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You've got eMule!
Vol. 11 No. 11
Welcome back to The eMule! Here is the latest news from Poplar Bluff Schools to help start your week on the right hoof.
| Officials discuss statewide teacher shortage at Poplar Bluff Schools |  | |
Missouri Education Commissioner Dr. Margie Vandeven and the Blue Ribbon Commission detailed their efforts in addressing what was labeled a statewide teacher recruitment and retention “crisis” during its final public engagement forum held Thursday, Nov. 17, at Poplar Bluff Schools.
Prior to the tour of congressional districts, which began last month in the northwest part of the state, the Missouri State Board of Education unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations that were divided into three categories: immediate, short-term and long-term priorities.
“This is not a teacher crisis, it’s a workforce development and future of our state crisis,” stated Mary Schrag, who represents the 8th District on the state’s BOE. Over 50 patrons were in attendance at Kay Porter Theater including educators, R-I school board members, parents and concerned community members.
Schrag explained how at the end of last year the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Blue Ribbon Commission was appointed to develop actionable steps to support the future of the education profession, beginning its work in January. The result was nine priorities that appointed officials feel are attainable with public support during the next legislative session.
“In order for students’ learning to be successful, you have to have good teachers,” said Dr. Paul Katnik of the Office of Educator Quality, noting that the correlation is backed by 50 years of research. According to the 20-page report, students who have highly effective teachers are more likely to attend college and earn larger salaries. Meanwhile the vacancy rate at schools in Missouri is greater than the national average, as teachers bounce from district to district to seek higher pay, if not leave the profession altogether within the first few years.
Immediate priorities include increasing the minimum starting teacher salary in state statute and continuing to fund the new Teachers Baseline Salary Grant program, which the Poplar Bluff School District already adopted; establishing sustainable funding for Grow Your Own programs such as R-I’s Pathways for Paraprofessionals pilot; use newly created Innovative Waivers to implement team-based teaching models such as Poplar Bluff Schools teacher induction program support system (TIPSS); as well as prioritizing funding the Career Ladder program.
Additional short and long-term recommendations for legislators include establishing a statewide fund to take the place of the Teacher Baseline Salary program; increasing support for mental health resources for educators; providing more tuition forgiveness options; and making salary supplements available for high-needs positions or for teachers with National Board Certification.
“What we expect of our teachers is to educate our children because we don’t want to or can’t do it ourselves,” said Aaron Decker, a Poplar Bluff banker and former law enforcement officer, who was selected to serve on the Blue Ribbon Commission. “Somewhere along the way society has gotten away from treating [teaching] as a well-respected career.”
According to Missouri Statute 163.172, which has remained unchanged since 2005, the base pay for teachers with bachelor's degrees is only $25,000 and $33,000 with a master's, ranking the state the lowest alongside Montana for mandatory new teacher wages. Missouri also ranks 50th in the percentage of education funding that is allocated from the state level, requiring schools to be heavily reliant on local tax dollars, causing “those who need the most to receive the least,” the report suggests.
“What is one school-level factor that improves outcomes for kids? Teachers,” Vandeven concluded. “If we know that, shouldn’t we invest in them?”
To view the complete report of the Blue Ribbon Commission, visit: https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/brc-final-report.
Above: (From left) Missouri Education Commissioner Margie Vandeven addresses questions from educators in the audience, while Dr. Paul Katnik, Mary Schrag and Aaron Decker look on.
Below: Sherry Cole, a recently retired educator from Bloomfield, speaks in support of Missouri’s teacher retirement system.
|  | October Athletes of the Month named |  | |
The Mules Booster Club has named Olivia Thetford and Makel McFarland of Poplar Bluff High School the October Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Makel, a senior football player, ran 212 yards with 20 carries, scoring three touchdowns in a single game against Kennett. In total this season, he amassed 116 carries, 738 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Makel is a “great young man and the ultimate teammate; always positive and upbeat; and accepts any and all coaching,” noted David Sievers, his coach. Sievers added that the “kids like Makel,” he “thanked the lineman when the award was announced to the team,” and he “makes coaching enjoyable.”
Olivia, a sophomore golfer, had a personal best score of 79 (+8) during the Lindbergh Invitational, and was a state qualifier, placing 22nd at the Columbia tournament during the inaugural season of the Girls Golf program.
“Olivia is an amazing athlete and person,” said Tyler Davis, her coach. “She shows up… early every practice and stays after to put in extra work. She is always eager to lend a hand and help out fellow teammates. She exhibits qualities of a true leader.”
Above: Booster Club President Brian Taylor presents Makel McFarland and Olivia Thetford with the AOM awards on Tuesday, Nov. 15, in front of the new scoreboard at Mules Stadium.
| Community Thanksgiving attended by hundreds, despite busy stretch |  | |
About 800 patrons were served on Friday, Nov. 11, at the Poplar Bluff High School during Chartwells’ free annual Community Thanksgiving, a partnership with the school district.
JROTC helped coordinate the logistics of the event; the PBHS Jazz Band provided entertainment; the Student Council hosted a craft station for children; the Beta Club and Robotics Team helped serve guests; and elementary art students made placemats for tables.
Food Service Director Dixie Harden said she was “happy with the turnout,” especially considering that it was Veterans Day and the Mules happened to be playing in the Missouri Class 5, District 1 Football Championship against Cape Girardeau. A longstanding tradition, food service personnel prepared hundreds of pounds of turkey and sides in cafeteria kitchens across the district.
Student cadet commander Aaliyah Shephard led the service-learning project for the JROTC battalion, directing traffic, greeting people and cleaning tables. While they were happy to give back to the community, especially to those who may need it most, Shephard acknowledged that it had been a long day beginning with a Veterans Day ceremony at the Black River Coliseum, and the cadets were probably “ready to get out of their uniforms.”
StuCo was also nearing the conclusion of a particularly busy stretch, with Fall Homecoming followed by hosting a district meet, a blood drive and finally the Community Thanksgiving event, with the Powder Puff scheduled for after they return from break, reported co-adviser Jennie Randolph.
Above: (Left to right) Rejeenia Chappell, Angie Gamblin, Heather Powell and Olivia Ethridge of Chartwells help prepare to-go boxes for guests of the annual Community Thanksgiving.
Below: Young students enjoy music entertainment provided by music instructor Stephen Winters and the PBHS Jazz Band.
Click here to view our running album, and be sure to Like your favorite shots!
|  | Junior High class helps brighten up downtown in holiday contest |  | |
The Multicultural World class at Junior High participated in a light pole decorating contest in downtown Poplar Bluff on Wednesday, Nov. 16, with a “Christmas around the world” theme.
The Deck the Downtown Light Pole Decorating Contest is sponsored by River Radio, with a $1,000 radio advertising package on the line – in an effort to help beautify the historic part of town for the holiday season, as well as give businesses or organizations a boost.
“While winning the contest is definitely important, the whole experience—challenge and vibe that the kids had doing it—was worth it all,” instructor LaRonda Mack reported. “I’m so proud of my class! I just am.”
The elective class designed a fireplace and hung ornaments from a wreath that featured Santas from different cultures, Mack explained. She noted that the students received affirmations from patrons coming in and out of Myrtle's nearby.
Above: Junior High students participate in a community contest, decorating a light pole on Broadway Street, while school security Jamie Ivy helps chaperone.
Below: The Multicultural World class of Junior High, under the instruction of LaRonda Mack, poses next to their creation entitled “Christmas around the world.”
|  | Elementary students recreate Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade |  | |
Eugene Field hosted a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Wednesday, Nov. 16, as a lighthearted classroom tradition in advance of holiday break.
Teacher Michelle Adams has been leading the activity for three years with her first graders, reading the book “Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade” by Melissa Sweet, then watching videos from recent years of the parade in New York City. Students created characters on balloons attached to plastic sticks, and marched around the hallways of the building.
“It’s just a fun tradition,” said Adams, noting that she most likely got the idea from Pinterest. “I know it is always an exciting time at my house.”
This year, third grade teacher Christina McKinney also led a similar project with her students. While new to Poplar Bluff, McKinney used to host a Thanksgiving parade at her former school of Greenville – and was able to combine forces with Adams.
Click here to watch the resulting video, and visit Lake Road on Facebook to view their ‘floats.’
Above: Eugene Field students in Michelle Adams' first grade classroom hold up their 'floats' during an activity centered around the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
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Winter Break
Students will be dismissed from Thursday, Dec. 22-Wednesday, Jan. 4, for the Christmas holiday. School will resume on Thursday, Jan. 5.
Collect the Caps
The PBHS Beta Club is collecting teal bottle caps on Dr. Pepper products through Jan. 31, 2023, for a chance to win up to $10K through the annual Collect the Caps contest, co-sponsored by Pepsi MidAmerica. The special caps are being accepted in 50-gallon barrels at the 3209 Oak Grove Road campus from the following 16&20-ounce, and 1&2-liter bottles: Diet/Cherry/Dr. Pepper, Diet/7Up, Squirt, Crisp & Clear water, and Orange/Grape/Strawberry Crush. Last year, the student organization won $6,000 through the contest, and $2,500 in 2019.
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On Monday, Nov. 14, KWOC reported about the postseason run of our Mules Football team.
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Fox23 reported about the successful fundraising efforts our students made on behalf of the Animal Welfare Alliance.
The DAR reported about stop arm cameras being installed on district buses; and our Pom Squad competing at the National Dance Alliance.
KWOC reported about our Veterans Day parade at the Middle School.
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the DAR reported about our recent cosmetology graduates of TCC; a teacher grant from the Missouri State Teachers Foundation; and our PBJHS Students of the Month.
KWOC reported about our students’ generous donation made recently to the AWA.
On Friday, Nov. 18, the DAR reported about PBHS senior Madelyn Hefner signing a National Letter of Intent to play softball for Webster University; and recognized our PBHS Students of the Month.
KWOC reported about Mark Twain School’s new partnership with the Nutrition Center.
On Wednesday, Nov. 23, the DAR featured our Kindergarten Center’s Thanksgiving celebration as its centerpiece.
On Saturday, Nov. 26, the DAR reported a basketball preview including the Mules; a donation made to Junior High by the Billie Hart Foundation; and PBHS hosting the Missouri Association of Students Councils.
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