Auditorium packed for first EMS Winter Concert

Few seats were available Thursday night when East Middle School vocal groups under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers performed their first winter concert.

The concert choir opened with eight songs, including solos by Khristopher Dailey, Riley Ingram, Megan Jacobs, and Jordan Jensen.

The sixth grade choir performed five numbers with a solo from Annie Strickling.

The evening concluded with two numbers from the JEMS (Joplin East Middle School) Show Choir.

Sixth Grade Choir- Faith Allen, Triston Armer, Meggi Augostofsky, Jaylon Baert, Maggie Baker, Megan Belnap, Anna Blue, Kayla Brockitt, Brittany Buerge, Rachael Burns, Breanna Caldwell, Haley Cottrill, Ethan Fannan, Daykota Feezell, Mason Finnell, Abby Garcia, Bailey Gardner, Dakota Gray, Willshanique Griffen, Abbi Hendrix, Ashley Hicks, Ethan Holz, Destiny Horine, Kylie Howerton, Caitlyn Hubbard, Jordan Huggins, Alize' Iverson, Jarrod Jones, Ashley King, Nathan Kunce, Janet Lopez, Addison McAnally, Kaley Moser, Adrienne Myers, Renee Oviedo, Gary Patrick, April Pickett, Toby Profitt, Faith Reynolds, David Riker, Miranda Sanders, Taelor Stone, Amelia Street, Annie Strickling, Jamie Sullivan, Misha Tankersley, Marcus Taylor, Johanna Tiger, Karly Weber, Alyssa Wescoat, Logan Whitehead, Adam Whittington.

Concert Choir- Tiffanie Allender, Dezi Anaya, Conner Barnett, Joceline Bogarin, Savannah Burke, Alex Capehart, Deanna Cole, India Coleman, Shana Cover, Kaylah Dailey, Khristopher Dailey, Abby Dial, Michael Dietz, Lynsey Fitchtner, William Fuqua, Jordyn Ganes, Alexis Gifford, Kaci Gowen, Ashlie Green, Aleah Hardee, Cayley Hardison, Sarah Heimberg, Stesha Hiebert, Nicole Howe, Riley Ingram, Megan Jacobs, Jordan Jennings, Jordan Jensen, Matthew Jones, Tieshia Jones, Alicia Jordan, Kelly Jordan, Samantha Kliem, Jawni Lemmons, Joanna Lopez, Jamie Lovell, Hope Marbut, Ashley Mansour, Bethany Martin, Sadie McCash, Emily Merritt, Felisha Mitchell, A. J. Morrison, Christina Ochoa, Alexandra Oviedo, Corinna Padilla, Brittany Patterson, Courtney Paulk, Keisha Pennington, Miranda Richardson, Rochelle Ricketts, Corina Rodgers, Sierra Rosario, Megan Rowe, Kenya Schmidt, Mackenzie Shamblin, Laura Silva, Cheyenne Smith, Faith Smith, John Spencer, Rickelle Stafford, Madison Stripling, Avery Tanner, Autumn Tate, State Tatum, Aaron Tucker, Brooklyn Vickers, Kalli VanLoon, Nicole Walker, Megan Walls, Molly Wells, Marti Westfall, Azia Wheatley, Ashton Whittington, Adison Wright, J. T. Wright.

JEMS- Tiffanie Allender, Shana Cover, Abby Dial, Kaci Gowen, Ashlie Green, Cayley Hardison, Sarah Heimberg, Stesha Hiebert, Riley Ingram, Bethany Martin, Christina Ochoa, Alexandra Oviedo, Corinna Padilla, Brittany Patterson, Kenya Schmidt, , Mackenzie Shamblin, Avery Tanner, Brookyn Vickers, Nicole Walker, Megan Walls, Azia Wheatley, Adison Wright

It's war; Penny Wars, that is

BY LAELA ZAIDI
Staff Writer
Who knew pennies could make a difference? This Christmas, East Middle School is going to do just that! EMS Student Council has put together a Penny Wars fundraiser to help under privileged children get toys for Christmas through a program called Toys for Tots.
Penny Wars is a competition, or war, to see which grade can get the most pennies. Putting silver coins and dollars in anybody’s jar takes points away from them. In the end, the grade with the best score wins! The winner receives one amazing extra Eagle Time in the morning.
Mr. Rocky Biggers, Student Council sponsor, said South Middle School has been doing Penny Wars for over ten years; it was practically a tradition. Kids have always been giving money, but this year even with the economy in turmoil, kids have been giving more than ever.
In order to pick the families that receive the toys, EMS buys the toys from Wal-Mart, Target, or Toys ‘R’ Us, takes them to the fire department, and then the fire department takes the toys to the families. Mr. Biggers explained that STUCO does not take them directly to the families in order to keep confidentiality of the kids who receive the toys, since some of them might be from East.
Other school activities that help fund Toys for Tots are concession stand, candy grams, and the new 50/50 Raffle during girl’s basketball games. The winning grade will be announced Friday, December 18th.
East Middle School is definitely going to make this a new tradition! “Raising money for our community makes you feel like you’ve done something good,” said Drew Cox, member of Student Council.

Concert Band performs at assembly

Photos and Video by
LAELA ZAIDI and
CELESTE GRAVES

The East Middle School Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. Nicholas Moore, performed at an assembly Friday morning.

Eighth grade basketball season almost finished

Only three minutes remain in the first season for East Middle School eighth grade basketball team. The team is trailing 29-9 in the third place game of the annual Tri-State Tournament. A Mustang turnover with 2:30 left has given East the ball. A bounce pass from Leigh Ann Craig to Kristen Tyler resulted in a basket, putting East into double figures.

The score is 29-11 with less than a minute remaining. East has the ball with 37.1 seconds left. Corinna Padilla has just subbed in for Kristen Tyler, who received a round of applause. The final score- McDonald County 29, East Middle School 11.

Top scorer was Kristen Tyler with six points. Leigh Ann Craig had five. Others playing included Celeste Graves, Alexis White, Corinna Padilla, Shelbie DeWitt, Kelsey Johnson, Mikayela Richey, and Marissa Shofner.

Mac leads 25-9 after three periods

In the last game of the inaugural season for East Middle School eighth grade basketball, the home team is trailing McDonald County 25-9 beginning the fourth quarter. The winning team will capture third place in the Tri-State Tourney.

McDonald County leads 15-4 at halftime

Third quarter is just starting now with McDonald County holding a 15-4 advantage. Kristen Tyler banked in a 15-footer to trim the margin to 15-6 to open the period.

Scenes from the final EMS eighth grade girls basketball game

Craig scores as East cuts lead to 1-4

A Leigh Ann Craig basket from a Celeste Graves assist doubled East MIddle School's scoring output, but still left the Eagles trailing McDonald County 11-4 in the third place game of the Tri-County Tournament. A little over two minutes is left in the first half.

McDonald County leads

A highlight of the beginning of tonight's game against McDonald County was the singing of the National Anthem by Mr. Rocky Biggers, eighth grade social studies teacher. Sadly, we are such a new school that we do not have an American flag up yet, but I am certain that will be taken care of shortly.

The score at the end of the first quarter is McDonald County 9, East Middle School 2.

Live blogging final girls basketball game

For the first time ever, the East Middle School Journalism Club is live-blogging a school event.

McDonald County has taken a 6-0 lead over East with 2:15 left in the first quarter in the third place game of the Tri-County Trounament.

Celeste Graves scored underneath the cut the lead to four, 6-2.

Mrs. English: I want to put that tiara on Coach Pliler's head

By KAYLA JOHNSON
Staff Writer
"Slim to none, closest I’ve come to pink is someone wearing pink next to me." Coach Pliler said. All together East has read 425 books. Students at East Middle School have until the end of next Thursday to read a total of 1,200 books. If they do, Coach Pliler will wear a pink dress.
Most teachers think East can make the reading promotion. But gifted teacher Ms. Cheryl Mitchell thinks that the students are not going to be able to read the rest of the books needed by next Thursday.
Most of our teachers want to see Mr. Mitchell, Mr. Cook, and Coach Pliler in pink dresses.
"I want to personally put a tiara on each of them!" Mrs. Nina English said. In Mrs. English’s block classes, they are so excited they are trying to read The Giver and some holiday books. In her class, they are counting their pink slips everyday, also trying to read 400 books by next Thursday.
The reading assembly will be held Friday, Dec. 18.

Students prepare for science fair

By PRESTON CARPENTER
Staff Writer
With the East Middle School Science Fair coming up in the third quarter, there has been some stress on the students from the teachers to do better than before since, like everything else we do here, this is our first ever science fair.
Mr. Wallace, eighth grade science teacher, said, “The best science fair project I ever saw, was one about how a student saw how different densities of liquid affected light rays by shining a laser through different densities of liquid.”
To some people, it would seem better to turn in everything at once, but Mr. Wallace said that although that would make his job easier, eighth graders need to be reminded constantly that they need to turn stuff in at a certain deadline.
The science fair would be made a lot easier for students and teachers if students could use the computer. “That would be great for the teachers,” Mr. Wallace said, “but it would only be good for teachers to check and grade it, because on a public scale, it would be better for everybody to come and view the projects in the commons area than it would be to check it online.”
The first East Middle School Science Fair will be Feb. 23.

Band concert set for TA time Friday

The East Middle School Concert Band, under the direction of Mr. Nicholas Moore, will perform at an assembly Friday, December 11, during TA time.

Numbers will be performed that were done during last week's concert, plus some extra holiday songs.

Scenes from the recent EMS Benefit Show

A benefit variety show to raise money for books for the EMS library and supplies for Ms. Kathy Weaver's special education classroom was held Saturday, Nov 21, in the school auditorium. Performers included students, teachers, Joplin High School students, and supporters of the school.

Eagle Time continues

East Middle School sixth graders are shown enjoying Eagle Time. Students who did not make any D's or F's on their midquarter reports are allowed to participate in Eagle Time one day each week. Different activities are available, including basketball, volleyball and different Wii stations. (Staff photo by Kenny Braun)

East MIddle School students near reading promotion goals

Eighth graders Emily Merritt and Nicole Walker hang up forms outside of Mrs. Andrea Thomas' reading class showing books students have read. East Middle School students have one week left to reach the goal of reading 1,200 books during the annual reading promotion. If they achieve that goal, Principal Mr. Ron Mitchell, Assistant Principal Mr. Jarrett Cook, and Coach Kasey Pliler will have to wear pink dresses.

First-ever East Middle School dance held

EMS Holiday Band Concert held

By PRESTON CARPENTER
Staff Writer


The East Middle School Holiday Band Concert was held tonight. Some of the songs that the Beginning Band are "Jingle Bells", "Good King Wenceslas", "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," "O Tannenbaum", "Up on the Housetop." Some of the songs that the Concert Band are scheduled to play are "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Sounds of the Season", and "Holly Jolly Christmas." The Band members are as follows:

Beginning Band

Hannah West, Ethan Crider, Amy Hembree, Ryen Downing, Taylor Beaver, Dalton Hill, Tanner Bartholomew, Austin Lewis, Nathan Lewsader, Madelynn Martin, Bonnie Ardrey, Jakob Simrell, Justin Armstrong, Addie Bland, Cameron Bailey, McKinzie Cottle, Reed Campbell, Joshiah Garcia, Ethan Kraner, Courtney Hunt , Trace Neidholdt, Sherry Jordan, Stella Ndauwa, Darin Clark, Tokumatsu Platt, Blake Lewis, Tyauna Robinson, Blake Stearnes, Damian Abrams, Austin Still, Natal Bay, Angelica Suskey, Harrison Carpenter, Steven Townsend, Alex Garton, Erica Ward, Tristen Howell, Alex Hurrell, Cody Chollet, Malik Ore.

Concert Band

Heather Devore, Brittney Hamby, Mikayela Richey, Amber Swager, Tess Harmon, Whitney Bass, Abbie Reynolds, Justin Thomas, Dakota Ballard, Jordan Bond, Dajhana Porter, Jayson Brockett, Evan Blue, Alec Welch, Zach Consier, Hannah Huffman, Ashton Parker, Brandon Ruark, Allanf Eldred, Terrell Gilmore, Jesus Zuniga, Preston Inman, Adam White, Jordaan Nelson, Denton Williams, Tony Steppe, Zach Figueroa, Alonzo Byers, Severin Eldred, Anthony Grubb, Sam Belnap, Cannon Jones, Dylan Castillo, Valerie Royer, Courtney Huggins, Jennifer Schulze, Zach Anderson, Delshan Garth, Greg Lamp, Jeremiah Martin

Sound Dimension performs at Academic All-Stars celebration

Joplin High School Sound Dimension performed at the Academic All-Star celebration Nov. 19 in the high school auditorium.

EMS Principal celebrates 40th birthday

By MEGAN WALLS
Staff Writer
A surprise celebration was held Friday, November 13, for East Middle School Principal Mr. Ron Mitchell's 40th birthday, which was the following day

Reading promotion designed to keep Pliler, MItchell, Cook in the pink

Photos, Video
By MEGAN WALLS
Staff Writer
If East Middle School students read 1,200 books in six weeks, they will be treated to something never before seen in the Joplin School District.

Principal Mr. Ron Mitchell, Assistant Principal Mr. Jarrett Cook and Coach Casey Pliler will wear pink dresses to celebrate the students achievement.

The announcement was made this morning during an assembly in the EMS Auditorium. Serving as master of ceremonies was KSN Hometown Today host and former South Middle School student Phillip Mitchell, with the assistance of EMS Reading Department Chairman Mrs. Linda Weaver..

EMS eighth graders win home opener

Photos by
ELI TAYLOR
The East Middle School eighth grade girls basketball team won their home opener (the first in school history) Monday night, defeating North 16-8.

The Eagles grabbed a 9-0 lead at the end of the first quarter, held an 11-2 advantage at halftime, and kept the same nine-point lead, 13-4 after three quarters.

Leigh Ann Craig led all scorers with eight points. Kelsey Johnson and Celeste Graves added four apiece. Also playing and helping shut down the North offense were Kristen Tyler and Brittnie Hunter.

The eighth grade B team lost 28 to 16 to North with Shelbie DeWitt and Alexis White scoring six points apiece, and Celeste Graves and Corinna Padilla dropping in two each.

The teams will be back in action tonight in the East Middle School Gymnasium.

By: AMARA PENDERGRAFT
Staff Writer
Winners in the East Middle School Pumpkin Decorating Contest winner: Scariest Pumpkin-Mrs.Stamper, Most Original Pumpkin- Mrs. Titus, Prettiest Pumpkin- Mrs. Moore, Most like a TV/cartoon character- Mr. Biggers

Sixth grader's mother dies in drunk driving accident

By CHRISTINA OCHOA
Staff Writer

The mother of East Middle School sixth grader Tanner Bartholomew was killed in an accident. Anita L. Lizotte is 46 and a mother was killed by a Noel man facing manslaughter and that was drunk driver in an accident on East Fifth Street near Murphy Boulevard at 1:01 am on October 13.

When she was driving down the rode she didn’t know that a Noel man was on a chase from the police and was going to crash into her. A corporal police officer Chuck Niess said Lizotte was a passenger in a GMC Yukon driven by Francisco Espinoza, who was 22, he allegedly led police officers on a pursuit in the downtown area when they tried to pull him over for allegedly running a red light at Fourth and Main Streets. The pursuit ended when Espinoza sped up and lost control of the vehicle crossing the railroad tracks in front of Missouri Gas Energy operations, than he became airborne and crashed into a ditch. Then, the car burst into flames and the police officers were able to extinguish the fire. Lizotte, died at the scene. Police have yet to indicate if either driver were wearing a seat belt. The driver was taken to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin. On Monday Espinoza remained in the hospital but the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department custody on charges of first-degree manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and driving with a revoked license, his bond on all three charges were totaled $85,000, Involuntary Manslaughter in the First degree is $75,000, Felony driving while Intoxicated $5000.00, and felony driving while Revoked $5000.00. Espinoza and Lizotte were the only occupants in the vehicle. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was called in to assist police in a reconstruction of the accident.

Ms. Lizotte was born Oct. 1, 1963, in Kansas City, Mo and passed on Oct 11, 2009. Her parents are Roscoe and Frieda (Becker) Stovall, of Quapaw, Oklahoma. Anita graduated from Quapaw high school and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Pittsburg State University. She worked for a Missouri Career Center, AT&T, and was currently employed in Economic Security Corporation in Joplin. She was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and was on Board of Director’s at the Independent living center. Anita was preceded in death by her father, a brother named John Stovall and her grandparents. Survivors are her four daughter’s Chelsea Bartholomew age 19, Micaela Bartholomew age 16, Sierra Bartholomew, age 14, and Tanner Bartholomew age 11. Their father Ken Bartholomew; Her mother Frieda Stovall Bowers, her husband, Dean Quapaw, four brothers and many more have had their hearts broken. Tanner’s sisters are all former South Middle School Students. Although these kids lost their mother they still have her in their heart to show them the way, and to guide them if they are ever hurt and need someone to talk to.

History of Halloween related

By CHRISTINA OCHOA
Staff Writer

Halloween has always been a holiday filled with mystery, magic and superstition. The Celts were the ones who invented Halloween. Celts believed that on the night before the New Year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred.

On Oct. 31, the Celts celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture.

By A.D. 43 the Romans conquered the Celts and kept the traditions the Celts had but added their thoughts. The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. In A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.
The superstitions of Halloween are that we avoid crossing paths with black cats, afraid that they might bring us bad luck. This idea has its roots in the middle Ages, when many people believed that witches avoided detection by turning themselves into cats. This superstition may have come from the ancient Egyptians, who believed that triangles were sacred; it also may have something to do with the fact that walking under a leaning ladder tends to be fairly unsafe.
People mainly forget what Halloween was mainly about, it was about the future instead of the past and the living instead of the dead. Halloween to a lot of little kids is mainly a day were you go around house to house getting candy while, parents try to keep them safe by checking every piece of candy to make sure their was no poison or anything bad in it, it is also many traditional activities that include bonfires, costume parties, visiting "haunted houses" and carving jack-o-lanterns. The activity is popular in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and due to increased American cultural influence in recent years, imported through exposure to US television and other media, trick-or-treating has started to occur among children in many parts of Europe, and in the Saudi Aramco camps of Dhahran, Akaria compounds and Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia.

Leadership group includes East teachers

By VALERIE ROYER
Staff Writer

Have you heard of the teacher committee called A.L.L.?

Well if you haven’t it stands for Advanced Leadership Legacy and involves teachers all through the Joplin School District.

At East, the A.L.L members are Mr. Ron Mitchell, Mr. Randy Turner, Ms. Lara Stamper, Ms. Joyce Hale, Ms. Clara Ervin, Ms. Brandi Davis, and Ms. Areke Worku. What do they do during A.L.L. meetings? It is almost like a student council for teachers. The meetings are held once a month at Joplin High School. The purpose of the meetings is so make sure every building is on the same page, so one school doesn’t fall behind. The group also comes up with new ideas for our schools.

Hat Day is Friday

By PRESTON CARPENTER
Staff Writer
Friday October 15, its Crazy Hat Day.

On this day everybody is invited to wear any hat they choose, as long as its school appropriate. Masks, hoodies, and other items worn on the head that aren’t considered a hat will not be allowed.

One of our journalists will come around and take pictures of your hats, so smile for the camera and come see your pictures, here at The East Middle School Journalism Website.

East Band matches on Saturday

By VALERIE ROYER
Staff Writer
The East Middle School is playing in the Carthage Maple Leaf Parade 9 a.m. Saturday. The parade starts on the west side of the square, heads south down Grand Ave., turns east on Centennial, and ends at the Carthage Middle School.
To look at the route more closely visit http://www.carthagechamber.com/mapleleafparaderoute.html

Technology Class Enjoying Their Projects

By:STESHA HIEBERT and
CAYLEY HARDISON
Staff Writters
Mr. William Hedrick’s technology class is engulfed in projects, including mousetrap cars, water rockets, and washer games.

“They enjoy the hands-on projects. They also enjoy working with the tools.” Mr. Hedrick said.

The accidents have been so few and far between that Mr. Hedrick can joke about them.
“Some minor cuts, but nothing serious. Everyone still has all of their fingers, all nine of them…” he said with a smile

Shower to be held for Weavers

EMS staff will hold a baby shower for seventh grade history teacher Mr. Jason Weaver and his wife Stephanie 3:45 p.m. today in the library.

EMS Band takes first place at MSSU Homecoming Parade

The East Middle School Band, under the direction of Nicholas Moore, took first place in the Medium Sized Middle School Band category at the annual Missouri Southern State University Homecoming Parade Saturday.

More information will be provided later.

Middle school choirs to perform Oct. 15 at JHS

By CAYLEY HARDISON and
STESHA HIEBERT
Staff Writers
The Joplin High School vocal department has invited all of the 8th graders from North, South, and East Middle Schools to perform with their choirs on October 15. The choir will sing two songs with the high school and two songs from the fall concert. Mrs. Julie Yonkers, East Middle School choir director, replied: “We will be singing two individual songs and two songs with the high school. The two songs that we will be singing with the high school are ‘Battle Hem of the Republic’ and ‘Like An Eagle.’ We haven’t ever started the songs we are singing with the high school, but we’re getting there on the individual songs.”

Teachers, students share views on Acuity testing

By CHRISTINA OCHOA
Staff Writer
Acuity
East Middle School students took the first Acuity test of the 2009-2010 school year Sept. 17.
Acuity is a test that helps students prepare for the MAP test. East Middle School students have to take Acuity once a month until the MAP test comes along, and then they take it once after the MAP test is already over with.

Ms. Lara Stamper, science and drama teacher, said, “ If Acuity is done right, it could be a tool to test students’ knowledge. The reason we take Acuity is because we’re trying to improve instruction of our students and Acuity can help us find specific areas that need improvement.” She thinks that too many Acuity tests can have a negative effect and can take away from instructional time with students. She is also unaware of any research proving this will help any of the students doing the Acuity, but hopes that Acuity people have looked up if it was useful to any kids.”

Jennifer Wallace, sixth grade block teacher thinks “It feels like Acuity takes too much instructional time.“

Aleah Speller, sixth grader, said, “They’re boring.”

Mrs. Linda Weaver, seventh grade reading teacher, thinks Acuity “gives students extra practice to see what the process is like for taking the MAP test” and gives valuable information for the teachers to use to assess in what areas students need additional lessons.”

Mrs. Angela Mense, seventh grade communication art teacher, says it can be a useful resource “if you use it as a teaching tool in the classroom.” She also says, “You can’t just administer the test and forget about it; you have to decide what needs to be emphasized in the classroom.”

Ms. Julie Yonkers, vocal music teacher, said, “It’s necessary to know what the students know and don’t know.”

Corrina Rodgers, seventh grader, thinks Acuity is fun and prepares you for the MAP Test. “It lets us practice what we’ve been doing. “
Eighth grader Brooklyn Vickers doesn’t really like Acuity testing, but she likes the reason the school does Acuity. “we have to take Acuity because teachers need to know exactly what they need to teach their students.”

First East Middle School pep rally held

The first East Middle School pep rally was held today in the gymnasium.

The football and volleyball team members were recognized.






(Vidoes by Cayley Hardison)

Former South student may be kidnap victim

A former South Middle School student may be the victim of a kidnapping, according to a news release issued by the Joplin Police Department:

Joplin police are concerned about the well-being of a 15-year-old female.

The Joplin Police Department received a call from a concerned father today advising them that he had received a text from his daughter stating that she had been kidnapped and was being held in the trunk of a car headed to Springfield.

After following leads with the cell provider and talking to witnesses it is believed that Shelby L. Shumaker, age 15, may be in the company of her boyfriend. She is described as a white female being 5’ 06” tall and 122 lbs. Shumaker has light brown hair, green eyes and fair complexion. She has a pierced nose and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray hoody.

Shumaker may be with her boyfriend, Christopher A King, age 19. He is described as a white male, 6’ 01” tall and 175 lbs.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident should call the Joplin Police Department at (417) 623-3131.

(BULLETIN: Shelby Shumaker was found and she was safe. There was no kidnapping.)

Household items needed for Mrs. Kathy Weaver's class

By AMARA PENDERGRAFT
Staff Writer

What are some of the common items you have in your kitchen?
You probably have a stove, a dishwasher, sink, and a fridge, right? Mrs. Kathy Weaver, a Functional Skills teacher, doesn’t have any of these things to use in her class that she needs. You can help her, believe it or not. She needs pans, pots, a refrigerator, etc. She has a concession stand filled with delectable goodies you can buy. The concession stand is open from the time school ends 3:30 to 7 p.m. during games at the school. They have everything from nachos to laffy taffy. The concession stand is right in the cafeteria next to he entryway door.

Seventh graders start season with wins over Neosho

By LUKE RANDOLPH
Staff Writer

The East Middle School Eagles seventh grade started out their season by thumping the Neosho Wildcats last night. The B and A team both had thoroughly successful games against the Wildcats.

The B team triumphed with a stunning 22-0 win in the first game. Dakota Mavis scored two touchdowns down the middle while Trenton Jarret proceeded increase the constant edge that the Eagles had. Dustin Freeman and Anthony Grubb delivered a quarterback sandwich to Neosho’s team in the end to score for the defense. The player of the game was Johnny Maturino, who lead the B team in rushing, first downs, lead blocks, and rock solid defenses.

The Wildcats received yet another disappointing defeat when the EMS A team blasted them away with a final score of 20-6. The score at the halftime was a threatening 0-0; however player of the game, Adam Norsworthy, darted down the side of the field for an 80 yard touchdown in the third quarter. He then scored an amazing interception return. The team leader Jack West showed great speed when he scored a fantastic touchdown of his own.

EMS volleyball teams fall to North in opener

Photos by AMBER SWAGER and KILEY MAY
Staff Photographers
The seventh grade girls B team was the only East Middle School team to win in the season opener against North Middle School Thursday night.

The visitors defeated the 8th grade A and B teams and the seventh grade A team. The matches were the first to be played in the new East Middle School gymnasium.

The eighth grade A game was highlighted by serving sprees by Chanci McGowen in both game. In the first game, which was won by North 25-17, East was down 16-12, after a sideout, McGowen tied the game with three serve points, including a pair of aces.

She did even better in the second game, which was won by North 25-14. North scored the first eight points and led 12-3, when a sideout put McGowen on the line. She served seven points, including four aces to narrow the gap to one.

The eighth grade B team lost 25-5, 25-21.

Members of the eighth grade volleyball team are: Meagan Camden, Daya Davenport, Abby Dial, Celeste Graves, Brittnie Hunter, Kelsey Johnson, Chanci McGowen, Emily Merritt, Brittany Patterson, Salena Perez, Kymbre Resler, Mikaylea Richey, Mackenzie Shamblin, Kristen Tyler, Hunter Winkle, and Adison Wright.

Seventh grade team members are: Whitney Bass, Hailey Benge, Chelsea Burton, Reed Campbell, Lynsey Fichtner, Tess Harmon, Emily Hart, Karin Hoffman, Hannah Huffman, Madelynn Martin, Tori Merriam, Miranda Murphy, Sheridan Ruch, Maricela Santillan, Maddison Stripling, Alyvia Warstler

Volleyball team starts tonight

The East Middle School volleyball team will play its first-ever match in a half hour. The team schedule is printed below:


Thursday, September 10, 2009 North Vs. 7th & 8th A/B Home
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Carthage Vs 7th & 8th A/B Home
Thursday, September 17, 2009 College Hts. 7th & 8th A/B Home
Monday, September 21, 2009 Webb City 7th& 8th A/B Home
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 Carl Junction 7th & 8th A/B Carl Junction
Thursday, September 24, 2009 McDonald Co 7th & 8th A/B McDonald Co
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Joplin Tournament 7thA Home
Saturday, September 26, 2009 Mac Co. Tournament 8thA Home
Monday September 28, 2009 South 7th & 8th A/B Home
Thursday, October 1, 2009 Neosho 7th & 8thA/B Neosho
Saturday, October 3, 2009 Joplin Tournament 8thA Home
Monday, October 5, 2009 Nevada 7th & 8th A/B Nevada
October 12&13, 2009 Tri-Co. Tournament 7th Home
October 12&13, 2009 Tri-Co. Tournament 8th McDonald Co.

(schedule complied by Christina Ochoa and Cayley Hardison)

Mr. Biggers: The New School Is GREAT!

By PRESTON CARPENTER and BROOKLYN VICKERS
Staff Writers
He likes the old clocks. He doesn’t like digital.
Since there is more space it is easy to walk around.
They are putting down Mile Signs like at the mall!
He likes the location of East Middle School. It will be good with the trees.
Also, he likes the parking lot.
He doesn’t miss the stairs, too many injuries.
He thinks that it will take a while to get used to the bell schedule.
In all Mr. Rocky Biggers is very sure that the new school will help the students. He says it is better since everything is new and bright. Now as much kids see the others that they hate.
“I love the roundabout. Roundabouts help control the flow. Without the lights, it’s easier. Once we get used to using it, it will be able encourage others.”
Mr. Biggers also adds that teachers are trying to increase school spirit. They are hoping to make rallying songs for the students to cheer.
He also says that since we are the first school to open and have a head start we should be proud of it.

Student Council Elections Approaching

By AMBER SWAGER and DREW COX
Staff Writers
Mr. Rocky Biggers has been teaching student council for around 9 years. This will be his first year at East Middle School, and his first year at a different middle school. “This year’s election will be quite a tussle” he said. “7th graders and 8th graders from all the three middle schools are battling for a spot in student council.” Mr. Biggers wants “enthusiastic and hard workers,” especially when it comes down to recycling. Getting more involved is one big factor we’re doing at East Middle School,” states Mr. Biggers.

First day was also busy after school

Activity at the new East Middle School did not stop when the 3:30 p.m. bell rang.

Members of show choir, the football team, and others were still in the commons area or in the auditorium until around 5 p.m.