Columbia Public Schools prohibits individualization of attire at graduation, promotes community achievement

Ava Beary, Staff Writer • May 10, 2024

As graduation season approaches for RBHS seniors, graduates seek out the caps, gowns and tassels they will wear at the commencement ceremony. But missing from these outfits are  varieties of academic...

CPS adds new filter to technology, blocks features

Natalya Horstmeier, Staff Writer • October 13, 2023

CPS students who have used a laptop during the 2023-24 school year may have noticed an increase in restrictions, including research and gaming websites, along with access to personal Google accounts. These...

RBHS clubs reinstate Black Lives Matter Flag

Nora Crutcher-McGowan and Zay Yontz • September 14, 2021

Various RBHS clubs reinstated the Black Lives Matter flag in the activities office hallway Friday, Sept. 10. Senior Mikayla Nelson, leader of Student Equity Coalition, along with seniors Ariah Stevenson, Kelsea Myers,  sophomore Art Club President Olivia Rollison and senior president of Young Democrats Charlotte Ries lifted the flag back up to its former spot. 

District plans to use snow days despite possibility of continued virtual learning

Nora Crutcher-McGowan • November 25, 2020

A statement in the Nov. 22 RBHS communication newsletter revealed Columbia Public Schools (CPS) would continue using snow days as winter approaches, despite continued virtual learning and the possibility of its extension into the second semester.

CPS holds equity training to create unbiased classroom

Brandon Kim • February 29, 2020

CPS annually spends $24,460 on equity training, which is learning about how to put aside biases and learn to accept different ideas and cultures. CPS has a partnership with The National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ) in Saint Louis, who teaches CPS employees equity training sessions. Michelle Baumstark, the Community Relations Director of Columbia Public Schools (CPS), said CPS sends some employees to Saint Louis to be certified to teach equity lessons back at CPS.

Hardening efforts affect student life

Multiple Authors • October 3, 2019

As school shootings have become more prevalent in America, Columbia Public Schools (CPS), as well as other school districts around the country, are hardening their buildings. The 2019-20 district budget allocated $200,000 to updating safety and security at RBHS. Subsequently, the bulk of this funding has been devoted to remodeling the North entrance, which is the only entrance accessible to students. 

Staff loses admin rights after email virus

Ben Kimchi • October 31, 2018

After an email virus infected computers, CPS tightens security by restricting administration rights of teachers.

Students request classes earlier than previous years

Emily Oba • January 26, 2018

School counselors presented registration information during juniors’ U.S. studies classes. Counselors informed students they could not change their schedules after March 1.

Faculty members try to salvage German, Japanese classes

Nikol Slatinska • October 26, 2017

Faculty members work to salvage German and Japanese classes, which CPS plans to phase out in the following years due to budget cuts.

CPS’s ‘World Cafe’ offers opportunity for public to voice opinions

Grace Dorsey • October 2, 2017

World Cafe is a planning initiative aiming to take the community’s voices into account when setting goals for the next 10 years.

Four-day school weeks pose potential rewards

Jordan Rogers • May 22, 2017

Shortened school weeks show potential benefits for Columbia Public Schools as districts nearby prosper from four-day school weeks.

Teachers discuss best approach on politics in class

Cassidy Viox • April 28, 2017

From openly discussing their political opinions to leaving an open discussion between students, different educators don't always have the same views on politics' place in the classroom.