More photos from the Halloween Dance

Eighth grade wins Talon Ticket contest

By AMY KOCH
Staff Photographer

East Middle School eighth graders won the first quarter Talon Ticket competition and received two hours of social time (actually one hour since all classes were abbreviated during the half-day Monday) and ice cream.

Talon Tickets are provided to students who demonstrate the Eagle Code of Duty, Honor, Peace and Pride.

Gorilla Grudge Match entertains East student body

By AMY KOCH
Staff Photographer

A little touch of CO2 Nascar came to East Middle School Tuesday when Pittsburg State University students raced their CO2 cars against those built by East Middle School students.

During a seventh hour assembly that day, the speeds of the East cars were demonstrated with cars built by students in Mr. Brandon Teel's industrial arts class racing, as well as cars built by Mr. Teel and Principal Mr. Bud Sexson, who at one time taught industrial arts.

Long line assembles for picture retakes

(Photo by Alexis Shields)

Drama students terrify student body with "From the Pond"

By AMY KOCH
Staff Writer

East Middle School drama students, under the direction of Ms. Lara Stamper, entertained and terrified the student body during Encore Friday with the premiere of their annual scary Halloween movie, From the Pond.

The cast received a taste of Hollywood when they were introduced prior to the movie, led down the red carpet, and then were seated in a special section.

Photos from the Halloween Dance

Breanna Pace, Jimmie Willerton crowned Pumpkin King and Queen

Sixth grader Breanna Pace and eighth grader Jimmie Willerton were named Pumpkin King and Queen during a ceremony held at the East Middle School Halloween Dance Friday night.

Students voted during lunch time the past two weeks, dropping money in jars for the candidates. According to Mr. Rocky Biggers, Student Council sponsor, the voters contributed enough money to pay for the dance.

East seventh grader Zach Williams, Joplin tornado victim, featured in KOAM segment

Eighth graders win first Talon Ticket battle

By AMY KOCH
Staff Writer

Halloween 2011 was not just candy and trick-or-treating; it was also ice cream and fun at school. The students of East had a Talon Ticket contest where everybody won.
Students get Talon Tickets when they show duty, honor, peace, and pride in their school. When they earn one they put it in a bucket for their grade. The 8th graders came in first with the 6th grade close behind and the 7th grade coming in third. But they all won something.

8th grade got to have a social hour during their second and third hour. During that hour (the class periods were shortened so it really was only an hour) the students got to have ice cream and play outside.

The 7th grade also got ice cream and were allowed to hang out for half and hour.

Sixth grade got to have an hour for a social.

During these socials people hung out, played around, turned in their candy grams for candy, and had to do no work for that class period. The students continue to receive Talon Tickets and they continue to fulfill their duty, to show pride, to share peace, and display honor.

Sixth graders go to Wildcat Glades

By MADISON DURHAM
Staff Writer

The sixth graders went on a field trip to Wild Cat Glades at 201 W. Riviera Rd. Joplin. The sixth graders got to go on the field trip because people gave the school money for us to go.

Here is what Katie Brown had to say “Thanks!” here is some thing Allyson Holtz wanted to say “Thanks. It was the best field trip ever!”

We went on the field trip to learn about water, and pollution. We learned about point source pollution, water cycle, and about how insect can tell you about water pollution.

Brian Murray adds, “It was really fun!”

South Middle School after the May 22 tornado

A video look at an eerie Joplin South Middle School five months after it eas extensively damaged in the Joplin Tornado. More photos will be added later:

EMS band performs at Joplin High School football game

Band members from East, North, and South middle schools performed during pre-game ceremonies Friday night at the Joplin High School football game.

Barry Manilow donates $300,000 of band instruments to Joplin Schools

East Middle School received a truckload of band instruments today to replace those destroyed in the May 22 Joplin Tornado.

The instruments were donated by singer Barry Manilow. East Middle School Roundabout will have photos and information about Mr. Manilow's visit to Joplin today.

The following news release comes from Mr. Manilow's website:

After the most devastating Tornado in the United States in more than fifty years hit Joplin, Missouri this May, bringing hope and joy back to the community became vital. Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow’s non-profit organization, the Manilow Music Project is donating over $300,000 in musical instruments in addition to sponsoring an instrument drive to get even more instruments into the hands of the Joplin High School students. The Manilow Music Project is partnering with local community business Fitterling Dentistry, who will host the drive location in Joplin which will culminate with Barry Manilow onsite for an incredible celebratory delivery and distribution event in Joplin, MO on Thursday, October 27th.

“I know firsthand how invaluable music can be to get you through life’s tough times. It is an honor and a privilege to help these kids after such a disaster,” says Manilow.

New and gently used instruments can be dropped off at the Manilow Music Project donation truck at Fitterling Dentistry, located at 4402 East 32nd Street, Joplin, MO 64804, Monday – Thursday from 8AM – 5PM and on Friday from 8AM – 11AM through October 26th.

Due to the High School’s additional loss of all sheet music in the tornado, monetary donations are also encouraged and will be accepted to help re-build the music department’s library by purchasing new sheet music for the band, orchestra and vocal students. Checks can be made out to the JHS Music Department and dropped off or mailed to Fitterling Dentistry.

“As a lifelong fan of Barry Manilow’s music and humanitarian efforts, my husband and I are thrilled to work with the Manilow Music Project to help our community,” stated Margie Fitterling of Fitterling Dentistry.

Rick Castor, Music Director for Joplin High School concludes, “We feel very blessed to have an artist of Barry Manilow’s stature committed to helping our students.”

Manilow credits his own secondary school music program as the foundation for a legendary career in music, and considers the Manilow Music Project his chance to share that love of music with thousands of aspiring young musicians. Formed in response to the needs of the local public schools and their severely depleted music programs, the Manilow Music Project highlights the importance of music programs in our schools and has donated millions in instruments and materials to school music programs across the country.

EMS Orchestra performs at Creepy Concert

By BRIAN MURRAY
Staff Writer
The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade East Middle School Orchestra performed at South Middle School Monday in what was called a "Creepy Concert."

Under the direction of Kylee Tripoli it played "Popcorn Prelude," "The Addams Family," "Mysterioso," "SpongeBob Square Pants Theme Song," "Cripple Creek," "Salute To Michel Jackson," an"Rite At Stonehenge."

Playing were: First Violin: Katelynne Yonkers, Amy Walser, Madison Fichtner, James Tupper, Megan Hickey, Shae Hogan Second Violin: MacKenzie Dunn, Bridget Ingham, Quincy Logan, Jade Sterken, Maddison Riddle Third Violin: Bailee Lewis, Lizzy Fowler, Elizabeth Dulinsky, Madison Durham, Shakaylah Rogers Viola: Jessica Pal, Kathryn Brown Cello: Mackenzie Gunderson, Daniel Miller, Austin Tallent

Halloween Dance scheduled for Nov. 4

By EMMA SIMON
Staff Writer


Most East Middle School students are a little confused on the date of the Halloween dance. This year the dance is put on by Student Council on November 4th.

Nominees for the king and queen of the dance are:

6th grade- Breanna Pace, Garret Severs, Stoney Burleson, and Payton Layne

7th grade- Angelea Capehart, Jacy Welch, Kendra Sparrow, Maribel Sparrow, Carly Ball, Malcolm Nason, Ryan Ball, Pavin Winkle, Dante Foote, Aj Velasco, and Dusty Detherage

8th grade- Jennifer Nguyen, Tanner Bartholomew, Madison Nelson, Meggi Augustosky, Maggie Baker, Madison Meinhardt, Lexi Ruddick, Kagan Hoffman, Kaley Moser, Alex Garton, Alex Garton, Logan Springer, Chris Springer, Jimmy Willerton, Natal Bay, Ricky Hedrick, Harry Carpenter, and Taran Augustosky

Voting for king and queen of the Halloween dance ends November 4th.

First pep rally held at new East Middle School facility

An Emma Simon video

Students paint, sign mural

By AMY KOCH
Staff Writer

Students in Mrs. Rachel Hardee's arts classes have painted a mural for our building. Students and faculty members signed the mural during Encore earlier this month.

Kasey Kreager is new EMS sixth grade social studies teacher

By KATHRYN BROWN
Staff Writer

Miss Kathryn Kreager is the new sixth grade social studies teacher at East Middle School.

“I am enjoying my new job! I love interacting with students everyday. I am excited to share my passion for other cultures with students,” said Miss Kreager.

Already the students have learned continents, oceans, latitude and longitude, and much more. Over the course of the year, the students will learn maps and globes, other cultures, economics, and the geography and politics of the United States.

This is Miss K’s first teaching job. She was an intern in Northwest Arkansas last year.

Miss Kreager’s birthday is in July. And to celebrate, she goes swimming. She also lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, which is 80 miles from Joplin. She says, “Sometimes I feel like I live in my car.”

Miss Kreager is excited to be part of East.

A little information about our new vice principal, Mister Weaver

By EMMA SIMON
Staff Writer
Mr. Jason Weaver, brand new vice principal, taught social studies last year at EMS and has been with the Joplin School District since 2002.

 Mr. Weaver said, “I like both teaching social studies and being the vice principal the same.”


A few other things you may not know about Mr. Weaver:

-“I like to hang out with my son, fencing, and rock climbing when I have free time," he said.

-He loves to eat at Japanese Steakhouse in Springfield.

-He doesn’t care much for pro football,  "but I like to watch the Joplin Eagles!" he said.

Eagle Code helps students for the rest of their lives

By JUSTIN GRAY and MACKENZIE DUNN
Staff Writers

Eagle code at East Middle School is Duty, Honor, Peace, and Pride

“Eagle Code is a good way for students to know what the teachers expect from the students,” said Mr. Jason Weaver, assistant principal.

“ Eagle Code will help the students behave not only in school but for the rest of their lives. “

Ms. Crystal Stokes, FACS teacher, believes that the Eagle Code is amazing and that it gives pride to our school and it gives the students a goal. It gives the teachers a way to recognize the students.

"Lean on Me" will be theme for Color Guard, Band

By SHYLA ALLENDER
Staff Writer
This year East Middle School Color Guard will be in four parades. They are the MSSU Homecoming, Maple Leaf Parade, Veterans Day Parade, and Christmas Parade.

The people who are in color guard this year are:

Annie Lee, Bonnie Johnson, Breanna Good, Carissa Scalia, Emmalea Dailey, Jade Sterkin, Keisha Grunden, Katelynne Yonkers, Lizzy Fowler, Marlee Lake, Michaela Brewerm Samantha Dorsey

Ms. Lara Stamper would like to thank the people who was very nice to give them new flags for this year. The song for this year is “Lean on Me.“

Band Director Mr. Nicholas Moore thought it was a fitting for this year.

Communication arts students to write book about first year at new East, Joplin Tornado

By EMMA SIMON, MADISON DURHAM, AND MACKENZIE DUNN
Staff Writer

East Middle School communication arts teachers Mr. Randy Turner, Mrs. Angel Mense, and Mrs. Nina English and their students are doing a big project this year.

Mr. Turner, eighth grade writing teacher said, “Our students will be writing a book about the first year at our new East Middle School since the tornado forced us to move to a warehouse."

Students will also write about their tornado experiences. The book will be published some time next summer.

Plans are also being made to make a movie about the first year at East Middle School.

Brooke Parker, former East students, featured in article

East Middle School student Brooke Parker and former East students DeVaughan Simmons and Bonnie Ardrey are featured in an article posted today on the St. Louis Jewish Light website:

Twelve-year-old Brooke Parker is one of many Joplin teenagers left without a place to go this semester. Her school, East Middle School, lost both its gym and roof. Its building is not structurally capable for the upcoming school year, so for now, Brooke attends seventh grade in a warehouse.

"I [didn't] know what to expect, especially with gym and choir and extracurricular activities," Brooke said.

While East Middle School suffered extreme damage, Joplin High School was destroyed completely. Bonnie Ardrey and DiVaughn Simmons, both 14-year-old freshmen, were eager to start high school there. But because of the deadly tornado, they now go to Memorial Middle School instead.

"I was excited to go to the new high school, but [now I'm] bummed about going back to middle school. I wanted to experience what my other family [members] did but I'm not going to be able to now," Bonnie said.

DiVaughn may not go to school in Joplin at all. His family is considering moving to Summer Creek, Texas, but no decision has been made.

Though DiVaughn's example is extreme, it is not uncommon for Joplin students to move where schools will better meet their needs.

"Most of my friends are moving to another school district," Bonnie said.

Forty-five playing football for East

Forty-five East Middle School seventh and eighth graders are playing football this year.

Seventh grade- Ethan Armstrong, Trinton Cole, Tony Consier, Dustin Detherage, Mark Duley, Matthew Dumas, Dante Foote, Carson Hopper, Joshua Hulsey, Colby Kimbrough, Walker Lutes, Contrae Rogers, Kerry Stadler, Joseph Thomas, Abraham Velasco, Colton Williams.

Eighth grade- Justin Armstrong, Taran Augustosky, Natal Bay, Nate Canales, Josh Cole, Marcus Damrill, Tajee Fantroy, Dantee Figueroa, Mason Finnell, Eddie Garcia, Josiah Garcia, Haden Garten, Alex Garton, Colton Harbin, Ricky Hedrick, Tristen Howell, Andrew Lara, Denver Lantz, Darius Lewis, Eli Lounis, Omar May, Zach Phillips, Kennan Robinson, Alejandro Santillan, Justin Schneikert, Austin Still, James Tupper, Jesse Walls, Ishman Wilson

School beginning accompanied by safety, disaster drills

School began last week at East and so did required safety and disaster drills.

Students toured the new tornado shelter building, then had an opportunity to try it out during a walk-through Monday. The first tornado drill will be held Friday during Encore.

The first combination fire drill/reverse evacuation drill, and lockdown drill was held Wednesday.

Ribbon cutting held at East Middle School

Eighth grader Maddie Fichtner: Tornado brought me a lot closer to my mom

An Associated Press article on the return to school in Joplin featured a quote from East Middle School eighth grader Maddie Fichtner:

At East Middle School, which was relocated to a converted warehouse on the outskirts of town, students agreed that some things were unchanged: Cafeteria food still tasted terrible. Kids got lost on their way to class. And the odor of pet food from the factory across the street was gross.

Younger students, too, said they relate differently to each other — and to their parents — after surviving the disaster.

"It brought me a lot closer to my mom," said Madeline Fichtner, 13, who described riding out the storm without initially knowing whether her mother was safe.

School officials brought in additional counselors and trauma workers to help students and families who may still be struggling in the storm's aftermath.

"We can build buildings, but the emotional damage that this storm has caused is of a very significant concern and something we're going to be watching closely for months, if not years," Superintendent C.J. Huff said.

Gov. Jay Nixon visits East Middle School on first day

In this photo, taken by the state photographer, Gov. Jay Nixon talks with East Middle School students as they held the first day of school in their temporary facility.

CNN program examines opening of school year in Joplin

This CNN Student News video examines the first day of school in the Joplin School District and includes an interview with Joplin High School, and former South Middle School, student Yainer Oviedo. The part about Joplin comes near the end of the video:



The transcript from CNN is featured below:


Sound Check

RACHEL NEFF, JOPLIN TORNADO SURVIVOR: You could hear the home shaking. Everything busting out. We got down. He was between me; Zach was hunched over us and we were just, you know, praying, screaming and, you know, it was very loud and it all happened so fast. It seemed like forever, but it happened very fast.

Learning in a Disaster Zone

AZUZ: Those folks were talking about this massive tornado that tore through the city of Joplin, Missouri in May. It was the deadliest single tornado in the United States in more than 60 years, and it left huge parts of the city in ruins. Joplin and its residents are still recovering, but life for some is slowly returning to normal. For example, today's the first day of school for Joplin's students. But even that -- going to school -- has changed drastically since the storm. Shannon Travis was in Joplin recently. He took a look at what it's like to learn in a disaster zone.

(BEGIN VIDEO)

SHANNON TRAVIS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: They hope to be typical kids again after an unimaginable hell. Children and teenagers coping after the country's single deadliest tornado.

LYDIA MCALLISTER, SENIOR, JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL: Every time I drive by it, it's still really sad. All the memories and all the friends that I made in these halllways.

YAINER OVIEDO, SENIOR, JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL: Sad knowing that you won't be able to spend your last year of high school here.

SHANNON TRAVIS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: School surveillance video shows the tornado reducing two schools to virtually nothing. In minutes, 10 school buildings were damaged or destroyed, including Joplin's only high school.

DR. C.J. HUFF, JOPLIN SCHOOLS, SUPERINTENDENT: That next morning we came to the realization we had 54 percent of our kids who had no place to go, about 4,200 out of 7,747.

TRAVIS: This new school year, high school students will split up. Ninth and 10th graders will go to an existing middle school. The upper-classmen will attend classes at this mall. Yes, it's a mall. Ninety-five thousand square feet, a cost of $5.5 million to convert an old retail store. Officials say it was the only place big enough. Rising seniors Yainer Oviedo and Lydia McAllister accompanied me to their new, 21st century school. It has open spaces, walls that move.

CHAD GREER, LEAD ARCHITECT, CGA ARCHITECTURE PLANNING DESIGN: The entire space can be opened up into one larger, collaborative space.

OVIEDO: That's really cool how they have it as a dry erase board as well.

TRAVIS: A fitness center, and a coffee shop run by the students. Every one of these kids will get laptops. But how will students focus on learning? Doctor Syed Husain is a professor at the University of Missouri. A child psychologist, he's been to over 80 disaster zones. He helps children learn, even when death and disaster surround them.

DR. SYED A. HUSAIN, PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI HEALTH CARE: When that kid or person is saying, "I don't want to hear about it anymore," what is going on there? Avoidance! We are training teachers as therapists.

TRAVIS: Husain says children learning in any disaster zone can suffer declining grades, depression, flashbacks and nightmares. They will get help.

OVIEDO: I don't know how someone my age goes through something like this without having problems.

TRAVIS: And yet, this entire community wants the children to be children again.

So, this is it. This is the moment right here that a lot of these children have been waiting for. This is the freshman kickoff. A lot of these kids are right here; you'll hear them kind of rallying right now. They're excited and, basically, they want to put the memory of the storm behind them, although a lot of their personal lives may still be in turmoil. For Education Overtime, I'm Shannon Travis.

Former SMS student Amanda Holcombe tells Joplin Tornado story

Marcus Dupree, former NFL players speak to Joplin middle school football players

First East Middle School Family Reunion is a success

East Middle School students and parents received their first look at their temporary facility Thursday night during a family reunion held on the school grounds.

Student Council members provided tours, while food, entertainment, and carnival games were set up in the parking lot and across the street.

School is scheduled to begin Wednesday, August 17.

The temporary facility, located at 26th and Prigmore in an industrial park, is a spec building paid for by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce to attract business to the city.

East Middle School prepares for new year in new facility

After the May 22 tornado destroyed much of our school, Joplin R-8 officials worked to secure new facilities for East. Beginning next Wednesday, we will have sachool in our temporary facility in the industrial park at 26th and Prigmore.

An open house will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, August 15.

All of the East family is invited to a reunion 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, August 11, at the school. Tours of the school wiil be given, dinner will be served, and entertainment will include Mr. Turner's band, Natural Disaster.

East Middle School Picnic set for Thursday, August 11

(From East Middle School)

Spread the word! East Middle School will host the inaugural East Middle Family Reunion on August 11, from 6 to 9 pm. All East Middle School students and their families are invited to attend. The event will take place at the temporary East Middle School facility at 7501 E. 26th Street, Joplin, Mo.

The East Family Reunion will be an exciting kick-off to the 2011-2012 school year. With a theme like "Family Reunion" you can count on a great dinner, live music, (including Mr. Turner's group, Natural Disaster) fun and games for the whole family! You won't want to miss it!

Activities will include volleyball, dunk tank, pie eating contest, bounce house, sno-cones, popcorn, face painting and much more! Several informational booths will be available to parents and students to help with answers to questions about athletics, PTO, and more. Tours of the facility will be available if the keys to the building have been released to the Joplin R-8 School District.

Most family reunions are pot luck; however, we're fortunate enough to have our whole meal catered. So, for a little fun, we're having the world's first ever Food-Less Pot Luck. Please bring a recipe card with the ingredients and directions for the dishes you would have brought to a real pot luck! Include your East Middle School student's name and grade. You may very well see your recipes published later in the year.
Parking will be available at the school parking lots and in the streets around the school. Hampshire has been gracious enough to let us use some of their precious green space for the event.

For more information on the East Family Reunion, please e-mail EMS_PTO@hotmail.com or look up East Middle School PTO on Facebook.

Superintendent: Missing our August 17 deadline is not an option

(From the Joplin School District)

Sixty-two percent of Joplin Schools' students have been displaced due to the May 22 EF-5 tornado. Through partnerships with area architecture firms and construction companies, Joplin Schools will be ready for school on August 17.

"Missing our August 17 deadline is not an option," comments Dr. C.J. Huff, Superintendent of Joplin Schools. "Because of the dedication of the architects and construction companies working with us, we will be ready to welcome our students back to class 58 days from now."

The architecture and construction firms working with Joplin Schools on temporary facility projects are listed below:

•Cecil Floyd Elementary School - PLJBD Architects and R.E. Smith Construction Company are working to repair the damaged Cecil Floyd Elementary School to be ready for students by the beginning of school.

•East Middle School - The temporary facility for East Middle School is an empty 50,000 square foot warehouse located at Crossroads Industrial Park, 7501 East 26th Street. PLJBD Architects and Crossland Construction Company are working on renovating this facility to house approximately 550 students.

•Franklin Technology Center - SDA Architects and R.E. Smith Construction Company are transforming an empty warehouse at 402 South Grand into the new temporary Franklin Technology Center.

•Joplin High School - The Shopko facility is gearing up to temporarily house 11th and 12th grade students until the new Joplin High School is complete. Corner Greer & Associates in conjunction with DLR Group is responsible for the 21st century design of this 80,000 square foot facility. Crossland Construction Company is working to completely transform this space for students.

•Roi S. Wood Campus - The former Joplin Schools Roi S. Wood Administration Building, located at 1717 E 15th Street, will be transformed into classrooms for Beacon School and the Joplin High School FLEX Program thanks to PLJBD Architects and R.E. Smith Construction Company.

An examination of tornado damage at East Middle School

These photos were taken two days after the May 22 tornado which prematurely ended classes in the Joplin R-8 School District for the 2010-2011 school year:

Goodbye to Mr. Cook: former assistant principal takes over at Jefferson Elementary

Mr. Jarrett Cook, who has been assistant principal at first South Middle School and then East for the past three years, has left us to become principal at Jefferson Elementary.

A tribute to Mr. Cook had been planned for the final day assembly, which, of course, was canceled following the tornado.

This post features some of the photos that would have been included in that tribute. Good luck, Mr. Cook!