Aurora R-8 School District

Aurora R8 is proud to announce new hires for the 2026–2027 school year.

Please join us in welcoming Web Freeman as our new High School ELA Teacher and Speech & Debate Coach. Web brings extensive experience to Aurora R8, having taught grades 5–12 in Republic, Sparta, and Springfield, as well as serving as a part-time instructor at OTC for the past 26 years. He lives in Republic with his wife and their three dogs, Mable, Edie, and Clive. Together they have two grown daughters, one living in Springfield and the other attending the University of Missouri. In his free time, Web enjoys fly fishing, reading nonfiction, and watching movies with his wife.

Please join us in welcoming Marcus Reynolds as our new Industrial Technology Teacher. Marcus brings many years of experience in education and is proud to call Aurora home. He describes himself as a hands-on, no-nonsense person who enjoys learning new skills and becoming self-sufficient. Marcus values his faith, adores his wife, enjoys sharing his knowledge with others, and loves spending time on the open road riding his motorcycle. Some interesting facts about Marcus include that he moved to a different house every two years until he was 34 years old, was one of only 100 riders selected worldwide in 2019 to compete in the 2021 IBR motorcycle endurance event, and regularly rides 500–1,000 miles in a single day on his motorcycle just to have lunch with friends.

We are excited to welcome Web and Marcus to Aurora R8 and look forward to the experience, knowledge, and passion they will bring to our students, programs, and school community.
Aurora High School

Make a Difference. Join the Aurora R8 Special Education Team!

Aurora R8 is currently seeking caring, dedicated, and student-centered professionals to fill the following positions for the 2026-2027 school year.

Apply today: https://auroramo.schoolspring.com/

Current Openings:
• Special Education Paraprofessional (K-6 Pate Early Childhood Center and Robinson School)
• Special Education Paraprofessional (Pate Early Childhood Center)
• Alternative School Special Education Teacher (Grades 7-12 Aurora Alternative Learning Center)

We're looking for individuals who are passionate about helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally while building strong relationships with students, families, and staff.

Why Aurora R8?
• 4-day school week (Monday-Thursday)
• Board-paid health insurance stipend
• Paid sick and personal leave
• Additional SPED stipend for certified teachers
• In-district staff daycare available
• Supportive team environment focused on student success

Apply today: https://auroramo.schoolspring.com/

Help make a difference in the lives of Aurora R8 students every day!

Grab a partner and hit the sand! 🏐
Aurora High School Volleyball will host a 2 vs. 2 Sand Volleyball Tournament fundraiser on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Crosby Park in Aurora.
• Cost: $50 per team
• Age Requirement: 17+
• Check-In: 5:30 p.m.
• Start Time: 6:00 p.m.
Come out for a fun evening of competition while supporting Aurora High School Volleyball!
To sign up, email [email protected]
Aurora High School Aurora Alternative Learning Center Aurora Junior High Robinson School Pate Early Childhood Center

Aurora R8 will host a Free Shot Clinic & Sports Physicals event on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at Aurora High School!

This event is open to:
• Students needing updated school immunizations
• Student-athletes needing a sports physical for the 2026–2027 school year

No appointment is necessary, and walk-ins are welcome.

Please note: Vaccines are free for students with Medicaid. For students without Medicaid, there is a $10 charge per vaccine.

Students under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Please bring an insurance card if applicable, though insurance is not required.

Aurora Wrestling Summer Practice is just around the corner!

Practices will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Robinson School storm shelter for current 5th–12th grade students.

Be sure to check out the flyer for all June, July, and August practice dates, including dead week information. For questions or more information, contact Coach Schwin at [email protected].

After recognizing our building-level award winners, Aurora R8 is proud to announce the recipients selected as our 2026 District Award Winners.

District Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Brown – Robinson School
District Staff of the Year: Bill Gish – Robinson School
District Rookie of the Year: Lacey Medlin – Pate Early Childhood Center

These outstanding staff members exemplify excellence in education and represent the very best of Aurora R8. We are grateful for the positive impact they make on our students, staff, and community each day.

A special thank you to OZARK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE for sponsoring these awards and generously providing a $1,000 award to each district winner.

Aurora High School Alternative Learning Center Aurora Junior High Robinson Pate Early Childhood Center

Attention former Pride of Aurora Band Members!

Want a piece of your band history? Come to the band uniform sale and purchase one (or two!) former Pride of Aurora band uniform sets!

The sale will be held from 8:00–11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, in the Aurora JUNIOR HIGH band room.

Uniform sets will be sold for $25 each and include the jacket (with gauntlets, sash, and/or buckle as applicable), bibbers, and hat with plume (as supplies last). Individual pieces will not be sold separately.

If you have questions, please email [email protected]

Aurora High School Aurora Junior High Aurora Alternative Learning Center Robinson SchoolPate Early Childhood Center

Grab a partner and hit the sand! 🏐
Aurora High School Volleyball will host a 2 vs. 2 Sand Volleyball Tournament fundraiser on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Crosby Park in Aurora.
• Cost: $50 per team
• Age Requirement: 17+
• Check-In: 5:30 p.m.
• Start Time: 6:00 p.m.
Come out for a fun evening of competition while supporting Aurora High School Volleyball!
To sign up, email [email protected]
Aurora High School Aurora Alternative Learning Center Aurora Junior High Robinson School Pate Early Childhood Center

Aurora R8 would like to recognize and congratulate our 2026 retirees!

Thank you for the countless hours, care, and dedication you have given to our students, staff, and community throughout your careers. Your impact on Aurora R8 will be felt for generations, and we are incredibly grateful for the difference you have made.

We wish each of you the very best in this exciting new chapter of retirement!

(Not pictured: Dr. Karla Shiveley)

Aurora High School Aurora Junior High Aurora Alternative Learning Center Robinson School Pate Early Childhood Center

FREE SUMMER MEALS FOR KIDS

During the school year, students receive nutritious meals at school, but kids are just as busy — and just as hungry — during the summer break. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) helps provide the nutrition kids need when school is out.

This summer, FREE breakfast and lunch meals will be available for all children up to age 18 in our community.

DATES: Tuesday, May 27, 2026, through Thursday, June 26, 2026
Pate - 10:50-12:20
Robinson - 10:50-12:50
Jr. High - 11:35-11:55
High School-11:30-11:50

WHO: All children up to age 18
COST: FREE!