About 100 students signed up for the opening day of Chess Club at the Middle School, immediately placing the after-school club next to Junior Beta as the upper elementary’s most active.

“I didn’t know chess is this popular,” fifth grader Elan Hocke commented. Elan has previously participated with a small community group, but since he no longer has enough time from when he gets off the bus, he said he usually plays alone.

When Principal Dr. Josh Teeter took over at the Middle School last year, he had plans to launch a club, but COVID-19 protocols prevented it. He also attempted to start one in his former post at Junior High, but said he never was able to put in the time necessary to promote it, plus he was contending with other interests like gaming.

“My goal for this whole thing, you know, if I ruled the world, would be to turn this into an elective class,” Teeter said. “Like sports, it gives kids another outlet.

“I struggled in math in Middle School, but no one could beat me at chess," continued Teeter, "so I knew I had brainpower."

The Middle School purchased 30 chessboard sets with instructions included from Wholesale Chess, and borrowed 10 more from another campus. Several students brought their own boards as well.

For the inaugural meeting this month, students who already knew how to play were paired with those who did not. Going forward, Teeter said the format would operate much like class in that there will be whole group and individual instruction. Tournament teams may emerge if enough students become serious.

The activity was so well-attended that it already has been divided into two weekly sessions instead of one, with multiple teacher chaperones. Fourth grade meets in the cafeteria from 3-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and grades five and six on Thursdays.

“Chess is what smart people do,” Teeter stated. “The kids don’t know this yet. They just think it’s fun.”

According to the principal, there are more possible variations in the first 20 moves of chess than atoms in the observable universe. Students who play for just one hour a week can improve their academic outcomes by 10 percent, he went on, and even higher when they compete at the tournament level.

Teeter noted on the permission slips to parents and guardians that chess could improve a child’s social-emotional development, cognitive abilities, communication skills and strategic planning.

Having played since he was 12 and competitively by age 14, Teeter was one of the founding members of the community chess club during the spring with Junior High math teacher Brett Russell, and an educator from Westwood Baptist Academy.

With a stroke of luck, a grandmaster from Minnesota, who now resides with his wife in the Doniphan area, has frequented the group. Teeter hopes to invite Dane Mattson, who is employed by Chess.com, to serve as a guest speaker for the students in the future.

Above: Fourth graders Baylee Ward and Elijah Mohr of Madison Copeland’s class contemplate the ending sequence of a chess game.

Below: Middle School Principal Dr. Josh Teeter talks chess strategy with students.

A Poplar Bluff Middle School teacher was among a shortlist of area educators out of 724 nominations to be selected in the second annual McDonald’s Outstanding Educator program.

Aleanna Moore, who presently teaches fourth grade math, was reportedly one of nine regional honorees including a single grand prize winner.

“We’re excited to recognize those who go above and beyond for our students through the Outstanding Educator awards,” stated local McDonald’s owner/operator Shannon Davis in a press release. “Our teachers are constantly adapting to whatever is thrown at them, while making sure the youth in our communities succeed!”

Moore has served at the Middle School for the past five years, before which she was employed at Oak Grove and Lake Road Elementary, respectively. Her tenure in public education began in 2008 in the North St. Francois County School District, teaching grade four the entire time.

Her colleague, Kendra McLevain, nominated her last month when submissions were being solicited via Facebook. “She is the most dedicated teacher I know,” McLevain wrote in part. “She is kind, compassionate, and caring and always puts her students’ needs first. She goes the extra mile for each and every student.”

McLevain elaborated that Moore is a “helpful and inspiring soul” and it is universally recognized among her co-workers. In fact, Moore was named the Middle School Teacher of the Year by her peers in 2018.

At the end of the month, Moore will receive a $100 Visa gift card, which she said she plans to use toward classroom headphone sets, a ‘best teacher ever’ coffee mug, and 25 free McDonald’s coupons to give out to students at her discretion.

According to Amanda Campbell, who handles the public relations for McDonald’s locally, Davis “loves recognizing educators” and plans to continue the contest for years to come. In addition to a Poplar Bluff location, Davis owns a total of 18 McDonald’s restaurants throughout the region.

Above: Middle School teacher Aleanna Moore (right), a 2021 McDonald’s Outstanding Educator, poses with her pod-mate, Kendra McLevain, in the fourth grade wing.

The Mules Booster Club has named Emilee Cheek and Kastin Caudel of Poplar Bluff High School the September Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Kastin, a senior swimmer, has helped set school records in the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay and the 400 freestyle relay. He also has anchored both freestyle relays in state consideration cuts for the 2021/22 season, and is currently working toward state consideration cuts in the 50 and 100 freestyle.

“Kastin is a true leader inside and outside of the pool. He shows the character of a responsible, well-rounded student from academics to his swim career,” stated Kyler Sowell, his coach. “He puts in the extra work for swimming such as attending trainings in Jonesboro to elevate his swim career and practicing one-on-one with private coaches in the Southeast Missouri area.”

Emilee, a senior softball player, has maintained a batting average of .479, an on-base percentage of .494 and a .685 slugging percentage, with 26 singles, 4 doubles, 4 triples, 1 home run, 27 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. In the classroom, she has earned a 10.771-grade point average.

“As a senior, Emilee has been a fantastic leader for our softball team. Not only is she a statistical leader on the team, but also a leader by example on and off the field,” said Joel McDuffey, her coach. “Emilee is constantly working hard to be her best at everything she does. Because of this, she is a strong role model for everyone on the team.”

Above: Kastin Caudel and Emilee Cheek are presented AOM awards on Thursday, Oct. 14, by Booster Club vice president Brian Taylor.

Lake Road third grade students were kept inside for recess one day last month, when a sink was being replaced in teacher Kasi Aldridge’s classroom.

The students were inquisitive, so Roger Lewis and Terry Morris from the Maintenance Department took the opportunity to show them how to seal a sink with putty so it does not leak.

“I just wanted to give a shoutout… Great job, guys,” wrote Aldridge, with the above photo submission.

Due to the rain, the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has rescheduled its 2nd Car & Motor Show for 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, on campus at 3209 Oak Grove Rd. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 the day of to enter a car, truck, boat or side-by-side here. Platinum, gold and silver sponsorships are available. For details, contact auto repair instructor Denni White at denniwhite@pb.k12.mo.us. Proceeds for the annual fundraiser go toward program-related events/trips for students to experience and discover new tools, techniques, technology and innovations offered in their respective industries.

On Monday, Oct. 4, KWOC reported about the postponement of our annual TCC Car & Motor Show.

On Tuesday, Oct. 5, the ShowMe Times reported about our PLTW design and modeling class hosting a special guest speaker from the field of engineering.

KWOC reported about our All-District Choir students.

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, the DAR reported about our Mark Twain students teaming up with the Bread Shed; and our McDonald’s Outstanding Educator.

On Friday, Oct. 8, KFVS12 aired a news segment about a Eugene Field teacher receiving a grant through the MRTA’s new Cash for Classrooms program. 

The ShowMe Times also reported about Michelle Adams’ STEM project; and our PBHS Choir’s recent success. 

On Monday, Oct. 11, KWOC announced our Basketball Showdown lineup.