⏰ Happening tomorrow! The Missouri State Board of Education meets Tuesday, October 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Jefferson State Office Building in Jefferson City. Join in person or virtually to stay connected to the decisions shaping education across Missouri. 🎒 📄 Full agenda, materials, and meeting access: ow.ly/18R250ZW5ku

Step Into a New Role This Fall 🍂 Looking to grow your career? Join the State of Missouri in St. Louis on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to explore job opportunities, meet professionals, and take the next step in your career journey. You’ll have access to on-site interviews, resume support, and a “Workshop on the 30” to learn more about MO Careers and available resources.

A true Show Me State tradition: Missouri has participated in the National School Lunch Program since its inception under the National School Lunch Act (June 4, 1946). 🎓🙌 DESE has long administered NSLP statewide in local schools — thank you to our school nutrition pros and Missouri farmers for making it possible, every tray, every day. Pictured: The photograph’s description identifies Marilyn Basso and Earl Langkop as they observe Governor Bond signing a Declaration of Observance of National School Lunch Week in Missouri, sometime between 1981 and 1985. ➡️ Learn more: ow.ly/1VeG50ZYCbt #NSLW #ShowMeSchoolLunch

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). ♿️ Vocational Rehabilitation recognizes the contributions of people with disabilities and supports inclusive employment and accessible learning environments across Missouri. 🌟 NDEAM is an opportunity to highlight disability history, strengthen inclusive education, and ensure every student has the chance to succeed. ➡️ The U.S. Department of Labor provides resources and downloadable posters to support outreach. Learn more at ow.ly/Stuj50ZTh5v 🔗 Learn more: ow.ly/Mpcl50ZTh5u Funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

From the archives: Missouri school lunch — classic trays, busy lines, and the crews who made it happen. 📷🍽️ Recognize your school or decade? Share a memory and tag a classmate! ➡️ Learn more: ow.ly/a6W350ZW2Ne #NSLW #ShowMeSchoolLunch

🌱 Locally grown, student approved! Missouri farms help fill our lunch trays — from apples and dairy to beef and vegetables. Thanks to Farm to School, even more fresh, local food reaches our cafeterias — so every school meal supports Missouri agriculture. 🚜 ➡️ Learn more: dese.mo.gov/financial-admin-… #NSLW #ShowMeSchoolLunch

October is National Principal month. Every day we celebrate the dedicated Missouri leaders who guide our schools with vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Thank you for continuous hard work and dedication to all Missouri students!

Behind every tray is an amazing school lunch team — planning, prepping, and serving fresh, nutritious meals with care. Their dedication helps students learn and thrive. 👩‍🍳❤️ ➡️ Learn more: ow.ly/La7R50ZW2uM #NSLW #ShowMeSchoolLunch

🧳 Ready to showcase your organization to hundreds of early childhood professionals? CYY 2027 is your "Passport to Early Learning Adventures" — March 4–6 at Tan Tar A Conference Center, Osage Beach, MO. Vendor applications are OPEN, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Secure your spot. ✨Apply: dese.mo.gov/childhood/prof-d…

📅 One week to go! The Missouri State Board of Education meets Tuesday, October 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the Jefferson State Office Building in Jefferson City. If you’re interested in the decisions shaping education across Missouri, this is a great opportunity to stay informed and involved. ✨ 📄 Full agenda, materials, and meeting access: ow.ly/zt3F50ZW5i6

National School Lunch Week kicks off at Eldon Elementary! 🍎 DESE Chief Communications Officer Lucas Bond goes behind the scenes with Shawndra Taylor, Food Services Director for the Eldon School District. They show a healthy, balanced lunch — fresh fruits & veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins — served with care. From menu planning to food safety, Eldon’s team meets state and federal guidelines so families can trust every tray. Last year, Missouri schools served 79,914,039 lunches — fueling learning across our state. 🙌 🎥 vimeo.com/1234095073/623c66d… #NSLW #ShowMeSchoolLunch

Our offices will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. Normal business operations will resume Tuesday, October 13.

🚀 DESE is partnering with MOREnet at the 2026 MOREnet Annual Conference to elevate K‑12 Computer Science across Missouri. 🗓️ Nov 2–3: Dive into hands‑on CS workshops, curriculum alignment strategies, K‑12 pathways, and classroom‑ready tech — led by state curriculum specialists and master educators. 🤝 Connect with education leaders, swap best practices, and bring innovation back to your district. 👉 Register: ow.ly/iSUv50ZVzJh

The Missouri Department of Mental Health is sharing information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 📞 — available 24/7 to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health challenges, substance use crises, or emotional distress. The service is free, confidential, and reachable by call, text, or chat. Help us spread awareness so more Missourians know they can turn to 988 for support 🤝.

Springfield Public Schools is moving learning beyond classroom walls 📚🌿 Outdoor Pursuits — place‑based and credit‑bearing — gives juniors and seniors immersive experiences across the Ozarks with community partners and outdoor professionals. Students build technical skills, problem‑solving, teamwork, and leadership while exploring recreation, conservation, and environmental stewardship. 📸 Thanks to Brad Brummel (Springfield Public Schools) and Marty Marsh (Missouri Dept. of Conservation) for the tour. Activities pictured: fire‑starting 🔥 and kayaking 🛶 #MOed #OutdoorLearning

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month 👶💤 Education and awareness help families and caregivers learn safe sleep practices that support infant health and well-being. By sharing trusted information and resources, we can help promote safe sleep environments for babies.

📣 Missouri child care providers — we need your input! Help shape the future of child care in Missouri by completing the 2026 Child Care Market Rate Survey today. 👉 Complete your survey: ow.ly/V1GZ50ZV7n2 🎁 Plus — completing the survey enters you for a chance to win a $100 gift card! #MissouriChildCare #OfficeOfChildhood #MarketRateSurvey #ChildCareProviders

October 5 is World Teachers’ Day. 🍎 Today we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, support student growth, and help shape the future in classrooms every day. Thank you to teachers for the lasting impact you make on students and communities. Join us in celebrating by sharing a message of appreciation for a teacher who made a difference.

Register for the Fall Statewide Hiring Event 🍂 Looking to start a new chapter in your career? Join the State of Missouri for an in-person hiring event in St. Louis on Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Explore job opportunities, connect with professionals, and take the next step in your career journey. Attendees can participate in on-site interviews, get resume support, and attend a “Workshop on the 30” to learn more about MO Careers and available resources.