Academic All-Stars honored

South Middle School Academic All-Stars were honored during ceremonies held Monday night in the Coulter Auditorium at Joplin High School.

The students received proficient or advanced scores on at least one area of the MAP tests in April. Those named were:

Sixth Grade- Caleb Adams, Chance Baker, Cameron Ball, Corey Ball, Dakota Ballard, Hunter Barnes, Macximina Barron, Grace Bass, Ryan Beall, William Blankenship, Shania Blevins, Evan Blue, Tamerick Branham, Jennifer Brewer, Andrew Brown, Payton Burkhart, Samario Burris, John Byrd, Reed Campbell, Alexander Capehart, Danae Carson, Gloria Castruita, Christian Cervantes, Frankie Connett, Trevor Conrad, Taylor Corp, Ethan Crider, Vise Cusick, Kaylah Dailey, Killian Darden, Christopher Dumas, Paige Earl, Ailan Eldred, Sevrin Eldred, Jonah Ellman, Savanah Fields, Keegan Ganes, Delshaun Garth, Ashlie Green, Austin Green, Nalynn Gurley, Aleah Hardee, Tess Harmon, Veronica Herron, Jordan Hetiback, Colton Hill, Stormy Hinklin, Jalynn Hood, Nicole Howe, Rachel Hursh, Preston Inmon, Anthony Isley, Ian Ivie, Anthuan Jackson, Colt Jackson, Herbert Jackson, Megan Jacobs, Veronica Johnson, Cannon Jones, Bailey Kleeman, Christopher Lawson, Austin Lewis, Nathan Lewsader, Elijah Little, Harrison Marshall, Bethany Martin, Samuel Matson, Anna McCann, Sadie McCash, Zachary McDonough, Tori Merriam, Keondre Morrison, Cory Myers, Trace Neidholdt, Esmeralda Oviedo, Ashton Parker, Jaron Pelham, Asia Pinyan, Keysha Porter, Levi Puckett, Ethan Putney, Jamie Rhodes, Joshua Richardson, Corina Rodgers, Fabian Rodriguez, Ismael Rodriguez, Lora Rooffener, Megan Rowe, Zane Sanchez, Jennifer Schulze, Sarina Shofner, Cheynoah Slate, Jaetea Smith, Destiny Smith, Amanda Snearly, Kyle Stephens, Madison Stripling, Savanna Stripling, Avery Tanner, Summer Tate, Anna Tillman, Kelli VanLoon, Brandon Walker, Tyree Walker, Erica Warner, Alyvia Warstler, Alec Welch, Azia Wheatley, Adam White, Dakota Whitten, Ashten Whittington, Dalton Wickman, Jason Wilder, Denton Williams, Karin Willis, Madison Wilson, Mycah Wisner-German, Mitchell Woods, Theodore "L. T." Wright.

Seventh Grade- Mason Atwood, Joceline Bogarin, Kenneth Braun, John Brewer, Cailin Brown, Brendyn Burns, Preston Carpenter, Heather Copeland, Heather Cowan, Drew Cox, Leigh Ann Craig, Laura Crews, Khristopher Dailey, Kyrsten Damrill, Summer Dean, Gavin DePaul, Shelbie DeWitt, Abigail Dial, Aaron Dunaway, Katelyn Earll, Bain Edens, Oswaldo Gomez, Kenny Gonzales, Kaci Gowen, Kyle Gradwohl, Khaled Graham, Lane Grimes, Bailey Hale, Chase Hall, Cayley Hardison, Sarah Heimberg, Chandler Hendrix, Trystal Hillegus, Wesley Hooks, Courtney Huggins, Brittnie Hunter, Colton Johnson, Keaton Jones, Bradley Kennedy, Spencer Layne, Lauren Leibee, Caitlin Little, Jessica Little, Brandon Marney, Chanel McGowan, Dillon McVey, Emily Merritt, Preston Miller, Michael Munalem, Hayden Ottendorf, Alexandra Oviedo, Amara Pendergraft, Dakota Pilgrim, Stormi Potts, Gannon Purdy, Kahla Quinn, Luke Randolph, David Reed, Kymbre Resler, William Rust, Amanda Schilling, Kenya Schmidt, Trevon Shelton, Marissa Shofner, Eric Spicer, Devon Stahl, Stephen Tatum, Ashley Taylor, Michael VanSlyke, Brooklyn Vickers, Nicole Walker, Rebekah Walters, Martianna Westfall, Caleb Willis, Hunter Winkle, Adison Wright.

Eighth Grade- Torri Ackerson, Joel Adame, Alexandria Adams, Calvin Alumbaugh, Dalton Anderson, Jodi Anderson, Sierra Bartholomew, Abigail Bass, Eric Bauersfield, Lisa Bromley, Alexis Brown, Clayton Brown, Nathan Brummer, Casey Burkhart, Tyler Burkhart, Austin Burns, Hannah Cady, Hollis Cady, Dylan Caldwell, Joseph Capehart, Cheslie Cook, William Cottrill, Cole Darby, Aaron Daum, Felisha Derrick, Danielle Doerr, Laila Douglas, Karissa Dowell, Caroline Dutton, Shelby Eaton, Calisha England, Wesley Estes, Eliza Fausto, Lonza Feaman, Kelsey Gould, Tera Hall, Allison Hankins, Hannah Hare, Kvonne Harris, Shanice Hazley, Isaiah Hicks, Alex Hill, Anna Johnson, Carson Jones, Morgan Jones, Paula Jones, Kevin Justis, Kylie Lewsader, Sherry Marlett, Dustin Martin, Tianna McCarthy, Dominique Michael, Hunter Mills, Damien Mitchell, Damon Monasco, Alexander Musgrave, Curtis Nollner, Mackenzie Owen, Michael Oyler, Spencer Peterson, Devin Plassman, Orion Quintana, Dakota Reasoner, Stefon Rich, Thomas Richins, Alexandra Ritter, Joseph Ryser, Gabriel Sachetta, Bryson Sexton, Benjamin Story, Shane Striegel, Logan Terry, Victoria Thompson, Kristin Tippett, Axle Vene, Theodora Voutiritsas, Elaina Warren, Ethan Warstler, Andrew Welch, Ashley Wescoat, Allison White, Alex Whittington, Storm Whittington, Emilee Willis, Tommy Winstead, Alexis Woods, Jacob Wyrick, Emily Yarbrough

Voutiritsas receives $500 scholarship

SMS eighth grader Thea Voutiritsas received a $500 scholarship during Academic All Star ceremonies at Joplin High School tonight.

One middle school student and one elementary student were drawn from among those receiving academic honors.
night.

(Photo: Thea Voutiritsas and Kylie Lewsader display Thea's $500 scholarship.)

Joplin R-8 Schools accredited with distinction for fifth straight year

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has designated the Joplin R-8 School District as being "accredited with distinction," Superintendent C. J. Huff told those attending the Academic All Stars celebration at Joplin High School tonight.

"Accredited with Distinction" is the highest honor awarded by the state. This is the fifth straight year Joplin has reached the top.

The Academic All-Star celebration featured students from South Middle School and Eastmorland, Emerson, and Irving elementary schools who achieved either advanced or proficient in at least one segment of the annual MAP tests, which were held in April.

The program featured a brief speech by Missouri Southern State University President Dr. Bruce Speck. and performances by the JHS Jazz Band, under the direction of Major James Osborn, and Sound Dimension, under the direction of Susan Ideker.

Eagle Time begins at SMS

Eagle Time for students with no Cs or Ds on their mid-quarter reports has begun at South Middle School. Sixth graders have Eagle Time during TA on Tuesdays, while seventh graders have it on Wednesdays, and eighth graders on Thursdays. The accompanying photos were taken Thursday during eighth grade Eagle Time.

(Room 210 photos by Elaina Warren)

Neugebauer TA wins eighth grade tug of war contest

Mr. Brian Neugebauer's eighth grade TA won the annual Tug-of-War Contest Monday morning. The seventh and sixth grade contests will be held later. The video features the second place team, Ms. Lara Stamper's TA, as it fights to the finish against the Neugebauer juggernaut.

Members of Mr. Neugebauer's winning team are:

Krystal Schulze, Steven Putman, Taylor Shutte, Gracie Thornberry, Torri Ackerson, Tyler Burkhart, Morgan Osborn, Austin Boyd, Curtis Nollner, Anna Johnson, Courtney Burns, Hollis Cady, Caleb Garton, Tianna McCarthy, Hannah Hare, Shane Striegel, Sierra Bartholomew, Michael Oyler, Nathan Brummer, Billy Cotrill, Candice Smith

Seventh grade volleyball team beat Memorial; eighth grade falls

South Middle School's seventh grade volleyball team defeated Memorial in both the A and B matches Monday night. The accompanying video features the eighth grade A volleyball squad.
The eighth grade team fell in straight sets in the A and B matches.

Football teams remain undefeated, recognized during assembly

Story and Photos by
KARISSA KIBLINGER and
SHANEY DELZELL
Room 210 Staff Writers

The South/North Middle School seventh and eighth grade football teams remain undefeated following its first home game Thursday night. South Middle School's members of that team were recognized during a pep assembly Thursday afternoon in the South Middle School Auditorium.
Also recognized were members of the South volleyball team and the SMS cheerleaders.

Room 210 Interview: Rooker receives experience as principal

By CHELSEA HARRIS
Room 210 Staff Writer

Last week, Mrs. Barbara Rooker, sixth grade math teacher, had a chance to fill in as an administrator while Assistant Principal Mr. Jarrett Cook was gone. She is the subject of the latest Room 210 interview.


ROOM 210- What was it like being the assistant principal the past few days?

MRS. ROOKER- Busy. Very busy. There’s a new challenge every day. But it’s fun.

ROOM 210- Do you want to be a principal some day?

MRS. ROOKER- Yes I do.

ROOM 210- Have you missed teaching math the past few days?

MRS. ROOKER- Yes I have. I miss my students.

ROOM 210- Has it been exciting the past few days?

MRS. ROOKER- Kind of. You never know what will happen next.

ROOM 210- What was the best part?

MRS. ROOKER- Kicking off the assembly (the pep rally). I liked pounding on the microphone, and everyone was looking around wondering where it was coming from.

(Photo by Ben Story)

Hat Day held Friday

Photos and Story by
GHENESSA MOORE
Room 210 Staff Writer

Spirit Week at South Middle School concluded Friday with Hat Day. Spirit Week activities were sponsored by the SMS Student Council.

Tuesday was inside-out day at South

by KARISSA KIBLINGER and
STORM WHITTINGTON
Room 210 Staff Writers
Inside-Out Day was held Tuesday at South Middle School as part of Spirit Week. The week began with everyone wearing the jerseys of their favorite professional football teams.
Big events remaining this week include the home football game against Columbus Thursday night with a pep rally that afternoon.

Seventh grade spikers defeat College Heights

The SMS seventh grade volleyball team defeated College Heights 23-25, 25-20, 25-14 tonight.
It was the first win for rookie coach Natalie Womack's squad.
Seventh grade volleyball players this year are: Megan Camden, Leigh Ann Craig, Abby Dial, Brittnie Hunter, Kelsey Johnson, Chancie McGowen, Emily Merrit, Chelsie Patch, Salena Perez, Alivia Plassman, Kym Resler, Mackenzie Shamblin, Stephanie Sommer, Kristen Tyler, Salena Valezquez, Hunter Winkle.

The eighth grade team lost to College Heights 25-20, 26-24.

(In the video, the seventh grade team scores its final point and celebrates its victory over the Cougars. In the photos, Chancie McGowen prepares to serve; Hunter Winkle, Leigh Ann Craig and Kelsey Johnson get ready for game two.)

The secrets of the big door

By BEN STORY and
TREY RANDOLPH
Room 210 Staff Writers

Did you ever notice this door in the auditorium?
If you didn’t, there is a big wooden door on the stage. William Hedrick,business teacher said it is used for storage. Mr. Hedrick said it was built when the school was built in 1926.

The door was a big mystery for most people at South. It has been here since the school was first built. Coach Daniels told Room 210 News that door was used for the curtains before it was put into use for storage.

Spirit Week set at South Middle School

By: KARISSA KIBLINGER and
STORM WHITTINGTON
Room 210 Staff Writers

Are you pumped for Spirit Week?

I know we are! Spirit Week is a week of fun for South Middle School and it will be held Monday, Sept. 22, through Friday, Sept. 26.

Thanks to our student council and principal we are able to support our football team. Every day we change up our style and mix it with crazy items like inside out day to confuse our opponents, socks to sock it to ‘em, and jerseys to show spirit and on Friday we will be wearing hats as in ‘hats off’ to eagles for our respect as they’ve been bringing home the victory!

Cheerleaders Allison Hankins and Elaina Warren say they are very excited and happy to be showing their school spirit and support. They will be participating every day.

Keeping up an original tradition, Mr. Ron Mitchell, principal, also supported his team as he was in football, track, baseball, and basketball in his high school years. Psyched for our game against Columbus, Mr. Mitchell said, "We seem better this year; it’s cool and exciting because nothing beats a winning football team.

"It just makes the whole school feel better."

Sixth graders experiment with Skittles

By CHELSEA HARRIS
Room 210 Staff Writer
On Aug. 27, Mrs. Joyce Hale's seventh hour science class performed a skittles experiment to help introduce the scientific method.
Using four different cups, they put different liquids one in each cup. These liquids are Water, Tonic-water, Twist-up, and Vinegar.
Every group had different color skittles than the other groups. Mrs. Hale picked out the different liquids by looking around her house. She had only done the experiment before with water. These groups were groups of four picked by the children.
Some of the group/s suggestions included using chocolate candies and using different types of pop.

Student Council cleans up around school

Story and Photos
by ELAINA WARREN
Room 210 Staff Writer
South Middle School Student Council members do their part to make the community surrounding the school look clean and inviting.

On a regular basis, the council members pick up trash around the school. It has been a Student Council project for the last several years.

Eighth graders learn about presidential race

Mr. Rocky Biggers' fourth hour eighth grade social studies students explain why they chose their candidates for this year's presidential election which will be held Nov. 4. Those who are voting for John McCain are on the right:those who are voting for Obama are on the left.
Room 210 News will have more on students' reaction to the presidential race in the near future.

Bears attack South Middle School

By MADISON BRIGGS, CARSON JONES and ALLIE RITTER
Room 210 Staff Writers

On Sept. 18, we had a bunch of people bring their favorite teddy bears to school. We thought it would be fun if we could all bring our stuffed friends!
People who joined in the fun include Carson Jones, Madison Briggs, Allie Ritter, Ghenessa Moore, Courtney Burns, Shaney Delzell, and Kelsey Gould. Why bring your teddy bears to school? "We thought it would be cool if all the eighth graders brought their teddy bears to school... and all the sixth and seventh graders would be jealous!" Madison Briggs said.

(Pictured, left to right: Carson Jones, Allie Ritter, Courtney Burns, and Madison Briggs.)

Eighth grade volleyball team defeats North in season opener

The SMS eighth grade volleyball team opened its season Thursday night by sweeping North Middle School in matches played at Memorial.
The A team swept North in straight sets, while the B team won two out of three.

In the top video, the eighth grade A team scores the final point in game one. In the second, the cheerleaders root for the team.

Jasper joins SMS faculty

By SHANEY DELZELL, ERICA MUNOZ
and CORRINA PADILLA
Room 210 Staff Writers


This year is Ms. Megan Jasper’s first year teaching seventh grade social studies. She recently sat down for an interview with Room 210 News.

Q: Do you like teaching this grade?
A: Yes I love this grade.

Q: How is the school year going so far?
A: Really good. I like meeting all the students.

Q: Do you like what you are teaching?
A: Yes I think it is the best subject ever!

Q: Do you like all of your students?
A: Yes but some times they can get real rowdy.

Q: How do you like being an E-Mints teacher?
A: It is completely different but its very cool.

Q: How do you think the school year will go?
A: Very well everybody will get to know each other and have a great and fun time.

Q: Why do you like teaching?
A: I like it because I get the weekend off and I get to get a brake from the students. I also think it is the best job ever.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?
A: Mr. (Jason) Weaver (former SMS social studies teacher) will come in and help me with E-Mints. Social studies is one of my favorite subjects I hate math because all my math teachers were really bad.

(Photo by Ben Story)

Drama class presents inspirational 9-11 program

The SMS drama class, under the direction of Ms. Lara Stamper, presented an inspirational program today in observance of the seventh anniversary of 9-11. More information about the program will be featured later on Room 210 News:

Special education teachers meet

South Middle School special education teachers met after school Tuesday to discuss the 2008-2009 school year.

Joplin Middle School Association forming

Memorial Middle School Principal Steve Gilbreth spoke to SMS administrators and faculty Thursday about the new Joplin Middle School Association. (Room 210 photo by Ben Story)

SMS volleyballers prepare for opener

In this video by Ben Story, South Middle School volleyball players prepare for their Sept. 11 opener at Memorial Middle School, when they will play host to North.

South alumnus Jessica Hill, JHS volleyball to open tonight

All-Ozark Conference senior Jessica Hill, a South Middle School alumnus, will be in the starting lineup when the Joplin High School team opens its 2008 season tonight at home against Carl Junction.

Hill is a three-year starter for Coach Sandy Shelley.

Quiz Bowl holds first meeting

By WESLEY ESTES
Room 210 Staff Writer

The South Middle School Quiz Bowl team met Wednesday in Mr. Randy Turner's room. Meetings will be held Wednesdays after school and Tuesdays before school.

For the first time, South will have a sixth grade quiz bowl team, also.

"I'm glad Quiz Bowl is starting because I am going to be a captain this year," eighth grader Joey Capehart said.

Team members are:

Eighth grade- Calvin Alumbaugh, Joey Capehart, Wesley Estes, Danielle Doerr, Ben Story, Elaina Warren.

Seventh grade- Alex Capehart, Drew Cox, Taryn Parker

Sixth grade- Chris Dumas, DeVaughn Simmons, Cheynoah Slate, Aaron Tucker

New superintendent outlines future of Joplin R-8 School District

New superintendent Dr. C.J. Huff outlined his vision of the future of the Joplin R-8 School District during opening day ceremonies Thursday, Aug. 14, in the high school auditorium:

PTO buys t-shirts for every South student

The PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) of South Middle School bought t-shirts for every SMS student.
The shirts were handed out during TA Thursday.

Fox Navarre to appear in "Jake's Women" at Stone's Throw Dinner Theatre

Joplin High School junior Fox Navarre, a former SMS student, will appear in the Stone's Throw Dinner Theatre production of Jake's Women.

"The show is about a writer, Jake, who is going through his mid-life crisis and to deal with it he writes these scenes in his head with people that he actually knows," Fox said. "When the women in his mind begin to take over he realizes that he needs to stop living in the past and in his mind so that he'll move ahead and stop hurting the people around him. It's very touching."

The production begins Sept. 4, with performances scheduled for Sept. 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14. The cast also includes Fox's mother, Shanti Navarre.

The admission price is:
Ages 17-54: $20. Seniors (55 & over): $19. Youth (under 16): $17. Ages 5 and under: Free.
Groups of 10 or more: $1 discount per person

The theatre is located at 796 South Stone Lane, Carthage. For more information, call 417-358-9665, or e-mail info@stonesthrowdinnertheatre.org

(Photo: Fox Navarre in a rehearsal for the recent Stone's Throw Theatre production of Bus Stop- Joplin Globe)

Volleyball team to open play Sept. 11

South Middle School volleyball season will open Thursday, Sept. 11, with the seventh grade team playing Memorial at Memorial Hall and the eighth grade playing at Memorial Middle School. The remainder of the schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, Sept. 16- Seventh grade at Carthage Annex, Eighth grade at Carthage Junior High

Thursday, Sept. 18- College Heights 7th and 8th grade A teams at Joplin

Monday, Sept. 22- South 7th at Webb City Middle School, eighth grade at Webb City Junior High

Tuesday, Sept. 23- 7th/8th A and B teams at Carl Junction

Thursday, Sept. 25- 7th grade at Anderson Elementary gym, Eighth Grade at Anderson Middle School

Monday, Sept. 29- 7th grade against Memorial at Memorial Hall, 8th Grade against Memorial at Memorial Middle School

Thursday, Oct 2- Neosho seventh grade against South at Memorial Hall, 8th grade at Memorial Middle School

Saturday, Oct 4- Seneca Tournament

Monday, Oct. 6- Nevada 7th at Memorial Hall, 8th at Memorial Middle School

Monday, Oct. 13/Tuesday, Oct. 14- Tri-County Tournament, seventh grade at Carthage Junior High, eighth grade at Memorial Middle School

SMS/NMS football to open Sept. 16 at Carthage

The opening game of the 2008 season for the South/North Middle School team is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Carthage. The remainder of the schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 28- Columbus, Kan., at South/North (A squads only)
Tuesday, Sept. 30- Memorial 7th A/B at South/North
Thursday, Oct. 2- Memorial 8th A/B at South/North
Tuesday, Oct. 7- 7th A/B at Carl Junction
Thursday, Oct. 9- 8th A/B at Carl Junction
Tuesday, Oct. 14- 7th A/B at Nevada
Thursday, Oct. 16- 8th A/B at Nevada
Tuesday, Oct 21- McDonald County 7th A/B at Joplin
Thursday, Oct. 23- McDonald County 8th A/B at Joplin

All South/North home games are played at Junge Stadium.

Teacher of the Year speaks to R-8 employees

Joplin R-8 School District Teacher of the Year John Rutledge was one of the featured speakers Thursday morning when all R-8 school employees opened the 2008-2009 school year with a rally in the high school auditorium:

SMS teacher interviewed on Detroit radio program

Mr. Randy Turner, eighth grade communication arts at South Middle School, was interviewed about teachers communicating with students through MySpace and Facebook Thursday on the Mitch Albom Show on WJR Radio in Detroit. With Albom in China for the Olympics, Mr. Turner was interviewed by guest host Steve Courtney.

The seven-minute interview can be accessed through this podcast

Overlooked video from end-of-year talent show

While going through the archives, I came across this video of the SMS Choir eighth graders, taken by Mary Jean Miller, which was not included in the coverage of the end-of-the-year talent show:

Students, parents welcomed at annual Open House

The final beginning of the year open house at South Middle School is taking place as this is being written.
Parents and students are picking up packets and scheduled in the cafeteria and being served refreshments. At 7 p.m., Mr. Ron Mitchell, principal, will give the traditional welcome, and then parents and students will visit classrooms and talk with teachers until 8 p.m.

Library Activities Board helps with open house

South Middle School's Library Activities Board (LAB) is helping with tonight's Open House.

Moments ago, the students enjoyed pizza and refreshments. They are about to begin conducting tours and helping parents and students find their way around the school.

Former SMS student Jordyn McCutcheon leads Joplin High cheerleaders during back-to-school pep rally

Joplin High School senior cheerleading captain Jordyn McCutcheon led the cheers this morning as the squad welcomed Joplin R-8 staff back to work after summer vacation. The cheer squad also included former SMS student Ashlea Smith.

New teachers meet to prepare for first year at South

New teachers at South Middle School met this afternoon in the second floor conference room to go over plans for the 2008-2009 school year.
The meeting was under the direction of Mrs. Barb Rooker.
New teachers at South are: Stephanie Artinger, Kathy Baker, Stephen Garrett, Jeanetta Moss, and Bridgette Titus.

Teachers hold back-to-school meeting in art room

South Middle School faculty members returned to duty today, attending a pep rally for all Joplin R-8 personnel and departmental meetings in the morning.

The afternoon featured a back-to-school meeting at South with faculty gathering in the Mrs. Jamie Washburn's art room.

Another meeting will be held Friday morning.

Mrs. Williams receives Golden Wing award

Mrs. Jean Williams, secretary to the principal at South Middle School, received the Golden Wing Award during ceremonies this morning in the Joplin High School Auditorium.
Mrs. Williams has been at South for seven years.
The Golden Wing awards were presented to the top support staff person at each school in the Joplin R-8 School District.

South Middle School staff prepares for 2008-2009 school year

South Middle School staff members have been busy preparing the school for the opening of the 2008-2009 school year.

Teachers, though they officially report back to work Thursday, have been preparing their rooms since the beginning of August. Open house will be held 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, starting with parents and students picking up schedules and packets, followed by a welcome from Mr. Ron Mitchell, principal; and about 50 minutes when parents and students can meet with teachers in the classrooms.

(Photos- Ms. Areke Worku, seventh grade math, prepares her classroom; Mr. Mitchell, and Mr. Jarrett Cook, assistant principal, meet with new teachers Ms. Stephanie Artinger, special education; Ms. Kathy Baker, seventh grade reading/communication arts; Ms. Megan Jasper, seventh grade social studies; Bridgette Titus, special education. Not present for photo, Stephen Garrett, technology; Jeanetta Moss, computers)

A blast from the past

I just located the DVD of the public service messages the 2006-2007 South Middle School Journalism Club did for Fox 14's "Think About It" series. Enjoy!

Aron Hembree wins third place in Joplin Public Library writing contest

Former South Middle School student Aron Hembree, who will be a freshman at Joplin High School this fall, captured third place in the fiction category of the annual Joplin Public Library/Joplin Writers Guild Writing Contest. The awards were presented tonight in the library meeting room.

Another former SMS student, Mary White, received honorable mention in the high school division.

Neither was able to attend the ceremony.

Mr. Turner talks about writing Small Town News

I recently uncovered a 2006 television interview I did with Springfield journalist Ron Davis. The first half of the interview centered around the writing of my first book, Small Town News, and how it was inspired by students in my creative writing classes.