Academic Services Department

The Department of Academic Services maintains effective partnerships that build capacity in schools and expose students to a rigorous curriculum that meets college and career readiness expectations. As a department, we provide support to leaders, teachers, and schools so that students can achieve 21st-century competencies. We develop curriculum and support guides for teachers; and identify, disseminate, and model research-based best teaching and curricular practices. We work collaboratively with other departments to define K-12 grade-specific standards so that students will be fully prepared for the future; ready to compete successfully in the global economy.

Programs and Teams

Special Education

Special Education Services

Dedicated to ensuring that every student, aged 3 to 21, receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our team provides specialized services to students identified under one of 16 categories, including Autism, Emotional Disturbances, and Specific Learning Disabilities. Through individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to each student's unique needs, we deliver specialized instruction and related services, fostering growth and development in all areas of learning. With a commitment to inclusivity and equity, we strive to empower every student to reach their full potential, celebrating their strengths and supporting them in overcoming challenges to succeed in school and beyond.

Responsibilities & Services

Section 504 Plans: A school-age student qualifies as an individual with a disability under Section 504 by having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, learning, caring for self, performing manual tasks, speaking, and breathing.
Contract Schools: Some of our special education students require more support than is available in our schools, so we contract with specialty schools to meet the students' needs. Some of our specialty contract schools include Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired, Blue Springs Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, Gillis, Ozanam, Rainbow Center, Sherwood Autism Center, etc.
Parentally Placed Private School Students: Students enrolled in private schools within our district boundaries and who meet Special Education criteria are also eligible to receive services through a Service Plan. Our exceptional education staff provide those services.
·Medicaid School-Based Services: The district is eligible for Medicaid reimbursement for activities. School staff provide services to identify, coordinate, deliver, and monitor students' health and related needs, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Personal Care, and Private Nursing.
Homebound Instruction: Homebound Instruction is a service where educational instruction is provided to a student who has been determined eligible and unable to attend school for medical or other reasons.
Home School: Parents may elect to home-school their children for various reasons. Parents may be unfamiliar with their responsibilities when deciding on homeschooling. We provide this guidance upon a request to Home School.
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Customized plans for students with special needs to address their unique learning requirements. Specific goals, support services, and accommodations.

Section 504 Plans

Section 504 Plans

In accordance with Section 504, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District's 504 program ensures that school-age students with disabilities receive the support they need to access educational opportunities on an equal basis. Students qualify for the program if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, including learning, walking, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, speaking, or breathing. Through individualized accommodations and support plans, our 504 program aims to remove barriers to learning and provide every student with the tools and resources they need to succeed academically and participate fully in school activities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can reach their full potential and thrive.

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

We recognize the critical importance of early childhood education in setting the foundation for lifelong learning. Our PreK services are designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where young children can develop essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Our programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community's youngest learners, ensuring they are well-prepared for the transition to kindergarten and beyond.

Responsibilities & Services

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum: Our PreK curriculum is designed to support the holistic development of children, incorporating play-based learning, literacy and numeracy skills, and social-emotional learning.
Individualized Learning Plans: We create personalized learning plans for each child, taking into account their unique strengths, interests, and areas for growth, to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive.
Family Engagement: We actively involve families in their child's education through regular communication, family workshops, and opportunities for parents to participate in classroom activities and special events.
Comprehensive Assessments: Regular assessments help us monitor each child's progress and identify any areas where additional support may be needed. This ensures that all children are on track to meet developmental milestones and are ready for the next stage of their educational journey.

Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers

Recognizing that 95% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life, the Parents as Teachers program at Hickman Mills C-1 School District is dedicated to supporting families with young children from prenatal to age five. Through personalized home visits featuring a research-based curriculum, families receive tailored support and guidance to enhance their child's early development. Group connection activities foster a sense of community and shared learning experiences, while comprehensive developmental and health screenings ensure that children receive the necessary support for optimal growth. Additionally, families benefit from access to research-based resources and information, empowering them to make informed decisions and provide a nurturing environment conducive to their child's overall well-being and success.

Responsibilities & Services

Personal Home & Virtual Visits: Our certified Parent Educators conduct personalized home visits or virtual visits with families, tailored to meet their unique needs. These visits occur regularly, ranging from as often as four times per year to monthly, depending on the family's requirements. During these sessions, Parent Educators provide support, guidance, and resources to enhance parenting skills and promote child development.
Monthly Group Connection Events: Families have the opportunity to connect with each other and participate in interactive parent-child activities, parent education nights, and small group discussions through our Monthly Group Connection Events. These events, held regularly throughout the school year, offer a supportive community environment where families can share experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen their parenting skills.
Developmental Screenings: Annual developmental screenings are provided for children ages 6 months to 5 years to assess their language, cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development, as well as hearing, vision, dental, and overall health. These screenings help identify any developmental concerns early on and ensure that children receive the necessary support and interventions to thrive.
Network Resources: Our Parent Educators serve as a valuable resource hub, connecting families with a wide range of resources to meet their diverse needs. From further testing or evaluations for developmental concerns to assistance with clothing, food, financial support, and recommendations for family outings, our network resources aim to support families in all aspects of their lives.

Health Services

Health Services
At Hickman Mills C-1 School District, we recognize that good health is crucial for students to achieve academic success. Our dedicated health services team, led by school nurses, plays a vital role in supporting the well-being of our school community. They ensure that immunization records are up to date, maintain comprehensive health logs, and administer medications when needed. Conducting health screenings and developing Individual Health Plans (IHP) tailored to each student's needs, they prioritize proactive health management. Additionally, our nurses are always ready to provide immediate assistance, whether it's applying a band-aid or offering first aid to students and staff members who need it. By fostering a culture of wellness and providing essential health services, our team helps create a safe and supportive learning environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

Wellness Committee
Per the Board Policy Manual, the district will establish a wellness committee that consists of at least one parent, student, nurse or other school health professional, physical education teacher, school food service representative, Board member, school administrator, member of the public, and other community members as appropriate. If available, a qualified, credentialed nutrition professional will be a member of the wellness committee.

Contacts include:

Wellness Program Coordinator-Patty Buckholz (District Lead Nurse) - Email
Additional contact-Yolanda Cargile, Ed.D. (Executive Director of Academic Services) - Email

Committee meeting dates and agendas will be posted on the district's website in advance of each meeting and advertised in a manner that reaches students, staff, and members of the community. All wellness committee meeting agendas will include a public comment period, during which students, staff, and community members are encouraged to provide input on the district's wellness program. Meetings, records, and votes of the wellness committee will adhere to the requirements of the Missouri Sunshine Law.

Wellness Committee Dates & Agenda
All meetings begin at 4:30 pm

Tuesday December 2, 2025 – Real World Learning Center (2nd floor)
Tuesday January 13, 2026 – Baptiste Old Board Room
Tuesday February 10, 2026 – Ruskin
Tuesday March 10, 2026 – Ruskin
Wednesday April 8, 2026 – Ruskin

Wellness Survey

Wellness Committee Meeting Notes

2026 Meeting Notes

View a copy of the Board Policy here.

Virtual Learning Program

Virtual Learning Program (VLP) Services

Our Virtual Learning Program (VLP) offers a flexible and innovative approach to education, providing students with the opportunity to learn in a virtual environment that meets their individual needs. Whether students are looking for a full-time virtual learning experience or supplemental online courses, our VLP is designed to support diverse learning styles and schedules.

Responsibilities & Services

Customized Learning Plans: We work with each student to develop a customized learning plan that aligns with their academic goals and personal interests. This ensures that every student can pursue a learning path that is engaging and relevant to them.
Interactive Online Curriculum: Our VLP curriculum is designed to be interactive and engaging, incorporating multimedia resources, virtual labs, and collaborative projects to enhance the learning experience.
Supportive Learning Environment: Students in our VLP receive ongoing support from certified teachers, academic advisors, and technical staff. Regular check-ins, virtual office hours, and online tutoring are available to ensure students have the assistance they need to succeed.
Flexible Scheduling: Our VLP offers flexible scheduling options, allowing students to learn at their own pace and at times that fit their individual schedules. This flexibility is ideal for students who have other commitments, such as sports or part-time jobs, or who thrive in a non-traditional learning environment.