| Welcome back to The eMule! Here is the latest news from the Poplar Bluff R-I School District to start out the 2015-2016 academic year on the right hoof. |
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 The R-I district welcomed 4,924 to school on Thursday, Aug. 14. The headcount does not include enrollment from the Early Childhood Center, which begins Wednesday, Aug. 26. A clearer picture of student population can be expected after Labor Day weekend, according to Central Office staff.
Thanks to the many parents who posted their first day of school photos on our district social networks! Click here to see our entire album and be sure to 'like' your favorite shots. Above: O'Neal librarian Ashley Robertson introduces to third graders (clockwise) Jack Funke, Lincoln Warren and Kayla Laird the newest member of her staff, Hermie the black bear hamster. Below: Lake Road fourth graders Terrany Rudley (left) and Olivia Robertson walk out to recess together after going over cafeteria expectations with their teachers.
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Students re-energize staff at convocation
The Gleeders from Eugene Field, a product of the elementary school's Leader in Me initiative, stole the show performing Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" during the annual Back-to-School Convocation held Monday, Aug. 10, at the Black River Coliseum. The event was attended by the majority of the district's 737 employees.
In his state-of-the-school address, Superintendent Chris Hon provided a construction update, commended his team for the 10 percent graduation rate increase over the past five years, and talked about the work that needs to continue with regard to changing state assessments. School principals introduced their new staff members and declared their building focuses.
Special thanks to all the vendors, the ministerial alliance and the JROTC color guard for making the event a success! Click here to see all the photos and be sure to hit 'share.'
Above: Led by teacher co-sponsor Gabi Epps, the Gleeders make their grand entrance into the coliseum.
Below: Standing next to some construction props, board president John Scott welcomes the R-I employees, letting them know they have a highly supportive school board.
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Custodian Appreciation Day
The district hosted a special luncheon for 65 custodians and maintenance workers on Friday, Aug. 7, as a small token of appreciation for their flexibility with construction taking place at R-I's three largest schools this summer. Chartwells served the food, which was purchased at The Deep-Freeze.
Above: Assistant Superintendent of Business Rod Priest thanks the custodial and maintenance departments for their patience and understanding despite being displaced at times because of ongoing construction.
Below: Javier Tello, custodian at Oak Grove Elementary, gets ready to enjoy a tasty pork steak.
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Fifty new employees hired
Board members, administrators and teachers welcomed about 50 new certified and classified staff members to the R-I district to kick off three days of training beginning on Monday, Aug. 3, in the Administrative Building.
Above: Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Dr. Amy Jackson leads a new employee in-service, including informational sessions on assessment, payroll and technology.
Below: Going around the room, Mallory Siebert, communication arts teacher and assistant softball coach at Senior High, introduces herself to her new colleagues.
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District adds full-day preschool program
A $250,000 grant has been awarded to Poplar Bluff Schools to add a preschool program that will further help serve the needs of the community in getting district children school-ready.
The funding through the Missouri Preschool Program will allow the Early Childhood Center to enroll 60 students ages 3-5, and employ six staff members to manage three classrooms. Pending licensing by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the plan is for the preschool to be operational by Monday, Sept 21.
Enrollment will take place on a first come, first serve basis. Cost of tuition will be set on a sliding scale based on the income levels used for the free and reduced lunch program.
"Studies have shown over the years that when students enter kindergarten, there is a marked difference in skill levels from students who have or have not participated in preschool education," said JoAnne Westbrook, Early Childhood Center director. "Currently our highly qualified staff at Early Childhood is only able to serve a fourth of our kids entering the Kindergarten Center."
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Students, grades K-6, put on a series of skits for the community on Friday, July 31, showcasing all they learned this summer in Super Kids Camp at Wheatley School. Keynote speaker Dr. Kevin Harris, Lincoln University chief information officer, advised students to "ask, listen and think."
A tradition of five years, Super Kids is a summer school enrichment program run by volunteers, offered to Butler County elementary students. A total of 31 children were signed up this year, with 24 reportedly maintaining perfect attendance.
Above: Second graders (from left) Jekaila Lathon of O'Neal and Sky Reed of Oak Grove perform a skit entitled "Fair."
Below: R-I Superintendent Chris Hon visits with guests after enjoying a talent-rich show.
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Rideout places first at Quizbowl
The Poplar Bluff High School Academic Team had a strong showing during ACE Quizbowl Camp from July 17-22, at Lincoln College in Illinois.
Jackson Rideout, the PBHS senior captain, took first place in a history tournament; sophomore Alyssa Cook, the JV captain, won second in a team tournament; and Christian Cmehil-Warn, a senior starter, consistently competed with top performing groups from multiple states.
Poplar Bluff has been making its mark in Academic Competition Enterprises-sponsored camps for several years, according to their coach, science teacher Gail Karlish. The Academic Team ended the 2014/15 season with a 30-14 Scholar Bowl record, the Missouri State High School Activity Association has reported.
Above: Jackson Rideout (fourth from right) competes against 10 students, ultimately winning the final playoff.
Below: (From left) Jackson Rideout, Christian Cmehil-Warn and Alyssa Cook.
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Board of Education
A public tax hearing will be held at noon Thursday, Aug. 20, in the Administrative Building, followed later by the regularly scheduled monthly board meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Click here for the agenda.
5/6 Open House
Open House for the 5th & 6th Grade Center will take place at 5 p.m. for fifth graders and 6 p.m. for sixth graders on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 3209 Oak Grove Rd.
Pink-Out Day
Orders for Pink-Out Day T-shirts are due Wednesday, Sept. 16. Shirts are $15 for short sleeve and $20 for long sleeve, with all proceeds supporting the United Cancer Assistance Network. T-shirts can be purchased by going to the UCAN office located in the former Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center north campus, or email StuCo advisers Hope Conover at hconover@pb.k12.mo.us or Mitch Davis at joshuadavis@pb.k12.mo.us.
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On Wednesday, June 3, KFVS12 reported about the Middle School groundbreaking.
On Wednesday, July 8, KWOC released an audio interview discussing construction and state testing with Superintendent Chris Hon.
On Thursday, Aug. 6, KFVS12 reported about the addition of our preschool program.
On Friday, Aug. 7, the DAR published Mule Prints magazine!
On Monday, Aug. 10, KFVS12 reported about the continued success of Bright Futures.
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