Don't miss out on news and information from Joplin Schools!
March 7, 2016
JHS/FTC students prepare for careers in engineering and biomedical science through Project Lead the Way
 
The path to a career in engineering or biomedical science doesn't have to wait for college. Joplin High School and Franklin Technology Center students with a passion for science and math can explore careers in these fields through Project Lead the Way (PLTW), an activity, project, and problem-based curriculum taught by specially trained, high-quality teachers. PLTW instructors at JHS/FTC include Deonna Anderson, Michael Gurley, Jay Reed, Seagan Wortley, and Don Carey. 

JHS/FTC began offering the national Project Lead the Way program in August 2013 with one engineering course. The program has grown to include five courses and five instructors in both engineering and biomedical science. Today, more than 190 students take advantage of these advanced opportunities. Additional courses in both career fields will be added in the 2016-2017 school year. 

In addition to working with highly trained instructors, students work with professionals from local hospitals and universities. They experience job-shadowing opportunities from area businesses and corporations and gain valuable experiences and hands-on learning through clubs such as SkillsUSA, Technology Student Association, and HOSA, a health and science association. 

A PLTW certification team recently visited JHS/FTC to evaluate the program. Both the engineering and biomedical science programs were certified through 2021. The certification team praised the facilities and the professionalism of the staff and students. They were also impressed with the staff's strong desire to provide an outstanding program and strong leadership. A special thank you to Kaci Dorton, FTC vocational special services coordinator, for her work with the certification visit and her continued efforts to support and expand the PLTW program.

Learn more about the program:


(Video produced by JETHD)
Kindergarten registration set for March 21-April 1 at Joplin Schools Welcome Center


New this year:
  • Save time with our convenient online pre-registration and centralized enrollment location.  
  • Schedule your free kindergarten screening (which includes vision, hearing, speech, motor skills, and general school readiness) during registration.
  • Sign up for our Kindergarten Jump Start summer program during registration.
Board of Education Feb. 23 Meeting Update

On Tuesday, Feb. 23, Joplin Schools Board of Education met for its regular meeting at Joplin Schools Memorial Education Center.

Highlights from the meeting:
  • Dr. Ridder presented a draft of the district's new strategic plan for a first reading. Developed in response to feedback from hundreds of stakeholders including students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members, the plan includes a new district mission and vision and focuses on three key areas: student readiness, learner support, and being effective and efficient. The board approved the first reading. Dr. Ridder will present the final plan to the board at its March 29 meeting. View the draft plan here.
  • The board approved cognitive coaching training for several staff members through the Southwest Center for Education Excellence. District administrators, principals, assistant principals, and teachers from each building will participate in the eight-day training scheduled throughout the next several months. Cognitive coaching is a research-based instruction model. Coaches serve as mentors, using a variety of techniques and strategies to guide students in self-directed learning. Through cognitive coaching, students learn to plan, reflect and act on their plan, and then adjust to improve. This training supports the goals of the district's new strategic plan and the work to empower all district learners, including students, teachers, and staff. Once training is completed, participants will be able to train other staff members.
  • The board approved the 2016-2017 district calendar. Six student/teacher contact days were added bringing the total number of student/teacher contact days to 170. The number of teacher contract
    days remains unchanged. In addition, spring parent/teacher conferences will be earlier next year. This allows time for parents and students to respond to teacher feedback from the conferences. A committee made up of students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators helped to develop the calendar. The committee focused on two priorities: supporting student achievement and allowing sufficient time for staff professional development. 

Watch the meeting (video by JETHD):
Franklin Technology Center named Favorite of the Four States

Congratulations FTC for being chosen as the The Joplin Globe readers' Favorite of the Four States 2016 in the category of Trade/Technical School!
Fifty-five Joplin Schools' teachers nominated for annual Golden Apple awards

Golden Apple
On Tuesday, March 1, the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a banquet to recognize teachers from area schools who were nominated by parents and students for the annual Golden Apple awards. Fifty-five Joplin Schools' teachers received that honor this year. The Golden Apple awards will be presented to four deserving recipients at the Chamber's annual banquet set for April 21. The Golden Apple Awards recognize excellence in the teaching profession among Joplin public and private school educators. This is the 31st year for the awards. 

Congratulations to our nominees! Click here for the complete list.
JHS Archery hosts tasty fundraiser
JHS Physics Club takes first in math and science competition 

The JHS Physics Club competed recently at Missouri University of Science & Technology in the Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) competition. During this one-day competition, students apply math and science knowledge in practical, creative ways to solve real-world engineering challenges. The JHS team not only placed first in its division, but the team also scored the highest of all divisions. Overall, the team's score was 24% higher than the next closest team!

Congratulations to JHS students Meagan Martucci, Quinn Darby, Will Hennes, Anum Ahmed, Vivian Vu, Savannah Spencer, Noah Chotrow, Jennifer Nguyen, Carly Short, Krusha Bhakta, Carter Scott, Austin Buckner, Sam Griesmer, Hamza Kamran, Gil Salgado, and Farhath Sulthan!


Teachers stock up on classroom supplies at teacher supply giveaway

Dozens of Joplin Schools' teachers lined the halls at Memorial Education Center for their chance to "shop" hundreds of donated crafts and supplies for their classrooms at the recent Bright Futures Joplin Teacher Supply Giveaway. The event takes place several times each year thanks to the generosity of Jo-Ann's Fabric and Crafts. The business makes donations regularly through the Kids In Need Foundation to Bright Futures Joplin. Close to 200 teachers took part in the event, and approximately $36,000 in merchandise was distributed. Below are just a few of the comments left by teachers during the event to be shared with Jo-Ann's:
  • "As a first year teacher, words cannot describe what a blessing this was!  Thanks so much!"
  • "Thank you so much!  My students are going to love all the goodies I found!  I really appreciate your generosity!"
  • "I'm buzzing with ideas of how to include these items in my lessons. Joplin students will benefit from your generosity!"
Thank you Jo-Ann's and the Kids In Need Foundation for this wonderful opportunity for our teachers and classrooms!
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
March 10
FTC Career Fair
8:30 a.m.
JHS Gym 3

March 10
JHS Spring Music Concert
7 p.m.
JHS Performing Arts Center

March 12
Joplin Schools' Annual String Day (grades 4-12)
10:30 a.m.
Joplin High School Main Gym

March 16
Safe Room Open House & Ribbon Cutting
4:30-6 p.m.
Columbia Elementary

March 16 & 17
Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 18
No Classes

March 21-25
Spring Break

March 21-April 1
Kindergarten Registration
Joplin Schools Welcome Center
Learn more.

March 29
Annual Joplin Schools Volunteer Breakfast (all volunteers welcome!)
7:30-9 a.m.
South Middle School

April 7
Joplin FFA Ag Expo
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Franklin Technology Center

April 9
8 p.m.
JHS Prom
Joplin High School

April 14-16
JHS Spring Musical - Guys & Dolls
7 p.m.
JHS Performing Arts Center

April 28
JHS Band Spring Concert
7 p.m.
JHS Performing Arts Center

May 11
Last day of school - half day

May 22
Graduation
2 p.m.
Missouri Southern State University
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.