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Welcome back to The eMule! Here is the latest news of the Poplar Bluff R-I School District to help start your week on the right hoof.
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Extreme math class draws student interest
Six graders were issued surgical masks and latex gloves upon entering math class on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Middle School.
A scenario about a zombie outbreak was
detailed over the SMART Board using the online tool Flippity, and students had to problem solve in groups in order to unlock the cure.
While it appeared to be a game at first glance, the purpose of the activity was to prepare students for an exam the following day that would involve unit rates, proportions and measurement conversions.
"They're reviewing without realizing they're reviewing for the test," teacher James Hunt explained. "I try to help them study without making them feel like they're studying."
Hunt, a third-year faculty member, goes over the top transforming his classroom the day before each chapter test. Other classroom themes this semester have included Legoland to review ratios and the 'decimal diner' in which Hunt dressed as a chef wearing an inflatable suit with self-contained ventilation. He said he is willing to "look ridiculous" if it means improved outcomes.
Student Elerik Stotts' favorite lesson was when he got to be an agent of the FBI and catch a diamond thief in a makeshift jewelry store, he said, noting he did very well on that unit.
"I don't like boring classrooms because I can't sit still long enough," the 12-year-old said. "It's probably one of the best math classes around."
The parent of sixth grader Kassidy, Tori Russell, commented how she likes hearing about the creative learning techniques after her daughter returns home from school.
"Kassidy has told me several times how much more she enjoys school this year and her grades have shown improvement," Russell said. "Thank you, Mr. Hunt, for finding ways to keep our kids engaged and wanting to learn!"
Having the appropriate administrative support is key for an unconventional educator as well. As luck would have it, Hunt's boss, Dr. Brad Owings, could recently be spotted greeting students in the morning while wearing a red and white Christmas suit that illuminates, and the principal is known to swap the color of his neon shoelaces to coincide with the seasons.
"Rita Pierson, notable educator, says 'Kids don't learn from people they don't like,'" Ownings said. "Mr. Hunt does a great job in engaging students and making them like school."
A time commitment that goes above and beyond is also necessary to maintain Hunt's teaching style as well as out-of-pocket money, but the young educator has a number of online sources such as Teachers Connect and We Are Teachers that he frequents to secure materials. He has had iPads and Kindle Fires crowdfunded in the past through the channel DonorsChoose. To avoid "teacher burnout," he said he networks with other instructors across the country and shares lesson plans through social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. "It's about following the right people," Hunt suggested.
Besides the changing ambiance, Hunt's classroom features flexible seating - video game chairs and miniature barstools. He and colleague Krystal Dover, a fourth-grade teacher, are experimenting this school year with self-paced learning. Students take pre and post-tests, and advance in small groups only after they have obtained a given skill set.
"I feel like when the students are engaged and expectations are set high, students will reach their fullest potentials," Hunt stated.
Above: Students (from left) Jack Funke, Julissa Johnson and Madyson Kordick complete the online scavenger hunt using Google Chromebooks on Thursday, Dec. 6, in James Hunt's math class.
Below: Dressed as a chef, Mr. Hunt welcomed his students to class where they rotated through stations and picked food that appealed to them including 'addition appetizers' and 'division desserts' in September.
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PBJHS donates thousands of cans to SVDP
PBJHS has donated a total of 5,700 canned goods to St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, marking the largest single donation the charity has received and the most items the students have raised, according to officials.
Social studies teacher Melinda Moncier spearheaded the project, which was carried out by the history department throughout the month of November. Faculty member Aaron Duncan's seventh grade house generated the most non-perishables with 1,760.
Averaging seven cans per student, the annual fundraiser went along with Junior High's focus this school year of community service, according to Principal Candace Warren. The students have also raised money for the Bread Shed in a pumpkin decorating contest and has delivered hand-painted rocks to area nursing homes.
Located on Broadway Street, St. Vincent De Paul feeds 800 families in need per month. The nonprofit operation also includes a thrift store.
Above: (From left) Students Blaise Rowland and McKinzie Kendle; SVDP president Daryl Deacon; teacher Melinda Moncier; and student Kallie Knapp.
Below: St. Vincent De Paul receives thousands of non-perishables to stock its food pantry on Friday, Nov. 30, at PBJHS.
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Court officials recognized for partnership
The Poplar Bluff School District honored Associate Circuit Judge John Bloodworth and welcomed his successor, Kasey Proctor, during a special luncheon for juvenile court partners on Thursday, Dec. 6, in the Administrative Building.
Misty Dodson, R-I attendance officer, reflected how the district's truancy program began in 2010 under then Presiding Circuit Judge Robert Smith, who gave the honorable Bloodworth the reins, she said. The program, which deals with chronic absenteeism, has impacted "hundreds of lives" according to Dodson, who noted that the court system averages 70 referrals per year.
Also present was Smith's long-time successor Michael Pritchett, attorney at law Wade Pierce, Juvenile Officer Melissa Dowd and Chief Deputy Juvenile Officer Shonda Hill of the 36th Circuit Court. The catered lunch was arranged by school board president John Scott in an effort to keep the lines of communication open with judicial officials so the needs of the students continue to be met.
Above: Misty Dodson honors retiring Associate Circuit Judge John Bloodworth with a small token of appreciation on behalf of the district.
Below: (Left to right) Melissa Dowd, John Scott, Shonda Hill, Misty Dodson, John Bloodworth, R-I Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Dr. Amy Jackson, Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill, Michael Pritchett, Kasey Proctor, and Wade Pierce.
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PBHS named Beta School of Distinction
National Beta has named Poplar Bluff High School a 2018/19 National School of Distinction for the chapter's boost in membership and commitment toward academic achievement, exemplary character, and demonstrated leadership and service to others.
Membership has increased last year to present from 16 to 91 students, according to instructional coach Stephanie Kuper, who has taken over sponsoring the organization along with guidance counselor Sara Holloway.
"This prestigious honor is a true indication of Poplar Bluff High School's dedication to academic excellence, leadership development and commitment to celebrating their student's achievements," said National Beta's Chief Executive Officer Bobby Hart in an issued statement.
Founded in 1934, National Beta is the largest independent, nonprofit, educational youth organization in America. The organization recognizes outstanding achievement, promotes character and social responsibility, encourages service involvement to school and community, and fosters leadership skills.
Above: Pictured with school sponsors Stephanie Kuper and Sara Holloway (front, right), the PBHS Beta Club participated in the annual Missouri Senior Beta Convention in Springfield over the weekend for the first time in more than a decade.
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Bonus: Reason for the Season
Above: R-I staff in the Administrative Building adopted two large families for Project Christmas Promise, donating an individual outfit, pajamas, toys and a board game via an angel tree. Pictured (from left) is administrative assistant China Reich, who organized the angel tree; Becky Winters, AmeriCorps program director; and Carla Thompson, administrative assistant to the superintendent.
Project Christmas Promise is coordinated by AmeriCorps, providing gifts for children in need in Butler County each December. Of the 1,134 children submitted this year, 140 remain to be adopted as of this afternoon. To find out how to contribute, email Winters at
beckywinters@pb.k12.mo.us.
Below: (From left) PBHS Principal Mike Owen, O'Neal Principal Dr. Amy Dill and Middle School Assistant Principal Angie Rideout volunteer to ring the bell for the Salvation Army on Monday, Dec. 3, at Wal-Mart.
[Photo credit: Charles Kinsey]
Each year school administrators take shifts for 10 hours helping to raise money for the organization. Eighty-five percent of the proceeds go toward emergency assistance in Butler County, while the remainder goes into the disaster relief fund in the Midland Division of St. Louis, which gets disbursed where needed throughout the state, according to Winters, also the organizer.
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Board Filing
Filing for two three-year terms on the Board of Education will run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, through Tuesday, Jan. 15, in the Administrative Building while school is in session. For more information, contact Carla Thompson in the superintendent's office at 573-785-7751.
Mules Café
The Mules Café will feature fried fish from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, in the Administrative Building, 1110 N. Westwood Blvd.
School Board
The Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, in the Administrative Building.
Holiday Break
School will be dismissed for students from Thursday, Dec. 20, through Wednesday, Jan. 2. School will resume on Thursday, Jan. 3. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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On Tuesday, Nov. 20,
the DAR published photos from our Early Childhood Thanksgiving Feast.
On Friday, Nov. 23, the DAR reported about our Community Collaborative Program of the Year honor through FCC Behavioral Health; recognized our PBHS Athletes of the Month; and honored our O'Neal/Junior High Students of the Month.
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, the DAR reported a preview story about Mules Wrestling.
On Friday, Nov. 30, the DAR reported about PBHS Principal Mike Owen being named the MASC Southeast District Principal of the Year as well as PBHS StuCo being voted the Southeast District president school; featured the TCC on its education page; and wrote a preview story about Mules Swimming.
On Tuesday, Dec. 4, the DAR reported about the PBHS Beta Club being named a National School of Distinction.
On Thursday, Dec. 6, the DAR highlighted Oak Grove and PBHS on its education page.
On Friday, Dec. 7, the DAR featured PBJHS on its education page.
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