East Middle School opens

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

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

Possible changes for ZAP program discussed

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

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

Emergency drills to begin next Monday at East

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

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

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

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

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

Teachers' meetings held on first day back

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

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

Kickoff ceremonies held for Joplin Schools personnel

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

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

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

Open House held at East Middle School

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

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

Welcome to East Middle School Roundabout

Welcome to the East Middle School Roundabout.

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

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

Final post for Room 210 News

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

Hannah Cady performs at talent show

South staff says goodbye to Officer Delzell

A reception was held before school Monday for Officer Jared Delzell, who will not accompany South staff when they make the move to East Middle School for the 2009=2010 school year.

After the last day of school

A few photos taken after school was dismissed at South for the final time Monday:

Shown are Mr. Ron MItchell, principal, talking with television reporters about the move to East; teachers gathered in the hallway for fellowship; eighth grade citizen of the year Hannah Cady posing for a photo with Mrs. Jean Williams and Ms. Sue Macy, and students lingering in front of the school after being dismissed for the summer.

Memories from the final Talent Show/Awards Assembly

Photos by LYNN SHEPHERD

The final lineup

South Middle School students lined up on the playground for the final time Monday to begin the last day of the old South's existence.

Ms. Moore named most inspirational teacher

Ms. Debbie Moore, success teacher at South Middle School, was named Most Inspirational Teacher during the Awards Assembly/Talent Show Monday, June 1.

Ms. Moore was selected as a result of papers written about her by eighth grade communication arts students Joey Capehart and Justin Fleming:

Eighth graders sing farewell song

South Middle School eighth grade choir members, with twins Hannah and Hollis Cady performing solos, sang a farewell song during the Talent Show/Awards Assembly June 1. (Video by Karissa Dowell)

Traditional teacher dance performed at Talent Show

South Middle School faculty members, led by Lara Stamper, performed at the talent show June 1.

School's out!

The final talent show at good old South Middle School was a success and it ended, fittingly, with Volt, consisting of eighth graders (now former eighth graders) Dylan Caldwell, James Kittrell, Mac Owen, and Matt Parsons, performing "School's Out."

This is the first of many memories of the final day and the last several weeks, including videos and photos that will be posted on Room 210 News. Keep watching for more:

Cadet teacher leaves future in students' hands

Joplin High School senior (now graduate) Jordyn Pierce ended her year as a cadet teacher in Mr. Randy Turner's seventh hour eighth grade communication arts class with a fingerpainting project.

The students' work was included in the presentation Miss Pierce made to her high school class during her final week in school.

Final choir concert held at South

Photos and Video by
ELISABETH HEIMBERG

The final South Middle School Choir Concert was held earlier this month in the school auditorium.
The concert featured performances by the sixth grade choir, the seventh and eighth grade choir and the Southern Belles, South's show choir.

The program was directed by Ms. Julie Yonkers.

Wedding shower held for Miss Jasper

South Middle School faculty held a wedding shower for seventh grade history teacher Miss Megan Jasper last week.
Miss Jasper will marry Skyler Powers June 27.

East Middle School cheerleaders named for 2008-2009

East Middle School cheerleaders for the 2008-2009 school year have been named following tryouts last week:

Seventh grade cheerleaders- Courtney Been, Taylor Corp, Savanah Fields, Tess Harmon, Veronica Herron, Riley Ingram, Tieshia Jones, Ashley Mansour, Lexi Nollner, Lauren Smith, Riickelle Stafford, and Kalli VanLoon.

Eighth grade cheerleaders- Tiffanie Allender, Joceline Bogarin, Skyler Detter, Katie Earll, Aleeica Hardin, Brenda Parker, Dajhana Porter, Kahla Quinn, Tiffini Reding, Jasmine Simpson, Blair Wallace.

Teachers prepare for Talent Show dance

Ms. Lara Stamper is at it again.

South Middle School's dancer extraordinaire is choreographing the third annual teacher dance routine for the talent show scheduled for Monday, June 1, in the SMS Auditorium:

"American Idol" comes to South Middle School

"American Idol came to South Middle School today, courtesy of the Drama Class, which presented its own unique version of the Fox Television program;

Tryouts held for end-of-year talent show

Tryouts were held Thursday after school for the end of the year talent show. The show will be held Monday, June 1, in the SMS Auditorium

Youth Orchestra concert set for May 18

By THOMAS RICHINS
Room 210 Staff Writer

On May 18th, the Youth Orchestra of the Four States will perform its "Classical Matinee Concert".

Songs include "Amedeus", "What`s Up At the Symphony?: Bugs Bunny`s Greatest Hits", and "Sounds of Scotland". The performance is at 7 p.m., in the Joplin Performing Arts Center at 15th and Pearl.

Tickets are $5 for adults and Students are free. Auditions for the YO4S begin in September. For contact information, go to http://yo4states.org/contact.html. Come see the conclusion of the Youth Orchestra`s third session.

Deadline to sign up for talent show is Friday

By KARISSA KIBLINGER
Room 210 Staff Writer

Auditions for the South Middle School end of the year talent show begin May 7th.
Mrs. Lana Maddock, Julia Yonkers, Arekka Worku, and Bonnie Turner will all be present for judging followed by Mr. Rocky Biggers. Performance day will arrive soon, held on June 1st.

Final SMS Essay Contest being held

By THOMAS RICHINS
Room 210 Staff Writer

Entries are being accepted for the final annual South Middle School Essay Contest. The contest is open to all students in grades six, seven, and eight. This year`s topic is "What can be done to reduce the dropout rate at Joplin High School?"

A total of $50 in cash prizes with the first place winner receiving $15. Entries must be at least 200 words. They will be judged on quality of writing, effectiveness of the lead, strength of arguments, and effectiveness of the closing.

Entries will be judged by high school students who were previous SMS Essay Contest winners. The deadline for entering the contest is Friday, May 8. All entries should go to Mr. Turner in Room 210.

"We do this every year to give students a chance to show off their writing skills." said Mr. Randy Turner, eighth grade communication arts teacher.

Youth Orchestra of the Four States

By THOMAS RICHINS
Room 210 Staff Writer
The Youth Orchestra of the Four States is beginning its third session. The theme is Classical Matinee, where the full orchestra will perform pieces such as "Amadeus" and "What`s up at the Symphony; Bugs Bunny`s Greatest Hits".

The concert will take place Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. They will perform at the Joplin Performing Arts Center on 15th and Pearl. For contact information, go to http://www.yo4states.org/contact.html.

Rooker, Thompson celebrate birthdays

SMS staff helped sixth grade math teacher Mrs. Barbara Rooker and seventh grade science teacher Mr. Brent Thompson celebrate their birthdays last week.

Kevin Henderson leaves for position at North

South Middle School said goodbye last week to Kevin Henderson, who has been the custodial staff for the past three years. Henderson has been transferred to North Middle School.

Bass, Thompson featured on district website

A photo of South Middle School eighth graders Abby Bass and Victoria Thompson has been featured on the homepage of the Joplin R-8 School District website for the past several days.

The picture was taken at the first "Are You Smarter Than a MAP Tester?" and was placed on the website to note that R-8 middle school are taking the MAP tests.