FTC & JHS donate to Christmas of Hope

Classes at Franklin Tech and Joplin High School gathered together recently to collect funds in support of the local Christmas of Hope campaign! Working together, and aided by donations from other buildings and staff around the district, FTC's Lorin Curtis presented a check for $5,500 to benefit a joyful Christmas for local foster kids. We love the way our Eagles are continuously committed to helping their peers! Thank you for your leadership on this annual fundraiser, Mr. Curtis!

Community Connection

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Especially thanks to one of our generous Eagles, Carlos, who's helping his kindergarten classmates at Irving Elementary stay warm this winter.

Carlos' family's businesses, El Vaquero Joplin and Lucy's Mexican Restaurant, donated brand new coats to Ms. Wallace's kindergarten class earlier this fall, putting smiles on faces all around. Carlos' family said, "We're thankful that we are able to do it and show our kids that it's better to give." Thank you for spreading joy and warmth in your school, Carlos!

Building Spotlight:

Duenweg Education Center

Peek into this Joplin Schools campus for a look at what makes them tick. Thanks to Director Chawn Howard for the comments below!

Professionally: One of the most remarkable aspects of our team is our collective expertise in behavior strategies. Through extensive training, we implement effective behavior strategies that reduce problem behaviors and foster the development of age-appropriate replacement behaviors. The commitment and knowledge of our staff in this area is truly commendable. Our teachers also have an exceptional ability to design individualized, data-driven methods for academic instruction tailored to the unique needs of our students. This personalized approach ensures that every student receives the support and guidance required to succeed academically. Their dedication and perseverance allows us to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Physically: DEC is home to the Beacon Behavior Center (BBC) and the Communication Behavior and Social Skills programs (CBSS). BBC is overseen by a cooperative of 14 area school districts, while CBSS is a Joplin Schools program specifically designed to meet the needs of students with diverse communication and social skills abilities. Previously, our building served as Duenweg Elementary School and a Joplin Schools Early Childhood program. We have added additional classroom space and an accessible gym to accommodate our growing student population, ensuring that every student has the space they need to thrive.

Purposefully: We are all united in our mission to make positive changes in the lives of our students. Together, we strive to continuously learn and grow in our skills as educators, so that we can better serve our students. It is this collaborative spirit that sets us apart and makes our institution truly special. At Duenweg Education Center, our focus is preparing our students for their eventual return to their home schools. We believe in equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to be active participants in their own education. By emphasizing both academic and personal growth, we empower our students to succeed beyond the classroom.

Personally: DEC staff meet each afternoon as a team to talk about the successes and challenges we had that day. This is an incredibly supportive way to remain connected to our purpose. But we also like to have fun together as a team and with our students! DEC puts on a Trunk or Treat event every year, and it's always a highlight for our staff and families. We invite staff from other programs to join which creates a sense of community and foster positive connections within our school. Another fun and unique event at DEC is our Christmas store. Our very generous community partners provide a wide array of giftable items, which our students can come "shop" for, free of charge. The gifts then head over to our gift-wrapping station so the kids can take gifts home to their parents and siblings for Christmas.

Looking Forward with Intention

The 2023-25 Long Range Facilities Committee has been at work this semester to understand and identify the future facility needs of our district in order to plan for an equitable and safe learning environment for all Joplin Schools students. The committee consists of nearly 30 district and community members convened by Assistant Superintendent for Operations Matt Harding, and will explore district needs for about 18 months before bringing recommendations to the Board of Education.

During the first meeting this fall, the committee discussed their purpose and charge, touring Dover Hill and Jefferson Elementary Schools, where they paid careful attention to equity in learning spaces.

At the second meeting, held in November, members toured Stapleton and Kelsey Norman Elementary Schools. They also heard from Dr. Sarah Mwangi, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, about student enrollment numbers in reference to building capacity, programming, and staffing decisions.

The committee's goal during this first year of exploration is to tour every Joplin Schools elementary building, gaining knowledge about the district as a whole. Updates about this committee will be shared periodically throughout their work, with a final report of recommendations expected in 2025.