First day was also busy after school

Activity at the new East Middle School did not stop when the 3:30 p.m. bell rang.

Members of show choir, the football team, and others were still in the commons area or in the auditorium until around 5 p.m.

East Middle School opens

Classes began Wednesday at the new East Middle School. The day opened with TA, followed by a short assembly, featuring Mr. Rocky Biggers and Ms. Lara Stamper doing a version of the classic Abbott and Costello routine "Who's on First?", along with cheers from the East Middle School cheerleaders.

During the remainder of the day regular classes were held, even though each class spent about 20 minutes in the auditorium going over the rules with Assistant Principal Mr. Jarrett Cook.

Possible changes for ZAP program discussed

Nothing is set in stone, but changes may be in the offing for the ZAP (Zeros Aren't Permitted) program at East Middle School.

Eighth grade math teacher Mr. Brian Neugebauer presented a proposal at a meeting this afternoon in the EMS conference room. More information will be available at a later date.

Emergency drills to begin next Monday at East

Emergency drills will begin 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24 at East Middle School with a fire drill , reverse drill, and lockdown drill.

The first tornado drill is set for 2:40 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Mr. Wolf's mural to go on East library wall

An original piece of artwork will soon be featured on the east wall in the East Middle School Library.

Joplin High School art teacher Seth Wolfshorndl, formerly South Middle School art teacher, has been commissioned to do the mural and has posted his basic drawing on which the artwork will be based on his blog, as well as other information about the project.

Teachers' meetings held on first day back

East Middle School teachers participated in meetings all day following the traditional kickoff pep rally in the Coulter Auditorium at Joplin High School. In the top photo, East teachers met during the afternoon in the choir room. In the center photo, Mrs. Clara Ervin, the new teaching coach, talks to the faculty. Bottom, Mrs. Angel Mense, Mrs. Cathy Baker, Mrs. Andrea Thomas, and Mrs. Nina English during the middle school communication arts meeting during the morning at JHS.

I also accidentally included this video of the dance that concluded the skit at this morning's Joplin Schools kickoff rally.

Kickoff ceremonies held for Joplin Schools personnel

The annual opening day pep rally for all Joplin Schools personnel was held this morning at Joplin High School.

The traditional festivities included performances from the JHS Band and Cheerleaders, a skit featuring district personnel, introduction of Golden Eagle and Golden Wing winners, (including Randy French and Brenda Fenix from East Middle School) and speeches from JHS student Andrew Noel, Superintendent C. J. Huff, and Joplin Teacher of the Year Monica Boyd from Jefferson Elementary.

(Videos: JHS Band, Randy French accepts Golden Eagle award, JHS cheerleaders. More videos coming)

Open House held at East Middle School

Open House was held at the new East Middle School Thursday.

The all-day affair concluded with speeches in the common area Thursday evening, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Welcome to East Middle School Roundabout

Welcome to the East Middle School Roundabout.

The site, formerly known as Room 210 News, will feature news and video of East Middle School students and staff, as well as featuring the accomplishments of those who went to the old South Middle School.

The site will be frequently updated by the East Middle School Journalism Club, under the direction of Mr. Randy Turner and Mrs. Angel Mense.

Final post for Room 210 News

I wanted to make the last post for Room 210 News something special that would appeal to all of the students who have been in Room 210 at South Middle School. Each year after the evil MAP tests have been completed, students in my eighth grade communication class watch the 1967 Sidney Poitier movie To Sir With Love. When the next post is made, this blog will have a different name and be about a different school, but the news of the students who have been in Room 210 and in South Middle School will always be featured.