In the heart of eastern Cass County, the Strasburg C-3 School District has stood as a symbol of education, community, and perseverance for more than 150 years. What began as a single classroom in a rural town has grown into a district deeply connected to the families it serves. Since 1873, Strasburg’s story has reflected the values of its people, which are hard work, learning, and a shared commitment to helping children succeed.
The district’s earliest mention appeared in The Roads and Schools Tax Book of 1873, and by 1882, a formal school board had taken shape under R.W. Collins, William M. Berkshire, and John R. Warner. The first schoolhouse sat just outside town, where Miss Ella Collins taught local children. These early efforts, recorded in The History of Cass and Bates Counties, Missouri, marked the beginning of a proud educational tradition.
Over the decades, several small schools such as Brick (Mt. Pleasant), Hickory Grove, Rising Star, Rock Hill, and Scrub Oak joined Strasburg through rural consolidation. Each had served its community well before merging into one united district. This growth reflected a simple but powerful belief that together, the community could offer every child a stronger start in life.
By 1949, Strasburg operated as a K–12 district, but in 1954, it transitioned to a K–8 model, allowing high school students to attend nearby districts. This change opened doors to new opportunities while preserving Strasburg’s strong local identity.
Today, the Strasburg C-3 School District continues its mission to prepare students for a lifetime of learning and personal success. Guided by a vision centered on achievement, technology, and collaboration, the district blends tradition with innovation, ensuring that every student is known, supported, and encouraged to reach their potential.
A Connected Community of Learners
As a single-school district serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, Strasburg C-3 offers something rare in today’s educational landscape: a true sense of continuity. Students spend their formative years in one close-knit environment where they are known not only for their academic abilities but also for their character, interests, and growth. This long-term connection allows teachers and staff to guide each child through every stage of learning with consistency and care.
The district’s K–8 structure also encourages strong collaboration among educators. Because everyone works under one roof, communication flows naturally, and ideas are shared easily. Teachers align their lessons across grade levels, ensuring that each year builds smoothly on the last. This structure eliminates many of the gaps that can occur when students transition between schools.
For families, Strasburg C-3 feels like an extension of home. Parents see the same faces year after year and witness the commitment teachers show to every child’s progress. This continuity strengthens trust and community pride, creating a school culture where students feel supported, teachers feel valued, and families feel involved. At Strasburg C-3, the result is more than academic achievement; it is a shared journey of growth, belonging, and lifelong learning.
Building Strong Foundations for the Future
At Strasburg C-3, learning is shaped by clear standards and a genuine commitment to student growth. The district follows the Missouri Learning Standards, which guide every aspect of instruction. Teachers use Savvas Learning Company materials to support a board-approved, standards-based curriculum that keeps lessons consistent, engaging, and purposeful.
In the elementary grades, students develop strong literacy skills through the Wonders and Star Kids programs. Kindergarten students begin with Star Kids as their primary resource, while Wonders builds on that foundation. From first through fifth grade, the order is reversed, allowing each program to reinforce reading development in a structured, age-appropriate way.
By middle school, the curriculum expands to include Career and Technical Education experiences that connect learning to life beyond the classroom. Programs like Project Lead the Way invite students to experiment, design, and solve problems through hands-on projects.
In addition to core academics, students explore electives such as Art, Music, Physical Education, Journalism, Yearbook, Speech, and Coding. Each class encourages curiosity, teamwork, and creativity. Together, these programs help students think critically, express themselves confidently, and prepare for success in high school and beyond. Strasburg C-3 nurtures learners who are ready for both the classroom and the world.
Leadership with Purpose and Heart
Strong leadership shapes the culture of Strasburg C-3, where both Principal Harrison Campbell and Superintendent Dr. Chrystal Mayfield lead with purpose, compassion, and a shared belief in the power of community. Their work centers on nurturing students who are not only academically capable but also respectful, responsible, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
As the K–8 Principal, Mr. Campbell leads with a servant’s mindset. His goal is to help every student become a lifelong learner who values respect, responsibility, and reliability. He focuses on preparing students to think critically and adapt to a changing world through problem-solving, technology, and collaboration. Under his leadership, the school emphasizes character as much as knowledge, creating a balance between academic rigor and personal growth.
Superintendent Dr. Chrystal Mayfield shares a similar vision rooted in connection and care. She believes that Strasburg’s small size is its greatest advantage, allowing educators to know every student by name and celebrate their individual achievements. Her message to families is heartfelt and clear: Strasburg C-3 is more than a district; it is a family. Here, every child is supported, every voice matters, and every success is shared. “One Town. One Family.”
Supporting Every Learner, Every Day
Strasburg C-3 takes pride in creating classrooms where every student feels seen, supported, and challenged to do their best. The district’s approach to teaching recognizes that students learn in different ways and come from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique strengths to the classroom. Teachers use a mix of strategies and data-driven practices to ensure that all learners can access lessons at a level that matches their needs.
To guide instruction, teachers rely on i-Ready diagnostic assessments in reading and mathematics. These tools help identify learning gaps and track growth over time, allowing educators to create focused intervention plans. The district’s structured Response to Intervention schedule provides time for small-group or individual support without reducing core learning opportunities.
Strasburg C-3 also uses a Multi-Tiered System of Support, where academic and behavioral needs are addressed together. Flexible grouping and differentiated instruction allow teachers to tailor lessons to each student’s readiness and learning style.
Beyond academics, the district prioritizes cultural responsiveness and emotional well-being. Ongoing professional development in trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and inclusive teaching helps staff build empathy and understanding. Through these efforts, Strasburg C-3 ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Partnerships that Strengthen the Community
At Strasburg C-3, collaboration is at the heart of progress. The district believes that strong partnerships with parents, community organizations, and local businesses are essential to helping students succeed and to advancing shared educational goals. Every connection is built on open communication, mutual respect, and a genuine desire to see students thrive.
Family engagement begins with clear and consistent communication. Parents stay informed through quarterly newsletters, academic awards assemblies, and digital tools such as Class Dojo, Google Classroom, and the district’s website and app. Updates through the One Call Now phone service and Teacher Insight SIS ensure families always know what is happening in the district.
The Parent-Teacher Organization plays a vital role in this network, organizing events, fundraising for student needs, and bringing families together to celebrate learning. Teachers and staff take an active part in these efforts, reinforcing the idea that education is a shared responsibility.
Beyond the school walls, community partnerships enrich the district’s work. Collaborations with groups like the Pleasant Hill Optimist Club, local businesses, and civic organizations provide both resources and opportunities for students. These relationships reflect Strasburg’s spirit of unity, a community investing together in its children and their future.
A Vibrant Student Life
Student life at Strasburg C-3 reflects the close-knit nature of the K–8 community, where students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop both leadership and teamwork skills. The district emphasizes opportunities that nurture creativity, collaboration, and personal growth.
Athletics are a key part of this experience, and Strasburg C-3 partners with neighboring districts to broaden sports offerings. Students can participate in football, wrestling, and track through Pleasant Hill, while Kingsville provides opportunities for volleyball, basketball, and cross country. These cooperative programs allow students to develop athletic skills, build confidence, and gain early exposure to the high schools they may attend in the future.
Within the district, students have access to a variety of after-school programs and clubs that extend learning beyond the classroom. Grades 3–5 can join the STEAM Club, while Grades 6–8 participate in the E-Club. Other offerings include Intramurals, Drama and Debate, Quiz Bowl, Student Council, Band, Choir, and Yearbook Club. Each program emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and communication while allowing students to pursue their personal passions.
Through these academic, athletic, and enrichment opportunities, Strasburg C-3 fosters well-rounded students who are engaged, confident, and prepared to succeed both on campus and in the wider world.
Leadership and Departments That Keep Learning on Track
The Strasburg C-3 relies on a collaborative leadership structure where each department plays a key role in supporting students, staff, and the wider community. Together, these teams ensure the district runs smoothly while advancing its mission of academic excellence and student growth.
The Curriculum and Instruction department, led by Kristin Tribble, develops and implements lessons aligned with the Missouri Learning Standards. This work ensures consistent instruction and effective assessments across all grade levels. Toni Manford and Laura Mooney oversee Insurance, Health, and Wellness, coordinating employee benefits, student insurance, and wellness programs that create a safe and healthy learning environment.
Professional Development, guided by Libby Clark, provides teachers and staff with workshops, coaching, and collaboration opportunities that improve instruction, engagement, and leadership skills. Safety and Communications, led by Superintendent Dr. Chrystal Mayfield, manages emergency planning, crisis readiness, and clear communication with families and the community.
Special Education and Student Support, overseen by Jeff Clark, ensures equitable access through individualized education programs and Section 504 services. The Technology department, under Laura Mooney, manages digital tools, instructional software, and network infrastructure, giving students and teachers reliable access to modern learning resources.
Together, these departments create a cohesive team that supports learning, maintains operational efficiency, and ensures that every student at Strasburg C-3 experiences a safe, well-managed, and future-ready education.
Equity and Opportunity for Every Student
At Strasburg C-3, every student has access to high-quality learning, no matter their background. The district focuses on removing barriers that might limit opportunity, ensuring that all learners, including those from underserved or underrepresented groups, can succeed academically and personally.
Teachers differentiate instruction and provide targeted support, while enrichment programs in STEM, literacy, and technology are available to all students. Project Lead the Way courses, for example, give every middle school student hands-on, career-connected learning, including girls and students from rural or low-income families.
Relationships matter in a small district. Staff know each student personally and work closely with families and community partners to provide resources such as meal assistance, counseling, and support for extracurricular participation.
Strasburg C-3 also uses data from surveys, achievement reports, and attendance to guide decisions and measure progress. The district’s focus on equity ensures that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Comprehensive Student Support Services
Strasburg C-3 focuses on supporting the whole child by offering services that meet academic, social, and emotional needs. Every student receives personalized attention to help them thrive in school and beyond.
The district provides Speech and Occupational Therapy for students with developmental or communication needs, along with Title I Reading and Math interventions for targeted academic support. Special Education services through individualized education programs ensure equitable learning opportunities and compliance with state and federal standards.
School-based counseling, led by Mrs. Pam Mollenhour, offers guidance, social-emotional support, and short-term intervention. For students needing additional care, the district partners with Country Crossroads and Compass Health to provide mental health and behavioral resources.
By coordinating these services, Strasburg C-3 ensures that every student has access to the tools, guidance, and support necessary to succeed academically, grow socially, and prepare for a positive future.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunity
Strasburg C-3 School District is focused on expanding learning opportunities, enhancing academic excellence, and strengthening connections with the community. A top priority is continuing the implementation of curriculum aligned with the Missouri Learning Standards, ensuring students experience consistency and rigor at every grade level.
The district is excited to expand middle school exploratory classes, including Project Lead the Way and career-technical education pathways. These hands-on programs allow students to explore career interests, build practical skills, and see how classroom learning connects to real-world opportunities.
Partnerships with local businesses, civic organizations, and neighboring districts remain a key focus. Cooperative athletic programs and enrichment initiatives help students gain broader experiences while fostering community engagement.
Strasburg C-3 also continues to invest in student support services, technology integration, and professional development for staff. Through these initiatives, the district ensures that every student has the resources, guidance, and encouragement needed to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. These efforts aim to prepare students for success within the district and in their future educational and career pursuits.
Quotes
“Strasburg C-3 is more than a district; it is a family. Here, every child is supported, every voice matters, and every success is shared.”
“One Town. One Family.”
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