goes above and beyond in her duties. This can be as simple as greeting students with a smile, filling in the gaps to help cover areas of need, or fostering an inclusive environment for the staff. I have also witnessed her interactions with students. She always has a positive outlook and is ready to help them with whatever they need. She is definitely a positive influence on students and staff members alike." Congratulations, Mrs. Franklin!
Community members are able to nominate KSD #39 staff by completing this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7GkWE2BoJFS5Qr1QPbq-VhBrZLX2Ugb5eGTbz6kOtVwAHWg/viewform?usp=sharing
Due the nature of the potential hazardous weather, the FEMA building located at Kennett High School is now open.
KSD #39 Community: Due to inclement weather, we will be dismissing schools starting at 12:45 PM today. We are closely monitoring the weather conditions and working with the Dunklin County Emergency Management team to ensure safety. Please stay safe, and we will provide updates as needed. #WeatherAlert #SafetyFirst