East Middle School Roundabout

First-ever East Middle School Quiz Bowl meet a success

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

East Middle School's first-ever quiz bowl meet was held Thursday night, with schools from Joplin, Carl Junction, Monett, Diamond, and Lamar attending.

EMS eighth grade A team won three games, while the seventh grade B team won four and the sixth grade team won one.

Eighth grade communication arts classes research civil rights movement

2012-01-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

Students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts classes are studying the American Civil Rights Movement during the third quarter.

During the past two weeks, students have researched various civil rights topics on the internet and through books in the library and from Mr. Turner's personal collection.

The eighth graders have to write a 1,000 word research paper, and do oral and multi-media presentations. For extra credit, many students are attempting to contact and interview some of those who played roles in the movement.

Students check posting for Cinderella roles

2012-01-20T05:46:00.000-08:00

In this photo, East Middle School students check the list outside Ms. Lara Stamper's drama classroom to find out which of them received roles in the upcoming Drama Department production of "Cinderella," and which roles those would be.

Teachers discuss changes to Encore classes

2012-01-17T05:05:00.000-08:00

The conversation at most of the teacher meetings held Monday at East Middle School revolved around changes to Encore.

The changes, which will go into effect in the near future are designed to provide more structure to Encore, a 32-minute period sandwiched between third and fourth hours.

More information about the changes will be provided soon on East Middle School Roundabout.

(Photo: Faculty members Mr. Shawn Neill, Mr. Kasey Pliler, and Mr. Michael Wallace are shown during the eighth grade meeting.)

Cast selected for "Cinderella"

2012-01-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

The cast of the East Middle School Drama Department's production of "Cinderella" has been selected:

Anastasia----------------------------------Amy Koch
Cinderella---------------------------------Audrey Kanan
Drizella------------------------------------Ilah Wallace
Fairy Godmother------------------------Amelia Street
Grand Dutchess--------------------------Bonnie Johnson
Gus-----------------------------------------Dakotah Hutchins
Herald-------------------------------------Donna Tomlinson
Jaq------------------------------------------Casey Stewart
King---------------------------------------- William Sinclair
Luke---------------------------------------- Chris Springer
Narrator 1---------------------------------Grace Rouch
Narrator 2---------------------------------Aurelia Taylor
Perla----------------------------------------Emmalea Dailey
Prince Charming-------------------------Ethan Holtz
Stepmother--------------------------------Katelynne Yonkers
Town Crier 1------------------------------Melanee Day
Town Crier 2------------------------------Mary Jones
Mice:----------------------------------------Shyann Long
Ryan Ball
Morgan Wilson
Ashley Koch
Emma Willerton
Ginger Gormley
Anna Nguyen

Villagers/Ladies at ball-----------------Melinda Adams
Alley Genser
Angel Capehart
Kaitlyn Wilcox
Kiah Poulson
Desiree Hawkins

Automatic BUM Crew-------------------Allyson Holz
Katie Brown
Aleah Keem
Abbi Esinhart
Kaytra Kaufhardt
Cassandra Williams
Bailee Lewis
Abby Lewis
Carissa Scalia
Shyla A

EMS students receive Nook training

2012-01-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

Approximately a dozen East Middle School students received training in the use of Nooks this morning in the library.

The training session was conducted by representatives from Barnes and Noble, which manufactures the reading tablets.

Sometime within the next few days, all EMS students will be able to check out Nooks to take home.

Cast for "Cinderella" to be announced today

2012-01-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

PHOTOS by KATIE BROWN
and EMMA SIMON

The cast for the East Middle School Drama Department production of "Cinderella" will be announced this afternoon.

Tryouts were held Monday through Thursday. The production is under the direction of Ms. Lara Stamper.

Board moves ahead with plans for new East Middle School

2012-01-10T04:58:00.000-08:00

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education voted Friday to move ahead with plans for the new East Middle School and two elementary schools.

East Middle School will be designed for a 750-student capacity at an estimated cost of $23.3 million. A 450-student-capacity elementary school will be built next to East Middle School to serve Duquesne and Duenweg students. The two facilities will share space including a kitchen but will maintain separate identities. The estimated cost for the elementary school is $12.75 million. A name for this new elementary school has not been decided. The current Duquesne and Duenweg Elementary School properties will be held for future growth and a possible early childhood center.

HIgh school students speak to Mr. Turner's class

2012-01-05T05:41:00.000-08:00

Joplin High School freshmen and sophomores spoke to Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts classes Monday, December 19.

The students talked about the third quarter civil rights research project and about what eighth graders should expect when they begin attending JHS next year.

(Photo- JHS sophomore Taryn Parker tells students about her research into the 1964 murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi.)

JEMS Show Choir performs at Christmas Assembly

2012-01-05T05:37:00.000-08:00

The JEMS Show Choir, under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers, performed at the Christmas Assembly Tuesday, December 20, in the commons area.

Mrs. Guiles plays Santa as part of STUCO fundraiser

2012-01-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Tina Guiles (formerly Springer), sixth grade math teacher, provided holiday cheer at East Middle School, Tuesday, December 20, when she dressed as Santa all day.

Mrs. Guiles wore the Santa suit following an election during the first part of December. Students voted for either her, Mr. Kasey Pliler, Mr. Mike Wallace, or Mr. Jason Vance, by placing money in jars. The money went to the Student Council's "Christmas 4 Kids" project.

Student Council furnishes Christmas 4 Kids

2012-01-05T05:18:00.000-08:00

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
Editor

The E-F5 tornado that ran through the southwestern Missouri town of Joplin might have destroyed many of the town's businesses, schools, and homes, but there was one element of the town against the storm that was indestructible, almost untouchable. Yes, Joplin was not a very pretty sight after the raging winds of the May 22nd tornado took course through the town, but the spirit of Joplin, held deep inside each Joplin citizen, was still very much alive and in sustainable condition. When the heart of America seemed torn and in pieces, who was there to pick up the sections and patch them up again? The people. That's what took immediate action after the mere minutes of destruction.

Seconds after the treacherous clouds passed, Joplin citizens could be found scattered around the many disheveled neighborhoods helping, simply just helping. Helping collect personal items, helping treat injuries, basically helping with whatever needed to be done. Hearts seemed to reach out to other hearts as members of the town put others' needs before themselves. Neighbors helped neighbors, families helped families, and friends helped foes. People helped people that they didn't know, that they just met up the street. The list continues on and on. The sight of this functioning, of the progression of help being offered was incredible and tremendously heartwarming. Truth be told, this organization of helping is what dragged Joplin out of the destructed, mourning phase and into a more hopeful, rebuilding phase. All the help, including the huge help from out of city volunteers, made a huge impact. An impact that is still being made today due to the rebuilding of this once torn city.

While the impact is being made, what must not be forgotten is who is making the impact and who is contributing to it. Just as said before, volunteers contribute greatly to the impact, but they're not the only ones.

Different schools and organizations from all over the world have also been kindly generous in their donations of different items needed for Joplin's citizens and care. Joplin has not only received donations of money, but also clothes, toys, and many other things used in everyday life. Most importantly, Joplin has received a gift that can never be lost. Love. Joplin has received loads and loads of love, care, and kindness in the months that have passed since the disaster. But yet again, this is not all that has made the large impact. Citizens of Joplin of all ages and sizes came together as a community and did different tasks and certain small things that made all the difference. Together, these incredible people charged through the destruction and found buried beneath it, the true meaning of Joplin; a city that stands united as one even in the worst of time.

And that is honestly one hundred percent true. Even in their time of desperate need and sadness, Joplin stuck together and is continuing to do life-changing things for the benefits of others. This act of pure samaritanism is displayed in operations of charity through schools and city organizations, such as a program referred to as "Christmas 4 Kids" ran by the Joplin East Middle School Student Council and Joplin Fire Department.

"Christmas 4 Kids" is a program in which money is raised to buy toys for kids that are less fortunate. These toys are distributed to the children by the Joplin Fire Department, and the money is raised and used to buy toys by the East Middle School Student Council. Mr. Rocky Biggers, the student council sponsor, has been running this program ever since he first took charge of the student council, which would have been about fifteen years ago. Some past fundraisers for this event have been running concession stands for different after school activities, organizing car washes, working with corporate sponsors, and even just asking for donations for this charitable deed.

This year's student council, however, had to change some of the plans intended for the fundraising part of the cycle. Since East Middle School was demolished, or somewhat damaged during the tornado, the students and faculty were moved to a temporary building, former warehouse. The warehouse was designed to fit the school's needs, but sporting events are not held at the temporary building, meaning that concession stands are no longer available or needed. Much of the past student council's money came from working the concession stands, but since this was no longer a fundraising option, other ideas and projects had to be put into action in order to make up the money usually raised by the stands. Thankfully, a donation of nine hundred dollars was given to the student council from a hair salon in Texas. This money, along with what was raised from a student council sponsored dance and small fundraisers, helped buy tons of toys for tons of kids.

After all that has been done for Joplin, the East Middle School Student Council felt that it should give back to the community by continuing this heartfelt event. Since the tragic tornado, everything was handed to them, and they wanted to return the favor. One of Mr. Biggers' favorite parts of the event is watching the students shop for toys. He commented that they really take it to heart and try to stretch the dollar as far as they can to satisfy the many children counting on them for toys.

The impact made on these children is unknown for confidentiality reasons, but every year, the East Middle School Student Council can expect a phone call from the Joplin Fire Department asking them to continue this beneficial tradition. Not only does it benefit the children, but it benefits Joplin's community as a whole; because, what is Joplin without its people?

A Journalism Club Christmas Special

2011-12-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
Editor

What are some special Christmas traditions at your house? Do you sit around the fireplace and roast marshmallows? Maybe you and your family are the type who like to curl up on the couch and watch TV on Christmas Eve. Or maybe you stay up real late waiting for Santa Claus to come down the chimney (or through the door if you don't have a chimney).

Christmas is a time filled with tons of special traditions and rituals that make up one special day. Some people even have the tradition of being spontaneous, meaning that things just come along unplanned , and in surprises.

Well, what the East Middle School Journalism Club really wanted to know is, what are some of East's traditions?

What are some of the East faculty and students going to do this year for Christmas? And what everyone really wants to know, what does East want for Christmas?

Mrs. Giles (Springer),the sixth grade math teacher, said she would be spending Christmas this year in Oklahoma with her sister. One of her Christmas traditions is having her father read the Christmas Story out of the Bible to her before opening presents. And, she really, absolutely wants tickets to the Raiders-Chiefs game!

Walker Lutes, seventh grader wants to spend some quality time with his family, and that's exactly how he plans to spend his Christmas that, and playing lots of games. His Christmas tradition is carrying on the belief of old St. Nick.

Who is going to have lots of guests at her house on the big day? Mrs. Sue Macy, secretary to the principal, plans on having her kids and grandkids at her house, where they will perform some important traditions. First, they are going to eat then they will play games and play with her grandkids' toys. Mrs. Macy says she can't thihk of anything she wants for Christmas. She feels she already has everything she needs. We will have to give her hugs instead.

A Kindle Fire, one of the latest technological creations, is what Mrs. Alana Maddock, school nurse, wants this year for Christmas. Hopefully, she will get what she wants while she is hanging out at her daughter's house this year. One of her special holiday traditions is to go light looking every Christmas Eve.

Mr. Jason Weaver, assistant principal, plans on staying up really late on Christmas Eve with his family, while watching Christmas cartoons, movies, and eating junk food in his pajamas. Oh, and everyone opens a few presents. This is a creative Christmas tradition that is carried through his family. And on the next day, meaning Christmas day, Mr. Weaver and his family are going to spend time with family member he does not normally see. But like Mrs. Macy, Mr. Weaver does not know what he wants for Christmas. Hugs for him, too.

Some people have birthdays on Valentine's Day. SOme have birthdays on Presidents' Day. But one certain seventh grade math teacher has a birthday on Christmas- Mrs. Worku.

One of her Christmas traditions is celebrating her birthday and visiting family at different houses each year on the magical day of December 25. This year, she plans to do just that while she is up in Kansas City visiting her parents. What is on her wish list? New outfits for her puppies!

It looks like Mrs. Angel Mense, East's seventh grade communication arts teacher and Journalism Club sponsor, has a lot scheduled for her Christmas this year. First, she is going to go to many gatherings, including a dinnet hosted by her mom with her in-laws on Christmas Eve. There they will exchange gifts, then on Christmas, she plans on holding a dinner of her own at her house. She tries to set the table with a different napkin fold every year. Santa also comes to her house on Christmas, bringing presents for her daughter, Ava. A sweet Christmas tradition that she started with her family is doing something nice for someone who needs it.

Mrs. Mense also loves getting presents (she feels like a kid when she does) and wants clothes, picture frames, movies, sharpie pens, and Starbucks gift cards this year.

While we are freezing in mid-December Missouri weather, Amy Koch, fellow eighth grade Journalism Club member and editor, is tanning in the warm sun somewhere in the Bahamas. Yes, she is really on a cruise to the Bahamas. Plus, she gets to spend a few days at Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Lucky! Usually, one of her Christmas traditions would be watching the Christmas Story on Christmas Eve and opening s few presents with her grandparents from Kansas City, but since she is in the Bahamas this year, she opened her prenents earlier. To all of Amy's friends out there, she really wants crosses and "green" (money) for Christmas.

This concludes the first East Middle School Journalism Club Christmas Special. We hope everyone has a safe and truly fun holiday this year.

Merry Christmas!

EMS students to give toys to needy children

2011-12-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
and AMY KOCH
Editors

In the accompanying video, East Middle School Student Council Sponsor Mr. Rocky Biggers explains the annual Christmas project.

STUCO, NJHS prepare float for Joplin Christmas Parade

2011-12-05T06:59:00.000-08:00

East Middle School National Junior Honor Society and Student Council are shown working on a float for the annual Joplin Christmas Parade, which will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 6.

PTO Dance scheduled for December 16

2011-12-02T05:02:00.001-08:00

By EMMA SIMON
Staff Writer

Coming soon- On December 16th, 2011 East Middle School is having a Christmas dance put on by the PTO.

“It’s the first time we have had three dances before Christmas break,” Mr. Randy Turner, eighth grade teacher said.

THis will be the second dance sponsored by PTO, including one held at the Bridge in September and a Student Council-sponsored Halloween dance on November 4.

More information about the December 16 dance will be provided later on East Middle School Roundabout.

East Middle School Academic All-Stars honored

2011-11-22T05:17:00.000-08:00

East Middle School Academic All-Stars were honored Monday night during ceremonies at College Heights Christian School.

In the past, the ceremonies have been held at Joplin High School, which was destroyed by the May 22 tornado.

Students who received advanced or proficient scores during the MAP tests last spring were honored.

Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of a $1,000 scholarship to eighth grader Casandra Williams, speeches by St. John's CEO Gary Pulsipher and Missouri Southern State University President Bruce Speck, and the presentation of certificatss to students from East Middle School and Duenweg/Duquesne, Eastmorland, Kelsey Norman, and McKinley elementary schools.

East students who qualified for Academic All-Stars are listed below:

Eighth Grade- Damian Abrams, Meggi Augustofsky, Taran Augustofsky, Jaylon Baert, Maggie Baker, Natal Bay, Anna Blue, Jonah Caldwell, Mercedes Cardenas, Caden Carlin, Harrison Carpenter, Adam Caveness, Zachary Cavaness, Darin Clark, Elijah Cornman, Michael Crouch, Lorenzo Dailey, Marcus Damrill, Jackson Divilbiss, Aubrie England, Ethan Fannan, Tajee Fantroy-Arrington, Madeline Fichtner, Mason Finnell, Willow Frazier-Crow, Edward Garcia, Bailey Gardner, Haden Garten, Christopher Geier, Donovan Graham, Keisha Grunden, Mackenzie Gunderson, Desiree Hawkins, Amy Hembree, Jayden Hetiback, Megan Hickey, Kagan Hoffman, Ethan Holz, Tristen Howell, Kylie Howerton, Kara Hulsey, Serena Hunt, Abigael Killinger, Amy Koch, Ethan Kraner, Gabrielle Logan-Downey, Shyann Long, Janet Lopez, Elimo Lounis, Cara Marshall, Ashton McGehee, Madison Meinhardt, Christi Montgomery, Kaley Moser, Stella Ndauwa, Jennifer Nguyen, Dakota Osborn, Kiah Poulson, Abigail Randall, Jillian Rentfro, Faith Reynolds, Callah Riff, Molly Ritter, Treyton Rowden, Alexa Ruddick, Miranda Sanders, Justin Schweickert, Bryce Schwarting, Alexis Shields, Evan Shofler, Courtney Shryock, Jakob Simrell, William Sinclair, Aiden Stahl, Casey stewart, Austen Still Amelia Street, Annie Strickling, Jamie Sullivan, Quionte Tidwell, James Tupper, Tyler Viles, Jesse Walls, Karly Weber, Shelby Welton, Alyssa wescoat, Logan Whitehead, James Willerton, Casandra Williams, Ishman Wilson, Kaitlynne Wilson, Katelynne Yonkers

Seventh Grade- Melinda Adams, Zohie Allgood, Ryan Ball, Megan Black, Jerry Bland, Lisa Boykin, Austin Brand, Michaela Brewer, Anthony Burton, Mykah Campbell, Angelea Capehart, Jordan Case, Anastasia Cline, Kaitlyn Collins, Elijah Conner, Nichole Cox, Chayton Crout, Lilli Curtsinger, Emmalea Dailey, Tristan Danielson, Brittany Davis, Melanee Day, Taylor Detter, Elizabeth Dulinsky, Matthew Dumas, MacKenzie Dunn, Brittany Dutton, Jackson Earll, Amber Fleming, Joseph Fry, Tyler Green, Lydia Greenwood, Ashlyn Griffberg, Zane Grimes, Audrey Hampton, Sean Harrison, Shae Hogan, Joshua Hulsey, Katelynn Hurrell, Dakotah Hutchens, Bridget Ingham, Lucas Jobes, Caeli Johnson, Faith Jones, Makayla Keene, Chloe Konwinski, Cierra Kosilla, Annie Le, Dorothy Lee, Bailee Lewis, Quincy Logan, Kateri Mace-Canterbury, Alexia Maturino, Aburey McIntosh, Alexandra Monasco, Desirae Orlaski, Jessica Pal, Brooke Parker, Mycah Parker, Benjamin Perkins, Thomas Reynolds, Madison Riddle, Taylor Robinson, Kendrick Rooker, Othellis Roper, Grace Roush, Lydia Routledge, Abigail Russell, Camden Sanders, Carissa Scalia, William Schwarzenberger, Sierra Schweitzer, Nicholas Shellenbarger, Kerry Stadler, Tyler Stanley, Justine Staten, Victoria Stehm, Alexandra Stelts, Jade Sterken, Taylor Sullivan, Ieane Suskey, Ilah Wallace, Amy Walser, Jacy Welch, Michaela West, Andrielle Wilson, Cory Wilson, Keithen Wolf

Sixth Grade- Nicholas Abrams, Harris Allen, Donald Archer, James Ardrey, Ambie Armstrong, Madyson Barber, Kristian Bethel, Jerrod Bivens, Lilliana Black, Matthew Black, Kody Blevins, Madison Boyer, Kathryn Brown, William Burden, Stoney Burleson, Corbin Chaffin, Christal Comstock, Sydni Cornman, Xavier Cottle, McKenzie Crouch, Elijah Curtis, Lucas Danner, McKinley Davis, James Freed, Ashtyn Friend, Eryn Garcia, Brandon Garten, Katelyn Gilbreth, Virginia Gormely Heater, Bailey Greninger, Kayley Hall, John Hardin, Brianna Hickey, Chad Hudspeth, Bobert Ingram, Sara Iseli, Drake Johnston, Zachary Kennedy, Miriam Kessinger, Ashley King, Elizabth Kingery, Abagail Lewis, Hailee Logan-Downey, Daniel Miller, Landon Moore, Bobby Murphy, Trace Myers, Anna Nguyen, Jordan Nguyen, Breanna Pace, Kiara Patton, Elizabeth Peterson, Noah Pinjuv, Chloe Poulson, Kimber Powell, Gage Schemer, Jarod Schwarzenberger, Alexander Seeman, Emma Simon, Carson Smith, Mikayla Soard, Landon Sturgis, Austin Tallent, Nicole Tate, Nicholas Taylor, Amber Thornton, Ethan Vang, Cydney Vickers, Amber White, Faithlyn Whitehead, Emma Willerton, Thomas Williams, Cian Wilson-Keeler, Jacob Yarnell

Casandra Williams receives $1,000 MSSU scholarship

2011-11-21T20:14:00.000-08:00

Missouri Southern State University President Bruce Speck presented a $1,000 scholarship to East Middle School eighth grader Casandra Williams at the conclusion of the annual Academic All-Star celebration held Monday night at College Heights Christian School.

Miss Williams' name was randomly selected from the Academic All-Star list. To qualify for Academic All-Stars, students must had to score in either the advanced or proficient levels during the 2011 MAP tests.

St. John's CEO speaks to Academic All-Stars

2011-11-21T19:36:00.000-08:00

Gary Pulsipher, CEO of St. John's Mercy Hospital in Joplin, was the featured speaker at the annual Academic All-Stars celebration Monday night at College Heights Christian School.

"It's a great place to work," Pulsipher said. "There's no better work in the world than taking care of people."

Pulsipher congratulated the students on their accomplishment. "You're just as smart as anyone out there."

Sound Dimension performs at Academic All-Stars celebration

2011-11-21T19:18:00.001-08:00

Joplin High School Jazz Band performs at Academic All Stars

2011-11-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Halloween Dance frightfully entertaining

2011-11-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

By EMMA SIMON
Staff Writer
This year's Halloween Dance was put on by the Student Council of East Middle School on Nov. 4. People dressed up as Alice in Wonderland, clowns, princesses, to aliens, gangsters, and frogs. The student council decorated the cafeteria with festive colors (black and orange) decked out on the windows and doors. There were hundreds of balloons scattered everywhere, by the end of the dance every single one was popped. Student Council did a wonderful job running the dance. The STUCO did concessions, poured punch, and took care of the money.

Eighth graders enjoy Eagle Time

2011-11-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

Eagle Time is back for East Middle School students.

Each week, students who meet the criteria are allowed to enjoy a social time with games during the Encore period. This week, students who were not tardy for any classes will enjoy Eagle Time, while next week, students must have turned in all of the assignments for their core classes.

Eighth grade had Eagle Time today.

Quiz Bowl opens season at Carl Junction

2011-11-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

The EMS Quiz Bowl teams opened the season with a communication arts tournament at Carl Junction October 24.

The A team, consisting of eighth grade quiz bowl members, defeated Thomas Jefferson, St. Peter, and Lamar, and lost in overtime to College Heights.

The seventh grade B team won four games, while the sixth grade team won two. The teams will compete in a science tournament at Thomas Jefferson in December.

East will play host to its first-ever tournament, a history meet, in January.

More photos from the Halloween Dance

2011-11-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Eighth grade wins Talon Ticket contest

2011-11-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

By AMY KOCH
Staff Photographer

East Middle School eighth graders won the first quarter Talon Ticket competition and received two hours of social time (actually one hour since all classes were abbreviated during the half-day Monday) and ice cream.

Talon Tickets are provided to students who demonstrate the Eagle Code of Duty, Honor, Peace and Pride.

Gorilla Grudge Match entertains East student body

2011-11-06T09:42:00.000-08:00

By AMY KOCH
Staff Photographer

A little touch of CO2 Nascar came to East Middle School Tuesday when Pittsburg State University students raced their CO2 cars against those built by East Middle School students.

During a seventh hour assembly that day, the speeds of the East cars were demonstrated with cars built by students in Mr. Brandon Teel's industrial arts class racing, as well as cars built by Mr. Teel and Principal Mr. Bud Sexson, who at one time taught industrial arts.

Long line assembles for picture retakes

2011-11-06T09:33:00.000-08:00

(Photo by Alexis Shields)

Drama students terrify student body with "From the Pond"

2011-11-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

By AMY KOCH
Staff Writer

East Middle School drama students, under the direction of Ms. Lara Stamper, entertained and terrified the student body during Encore Friday with the premiere of their annual scary Halloween movie, From the Pond.

The cast received a taste of Hollywood when they were introduced prior to the movie, led down the red carpet, and then were seated in a special section.

Photos from the Halloween Dance

2011-11-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Breanna Pace, Jimmie Willerton crowned Pumpkin King and Queen

2011-11-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

Sixth grader Breanna Pace and eighth grader Jimmie Willerton were named Pumpkin King and Queen during a ceremony held at the East Middle School Halloween Dance Friday night.

Students voted during lunch time the past two weeks, dropping money in jars for the candidates. According to Mr. Rocky Biggers, Student Council sponsor, the voters contributed enough money to pay for the dance.

Video: EMS Band, Cheerleaders, Flag Squad march in Veterans Day Parade

2011-11-05T16:50:00.001-07:00

East seventh grader Zach Williams, Joplin tornado victim, featured in KOAM segment

2011-11-04T03:32:00.000-07:00

Eighth graders win first Talon Ticket battle

2011-11-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

By AMY KOCH
Staff Writer

Halloween 2011 was not just candy and trick-or-treating; it was also ice cream and fun at school. The students of East had a Talon Ticket contest where everybody won.
Students get Talon Tickets when they show duty, honor, peace, and pride in their school. When they earn one they put it in a bucket for their grade. The 8th graders came in first with the 6th grade close behind and the 7th grade coming in third. But they all won something.

8th grade got to have a social hour during their second and third hour. During that hour (the class periods were shortened so it really was only an hour) the students got to have ice cream and play outside.

The 7th grade also got ice cream and were allowed to hang out for half and hour.

Sixth grade got to have an hour for a social.

During these socials people hung out, played around, turned in their candy grams for candy, and had to do no work for that class period. The students continue to receive Talon Tickets and they continue to fulfill their duty, to show pride, to share peace, and display honor.

Sixth graders go to Wildcat Glades

2011-11-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

By MADISON DURHAM
Staff Writer

The sixth graders went on a field trip to Wild Cat Glades at 201 W. Riviera Rd. Joplin. The sixth graders got to go on the field trip because people gave the school money for us to go.

Here is what Katie Brown had to say “Thanks!” here is some thing Allyson Holtz wanted to say “Thanks. It was the best field trip ever!”

We went on the field trip to learn about water, and pollution. We learned about point source pollution, water cycle, and about how insect can tell you about water pollution.

Brian Murray adds, “It was really fun!”

South Middle School after the May 22 tornado

2011-10-31T06:05:00.001-07:00

A video look at an eerie Joplin South Middle School five months after it eas extensively damaged in the Joplin Tornado. More photos will be added later:

EMS band performs at Joplin High School football game

2011-10-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Band members from East, North, and South middle schools performed during pre-game ceremonies Friday night at the Joplin High School football game.

Video: Barry Manilow presents musical instruments to East, Joplin High School

2011-10-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

Barry Manilow donates $300,000 of band instruments to Joplin Schools

2011-10-27T18:25:00.000-07:00

East Middle School received a truckload of band instruments today to replace those destroyed in the May 22 Joplin Tornado.

The instruments were donated by singer Barry Manilow. East Middle School Roundabout will have photos and information about Mr. Manilow's visit to Joplin today.

The following news release comes from Mr. Manilow's website:

After the most devastating Tornado in the United States in more than fifty years hit Joplin, Missouri this May, bringing hope and joy back to the community became vital. Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow’s non-profit organization, the Manilow Music Project is donating over $300,000 in musical instruments in addition to sponsoring an instrument drive to get even more instruments into the hands of the Joplin High School students. The Manilow Music Project is partnering with local community business Fitterling Dentistry, who will host the drive location in Joplin which will culminate with Barry Manilow onsite for an incredible celebratory delivery and distribution event in Joplin, MO on Thursday, October 27th.

“I know firsthand how invaluable music can be to get you through life’s tough times. It is an honor and a privilege to help these kids after such a disaster,” says Manilow.

New and gently used instruments can be dropped off at the Manilow Music Project donation truck at Fitterling Dentistry, located at 4402 East 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804, Monday – Thursday from 8AM – 5PM and on Friday from 8AM – 11AM through October 26th.

Due to the High School’s additional loss of all sheet music in the tornado, monetary donations are also encouraged and will be accepted to help re-build the music department’s library by purchasing new sheet music for the band, orchestra and vocal students. Checks can be made out to the JHS Music Department and dropped off or mailed to Fitterling Dentistry.

“As a lifelong fan of Barry Manilow’s music and humanitarian efforts, my husband and I are thrilled to work with the Manilow Music Project to help our community,” stated Margie Fitterling of Fitterling Dentistry.

Rick Castor, Music Director for Joplin High School concludes, “We feel very blessed to have an artist of Barry Manilow’s stature committed to helping our students.”

Manilow credits his own secondary school music program as the foundation for a legendary career in music, and considers the Manilow Music Project his chance to share that love of music with thousands of aspiring young musicians. Formed in response to the needs of the local public schools and their severely depleted music programs, the Manilow Music Project highlights the importance of music programs in our schools and has donated millions in instruments and materials to school music programs across the country.

EMS Orchestra performs at Creepy Concert

2011-10-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

By BRIAN MURRAY
Staff Writer
The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade East Middle School Orchestra performed at South Middle School Monday in what was called a "Creepy Concert."

Under the direction of Kylee Tripoli it played "Popcorn Prelude," "The Addams Family," "Mysterioso," "SpongeBob Square Pants Theme Song," "Cripple Creek," "Salute To Michel Jackson," an"Rite At Stonehenge."

Playing were: First Violin: Katelynne Yonkers, Amy Walser, Madison Fichtner, James Tupper, Megan Hickey, Shae Hogan Second Violin: MacKenzie Dunn, Bridget Ingham, Quincy Logan, Jade Sterken, Maddison Riddle Third Violin: Bailee Lewis, Lizzy Fowler, Elizabeth Dulinsky, Madison Durham, Shakaylah Rogers Viola: Jessica Pal, Kathryn Brown Cello: Mackenzie Gunderson, Daniel Miller, Austin Tallent

Halloween Dance scheduled for Nov. 4

2011-10-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

By EMMA SIMON
Staff Writer

Most East Middle School students are a little confused on the date of the Halloween dance. This year the dance is put on by Student Council on November 4th.

Nominees for the king and queen of the dance are:

6th grade- Breanna Pace, Garret Severs, Stoney Burleson, and Payton Layne

7th grade- Angelea Capehart, Jacy Welch, Kendra Sparrow, Maribel Sparrow, Carly Ball, Malcolm Nason, Ryan Ball, Pavin Winkle, Dante Foote, Aj Velasco, and Dusty Detherage

8th grade- Jennifer Nguyen, Tanner Bartholomew, Madison Nelson, Meggi Augustosky, Maggie Baker, Madison Meinhardt, Lexi Ruddick, Kagan Hoffman, Kaley Moser, Alex Garton, Alex Garton, Logan Springer, Chris Springer, Jimmy Willerton, Natal Bay, Ricky Hedrick, Harry Carpenter, and Taran Augustosky

Voting for king and queen of the Halloween dance ends November 4th.

First pep rally held at new East Middle School facility

2011-10-17T03:44:00.000-07:00

An Emma Simon video

Students paint, sign mural

2011-10-17T02:56:00.000-07:00

By AMY KOCH
Staff Writer

Students in Mrs. Rachel Hardee's arts classes have painted a mural for our building. Students and faculty members signed the mural during Encore earlier this month.

Kasey Kreager is new EMS sixth grade social studies teacher

2011-10-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

By KATHRYN BROWN
Staff Writer

Miss Kathryn Kreager is the new sixth grade social studies teacher at East Middle School.

“I am enjoying my new job! I love interacting with students everyday. I am excited to share my passion for other cultures with students,” said Miss Kreager.

Already the students have learned continents, oceans, latitude and longitude, and much more. Over the course of the year, the students will learn maps and globes, other cultures, economics, and the geography and politics of the United States.

This is Miss K’s first teaching job. She was an intern in Northwest Arkansas last year.

Miss Kreager’s birthday is in July. And to celebrate, she goes swimming. She also lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, which is 80 miles from Joplin. She says, “Sometimes I feel like I live in my car.”

Miss Kreager is excited to be part of East.

A little information about our new vice principal, Mister Weaver

2011-10-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

By EMMA SIMON
Staff Writer
Mr. Jason Weaver, brand new vice principal, taught social studies last year at EMS and has been with the Joplin School District since 2002.

Mr. Weaver said, “I like both teaching social studies and being the vice principal the same.”

A few other things you may not know about Mr. Weaver:

-“I like to hang out with my son, fencing, and rock climbing when I have free time," he said.

-He loves to eat at Japanese Steakhouse in Springfield.

-He doesn’t care much for pro football, "but I like to watch the Joplin Eagles!" he said.

Eagle Code helps students for the rest of their lives

2011-10-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

By JUSTIN GRAY and MACKENZIE DUNN
Staff Writers

Eagle code at East Middle School is Duty, Honor, Peace, and Pride

“Eagle Code is a good way for students to know what the teachers expect from the students,” said Mr. Jason Weaver, assistant principal.

“ Eagle Code will help the students behave not only in school but for the rest of their lives. “

Ms. Crystal Stokes, FACS teacher, believes that the Eagle Code is amazing and that it gives pride to our school and it gives the students a goal. It gives the teachers a way to recognize the students.

"Lean on Me" will be theme for Color Guard, Band

2011-09-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

By SHYLA ALLENDER
Staff Writer
This year East Middle School Color Guard will be in four parades. They are the MSSU Homecoming, Maple Leaf Parade, Veterans Day Parade, and Christmas Parade.

The people who are in color guard this year are:

Annie Lee, Bonnie Johnson, Breanna Good, Carissa Scalia, Emmalea Dailey, Jade Sterkin, Keisha Grunden, Katelynne Yonkers, Lizzy Fowler, Marlee Lake, Michaela Brewerm Samantha Dorsey

Ms. Lara Stamper would like to thank the people who was very nice to give them new flags for this year. The song for this year is “Lean on Me.“

Band Director Mr. Nicholas Moore thought it was a fitting for this year.

Communication arts students to write book about first year at new East, Joplin Tornado

2011-09-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

By EMMA SIMON, MADISON DURHAM, AND MACKENZIE DUNN
Staff Writer

East Middle School communication arts teachers Mr. Randy Turner, Mrs. Angel Mense, and Mrs. Nina English and their students are doing a big project this year.

Mr. Turner, eighth grade writing teacher said, “Our students will be writing a book about the first year at our new East Middle School since the tornado forced us to move to a warehouse."

Students will also write about their tornado experiences. The book will be published some time next summer.

Plans are also being made to make a movie about the first year at East Middle School.

Brooke Parker, former East students, featured in article

2011-09-14T17:14:00.000-07:00

East Middle School student Brooke Parker and former East students DeVaughan Simmons and Bonnie Ardrey are featured in an article posted today on the St. Louis Jewish Light website:

Twelve-year-old Brooke Parker is one of many Joplin teenagers left without a place to go this semester. Her school, East Middle School, lost both its gym and roof. Its building is not structurally capable for the upcoming school year, so for now, Brooke attends seventh grade in a warehouse.

"I [didn't] know what to expect, especially with gym and choir and extracurricular activities," Brooke said.

While East Middle School suffered extreme damage, Joplin High School was destroyed completely. Bonnie Ardrey and DiVaughn Simmons, both 14-year-old freshmen, were eager to start high school there. But because of the deadly tornado, they now go to Memorial Middle School instead.

"I was excited to go to the new high school, but [now I'm] bummed about going back to middle school. I wanted to experience what my other family [members] did but I'm not going to be able to now," Bonnie said.

DiVaughn may not go to school in Joplin at all. His family is considering moving to Summer Creek, Texas, but no decision has been made.

Though DiVaughn's example is extreme, it is not uncommon for Joplin students to move where schools will better meet their needs.

"Most of my friends are moving to another school district," Bonnie said.

Forty-five playing football for East

2011-08-25T07:11:00.003-07:00

Forty-five East Middle School seventh and eighth graders are playing football this year.

Seventh grade- Ethan Armstrong, Trinton Cole, Tony Consier, Dustin Detherage, Mark Duley, Matthew Dumas, Dante Foote, Carson Hopper, Joshua Hulsey, Colby Kimbrough, Walker Lutes, Contrae Rogers, Kerry Stadler, Joseph Thomas, Abraham Velasco, Colton Williams.

Eighth grade- Justin Armstrong, Taran Augustosky, Natal Bay, Nate Canales, Josh Cole, Marcus Damrill, Tajee Fantroy, Dantee Figueroa, Mason Finnell, Eddie Garcia, Josiah Garcia, Haden Garten, Alex Garton, Colton Harbin, Ricky Hedrick, Tristen Howell, Andrew Lara, Denver Lantz, Darius Lewis, Eli Lounis, Omar May, Zach Phillips, Kennan Robinson, Alejandro Santillan, Justin Schneikert, Austin Still, James Tupper, Jesse Walls, Ishman Wilson

School beginning accompanied by safety, disaster drills

2011-08-25T07:07:00.001-07:00

School began last week at East and so did required safety and disaster drills.

Students toured the new tornado shelter building, then had an opportunity to try it out during a walk-through Monday. The first tornado drill will be held Friday during Encore.

The first combination fire drill/reverse evacuation drill, and lockdown drill was held Wednesday.

Ribbon cutting held at East Middle School

2011-08-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

School opening helps healing process in Joplin

2011-08-23T03:26:00.000-07:00

In this video, East Middle School Principal Bud Sexson and Irving Elemenetary teachers talk about reopening school after the May 22 Joplin Tornado.

Eighth grader Maddie Fichtner: Tornado brought me a lot closer to my mom

2011-08-17T21:26:00.000-07:00

An Associated Press article on the return to school in Joplin featured a quote from East Middle School eighth grader Maddie Fichtner:

At East Middle School, which was relocated to a converted warehouse on the outskirts of town, students agreed that some things were unchanged: Cafeteria food still tasted terrible. Kids got lost on their way to class. And the odor of pet food from the factory across the street was gross.

Younger students, too, said they relate differently to each other — and to their parents — after surviving the disaster.

"It brought me a lot closer to my mom," said Madeline Fichtner, 13, who described riding out the storm without initially knowing whether her mother was safe.

School officials brought in additional counselors and trauma workers to help students and families who may still be struggling in the storm's aftermath.

"We can build buildings, but the emotional damage that this storm has caused is of a very significant concern and something we're going to be watching closely for months, if not years," Superintendent C.J. Huff said.

Gov. Jay Nixon visits East Middle School on first day

2011-08-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

In this photo, taken by the state photographer, Gov. Jay Nixon talks with East Middle School students as they held the first day of school in their temporary facility.

CNN program examines opening of school year in Joplin

2011-08-17T03:36:00.000-07:00

This CNN Student News video examines the first day of school in the Joplin School District and includes an interview with Joplin High School, and former South Middle School, student Yainer Oviedo. The part about Joplin comes near the end of the video:

The transcript from CNN is featured below:

Sound Check

RACHEL NEFF, JOPLIN TORNADO SURVIVOR: You could hear the home shaking. Everything busting out. We got down. He was between me; Zach was hunched over us and we were just, you know, praying, screaming and, you know, it was very loud and it all happened so fast. It seemed like forever, but it happened very fast.

Learning in a Disaster Zone

AZUZ: Those folks were talking about this massive tornado that tore through the city of Joplin, Missouri in May. It was the deadliest single tornado in the United States in more than 60 years, and it left huge parts of the city in ruins. Joplin and its residents are still recovering, but life for some is slowly returning to normal. For example, today's the first day of school for Joplin's students. But even that -- going to school -- has changed drastically since the storm. Shannon Travis was in Joplin recently. He took a look at what it's like to learn in a disaster zone.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

SHANNON TRAVIS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: They hope to be typical kids again after an unimaginable hell. Children and teenagers coping after the country's single deadliest tornado.

LYDIA MCALLISTER, SENIOR, JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL: Every time I drive by it, it's still really sad. All the memories and all the friends that I made in these halllways.

YAINER OVIEDO, SENIOR, JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL: Sad knowing that you won't be able to spend your last year of high school here.

SHANNON TRAVIS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: School surveillance video shows the tornado reducing two schools to virtually nothing. In minutes, 10 school buildings were damaged or destroyed, including Joplin's only high school.

DR. C.J. HUFF, JOPLIN SCHOOLS, SUPERINTENDENT: That next morning we came to the realization we had 54 percent of our kids who had no place to go, about 4,200 out of 7,747.

TRAVIS: This new school year, high school students will split up. Ninth and 10th graders will go to an existing middle school. The upper-classmen will attend classes at this mall. Yes, it's a mall. Ninety-five thousand square feet, a cost of $5.5 million to convert an old retail store. Officials say it was the only place big enough. Rising seniors Yainer Oviedo and Lydia McAllister accompanied me to their new, 21st century school. It has open spaces, walls that move.

CHAD GREER, LEAD ARCHITECT, CGA ARCHITECTURE PLANNING DESIGN: The entire space can be opened up into one larger, collaborative space.

OVIEDO: That's really cool how they have it as a dry erase board as well.

TRAVIS: A fitness center, and a coffee shop run by the students. Every one of these kids will get laptops. But how will students focus on learning? Doctor Syed Husain is a professor at the University of Missouri. A child psychologist, he's been to over 80 disaster zones. He helps children learn, even when death and disaster surround them.

DR. SYED A. HUSAIN, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI HEALTH CARE: When that kid or person is saying, "I don't want to hear about it anymore," what is going on there? Avoidance! We are training teachers as therapists.

TRAVIS: Husain says children learning in any disaster zone can suffer declining grades, depression, flashbacks and nightmares. They will get help.

OVIEDO: I don't know how someone my age goes through something like this without having problems.

TRAVIS: And yet, this entire community wants the children to be children again.

So, this is it. This is the moment right here that a lot of these children have been waiting for. This is the freshman kickoff. A lot of these kids are right here; you'll hear them kind of rallying right now. They're excited and, basically, they want to put the memory of the storm behind them, although a lot of their personal lives may still be in turmoil. For Education Overtime, I'm Shannon Travis.

Former SMS student Amanda Holcombe tells Joplin Tornado story

2011-08-14T07:33:00.001-07:00

Marcus Dupree, former NFL players speak to Joplin middle school football players

2011-08-14T07:25:00.001-07:00

First East Middle School Family Reunion is a success

2011-08-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

East Middle School students and parents received their first look at their temporary facility Thursday night during a family reunion held on the school grounds.

Student Council members provided tours, while food, entertainment, and carnival games were set up in the parking lot and across the street.

School is scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 17.

The temporary facility, located at 26th and Prigmore in an industrial park, is a spec building paid for by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce to attract business to the city.

East Middle School prepares for new year in new facility

2011-08-10T18:19:00.000-07:00

After the May 22 tornado destroyed much of our school, Joplin R-8 officials worked to secure new facilities for East. Beginning next Wednesday, we will have sachool in our temporary facility in the industrial park at 26th and Prigmore.

An open house will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, August 15.

All of the East family is invited to a reunion 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, August 11, at the school. Tours of the school wiil be given, dinner will be served, and entertainment will include Mr. Turner's band, Natural Disaster.

East Middle School Picnic set for Thursday, August 11

2011-07-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

(From East Middle School)

Spread the word! East Middle School will host the inaugural East Middle Family Reunion on August 11, from 6 to 9 pm. All East Middle School students and their families are invited to attend. The event will take place at the temporary East Middle School facility at 7501 E. 26th Street, Joplin, Mo.

The East Family Reunion will be an exciting kick-off to the 2011-2012 school year. With a theme like "Family Reunion" you can count on a great dinner, live music, (including Mr. Turner's group, Natural Disaster) fun and games for the whole family! You won't want to miss it!

Activities will include volleyball, dunk tank, pie eating contest, bounce house, sno-cones, popcorn, face painting and much more! Several informational booths will be available to parents and students to help with answers to questions about athletics, PTO, and more. Tours of the facility will be available if the keys to the building have been released to the Joplin R-8 School District.

Most family reunions are pot luck; however, we're fortunate enough to have our whole meal catered. So, for a little fun, we're having the world's first ever Food-Less Pot Luck. Please bring a recipe card with the ingredients and directions for the dishes you would have brought to a real pot luck! Include your East Middle School student's name and grade. You may very well see your recipes published later in the year.
Parking will be available at the school parking lots and in the streets around the school. Hampshire has been gracious enough to let us use some of their precious green space for the event.

For more information on the East Family Reunion, please e-mail EMS_PTO@hotmail.com or look up East Middle School PTO on Facebook.

Superintendent: Missing our August 17 deadline is not an option

2011-07-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

(From the Joplin School District)

Sixty-two percent of Joplin Schools' students have been displaced due to the May 22 EF-5 tornado. Through partnerships with area architecture firms and construction companies, Joplin Schools will be ready for school on August 17.

"Missing our August 17 deadline is not an option," comments Dr. C.J. Huff, Superintendent of Joplin Schools. "Because of the dedication of the architects and construction companies working with us, we will be ready to welcome our students back to class 58 days from now."

The architecture and construction firms working with Joplin Schools on temporary facility projects are listed below:

•Cecil Floyd Elementary School - PLJBD Architects and R.E. Smith Construction Company are working to repair the damaged Cecil Floyd Elementary School to be ready for students by the beginning of school.

•East Middle School - The temporary facility for East Middle School is an empty 50,000 square foot warehouse located at Crossroads Industrial Park, 7501 East 26th Street. PLJBD Architects and Crossland Construction Company are working on renovating this facility to house approximately 550 students.

•Franklin Technology Center - SDA Architects and R.E. Smith Construction Company are transforming an empty warehouse at 402 South Grand into the new temporary Franklin Technology Center.

•Joplin High School - The Shopko facility is gearing up to temporarily house 11th and 12th grade students until the new Joplin High School is complete. Corner Greer & Associates in conjunction with DLR Group is responsible for the 21st century design of this 80,000 square foot facility. Crossland Construction Company is working to completely transform this space for students.

•Roi S. Wood Campus - The former Joplin Schools Roi S. Wood Administration Building, located at 1717 E 15th Street, will be transformed into classrooms for Beacon School and the Joplin High School FLEX Program thanks to PLJBD Architects and R.E. Smith Construction Company.

An examination of tornado damage at East Middle School

2011-07-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken two days after the May 22 tornado which prematurely ended classes in the Joplin R-8 School District for the 2010-2011 school year:

Goodbye to Mr. Cook: former assistant principal takes over at Jefferson Elementary

2011-07-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

Mr. Jarrett Cook, who has been assistant principal at first South Middle School and then East for the past three years, has left us to become principal at Jefferson Elementary.

A tribute to Mr. Cook had been planned for the final day assembly, which, of course, was canceled following the tornado.

This post features some of the photos that would have been included in that tribute. Good luck, Mr. Cook!

Two hundred attend East Middle School PTO get-together at MSSU

2011-07-07T22:52:00.000-07:00

The East Middle School family held its first meeting since an EF-5 tornado cut a swath through the heart of the area May 22.

Principal Mr. Bud Sexson showed plans for the temporary East Middle School, which will open its doors when school begins Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Though the warehouse facility was originally designed as a spec building by the Joplin Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Sexson stressed, "This will not be a warehouse, this will be a school."

Mr. Sexson gave a brief overview of the facility, showing a diagram of where classes will be held. Among the information presented at the get-together:

-The classes will be about 700 square feet, a couple of hundred feet less than at East, but considerably more than in the old South Middle School.

-The building will not have computer labs, but more mobile I-carts with classroom sets of computers will be available.

-The gym/physical education facility will be in a building outside of the school, but will a canopy available to keep students from being exposed to the elements.

-Basketball and volleyball practices will be held at East, but basketball games will be scheduled at the other middle schools. Mr. Sexson said he did not know yet whether volleyball matches will be held at East. Football games and practices will be held at other Joplin middle schools.

-The district will provide busing for students attending after-school activities. The students will be dropped off at their elementary feeder schools. Adjustments will likely be made for those who have had to move because of the tornado.

-Certified FEMA safe rooms will be available in case of tornadic activity. When East is rebuilt or repaired, Mr. Sexson said, the facility will have a safe area.

-More after-school activities will be added this year, depending on the students' interest.

-The lockers used at East Middle School will be removed and transplanted to the new facility.

Among other items brought up at the meeting:

-A picnic will be held Aug. 11 at Landreth Park for the East Middle School family.

-Mr. Sexson introduced new Assistant Principal Mr. Jason Weaver. Mr. Weaver has taught seventh grade history at South and East for the past decade.

School surveillance camera shows tornado hitting East Middle School

2011-07-02T15:48:00.001-07:00

JEMS gives final performance in East Middle School Auditorium

2011-06-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

The two songs performed by the JEMS Show Choir in the accompanying video, "Lipstick on Your Collar," and "Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair," were the last two ever performed in the East Middle School Auditorium, which was destroyed in the May 22 tornado. The show choir is under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers.

The final band concert in the EMS Auditorium

2011-06-25T21:36:00.001-07:00

School year ends differently for East students

2011-06-25T20:25:00.001-07:00

The last goodbye: East students meet at 4th Street Bowl

2011-06-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

Deprived of the last two weeks of school by the tornado that ripped through Joplin May 22, East Middle School students picked up their belongings and said goodbye to each other Thursday, June 9.

Seventh and eighth graders met at the 4th Street Bowl, while sixth graders met at the bowling alley on Rangeline.

East Middle School cheerleaders excel at camp

2011-06-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

East Middle School cheerleaders excelled at the Universal Cheerleader Association (UCA) summer camp this week.

The seventh and eighth graders won the Camp Champ trophy for dance and won blue ribbons each day. They also won the spirit stick each day and captured a superior trophy for overall excellence.

Five East cheerleaders, eighth graders Abi Killinger, Maggie Baker, Logan Whitehead, and Annie Strickling and seventh grader Amy Walser were selected All American Cheerleaders.

The life of Zach Williams, killed in tornado, will be celebrated Sunday on his 13th birthday

2011-06-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

A celebration of East Middle School seventh grader Zach Williams' life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, June 19, with services at Rocketdyne Church of Christ, 1111 Rocketdyne Road, Neosho.

The service will be held on the day that Zach, who was killed in the May 22 tornado, would have turned 13.

Obituary information for Zach can be found at this link.

Operation Rising Eagle: Locations announced for Joplin schools for this fall

2011-06-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

(From the Joplin R-8 School District)

Temporary School Locations Announced

Joplin Schools' Board of Education approved temporary facility location moves today at a special board meeting for all schools affected by the May 22 tornado. The Operation Rising Eagle facilities plan will be effective immediately with the leasing of facilities, remodeling and necessary preparations to begin the 2011-12 school year on August 17, 69 days from now.

As previously announced, incoming 9th and 10th grade students will attend Memorial Education Center. Memorial Education Center was built in 1896 and has been used continuously since then as a school. In 2009, Memorial Education Center underwent a renovation to upgrade the existing building. Memorial is currently a home for district programs and support services.

Shopko Campus at Northpark Mall will transform into the upper high school location for incoming 11th and 12th grade students.

Franklin Technology Center students will begin the school year at the 4th and Grand Campus.

East Middle School students (incoming grades 6th to 8th) will begin the school year at the Crossroads Industrial Park, located at Highway FF (32nd Street) and Jasper County Road 190 (Prigmore Avenue).

Irving Elementary students (incoming kindergarten to 5th grade) will move to the Washington Campus, 1112 East Second Street.

Duquesne Elementary School students will join the students at Duenweg Elementary School for the 2011-12 school year. School administrators made this decision because the separate cafeteria and gym location will enable ease in scheduling. In addition, the Duenweg property, which includes nearly six acres, can accommodate modular classrooms if needed.

Emerson Elementary students will begin the school year at the current Duquesne Campus, 1301 South Duquesne Road.

Early Childhood and Pre-K students will move to the McKinley Campus, 610 South Forest Street.

The current Roi S. Wood Campus (Administration Building) located at 1717 East 15th Street will be renovated for students currently attending Beacon and the FLEX program.

Administration, Technology, Parents as Teachers and the Copy Center will move to the former Missouri Department of Transportation Campus at East 32nd Street.

All locations are current facilities that will be remodeled and ready for students to begin the 2011-12 school year on August 17.

The May 22 tornado damaged or destroyed 10 facilities and caused roughly $151 million in damage to Joplin Schools' facilities.

EMS eighth grader's family's tornado story featured in Springfield News-Leader

2011-06-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

The story of East Middle School eighth grader Kate Stauffer and her family rode out the May 22 tornado is featured in today's Springfield News-Leader.

Kate's older sister, Ali, is a swimmer on the Missouri State University team, so the story is featured in the newspaper's sports section:

Stauffer's mother, father and sister rode out the storm in the bathroom as the tornado ripped the house near the corner of 20th and Massachusetts apart.

"My husband said, 'Oh, my god, this is it. We're gone,' " Stauffer's mother, Nancy Challberg, said. "We were scared at this time. We just knew it would suck us up. We were saying our I-love-yous and goodbyes."

The storm passed after about two minutes, but hail started to pour through a hole in the roof over the bathtub, where Kate Stauffer, 14, was huddled under a pillow.

When father Gavin Stauffer finally emerged several minutes after the storm passed, he turned to his family and said, "It's all gone."

The roof was gone, and a layer of insulation, wood beams and shingles covered possessions.

Challberg made a quick phone call to Ali, who lives in an apartment in Springfield, to tell her they were alive and warn her about the storm. The family then walked more than a mile to a relative's house, where they have been staying ever since.

Rylee Hartwell: The first East Middle School will continue to live on

2011-06-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

By RYLEE HARTWELL

(Rylee Hartwell was an eighth grader at East Middle School during the 2010-2011 school year.)

It was May 22, 2011, the summer fever had set in, we were ready to get out of school, or I certainly was, I was ready for high school. Things had been jam-packed that past week we were tying things up in the majority of our classes and lts just say things were starting to go hay-wire.

When I left East Middle School little did I know this would be the last time I would see it in the state it always has been. To say East was a good and enjoyable place was an .I loved the teachers, students, and building that we had all liked together. School was enjoyable, we had numerous clubs such as Quiz Bowl, Color Guard, Journalism, Newspaper, Show Choir and quite a few others. These were all very prestigious things for a prestigious school.

Last evening was the first time I could visually see the complete damage, that wrecked havoc on East Middle School. It was a sight of complete astonishment to me, East was gone.

Lessons of hard work, integrity have always been taught to me at home. All of these things were also taught at East Middle School throughout our days there. Even though our building may not be there, our ideas and lessons will last us all through life, and this is what makes East Middle School great not our buildings or posessions but the lessons that will make the first East Middle School continue to live on.

Humphreys family gives $250,000 to Joplin schools, issues challenge for matching grants

2011-06-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Add caption

(The following news release was issued by the Joplin R-8 School District)
This afternoon, Joplin Schools announced that Joplin residents David and
Debra Humphreys contributed a personal gift of $250,000 to Joplin Schools for their tornado rebuilding and recovery efforts. The announcement was made at a press conference at Joplin School’s Administration Building.

“As we work to rebuild and reunite our Joplin Schools family, days like today continue to give us hope,” said Joplin Superintendent C.J. Huff. “The damage to our school community has been devastating, but we are so grateful to the Humphreys for their generosity and commitment to joining us as we rebuild our Joplin Schools family.”

The Humphreys also issued a Matching Challenge Grant that brings with it the potential of an additional $250,000 in donations, for a total of up to $500,000 from the Humphreys. Starting today, any business, organization or individual can participate in the challenge by indicating “Matching Challenge Grant” on any donation sent to Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund.

“We’re doing this to support the rebuilding of the infrastructure of the school system which is vital to our community,” said David Humphreys, president and CEO of Joplin-based TAMKO Building Products, Inc.,
one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of building products. He added, “We would also like to encourageother individuals and businesses to give to Joplin Schools’ efforts to support the rebuilding of Joplin. Inaddition, this gift is made in memory of my grandfather John E. Humphreys who served for 50 years as the superintendent of schools in Ashland, Kansas and who always emphasized the importance of a good education.”

“The future of our community depends on the education of our children,” said Debra Humphreys, who also serves as the Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School board chair. “We want to support efforts that will rebuild our community and enable its future growth and success.”

Joplin Schools Board President Ashley Micklethwaite recognized the Humphreys for their support of the Joplin community that has spanned many years. “On behalf of Joplin School and the Board of Education thank you so much for this contribution and initiating this challenge to help rebuild our schools,” said
Micklenthwaite.

Any business, organization or individual can participate in the challenge by indicating “Matching Challenge Grant” on any donation sent to:

Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund
Joplin Schools, Attn Kim Vann
102 N. Gray Ave. / Joplin, MO 64801

Press Conference Remarks from Superintendent C. J. Huff
Thank you for coming out this afternoon. As we work to rebuild and reunite our Joplin schools family, it’s days like today that continue to give us hope. The damage to our school community has been devastating …yet we work to overcome. Our administration building, the nerve center of our school district, sits inoperable behind me … Yet we continue to operate, albeit from an emergency operations center at North Middle School. Our lives were turned completely upside down 11 days ago … yet we will start summer school in just 11 days, on June 13.

Over the past year, many people have heard me speak about the needs of our students. One year ago, our Joplin Schools Family had students who had never slept on a mattress. Some of our students did not have meals between lunch on Friday and breakfast on Monday … Others had no shoes to wear to school. Our
needs were significant then. They are monumental now. Roughly half of our students were in the path of an EF5 tornado.

We have a commitment to start school on August 17. However, our commitment isn’t just that our students start school. We aim to see that they finish school as well. As we rebuild our schools, we need to be mindful of the fact that schools aren’t just facilities … that we can’t rebuild just for our students … we must rebuild for our graduates.

It is now my privilege to introduce a family who have made their commitment to helping rebuild and reunite our Joplin school family … a family who’s actions continue to bring hope to our school community …

Please help me welcome David and Debra Humphreys.

Press Conference Remarks from Board President Ashley MicklethwaiteThank you David, and thank you to the Humphreys family. Your support of the Joplin community has spanned many years. On behalf of Joplin School and the Board of Education thank you so much for this contribution and initiating this challenge to help rebuild our schools. We too honor your grandfather in
accepting this gift for the benefit of the Joplin Community.

Rebuilt East Middle School will have FEMA-approved tornado shelter

2011-06-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

KSN/KODE is reporting that the rebuilt East Middle SChool and other schools in the Joplin R-8 School District will have FEMA-approved tornado shelters:

In addition, East Middle School is already being re-built. Construction is set to be complete by August. Dr. Huff wants to build a FEMA approved shelter on every site of the school district.

Huff also met with the superintendent of Kiowa County Schools in Greensburg, Kansas today. In 2007, an EF5 tornado destroyed 95% of their town. Superintendent Darin Headrick gave some insight and advice to school officials. "I was really impressed with the board and the administration team. They're asking the right questions. They are understanding what the issues are and what they're going to be. All they can do is identify what every kid at every grade level is going to need and how they can best meet those needs come August."

Duquesne teacher tells tornado story

2011-06-02T09:07:00.001-07:00

Annie Yost, a second grade teacher from Duquesne Elementary, tells her story of surviving the Joplin tornado in the accompanying video:

Teachers move belongings out of tornado-stricken East

2011-05-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

East Middle School teachers put on their hardhats and returned to their classrooms today for the first time since a tornado destroyed part of the school May 22.

Teachers were allowed to remove their personal belongings, so construction can begin to get East ready to go by Aug. 17, when classes are scheduled to begin.

Students' belongings were removed from lockers and will be returned to them June 9 during get-togethers at the two Joplin bowling alleys. More information about those gathering can be found on earlier posts on East Middle School Roundabout.

(Photos: Teachers take stuff outside, all textbooks were destroyed,Mr. Cook salvages a photo, and a look at Mrs. Mense's room. In the video, workers and teachers remove items from the seventh grade hallway.)

Chanci McGowen: It's horrible, it's just devastating to see the destruction of my school, my home

2011-05-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

Chanci McGowen, one of the first group of eighth graders at East Middle School during the 2009-2010 school year, lost her home and her high school in the tornado. She is featured in the latest CNN Student News interview.

Also interviewed is former South Middle School student Katie Wood, who graduated from JHS May 22 hours before the tornado hit.

The Joplin portion of the video starts about halfway through it.

The transcript of the Joplin part of the accompanying video is printed below:

Tornado Recovery

AZUZ: Recovery efforts are getting started in Joplin, Missouri, and help is coming from some unexpected places. For example, a group of homeless volunteers from Kentucky. They collected donations for the tornado victims and then drove to Joplin to distribute them. Another unique source of help: an elephant from a circus that was supposed to perform in the area. The show, of course, couldn't happen. But the animal was able to use its strength to help workers clear heavy debris from some areas. Many residents of Joplin are still coming to grips with the devastation that hit their hometown. Morgan Schutters of affiliate KODE reports on the tornado's impact on the Joplin High School community.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

MORGAN SCHUTTERS, KODE REPORTER: Katie Wood graduated from Joplin High School just an hour before the tornado hit.

KATIE WOOD, JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI: Even looking at it, it's still really hard to believe it.

SCHUTTERS: Now, she's singing the national anthem at a memorial service for her classmates and the community.

WOOD: It's so hard singing it right in front of my school that just blew away.

SCHUTTERS: But Joplin High School sophomore Chanci McGowen still has the rest of her high school career ahead of her, as she looks at what is left in shambles.

CHANCI MCGOWEN, JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE: It's indescribable. It's horrible, just devastating to see all the destruction of my school, my home.

SCHUTTERS: McGowen is one of many students who lost both.

MCGOWEN: It was heartbreaking. My whole neighborhood is gone, but everyone's OK.

SCHUTTERS: It was a somber afternoon as they gathered outside the school. A moment of silence honoring military and tornado victims. Eight people in the Joplin R-8 School District are confirmed dead: seven students and one staff member.

WOOD: Wondering who is still alive and who's not.

SCHUTTERS: Superintendent Dr. CJ Huff said last Friday, when he got word, his world stopped. Sorrow for the lost and relief for the living.

CJ HUFF, SUPERINTENDENT, JOPLIN R-8 SCHOOL DISTRICT: As a result of your diligence and unwavering fortitude in the face of insurmountable challenges, 100 percent of our family are accounted for.

SCHUTTERS: Summer classes will begin as scheduled in less than three weeks, on June 13th.

Huff: 100 percent of Joplin School family is accounted for

2011-05-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

The search for members of the Joplin R-8 family ended Friday, with eight members killed in the May 22 tornado, Superintendent Dr. C. J. Huff said this afternoon at a gathering of the district employees, parents, and students, held in the parking lot at Joplin High School, which was destroyed during the tornado May 22.

"At 3:16 last Friday, I received a text message that indicated that mission was complete. As a result of your diligence and unlaboring fortitude in the face of insurmountable challenges, 100 percent of our family are accounted for," Superintendent Dr. C. J. Huff said.

"Today we grieve the loss of eight members of our family. We lost seven children and one educator and today we celebrate that we are all together again in body and eternal spirit," Dr. Huff said.

"Schools are at the heart of every community," Huff said, and pointed that the schools are helping lead the charge in rebuilding the community.

Huff also reassured staff that the loss of buildings would not also result in the loss of jobs.

"We need you now more than ever," Huff said.

School will be back in session June 13 when summer school starts, Huff said. Construction began at East Middle School Thursday and all students will be back in class when August 17 arrives, Huff said.

Seven students, one teacher killed in tornado

2011-05-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

From the Joplin School District:
We have been able to account for the status of 100% of our students and staff. We grieve the loss of 8 members of our family - 7 children and 1 educator.

Joplin Schools Operation Center

Joplin North Middle School

102 N. Gray Avenue

Joplin, MO 64801

(417) 625-5270
Recontruction

We are committed to beginning the 2011-2012 school year on time, 79 days from now on Aug. 17. We are partnering with Crossland Construction, R. E. Smith, and PLJBD Architects to meet this goal.

Demolition of the damaged portion of East Middle School began May 26, 2011. The affected areas of East are being removed and reconstruction will begin as soon as possible. Governor Jay Nixon provided assistance in expediting this process. Reconstruction efforts have also begun at Cecil Floyd Elementary and the administration building.

We received an initial $5,000,000 from Traveler’s Insurance to begin our reconstruction efforts.

The damage to our district's schools was devastating.

• Three school buildings were destroyed, including our high school.

• Three schools were severely damaged.

• Two schools have possible roof damage.

• Several district support facilities sustained some damage.

• The remaining 11 buildings were not damaged.
Donations

Monetary donations for the district are also being accepted. Checks can be made out to -

Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund

Attn. Kim Vann
102 N. Gray Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801

US Bank has also set up the ability for anyone across the country to donate to Joplin Schools by dropping off their donation by any US Bank.
Rebuildjoplin.org

Rebuildjoplin.org is live. This site provides a master list of resources available for those affected or those wanting to help. Its an initiative by Bright Futures to serve those affected by the May 22 tornado
Summer Send-Off Events

Each building will host a summer send-off event for staff and students. Students will be able to pick up personal belongings, turn in books and reconnect with classmates and teachers.

South Middle School - Wednesday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at South MS. Pizza will be served.

Jefferson Elementary – Wednesday, June 1, 1-3 p.m. in the cafeteria at Jefferson.

Irving Elementary - Thursday, June 2, 3-5 p.m. at South Middle School.

Kelsey Norman Elementary– Friday, June 3 from 9-11 a.m. at Kelsey Norman.

Additional dates will be announced at a later time.

Summer School

Open enrollment for summer school will begin on Tuesday, May 31 and will take place until Friday, June 10. Families may enroll students in person at Stapleton Elementary School or Memorial Education Center from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, or by phone at 417-625-5290.

Students previously enrolled in middle school or high school summer school must re-enroll. Families with elementary students who previously enrolled need to contact the district only if their enrollment status has changed. Please call us at 417-625-5290 with any changes.

Elementary summer school will take place from June 13 to July 29 at West Central, Stapleton and McKinley. Students enrolled in summer school at Cecil Floyd will attend Stapleton and students enrolled at Emerson will attend McKinley. Hours will be 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Summer school for middle school students will take place at South Middle School from June 13 to July 1. Hours will be 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Summer school for high school credit recovery students will take place at South Middle School from June 13 to July 1. Hours will be 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 to 3:00 p.m.

All students will receive free breakfast and lunch and transportation will be provided. Pick-up and drop-off locations will be determined by enrollment.

Video: Joplin High School will be rebuilt

2011-05-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

In this reel of coverage offered by Columbia KOMU reporter Hillary Mullin of her coverage of the Joplin tornado, the reporter concentrates on Joplin High School, noting the vow made by Superintendent C. J. Huff that the school will be rebuilt.

The clips also include an interview with high school senior Emma Meek.

East Middle School seventh grader Zach Williams, 12, killed in tornado

2011-05-29T22:36:00.000-07:00

Death struck East Middle School one week ago as the tornado that ripped through Joplin took the life of seventh grader Zach Williams.
The obituary information below is taken from the Bradford Funeral Home website.

Zachary Allen Williams was born June 19, 1998 at Fort Leonard Wood Memorial Community Hospital in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to Franklin Eugene Williams and Tammy Renee Clark Niederhelman. He lost his life in the tornado at Joplin, Missouri, Sunday evening, May 22, 2011 making his age 12 years 11 months and 3 days.

Zach was a student at East Middle School in Joplin where he attended the 7th grade. He attended the Calvary Baptist Church in Joplin. Zach was a happy person who would strike up a conservation with anyone. He enjoyed hot wheel cars, legos, riding his bike, and spending time with his friends. He was looking forward to his summer vacation, so he could spend more time with family and read more of his favorite books.

He is preceded in death by his great grandpa’s, Howard Jackson and R.L. Clark, great great grandfather Pearl Jaco, great grandmother Maxine Clark, great great grandmother Gladys Jaco.

Zach is survived by his mother Tammy Niederhelman and husband Tony of Joplin, Missouri; his father Frank Williams and wife Valerie of Mayesville, North Carolina, brother Andy Williams of Mayesville, North Carolina, grandparents Earnest and Kathy Clark of Summersville, Missouri; grandparents Jim and Kathleen Williams of Summersville, Missouri, Helen and Frank Jones of Terre Haute, Indiana; great grandmother Lillie Jackson of Summersville, MO, uncle’s and aunt’s, Chad and Billie Clark and children, Austin and Brittani and future son-in-law Levi of Nesho, MO, Jim Williams of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Warren Williams and wife Vicki of St. Louis, Missouri, Cindy Heller Springfield, Missouri, several great uncles and aunts, cousins and friends.

Memorial Services will be held Monday, May 30, 2011 at 1 Pm at Bradford Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gary Jackson officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 AM on Monday until service time at 1PM. Arrangements under the care of Bradford Funeral Home of Summersville.

Joplin schools work toward opening on time

2011-05-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

Efforts made by the Joplin R-8 School District to start the school year on time at East Middle School and all other schools despite Sunday's tornado were discussed by school officials during a news conference at North Friday:

The Joplin school district took a critical step Thursday by seeking a permit to demolish and remove sections of the damaged East Middle School.

Superintendent C.J. Huff said East, one of three middle schools, is the largest school building that can be repaired. It can serve up to 750 students.

He said nearly all classrooms at East were deemed structurally sound by an engineer, and the others, along with common spaces such as the gym and cafeteria, will be rebuilt.

The district took a symbolic step this week by hanging a large flag -- one of 20 donated by Ozark Flag Company in Springfield -- at Joplin High. Others will be flown at other schools.

"That was a proud moment for us," Huff said. "We need to fly that flag high in the part of town hit hardest."

After the tornado struck Sunday, just after the high school graduation, the district started to track down students and staff.

During a Thursday news conference at North Middle School, Huff said the district finally knew the status of all 1,100 employees and 90 percent of the nearly 7,800 students.

"This is our top priority," he said. "We're not going to give up until our family is back together."

(Springfield News-Leader photo: Superintendent C. J. Huff prepares to raise an American flag at Joplin High School, which was destroyed by the tornado.)

A message from our principal: We will meet June 9

2011-05-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

The following message was sent from East Middle School Principal Mr. Bud Sexson to faculty and staff today. He asked that the information be shared with students:

SAVE THIS DATE PLEASE - JUNE 9TH 2 - 4 PM

This is the time we will meet with all of our students who can make it to the east and west bowling alleys. I have reserved both the alleys on 4th and the one on Rangeline for the purpose of meeting up with the kids and having some type of closure of the school year. I intend to hand out grade cards, yearbooks and the contents of their lockers during this time. It would be wonderful of you could plan to be there. We have been through a lot and we need to get together with these guys and let them laugh and play and smile again. The 7th and 8th grades will meet at the 4th street alley and the sixth at the east one. See you then.

Joplin teachers search for students after tornado

2011-05-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

Joplin Globe provides video footage of East Middle School after tornado

2011-05-26T21:13:00.001-07:00

State Department of Education starts tornado relief program for Joplin students

2011-05-26T02:44:00.000-07:00

From a State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education news release:

“Missouri kids helping Missouri kids” is the theme of a statewide relief effort launched today by state education officials. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is inviting school personnel and students to quickly raise funds to aid the students in Joplin Public Schools who are severely affected by the tornado disaster.

Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro visited the Joplin area on Tuesday to extend support and assistance to officials at the Joplin Public Schools. Despite the gravity of the long-term recovery situation, the immediate safety and well-being of their students are the top priorities.

Local school officials said the greatest need is cash donations to provide assistance to their students.

“I cannot even tell you how much we need that,” said Kim Vann, communications director for Joplin Public Schools. The school district has a total enrollment of nearly 8,000 students, and nearly half of its student body lives in the affected area.

With money raised through the “Kids for Kids—Missouri Kids Helping Missouri Kids” fundraising campaign, Joplin school officials can facilitate the appropriate use of funds for their students’ needs, such as clothing, shoes, blankets, pillows and other personal items.

In January 2010, the Department organized a similar campaign that provided over 40,000 hygiene kits to kids in Haiti following a devastating earthquake.

“Now, it is time to help school kids in Joplin,” said Nicastro of the present humanitarian effort, which is much simpler and more direct. “If every student would donate $1, just imagine the amount of relief our nearly one million students across the state could provide.”

There is a great deal of interest within the educational community in helping Joplin, Nicastro said. She sent a message to school administrators late Tuesday afternoon encouraging their participation in this urgent relief effort. Many schools are still in session for a few more days. Others school officials may contact their patrons encouraging an organized or a direct way for students to lend support.

Monetary donations can be made directly to the school district. A special fund has been set up for tornado relief. Schools or families can make checks payable to Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund and mail to the attention of Kim Vann, Joplin Public Schools, North Middle School, 102 N. Gray Ave., Joplin, Mo. 64801.

For more information, visit dese.mo.gov or Joplin Public Schools’ website at http://joplin.schoolfusion.us/.

Superintendent Huff: Tornado-damaged East will open on time

2011-05-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

The auditorium, gymnasium, and commons area were destroyed by Sunday's tornado, but when Aug. 17 rolls around, just 84 days from now, East Middle School will be open for business.

During an ongoing press conference at North Middle School, Superintendent C. J. Huff said, "Our class rooms are sound. Our intentions are to have East ready to go."

Huff said engineers are on the EMS campus today making sure the biulding is structurally sound.

Any East sixth and seventh graders who were displaced will be able to return to East in August.

Tornado ends school year for Most Inspirational Teacher

2011-05-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

“She’s racist.”

I blinked twice and reread the beginning paragraph of a two-page paper one of my eighth grade students had written about the teacher across the hall from me.

That word did not describe the Andrea Thomas I know, my colleague and friend for the past four years.

Eighth grade reading teachers have a short shelf life at the school where I teach. The first one I taught beside, eight years ago, a tiny young woman with the look and voice of a teenager, became the first teacher at the school to have the embarrassment of having students throw furniture out of her second story window.

I didn’t expect anything different when Andrea took the job. She, too, looked like she would have fit in easily with a high school class. That was where the resemblance ended. Of all of the young teachers I have worked with over the past dozen years, I have never met one who was so prepared to be in a classroom.

She knew what she wanted to accomplish and constructed a plan that would enable her to achieve that goal. I was designated her mentor for that first year, but it would be no understatement to say that I learned far more from her than she did from me.

Over the course of the next four years, I had the privilege of watching her thrive as one of those teachers who goes the extra step for her students, no matter what their race or social status.

This was a woman who put her stock in her God, her family, and her students. By no stretch of the word could she be labeled a racist.

So I kept reading. It did not take long for the student, an African American girl, to get to the point.” She initially considered Andrea to be racist, but it wasn’t the teacher who was the problem.

The problem, she wrote, was not with the teacher. “I was the one who needed to grow up.”

The student changed her attitude and work habits and reading became her favorite class. “Mrs. Thomas wanted to make sure I didn’t fail,” the girl wrote.

“That is why Mrs. Thomas should be named the Most Inspirational Teacher at East Middle School.”

Each year, my eighth graders write a paper declaring their choice for Most Inspirational Teacher. The students vote on the winning paper, not their favorite teacher, but for the essay, the one that does the best job of extolling the virtues of a teacher who has made a difference.

And for this young woman, that teacher was Andrea Thomas.

That award would have been presented a week from this Friday, June 3, on our last day of school. Mrs. Thomas would have received a certificate and a copy of the winning essay.

The auditorium in which that ceremony was to take place is no longer standing. The winning essay, which was on the desk in my classroom, may no longer exist,, and if it does, it is highly unlikely it is in a presentable condition. From what I have been told, my room and Mrs. Thomas’ room were hit the hardest by the tornado that caused extensive damage to the building, which had only been standing for two years.

In the grand scheme of things, an essay and a certificate do not mean much, especially compared to the horrible devastation that Joplin has suffered from the tornado that tore the heart out of the city and has cost at least 116 people their lives and countless others their homes and property.

But it would have been nice for Andrea Thomas to have been named the Most Inspirational Teacher…on her last day at East Middle School.

It would have marked the perfect ending for a frustrating year for Andrea, who reluctantly came to her decision after she realized her long, exhausting hours of work before and after school were taking away from her time for family and church.

Andrea has bigger problems to worry about. She and her husband lost their home to the deadly tornado, but even that never caused her to waver in her faith.

After the tornado hit Sunday night, she did not ask her Facebook friends to pray for her, “Please continue to pray for our city,” she wrote. As for her and her husband, she brushed off their new homeless state. They can stay with family. “Our needs are being met.”

With so many suffering, I can’t help but think I am being selfish, but it would have been great to have taught alongside Andrea Thomas for nine more days and for her students to have another two weeks with this young teacher with the tough exterior and the marshmallow heart.

It would have been nice to have had a chance to say goodbye.

Jason Weaver named East Middle School assistant principal

2011-05-18T16:28:00.000-07:00

By CAMERON BALL
Staff Writer

It has been announced that Mr. Jarrett Cook's replacement as vice-principal at East Middle School is going to be Mr. Jason Weaver.

Mr. Weaver has been a seventh grade social studies teacher at East/South for the last nine years, and he's moving up in the school to become Mr. Sexton's aide, replacing Mr. Cook, who is the new principal at Jefferson Elementary.
Mr.Cook had been assistant principal at East Middle School for the past three years.

Mr. Weaver was selected following interviews Friday, May 13. The panel that interviewed the assistant principal candidates included Mr. Sexson and EMS teachers Mr. Michael Wallace and Mrs. Lisa Simmons.
Last week, Mr. Sexson perfectly described our new assistant principal when he told EMS Roundabout the qualities he wanted from the person who was hired.

"He must be caring, a good communicator with the kids and must be able to do a good job of having fun with students and educating them at the same time," Mr. Sexson said.

(Photo: Mr. Jason Weaver and his wife, Stephanie)

Orchestra concert set for tonight

2011-05-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

By JESSICA CRABB
Staff Writer

The EMS Orchestra, under the direction of Ms. Kylee Tripoli, will mix newer and older music when it performs at 7 p.m. tonight in the school auditorium.

The orchestra will play nine songs- "California Dreaming," "Dance Scenario," "Stairway to Heaven," (featuring an Anna Tillman solo) "Bad Romance," "All Star, "Tangerine Rag," "You'll Be in My Heart," "Ships of Ireland," and "Russian Sailors Dance," with the last song being played by the eighth graders, Anna Tillman, first violin; Jessica Crabb, sccond violin; Alyvia Warstler, viola; and Alex Guenzel, cello.

The orchestra will perform at an assembly today during seventh hour.

Mr. Cook hired as Jefferson Elementary principal; interviews for new assistant principal scheduled for Friday

2011-05-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

By CAMERON BALL
Staff Writer

Mr. Jarrett Cook, who has been assistant principal at East Middle School for the past three years, is leaving to become principal at Jefferson Elementary.

Interviews with candidates for the assistant principal job are scheduled to take place Friday, May 13.

Principal Mr. Bud Sexson told EMS Roundabout his expectations for the new assistant principal are pretty standard.

"He must be caring, a good communicator with the kids and must be able to do a good job of having fun with students and educating them at the same time."

Teachers will play a role in choosing Mr. Cook's replacement. Mr. Sexson said eighth grade science teacher Mr. Michael Wallace and sixth grade social studies teacher Mrs. Lisa Simmons will help him and district officials with the job interviews.

Band concert scheduled for Monday

2011-05-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

By CAMERON BALL
Staff Writer

The East Middle School Band, under the direction of Mr. Nicholas Moore, will present its spring concert 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 16, in the school auditorium.

Band members are listed below:

Justin Armstrong, Julia Ayala, Cameron Bailey, Dakoda Ballard, Tanner Bartholomew, Whitney Bass, Adrianna Bland, Evan Blue, Alonzo Byers, Reed Campbell, Elizabeth Carney, Harry Carpenter, Darin Clark, Trevor Conrad, Zach Consier, Mckinsey Cottle, Shana Cover, Ethan Crider, Ailan Eldred, Sevrin Eldred, Zack Figueroa, Delshaun Garth, Alex Garton, Chris Geier, Anthony Grubb, Tess Harmon, Amy Hembree, Dalton Hill, Tristen Howell, Hannah Huffman, Kayla Johnson, Cannon Jones, Blake Lewis, Maddie Martin, Christian Owens, Ashton Parker, Toku Platt, Devin Puckett, Austin Reynolds, Tyauna Robinson, Valerie Royer, Jennifer Schulze, Alexis Shields, Jakob Simrell, Austen Still, Steven Townsend, Tyler Viles, Erica Ward, Alec Welch, Hannah West, Adam White, Jimmy Willerton, Denton Williams

Searching for Mrs. Frencken

2011-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

By VALERIE ROYER and
WHITNEY BASS
Staff Writers

Eighth grade reporters Whitney Bass and Valerie Royer's spirits were shot down by the discouraging words of two anonoious teachers. Whith the simple question "Do you know where Mr. Frencken is?" our spirits were crushed.

Crushed by the smashing words, "She's in her room and you shouldn't bother her! She obviously doesn't want you to talk to her if the lights are off and the door is locked." (Or she could simply be somewhere else.) Those words sunk into our hearts like a stone in a pond.

The interview will just have to wait. Where could Ms. Frencken be?

(Interview to be completed at a later date)

Quiz Bowl to compete in Battle of the Brains

2011-05-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

By JONAH ELLMAN
Staff Writer

    During the five competitions that the Quiz Bowl team participated in, they were against kids their same age, fire against fire.

    But on May 19, we’ll see how they perform against adults! Yes, finally, Quiz Bowl might actually be outnumbered!

    This competition will be held at East, so anybody can come to this brawl. This will consist of seven different teams, three of which have already had Quiz Bowl experience. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will all be separated to different teams, while the other four teams have Alumni Quiz Bowl members (high-schoolers that joined Quiz Bowl in middle school), parents, business partners (those of which help sponsor the school), and teachers from East.

    Several rounds will be run, pairing different groups of two teams, until all but one team is eliminated.

    The winning team will be given the Nobel East Prize, a trophy meant for a winner.

EMS Student Council announced for 2011-2012

2011-05-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

The following students have been elected to the East Middle School Student Council for the 2011-2012 school year:

Eighth Grade- Jennifer Nguyen, Tyler Viles, Shelby Welton, Amy Koch, Ethan Holz, Megan Hickey, Cara Marshall, Jimmy Willerton

Seventh Grade- Taylor Robinson, Ashlynn Griffberg, Amy Walser, Kendra Sparrow, Lydia Routledge, Annie Le, Bridget Ingham

EMS students offer President Obama opinions on standardized testing

2011-04-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

After hearing President Barack Obama tell those attending a town hall meeting that he thought students are taking too many standardized tests, students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication classes wrote letters to the president telling them how they felt about the topic.

The students selected the following 21 letters to be sent to the president:

Julia Ayala, Dakoda Ballard, Alec Welch, Jaxon Santiel, Alex Capehart, Evan Blue, Alex Nguyen, Zhenjia Yuan, Mari Santillan, Trevor Conrad, Bethany Martin, Alyvia Warstler, Ronnie Herron, Melissa Danner, Taylor Corp, Paige Earl, Trace Neidholdt, Duane Carpenter, Denton Williams, Tess Harmon, and Rylee Hartwell

Talent show applications available

2011-04-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

Applications for the annual East Middle School Talent Show are available in the office.

They must be returned not later than Friday, April 29. A copy of all lyrics must accompany the applications.

The talent show will be held the last day of school.