Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat
SIKESTON — Sikeston Junior High School will become the first school in Missouri to implement a nationally recognized hands-on learning model during the 2025-2026 school year.
The Star Academy program, funded by a $970,000-grant outlined in Missouri House Bill 2.380 and awarded by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, will serve up to 80 students at Sikeston Junior High in the coming weeks.
Star Academy is a nationally recognized “school-within-a-school” model that transforms learning by allowing students to experience core subjects — math, science, English and social studies — through hands-on projects, experiments and collaborative activities. Instead of simply learning from textbooks, students engage in dynamic, real-world applications of their lessons, according to Sikeston R-6 Superintendent Shannon Holifield.
“This innovative program is designed to uplift a wide range of students — from those who may have fallen behind academically and are looking for a fresh path forward to motivated learners eager to take on new challenges,” Holifield said.
The district officially announced the implementation of the program in a social media post Wednesday, Sept. 10. The program was also discussed during the regular school board meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the district’s Central Office.
Parents of selected students have been notified, and the first class is projected to begin after the first quarter. An informational meeting for parents and students is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Sikeston Junior High School, where Star Academy representatives will answer questions and discuss the program’s implementation.
Tiffany Morgan, R-6 assistant superintendent of secondary education, described the rapid timeline for the grant process, pointing out that notification of the grant’s availability came July 25, with the application completed by Aug. 13 and funds awarded the following day. The new school year began Aug. 20.
“It’s happened quickly,” Morgan said during Tuesday’s school board meeting.
Junior High administrators Crystie Ressel and Tosha Witter, along with Morgan, have worked to align the new program with Missouri Learning Standards and the district’s curriculum. Four Sikeston Junior High teachers were selected from six applicants to lead the program, with the possibility of the other two teachers joining after future training.
“We’re very excited,” Ressel said. “We know this is going to be so beneficial to our students.”
Holifield credited the district’s advocacy efforts in Jefferson City and the work of the Junior High staff as factors in Sikeston’s selection.
“You have been incredible, and I’m just thankful that your building was chosen because I think it was the right people and the right placement,” Holifield told Witter and Ressel during the board meeting.
Sikeston R-6’s maintenance department will also help with modifying the classrooms to fit the program’s needs. Teachers will also participate in professional development prior to the start of the program.
The district extended gratitude to District 27 State Sen. Jamie Burger for his leadership in advocating for Sikeston R-6 to receive this grant.
“His support has been instrumental in making Star Academy a reality for Sikeston students,” Holifield said of Burger.
In an email to district officials, Burger said he was proud the governor chose Sikeston R-6 for the program.
“I believe their administration has the vision and commitment to make it a great success,” Burger said.
Gov. Mike Kehoe also expressed appreciation for the work of Burger and DESE to get to this point.
“We look forward to students benefiting from this incredible program in Sikeston very soon,” Kehoe said in a letter congratulating the school district.
Beyond academics, Star Academy introduces students to more than 100 different careers while helping them develop essential life skills such as teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving. Sikeston R-6 will align the program with career pathways at the Sikeston Career and Technology Center and workforce needs within the local community.
“These experiences provide students with a vision for their future — and the confidence to achieve it,” Holifield said.