| Welcome back to The eMule! Here is the latest news from the Poplar Bluff R-I School District to help start your week on the right hoof. |
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The Butler County Community Resource Council supplied free jump ropes to all fifth graders last week in an effort to promote an active lifestyle.
CRC officials and partners taught various jump roping exercises from Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 7-10, during gym class. Chartwells School Dining Services complemented the activity by setting up a station to teach about healthy snacks.
"The main thing is to get the kids moving. Jump roping is a vigorous activity that works the body all over, burns a lot of calories, and can be used indoors and outdoors," said Beverly Hargrove of the Butler County Health Department, who serves on the CRC obesity advisory council.
The Modern Woodmen of America donated the jump ropes, about 400 total. The larger ropes used for group activities such as Double Dutch were loaned out by the Boys and Girls Club. Besides the CRC, volunteers included instructors from Ozark Fitness and the PARC, along with gym teachers and R-I Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Patty Robertson.
Volunteer Hank Rainbolt, a fitness instructor at Physical Assessment and Rehabilitation Center, recalled when he was a student at the former Kinyon Elementary, recess often consisted of jumping rope, and he was happy to be a part of a resurgence.
"Maybe you can't afford a gym membership or don't have a basketball, but as long as you learn to love jumping, you can get a new rope at the Dollar Store if this one ever gets lost," Hargrove continued.
In addition to being taught games, students were provided a handout with tips about swinging rope from the American Heart Association. Organizers said they hope the activity, which they dubbed Jumpstart Your Health, becomes an annual tradition across the county.
Above: Fifth grader Dakota Thompson demonstrates proper jump rope technique, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Below: Maggie King (front) and Kaylee Gloyd jump rope together, while PARC Fitness Instructor Hank Rainbolt swings the rope with assistance from student Hannah Gambling.
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A new group of student leaders has emerged at the Middle School this year with the relocation of the campus on Victory Lane.
A total of 25 sixth graders make up the Safety Patrol, an organization committed to directing walkers through Bacon Park before and after school.
"We never had walkers before, so we had to design an exit strategy," explained Principal Dr. Brad Owings, referring to the previous location of the school on Oak Grove Road. "It's another way for students to show responsibility and leadership, and be role models."
Two teams of students work in shifts, from 6:50-7:20 in the morning and 2:20-2:45 p.m., lining the trail on the hill behind the school to the city park. Several students man a station, and there is one roamer with a cell phone in case of an emergency.
The students wear safety vests and are supplied with gear such as flashlights and hand warmers for the changing conditions. Following each shift, the Patrol debriefs with teacher sponsors, Kathy Pattillo and Kelly Lawson. They also meet as a group monthly, and have had guests including school Safety Resource Officer Kenny Carpenter.
"The students take the job very seriously, and it is an honor," said Pattillo, noting that the group has a waiting list. Lawson added: "These are skills that can carry them through life."
Above: Safety Patrol members Daine Dugas (left) and Ty Huffmaster (right) help guide the walkers as they are dismissed from school on Wednesday, Feb. 8.
Below: Lanie Robertson mans her station in the forefront, while Safety Patrol members line the asphalt trail behind her.
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January Athletes of the Month
The Mules Booster Club has named wrestler Tanner Dunivan and basketball player Savannah Hicks the PBHS Athletes of the Month for January.
Savannah, a freshman, recently under went open-heart surgery after a murmur was discovered during her sports physical, and was incredibly back on the court after just six weeks of recovery. She scored 15 points in eight games and maintained straight A's in the classroom, according to her coach John Pattillo, who noted Savannah has been an inspiration to the team, school and the entire community.
"She is a quality person with a lot of heart both figuratively and literally," Pattillo exclaimed. "Her strength and courage is a great example for us all."
Tanner, a junior, has a 38-6 record. He placed first at the Rockwood Summit and SEMO Conference last month, and was a state qualifier for the past two years.
His coach, David Sievers, noted that he is a "two-sport standout," also excelling at football as an All-Conference/All-District linebacker.
Above: Pictured presenting the awards to Savannah Hicks and Tanner Dunivan on Tuesday, Feb. 7, in the weight room is Booster Club member Brian Taylor.
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Poplar Bluff High School celebrated the Mules Basketball Homecoming against Notre Dame on Friday, Feb. 10, in the gymnasium.
A pep rally was held earlier during which this year's Homecoming Court was introduced, including
(above, from left) Sami Carpenter escorted by Steven Anderson, Kaitlyn Harris escorted by Willie Lucas, Tori Travers escorted by Kolby Bess, Lauren Rowland escorted by Brantly James and Franzia Esquivel escorted by Tyriek Ellis. Franzia was named the 2017 Homecoming Queen that evening.
Below: Mr. Snowman contestants attempt to give the Cheerleaders and Pom Squad a run for their money during a pep rally performance. (Back row from left) Jeremiah Morse, Bryan Nguyen, Tyson Tibbs and Reagan Myers; (front row, left to right) Holden Jennings, Scott McGee, Blake Odom, Adam Vincent and Ronin Rice.
Click
here to view the entire album, and be sure to help us tag the photos!
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Willie Lucas Jr. receives an assist in asking Kaitlyn Harris to the prom, after the Homecoming Court is introduced to the student body.
(She said 'Yes.')
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Fox Spell-Off
At 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, third grade champions from each of R-I's elementary schools will vie in a friendly spelling bee, live at Fox Radio Network. The annual spelling bee is hosted by the Butler County Community Resource Council in partnership with the local radio station.
ECH Screening
The Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center is holding screenings for its half-day program during the 2017/18 school year on Thursday, Feb. 16, at the 1235 N. Main Street location. To schedule an appointment, contact Sandy Case at
573-785-6803. Please have your child's social security number handy when calling. Child must be 3 years of age but not older than 5 before July 31, 2017.
School Board
The Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Administrative Building, 1110 N. Westwood Blvd. The monthly meetings are open to the public.
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On Tuesday, Feb. 7,
the DAR recognized the PBHS Students of the Month.
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, KLID
reported about O'Neal's student co-librarian.
On Friday, Feb. 10, the ShowMe Times also
reported about Bailey Williams.
The DAR published a photo spread from the 11th annual Mr. Snowman.
On Sunday, Feb. 12, the DAR recognized our Homecoming Court, along with the Junior High Honor Roll.
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