During a reorganizational meeting on Thursday, April 17, in the Administrative Building, Superintendent Chris Hon [left] recognized Dr. Matt Riffle for his two consecutive three-year terms of dedicated service to the Board of Education.

Most recently, Riffle was instrumental in supporting two major undertakings of the school district: the digital transformation and the long-range plan. He has agreed to stay involved with R-I this summer as school officials explore the implementation of the Bright Futures program, based on the Joplin model.

John Scott [above, second from right] was sworn in alongside incumbents Alana Robertson and Steve Sells [left] to succeed Riffle on the school board.

Sells [below, right] was honored for his continued leadership as board president. He will remain in that position, with Gary Simmons [above, seated] serving as vice president. 

 

An annual fundraiser of the 5th & 6th Grade Center, students donated $5 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for the opportunity to throw a whipped cream pie at Assistant Principal Angie Jackson on Thursday, April 17.

[Above]: One of 20 sixth graders to participate, Emma Steffan tosses a pie at her assistant principal while teachers Julie Carda-Coleman [left] and Melanie Schalk prepare the paper plates.

[Below]: Principal Charles Brown fulfills his promise of kissing fainting goat Penny since the school collectively raised over $10,000 for St. Jude throughout a series of fundraisers this year. (Special thanks to PBHS agriculture education teacher Kathryn Clark for supplying the goat, which was not harmed in the process).

 

After reading the children's story "Beatrice's Goat," about an impoverished Ugandan girl whose life is transformed by the gift of a goat, Lake Road Elementary School third graders raised funds to purchase a goat for a family in need in Africa. The family will sell the goat's milk to buy school supplies and food.

Pictured [from left] are fundraiser participants: Tim Williams, Matt Wilkerson, Hayley Webb, Quinton Radake, Demaireus Winters and Elizabeth Lee.

On Wednesday, April 16, 17-year-old Aishwarya Krishnan was awarded the $1,000 Dr. Michael D. Laseter Memorial Scholarship, which is designated for a PBHS senior planning to major in the medical field. Krishnan has been accepted into the pre-med program at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Laseter was a physician specializing in internal medicine at Kneibert Clinic for over 20 years. After retiring from medicine in 1994, he taught physiology at PBHS on a voluntary basis for five years.

Since 2008, the Laseter Scholarship fund has awarded $7,000 to six students.

Pictured [from left] are: Foundation President Dr. Amber Richardson, Superintendent Chris Hon, Aishwarya Krishnan, and Isaac and Donna Laseter. 

 

On Wednesday, April 16, Lucas Tibbs, 18, was awarded the $1,200 Mary Lynn Wolpers Scholarship, which is designated for a PBHS senior. Tibbs plans to attend Lindenwood University in St. Charles, where he will study biology.

Since 2007, the Wolpers Scholarship has provided $9,400 to eight students.

On Wednesday, April 16, Shamanda Tyler [center], 20, was awarded the $1,000 Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation Scholarship, which is designated for a PBHS graduate of past or present planning to become a teacher. A graduate of the Class of 2012, Tyler currently attends Three Rivers College, where she is majoring in elementary education.

Since 2001, the Foundation has awarded $17,000 in scholarships to 16 students.

Also pictured is Foundation President Dr. Amber Richardson and Superintendent Chris Hon.

 

The Poplar Bluff High School Academic Team won the Class 4 District 1 Championship in the varsity Scholar Bowl Tournament on Saturday, April 12, at Cape Central High School, defeating DeSoto, North County and Farmington.

With a varsity record of 117 wins, 45 losses and three ties over the past five years, the Academic Team will advance to the state tournament against Oakville.

Pictured [from left] are: Academic Team sponsor Gail Karlish of the PBHS science department; junior Jesus Zavala; sophomore Jackson Rideout; juniors Dustin Cook, Clayton Carpenter and Zain Siddiqui; senior Allison Huskey; and junior Colton Carpenter.

 

A Eugene Field art exhibit will be on display at the Poplar Bluff Public Library through Wednesday, April 30.

The dozen pieces displayed depict the hopes and dreams of the fourth grade artists, as well as reflect the principles of the Leader in Me program at the elementary school. An anonymous judge selected the art to be featured in the exhibit based on craftsmanship and cohesion.

[Below]: The winning students of teacher Anna Gowen's art class hold up signs revealing what they wish to be when they grow up.

 

The 5th and 6th Grade Center participated in the cold water challenge on Tuesday, April 15, at school supporter Paula Hefner's house.

The 5/6 faculty members subsequently challenged Oak Grove Elementary [click here to watch video]. Each of the participants donated $5 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Had they declined to jump (...ahem.. Superintendent Chris Hon..), they would have owed $20 apiece.

Pictured [from left] are: Tara Longo, Melissa Marbain, Angie Jackson, Cindy McIver, Leslie Riefle, Julie Carda, Morgan Barks, Donna Baller and Melanie Schalk.

 Mule Tracks

SIMPLE Giving Program

Through Monday, May 5, breakfast items for local children in need will be collected in the purple bins at Walmart on South Westwood Boulevard. The community that raises the most items will win $10,000 for its school district. Click here for additional information. 

FFA Plant Sale

Future Farmers of America will hold their annual plant sale from 7:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, to Friday, May 16, at PBHS. For more information, email FFA Advisor Kathryn Clark at kathrynclark@pb.k12.mo.us.

Golf Tourney

The 15th Annual Foundation Golf Tournament will take place at noon Friday, May 2, at Ozark Ridge Golf Course. Click here if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or participating in the four-person scramble. Proceeds from the event help fund the Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation scholarship program and other educational opportunities.

Guys and Dolls

"Guys and Dolls," the PBJHS spring musical, is slated to take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, in the Kay Porter Theater.

ECC Screenings

Early Childhood Center screening appointments are currently being scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, May 13-15. For more information, call 573-785-6803.

Fish Fry Fundraiser

The PBHS Sho-Me Band will hold a fish fry from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, at the Elk's Lodge on U.S. 67N. Meals include a four-piece fish entrée, fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw, baked beans and a drink. A bake sale and 50/50 raffle will be held during the event. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased from any band member or booster. For more information, contact Sho-Me Band Booster President Shelly Batton by calling 573-776-4798.

On Tuesday, April 22, the DAR reported about Elementary Grade Span Teacher of the Year, Jeannie Isom.

KFVS12 recognized the FBLA for their state-wide success at a recent leadership conference.

KFVS12 also honored our Teachers of the Year.

On Wednesday, April 23, the DAR recognized our TCC students for their success at the SkillsUSA competition.

The DAR also recognized the 5th & 6th Grade Center for participating in a Ronald McDonald House Charity fundraiser.

KFVS12 honored our Athletes of the Month.

KFVS12 also recognized the PBHS Math Club for their success at Math Field Day.

Lastly, KFVS12 recognized our talented high school artists for placing in a regional exhibit.

On Thursday, April 24, the DAR published an excellent photo spread from the 5th & 6th Grade Center's popular annual Pies for St. Jude activity.

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