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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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Computer science students create 911 app
Computer science students at the Technical Career Center are entering the exploration phase of launching a potential 911 app, upon catching the attention of public officials.
Robbie Myers, Butler County emergency management director, visited the class with school board president John Scott on Thursday, Jan. 9, to preview the application, designed to send a text message or photo to first responders in emergency situations.
Myers said he is impressed with the "functionality" of the app, and "applauds" the students for troubleshooting when obstacles have arisen instead of giving up. He could not have gotten the technology to the proof of concept stage, he continued to say, so he is confident they will figure out how to take it to the next developmental level.
"Most of us are just happy to be able to install an update to an app," Myers said, half-jokingly. "I'm excited about what to download from you in the future."
Under Project Lead The Way, the curriculum provider, students were tasked with creating an app through MIT App Inventor that would benefit the community during the first month of the
new program offered at the TCC. Quinn Johnson, a junior, brainstormed the idea and his group of classmates determined that only about 2 percent of the population are able to text 911 due to landline limitations.
The students previously presented the app during the October school board meeting, catching the interest of former state senator Bill Foster, who happened to be in attendance on behalf of C3 Green Energy. Myers said he is going to collaborate with Foster to arrange a presentation in front of industry folks next month, and garner legislative recognition in Jefferson City.
The students will further submit their work during the district SkillsUSA competition on Feb. 14 in New Madrid, with Quinn serving as the group speaker, Maria Powell serving as designer, Jeremy Bell as coder, and Kristen Laird - notetaker.
Above: Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers visits with (clockwise) instructor Michael Barrett, student Maria Powell, TCC Director Charles Kinsey, board president John Scott, and students Jeremy Bell, Kristen Laird and Quinn Johnson.
Below: Displaying the app they created as well as arcade games following the school board meeting on Oct. 17 are (from left) instructor Michael Barrett; students Maria Powell, Kristen Laird and Jeremy Bell; and Director Charles Kinsey. Not present was classmate Quinn Johnson.
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JROTC student earns Army scholarship
A cadet from the JOTC program at Poplar Bluff High School has been selected in the very first round to receive a four-year U.S. Army scholarship.
Senior Elizabeth Shirrell,
commander of the Pvt. Billie Kanell JROTC Battalion, is the first cadet within the history of the program to be awarded during round one of three, according to senior Army instructor Gregory Crites, noting a total of 35 PBHS students have earned the scholarship.
"She had an excellent ACT score, is in the top five of her class let's say, and she's basically involved in anything and everything," said Maj. Crites, adding that Elizabeth is on the drill team, the raider team and spent two years in band. "It'd be hard to find someone better qualified."
An estimated 12,000-14,000 high school students from across the country apply for the Army scholarship, according to Crites. Elizabeth was able to submit on the application four choices of colleges, with Truman State University in Kirksville topping the list. She plans to become a nurse practitioner. She will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army when she serves her mandatory four years.
Above: PBHS senior Elizabeth Shirrell-pictured on Thursday, Jan. 9-plans to pursue a nursing degree from Truman State University with a U.S. Army scholarship.
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December Athletes of the Month named
The Mules Booster Club has named Paige Bradley and Gatlin Taylor of Poplar Bluff High School the December Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Gatlin, a sophomore wrestler, is 14-1 this season, with 13 wins coming by pin. He was the Tiger Classic champion, the Bring the Hammer champion, Patriot Classic runner-up and a 2019 state qualifier. Having lettered both in wrestling and academics his freshman year, Gatlin maintains a 10.857 grade point average.
"Gatlin is a great teammate and does anything you ask him to do on and off the mat," said Kelton Thompson, his coach. "He has continued to evolve on the mat because of his high level of character and his ability to be coached. His work ethic in the wrestling room and classroom is a great example for the rest of the team."
Paige, a senior swimmer, is the current record holder in the 6 and 11-dive, as well as the conference record holder in the 11-dive. Having qualified for state this past weekend, Paige has posted consideration state cut times in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay. In the classroom, she maintains an 11.571 GPA.
"Paige Bradley is a dedicated athlete in any sport she participates in," said Elizabeth Lewis, her coach. "She trains year-round and is [still] able to keep up with her classes. She has a joyful personality and is so much fun to work with."
Above: Presenting the AOM awards to Paige Bradley and Gatlin Taylor on Thursday, Jan. 9, is Booster Club vice president Brian Taylor.
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FCC sponsors $400 classroom makeover
FCC Behavioral Health has volunteered to sponsor a classroom makeover for the sixth annual PB Connect to be hosted at Poplar Bluff High School later this month.
The winning teacher of the drawing will be able to go on a $400 shopping spree at IKEA in St. Louis. This is the second year an IKEA gift certificate will be raffled off during the internal professional development workshop, scheduled to take place Tuesday, Jan. 21, on teacher collaboration day.
Special education teacher Terrie Sullivan of the Middle School won in 2019, and was able to use the funds to purchase a rolling cart, bookshelf, and various bins and totes-among other items-to better organize her classroom.
"I used to be a school psychologist and a counselor, so I know how much teachers can use the help, or else it ends up coming out of their own pockets," explained Racheal Ward, program director for the community behavioral health center.
Above: (Left to right) Racheal Ward of FCC Behavioral Health presents a check on Monday, Jan. 6, to R-I instructional coaches Keri Jameson and Stephanie Kuper, the organizers over PB Connect.
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Board Meeting
The Board of Education will host its regularly scheduled monthly school board meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, in the Administrative Building.
January Break
School is dismissed from Monday through Wednesday, Jan. 20-22, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, followed by PB Connect and teacher collaboration day. School will resume on Thursday, Jan. 23.
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On Friday, Dec. 27, the DAR
recognized our Junior High Students of the Month.
On Saturday, Dec. 28, the DAR
reported about Madison Bulger of the PBHS Class of 2015 being awarded the inaugural Quad County Medical Society scholarship.
On Friday, Jan. 3, the DAR
featured a Q&A with Middle School teacher Stephanie Link; and honored our Junior High Students of the Month.
On Saturday, Jan. 4, the DAR
reported about our Junior High Pom Squad performing during the pregame show at the Citrus Bowl.
On Thursday, Jan. 9, the DAR
reported about TCC expanding its sending school draw to include Westwood Baptist and Dexter.
On Friday, Jan. 10, the DAR
reported about our school Foundation's mini-grant recipients; highlighted a Lion's Club donation to our state-bound band students; recognized our Middle School Students of the Month; and published a photo gallery from recess at O'Neal Elementary.
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