Dear Comet Families,
I am writing to share an important update regarding leadership in the Alton R-IV School District. After 27 years of service, I will be retiring at the conclusion of this school year.
Serving the Alton R-IV School District has truly been the honor of my career. This district is more than my place of work; it is my home. I grew up here, attended school here, and have been blessed to spend my entire career serving the community that helped shape who I am today. To be able to end my career in the same district where it began is something I will always treasure.
Alton R-IV has been, and always will be, a very special place to me. I love this district deeply, and while I may be retiring from my role, I will always be a Comet.
As part of this transition, the Board of Education has selected Mr. Ryan Chowning as the next Superintendent of Alton R-IV Schools, effective July 1.
Mr. Chowning is a 2004 graduate of Mountain View–Birch Tree and brings extensive experience in education and school leadership. He has served as an elementary principal, middle school principal, and currently serves as Assistant Superintendent in the Mountain View–Birch Tree R-III School District. His background includes district-level operations, transportation, safety, facilities, and instructional leadership, giving him a strong understanding of the unique needs and strengths of rural school districts.
Mr. Chowning and his wife, Candice, are the parents of three children. Their oldest, Avary, is currently a freshman, and twins Eli and Aliya are currently in sixth grade. Mr. Chowning values family deeply and brings that same sense of care and commitment to his work in education.
I am confident Mr. Chowning will continue to build upon the strong foundation in place and lead Alton R-IV forward with care, integrity, and a focus on what matters most, our students.
I am incredibly proud of our students, our staff, and the supportive community that surrounds our schools. Thank you for the trust, encouragement, and partnership you have shown me over the years. I look forward to finishing this school year strong and ensuring a smooth transition for the future of Alton R-IV.
Please join me in welcoming Mr. Chowning to our district and in celebrating the bright future ahead.
With sincere gratitude and Comet pride,
Holly Reese
Superintendent, Alton R-IV School District
Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Day to our transportation staff! Thank you for the early mornings, late evenings, safe travels, and dedication you show our students every day. We appreciate all that you do for our school and community!
Pictured left to right: Catherine Medlin, Wesley Buckner, Roxie Shaffer, Colton Burnett, Jerry Granger - Transportation Director, Melissa McCann, Denise Jett, Rick Johnson, and Jamey Morrison. Not pictured: Victor Bridges
DC Parent Meeting - 6:30pm TONIGHT
Parents of current 6-8th graders,
Tonight's the night! Our parent meeting for the Washington D.C. school trip is at 6:30pm in the high school library, and we want to make sure you're there!
We already have a strong turnout, 23 families will be attending! If you haven’t done so yet, please RSVP here: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/48445257123?rsvp_id=48445257123
Your RSVP gives you access to all the details—don’t miss this chance to learn more!
See you tonight!
Due to the predicted severe weather this afternoon and evening, we have rescheduled the parent informational meeting for the 6-8th grade student's class trip to Washington D.C.. It has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 29th at 6:30pm. Your Early Bird Scholarship discount has also been extended.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have at marilyncockrum@alton.k12.mo.us, or World Classrooms at 1-800-275-3980.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Cockrum
Alton R-IV School District
The Alton Junior High Dance is happening TONIGHT! 💃🕺
🕕 Doors open at 6:00 PM
🕗 Dance ends at 8:00 PM
Grab your friends and come have a great time! Don’t forget—you can check out the poster in this thread for all the details.
Zoey Ellison, Braylin Franklin, Juliet Simmons, Jackson Marcoux, Alydiah Lievsay, Jaxon McClanahan, Bayleigh Groom, Caleb Bland, Kimber Lay, Gabe Finley, Chloe Griffith, Serenity Hayes, Teddy Vega, Braydyn Leitner, Crayton Wilkerson, Jaxon Combs, BrayLynn Crabtree, Jarron Johnson, Brianna Gonzalez, Sara Sanchez, JT Whitten, Warren Cecil, Charlie Palmer, Adeline Fettig, Gabby Bandy, Reid Gwaltney, Asa Heck, Jozalyn Bell, Kaylee Sanders, Waylan Crabtree, Thomas Walls, Raylynn Goode, Paisley Goeman, Jordyn Willard, Chase Huber, Ellie Trantham, Kaitlynn Knight, Delylah Bea, Addy Middleton, Tamzyn Killpack, and Dixie Pagoria - Ganther! Students not pictured ; Waylan Crabtree, Charlie Palmer, JT Whitten, Alydiah Lievsay, Asa Heck, Paisley Goeman, and Jaxon McClanahan.
Join us at the school on Monday, April 27th at 6:00 PM. We'll cover everything you need to know for this exciting adventure!
Haven’t RSVP'd yet? Click here to secure your spot: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/48445257123?rsvp_id=48445257123
Don’t miss out—we can't wait to see you there! ✨
📅 May 26 – June 19
🎓 High School Course Opportunities (Grades 9–12):
📘 Personal Finance
🗓 May 26 – June 8
💳 Earn 1/2 Credit
❤️ Health
🗓 June 8 – June 19
💳 Earn 1/2 Credit
📢 Earn credits while staying on track for graduation!
📄 Sign up now! Contact the school office or pick up an enrollment form today.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNuPiRB8IXjidxPHYnLkVbWTDgk1Z4N2rAdL6eKqiksaaWuw/viewform?usp=pp_url
📅 May 26 – June 19, 2026
Give your child the opportunity to reinforce skills, explore new interests, and stay engaged in learning this summer!
✨ What to Expect:
• Academic skill-building
• Fun activities & field trips
• Technology enrichment
• Weekly attendance prize drawings
🕗 Daily Schedule:
Breakfast: 7:40–8:00 AM
Class: 8:05–2:50 PM
🚗 Transportation:
Parents/guardians are responsible for drop-off and pick-up.
🎉 Bonus:
Students with perfect attendance and good behavior can participate in exciting field trips!
SIGN UP NOW!!!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNuPiRB8IXjidxPHYnLkVbWTDgk1Z4N2rAdL6eKqiksaaWuw/viewform?usp=pp_url
PRINT AND RETURN TO SCHOOL
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lp3ed3YQpE60CdRZ3iSHDM_fIv6DUMNtxRzeStu1Hq4/edit?usp=sharing
Join the Class of 2026 with a special evening of reflection and celebration.
🗓 May 6th, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Alton High School Gymnasium
All are welcome to attend.
🗓️ Event Details
Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM - Doors Open at 6:00 PM
Location: Alton High School Gymnasium
📢 Attention 6th-8th Grade Parents!
Join us in the library on Monday, April 27th at 6:00pm to learn all about the upcoming 2027 Washington DC educational trip! 🇺🇸
Discover how each traveler can qualify for a $500 Early Bird Scholarship—a great opportunity you won’t want to miss!
👉 Click here to RSVP: AltonMO27 (or copy and paste the following url)
https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/48445257123?rsvp_id=48445257123
We look forward to seeing you there!
From managing benefits and payroll to being the welcoming faces in our school offices, these dedicated professionals do it all with heart.
Thank you for being the light in our district! ✨
Meet Shyann Franklin – Class of 2026!
Join us on April 16 at 6:00 PM for our Spring Band Concert featuring our talented student musicians.
We hope to see you there!
Earlier in the school year, 8th grade Science classes created Rubber Band Cars to demonstrate the transfer of elastic energy to mechanical energy.
They had a blast designing and testing their cars!
We are proud to announce the Marshals and Ushers for the Class of 2026. They will play a vital role in our upcoming graduation ceremonies. 🎓
Meet the 2026 Marshals
Rylee Barton
Kaylee McEntire
Meet the 2026 Ushers
Grant Cauthen
Kade Clary
Connor Clay
Jessica Green
Lillian Haddock
Miley Haney
Makenzie Hollis
Macy Reeves
Please complete and submit your information as soon as possible to ensure you are included in this special edition.
Don’t miss your chance to be recognized and featured!
https://www.southmissouriannews.com/graduation/
