Eastmorland Elementary unveils Art Feeds mural

On Thursday, Feb. 5, students, staff, and representatives from Art Feeds gathered outside of the library at Eastmorland Elementary to celebrate the unveiling of the school's new mural, a colorful and inspiring design highlighting the theme "Making dreams come true." The planning for the mural took place over a four-week period with the guidance of Art Feeds educators Caitlan Smith, Moriah Baker, and Ashley Nicholson. Every student at the school contributed to the creation process by choosing the theme, colors, and design. 

Once the students' ideas were created, artist Sam Matthews spent over 40 hours merging the student drawings into a greater work of art including a Minecraft balloon, a muscle man lifting a donut dumbbell and more. Sam's drawings were then turned into a graphic by Abby Spillane, who spent over 40 hours on the project. Once the graphic was complete, the design was projected on the wall and painted by more than 25 volunteers who contributed over 20 hours to the project. The paint and supplies were sponsored by Coco's and Lauren Langland.

Art Feeds, headquartered in Joplin, Mo., provides therapeutic art and creative education programs in children's organizations and schools throughout the region including all Joplin Schools' elementary schools. 

Bus safety enhancements for kindergarten and first grade students

Student safety is a priority at Joplin Schools in our buildings and on our playgrounds and school buses. To enhance safety for some of our youngest bus riders, in addition to meeting the bus at the bus stop, parents or guardians of kindergarten and first grade students will be asked to meet their student at the bus door and ask for their student by name. Siblings that are fourth grade or older may still accompany kindergartners and first graders home instead of a parent or guardian.

This change will help to ensure an orderly exit from the bus and will help the bus driver confirm that the kindergarten or first grade student has been passed hand-to-hand to their parent or guardian per district transportation policy. Thank you for your understanding and for helping us keep our Eagles safe!

Dual Credit informational session set for JHS sophomore parents

Joplin Schools' surplus auction set for March 7

On March 7, Joplin Schools will host an auction for surplus items including tables, chairs, electronics, shelving, and more. There will also be some heavy duty vehicles available. The auction will be held at 9 a.m. with a preview starting at 8 a.m. at 1301 S. Pearl Ave. (at the corner of Junge Blvd. and Wall St.). This is a great opportunity for churches, schools, daycares, and businesses in need of items for their offices or classrooms. Learn more.