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District baseline data presented at December Board of Education meeting

On Tuesday, Dec. 15, Joplin Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder presented a comprehensive review of district data that will be used to inform the strategic plan. The presentation focused on three key themes that emerged during the research: student readiness, learner support, and an effective and efficient culture. In addition to Joplin Schools data, the district was compared to surrounding districts and Missouri districts of similar size or demographic makeup. The presentation also included the results of a recent voter and parent survey.


Over the next several weeks, the baseline data will be shared with staff and analyzed. This information will be used to develop a five-year strategic plan for the district. The strategic plan is set to be reviewed by the Board of Education at its March meeting.

Bright Futures Joplin update
Bright Futures logo During the board meeting, the Board of Education also voted to accept a request made by Bright Futures Joplin to separate the organization from the district. This means that beginning Jan. 1, 2016, funds donated to support Bright Futures Joplin will be kept in a fund at Community Foundation of the Ozarks rather than within the district. This move enables Bright Futures Joplin to become a Missouri nonprofit and better meet the information needs of its donors and supporters through annual non-profit financial reporting. Current Bright Futures Joplin funds will remain with the district and be spent down according to donor designations. Bright Futures Joplin will continue to serve the students of Joplin as it has in the past. One additional change is that the district employees who served Bright Futures Joplin will now be paid out of district operational funds rather than from the Bright Futures Joplin activity fund. They will continue to support the Bright Futures Joplin program in addition to other district initiatives.

Read the Bright Futures Joplin Memorandum of Understanding approved by the Board of Education and the Bright Futures Joplin board.

Learn more about Bright Futures Joplin.

View the Dec. 15 Board of Education meeting:
Joplin High School/Franklin Technology Center earns design award

DLR Group and local architect firm Corner Greer & Associates recently earned the William W. Caudill Citation award from American School and University Magazine for their collaboration on the Joplin High School/Franklin Technology Center design project. This is the top K-12 award presented as part of the magazine's annual Architectural Portfolio competition. Submissions were judged by an independent panel of architects and facility professionals and eduction administrators. The jury noted that JHS/FTC was an "inspirational project that, while broken down into separate career pathways, establishes strong continuity and community." 
It's not too late! Pick up your gift card through Tuesday, Dec. 22.
FTC welding students create unique donation for annual Horses of Hope event

What happens when a Pinterest idea for a fundraiser auction item and welding students from Franklin Technology Center come together? A little Christmas magic, that's what! Recently, representatives with Easy Living, Inc. reached out to FTC welding teacher David Noah for some welding help for a fundraising event and auction. They had the supplies but not the expertise to craft horseshoes into a Christmas tree for an auction to benefit the Horses of Hope organization, which provides therapeutic services to adults and children with disabilities. Instead of the one horseshoe tree that was requested, FTC students Brendan Bailey, Clay Keeling, and Wyatt Barnes made seven trees for the auction! 

Thank you students for using your talents to help others this holiday season!
Community Partner News Share
Meet Joplin Schools' Eagle of the Week

This weekly honor recognizes Joplin Schools' employees who demonstrate the qualities and behaviors that benefit the day-to-day operations of the district and promote student success. Joplin Schools' employees, parents, and community members can nominate a Joplin Schools' staff member for this recognition.  
  
Joplin Schools Eagle Minute brought to you by:
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 21-Jan. 4
Christmas Break

Jan. 4
No classes - Teacher Professional Development Day

Jan. 5
Classes resume

Jan. 18
No classes - Teacher Professional Development Day

Jan. 26
Board of Education meeting
7 p.m.
Memorial Education Center
We hope you enjoyed this issue of the Eagle Minute. If there are specific topics you would like to see covered, please email your suggestions to webmaster@joplinschools.org.