Richards R-5 includes an elementary and a middle school within the city of West Plains. The closest stream is Galloway Creek, which flows into Howell Creek, all part of the larger Upper Spring River watershed. See an aerial view of the school and surrounding area.

Each year, Edwin Woolsey's third grade classes at Richards School complete a unit on West Plains history. The students and their teacher then work together to create a mural that illustrates a local historical event. Writing prompts are used to encourage the students to retell the historical event in creative ways.

The work of Mr. Woolsey's classes is also shared through the local newspaper, the West Plains Daily Quill. The murals hang in the Howell County Courthouse.