STE. GENEVIEVE – The Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District recently welcomed the Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce Leadership group for a daylong look at how students learn, lead, and create across all grade levels.
On Sept. 17, representatives from local businesses and organizations—including Eric Scott Leathers, First State Community Bank, Independence Center of Ste. Genevieve, Bloomsdale Bank, MLC (formerly Mississippi Lime), Citizens Electric, Ste. Genevieve Trolley, Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital, and Bloomsdale Fun Farm—toured each district campus. The itinerary showcased hands-on instruction, innovative programs, and the vibrant school culture that defines the Dragon community.
The day began with an early-morning trolley ride to Bloomsdale Elementary for breakfast and a building tour. Visitors joined the school’s morning meeting, heard a presentation from fifth grade students on what they are learning in science as they grow mums and lentils, and then explored the outdoor classroom and nature trail. At Ste. Genevieve Elementary, the Dancing Dragons cheer line greeted guests as they stepped into the building’s new secure entrance. The group watched a robotics exhibition, toured the updated library, and viewed the school’s new full-size gymnasium and classrooms.
At Ste. Genevieve High School, students led presentations highlighting courses such as Dragon Prints, a marketing production class where students design and sell school merchandise, and the School Development Seminar, where students plan projects to enhance school spirit and culture. Guests also visited the updated wood shop, viewed student-made art around the building, and learned about all of the effort behind other hands-on learning spaces.
In the afternoon, the group visited Ste. Genevieve Middle School for a tour and student-led expo. Guests explored the school’s new addition, which features an elevator, a counseling suite, and updated third-floor restrooms, before visiting displays from programs such as STEM, music, publications, Family and Consumer Sciences, Student Council, and the National Junior Honor Society. Students showcased projects ranging from robotics demonstrations to inclusive art exhibits.
The tour concluded at the brand-new Early Childhood Center, which opened this school year! This state-of-the-art facility offers bright, welcoming classrooms and outdoor play areas designed to support the district’s youngest learners and give them a strong start on their educational journey.
Throughout the day, Chamber Leadership participants remarked on the strong sense of community, student leadership, and staff dedication evident in every building. Each year, this visit—part of the Chamber’s September “Education Day” Leadership Session—provides a firsthand look at the future leaders of our community and the variety of opportunities available to students from preschool through high school.
