From Around the World to Monett: Students in Monett Schools represent 29 spoken languages

From Guatemala to Myanmar to the Marshall Islands, the world has come to Monett, Missouri. Students in the district represent 29 languages, turning classrooms into places where cultures meet and learning stretches well beyond textbooks.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Drake has served in Monett for 6 years and says the district’s diversity is unlike any other he has worked in.  

“Our diversity sets us apart from most schools in Southwest Missouri,” Dr. Drake said. “The partnerships we have with businesses and churches also make a difference. It is some of the best work I have seen in any district.”

A District of Many Languages

Over the past few decades, the number of languages spoken in Monett has steadily grown. Nearly half of students now grow up in multilingual homes. Spanish, Karen, Karenni and Q’eqchi’ are among the most common, alongside many others from Asia, Central America and the Pacific Islands.

Daphne Hensley, the district’s director of English Language Development, said each language represents more than communication.  

“When we look at instruction, we look at the whole student,” she said. “We consider academic needs, cultural background and the support they may need to develop their English language proficiency and reach grade-level expectations.”  

She added that the number of languages continues to climb as new families arrive.

The district currently serves about 2,340 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Roughly 550 are enrolled in the English Language Development program, which provides direct instruction in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students receive scheduled time each day with teachers trained to support their English growth. Early learning is a priority, with preschool and early childhood special education programs giving students a strong start before kindergarten.

The district’s diversity reflects the local economy. Industries such as Tyson Foods, George’s, dairy farms, construction and agriculture draw families from around the world. Unlike in some communities where families move often, many who arrive in Monett stay. Second and third generations are now attending the schools, creating long-term ties across the community.

Enriching the Classroom

Dr. Drake believes Monett’s cultural mix benefits both academics and personal growth.  

“It is not only a challenge in the classroom, but it is also an opportunity,” he said. “For our teachers, students and community, learning about other cultures enriches our lives.”

He described his philosophy as helping every child grow, not only in academics but as whole people.  

“Some kids grow faster than others, but every student has the ability to gain skills that will make them successful and contributing members of the community,” he said. “That means teaching perseverance, honesty, building relationships and how to collaborate.”

Students benefit from this approach and from being in a diverse environment. Hensley added, “It is a more global experience. Students learn to see each person as an individual and to think beyond their own perspective.”

Celebrating Culture

Monett Schools takes pride in celebrating the cultures represented in the district. Assemblies throughout the year highlight traditions, and one of the most anticipated events is the student-led soccer tournament. Teams represent different countries, food trucks line the fields and families gather for a day of celebration. Proceeds from the event fund a scholarship for a graduating English-language learner.

The district also partners with the Monett Chamber of Commerce and Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, to support communitywide cultural events. These partnerships, along with close ties to local churches and businesses, make diversity a shared point of pride.

Hensley said one of her favorite traditions is the English-learner graduation. Each November, students who have reached English proficiency are honored in a ceremony with the school board and superintendent.  

“It is a proud moment for the kids, for their families who have worked so hard and for the teachers who supported them,” she said.

Parent and Community Support

Parents play a key role in student success, and Monett makes sure they can be involved regardless of language. The district employs two family liaisons who interpret in the most common languages spoken at home. For other needs, Monett contracts with interpreters in the community or from neighboring districts.  

“We are committed to making sure parents can participate in their child’s education in a language they understand,” Hensley said.

Challenges and Growth

Supporting such a diverse student body requires collaboration and creativity. Teachers use strategies designed for English learners that also benefit every child in the classroom.  

“What we do for our English language learners is good for every child,” Hensley said.

Hensley, who has worked in the district for more than 20 years, has seen the multilingual population grow in waves as industries hire new workers. That steady change has also made Monett a point of reference for others. Districts across Missouri contact her for guidance on how to welcome and support students who arrive speaking little or no English.  

“We are usually among the top districts in Missouri for the percentage of students from different backgrounds and languages,” she said.

Dr. Drake views that role as both a responsibility and a privilege.  

“We want to make sure every student grows and learns the skills that will make them successful members of the community,” he said. “That means teaching not only academics but also soft skills like honesty, perseverance and building strong relationships.”

Looking Ahead

Monett’s vision statement calls for personalized instruction, future-ready skills and strong relationships. Those ideals match the district’s diversity, where every child’s learning path looks different.

Dr. Drake put it simply: “We love our diversity. We embrace it. Every student is a blessing.”

The belief reflects the district’s motto, Student Focused, Future Driven, and serves as a reminder that Monett’s strength lies in every child who calls it home.

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