|
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.
|
HVAC program forges local industry partnerships
The HVAC program at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has been receiving scrap equipment donations from businesses as inroads are being made to further align the curriculum with local industry standards.
Aire Solutions, B&T Heating & Cooling, Black River HVAC Services, S&L Heating & Air, and Cummings Real Estate have recently supplied split systems, PTAC units and a geothermal for students to break down in order to gain applicable practice.
"I try to replicate a real-world setting as much as possible," said Dan Parker, HVAC instructor. "It's a lot cheaper to break something that's already been broken instead of buying new so students can use all the hand tools to tear it apart."
Parker graduated at the top of the TCC's HVAC class in 2013 and started teaching this school year after working in the field and later opening his own service, Need Air. He earned his bachelor's degree in business from the University of Missouri, and is presently working toward a master's in career & technical education from the University of Central Missouri.
One of his first orders of business as an instructor was reaching out and inviting area heating and air company representatives to sit on his program advisory board, which he is still in the process of revising. "You gotta keep up with what the area wants; that is a different thing than the national industry," he explained, adding that types of systems utilized in homes vary by region.
When the position became available at the TCC, Parker said his motivation in applying was to have a hand in getting younger people involved in the profession. "The reason I was interested in teaching is there is no one really under the age of 30 in the industry, even [employed] as helpers," Parker observed.
Each of his seniors already have jobs lined up when they graduate in May, noted Parker, and he is actively recruiting adults and area high school students for the 2021/22 school year. "Because the customer, we exist," is part of a mantra Parker emphasizes. Once a month, the students make popcorn and deliver it across campus to help improve their interpersonal communications.
Charles Kinsey, who pointed out that he took over as TCC director the year Parker graduated from the HVAC program as an adult student, commended Parker for establishing new partnerships with industry professionals whom he has witnessed swing by the classroom shop to help when a particular skill is being taught.
"Mr. Parker is trying to change the trajectory of an industry that I would say is historically ignored by people under the age of 30, and we're starting to see the numbers rebound as younger folks are viewing the career in a different light," Kinsey stated. "We're excited about the new partnerships, including recent conversations with Three Rivers College, and are looking to continue to develop these types of relationships in all of our programs in any of our geographical areas."
Enrollment into the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning program is now open through March. To learn more, contact the TCC at 573-785-2248. Visit the TCC on Facebook to watch a video series spotlighting each of its programs.
Above: Jae-Kwon Holloway, a junior, is servicing an HVAC system under the instruction of Dan Parker.
Below: Harold Yarbro, a senior, is shown using nitrogen to perform a weld on an HVAC unit.
|
Substitute teacher compensation increased, fees reimbursable
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson approved last week a reimbursement extension for people interested in obtaining their substitute teaching certification during the public health emergency.
Graduates of high school have until Sunday, Feb. 28, to complete approximately 20 hours of online training as an alternative to the standard 60-college hour requirement to help combat a substitute shortage. Online training, application and background check fees are all reimbursable through the state's Coronavirus Relief Fund.
"We've always had a sub shortage, but now it's been addressed at the state level through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in order to help schools keep their doors open in the midst of the public health crisis," commented Dr. Scott Dill, R-I superintendent. "In combination with this, on the local level, we increased our pay rate to help hire the individuals needed to continue providing the quality of education our students are accustomed to receiving in the Poplar Bluff School District."
During the December school board meeting, the Board of Education voted unanimously to raise guest teacher compensation from $70 to $90 per day, and $100 for retirees of the Poplar Bluff school system. Last month, 11 substitutes were hired as a result of the efforts made, and the district continues to seek individuals interested in serving in the classroom when faculty members are absent.
"We value all substitutes, of course, but when a regular teacher can't be present, there is no replacement for the experience that a retired teacher from this system brings to the classroom," Dill explained. "I think incentivizing teachers retired from our district leads to the best possible outcome for our kids."
According to a DESE administrative memo from Assistant Education Commissioner Paul Katnik, those who paid the $175 online training fee from Nov. 5, 2020-Feb. 28, 2021 or the $50 application fee through March 21, 2021 will receive automatic reimbursements beginning at the end of next month. In addition, the R-I district will reimburse employees the cost associated with fingerprinting upon completion of 10 full days of subbing.
Poplar Bluff Schools will host a substitute training class as a requirement for non-retirees to be activated in the system from 4-8 p.m. March 8 and April 6. To fill out a substitute application packet, please visit the Administrative Building at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd.
To register for the alternative online training available through February, visit Frontline Education here. More information about state reimbursements and certification can be found on DESE's substitute teachers webpage.
Above: Administrative Office Assistant Laura Barrett (left) reviews paperwork from substitute teaching applicant Mikayla Hodge on Friday, Jan. 29.
|
Students design model greenhouses
Poplar Bluff High School students worked in groups to design their ideal greenhouse during a recent class project in the greenhouse elective, under the instruction of Kathryn Clark.
"After spending our unit discussing different types and designs of greenhouses, they had to create their own," Clark explained. "They made a presentation of their project to include all the elements we talked about in the unit: greenhouse type, covering, watering, flooring type, heating, tables, layout, goals of the producers, et cetera."
The students had a week to create their design utilizing mostly donated materials, added Clark, and then they presented their concept in front of the small class.
Above: Students Kelsey Harris (left) and Kaylen Baker display their model greenhouse.
Below: (Left to right) Kaile Harper, Audrey Rahlmann, Sabrina Hurst and Alisah Dicken present their class project.
|
|
|
|
|
The Stable
A ribbon cutting will be held in celebration of the grand opening of our PBHS swag store at 3:45 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Operated by Student Council, the Stable will be open for business during varsity sporting events.
Kindergarten Enrollment
Early 2021/22 enrollment for the Kindergarten Center will take place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 23-25, as well as 4-7 p.m. on the final day at the 1200 Camp Road location. Call the office at 573-785-4905 between the hours of 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday to schedule an appointment. Child(ren) must be 5 years old by July 31, 2021. Parents are asked to bring birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency and immunization records. Click here to learn about social distancing guidelines in place.
|
On Tuesday, Jan. 26, the DAR reported about our students touring the watercolor exhibit at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum.
KWOC reported about its streaming service offered during Mules Basketball games.
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, the DAR reported about our record-high graduation rate of 94.3 percent.
KWOC reported about the TCC opening esthetics and barbering programming to area high school students.
On Thursday, Jan. 28, the DAR honored our December Athletes of the Month.
On Friday, Jan. 29, KWOC reported about our annual Math-A-Thon fundraiser kickoff.
|
|
|
|
|
