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
Looking to get ahead or lighten your course load next year? Take advantage of our Summer School opportunities!
🎓 Courses Offered:
• Personal Finance (Grades 9–12) – ½ Credit
📅 May 26 – June 8
• Health (Grades 9–12) – ½ Credit
📅 June 8 – June 19
💡 Students can earn up to 1 full credit this summer!
Don’t miss this chance to stay on track and build valuable skills.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtKat8hm2a0WoVTMQW1WJHqsBGmunHl6Qf9Hh6RBZOoADRFQ/viewform?usp=pp_url
Join us on Monday, March 30 at 6:00 PM at the Civic Center for a special evening of music!
This concert will feature talented students from Alton High School Band alongside musicians from other area schools, as well as the Missouri State University–West Plains (MSU-WP) University/Community Band.
Let’s show up strong and support our Alton band students as they perform with musicians from across the region! 👏
🎟️ Free admission
📍 Civic Center
🕕 6:00 PM
We hope to see a big crowd of Alton supporters there cheering on our amazing band kids! 🎺🥁🎵
Join us in the Library on Wednesday March 25th at 6pm 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
We look forward to seeing you there!
Meet Kaiden Finley – Class of 2026!
We are proud to recognize the following students as our Comet of the Month winners! These students have demonstrated outstanding behavior, leadership, and effort in their classrooms. Keep shining bright! ☄️✨
🎒 Kindergarten
Willard – Elsa Bettis
Hitch – Lorlin Long
Hollis – Arie Holesapple
📚 1st Grade
Bandy – Lexie Lihs
Wright – Levi Patterson
Bridges – Nathan Bettis
✏️ 2nd Grade
Fettig – Theo Keesey
Brown – Harley Crabtree
Holman – Daniel Fritz
📖 3rd Grade
Holesapple – Justice Bradford
Morrison – Lynlee Briggs
Leonard – Madelyn Orchard
📝 4th Grade
Orchard – Brianna Gonzalez
Trobaugh – Raylynn Goode
🎓 5th Grade
Hunt – Warren Cecil
Lapham – Caleb Bland
Johnson – Charlie Palmer
Congratulations to each of these amazing students! We are so proud of your hard work and positive example. Keep up the great work, Comets!
ORDER NOW!
Meet Aleasha Simmons – Class of 2026!
Meet Cody Armstrong – Class of 2026!
Officer Huddleson plays an important role in keeping our students and staff safe while building positive relationships within our school.
We are grateful for his dedication, support, and commitment to our school community.
Thank you for all you do!
