The goal for nearly every school district in the state this week is a return to normalcy after a week of wintry weather led to an extended Christmas break.

New Franklin R-I School was among a handful of districts who not only had to deal with delaying the start of the spring semester, but also attempt to host their 96th annual basketball tournament. Superintendent Benji Dorson credits his school’s staff for preparing the campus to welcome competing teams.

The tournament was compressed into three days, with six of the eight scheduled contests each taking place on Wednesday and Thursday, and the first and third place games concluding Saturday afternoon.

Dorson notes that New Franklin’s school calendar has built-in snow days.

New Franklin approved their school calendar for the 2025-26 school year at their school board meeting last month, as well as the district’s wellness plan and the stipend rate for student teachers enrolled in the University of Missouri’s education program. Superintendent Benji Dorson adds that the district has located a vehicle that will serve as their second school van, pending approval by the board of education at their next meeting Wednesday, Jan. 15.