SMS Vocal Program scheduled for Thursday night

South Middle School students received a sampling of the vocal talents of their classmates Tuesday during TA as the sixth grade choir and the seventh and eighth grade choir performed numbers from the spring program.
The program will be held 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the school auditorium.
(Photos- Top: The seventh and eighth grade choir receives applause following a number. Eighth grader Lauren Bynum excelled during her solo. Choir members sing. Room 210 photos by Tiana Clemons)

TA Egg Drop held

By MADDISON BILLINGS
and TIANA CLEMONS
Room 210 Staff WritersStudents (and eggs) were left shell-shocked following the annual TA Egg Drop competition last week.
The students prepared boxes and containers to hold their eggs, hoping the eggs would not break after Mr. Jason Weaver dropped them off the school roof. Nearly a dozen eggs survived the deadly drop.
(Photos: Eighth grade Student Council member Garrett Dowell and council sponsor Mr. Rocky Biggers celebrate as their egg survives its crash landing. Mr. Jason Weaver launches another egg to its doom, proving that sometimes even in school Grade A is not the best. Photos by Maddison Billings)

TA Champ of Champs honored

A pizza party was held fourth hour Tuesday for 28 students who were named champ of champs for their TAs. Each month a champ has been named for each TA to honor a student who has worked hard in the TA. The champ of champ was chosen from that group.
In addition to the party, the students received certificates commemorating their accomplishments.
Those selected were:
Molly Baker, Joseph Bennett, Maddison Billings, Jessica Cashion, Mayra Castaneda, Tiana Clemons, Halie Endicott, Josh Frazier, MacKenzie Freeman, Bret Gibson, Christy Hernandez, Amanda Jones, Tera Knight, Kelley Leach, Sydney Long, Breanna Martin, Andrew Mays, Ian Mitchell, Amanda Needham, Cody Sadler, Mollie Sanders, Ashlie Shimmin, Alisha Shofner, Victoria Smith, Bayley Strella, Tevin Triplett, Dayton Whitehead, Ken Zhang.
(Photos: Molly Baker enjoys pizza. Groups of TA champs are shown during the party.)

Final rehearsal held for talent show

The final rehearsal for the annual South Middle School Talent Show was held after school Tuesday.
The combination talent show and awards assembly will begin at approximately 9:15 a.m. Friday and last until the end of the school, ending with 1 10-minute video covering events of the past school year.
(Photo: Eighth grader Mary White practices her flute solo.)

Peer tutors chosen for 2006-2007

Peer tutors for the 2006-2007 school year have been chosen at South Middle School.
The tutors work with students who need help with their classwork.
Those named were:
Hannah Doerge, Jacquelin Bogarin, Tylor Camden, Gina Casada, Jordan Chambers, Steven Denmark, Breanne Diles, James Hill, Amie Howard, Kylie Hurrell, William Ideker, Alex Karns, Sarah Kessler, Lauren Layne, Grant Lewis, Syndey Long, Mary Jean Miller, Amanda Needham, Anh Nguyen, Holly O'Dell, Allen Peterson, Cindy Pham, Chloe Potts, Mariah Sanders, Alex Smith, Victoria Smith, Shawn Spicer, Bayley Strella, Savanah Sweeton, Kyle Wentz, Dayton Whitehead, Katelynn Wood, Shandera Workman

Practice held for talent show

The second practice for the annual South Middle School Talent Show was held after school today. The show is scheduled to be held Friday, May 19, the last day of the 2005-2006 school year.
A dress rehearsal will be held after school Tuesday. The program is under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers and Mr. Rocky Biggers.
(Photo: Seventh graders Hannah Doerge and Taylor Tressler rehearse their number.)

Navarre wins SMS Short Story Contest

Eighth grader Fox Navarre made a clean sweep of the South Middle School writing contests, taking first place in the annual Short Story Contest.
Earlier, Miss Navarre won the Essay Contest and the Eighth Grade Poetry Contest. She will receive $15 for her short story, "And That's How." Other winners were:
2. Tiffani Gilbert $10
3. Mary White $5
4. Ashton White $3
5. MacKenszee Roberts $2
6. Madison Pollack $1
7. Jessica Erwin $1
8. Garrett Dowell $1
9. Paco Gonzalez $1
10. Steven Denmark $10 (top seventh grader
Also placing in the top 20 were: Sierra Hutchinson $1,Danielle Kleeman $1, Alivia Sherrick $1, Amanda Jones $1, Shawn Spicer $1 Rachelle Hughbank $1, Alex Kangethe $10 (top sixth grader).
The students will receive their money next week, according to Mr. Randy Turner, chairman of the SMS Writing Improvement Committee.

Teachers, staff honored during assembly

By MADDISON BILLINGS and
TIANA CLEMONS
Room 210 Staff Writers
Mrs. Joyce Hale, Mr. Jason Weaver, and Mr. Mike Wallace were named teachers of the year during the first Teacher Appreciation Ceremony, sponsored by the SMS Student Council this morning.
The teachers were chosen by students during a vote in TA last week.
The program featured a video tribute to faculty, administrators, and staff. The idea for the assembly came from Student Council President Garrett Dowell and eighth grade council members Tamera Zajac. Miss Zajac and eighth grade council member Lauren Bynum came up with the idea of presenting the winning teachers with gift certificates.
The following awards were presented:
Best dancing duo- Mrs. Angela Mense, Mrs. Maribel Chairez
Best/worst jokes- Mr. Randy Turner
Disco Ball Head- Mr. Ron Mitchell
Best under your breath language- Ms. Julie Yonkers
Special Education Department award- Mrs. Kathy Weaver, Mrs. Brenda Fenix, Mrs. Linda Fisher
Sixth Grade teacher of the year- Mrs. Joyce Hale
Seventh Grade teacher of the year- Mr. Jason Weaver
Eighth grade teacher of the year- Mr. Mike Wallace
The Student Council plans to make the awards assembly an annual event.
(Photos: From top: Mr. Jason Weaver, social studies teacher receives his award as seventh grade teacher of the year; Mrs. Angela Mense and Miss Maribel Chairez are honored as the "dancing duo." Mr. Mike Wallace was named eighth grade teacher of the year. Room 210 photos by Maddison Billings)

Journalism Club tapes public service messages

The importance of writing was emphasized by South Middle School Journalism Club members as they taped three public service messages for Fox 14 after school today. The messages are part of the station's "Think About It" campaign.
Eighth graders Maddison Billings and Fox Navarre read messages concerning the importance of writing, while eighth grader Alex Needham stressed how liberty means responsibility in a third message.
After each student read her message, Journalism Club members said, "Think about it." The messages will air throughout the summer, according to Darren Dishman of Fox 14.
(Photos- Darren Dishman of Fox 14 tapes Alex Needham's message. Journalism Club members say, "Think about it," following one of the messages. Front row, left to right, Chelsea Moore, Sabrina Rogers, Krystal Ford, Christy Hernandez; second row, Danielle Kleeman, Grace Randolph, Becca Mascher, Tiana Clemons, Rose Garduno, Roni Leonard, Christen Cool; third row, Kane McCaslin, Dylan Prauser, Jacob Oviedo, Ashton White, Gabby Londe; bottom photo, Maddison Billings tapes her message.)

Talent show set for last day of school

By KRYSTAL FORD
Room 210 Staff Writer
A South Middle School tradition will continue on Friday, March 19, the last day of school, when the annual talent show and awards assembly is held in the school auditorium.
The students who will perform were selected at tryouts recently. Eighth grader Mary White said she will play the flute, while Arlisa Arwood and Lauren Bynum will sing.
Other acts will be featured, involving sixth, seventh, and eighth grade performers and teachers. The school's band and vocal groups are also scheduled to entertain.
Awards are scheduled to be presented for citizenship, conservation, reading, and writing, among other things. At the end of the assembly, students will watch a video presentation of highlights of the 2005-2006 school year, then will be dismissed for the summer.
(Photo: Seventh grader Amanda Needham will be among those performing at the annual talent show Friday, May 19.)

New Expressions entertain during assembly

New Expressions, a Joplin High School singing group consisting of freshmen and sophomores, entertained SMS students during a fourth hour assembly Wednesday.
The group included many former South students.
(Photos: From top South alumni Nikki Burkett and Josh Thiele, right, were among the New Expressions performers. Male and female singers are shown in the other photos.)

Quiz Bowl team defeats teachers

By CHELSEA MOORE and
SABRINA ROGERS
Room 210 Staff Writers
The South Middle School Quiz Bowl team defeated the teachers 140-130 during TA Wednesday. It was the third straight year in which the student team beat the faculty.
"It feels great," said seventh grader Dylan Prauser, who teamed with eighth grader Jessica Cashion to answer most of the 14 questions handled correctly by the student team. "It's a surprise to beat the teachers. The team performed very well."
Though the students took an early lead, the contest was tied 70-70 at halftime.
The secret to the students' success was simple," Prauser said. "We practiced hard."
Despite the loss, Mr. Rocky Biggers, eighth grade social studies teacher, said, "I enjoyed it. We have a good quiz bowl team. I'm happy with the way the students performed and the teachers had a good time"
(Photos: Quiz Bowl members seated, from left, are: Jessica Cashion, MacKenszee Roberts, Dylan Prauser and Liz Hernandez. Other Quiz Bowl members participating included: Kane McCaslin, Mallory Fuller, Leif Larson, Steven Williams, Tiana Clemons, and Maddison Billings. At right, the teachers' team included Mr. Rocky Biggers, Mrs. Linda Weaver, Ms. Lara Stamper, Ms. Kathy Weaver, and Mr. Reed Barnes. Photos by Alex Needham)

Journalism Club to be featured on Fox 14

The SMS Journalism Club will tape a commercial for Fox 14 after school Thursday, according to Mr. Randy Turner, sponsor.
A crew from the station will be at the club's weekly meeting to tape a public service message for Fox 14's "Think About It" campaign.

Quiz bowl team to square off against faculty

Members of the South Middle School Quiz Bowl team will face a faculty team this morning during TA. It will be the last meet of the year for the team, which is under the direction of Mr. Jason Weaver and Mr. Randy Turner.

South, R-8 teachers receive 5.5 percent pay increases

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education gave pay increases averaging 5.5 percent to faculty members for the 2006-2007 school year. More information can be found in this Joplin Globe article and in this article from the Joplin Daily.

Cruzan lawyer featured in Post-Dispatch column

Each year, students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts class at South Middle School discuss the Nancy Cruzan case, in which a Carterville couple fought for the right to disconnect the feeding tubes that kept their daughter alive after she ended up in a persistent vegetative state following an auto accident near Carthage in 1983.
The Cruzan family's lawyer, Bill Colby, pictured, spoke in St. Louis Monday about the right-to-die, in cases ranging from the Cruzan case to Terri Schaivo. You can read more in this St. Louis Post-Dispatch column.

Students enjoy third quarter honor roll trip

Seventh graders had to wait an extra day, but they were able to go on the third quarter honor roll trip, joining the eighth graders at Rangeline Golf. Students who qualified to attend were:
Seventh graders- Dalton Anderson, Breanna Baker, Tyler Beall, Jacob Bennett, Austin Bolt, Blanca Castaneda, Kovan Chew, Christen Cool, Rebecca Cooper, Mikaila Craig, Candace Curtis, Michael Daugherty, Chelsea Dawson, Steven Denmark, Christopher Diles, Tiffany Douglas, Michael Dowell, Marina Dudley, David Evans, Leah Forkner, Rachael Foster, Devin Freeman, Brian Geier, Dakota Gilmore, Zachary Grimes, Lane Hampton, Paige Harmon, Alexis Hawk, Christy Hernandez, Dustin Hill, James Hill, Corey Hounschell, Cheyenne Howard, Spencer Hunt, Kylie Hurrell, Alexander Johnson, William Kessler, Jessica Knight, Leif Larson, Grant Lewis, Carl Long, Jessica Lumpkins, Breanna Martin, Andrew Mays, Kane McCaslin, Matthew McCoy, Nathan Morris, Faith Mowry, Taylor Mulik, Amanda Needham, Melaina Nicolas, Kelsey Pace, Allen Peterson, Cindy Pham, Dylan Prauser, Jesse Rowe, Jeane Ruvalcaba, Mollie Sanders, Cassey Schulze, Timothy Scroggins, Kaylee Sexton, Latasha Sherrick, Alicia Shofner, Victoria Smith, Grant Stewart, Daniel Story, Shanna Striegel, Kaitlin Sullivan, Savanah Sweeton, Tyler Walker, Blake Ward, Ana Warner, Amanda Webster, Kendra Wilson, Shandera Workman, Craig Yeoman, Ken Zhang

Eighth graders- Ashley Anderson, Arlisa Arwood, Shakota Ball, Brittany Banta, Jocelyn Benham, Maddison Billings, William Braun, Zac Brower, Aaron Brown, Lauren Bynum, Jessica Cashion, Mayra Castaneda, Tiana Clemons, Joanna Cole, Shelby Conrad, Chase Cox, Garrett Dowell, Amber Ellis, Halie Endicott, Mallory Fuller, Tiffani Gilbert, Zac Goad, Kyle Graciano, David Greene, Dakota Hackworth, Jenny Hill, Tyler Hodges, Michelle Holden, Tyler Holesapple, Cassidy Holland, Emily Houston, Tylor Hudson, Brock Hunter, Sierra Hutchinson, Josh Iglesias, Brenna Jamerson, Danielle Kleeman, Alec Lane, Charles Laramore, Michael Lujan, Becca Mascher, Yuriy Meadows, Blake Mills, Sally Mix, Chelsea Moore, Eli Moran, Zoe' Mowry, Jacob Murdock, Jessica Myers, Cheyla Navarre, Alex Needham, Myles Nothnagel, Chelsey Osburn, Alyssa Park, Madison Pollack, Tiffany Porter, Doug Pumphrey, Silma Ramos, Grace Randolph, Colby Ritter, Tabitha Robbins, MacKenszee Roberts, Sheriddan Robinson, Ashlie Shimmin, Breonna Shockley, Abbi Smith, Matt Smith, Felicia Spicer, Clayton Stehm, Phillip Szulakiewicz, Jeff Taylor, Caleb Wheeler, Cody Wheeler, Mary White
(Photos: From top, Felicia Spicer and Madison Pollack find a new way to entertain the eighth graders; Christian Young and Clayton Stehm at the pool, Zac Goad and Zach Brower at a tense moment at video games; Halie Endicott takes a brief break from the game; Garrett Dowell prepares to hit the fairway; Clayton Stehm and MacKenszee Roberts at the Northpark Mall foodcourt, and Alex Needham and Sheriddan Robinson relax on the ride back to South. Room 210 photos, except the last one, by Alex Needham)

New secretary hired

Mrs. Jennifer Wallace, who has been filling in as secretary for the assistant principal at South has been hired on a full-time basis. The announcement was made late last week.

Two straight My Teacher Rocks winners for SMS

South Middle School counselor Mrs. Karensue Hensley has been named the May winner in the "My Teacher Rocks" contest, sponsored by Continental Auto Mall, KSN, and the Joplin Globe. She will be featured on the 6 p.m. news Tuesday on KSN.
Mrs. Hensley was nominated by eighth grader Shelby Conrad, who wrote the following essay:
"Mrs. Hensley has developed a special program called, Special Investigations; in this program students get the chance to help other students and make a difference. The students who help have enjoyed this program, Mrs. Hensley has certainly made a difference in my life, and this is why I chose Mrs. Hensley!"
Mrs. Hensley marks the second straight winner for South. Mr. Reed Barnes, band teacher, was the winner in April, after being nominated by eighth grader Shelby McMillen. More information about the April winner can be found at this link.

South a perfect fit for new assistant principal

By ALEX NEEDHAM
Room 210 Staff Writer
Being the new assistant principal at South Middle School is a "perfect fit," Mr. Gregg Klinginsmith, who was hired for the job this week, told Room 210 News during a telephone interview this morning.
It's a perfect fit for two reasons. Mr. Klinginsmith grew up next door to Joplin in Carthage, and he comes here after five years of teaching math and social studies at Pattonville Wright Middle School. "South is about the same size as my other middle school here," he said.
Mr. Klinginsmith was chosen after interviews held recently in the district administration office, with many of the questions concerning whether he would be a team player and work to keep the school successful, he said. Among those interviewing him were Mr. Ron Mitchell, principal, Mr. Mark Russell, sixth grade science teacher, and Mrs. Kim Frencken, sixth grade block teacher.
Though his duties do not begin officially until August, Mr. Klinginsmith already has a few words of encouragement for South Middle School students. "Continue doing your best, setting the bar high, and strive for the best."

Middle school football camp scheduled for July 17-20

Football camp for Joplin middle school students will be held July 17-20 on the high school practice football field. More information will be released at a later date.

Navarre to perform in 'Brighton Beach Memoirs"

Eighth grader Fox Navarre will play the role of Laurie in the Joplin Little Theatre production of "Brighton Beach Memoirs," scheduled for May 17-21.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 17-20, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 21.
For reservations, call 417-623-3638.

Cheerleaders named for 2006-2007 school year

South Middle School cheerleaders for the 2006-2007 school year were selected following tryouts Thursday in the school auditorium.
Those selected were:
Eighth Grade Winter Cheerleaders- Cindy Pham, Becky Cooper, Amber Morris, Amanda Needham, Hannah Doerge, Samantha Warren
Eighth Grade Fall- Tessa Luper, Kendra Wilson, Lauren Ligon, Alicia Shofner, Lacy Heiskell, Kaylee Sexton, Justine Gowing
Seventh Grade Winter- Emilee Brown, Mackenzy Pierce, Nicole Yeoman, Taylor Camden, Jordan Chambers, Shelby Shumaker
Seventh Grade Fall- Olivyah Parker, Mary Jean Miller, Lauren Layne, Rochelle Hughbank, Sara Buck
Prior to the tryouts, Joplin High School cheerleaders Britany Meehl, Jordyn McCutcheon, Kelsey Graves and Marissa Dewane, all former SMS cheerleaders, worked the two students for two days after school helping them learn their routines.

Osborne hired at Carthage Junior High School

By DYLAN PRAUSER
Room 210 Staff Writer
Mr. Jacob Osborne, who is student teaching this year at South Middle School, will be close to home when he begins his new teaching job next year. He has been hired to teach social studies at Carthage Junior High School.
Mr. Osborne has been student teaching with Mr. Jason Weaver in seventh grade social studies. He decided to go into teaching after taking a cadet teaching class during his senior year at Carthage High School.

Pop decision will affect Joplin schools

A decision announced this week by major soft drink distributors to remove non-diet soft drinks from public schools will affect Joplin students beginning this fall. The decision was arrived at following concerns that the availability of soft drinks was contributing to obesity and poor health in young people.
Room 210 Staff Writer Roni Leonard will have an article soon on student reaction. The need for the decision was expressed by seventh grader Savanah Sweeton in her SMS Essay Contest entry, which won her $10 for having the top entry in her grade. It is reprinted below:

The Problem of Obesity
By SAVANAH SWEETON
Forty-eight percent of all children and adolescents are obese. Thirty-two percent of Missouri students grades six through eighth are considered overweight or obese. Obesity is definitely a problem our society is facing right now, mostly common in children and adolescents. They spend most of their time in school, therefore, the school should be more conscious of what they serve and how they serve it.
Children eat and eat and eat and eat. That's how we live; that's how we grow up. And now, since we eat so much and are overweight it will carry on into our adult years making us even more obese unless it can be stopped now. Did you know that any additional food served at schools should be based on the five major food groups? I know most are not, at least not in my school.
Most vending machines supply candy, chips, and cakes, other than pop machines, mostly vending Cokes, and Pepsis. Most kids would reach for a soda, instead of milk or water. Well, unlike most kids, I usually reach for two percent white milk. So when the school took that two percent milk out I was furious. They said, "Too many people were getting obese, so we took it out." As far as I could see, most kids drink chocolate milk so that's what you should take out, and if two percent milk is fattening, then chocolate milk is twice as fattening. Chocolate milk is ultimately white milk with chocolate syrup and sugar added, and that's fat!
What we can also do is to take vending and soda machines and "trim" them up. Vending machines should serve less fattening, sugary things. If kids are going to get an extra snack, at least make it a healthy one. Soda machines should serve juices, water or diet drinks, and vending machines serve fruit, cereal bars or baked chips. These are better foods to be eating than salty, fatty chips or candy.
Another thing we can do is to make sure kids get outside for recess and take a gym class. Exercise is crucial to losing weight or staying trim. But what you eat also is important. So the cooks should watch what they serve and how they serve it. They should serve less foods like hamburgers and nachos and more foods like sandwiches and salads. They also need to give water and white milk the option of being served as a free drink with your meal instead of chocolate and strawberry milk and milkshakes.
So, in all, schools should watch what they serve and sell, and how they sell it. It is also important to make sure each child gets a physical education class as they need it, and later in life they will appreciate what you've done. You might just save someone's life by changing a few small things. But then again, it is the little things that make a big difference.
(Photo: Eighth grader Tiffani Gilbert buys a pop after school. Next year, pop will most likely not be available at South. Room 210 Photo by Ashton White)

SMS Essay Contest winners receive cash prizes

Cash prizes are being given this week to those who placed in the recently concluded third annual South Middle School Essay Contest. The contest was won by eighth grader Fox Navarre, who received $15. (Note: Her essay can be found at this link.) Receiving $10 prizes were second place finisher Jessica Cashion, seventh grade winner Savanah Sweeton, and sixth grade winner Christian Allen.
Third place winner Doug Pumphrey, who was the winner his seventh grade year, received $5, with fourth place winner Michelle Holden receiving $3 and fifth place winner MacKenszee Roberts receiving $2. Receiving one dollar were: Andrew Allen, Vone' Britt, Mayra Castaneda, Halie Endicott, Jessica Erwin, Corey Hounschell, Zoe' Mowry, Melaina Nicolas, Bobby Roland, Mollie Sanders, Mary White, Craig Yeoman and Tamara Zajac.

Dr. Cryer ready for new challenges

By FOX NAVARRE
Room 210 Staff Writer
Dr. Jenifer Cryer, SMS assistant middle school principal, will no longer have the assistant in front of her title next year, but she will no longer be at South either.
Dr. Cryer was recently offered the position of junior high principal at Neosho.
Don't worry, those of you who treated her with disrespect. "It's just part of the job," said Dr. Cryer, when asked if she takes the attitude of students being punished by her to heart. Instead, she speaks only the good, preferring to emphasize the students' academic achievements.
"Actually, both the schools, Memorial and South, that I've worked at scored really high on the MAP testing and I'm proud of both of them."

Klinginsmith tabbed for SMS assistant principal position

By ALEX NEEDHAM
Room 210 Staff Writer
Mr. Gregg Klinginsmith, a math and social studies teacher in the Pattonville School District near St. Louis, will be South Middle School assistant principal this fall.
"He is a career middle school teacher; he has some quality experience, although he is new to being a principal," said Mr. Ron Mitchell, principal.
Mr. Klinginsmith, who is originally from Carthage, was picked after going through a search process that included interviews with a group of teachers and administrators, including Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Mark Russell, sixth grade science teacher, and Mrs. Kim Frencken, sixth grade block teacher.
"He has a lot of qualities that will benefit South and he will bring fresh ideas to our school," Mrs. Frencken said. "He understands middle school students and is very approachable."
Mr. Klinginsmith replaces Dr. Jenifer Cryer, who has been hired as principal at Neosho Junior High School.

Russell, Frencken participate in assistant principal candidate questioning

By ALEX NEEDHAM
Room 210 Staff Writer
Mr. Mark Russell, sixth grade science teacher, and Mrs. Kim Frencken, sixth grade block teacher, participated in the questioning of six candidates for the position of South Middle School assistant principal.
"It was enlightening," Mr. Russell said.
Mrs Frencken agreed, adding, "I felt that there was a lot of responsibility to try to make a decision for the good of the school. It was also interesting to hear what all the candidates had to say."
The two SMS teachers, were joined by SMS Principal Mr. Ron Mitchell, the principal and two teachers from Memorial Middle School and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Steven Doerr. Memorial is also looking for an assistant principal.
The main thing, Mr. Russell said, was to find "the best candidate for South Middle School." To do that, he added, "We asked them about their strengths and weaknesses and their personal reflections on themselves."
The principal candidates were also given hypothetical situations to see how they would react, Mrs. Frencken said.
The new principal should be someone who is "consistent, strong in discipline, approachable and supportive of everybody," Mrs. Frencken said.
The assistant principal will take the place of Dr. Jenifer Cryer, who is leaving at the end of the current school year to take a position as principal at Neosho Junior High School.

MIddle school survey featured on district website

Joplin R-8 School officials are surveying area residents to determine what should be done to ease crowding at middle schools, as well as concerns about aging buildings. The surveys were mailed to residents, but a copy is available at the R-8 website.

Will pop machine offerings be changed at South?

Bans on soft drinks currently available at American public schools, including South Middle School, will go into place soon, according to an article in today's Washington Post.
According to the article: "The agreement calls for eliminating sales of sodas, diet sodas, sports drinks, juice drinks, apple juice or grape juice in elementary schools. Water and more healthful juices such as orange juice could continue to be sold, but in only eight-ounce or smaller containers, according to sources who were briefed yesterday. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the plan had not yet been announced." At the middle school level, the article said, students would be able to drink 10-ounce containers of the same types of drinks. High school students will be able to have diet soft drinks, and the healthful drinks in sizes up to 12 ounces, the article said.
The official announcement of the agreement, which has been signed off on by Coke, Pepsi, and other major soft drink manufacturers, is expected to be made today. Soft drinks have come under fire in recent years due to the negative effect experts say they have on children's health.

SMS Band spring concert presented

The South Middle School band, under the direction of Mr. Reed Barnes, presented its annual spring concert tonight. The program included performances from the Jazz Band, the Beginning Band, and the Concert Band. A list of the performers can be found on a post from earlier today.
(Photos: The concert band performs; the beginning band entertains.)

Talent show tryouts held

South Middle School Talent Show tryouts were held after school today, under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers. Teachers judged the students' talent during a session, which was closed to all students other than those who were trying out.
The annual show will be held, in conjunction with the awards assembly, in the school auditorium on Friday, May 19, the final day of school for 2005-2006.
(Photos from top: Seventh grader Amanda Needham sings; Ana Warner and Cory Burton dance and lip sync; eighth grader Jessica Cashion plays a guitar solo.)

Cheerleader tryouts next week

SMS sixth and seventh graders began practice for cheerleader tryouts today. The tryouts are scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday.
Today, sponsors checked to see if the potential cheerleaders had taken physicals and then former South cheerleaders, now Joplin High School cheerleaders, Kelsey Graves, Jordyn McCutcheon, and Brittany Meehl helped them learn the routines for the tryout session.
(Photos- Prospective cheerleaders await their tryouts; former SMS, now JHS, cheerleaders Kelsey Graves, Jordyn McCutcheon, and Brittany Meehl are helping the girls learn their routines.)

Spring band concert is tonight

The South Middle School Spring Band Concert will be held 6:30 p.m. today in the school auditorium.
The program will include four numbers, "The Pink Panther," "What A Wonderful World," "In the Mood," and "Chameleon," by the Jazz Band; followed by four numbers by the Beginning Band, including "When Dinosaurs Ruled the World," "An Irish Medley," "Pachyderm Peanut Posse," and "Drivin' that Drummin' Machine; and will conclude with four pieces by the Concert Band, "Aspen Overture," "Cedar Creek Sketches," "Call of Courage," and "Explorers of Orion.'
Jazz Band members are: Dakota Hackworth, Cheyenne Howard, Ty Hodges, Gabby Londe, Corey Hounschell, Leif Larson, Nathan Morris, Maddison Billings, and Brent Evans.
Beginning Band members are: Molly Baker, Amber Chacon, Quinton Erwin, Jessica Kennedy, Cory Burton, Tiffany Douglas, Brittany Frisbie, Aron Hembree, Ashley Keeton, Tiffany Martinez, Christian Allen, Cecil Cornish, Eric Nulph, Bryan Ross, Juran Bailey, Nathan Baker, Nathan Cox, Gareth Evans, Sarah Kessler, Luke Lenhart, Junior Ochoa, Casey Sharp, Bret Stearnes, Jeff Terry, Kyle Vene, Brian Geier, Geoff Aiken, Monica Anderson, Chance Ewing, Kelli Newberry, Desean Triplett, Tyler Anderson, Candace Curtis, Zack Hibbard, Billy Nguyen, Chloe Potts, Blake Putnam, Gil Randolph, Dalton Smith.
Concert Band members are: Breanna Baker, Becky Cooper, Steven Denmark, Michelle Holden, Shelby McMillen, Lynn Nichols, Breonna Shockley, Mary White, Maddison Billings, Cody Gilmore, Sierra Hutchinson, Danielle Kleeman, Lainie Nicolas, Savanah Sweeton, Kisha Adams, Matt Lemieux, Austin Bolt, Zack Cloven, Brent Eagles, Dakota Hackworth, Cheyenne Howard, Andrew Mays, Jeff Taylor, Amanda Webster, Jordan Adams, Dalton Anderson, Tyler Beall, Zac Dunnic, Corey Hounschell, Leif Larson, Gabby Londe, Nathan Morris, Amanda Needham, Doug Pumphrey, Will Kessler, Christian Miller, Sam Quinones, Tate Duley, Ty Hodges, Eric O'Hanlon, Kelsey Tippett, Tim Davis, Daniel Story, Jar'vious Britt, Jenny Brock, Fischer Dowell, Garrett Dowell, Grant Evans, Tyler Graves, Jessica Lumpkin, Allen Peterson, Colby Ritter, Tevin Triplett and Ashton White.
(The photo accompanying this article is from the band's Christmas program.)

Honor roll trips scheduled for this week

By ALEX NEEDHAM
Room 210 Staff Writer
South Middle School third quarter honor roll students will go to Rangeline Mini-Golf this week as a reward for their accomplishments. Sixth graders will go Wednesday, seventh graders Thursday, and eighth graders Friday.
Those eligible to attend are:
Sixth graders- Andrew Allen, Christian Allen, Monica Anderson, Molly Baker, Nathan Baker, Kirsti Banning, Lindsey Beall, Joseph Bennett, Alexandria Block-Silvers, Emylee Brown, Caleb Brummer, Sara Buck, Taylor Camden, Amber Chacon, Jordan Chambers, Marcus Clark, Tolby Clemons, Cecil Cornish, Matthew Cruzan, Kaylee Dawson, Alexandria Deer, Brittney DeMasters, Breanne Diles, Derek Dillon, Christine Dunn, Shane Ellis, Dermott Evans, Chance Ewing, Taylor Fetterman, Tara Fleming, Brittany Frisbie, Shawn Fronce, Jared Fuller, Christian Gates, Dylan Goad, Heidi Gomez, Devyn Hale, Gage Haskew, Nicole Heese, Chelsea Hernandez, Jessica Highley, Brandon Holman, Amie Howard, Brittany Hulette, Mariah Hutchinson, Alex Kangethe, Alexander Karns, Rodney Kelley, Amanda Kennedy, Jessica Kennedy, Sarah Kessler, Breanna Knapp, Tera Knight, Allie Lacey, Lauren Layne, Luke Lenhart, Amanda Liontas, Sydney Long, Hunter Lynn, Jacob Lyons, Austin Mallory, Wade Mathis, Candace McGillvray, Mary Jean Miller, Ian Mitchell, Victoria Mitchell, Anh Nguyen, Billy Nguyen, Dylan Nunn, Holly Odell, Andrew Perry, MacKenzy Pierce, Payton Pollack, Darwin Potter, Chloe Potts, Justice Pullum, Shalea Purdy, Blake Putnam, Gilbert Randolph, Chase Reeder, Stephanie Richardson, Bryan Ross, Mariah Sanders, Adam Schilling, Daniel Scott, Braden Showers, Shelby Showalter, Alexandria Smith, Tyretha Smith, Adam Snearly, Sydney Snider, Shawn Spicer, Brett Stearnes, Kayla Stewart, Bayley Strella, Kaleb Szulakiewicz, Raven Taylor, Jeffrey Terry, Christian Underwood, Brittany Utley, Greggory VanLoon, Kyle Vene, Jamie Walters, Billon Warlaumont, Kyle Wentz, Casee Wheeler, Dayton Whitehead, Johnna Yeoman

Seventh graders- Dalton Anderson, Breanna Baker, Tyler Beall, Jacob Bennett, Austin Bolt, Blanca Castaneda, Kovan Chew, Christen Cool, Rebecca Cooper, Mikaila Craig, Candace Curtis, Michael Daugherty, Chelsea Dawson, Steven Denmark, Christopher Diles, Tiffany Douglas, Michael Dowell, Marina Dudley, David Evans, Leah Forkner, Rachael Foster, Devin Freeman, Brian Geier, Dakota Gilmore, Zachary Grimes, Lane Hampton, Paige Harmon, Alexis Hawk, Christy Hernandez, Dustin Hill, James Hill, Corey Hounschell, Cheyenne Howard, Spencer Hunt, Kylie Hurrell, Alexander Johnson, William Kessler, Jessica Knight, Leif Larson, Grant Lewis, Carl Long, Jessica Lumpkins, Breanna Martin, Andrew Mays, Kane McCaslin, Matthew McCoy, Nathan Morris, Faith Mowry, Taylor Mulik, Amanda Needham, Melaina Nicolas, Kelsey Pace, Allen Peterson, Cindy Pham, Dylan Prauser, Jesse Rowe, Jeane Ruvalcaba, Mollie Sanders, Cassey Schulze, Timothy Scroggins, Kaylee Sexton, Latasha Sherrick, Alicia Shofner, Victoria Smith, Grant Stewart, Daniel Story, Shanna Striegel, Kaitlin Sullivan, Savanah Sweeton, Tyler Walker, Blake Ward, Ana Warner, Amanda Webster, Kendra Wilson, Shandera Workman, Craig Yeoman, Ken Zhang

Eighth graders- Ashley Anderson, Arlisa Arwood, Shakota Ball, Brittany Banta, Jocelyn Benham, Maddison Billings, William Braun, Zac Brower, Aaron Brown, Lauren Bynum, Jessica Cashion, Mayra Castaneda, Tiana Clemons, Joanna Cole, Shelby Conrad, Chase Cox, Garrett Dowell, Amber Ellis, Halie Endicott, Mallory Fuller, Tiffani Gilbert, Zac Goad, Kyle Graciano, David Greene, Dakota Hackworth, Jenny Hill, Tyler Hodges, Michelle Holden, Tyler Holesapple, Cassidy Holland, Emily Houston, Tylor Hudson, Brock Hunter, Sierra Hutchinson, Josh Iglesias, Brenna Jamerson, Danielle Kleeman, Alec Lane, Charles Laramore, Michael Lujan, Becca Mascher, Yuriy Meadows, Blake Mills, Sally Mix, Chelsea Moore, Eli Moran, Zoe' Mowry, Jacob Murdock, Jessica Myers, Cheyla Navarre, Alex Needham, Myles Nothnagel, Chelsey Osburn, Alyssa Park, Madison Pollack, Tiffany Porter, Doug Pumphrey, Silma Ramos, Grace Randolph, Colby Ritter, Tabitha Robbins, MacKenszee Roberts, Sheriddan Robinson, Ashlie Shimmin, Breonna Shockley, Abbi Smith, Matt Smith, Felicia Spicer, Clayton Stehm, Phillip Szulakiewicz, Jeff Taylor, Caleb Wheeler, Cody Wheeler, Mary White

Talent show auditions to be held Thursday after school

Auditions for the annual South Middle School Talent Show will be held after school Thursday in the school auditorium. The show will be held Friday, May 19, the last day of school.
As of this morning, 19 acts had signed up for the auditions. Those signing up include:
Kody Simpson, Alexandra Deer, Ana Warner and Cory Burton, Amanda Needham, Jessica Cashion, Lindsey Beall and Cassie Wooldridge, Arlisa Arwood and Lauren Bynum, "Speechless," Alyssa Loyd, "Gangsta-ettss; Alex Needham and Kelley Leach, Alex, Jessica, Mallory and MacKenszee; Taylor Tressler and Hannah Doerge, Mary Jean Miller, Arlena Parks-Williams, "Deja Vu," Ashlea Smith and Breezy Leatherman, "24:7 Worship Band," and "The Undecided."

CP Heart field trip is today

Students in Ms. Gayle Daniels' TA will visit the Cerebral Palsy Center in Joplin today.
The students earned the trip by selling the most CP hearts during last fall's competition, primarily due to the efforts of sixth grader Tara Fleming. The TA consists of sixth and seventh graders.
Students scheduled to take the trip are: Tate Duley, Gareth Evans, Tara Fleming, MaKenzie Freeman, Jonathan Gonzalez, Carl Long, Hunter Lynn, Gil Randolph, Hailey Smith, Brett Stearnes, Grant Stewart, Ryan White, Arlena Williams, Cassie Woolbridge.

Hensley finalist for May My Teacher Rocks

South Middle School has a chance to win the My Teacher Rocks competition for the second month in a row.
Mrs. Karensue Hensley, counselor, is a finalist this month. She was nominated by eighth grader Shelby Cooper. Last month's winner was Mr. Reed Barnes, band instructor, who was nominated by eighth grader Shelby McMillen.

SMS Choir sings at Worlds of Fun

By MELODY KETRON
Room 210 Staff Writer
South Middle School choir members, under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers, performed at Worlds of Fun Saturday.
Those performing included:
Christen Cool, Leah Forkner, Christy Hernandez, Kelley Leach, Adriana Maturino, Jessica Myers, Arlena Parks, Matt Smith, Shelby Sullivan, Sammy Warren, Takada Davis, Hannah Doerge, Rachael Foster, Joe Huddleston, Breezy Leatherman, Tessa Luper.
Also, Cindy Pham, Ashlea Smith, Shanna Striegel, Taylor Tressler, Arlisa Arwood, Lauren Bynum, Joanna Cole, Jenny Hill, Emily Houston, Grant Lewis, Becca Mascher, Abbi Smith, Wes Underwood, Kendra Wilson
Also, Shakota Ball, Beau Carroll, Mikaila Craig, Roni Leonard, Loryn Ligon, Fox Navarre, Dylan Prauser, Rochelle Stanley, Shandera Workman, Ashley Whittington, Jaclyn Wright, Aaron Brown, Makensie Freeman, Justine Gowing, Colten Hawkins, Melody Ketron
Also, Chelsea Moore, Spencer Moss, Dustin Trebbe, Caleb Wheeler, Tamara Zajac, Cameron Bryan, Paige Harmon, Alexis Hawk, Alyssa Loyd, Breanna Martin, Kelsey Pace, Rachel Richins, Mollie Sanders, Kaylee Sexton, and Katie Wood

Eighth graders prepare to move on

By KRYSTAL FORD
Room 210 Staff Writer
It won't be long before eighth graders start high school. Already, they are starting to think about next year and thinking back over their memories of South Middle School.
Sheriddan Robinson's favorite memories include people singing "Happy Birthday" to her in the hallway. She says she is excited about high school, prepared for new things, and she is ready to meet new people.
The best part of middle school for Felicia Spicer was meeting new friends. She is also looking forward to meeting more new friends in high school.
Ashton White's favorite SMS memories involve the band, while he is eagerly awaiting high school food.
Sam Godwin looks at his South days a bit differently. "I did some stupid things," he said. He looks forward to meeting new friends in high school.