Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has launched its first new program in over a decade this school year with the addition of computer science in what was once the health occupations classroom.
The instructor, Michael Barrett, received a full month of training through Project Lead The Way in Indianapolis over the summer in order to develop a transformative learning experience for students interested in the burgeoning career field.
“I’m 61 years old and I’m having a blast! I love teaching this stuff, and we’re just getting started. The further we go along, the better,” Barrett said. “And being able to substitute a math or science credit? My goodness, that’s a great opportunity! We’re gonna be packed with students.”
The career educator participated in consecutive workshops in July outlining PLTW Essentials and Principles, covering a year’s worth of curriculum in two-week blocks, he explained. The coursework—designed by the nation’s premier provider of science, technology, engineering and math curriculum and professional development—will teach app creation, coding and programming using software such as Blockly, Python and VEXcode.
"It allows you to think of new ways to problem-solve," commented senior Maria Powell, who was collaborating with classmate Jeremy Bell on Friday, Aug. 30, to create characters for an interactive game using MIT App Inventor. “It’s a disease,” added junior Aron Johnson, referring to the time one can spend working out the details.
Barrett, who obtained his master’s degree in administration as well as a bachelor’s in engineering management through Arkansas State University, spent almost 20 years of his tenure teaching advanced manufacturing at the Northeast Arkansas Career & Tech Center in Jonesboro, which was also a PLTW certified school. More recently he served as project director for Three Rivers College.
In May, the Missouri State Board of Education approved the updated computer science performance academic standards to include the core concept areas of computing systems, networks and the internet, data and analysis, algorithms and programming, and impacts of coding. Upon receiving district approval, high school students will have the option to substitute a computer science credit in place of a mathematics, science or practical arts credit toward graduation effective in 2019/20, according to a recent memo by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Last year, Gov. Mike Parson signed the STEM Education and Computer Science Bill into law at the Poplar Bluff High School campus in an effort to curb outsourcing and capture some of the job market in Missouri. Sen. Doug Libla of Poplar Bluff served as handler of the legislation, which also established a fund for future public or private financial support.
In January, the R-I Board of Education approved a proposal to add the program at the Technical Career Center, where startup funds are available under the federal Perkins Act and through matching enhancement grants. School officials are currently working on creating a weighted AP module of the program to be offered as early as spring semester, according to Director Charles Kinsey.
“We’re highlighting the fact that career and technical education in 2019 is not what people may think it was back in the 70s, 80s and even 90s,” Kinsey stated. “Students [pursuing] career technical fields, no matter the program, will attain the same entry-level of knowledge as college graduates, if not higher.”
Pictured: Maria Powell, a senior, performs a magic trick utilizing binary numbers. “With computer programming, math is our friend,” instructor Michael Barrett (left) says.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter, Missouri - School is back in session and DHS Choir students are already preparing for their upcoming musical "Grease". Jamie Sepulvado and her crew are featuring a "Greaser of the Week!" so you can get to know DHS performers!!
Performances will be Wednesday, November 20th through Saturday, November 23rd! We'll let you know when tickets go on sale etc, but until then get to know your castmates and prepare for a spectacular show!!
Greaser of the Week featuring Kylan Moore
Kylan is a freshman this year, and he will be starring as “Doody” in the Black Cast Performances (Thursday and Saturday).
While this is Kylan’s first role in a DHS musical, he is not a stranger to the stage.
He has participated in several school and community productions and small groups.
He represented middle school at National Beta Club for special talent in 7th grade, and he had a lead role in the 8th grade play.
Kylan is a talented singer, and he would like to pursue singing in the future.
Bloomfield, Missouri - The Bloomfield School Board met at their regular meeting on Monday, September 9, 2019. Below are the minutes from that meeting.
The board had its regular September board meeting last night.
During the meeting, the board approved:
1. 2019-20 bus routes
2. 2019-20 Bus Handbook
3. 2019-20 Professional Development Handbook
4. Board Policy JHCD and Board Regulations EBBA-AP1 and JHCD-AP1
5. To Bid Depository Services
6. To Sale Old Bus
In executive session, the board approved:
1. Substitution List pending all background checks and proper paperwork - Rachel Huntsman and Demi Parker.
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter School Board meeting minutes for August 29, 2019 have been released.
Regular Board Meeting Notes - August 29, 2019 - 5:50 PM
Call to Order/Roll Call/Pledge The Board President announced the meeting is to begin, ascertains the attendance status of all board members present. He then leads in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda was approved.
Set Tax Rate: The board approve tax rates for the 2019-20 fiscal year.
Public Comments: There were no public comments made.
Old Business:
A. Approve MCE policy updates P2871, P4870, and P5550
New Business:
A. The board approved policy P0342 Nepotism, Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosure.
B. The board approved budget amendment for the 2019-20 school year.
C. The board approved bus routes for the 2019-20 school year.
D. The board approved the Special Education Local Compliance Plan for the 2019-20 school year.
E. The board approved the purchase of a 7 passenger vehicle to be used for small group travel.
Discussion Items:
A. Discussed the success of district registration day
B. Discussed the district Head Lice procedures for the 2019-20 school year.
C. The Special Education - Determination Category was shared with the board. The special education department received a perfect score of 4 in all categories.
D. The superintendent gave his report to the board.
In Closed Session:
1. The board approved substitutes for the 2019-20 school year.
2. The board approved resignations at the end of the 2018-19 school year.
Jennifer Ritchie
Melissa Raley
Dee Wamble
3. The board approved aides for the 2019-20 school year.
Christina Hampton-Fortner
Mandy Allard
Reeda Burleson
Stephanie Ordway
Rebecca Williams
4. The board approved bus driver and bus aides for the 2019-20 school year.
Jenny Carr full time bus driver
Kim McKuin full time bus aide
CarolineTucker bus aide sub
Items at the conclusion of Executive Session
A. The board approved September 24, 2019 at 6:00 for the September board meeting.
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter High School announced the 2019 Miss DHS candidates today, September 5, 2019
They are front row from left: Blair Rogers, Margo Nea, Shelby Haynes, Emily Pyle and Delaney Lemmon.
Back row from left: Madison Slaton, Ann Marie Slaton, Alexa Werneck, Sydney Patrick and Taylor Babb-Ward.
All candidates are members of the senior class.
The 2019 Miss DHS will be crowned Friday, September 13th.
