📚 California R-I Elementary School Back to School Information | 2026–2027
We are excited to welcome our youngest Pintos back for another great school year! Here are important details to help families prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.
🏫 Building Information
California R-I Elementary School
📍 101 South Owen St.
California, MO 65018
📞 573-796-2161
📠 Fax: 573-796-8650
📝 Registration Information
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year will now be completed online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Families will no longer need to complete the traditional paper packet.
Families should complete the online registration portion before attending Open House. If you need access to a computer or internet to complete registration, assistance will be available during Open House.
🏫 Elementary Open House
Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
🎒 CES School Supply Program | 2026–2027
California Elementary families are invited to participate in a convenient, cost-saving School Supply Program!
For $20 per student, families can receive all essential classroom supplies for the year, including academic materials and commonly requested items such as Clorox wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, and paper towels.
Families will only need to purchase:
✅ Backpack
✅ Water bottle
This program is designed to simplify back-to-school preparations and help reduce household costs.
📸 Don’t forget — Fall Pictures will take place during Open House!
⏰ Daily Schedule | 2026–2027
🏫 Building Opens: 7:00 AM
🍽️ Breakfast: 7:00 AM–7:45 AM
🚪 Doors Close: 7:50 AM
📚 School Start Time: 7:50 AM
🏠 Dismissal Time: 2:55 PM
🚗 Dismissal & Transportation Information
The end of our educational day is 2:51 PM, which is when we begin preparing to safely release students from the building.
Students will be dismissed through four options:
🚌 Bus rider
🏫 Daycare
🚗 Car rider
🚶 Walker
We appreciate your understanding and support of our structured dismissal process. For the safety and efficiency of dismissal, please note:
• We are unable to accommodate dismissal changes after 2:00 PM.
• Please do not arrive for pickup after 2:50 PM.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and smooth dismissal process for all students.
We can’t wait to welcome our Pintos back for the 2026–2027 school year! 💙
We are excited to welcome our youngest Pintos back for another great school year! Here are important details to help families prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.
🏫 Building Information
California R-I Elementary School
📍 101 South Owen St.
California, MO 65018
📞 573-796-2161
📠 Fax: 573-796-8650
📝 Registration Information
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year will now be completed online through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Families will no longer need to complete the traditional paper packet.
Families should complete the online registration portion before attending Open House. If you need access to a computer or internet to complete registration, assistance will be available during Open House.
🏫 Elementary Open House
Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
🎒 CES School Supply Program | 2026–2027
California Elementary families are invited to participate in a convenient, cost-saving School Supply Program!
For $20 per student, families can receive all essential classroom supplies for the year, including academic materials and commonly requested items such as Clorox wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, and paper towels.
Families will only need to purchase:
✅ Backpack
✅ Water bottle
This program is designed to simplify back-to-school preparations and help reduce household costs.
📸 Don’t forget — Fall Pictures will take place during Open House!
⏰ Daily Schedule | 2026–2027
🏫 Building Opens: 7:00 AM
🍽️ Breakfast: 7:00 AM–7:45 AM
🚪 Doors Close: 7:50 AM
📚 School Start Time: 7:50 AM
🏠 Dismissal Time: 2:55 PM
🚗 Dismissal & Transportation Information
The end of our educational day is 2:51 PM, which is when we begin preparing to safely release students from the building.
Students will be dismissed through four options:
🚌 Bus rider
🏫 Daycare
🚗 Car rider
🚶 Walker
We appreciate your understanding and support of our structured dismissal process. For the safety and efficiency of dismissal, please note:
• We are unable to accommodate dismissal changes after 2:00 PM.
• Please do not arrive for pickup after 2:50 PM.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and smooth dismissal process for all students.
We can’t wait to welcome our Pintos back for the 2026–2027 school year! 💙
🍎 Let's Kick Off the School Year Together! 🎒
Join us for Elementary Open House on Tuesday, August 19, from 5:00–7:00 PM!
Come explore the school, meet our amazing staff, and get ready for a fantastic school year!
During Open House, you can:
📸 Take fall pictures (dress your best and bring your biggest smiles!)
🏫 Get familiar with the building
🚌 Visit with Food Services, Transportation, and Title staff
✏️ Learn more about our School Supply Program
Be sure to complete your online enrollment before attending:
es.californiak12.org/o/es
We can't wait to welcome our Pinto families back to school. See you on August 19! 💙
Join us for Elementary Open House on Tuesday, August 19, from 5:00–7:00 PM!
Come explore the school, meet our amazing staff, and get ready for a fantastic school year!
During Open House, you can:
📸 Take fall pictures (dress your best and bring your biggest smiles!)
🏫 Get familiar with the building
🚌 Visit with Food Services, Transportation, and Title staff
✏️ Learn more about our School Supply Program
Be sure to complete your online enrollment before attending:
es.californiak12.org/o/es
We can't wait to welcome our Pinto families back to school. See you on August 19! 💙
As the school year approaches, we are reaching out to local businesses and organizations to become sponsors for our Pinto Pride Staff Recognition Program!
Pinto Pride was created during the 2025-2026 school year to provide students, staff, and community members with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding employees who make a difference in the lives of our students every day.
Each month, students, staff, and community members are invited to nominate and vote for a staff member they believe goes above and beyond in serving students and supporting the California R-1 School District. The goal of Pinto Pride is to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening throughout our district and recognize the dedicated individuals who help make our schools a great place to learn and grow.
We're excited to expand the program during the 2026-2027 school year by recognizing two Pinto Pride winners each month—one certified staff member and one support staff member. This expansion allows us to celebrate even more of the amazing employees who positively impact our students every day.
We need your help!
Pinto Pride is made possible through the generosity of our community. We are currently seeking local businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring this meaningful staff recognition program. Sponsorships help provide monthly prizes and allow us to continue recognizing the exceptional work of our educators and support staff throughout the school year.
Supporting Pinto Pride is a wonderful way to invest in the people who make a difference in the lives of our students while showing your commitment to the California R-1 community.
If you are interested in becoming a 2026-2027 Pinto Pride Sponsor, or would like more information, please contact:
Ashley Benton
Communications Coordinator
California R-1 School District
📧 ashley.benton@californiak12.org
Thank you for supporting our staff, our students, and our community. Together, we can continue celebrating the outstanding Pintos who make California R-1 a special place to learn, grow, and succeed!
Pinto Pride was created during the 2025-2026 school year to provide students, staff, and community members with an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding employees who make a difference in the lives of our students every day.
Each month, students, staff, and community members are invited to nominate and vote for a staff member they believe goes above and beyond in serving students and supporting the California R-1 School District. The goal of Pinto Pride is to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening throughout our district and recognize the dedicated individuals who help make our schools a great place to learn and grow.
We're excited to expand the program during the 2026-2027 school year by recognizing two Pinto Pride winners each month—one certified staff member and one support staff member. This expansion allows us to celebrate even more of the amazing employees who positively impact our students every day.
We need your help!
Pinto Pride is made possible through the generosity of our community. We are currently seeking local businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring this meaningful staff recognition program. Sponsorships help provide monthly prizes and allow us to continue recognizing the exceptional work of our educators and support staff throughout the school year.
Supporting Pinto Pride is a wonderful way to invest in the people who make a difference in the lives of our students while showing your commitment to the California R-1 community.
If you are interested in becoming a 2026-2027 Pinto Pride Sponsor, or would like more information, please contact:
Ashley Benton
Communications Coordinator
California R-1 School District
📧 ashley.benton@californiak12.org
Thank you for supporting our staff, our students, and our community. Together, we can continue celebrating the outstanding Pintos who make California R-1 a special place to learn, grow, and succeed!
📢 Gym Closure Reminder, Pintos! 📢
The High School and Middle School gyms will be closed August 3–8.
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope everyone enjoys a great week! ❤️
The High School and Middle School gyms will be closed August 3–8.
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope everyone enjoys a great week! ❤️
📚🎉 BACK-TO-SCHOOL MONTH IS HERE! 🎉📚
It’s officially August, which means it’s time for a new newsletter! 📰💙
Our August Newsletter is here, and it has everything you need to know as we get ready to head BACK TO SCHOOL! 📚✏️ From important dates and reminders to helpful back-to-school information, we’ve got you covered.
We’re also sharing some fun updates on construction happening around the district! 🏗️👀 We can’t wait to show you what’s happening and what’s in store for our schools.
We are getting closer and closer to welcoming our students back, and we cannot wait to see those smiling faces! 😊💙 Let’s kick off another amazing school year the right way!
https://app.smore.com/n/yzkfb
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! 🐴💙
#PintoPride #BackToSchool #CaliforniaPintos #AugustNewsletter
It’s officially August, which means it’s time for a new newsletter! 📰💙
Our August Newsletter is here, and it has everything you need to know as we get ready to head BACK TO SCHOOL! 📚✏️ From important dates and reminders to helpful back-to-school information, we’ve got you covered.
We’re also sharing some fun updates on construction happening around the district! 🏗️👀 We can’t wait to show you what’s happening and what’s in store for our schools.
We are getting closer and closer to welcoming our students back, and we cannot wait to see those smiling faces! 😊💙 Let’s kick off another amazing school year the right way!
https://app.smore.com/n/yzkfb
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! 🐴💙
#PintoPride #BackToSchool #CaliforniaPintos #AugustNewsletter
🚗🚌 Elementary Fun Fact Friday: Dismissal Edition! 🚌🚗
⏰ School’s out… but the fun (and the organization!) isn’t over yet! 😄
The end of the school day is a busy time at CES, and our number one goal is to make sure every student gets home safely and smoothly. We have four ways students can head home each day: bus rider, daycare, car rider, or walker. 🐴💙
Here’s the dismissal scoop:
🏫 Educational Day Ends: 2:51 PM
This is when we begin preparing students for dismissal.
🚌 Bus Riders:
All elementary students are eligible for bus transportation! Buses are staged behind the school and students are escorted to the correct bus by staff members. Buses begin leaving around 3:10 PM to start their routes.
📞 Transportation questions? Contact the Bus Barn: 573-464-4383
👶 Daycare Riders:
Some daycares pick students up at school, while others use bus transportation. Please check with your daycare to know your child’s plan. If your child rides a bus to daycare, please make sure the elementary office has the correct bus information.
🚗 Car Riders:
At 2:52 PM, students who are not bus riders or daycare riders will begin heading to the car rider area.
A few important reminders:
✅ Car line uses two lanes and 26 vehicle spots.
✅ Please enter from the west on W. Stella St.
🚫 No left turns into the parking lot during dismissal.
📱 Staff will scan your KidAccount barcode or check your ID before directing you to a lane.
🚙 Once cars are safely stopped, students will be brought to vehicles. We will release lanes one at a time to keep everyone safe.
🚶 Walkers:
Walkers are students who are not riding a bus and are not using the car line. This includes students walking home alone or with a sibling.
Walkers will be released from the front entrance after dismissal procedures are complete. For safety, walkers are typically released around 3:10 PM or after the car rider line has finished.
📌 Important Reminder: Once a student leaves as a walker, staff cannot track their location, so please consider what is safest and most age-appropriate for your child.
⏰ Dismissal Changes:
Need to change how your child is going home? Please contact the office before 2:00 PM. Changes cannot be accommodated after that time.
🚨 Also, please avoid arriving for pickup after 2:50 PM — arriving early helps us keep dismissal moving safely and efficiently!
Dismissal may look like organized chaos from the outside… but behind the scenes, our staff is working hard to make sure every Pinto gets home safely! 💙🐴
Thank you for helping us make dismissal a success — it’s a great day to be a Pinto!
⏰ School’s out… but the fun (and the organization!) isn’t over yet! 😄
The end of the school day is a busy time at CES, and our number one goal is to make sure every student gets home safely and smoothly. We have four ways students can head home each day: bus rider, daycare, car rider, or walker. 🐴💙
Here’s the dismissal scoop:
🏫 Educational Day Ends: 2:51 PM
This is when we begin preparing students for dismissal.
🚌 Bus Riders:
All elementary students are eligible for bus transportation! Buses are staged behind the school and students are escorted to the correct bus by staff members. Buses begin leaving around 3:10 PM to start their routes.
📞 Transportation questions? Contact the Bus Barn: 573-464-4383
👶 Daycare Riders:
Some daycares pick students up at school, while others use bus transportation. Please check with your daycare to know your child’s plan. If your child rides a bus to daycare, please make sure the elementary office has the correct bus information.
🚗 Car Riders:
At 2:52 PM, students who are not bus riders or daycare riders will begin heading to the car rider area.
A few important reminders:
✅ Car line uses two lanes and 26 vehicle spots.
✅ Please enter from the west on W. Stella St.
🚫 No left turns into the parking lot during dismissal.
📱 Staff will scan your KidAccount barcode or check your ID before directing you to a lane.
🚙 Once cars are safely stopped, students will be brought to vehicles. We will release lanes one at a time to keep everyone safe.
🚶 Walkers:
Walkers are students who are not riding a bus and are not using the car line. This includes students walking home alone or with a sibling.
Walkers will be released from the front entrance after dismissal procedures are complete. For safety, walkers are typically released around 3:10 PM or after the car rider line has finished.
📌 Important Reminder: Once a student leaves as a walker, staff cannot track their location, so please consider what is safest and most age-appropriate for your child.
⏰ Dismissal Changes:
Need to change how your child is going home? Please contact the office before 2:00 PM. Changes cannot be accommodated after that time.
🚨 Also, please avoid arriving for pickup after 2:50 PM — arriving early helps us keep dismissal moving safely and efficiently!
Dismissal may look like organized chaos from the outside… but behind the scenes, our staff is working hard to make sure every Pinto gets home safely! 💙🐴
Thank you for helping us make dismissal a success — it’s a great day to be a Pinto!
🚧 Mid-Week Construction Update! 🚧
Big things are happening here at the California R-1 School District! From new roofs and HVAC systems to playground construction and new flooring, it's been a busy summer across our campuses.
Every project is bringing us one step closer to welcoming our students and staff back for an amazing school year. We can't wait to see the finished results—and even more importantly, the smiling faces walking through our doors in August! ❤️
Thank you to everyone working hard behind the scenes to help prepare our schools for another great year. The countdown to the first day is on! 🎉
Big things are happening here at the California R-1 School District! From new roofs and HVAC systems to playground construction and new flooring, it's been a busy summer across our campuses.
Every project is bringing us one step closer to welcoming our students and staff back for an amazing school year. We can't wait to see the finished results—and even more importantly, the smiling faces walking through our doors in August! ❤️
Thank you to everyone working hard behind the scenes to help prepare our schools for another great year. The countdown to the first day is on! 🎉
📱 **Did You Know? — Infinite Campus vs. California R-1 App Edition!**
Have you ever wondered…What's the difference? 🤔
Great question! While **Infinite Campus** and the **California R-1 App** work together, they each have a different purpose!
🖥️ **Infinite Campus = Your Student Information Center**
This is where families can find important student information, including:
✅ Grades
✅ Attendance
✅ Class schedules
✅ Report cards
✅ Fees
✅ Food service/lunch account information
✅ Registration information
📲 **California R-1 App = Your School Communication Center**
This is where families can stay connected with everything happening at California R-1:
✅ District and school announcements
✅ Important updates
✅ Calendar events
✅ Athletics and activities information
✅ Emergency notifications
✅ Translated messages
✅ Classroom and group communication (when applicable)
⭐ **Did you know? You can also access Infinite Campus through the California R-1 App!**
No need to search for another link — simply open the **California R-1 App**, find the Infinite Campus link, and quickly access the information you need about your student.
So, which one should you check?
📚 **Need to know your student’s grade?** → Check **Infinite Campus**
📅 **Want to know what’s happening at school?** → Check the **California R-1 App**
🍎 **Need to add lunch money?** → Check **Infinite Campus**
📢 **Need school announcements and reminders?** → Check the **California R-1 App**
Two apps. Two purposes. One goal: **Keeping California R-1 families informed and connected!**
Make sure you have the **California R-1 App** and your **Infinite Campus account** ready for the upcoming school year!
This is a BIG week at California R-I, and exciting things are happening across our campuses!
If you've driven past the Elementary or Middle School recently, you've probably noticed all the progress even from outside. From new flooring and roofing to HVAC improvements and a brand-new playground, our schools are getting ready to welcome students back!
We can't wait to share more updates and see these projects come to life as we get ready for an amazing 2026–2027 school year! 💙🐴
If you've driven past the Elementary or Middle School recently, you've probably noticed all the progress even from outside. From new flooring and roofing to HVAC improvements and a brand-new playground, our schools are getting ready to welcome students back!
We can't wait to share more updates and see these projects come to life as we get ready for an amazing 2026–2027 school year! 💙🐴
📣 Cheer Camp Reminder, Pintos! 📣
This Thursday and Friday
📍 Location: California Elementary Gym
👟 For students entering Grades K–5 (2026–2027 school year) who signed up!
Camp Times:
📣 Grades 3–5: 9:00–11:00 AM
📣 Grades K–2: 12:00–2:00 PM
✨ Camp includes:
• Cheer practice & a mini routine
• Fun games & spirit activities
• Camp T-shirt
• Parent performance at the end of the final day's session
Be sure to wear athletic shoes and bring a water bottle. We can't wait to see everyone showing their Pinto spirit! ❤️
It's a great day to be a Pinto!
This Thursday and Friday
📍 Location: California Elementary Gym
👟 For students entering Grades K–5 (2026–2027 school year) who signed up!
Camp Times:
📣 Grades 3–5: 9:00–11:00 AM
📣 Grades K–2: 12:00–2:00 PM
✨ Camp includes:
• Cheer practice & a mini routine
• Fun games & spirit activities
• Camp T-shirt
• Parent performance at the end of the final day's session
Be sure to wear athletic shoes and bring a water bottle. We can't wait to see everyone showing their Pinto spirit! ❤️
It's a great day to be a Pinto!
Planning a vacation during the 2026–2027 school year?
Now is the perfect time to start planning your family's next getaway. Before you book your trip, take a look at the 2026–2027 Moniteau County R-1 School Calendar and plan your travels during scheduled school breaks and days when school is not in session.
Planning ahead helps students stay in the classroom, minimizes missed instructional time, and allows families to make the most of school breaks.
View the 2026–2027 School Calendar here: https://www.californiak12.org/page/2026-2027-school-calendar
Now is the perfect time to start planning your family's next getaway. Before you book your trip, take a look at the 2026–2027 Moniteau County R-1 School Calendar and plan your travels during scheduled school breaks and days when school is not in session.
Planning ahead helps students stay in the classroom, minimizes missed instructional time, and allows families to make the most of school breaks.
View the 2026–2027 School Calendar here: https://www.californiak12.org/page/2026-2027-school-calendar
🎒 Elementary Fun Fact Friday: School Supplies Edition! ✏️
🚨 Breaking News: You don’t need to panic-buy the entire school supply aisle! 😆🛒
“Mom, do I need 47 pencils, 12 folders, and a backpack full of supplies before school starts?”
Nope! 😉
For the 2026–2027 school year, CES has an amazing School Supply Program to help make back-to-school shopping easier and more affordable! 🐴💙
For just $20 per student, families can receive all the essential classroom supplies needed for the school year, including academic materials and commonly requested items like:
✏️ Classroom supplies
🧻 Tissues & paper towels
🧼 Clorox wipes
🧴 Hand sanitizer
…and more!
You only need to provide:
🎒 A backpack
🚰 A water bottle
That’s it! Less shopping stress, less running around, and more time enjoying the last days of summer! ☀️
Need a few extra items? Don’t forget about the Moniteau County Alliance for Kids Back to School Fair! 🎉
📅 Tuesday, July 28, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 California High School Parking Lot
🚗 Drive-thru event
This FREE event is open to all students attending school in Moniteau County and will provide school supplies and materials to help students start the year ready to learn! Families may also receive a backpack while supplies last.
So put the pencil aisle stress away, Pintos — we’ve got you covered! 💙🐴
It’s a great day to be a Pinto!
🚨 Breaking News: You don’t need to panic-buy the entire school supply aisle! 😆🛒
“Mom, do I need 47 pencils, 12 folders, and a backpack full of supplies before school starts?”
Nope! 😉
For the 2026–2027 school year, CES has an amazing School Supply Program to help make back-to-school shopping easier and more affordable! 🐴💙
For just $20 per student, families can receive all the essential classroom supplies needed for the school year, including academic materials and commonly requested items like:
✏️ Classroom supplies
🧻 Tissues & paper towels
🧼 Clorox wipes
🧴 Hand sanitizer
…and more!
You only need to provide:
🎒 A backpack
🚰 A water bottle
That’s it! Less shopping stress, less running around, and more time enjoying the last days of summer! ☀️
Need a few extra items? Don’t forget about the Moniteau County Alliance for Kids Back to School Fair! 🎉
📅 Tuesday, July 28, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 California High School Parking Lot
🚗 Drive-thru event
This FREE event is open to all students attending school in Moniteau County and will provide school supplies and materials to help students start the year ready to learn! Families may also receive a backpack while supplies last.
So put the pencil aisle stress away, Pintos — we’ve got you covered! 💙🐴
It’s a great day to be a Pinto!
Out with the old and in with the new! 🙌
Our new HVAC system is being installed, and we're excited to see another big improvement happening across our schools this summer! These upgrades will help create a more comfortable learning environment for our students and staff for years to come.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back to see all the progress being made.
It's a great day to be a Pinto! ❤️
Our new HVAC system is being installed, and we're excited to see another big improvement happening across our schools this summer! These upgrades will help create a more comfortable learning environment for our students and staff for years to come.
We can't wait to welcome everyone back to see all the progress being made.
It's a great day to be a Pinto! ❤️
📱💙 A Great FREE Resource for Parents! 💙📱
The Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) has partnered with Parent ProTech to provide families with a fantastic digital safety resource library!
Whether you're looking for guidance on:
✅ Screen time
✅ Online safety
✅ Social media
✅ Gaming
✅ Digital wellness
✅ Trending apps and technology
Parent ProTech offers practical, easy-to-use resources to help families navigate today's digital world with confidence. The platform is regularly updated by digital safety experts to keep up with the ever-changing technology our children use.
We encourage all of our California R-1 families to take advantage of this free resource!
📲 Sign up today:
https://app.parentprotech.com/698/moniteau-co-ri/en/signup?source=admin
Be sure to check it out—there are tons of great resources for parents and caregivers!
The Missouri United School Insurance Council (MUSIC) has partnered with Parent ProTech to provide families with a fantastic digital safety resource library!
Whether you're looking for guidance on:
✅ Screen time
✅ Online safety
✅ Social media
✅ Gaming
✅ Digital wellness
✅ Trending apps and technology
Parent ProTech offers practical, easy-to-use resources to help families navigate today's digital world with confidence. The platform is regularly updated by digital safety experts to keep up with the ever-changing technology our children use.
We encourage all of our California R-1 families to take advantage of this free resource!
📲 Sign up today:
https://app.parentprotech.com/698/moniteau-co-ri/en/signup?source=admin
Be sure to check it out—there are tons of great resources for parents and caregivers!
🌞 Elementary Fun Fact Friday! 🌞
⏰ Time is ticking… back-to-school month is almost here! 📚✏️
Don’t worry — we know there is still plenty of time left for summer fun! ☀️ We don’t want to overwhelm families with all the back-to-school information at once, so we’re sharing a little bit at a time to help everyone feel prepared and confident when August arrives. 💙
Today’s Fun Fact Friday topic: ABSENCES! 📞
We know things happen — kids get sick, appointments come up, and sometimes life just gets busy. If your student will be absent, please remember to let us know!
📱 Call the Elementary Office: (573) 796-2161
📧 Email our secretaries:
• penny.harris@californiak12.org
• emily.messerli@californiak12.org
⏰ The office is open from 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. If you need to call outside those hours, you can leave a voicemail.
✅ Please notify the school before 10:00 AM on the day of the absence. If we haven’t heard from a parent/guardian by 10:00 AM, our School Messenger system may send a call, text, or email to help verify the absence.
📌 Remember:
A verified absence means the school has received communication from a parent/guardian.
An unverified absence means we have not received a reason for the absence.
Help us keep our records accurate by giving us a quick call or email when your child is out! 💙
Enjoy the rest of your summer, Pintos — we’ll keep sharing helpful tips to make the start of the school year a little easier! 🐴✨
It’s a great day to be a Pinto!
⏰ Time is ticking… back-to-school month is almost here! 📚✏️
Don’t worry — we know there is still plenty of time left for summer fun! ☀️ We don’t want to overwhelm families with all the back-to-school information at once, so we’re sharing a little bit at a time to help everyone feel prepared and confident when August arrives. 💙
Today’s Fun Fact Friday topic: ABSENCES! 📞
We know things happen — kids get sick, appointments come up, and sometimes life just gets busy. If your student will be absent, please remember to let us know!
📱 Call the Elementary Office: (573) 796-2161
📧 Email our secretaries:
• penny.harris@californiak12.org
• emily.messerli@californiak12.org
⏰ The office is open from 7:00 AM–4:00 PM. If you need to call outside those hours, you can leave a voicemail.
✅ Please notify the school before 10:00 AM on the day of the absence. If we haven’t heard from a parent/guardian by 10:00 AM, our School Messenger system may send a call, text, or email to help verify the absence.
📌 Remember:
A verified absence means the school has received communication from a parent/guardian.
An unverified absence means we have not received a reason for the absence.
Help us keep our records accurate by giving us a quick call or email when your child is out! 💙
Enjoy the rest of your summer, Pintos — we’ll keep sharing helpful tips to make the start of the school year a little easier! 🐴✨
It’s a great day to be a Pinto!
🏈👕 TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO BE GUARANTEED A CAMP T-SHIRT
📅 July 27–29
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 California High School – Riley Field
Open to students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade for the 2026–2027 school year!
💲 Cost: $30
✔️ Includes all 3 days of camp
✔️ Camp t-shirt included
💵 Payment is due at camp (please make checks payable to California R-1 School District).
Registration will remain open through the first day of camp, but t-shirts are only guaranteed for those who register by today’s deadline.
Come learn football fundamentals, build your skills, make new friends, and have fun with our Pinto coaches and players! We can’t wait to see you on the field!
🏈 Register today!
📅 July 27–29
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 California High School – Riley Field
Open to students entering Kindergarten through 6th grade for the 2026–2027 school year!
💲 Cost: $30
✔️ Includes all 3 days of camp
✔️ Camp t-shirt included
💵 Payment is due at camp (please make checks payable to California R-1 School District).
Registration will remain open through the first day of camp, but t-shirts are only guaranteed for those who register by today’s deadline.
Come learn football fundamentals, build your skills, make new friends, and have fun with our Pinto coaches and players! We can’t wait to see you on the field!
🏈 Register today!
📢 We're Hiring!
The Moniteau County R-I School District is looking for a passionate English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year!
Qualifications:
• ESOL endorsement preferred
Interested candidates should apply online:
Visit www.californiak12.org
Click Employment
Select Employment Opportunities
Complete your application through the TalentEd application system.
Join a district dedicated to Equipping Today's Children for Tomorrow's Challenges and make a difference in the lives of our students!
Apply today—we'd love to have you on the Pinto team!
The Moniteau County R-I School District is looking for a passionate English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year!
Qualifications:
• ESOL endorsement preferred
Interested candidates should apply online:
Visit www.californiak12.org
Click Employment
Select Employment Opportunities
Complete your application through the TalentEd application system.
Join a district dedicated to Equipping Today's Children for Tomorrow's Challenges and make a difference in the lives of our students!
Apply today—we'd love to have you on the Pinto team!
🍎 Free & Reduced Meal Applications Are Now Open for the 2026–2027 School Year!
Have you completed your meal benefits application yet? We encourage every family to apply—even if you aren't sure you'll qualify.
To apply:
• Log in to your Parent Infinite Campus account.
• Click More on the left-hand menu.
• Select Meal Benefits.
• Click Meal Benefits Application and complete the application.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to apply and for supporting California R-1! It's a great day to be a Pinto!
Have you completed your meal benefits application yet? We encourage every family to apply—even if you aren't sure you'll qualify.
To apply:
• Log in to your Parent Infinite Campus account.
• Click More on the left-hand menu.
• Select Meal Benefits.
• Click Meal Benefits Application and complete the application.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to apply and for supporting California R-1! It's a great day to be a Pinto!
🛝 PLAYGROUND UPDATE! 🌟
We are loving the progress happening and can’t wait to share the big reveal with our Pinto family!
Did you know that playground time is more than just a break? Recess helps students build important skills like teamwork, problem-solving, balance, coordination, creativity, and confidence!
Children need physical activity each day to support healthy growth and development, and playground time is a fun way to get moving while making memories with friends. Regular physical activity can also help improve focus, classroom behavior, and social skills.
We are so excited for our students to enjoy this new space! 🛝🌳
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! ❤️🐴
We are loving the progress happening and can’t wait to share the big reveal with our Pinto family!
Did you know that playground time is more than just a break? Recess helps students build important skills like teamwork, problem-solving, balance, coordination, creativity, and confidence!
Children need physical activity each day to support healthy growth and development, and playground time is a fun way to get moving while making memories with friends. Regular physical activity can also help improve focus, classroom behavior, and social skills.
We are so excited for our students to enjoy this new space! 🛝🌳
It’s a great day to be a Pinto! ❤️🐴
🎉 Fun Fact Friday – Elementary Edition! 🎉
We're kicking off our Fun Fact Friday series with helpful facts and everything you need to know about California Elementary School!
🍎 Did You Know?
Our elementary school has a PTO!
What is PTO?
PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization—a group of dedicated parents, teachers, and volunteers who work together to make our school an even better place for our students.
💙 Why is our PTO so awesome?
They help provide:
✨ Special treats for students throughout the year
📚 Classroom supplies for teachers
🎬 Family movie nights and fun events
🎉 Student activities and so much more!
🙌 How can you support the PTO?
It's easy!
✔️ Attend PTO meetings.
✔️ Participate in fundraisers and family events.
✔️ Volunteer when you're able.
📅 Mark your calendar!
The next PTO meeting is Monday, September 14, 2026.
Every dollar raised by our PTO goes right back into our school—supporting our students, teachers, and classrooms.
💙 When you support the PTO, you're supporting your child and helping make California Elementary an amazing place to learn and grow!
We're kicking off our Fun Fact Friday series with helpful facts and everything you need to know about California Elementary School!
🍎 Did You Know?
Our elementary school has a PTO!
What is PTO?
PTO stands for Parent Teacher Organization—a group of dedicated parents, teachers, and volunteers who work together to make our school an even better place for our students.
💙 Why is our PTO so awesome?
They help provide:
✨ Special treats for students throughout the year
📚 Classroom supplies for teachers
🎬 Family movie nights and fun events
🎉 Student activities and so much more!
🙌 How can you support the PTO?
It's easy!
✔️ Attend PTO meetings.
✔️ Participate in fundraisers and family events.
✔️ Volunteer when you're able.
📅 Mark your calendar!
The next PTO meeting is Monday, September 14, 2026.
Every dollar raised by our PTO goes right back into our school—supporting our students, teachers, and classrooms.
💙 When you support the PTO, you're supporting your child and helping make California Elementary an amazing place to learn and grow!
