Joplin FFA hosts conference for 400 area FFA students 

 

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, area FFA chapters attended the 2015 Area IX FFA Greenhand Conference held in Coulter Auditorium at Joplin High School's Performing Arts Center. Joplin welcomed over 400 first-year FFA members. Participants learned about FFA opportunities and ways to step up as leaders and discussed the importance of communication including image and appropriate social media usage. National FFA Southern Region Vice President Stephen McBride gave a keynote address about his experiences and the importance of trying something new. The goal of the conference was to help students take initiative and become leaders in FFA chapters, in their schools, and in their communities.

Board of Education meeting update 

 

Joplin Schools Board of Education met Tuesday, Sept. 22, for their regular meeting. View the meeting agenda. 

• A presentation by Joplin Schools Safety Director Jim Hounschell on lockdown drills and safety protocols. Layers of protection at all of our schools include supervised single designated entrances that require either a buzz-in or passing through the main office; visitor check-in and screening; hand-held radios for emergency communication; and duress alarms that alert the building staff through the intercom and alert police. Schools are required to hold four lockdown drills per year. One of these drills is observed by the Joplin Police Department who provides feedback on the drill. Hounschell shared with the board that a comprehensive safety audit is underway at all of our schools to help determine areas for improvement.
• Dr. Ridder gave a report regarding his findings during his first two months on the job related to three key areas: leadership, strategic planning, and customer focus. He shared strengths he has observed and opportunities for improvement in each area. By Dec. 1, Dr. Ridder will share the results of research that is currently underway. This includes one-on-one interviews with teachers, parents, and community members; teacher and parent forums; focus groups and surveys; and data showing how Joplin Schools compares to other districts. This information will help guide the development of a focused strategic plan. That plan will be completed by March 1. Read Dr. Ridder's report.