The Mtn. View-Birch Tree School District is gearing up for the 2026-2027 school year with new safety guidelines, an updated meal pricing schedule and a new community advisory team.
Classes for all district buildings will officially begin Aug. 24.
The official school day start and end times vary slightly by building:
• Birch Tree Elementary and Mtn. View Elementary: 7:50 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
• Liberty High School: 7:40 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Liberty Middle School: 7:40 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
New Backpack Guidelines
The district has implemented new backpack guidelines aimed at increasing student safety in hallways and on buses.
At Liberty High School, all students are now required to use clear backpacks to help staff quickly monitor items brought into the building. At Liberty Middle School, students must store their backpacks in their lockers upon arrival and will not be permitted to carry them from class to class. Middle schoolers will be provided a drawstring bag to carry physical education clothes as needed.
For students at both Mtn. View and Birch Tree elementary schools, wheeled backpacks are no longer allowed.
Parents are reminded that, as of August 2025, state law prohibits students from having cell phones, smart watches or tablets at school during school hours.
Orientations and Kick-off Events
The district will host its fifth annual Back to School Kick-off from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Liberty High School football field and track. Staff, board of education members, local businesses and community agencies will line the track to welcome students. Attendees can meet their teachers, pick up a calendar magnet and collect giveaways.
Building-specific orientations and walk-throughs are scheduled as follows:
• Monday: Liberty Middle School sixth grade orientation at 6 p.m.
• Aug. 19:
◦ Birch Tree Elementary welcome walk-through from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
◦ Liberty High School incoming freshman and new students from 5 to 6 p.m.
◦ Liberty High School senior meeting at 6 p.m.
◦ Mtn. View Elementary welcome walk-through from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
New Advisory Team
The district is launching the Eagle P.A.C.T. (Parent & Community Advisory Team) this year to give parents, guardians and community members a voice in district initiatives. The group will meet for three one-hour, discussion-based meetings through the year: October (Getting Started & District Priorities), December (Programs & Student Success) and February (Planning for the Future). No special expertise is required to join.
Meal Prices and Transportation
School meal prices for the upcoming year have been set. Student breakfast is $1.95, and student lunch is $3.15. Adult breakfast is $2.67, and adult lunch is $4.09. Extra milk can be purchased for 50 cents.
Families with questions regarding bus routes and transportation can call the district transportation office directly at 417-934-6298. For a quick response regarding general bus information, parents can also call the district's central line at 417-934-5408 to speak with their building secretary.
