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Welcome to The eMule! Here is the latest news of the Poplar Bluff School District to help start your week on the right hoof.
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Professional play series put on for students
The children's play series presented by the Patrons of the Arts Society wrapped up on Friday, Feb. 23, exposing some students to theater for the first time.
Poplar Bluff students grades K-5 were recently provided an opportunity to see one of the following plays performed by the Repertory Imaginary Theatre Company at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center: "The Nutcracker," "The Country Mouse and City Mouse" or "Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie."
"It was quite moving to see their expressions while they watched the characters from the story come to life on stage," said Teresa Webb, first grade teacher of Eugene Field. "I believe they walked away from the experience with a newfound appreciation of performing arts and gained a deeper understanding of the lesson learned from (the play)."
Getting to see the reaction of students, some of whom did not realize the play would be performed in an actual theater, was one of Webb's "most treasured memories" of the school year, she continued. Faculty colleague Kristen Spain added that watching the faces of the students sitting on the edge of their seats, soaking in every word, was "priceless."
"My Alanii Render now wants to grow up and be in performing arts in college because she was so inspired by one of the actresses that day," said Spain of one of her first grade students. "In her words: 'I didn't know grownups could play and act silly on stage in front of kids and get paid for it!'"
Three Rivers College has been arranging for the professional plays to be performed directly for schools within its service area for the past few years. The plays are free of charge thanks to the Patrons of the Arts Society, which subsidizes the costs with help from business sponsors.
"Having a variety of opportunities in the arts education is so important for our students. These experiences help kids develop on many fundamental levels," stated Patty Robertson, R-I assistant superintendent of curriculum. "Some students find their 'voice' while studying the arts. Creative expression is also a great way to build self-confidence."
Above: The cast of 'Voice of the Prairie,' (from left) Lana Dvorak, Jeanitta Perkins, Charlie Barron and Aaron Orion Baker, answer questions from fifth graders following the performance.
Below: First grade elementary students wait excitedly to watch 'The Country Mouse and City Mouse.'
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'Suspenseful' spell-off ends in tie
The annual Spelling Bee Championship ended in a tie as third grade finalists went back and forth for over 40 minutes live on SAM 96.7 FM on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at
Fox Radio Network.
Delanie Faughn of Oak Grove and Ramiz Mirza of O'Neal were this year's winners, completing all 116 words. Seraphim Wykowski of Eugene Field also made it to the championship round.
"That was the most suspenseful one yet," commented moderator Lee Spilberg of the Butler County Community Resource Council.
The third graders, who said they were studying the words the previous evening as well as the morning of the competition, could be seen silently mouthing the spelling of the word as their opponent was on the microphone.
The spell-off is sponsored by the CRC's Children and Youth Succeeding in School Committee in partnership with
Fox Radio.
Click
here to watch the video!
Above: Spelling Bee winners Ramiz Mirza and Delanie Faughn vie in the championship round.
Below: Third grade finalists (from left) Ramiz Mirza, Seraphim Wykowski and Delanie Faughn pose with Kathern Harris of the CRC.
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National Merit Program finalist
Poplar Bluff High School senior Adeesh Mishra has advanced in the National Merit Scholarship Program to finalist, earning a 50 percent chance of receiving a scholarship through the organization, if not directly from a higher education institution.
Among the highest scoring entrants on the preliminary SAT in Missouri, Adeesh scored a 1,480 out of 1,520 points, acing the math portion of the test and only missing three questions overall. Adeesh began taking practice tests during his sophomore year, he explained, preparing by looking up techniques online. He recommends all students take the PSAT in order to open up some doors.
"By becoming a semifinalist, the stress of attending college and paying college tuition is relieved," Adeesh said. "Not only this, but several students who wish to attend these universities without worrying about how to pay for tuition and the dream of attending a prestigious university can become a reality without even taking the ACT or SAT."
Upon graduating in May, Adeesh plans to enter a pre-medical degree program, possibly double majoring in business and biology. About 7,500 or half of the finalists will receive a National Merit Scholarship. There are also corporate and college-sponsored scholarships available to the successful students.
Above: PBHS Principal Mike Owen congratulates senior Adeesh Mishra for being named a National Merit Program finalist on Thursday, Feb. 22. Also pictured are Adeesh's parents, Babita Patnaik and Subrat Mishra.
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Large group attending Girls State
The largest number of PBHS juniors in recent memory will be attending American Legion Auxiliary Girls State this summer at Central Missouri University in Warrensburg, thanks to several generous community sponsors.
During the seven-day program from June 24-30, student delegates nominated by teachers will form a local government structure through a mock election and carry out responsibilities and duties as assigned, writing and voting on bills. After taking an exit exam, students can earn college credits.
"No one ever goes and
doesn't have a good time," said PBHS counselor Tamara Day, who helped secure the sponsorships so the students can participate for free. "It's an amazing experience that teaches leadership and knowledge of the fundamentals of government, and oftentimes brings them out of their shell."
Business sponsors include
Endeavor Home Care;
First Midwest Bank;
Kevin Barbour Jr. of Kraft, Miles & Tatum;
Dr. Teri Page of Pearle Vision;
Nathan Maurer on behalf of Poplar Bluff Realty; the Rotary Club of Poplar Bluff; Rowland Family Dentistry; and Southern Bank.
Above: (Back row, from left) Counselor Tamara Day, and students Lina Dill, Geneva Taylor, Sophia Rowland and Kaylee Barbour; and (front row, left to right) Darian Strange, Sara Holland and Jillian Page. Not pictured is participant Destinee Howell.
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Mules Café
The Mules Café will be open from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, March 6, at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd., featuring Victor's finger lickin' chicken strips, seasoned French fries, baked beans, fruit salad, chocolate chip cookies and a soft drink for just $7.
Book in the Bluff
In celebration of Poplar Bluff Municipal Library's 2018 community read, "News of the World" author Paulette Jiles will be speaking at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8, in the Tinnin Fine Arts Center, presented by Sterling Bank. Admission is free and open to the public.
Board Meeting
The Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled monthly school board meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, in the Administrative Building.
Leadership Day
Eugene Field will hold its fifth annual Leadership Day from 9-11:30 a.m. at the elementary school with the theme, "I Believe in the Power of Yet." Please RSVP by Friday, March 16, by emailing
jennifertaylor
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On Friday, Feb. 23, the DAR
published a special tab honoring our top performing PBHS seniors and juniors.
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, KFVS12
reported about our 'Making IT Happen' award recipients.
On Thursday, March 1,
the DAR published a photo spread from Mr. Snowman.
On Friday, March 2, the DAR reported about Mules Basketball winning the Class 5, District 1 Championship, defeating Jackson. Go Mules!
On Sunday, March 4, the DAR reported about PBHS students attending the unveiling of a George Washington Carver portrait in the governor's mansion; and recognized our PBHS Students of the Month.
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