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.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Students paint, sign mural
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.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Kasey Kreager is new EMS sixth grade social studies teacher
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
"Lean on Me" will be theme for Color Guard, Band
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.
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.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Communication arts students to write book about first year at new East, Joplin Tornado
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Brooke Parker, former East students, featured in article
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.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Forty-five playing football for East
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
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
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Eighth grader Maddie Fichtner: Tornado brought me a lot closer to my mom
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
First East Middle School Family Reunion is a success
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.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
East Middle School prepares for new year in new facility
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.
Friday, July 29, 2011
East Middle School Picnic set for Thursday, August 11
(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.
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.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Superintendent: Missing our August 17 deadline is not an option
(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.
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.
Thursday, July 07, 2011
An examination of tornado damage at East Middle School
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
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!
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
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.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
JEMS gives final performance in East Middle School Auditorium
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.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The last goodbye: East students meet at 4th Street Bowl
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.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
East Middle School cheerleaders excel at camp
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 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.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The life of Zach Williams, killed in tornado, will be celebrated Sunday on his 13th birthday
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.
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Operation Rising Eagle: Locations announced for Joplin schools for this fall
(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.
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.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
EMS eighth grader's family's tornado story featured in 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.
Friday, June 03, 2011
Rylee Hartwell: The first East Middle School will continue to live on
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.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Humphreys family gives $250,000 to Joplin schools, issues challenge for matching grants
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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
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
Annie Yost, a second grade teacher from Duquesne Elementary, tells her story of surviving the Joplin tornado in the accompanying video:
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Teachers move belongings out of tornado-stricken East
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
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.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Huff: 100 percent of Joplin School family is accounted for
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.
"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
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.
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
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.
The clips also include an interview with high school senior Emma Meek.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
East Middle School seventh grader Zach Williams, 12, killed in tornado
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.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Joplin schools work toward opening on time
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.)
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