| Welcome back to The eMule! Here is the latest news from the Poplar Bluff R-I School District to help start your week on the right hoof. |
Kindergarten receives regional recognition
The Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center received regional recognition for its successful implementation of a statewide initiative through which at risk students are taught to track their own progress in the classroom.
Literacy Consultant Carol Reimann of the Southeast Regional Professional Development Center in Cape Girardeau, whose tenure in education spans 48 years, selected the Kindergarten Center as one of two schools in the region for its affective teaching practices in the Missouri Collaborative Work program on Friday, Nov. 20.
"Time is such a precious commodity in the education business," said reading interventionist Debbie Harper, who is a member of a four-person team of kindergarten teachers leading the effort. "We have so much to accomplish, this initiative helps us streamline the process."
The Kindergarten Center is in its third year of the grant, which is set to continue to be funded through the 2016-17 school year. This year the district received $65,000 from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, according to R-I Assistant Superintendent of Business Rod Priest. The total also covers the associated professional development at the other schools within the district.
Much like prior state initiatives such as Reading First, Kindergarten Center Principal Carol Brotman says the school will continue to use the teaching strategies, which are based on the book "Visible Learning" by John Hattie.
"Good initiatives continue even after the money's gone, and that's affective practice," Brotman stated.
Above: (From left) Literacy Consultant Carol Reimann; teachers Cynthia DeWitt, Shelly Johnson, Amanda Summers and Debbie Harper; and Principal Carol Brotman, stand in front of a student data tree, which celebrates kindergartners who have already learned their alphabet sounds.
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Business leaders partner with Grad Center
Two Graduation Center students earned scholarships and eight were awarded certificates of completion by Mayor Betty Absheer through the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce's Gateway 2 Jobs program on Thursday, Nov. 19.
"I've had wonderful mentors in my life who taught me that education can help me move from one level to another," said G2J co-founder Sharon Kissinger of Kissinger & Kirkman Investment Centre. Earlier the financial consultant shared her struggles raising two children as a teenager.
Junior Nicole Eason was nominated to receive a $500 scholarship from the Endowment Trust, a tradition of Three Rivers College beginning last school year, announced Student Loan Management Specialist Karen Beers. New this year, Kissinger took her passion for at risk students to another level by awarding sophomore Kathryn Brady a $500 college scholarship.
The G2J program, which started five years ago, takes high schoolers through a series of exercises including resume writing and mock interviews, with help from business professionals and educators who serve as facilitators over the course of several weeks. According to Kissinger, the program is recognized by prospective employers in the community.
Above: (Back row from left) William Owens, Shane Cassin, Eleazar Tapia, Justin Ferrell and Antonio Tims; (front row) Kathryn Brady and Nicole Eason.
Below: Chairman of the chamber board, Mel Jackson, congratulates the G2J graduates, thanking all the community partners who made the program possible.
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Professional play put on for kindergartners
The Patrons of the Arts Society has a mission of delivering high-quality theater at a discounted rate to the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Three Rivers College campus.
Now the society has gone a step further, delivering the live performances directly to the public schools within the community college's service area.
The Repertory Imaginary Theatre Company performed "The Elves and the Shoemaker"-underwritten by the Daily American Republic-on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at the Kindergarten Center.
"Exposing young people to art and culture has a big impact on their development," said R-I Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Patty Robertson, expressing gratitude to the society. "Students need a strong academic foundation, but they also need to be able to think creatively, communicate ideas, solve problems and be sensitive to the world around them. Participation in the arts is one of the best ways to develop these attributes."
Tinnin Center Director Tim Thompson explained that children's shows were drawing about 100 attendees, but the Patrons of the Arts board wanted to give even more young people the experience of theater free of charge.
The Theatre Company, which is based in St. Louis, will perform "Goodbye Marianne" on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at Junior High and "Goldilocks" on Monday, March 7, at the elementary schools.
Above: Actors hold a Q&A with kindergartners following the performance, revealing some secrets about their set.
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Little Red Bookshelf
Oak Grove is holding a children's book drive from Monday, Nov. 30-Friday, Dec. 4, as part of its Jingle Jog community service project to help stock Little Red Bookshelfs at participating businesses. Drop-off locations include the elementary school, Daily American Republic, River Radio, Poplar Bluff Realty, Dr. Mike Price Family Dentistry, Whitworth's Gift Chest Jewelers and the Black River Coliseum Aquatic & Fitness Center.
Designing Women Gala
The Designing Women Foundation will hold a Gala fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Bloodworth House at 626 Cynthia St. There will be a live band and heavy hors d'oeuvres catered by Castello's at the formal dress party. Cost is a $50 donation, with all proceeds going to the Charlie Classics Reading Challenge and student scholarships. Tickets may be purchased at Whitworth's Gift Chest Jewelers or the Poplar Bluff Chamber.
Toasty Toes
Eugene Field is holding a sock drive through Thursday, Dec. 17, to be distributed to area homeless veterans via the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center. Please deliver new socks or monetary donations to the elementary school at 711 Nickey St.
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On Monday, Nov. 16, the DAR published a Thanksgiving installment of Superintendent Chris Hon's column.
The DAR also recognized the O'Neal Students of the Month.
On Tuesday, Nov. 17, KFVS12 reported about the Junior Beta Club's annual diaper drive.
The ShowMe Times reported about the SASA Club founder receiving special recognition from Speaker Todd Richardson.
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, SEMO.net also reported about Rep. Richardson's recognition of the SASA Club.
KFVS12 additionally reported about PBHS senior Grace Hudson receiving a resolution from the Missouri House.
Lastly, KFVS12 reported about the success of Chartwells' Community Thanksgiving Dinner.
On Thursday, Nov. 19, KWOC linked up a post about scholarship opportunities available to Poplar Bluff high schoolers.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, the DAR reported a human interest story about a Middle School teacher and her husband filling a need advocated by the R-I attendance tracker to adopt a child.
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