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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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R-I earns national award for third year in row
A Poplar Bluff elementary school has been nationally recognized for its exceptional student achievement for the third year in a row.
Oak Grove was one of two federally-funded schools in Missouri and only 73 in the United States to receive the 2019 National ESEA Distinguished School award Wednesday through Thursday, Feb 5-6, in Atlanta. The other Missouri school was New Madrid, also located in the Southeast region of the state.
"Your dedication and hard work never go unnoticed," stated R-I Assistant Superintendent of Business Dr. Amy Jackson, congratulating Oak Grove Principal Jenifer Richardson. "You are a remarkable leader and have worked tirelessly for many years to ensure our students' success and teachers' success!"
Oak Grove was selected for 'exceptional student performance and academic growth for two or more consecutive years,' which is one of three award categories. On the Missouri Assessment Program test in the 2018/19 school year, the elementary school scored 85.5 percent proficient or advanced in math, up from 84.5 the previous year, and 81.9 in English language arts, an increase over 75.7 during 2017/18.
Lake Road was named a National ESEA Distinguished School in the same program category in
2018. In
2017, Oak Grove first earned the honor, formerly known as the National Title 1 award, for 'closing the achievement gap between student groups for two or more consecutive years.'
In its school biography on the network website, Oak Grove attributed its recent accomplishments in part to community partnerships that include AmeriCorps, the Boys and Girls Club, its Bright Futures Site Council, the Butler County Community Resource Council and an active Parent Teacher Organization, supporting activities such as power hour, the lunch buddy program, the Jingle Jog, Math-A-Thon and much more.
"The work that I'd say has driven our success is the collaboration taking place among our teachers, but it takes every single person-day in and day out-to make this happen, and you can't let up," Richardson said. "We have the framework in place that guides us, but we have flexibility within that framework because things are constantly changing, and you need to readjust and recalibrate for each individual kid every year in order to achieve maximum student performance."
Since 1996, the national program has highlighted up to two selected schools per state that have successfully used federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to "improve the education for all students," including those who are "economically disadvantaged," according to a press release from the overseeing association.
Above: Oak Grove Principal Jenifer Richardson accepts the National ESEA award earlier this month in Atlanta, with support on stage from (left to right) teachers Becky Ingles, Carey Wilkerson and Gabby Bullock; R-I Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Patty Robertson; and Title 1 Director JoAnne Westbrook.
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Eugene Field raises $1,100 during Coronation
Eugene Field held its eighth annual Valentine King and Queen Coronation on Friday, Feb. 14, raising $1,100 for the elementary school's Parent Teacher Organization.
Each class nominated a king and queen based on the characteristic of kindness, according to counselor Esther Luna, who referred to the event as the elementary school's version of homecoming. Then piggy banks were set up in the hallway to determine grade level winners based on who collected the most change from the public during the chili supper.
Paula Jackson and Hunter Brown received the first grade crowns. Paula wishes to be a teacher when she grows up. Her favorite habit is think win-win "because I like to visit my Mimi and that's a win-win," she said. Hunter wants to one day be a firefighter and "save the world." His favorite habit is to synergize because "it is a good way to help people," he said.
Olivia Tinker and Jalen Hill were the second grade leaders. Olivia would like to become a teacher when she grows up. Her favorite habit is work then play, because when you put first things first, "you always get your work done fast," she said. Jalen aspires to be a cook when he grows up. His favorite habit is to synergize because "it gives you the opportunity to work with other people," he said.
Taylor Proctor and Bryton Segraves were the third grade royalty. When Taylor grows up, she said she wants to run a company with her cousin. Her favorite habit is to seek first to understand then be understood, because "it reminds me of good times and how it feels good to do the right thing," she said. Bryton desires to be a basketball star when he grows up. His favorite habit is to be proactive because, he said, "it reminds me to be nice to other people."
Above: First graders Hunter Brown and Paula Jackson celebrate upon learning they are grade-level king and queen at the conclusion of the Coronation.
Below: Jacquline Bryant (right) and Sophia Riley emcee this year's event.
Click
here to view all 140+ photos added to our running album, and please help us tag our parents who may have missed it!
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A group of Middle School fifth graders made a $200 donation to the Poplar Bluff Animal Shelter on Thursday, Feb. 20, after spearheading a weeklong T-shirt
campaign.
The students brainstormed the fundraising idea for "kindness week" in Alexander Bolt's class, ultimately helping to design T-shirts that read 'Save the Paws.' The girls then sold the shirts on campus until Valentine's Day, with half the proceeds intended to provide care for stray animals, while the rest would go toward the screen printing.
The Save the Paws organization includes Jessalyn and Shyane Bryant, Austyn Gholson, Alayna Gore, Khynaria Jackson, Krista Mattox, Bergindy Octuck and Jamyrah Ray.
Above: The Save the Paws organization makes a donation to officers Mark Hastings (right) and Dan St. Lawrence of Poplar Bluff Animal Control on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the Middle School.
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Students experience professional play series
Poplar Bluff students, grades Kindergarten to Middle School, were provided an opportunity to experience a select play, thanks to the Patrons of the Arts Society.
Performed by The Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis, the series of plays included "The Elves and the Shoemaker," "The Ant and the Grasshopper" and "Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical" from November to February at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center of Three Rivers College.
For several years, a theater experience has been provided to area students through a partnership with the Patrons of the Arts, which has a mission to bring special music, art, drama, dance, literature, lecture and film to the community.
This year's plays were subsidized by the Bank of Missouri, Daily American Republic, First Midwest Bank, Poplar Bluff Realty, and instructors of the Ben and Martha Bidewell Fitness Center.
Above: Actors (from left) Omega Jones, Sophia Brown, Kate Shaefer and Essence Tyler participate in a Q&A with fourth graders following a performance of "Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical" on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Tinnin Center.
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January Athletes of the Month named
The Mules Booster Club has named Kiley Bess and Quinten Bell of Poplar Bluff High School the January Athletes of the Month, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
Quinten, a senior wrestler, is 31-6 this season with 14 pins, adding to his career total of 121 wins, the seventh all-time highest. He was the Patriot Classic champion, a 2018 state qualifier, and a three-time All-Conference wrestler, not to mention an All-Conference defensive back in football. In the classroom, he maintains a 9.63 grade point average.
"Quinten is an incredibly hard worker and leads by example in the wrestling room. His work in the classroom is equally impressive," said Kelton Thompson, his coach. "Quinten has had a tremendous career as a Poplar Bluff wrestler as a result of his determination and focus on evolving on the mat, and doing things the right way all the time."
Kiley, a senior basketball player, is the top scorer of all-time in Lady Mules history - with over 2,000 points. In the month of January, she averaged 23.2 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists per game. She has made the Liberty Lady Eagle Classic All-Tournament team. In the classroom, she maintains an 11.170 GPA.
"Kiley is a great player with a great work ethic," said J.D. Pattillo, her coach. "She is also a great student, and that carries over to her intelligence on the court."
Above: Presenting the AOM awards to Kiley Bess and Quinten Bell on Tuesday, Feb. 11, is Booster Club vice president Brian Taylor.
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Kindergarten Enrollment
Early 2020/21 enrollment for the Kindergarten Center will take place from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Feb. 25-27, plus 4-6 p.m. on the final day at the 1200 Camp Road school location. Child(ren) must be 5 years old by July 31, 2020. Parents are asked to bring birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency and immunization records.
Leadership Day
The 7th annual Leadership Day, themed "Be the Change," is slated to take place from 9-11 a.m. Friday, March 13, at Eugene Field. To RSVP, contact the elementary school at 573-785-4047.
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On Tuesday, Feb. 11, the DAR
reported about our milk dispenser pilot program launch; Aaron Taylor of PBHS earning a four-year U.S. Army scholarship; and our JROTC being accredited as an Honor Unit with Distinction.
On Thursday, Feb. 13, the ShowMe Times
reported about our JROTC cadets' Gold HUD Star badge; as well as our second PBHS student earning a full U.S. Army scholarship this year.
On Friday, Feb. 14, the DAR
recognized our PBJHS Students of the Month.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, the DAR
published a photo display of our music students participating in the TRC Jazz Festival.
On Thursday, Feb. 20, River Radio
featured Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill providing a district update on KWOC, Clear 94 and The Bone.
Life Radio
also featured Dr. Dill, along with Communications Director Tim Krakowiak, on Brittney on the Bluff.
On Friday, Feb. 21, the DAR
published the first of a series of columns about Career and Technical Education Month by TCC Director Charles Kinsey.
On Saturday, Feb. 22, the DAR
published part two of Mr. Kinsey's CTE column series.
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