On Aug. 10, the Ozark High School fight song filled the Ozark Innovation Center as members of the Ozark Tiger cheerleaders, color guard and marching band, along with members of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce, lined the hallway to welcome more than 60 new teachers to the Ozark School District.
The annual Welcome Home New Teacher Luncheon is a way for the business community to welcome and support teachers new to the Ozark School District as the school year kicks off. Hosted by the Ozark Chamber, the event included lunch, a new teacher roll call, along with swag bags and amazing door prizes, all donated by Chamber business members.
“We love partnering with the school to welcome our new teachers each year,” Chamber President/CEO Chris Russell said. “I’m amazed at how the community really comes together and supports our school. Having over 88 gift baskets, all the swag items, all the people in attendance — it just shows how much the Ozark community truly does love Ozark Schools and Ozark teachers.”
School Board President Amber Bryant also welcomed the new teachers, thanking them for choosing Ozark Schools.
“Ozark has an incredible group of educators and community that truly value our schools, our teachers and our students,” she said. “We know you have choices on where to begin or to continue your career, and we’re just so happy and thankful that you chose Ozark. I hope you quickly find that this is a place where you feel supported, where you feel valued, and I hope very soon that you feel at home.”
Aside from the fellowship, fun and food, Kristen McGauley, Ozark South Elementary first-grade teacher and Ozark’s 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year, gave new teachers some words of encouragement as she wondered what her students will be like this year referencing characters from “Toy Story 5.”
“You may never fully know what a child is carrying when they walk through your classroom door,” she said. “But every day, you have the opportunity to be the safe place, the encouraging voice, or the person who helps them see in themselves what they can't yet see. Every child who walks through your classroom door has a different story — just like the characters in Toy Story, and just like every one of you sitting in this room.”
McGauley, who was also recently named a 2026-27 Regional Teacher of the Year, encouraged her fellow teachers to lean on the people around them and to be part of one another’s stories.
“Just like Andy's toys, we’re not meant to do this alone,” she said. “So, as you begin this new journey, remember this: You've got a friend in us. Your mentors. Your teammates. Your community. Your administrators. This district. Welcome to Ozark, where it's a great day to be a Tiger.”
