| 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. |
Congrats to our Teachers of the Year!
Poplar Bluff High School communications arts teacher Gayla Fritts was named the R-I district Teacher of the Year during the annual luncheon held Tuesday, March 28, in the Missouri Room.
Fritts was also named the secondary grade span TOY, while sixth grade instructor Kathy Pattillo was named Middle School grade span TOY, and O'Neal reading interventionist Jessica Thurston - the elementary grade span TOY.
On the building level, building trades teacher Joe Cochran was named the Technical Career Center TOY, Fritts - Senior High TOY, eighth grade teacher Julie Gambill - Junior High TOY, Pattillo - Middle School TOY, interventionist Amber Foster - O'Neal TOY, first grade instructor Abby Hanner - Oak Grove TOY, third grade instructor Teresa Hefner - Lake Road TOY, Thurston - Eugene Field TOY, special education instructor Tanya Pullum - Kindergarten Center TOY, and preschool teacher Lori Tibbs the Early Childhood Center TOY.
Above: (From left) Lori Tibbs, Abby Hanner, Amber Foster, Tanya Pullum, Gayla Fritts, Joe Cochran, Julie Gambill, Jessica Thurston and Teresa Hefner. Not pictured is Kathy Pattillo.
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Fritts, affectionately known as "Momma Fritts," serves as the communication arts department chair. Her tenure at PBHS has spanned 31 years, teaching English and literature classes. She earned for Master of Arts degree in administration from William Woods University in Fulton.
"Her compassion and dedication to her students inspired me to pursue a career in education so that I could try to influence young people the same way she influenced me," said former student Stephen Patty, now a language arts teacher.
Above: Senior High Principal Mike Kiehne presents the TOY award to Fritts.
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Pattillo has taught language arts and geography in her current role since 2015. Prior, she instructed various grade levels at multiple schools, including Eugene Field and the former 5th and 6th Grade Center beginning in 1990. She is currently working toward her master's in education administration from William Woods.
"Mrs. Pattillo isn't the type of teacher you have for one year and never hear from again," explained former student Lauren Duvall, noting that Pattillo has remained her friend until this day.
Above: Middle School Principal Dr. Brad Owings presents the TOY award to Pattillo in her absence.
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Thurston moved to her present capacity this school year, before which she served for two years as a first grade teacher also at Eugene Field. Prior she worked in various capacities at multiple schools including O'Neal and the former Mark Twain Kindergarten beginning in 2005. She earned her Master of Education in administration from William Woods.
"Mrs. Thurston deserves teacher of the year because she synergizes with our class to help us reach out goals," said Rayshaun Jones, a third grade student.
Above: Thurston poses with her TOY plaque.
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Tibbs has served in her present capacity since 2014, prior to which she was a fifth grade teacher for six years. Beginning in 1993, she worked at O'Neal, first as a fifth grader teacher followed by a reading instructor. She earned her master's in early childhood education from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.
"When my son found out our request for his little sister to have Mrs. Lori had been accepted he couldn't stop telling her how nice, kind and fun Mrs. Lori was, and how she was just going to love having her for a teacher," said Felicia Hager, parent of AJ and Aria.
Above: Incoming Senior High Principal Mike Owen presents the TOY award to his former employee, Tibbs.
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Pullum has worked in her present capacity since 2009. Her career as an educator began in 1993, teaching in various states including New Mexico, Minnesota and Michigan, before landing a job at Poplar Bluff Schools in 2008. She earned her master's in teaching cross-categorical special education from Western New Mexico University.
"Tanya has been a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves," stated Shelly Johnson, colleague to Pullum.
Above: Kindergarten Principal Carol Brotman (left) presents the TOY award to Pullum.
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Hefner has served in her current capacity since 2012. Her career in education began in 2001 as a fourth, fifth and sixth grade teacher in Clarkton. She received her Bachelor of Science from Southeast Missouri State University.
"She has purchased shoes, clothes, personal products and school supplies multiple times for students in need, many (of whom) were not in her classroom," said colleague Paula Bradley, 2015 district TOY.
Above: Lake Road Principal Erica Weadon (right) presents the TOY award to Hefner.
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Hanner has been employed in her current capacity since 2015, before which she completed her student teaching practicum at Oak Grove. This past year, she participated in an administration internship under Principal Jenifer Richardson. She is working toward her master's in elementary administration through Southeast Missouri State University.
"When girls' hair fell down she put it back out and she gave me confidence to read Junie B. Jones books," said Lyla Gilmore, first grader.
Above: Hanner proudly displays her TOY award.
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Foster has served in her present capacity since 2015, prior to which she worked in mental health, social services and as an educator for multiple schools and agencies in both Missouri and Georgia. She is currently working toward a doctorate in educational leadership from William Woods, where she also earned her specialist in leadership in education.
"She helps me with life lessons by reminding me to make good choices throughout the day," said Kinsley Gibbs, third grade student.
Above: O'Neal Principal Dr. Amy Dill (right) presents Foster her TOY award.
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Gambill's tenure at Poplar Bluff Schools spans 15 years, beginning as an elementary school instructor at Lake Road in 2002, where she was previously named the building TOY. She became a sixth grade teacher in 2015, before she assumed her current role as an English instructor. She earned her master's in American history and elementary administration, respectively, from Southeast Missouri State University.
"She has challenged my child and taught him well beyond what the state will ever be able to measure," said Lybby Mannon, parent of Layton Sanders.
Above: Junior High Principal Bob Case presents Gambill her TOY award.
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Cochran has taught in his current capacity since 2014, prior to which he worked in the carpentry industry since 1995, opening his own construction company within a decade. He was also named the TCC TOY last year. He is working toward his teaching degree through University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, majoring in career and technical education.
"Because of this class and Mr. Cochran, my son has decided he wants to be an electrician," stated Amy Bridgewater, parent of Wade.
Above: TCC Director Charles Kinsey (left) presents Cochran his second TOY plaque.
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Election Day
Election Day is Tuesday, April 4. Be sure to perform your civic duty and vote!
Spring Break
Spring break will run from Thursday through Monday, April 13-17. Class will resume for students on Tuesday, April 18. Happy Easter!
Foundation Golf Tourney
The Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation will host its 18th annual golf tournament at 1 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Ozark Ridge Golf Course. Lunch will be served at noon. All proceeds go to the non-profit organization, which funds student scholarships and innovative teacher projects. To enter a team in the four-person scramble, sponsor a hole or donate a prize, contact former superintendent Chris Hon by calling 573-718-0149. Hon has agreed to continue to organize the event to help raise money for the foundation.
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On Tuesday, March 28,
the DAR recognized our Junior High Students of the Month.
On Wednesday, March 29, the DAR published a photo spread from our Living Museum at Oak Grove.
On Thursday, March 30, the DAR continued its TOY series featuring Junior High TOY Julie Gambill, and promoted "School House Rock" performed by the PBHS Drama Club.
On Sunday, April 2, the DAR profiled our school board candidates, plus recognized PBHS senior Humza Siddiqui for being a finalist in the Missouri Scholars 100 Program.
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