Eagle Express: Dr. Sachetta's Quarterly Newsletter

So many of our students are accomplishing amazing things this school year, including JHS seniors Aidan Koch and Daniel Fajardo!

Aidan and Daniel were recently named National Merit Finalists, after having earned National Merit Semifinalist positions last fall. Semifinalists are in the top 1% of high school scorers on the PSAT test nationwide. To be eligible as finalists, students completed further application, essay and testing opportunities.

“We are very proud of Daniel and Aidan,” said JHS Principal Dr. Randy Oliver. “These young men have shown incredible determination and focus toward their academic goals, which will only serve them well in their future pursuits. This isn’t the result of one semester or one year’s worth of attention - this recognition is truly a consequence of several years spent prioritizing one’s learning. We send our best wishes as they move forward into the next phase of that journey.”

About 7,000 finalists each year will receive a combined total of more than $28 million in National Merit Scholarships toward their college education. Scholarships will be awarded between March and June.

As Finalists, Aidan and Daniel have just become highly sought-after enrollees by some of the nation's top colleges and universities. We can't wait to see what they choose to pursue after graduation. Congratulations, Aidan and Daniel!

Teacher Proud Tuesday!

February's Teacher Proud Tuesday winner was Reagan Fowler at Royal Heights Elementary!

Reagan was nominated by a parent who said: "Seeing the relationships that Ms. Fowler has with kids is amazing! She has definitely made a big impact on our kid because he is always looking forward to school. She's an amazing person who is passionate about what she does and is definitely deserving of this recognition."

We agree, and we're so thankful you chose Joplin Schools, Reagan! Teacher Proud Tuesday winners will be randomly chosen and recognized on the second Tuesday each month through a partnerships with GOCSD. Please celebrate the AMAZING teachers in Joplin Schools - nominate a teacher for Teacher Proud Tuesday!

Kerry's Corner

A Message from the Superintendent

In closing out third quarter, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our staff and students. I am continually inspired by the strength of our Joplin family.

One small but encouraging success that has held fast throughout the school year has been slightly better student attendance compared to last year. The commitment of our families and students to doing their best to show up each day, ready to learn, has not gone unnoticed. While we still have a long way to go to reach our goal of 90% of our students being present 90% of the time, our current gains are a testament to the value placed on education and the importance of being present in the classroom. Let's carry this momentum forward into the final quarter, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to finish the year strong.

As we prepare for end-of-year exams from elementary to high school, I am proud to see our students and staff maintaining focus on their goals. These exams serve as the culmination of an entire year's worth of hard work and effort, and I have every confidence that our students will rise to the occasion. Let's continue to support and encourage one another as we strive for excellence in education. We'll see that excellence on display at this year's Academic All-Stars ceremonies, where we'll congratulate more than 1,500 4th-8th grade students who achieved Advanced, Proficient or Growth scores on last year's MAP tests. More than 300 9th graders will be recognized at JHS. Those are impressive increases over last year's numbers, and we're excited to celebrate these students.

Looking ahead, it's crucial that we not only think about the immediate future of Joplin Schools but also consider the bigger picture. Public education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community and society as a whole. In the face of proposed changes in the Missouri legislature, it's more important than ever that we stand together to advocate for the best interests of our students and schools. Let's remain steadfast in our commitment to providing quality education for all. If you feel strongly about being an advocate for public education, I would love to hear from you and invite you into conversations about how our district can work to promote strong public education into the coming decades. Click the button below to send me an email.

Here's to a successful conclusion of the school year and a bright future ahead for our students. After all, giving them the tools to access that future is our ultimate goal. This year on May 19, we'll host the Joplin High School Commencement Ceremony. On that day, we'll celebrate the 2,210 school days our graduates have experienced over the past 13 years. Their journey has included their own daily persistence, effort, attitudes, failures, and successes, as well as daily love, hope, and dedication poured into them by our teachers and staff at Joplin Schools. These students will be ready for what awaits them after graduation thanks to those combined efforts, and I will be proud to watch them walk across that stage. Let's GO EAGLES!

Sincerely,

Kerry Sachetta

Contact Dr. Sachetta

24-25 Enrollment

Kindergarten enrollment is underway. Parents can get started with kindergarten enrollment here: Online Enrollment Instructions. Kindergarten Screenings will be held at each elementary building from March 25-April 5. We look forward to welcoming these new little ones and their families into their home schools!

All other enrollments will also start online and can be done at any time up to the start of school next fall. Families of existing students will need to complete their Annual Information Update in PowerSchool before the first day of school.

If new families need to enroll over the summer (or if existing families need help with their annual student information update), a part-time summer enrollment secretary for all grades will be on staff at JHS to provide great customer service during the months of June and July.

Hearts Around the World

The second grade classes at Irving Elementary hosted a successful Valentine's Day geography project, accepting "Hearts Around the World" from friends and strangers far and near.

Teacher Sara Meyer said the classes received Valentines cards from all 50 states, and from every continent except South America and Antarctica! New friends sent cards from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, USVI, China, Japan, Sweden, Thailand, Uzbekistan, France, Kenya, Germany, Vietnam, the UK, Mexico, and more.

"Not only did the students learn the location of each destination," said Mrs. Meyer, "they learned about each of these places and made so many new friends and connections across the world! We received money from other countries with their currency (bills and coins) to see what it looks like, homemade taffy, beads from Mardi Gras, seashells from Florida, beautiful cards and pictures from students in Vietnam, and so many resources about each place."

Thank you, Irving Second Grade Team (and students) for planning such a memorable, engaging lesson this winter!

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Parents:

Now is a great time to register for ParentSquare! If your school, class, or club is still using Class Dojo, Remind, or a similar communication tool, those are set to be discontinued in Joplin Schools on July 1, 2024.

The free ParentSquare app is not a requirement of registration, but it does boost your opportunities for easy school communications It's easy to get started and we think you will love it!

Click here for ParentSquare FAQ's.

Local realtors and company recruiters now have a new way to highlight Joplin Schools for their clients and potential candidates.

This district recruitment flyer is available on our website. Flyers for each individual school building are in the works, so check back periodically to see how we are showcasing the wonderful things happening across Joplin Schools!

Click here to see and share these exciting new tools.

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Academic All-Stars 2024

It's almost Academic-All-Stars season in Joplin Schools, and we are thrilled to have another chance to celebrate these Awesome Eagles.

Academic All-Stars are students in 4th-9th grades who achieved Advanced, Proficient or Growth Scores on last year's MAP tests. We'll be recognizing 4th-8th grade students in special ceremonies this April, including a dessert reception sponsored by some fantastic local businesses and individuals. Ninth graders will have a separate recognition during school at JHS.

Qualifying students will receive their invitations the week before Spring Break, and there are a LOT of qualifying students this year! We'll share more details as the events get closer. We can't wait to celebrate these students!

Take a look around Joplin Schools!

East Middle School students are racking up positive referrals for demonstrating qualities like Duty, Honor, Kindness, and Scholarship. Good work, Eagles!

JHS Peer Buddies took a field trip to Ocean Adventures Indoor Playground for a fun day of companionship and connectedness.

Many elementary buildings celebrated Dr. Seuss Week with games, read-ins, lessons, and parent events. These Stapleton kiddos look like they had a great time!

Roi S. Wood JAG students get to visit with residents of Foxberry Farm on a regular basis, brightening their neighbors' days and learning the value (and fun!) of personal volunteerism.

Kindergartners at Soaring Heights adopted personal reading buddies this winter! We love this creative encouragement for our young readers and hope it's inspired them to become great readers.

This little Parents as Teachers cutie was gaining fine motor development and hand-eye coordination with a Fill-the-Jug game at a recent at-home visit. Our littlest Eagles are always learning.