East Middle School captures three awards at Joplin Schools Technology Fair

East Middle School had its best showing ever at the Joplin Schools Technology Fair Monday night, winning two first places and one second place, in competition with the other two Joplin middle schools and Joplin High School.

The East Middle School Journalism Club took first place in the communications category with this website, East Middle School Roundabout, as well as the club's Facebook page, YouTube channel, and the book the club is putting together about the Joplin Tornado and our first year attending school in a warehouse.

The Journalism Club was represented by co-editors Jennifer Nguyen and Amy Koch, eighth graders Karly Weber, Darin Clark, Alize Iverson, and Megan Hickey, and sixth grader Katy Brown.

The other first place came in the collaboration category, thanks to the work done by eighth graders in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts class on the third quarter civil rights research project. Keisha Grunden, Stella Ndauwa, Jamie Sullivan, Megan Hickey, and Jennifer Nguyen represented the class, showing the internet research, e-mail contact with those connected with the divil rights movement, and their work on the website Room 210 Civil Rights, which features research papers and videos from the project. The technology aspect of the project was also represented by Stella Ndauwa's power point on Brown v. Board of Education.

East took second place in the creativity category, thanks to Ms. Lara Stamper's first semester drama class, with its horror movie "From the Pond." The movie was initially shown to the student body at an assembly in the commons area Nov. 4. Cassie Williams represented the cast of "From the Pond," at the show.

The winners are listed below:

Elementary:

Communication: 

1st Place: The Eagle by Wes Brownfield's class at Stapleton

2nd Place: Colonial American Prezis by Wendee Hughes' Primary Gifted Class 

Creativity:

1st Place: The Hammer iMovie by Abbie Durr's class at Columbia

2nd Place: eBooks by Shelly Tarter and Alana Bell's class at Irving

Collaboration:

1st Place: Edmodo and Class Wiki by Jaime Lorimer's Class at Columbia

2nd Place: Edmodo by John Wilcox's class at West Central

Critical Thinking:

1st Place: Bill Nye the Science Guy Spoof by Heather Asbell's Class at Cecil Floyd

2nd Place: Journalism Club by Jamie Lorimer's class at Columbia

Secondary:

Communication:

1st Place: East Middle School Roundabout by Randy Turner's class at East Middle School

2nd Place: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Janet Myers' class at JHS

Creativity:

1st Place: French Revolution by Tammy Arteaga's class at JHS

2nd Place: Student Created iMovies by Lara Stamper's class at East Middle School

Collaboration:

1st Place: Civil Rights Era Project by Randy Turner's class at East Middle School

2nd Place: Dracula Prezis by Kathleen Reiboldt's class at JHS

Critical Thinking:

1st Place: Inspiration Mind Map by Danielle Yen's class at JHS

2nd Place: Student Response Systems by Jody Williams' class at North Middle School

All first place winners received a $20 iTunes card for their class and second place winners received a $10 iTunes card.

Winners of the random drawing for a Flip Video Camera were Danielle Yen of JHS and Jamie Lorimer of Columbia.

Congratulations to all who participated!  It was a great night!

New Bus System Introduced at EMS

By JENNIFER NGUYEN and
MEGAN HICKEY
Staff Writers


EMS Journalism staff members interviewed Mr. Jason Weaver about the new bus loading system. The new system is supposed to quicken the speed of the bus loading process and help with the crowding of the commons area. Look into the video to find out more information.

Live at the Joplin Schools Tech Fair

By AMY KOCH
Journalism Club Editor

We have interviewed Mr. Cook, former vice principal of East Middle, who is now the principal of Jefferson Elementary. He shared with us some of the new ideas for the new schools and how his new school has expanded in enrolling students.
Mr. Weaver has also talked to us about the new change in how the buses will be loaded. The video will be on our Facebook page soon!

Virtual tour provided for new Joplin High School

Jennifer Nguyen speaks at celebration breakfast

East Middle School eighth grader Jennifer Nguyen spoke to more than 100 area business and community leaders and parents during a celebration breakfast Thursday morning at the Holiday Inn.

In addition to her presentation, those attending heard updates on rebuilding efforts from Dr. C. J. Huff, superintendent; and Dr. Angie Besendorfer, assistant superintendent.

The breakfast concluded with words of support for the upcoming bond issue from Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce President Rob O'Brian and Mayor Mike Woolsten.

The text of Jennifer Nguyen's speech is provided below:

                 Hello, my name is Jennifer Nguyen.  I am an eighth grader from East Middle School, and today, I came to talk to you about why I think the bond request should be passed. 

                  I remember coming to East Middle School for the first time when I was in the sixth grade.  I remember seeing the huge hallways and thinking to myself that I would never make it out alive.  After a few weeks, though, the building became home, and I could easily navigate my way around.  I was one of the lucky people that got to go to the new school.  East soon became home to many others, as well: the students and staff.  When the tornado came by last year, no one expected to find East as it is now.  Nobody expected to find a pile of rubble in place of our beloved school.

                  Luckily, we found a building to use as a temporary school.  As many of you know, we are now located on East 26^th Street. Everybody is very thankful to have a place to go to continue learning, but those that went to the old East, miss it dearly.  The warehouse provides a place to learn, but it just isn’t the same as the old East. 

The building we are in now is much smaller and crowded, and getting from class to class can be hard some days when you are trying to beat the crowd.  At the old East, we had a beautiful auditorium where we held all our assemblies.  Now, we are crowded into the cafeteria for any assemblies or pep rallies, and we have no space in the current building for an auditorium.  Instead of a gym, we have a blown up, tent-like structure beside the warehouse.  We are restricted from having any home games at our school, whether the sport is volleyball or basketball.  Replacing our outside basketball court and field is a parking lot.  Now, whenever students go outside for some fresh air after lunch, they are kept inside the boundaries of the parking lot, and even that is not much space.  After school, students waiting in the parent pick-up line have to wait quite a while because of the slow progression in the small area of the back parking lot. 

These are just a few of the many disadvantages that occur at the warehouse.  The largest disadvantage of all, though, is the lack of spirit in our school.  In the minds of many, the building we are in now is not truly East; it is just a temporary building, a warehouse.  And even though East is now at a new location, to me and many others, the old East will always be home.  The old East will be remembered as our true middle school, not the warehouse.  Hopefully, East will soon be returning home.  Thank you.

Eight EMS students selected for New Expressions

Eight East Middle School vocal students will perform with Joplin High School's freshman/sophomore show choir New Expressions during the 2012-2013 school year.

 The list was posted outside the door of EMS choir teacher Ms. Julie Yonkers this afternoon.

 The following students were chosen for New Expressions: Maggie Baker, Amy Koch, Kiah Poulson, Miranda Sanders, Amelia Street, Ethan Fannon, Ethan Holz, and Casey Stewart.

 Nashya Shindin, a former East student who transferred to South earlier this year, was also chosen, as were former Joplin High School and former East students Alex Nguyen, Alex Capehart, Jeremiah Martin, and Connor Barnett.

Costumes arrive for EMS production of Disney's Cinderella

Cast members of the East Middle School Drama Department production of Disney's Cinderella, had their first opportunity to try on their costumes Thursday night.

The production is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, in the South Middle School Auditorium.

(Pictured: Bottom row, from left, Ginger Gormley, mouse; Emma Willterton, mouse; Anna Nguyen, mouse; top row, Audrey Kanan, Cinderella; Ashley Koch, mouse; Amelia Street, Fairy Godmother

Beginner's Band concert set for May 17

By BRIAN MURRAY

EMS Journalism Staff Writer

Mr. Nicholas Moore’s Beginner’s Band classes 3^rd 6^th 7^th hours are going to have a Spring Concert Thursday, May 17, at South Middle School. They will be playing

1.   Prehistoric Suite

2.   Dark Adventure

3.   Regal March

4.   Montego Bay

5^. Celebration Overture 

 The students have been working on the Spring Concert since the end of February. They will have South Middle School & East Middle School 7 & 8^th  & South Middle Beginners. Mr. Moore has woodwind, percussion, brass.

Take a virtual tour of the proposed new East Middle School

Nationally-known author Neal Shusterman speaks to NJHS, advanced reading students

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
EMS Journalism Editor
 Well known author Neal Shusterman spoke to Joplin students, including EMS National Junior Honor Society and eighth grade advanced reading class Feb. 28 at South Middle School.

 The students, who were accompanied by Mrs. Kathy Howerton, Mrs. Tina Guiles, Ms. Julie Yonkers, and Mrs. Bonnie Turner, had the opportunity to listen to Mr Shusterman talk about his career and how it came to be. He gave information about his novels and what made a good writer, including tips for the students and his many inspirations for writing. Students had the chance to ask questions and have their copies of his books signed.

 Mr. Shusterman's novels include Unwind, Everlost, and The Schwa Was Here. In one of his books, Unwind, he actually mentions the city of Joplin. This was one of his mamy reasons for coming to visitthe students at our town. For both South and East middle schools, the experience was truly unforgettable and inspiring to future authors.
(Video by Amy Koch)

Third Quarter Civil Rights Research Project to be featured at Joplin Schools Technology Fair

Mr. Randy Turner's third quarter civil rights research project at Joplin East Middle School will be featured at the Joplin School District's Technology Fair Monday, April 2, at the Joplin High School's 11'12th Grade Center at Northpark Mall. Eighth graders Stella Ndauwa, Amy Koch, Jamie Sullivan, Megan Hickey, Keisha Grunden( all featured in the accompanying video) and Jennifer Nguyen (who did the camerawork), will represent the class at the show.

Eighth graders compete in Text Talk Slam

Eighth graders in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts class competed in a Text Talk Slam earlier this month.

The students wrote papers using either text talk or language that only teens would use. They performed the papers for the class in the format of a poetry slam. Eight finalists were chosen- Maggie Baker, second hour; Lexie Ruddick, third hour; Jennifer Nguyen and Maddie Thorne (pictured in video), fourth hour; Kaley Moser, fifth hour; Alize Iverson, sixth hour; and Ashton McGehee and Stella Ndauwa.

Videos of the finalists' performances will be placed on a new website, where they will be judged by Mrs. Angel Mense's seventh grade communicatino arts classes. The winning entry will receive $10.

Eighth grade boys track team takes second at McDonald County

The East Middle School eighth grade boys track team captured second place at a meet at McDonald County Tuesday night.

Bailey Gardner took first in the pole vault. John Myers broke the school record in the mile, shattering the old record by eight seconds. He finished third. This is the first time Myers has competed in track. James Tupper also beat the old record.

Jayden Hetiback took the silver in the 200, while Colton Harbin finished third in the 100 meter dash, and Taran Augustosky was third in the 100 meter hurdles.

The boys also dominated the relay events with the 400 and 800 teams taking gold. Members for those events included Jayden Hetiback, Dantee' Figueroa, Allejandro Santillan, Junior Lewis, and Colton Harbin.

Taking third place was the mile relay team, consisting of John Myers, Taran Augustosky, James Tupper, and Dantee" Figueroa.

Ashlyn Griffberg had two gold medals and a silver medal, winning the 100 and 200 meter races and taking second in the long jump. She missed a school record in the 200 by 1/10th of a second. And she was only six inches away from a school record in the long jump, where she went 13 feet.

Brittan Dutton and Emma Hudson took gold and silver in the pole vault.

In the seventh grade boys division, Ryan Ball placed second in the pole vault.

The track team will compete Friday at Webb City.

Quiz Bowl JV team takes third at College Heights

The East Middle School junior varsity quiz bowl team took third place in a humanities (art, music, cinema) competition at College Heights Tuesday night.

Team captain Cameron Adams led the way, answering 15 questions, followed by Nick Shellenbarger with seven, Bailee Lewis with two, and Jamie Sullivan with one. Other team members were Desiree Hawkins and Alyssa Wescoat.

The varsity team won matches over Thomas Jefferson, Monett, and St. Peter's, led by Maddie Fichtner with 13 correct answers, Amy Koch with five and Jennifer Nguyen with two. Also playing were Megan Hickey and Stella Ndauwa.

Sarah Peterson qualifies for state National History Day

By CAMERON ADAMS
EMS Journalism Club Staff Writer

Seventh grader Sarah Peterson took third place at the annual National History Day competition earlier this month at Missouri Southern State University.

Sarah's winning project,  was a website entry about Elizabeth Cady Stanton.She will move on to the state competition April 21 at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Other students participating in National History Day were Jackson Divilbiss, Amy Koch, Jennifer Nguyen, Conner Elijah, Lydia Routledge, and Alexandra Stelts.

High school vocal groups perform at EMS

By AMY KOCH
Journalism Club Editor

East Middle School eighth graders received a welcome break during Encore earlier this month when vocal groups from Joplin High School performed.

The visit, an annual treat, is designed to introduce the students to the vocal music opportunities that are available to them at the high school.

Plans for new East Middle School 2.0 on display

By JENNIFER NGUYEN

Journalism Club Editor

                  There has been much talk about the rebuilding of the new East Middle School and when and where it will happen.  But fear no more fellow students, the answers to all your questions have been answered; well, almost all of them.

                  The new East Middle School campus, or as I like to call it, EMS 2.0, will be built on former grounds and is being currently designed by Holks Miller Architects.  The school is estimated at a cost of about 23.3 million dollars, holding approximately a student capacity of 750.  As far as what the school will look like, the designs are in working progress, so the "look" changes constantly.  But, recently, information has been revealed to the Journalism Club, and what we know, we will tell.

                  The school is to be a two story building (complete with an elevator) that is mainly divided into three "houses."  One house will be assigned to the sixth grade, one to the seventh grade, and one to the eighth grade.  Each house will contain a "living room," an area in the center of the house that is designated for class activities, house meetings, and other events that might occur.  Each house will be a separate team in which the students are divided into according to grade.  This arrangement will make things more flexible so that students will have the same classes and teachers as required.  Another new thing is that the walls of the houses aren't just any ordinary walls; they are going to be made out of glass!  And, of course, each house will contain bathrooms and lockers available for use.

                  The new middle school will also include a hallway made just for student electives.  This hallway will be known as the "Fine Arts" hallway and will hold special rooms for the different elective classes.  The same athletic area and equipment will be provided, such as the gym, weight room, wrestling room, football field, and soccer goals with a field.  Plans for a laptop counter lining the outer hallways of the school have also been discussed.

                  As of Friday, January 6, 2012, the R-8 Board of Education voted to allow plans for the East Middle School and the Duquesne and Duenweg Elementary Schools to be connected on the same campus.  Even though the schools will be joined, they will still be considered separate schools, although both schools will share the same auditorium and kitchen.  This is because the property for the middle school has increased almost twice as much.  The elementary school's cost is about 12.7 million dollars, holding a student capacity of 450.  The school's name is yet to be discovered, and the current school will be used in the years ahead for a future growth and early childhood center.

                  What will kids like the most about the new school?  When asked this question, Mr. Jason Weaver, EMS's assistant principal, replied saying that there are many things to like about the new school, but one is that there is a lot friendlier, non-traditional space.  It will be very unique, special, and "fun to hang out" in.

New members inducted into National Junior Honor Society

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
Editor

The induction for the East Middle School National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) was held on March 8, 2012, at Missouri Southern State University’s Billingsly Student Center Ballroom.

  The induction lasted around an hour, including a reception at the end of the ceremony.  The program started off with an opening processional and the Pledge of Allegiance.  After that, opening remarks were made by Mrs. Kathy Howerton, Mrs. Tina Guiles, and Mr. Bud Sexson, and an introduction to guest speaker Mrs. Becky Gardner, the National Honor Society (NHS) adviser, was also made.  While Mrs. Gardner was speaking, four members of the NHS helped with the lighting of the pillars: Alyssa Farney, Miriah Johnson, Joseph Loden, and Taylor Mann.

  Next, all of the NJHS candidates were required to take the Pledge of the NJHS.  After the pledge came recognition of all candidates and closing remarks.  The following reception had cake provided by Mrs. Mary Blackburn-Freeman and plenty of opportunities for pictures!  The facilities were made possible by Ms. Melanie Epperson and MSSU.  Overall, the induction was very nicely put together; it was a night to remember!

2011-2012 NJHS Candidates:

Estrella Arreola, Maggie Baker, Anna Blue, Jonah Caldwell, Aubrie England, Madeline Fichtner, Bailey Gardner, Keisha Grunden, Mackenzie Gunderson, Desiree Hawkins, Megan Hickey, Ethan Holz, Kylie Howerton, Kara Hulsey, Bonnie Johnson, Audrey Kanan, Abigael Killinger, Amy Koch, Janet Lopez, Elimo Lounis, Cara Marshall, Ashton McGehee, Madison Meinhardt, Stella Ndauwa, Jennifer Nguyen, Dakota Osborn, Abigail Randall, Jillian Rentfro, Molly Ritter, Miranda Sanders, Aiden Stahl, Austen Still, Amelia Street, Annie Strickling, Jamie Sullivan, Quionte Tidwell, James Tupper, Karly Weber, Shelby Welton, Logan Whitehead, James Willerton, and Ishman Wilson.

Controlling our freedom of speech

By DARIN CLARK
Journalism Club Staff Writer

(The following article expresses the opinion of Darin Clark and does not represent the official viewpoint of the East Middle School Journalism Club.)

So what is free speech? It is the ability to stand up and say what you want without the exception of people standing down on you and diminishing your authority in any way. This school thinks it is above that right.

If I were to swear at someone on the street they may get ticked, but forget about it in a bit and part ways, but all in all it is a matter of what you want to say. Schools just want to have control over  us and run us like little drones with little to no freedom.

We already have school dress codes and a book of rules. I say forget that and say what you want and need to say and don’t worry about the consequences. Just go with it and all will be good in the end. We need to take a stand at this school.                

Joplin School Board approves East Middle School design

Items salvaged from old East Middle School

(From the Joplin School District)

Over the weekend, more than 40 volunteers helped Joplin Schools salvage items out of the damaged East Middle School in preparation for that building's demolition. The salvaged items will be used throughout the school district as needed and included doors, hardware, bathroom stalls and more.

EMS students hold jammie session

By AMY KOCH
Editor

As part of Spirit Week at East Middle School, students and teachers went back to bed, coming to school in their jammies.

Other spirit days observed were Sports Day, Red and White Day, Crazy Day and Eagle Pride Day.

Photos from last Friday's pep rally

By AMY KOCH
Editor

EMS Pep Rally goes international

By AMY KOCH
Editor

Students in the cramped commons area at East Middle School were not the only ones treated to entertainment from the EMS Band and Cheerleaders Friday when the winter pep rally was held.

Former EMS student Harry Carpenter, who left earlier in the week to spend the rest of the semester in Australia, watched the pep rally via the miracles of modern technology through Ms. Cheryl Mitchell's IPad.

Harry also had the opportunity to say hello to many of his friends while remaining a part of East Middle School

Winter pep rally held in commons area

By EMMA SIMON
Staff Writer

Boys and girls basketball players, wrestlers, and cheerleaders were recognized during the winter pep rally Friday in the EMS commons area.

The rally included music from the East Middle School band, performances by the seventh and eighth grade cheerleaders and introductions of all winter sports athletes.

The '50s return to EMS as Mrs. Weaver's class studies "The Outsiders"

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
Editor

The 1950s returned to East Middle School last week, thanks to Mrs. Linda Weaver's seventh grade reading classes.

The students, who have been studying author S. E. Hinton's classic The Outsiders, which is set in the '50s, dressed up in clothing styles of that era. And they were not the only ones dressing up.

Some eighth graders who had Mrs. Weaver's class last year also participated in the activity.

EMS Second Quarter Honor Roll announced

Those making the East Middle School Second Quarter Honor Roll are listed below:

Eighth Grade- Ciera Allan, Maggie Baker, Tanner Bartholomew, Megan Belnap, Anna Blue, Brittany Buerge, Jonah Caldwell, Caden Carlin, Joshua Cole, Lorenzo Dailey, Tommy Doolen, Ryen Downing, Aubrie England, Madeline Fichtner, Mason Finnell, Mercedes Fischer, Johnathan Gardner, Christopher Geier, Donovan Graham, Keisha Grunden, Renea Gulley, Dylan Hall, Desiree Hawkins, Jeromiah Henderson, Megan Hickey, Ethan Holz, Kylie Howerton, Kara Hulsey, Serena Hunt, Bonnie Johnson, Audrey Kanan, Aleaha Keene, Abigail Killenger, Amy Koch, Marlee Lake, Shyann Long, Janet Lopez, Elimo Lounis, Leandrea Majors, Cara Marshall, Blaine McGehee, Madison Meinhardt, Kaley Moser, Stella Ndauwa, Jennifer Nguyen, Dakota Osborn, Gary Patrick, Jonathan Pena, Destiny Phillips, Mark Pliler, Kiah Poulson, Abigail Randall, Talisha Reavis, Jillian Rentfro, Faith Reynolds, David Riker, Molly Ritter, Alexa Ruddick, Miranda Sanders, Courtney Shyrock, Logan Springer, Aiden Stahl, Casey Stewart, Austen Still, Amelia Street, Annie Strickling, Jamie Sullivan, Misha Tankersley, Madeleine Thorne, Quionte Tidwell, James Tupper, Tyler Vies, Karly Weber, Samantha Weems, Shelby Welton, Logan Whitehead, James Willerton, Ishman Wilson, Kaitlyn Wilson, Katelynne Yonkers.

Seventh Grade- Cameron Adams, Zohie Allgood, Abigail Benton, Michaela Brewer, Mykah Campbell, Kaitlyn Collins, Elijah Connor, Jaci Cottle, Lilli Curtsinger, Emmalea Dailey, Brittany Davis, Taylor Detter, Samantha Dorsey, Elizabeth Dulinsky, Brittney Dutton, Joseph Fry, Lydia Greenwood, Nicole Gurubel, Audrey Hampton, Sean Harrison, Shae Hogan, Katelynn Hurrell, Bridget Ingham, Caeli Johnson, Cameron Jones, Annie Le, Bailee Lewis, Quincy Logan, Alexis Maturino, Aubrey McIntosh, Alexandra Monasco, Jessica Pal, Brooke Parker, Sarah Peterson, Abigail Reavis, Nikqueta Reno, Madison Riddle, Megan Ridenour, Taylor Robinson, Lydia Routledge, Abigail Russell, William Schwarzenbarger, Nicholas Shellenbarger, Kerry Stadler, Justine Staten, Victoria Stehm, Alexandra Stelts, Taylor Sullivan, Ilah Wallace, Amy Walser, Jacy Welch, Cory Wilson, Morgan Wilson

Sixth Grade- Nicholas Abrams, Sydney Alejandro, Logan Allen, Shyla Allender, Donald Archer, James Ardrey, Ambie Armstrong, Al Artui, Madyson Barber, Kristian Bethel, Kody Blevins, Kathryn Brown, William Burden, Mariah Burleson, Corbin Chaffin, Christal Comstock, Sydni Cornman, Xavier Cottle, McKenzie Crouch, Courtney Curato, McKinley Davis, My'Journie Fantroy-Slaughter, Ashtyn Friend, Nesli Galaviz Eryn Garrcia, Katelyn Gilbreth, Virginia Gormley Heater, Bailey Greniger, Kayley Hall, Brianna Hickey, Chad Hudspeth, Robert Ingram, Demaris Ioanis, Sara Iseli, Layla Jordan, Michael Jordan, Miriam Kessinger, Elizabeth Kingery, Brenden Laver, Payton Layne, Corbin Leeper, Abigail Lewis, Daniel Miller, Jasmin Mireles, Keilan Moore, Landon Moore, Bobby Murphy, Anna Hguyen, Jordan Nguyen, Lucy Nordyke, Lysia Osbourne, Jackson Oewen, Brianna Pace, Kiara Patteron, Elizabeth Peterson, Mason Peth, Noah Pinjuv, Melody Profitt, Timothy Rakausky, Jarod Schwarenberger, Alexander Seeman, Emma Simon, Austin Tallent, Emily Tate, Nicole Tate, Cydney Vickers, Jennifer Villa, Emma Willerton, Cian Wilson-Keeler, Jacob Yarnell, Paige Young

First-ever East Middle School Quiz Bowl meet a success

East Middle School's first-ever quiz bowl meet was held Thursday night, with schools from Joplin, Carl Junction, Monett, Diamond, and Lamar attending.

EMS eighth grade A team won three games, while the seventh grade B team won four and the sixth grade team won one.

Eighth grade communication arts classes research civil rights movement

Students in Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts classes are studying the American Civil Rights Movement during the third quarter.

During the past two weeks, students have researched various civil rights topics on the internet and through books in the library and from Mr. Turner's personal collection.

The eighth graders have to write a 1,000 word research paper, and do oral and multi-media presentations. For extra credit, many students are attempting to contact and interview some of those who played roles in the movement.

Students check posting for Cinderella roles

In this photo, East Middle School students check the list outside Ms. Lara Stamper's drama classroom to find out which of them received roles in the upcoming Drama Department production of "Cinderella," and which roles those would be.

Teachers discuss changes to Encore classes

The conversation at most of the teacher meetings held Monday at East Middle School revolved around changes to Encore.

The changes, which will go into effect in the near future are designed to provide more structure to Encore, a 32-minute period sandwiched between third and fourth hours.

More information about the changes will be provided soon on East Middle School Roundabout.

(Photo: Faculty members Mr. Shawn Neill, Mr. Kasey Pliler, and Mr. Michael Wallace are shown during the eighth grade meeting.)

Cast selected for "Cinderella"

The cast of the East Middle School Drama Department's production of "Cinderella" has been selected:


Anastasia----------------------------------Amy Koch
Cinderella---------------------------------Audrey Kanan
Drizella------------------------------------Ilah Wallace
Fairy Godmother------------------------Amelia Street
Grand Dutchess--------------------------Bonnie Johnson
Gus-----------------------------------------Dakotah Hutchins
Herald-------------------------------------Donna Tomlinson
Jaq------------------------------------------Casey Stewart
King---------------------------------------- William Sinclair
Luke---------------------------------------- Chris Springer
Narrator 1---------------------------------Grace Rouch
Narrator 2---------------------------------Aurelia Taylor
Perla----------------------------------------Emmalea Dailey
Prince Charming-------------------------Ethan Holtz
Stepmother--------------------------------Katelynne Yonkers
Town Crier 1------------------------------Melanee Day
Town Crier 2------------------------------Mary Jones
Mice:----------------------------------------Shyann Long
Ryan Ball
Morgan Wilson
Ashley Koch
Emma Willerton
Ginger Gormley
Anna Nguyen

Villagers/Ladies at ball-----------------Melinda Adams
Alley Genser
Angel Capehart
Kaitlyn Wilcox
Kiah Poulson
Desiree Hawkins

Automatic BUM Crew-------------------Allyson Holz
Katie Brown
Aleah Keem
Abbi Esinhart
Kaytra Kaufhardt
Cassandra Williams
Bailee Lewis
Abby Lewis
Carissa Scalia
Shyla A

EMS students receive Nook training

Approximately a dozen East Middle School students received training in the use of Nooks this morning in the library.

The training session was conducted by representatives from Barnes and Noble, which manufactures the reading tablets.

Sometime within the next few days, all EMS students will be able to check out Nooks to take home.

Cast for "Cinderella" to be announced today

PHOTOS by KATIE BROWN
and EMMA SIMON

The cast for the East Middle School Drama Department production of "Cinderella" will be announced this afternoon.

Tryouts were held Monday through Thursday. The production is under the direction of Ms. Lara Stamper.

Board moves ahead with plans for new East Middle School

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education voted Friday to move ahead with plans for the new East Middle School and two elementary schools.

East Middle School will be designed for a 750-student capacity at an estimated cost of $23.3 million. A 450-student-capacity elementary school will be built next to East Middle School to serve Duquesne and Duenweg students. The two facilities will share space including a kitchen but will maintain separate identities. The estimated cost for the elementary school is $12.75 million. A name for this new elementary school has not been decided. The current Duquesne and Duenweg Elementary School properties will be held for future growth and a possible early childhood center. 

HIgh school students speak to Mr. Turner's class

Joplin High School freshmen and sophomores spoke to Mr. Randy Turner's eighth grade communication arts classes Monday, December 19.

The students talked about the third quarter civil rights research project and about what eighth graders should expect when they begin attending JHS next year.

(Photo- JHS sophomore Taryn Parker tells students about her research into the 1964 murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi.)

JEMS Show Choir performs at Christmas Assembly

The JEMS Show Choir, under the direction of Ms. Julie Yonkers, performed at the Christmas Assembly Tuesday, December 20, in the commons area.

Mrs. Guiles plays Santa as part of STUCO fundraiser

Mrs. Tina Guiles (formerly Springer), sixth grade math teacher, provided holiday cheer at East Middle School, Tuesday, December 20, when she dressed as Santa all day.

Mrs. Guiles wore the Santa suit following an election during the first part of December. Students voted for either her, Mr. Kasey Pliler, Mr. Mike Wallace, or Mr. Jason Vance, by placing money in jars. The money went to the Student Council's "Christmas 4 Kids" project.

Student Council furnishes Christmas 4 Kids

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
Editor

The E-F5 tornado that ran through the southwestern Missouri town of Joplin might have destroyed many of the town's businesses, schools, and homes, but there was one element of the town against the storm that was indestructible, almost untouchable. Yes, Joplin was not a very pretty sight after the raging winds of the May 22nd tornado took course through the town, but the spirit of Joplin, held deep inside each Joplin citizen, was still very much alive and in sustainable condition. When the heart of America seemed torn and in pieces, who was there to pick up the sections and patch them up again? The people. That's what took immediate action after the mere minutes of destruction.

Seconds after the treacherous clouds passed, Joplin citizens could be found scattered around the many disheveled neighborhoods helping, simply just helping. Helping collect personal items, helping treat injuries, basically helping with whatever needed to be done. Hearts seemed to reach out to other hearts as members of the town put others' needs before themselves. Neighbors helped neighbors, families helped families, and friends helped foes. People helped people that they didn't know, that they just met up the street. The list continues on and on. The sight of this functioning, of the progression of help being offered was incredible and tremendously heartwarming. Truth be told, this organization of helping is what dragged Joplin out of the destructed, mourning phase and into a more hopeful, rebuilding phase. All the help, including the huge help from out of city volunteers, made a huge impact. An impact that is still being made today due to the rebuilding of this once torn city.

While the impact is being made, what must not be forgotten is who is making the impact and who is contributing to it. Just as said before, volunteers contribute greatly to the impact, but they're not the only ones.

Different schools and organizations from all over the world have also been kindly generous in their donations of different items needed for Joplin's citizens and care. Joplin has not only received donations of money, but also clothes, toys, and many other things used in everyday life. Most importantly, Joplin has received a gift that can never be lost. Love. Joplin has received loads and loads of love, care, and kindness in the months that have passed since the disaster. But yet again, this is not all that has made the large impact. Citizens of Joplin of all ages and sizes came together as a community and did different tasks and certain small things that made all the difference. Together, these incredible people charged through the destruction and found buried beneath it, the true meaning of Joplin; a city that stands united as one even in the worst of time.

And that is honestly one hundred percent true. Even in their time of desperate need and sadness, Joplin stuck together and is continuing to do life-changing things for the benefits of others. This act of pure samaritanism is displayed in operations of charity through schools and city organizations, such as a program referred to as "Christmas 4 Kids" ran by the Joplin East Middle School Student Council and Joplin Fire Department.

"Christmas 4 Kids" is a program in which money is raised to buy toys for kids that are less fortunate. These toys are distributed to the children by the Joplin Fire Department, and the money is raised and used to buy toys by the East Middle School Student Council. Mr. Rocky Biggers, the student council sponsor, has been running this program ever since he first took charge of the student council, which would have been about fifteen years ago. Some past fundraisers for this event have been running concession stands for different after school activities, organizing car washes, working with corporate sponsors, and even just asking for donations for this charitable deed.

This year's student council, however, had to change some of the plans intended for the fundraising part of the cycle. Since East Middle School was demolished, or somewhat damaged during the tornado, the students and faculty were moved to a temporary building, former warehouse. The warehouse was designed to fit the school's needs, but sporting events are not held at the temporary building, meaning that concession stands are no longer available or needed. Much of the past student council's money came from working the concession stands, but since this was no longer a fundraising option, other ideas and projects had to be put into action in order to make up the money usually raised by the stands. Thankfully, a donation of nine hundred dollars was given to the student council from a hair salon in Texas. This money, along with what was raised from a student council sponsored dance and small fundraisers, helped buy tons of toys for tons of kids.

After all that has been done for Joplin, the East Middle School Student Council felt that it should give back to the community by continuing this heartfelt event. Since the tragic tornado, everything was handed to them, and they wanted to return the favor. One of Mr. Biggers' favorite parts of the event is watching the students shop for toys. He commented that they really take it to heart and try to stretch the dollar as far as they can to satisfy the many children counting on them for toys.

The impact made on these children is unknown for confidentiality reasons, but every year, the East Middle School Student Council can expect a phone call from the Joplin Fire Department asking them to continue this beneficial tradition. Not only does it benefit the children, but it benefits Joplin's community as a whole; because, what is Joplin without its people?

A Journalism Club Christmas Special

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
Editor

What are some special Christmas traditions at your house? Do you sit around the fireplace and roast marshmallows? Maybe you and your family are the type who like to curl up on the couch and watch TV on Christmas Eve. Or maybe you stay up real late waiting for Santa Claus to come down the chimney (or through the door if you don't have a chimney).

Christmas is a time filled with tons of special traditions and rituals that make up one special day. Some people even have the tradition of being spontaneous, meaning that things just come along unplanned , and in surprises.

Well, what the East Middle School Journalism Club really wanted to know is, what are some of East's traditions?

What are some of the East faculty and students going to do this year for Christmas? And what everyone really wants to know, what does East want for Christmas?

Mrs. Giles (Springer),the sixth grade math teacher, said she would be spending Christmas this year in Oklahoma with her sister. One of her Christmas traditions is having her father read the Christmas Story out of the Bible to her before opening presents. And, she really, absolutely wants tickets to the Raiders-Chiefs game!

Walker Lutes, seventh grader wants to spend some quality time with his family, and that's exactly how he plans to spend his Christmas that, and playing lots of games. His Christmas tradition is carrying on the belief of old St. Nick.

Who is going to have lots of guests at her house on the big day? Mrs. Sue Macy, secretary to the principal, plans on having her kids and grandkids at her house, where they will perform some important traditions. First, they are going to eat then they will play games and play with her grandkids' toys. Mrs. Macy says she can't thihk of anything she wants for Christmas. She feels she already has everything she needs. We will have to give her hugs instead.

A Kindle Fire, one of the latest technological creations, is what Mrs. Alana Maddock, school nurse, wants this year for Christmas. Hopefully, she will get what she wants while she is hanging out at her daughter's house this year. One of her special holiday traditions is to go light looking every Christmas Eve.

Mr. Jason Weaver, assistant principal, plans on staying up really late on Christmas Eve with his family, while watching Christmas cartoons, movies, and eating junk food in his pajamas. Oh, and everyone opens a few presents. This is a creative Christmas tradition that is carried through his family. And on the next day, meaning Christmas day, Mr. Weaver and his family are going to spend time with family member he does not normally see. But like Mrs. Macy, Mr. Weaver does not know what he wants for Christmas. Hugs for him, too.

Some people have birthdays on Valentine's Day. SOme have birthdays on Presidents' Day. But one certain seventh grade math teacher has a birthday on Christmas- Mrs. Worku.

One of her Christmas traditions is celebrating her birthday and visiting family at different houses each year on the magical day of December 25. This year, she plans to do just that while she is up in Kansas City visiting her parents. What is on her wish list? New outfits for her puppies!

It looks like Mrs. Angel Mense, East's seventh grade communication arts teacher and Journalism Club sponsor, has a lot scheduled for her Christmas this year. First, she is going to go to many gatherings, including a dinnet hosted by her mom with her in-laws on Christmas Eve. There they will exchange gifts, then on Christmas, she plans on holding a dinner of her own at her house. She tries to set the table with a different napkin fold every year. Santa also comes to her house on Christmas, bringing presents for her daughter, Ava. A sweet Christmas tradition that she started with her family is doing something nice for someone who needs it.

Mrs. Mense also loves getting presents (she feels like a kid when she does) and wants clothes, picture frames, movies, sharpie pens, and Starbucks gift cards this year.

While we are freezing in mid-December Missouri weather, Amy Koch, fellow eighth grade Journalism Club member and editor, is tanning in the warm sun somewhere in the Bahamas. Yes, she is really on a cruise to the Bahamas. Plus, she gets to spend a few days at Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Lucky! Usually, one of her Christmas traditions would be watching the Christmas Story on Christmas Eve and opening s few presents with her grandparents from Kansas City, but since she is in the Bahamas this year, she opened her prenents earlier. To all of Amy's friends out there, she really wants crosses and "green" (money) for Christmas.

This concludes the first East Middle School Journalism Club Christmas Special. We hope everyone has a safe and truly fun holiday this year.

Merry Christmas!

EMS students to give toys to needy children

By JENNIFER NGUYEN
and AMY KOCH
Editors

In the accompanying video, East Middle School Student Council Sponsor Mr. Rocky Biggers explains the annual Christmas project.

STUCO, NJHS prepare float for Joplin Christmas Parade

East Middle School National Junior Honor Society and Student Council are shown working on a float for the annual Joplin Christmas Parade, which will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 6.

PTO Dance scheduled for December 16

By EMMA SIMON
Staff Writer

Coming soon- On December 16th, 2011 East Middle School is having a Christmas dance put on by the PTO.

“It’s the first time we have had three dances before Christmas break,” Mr. Randy Turner, eighth grade teacher said.

THis will be the second dance sponsored by PTO, including one held at the Bridge in September and a Student Council-sponsored Halloween dance on November 4.

More information about the December 16 dance will be provided later on East Middle School Roundabout.