The Iron Mules will use the equipment to practice to compete in the Missouri FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge next year. The High School will also have the opportunity to host its first qualifying meet on Saturday, Dec. 10, in the gymnasium.
“Anything that moves technology forward, I’m all for it,” said Whelan on Tuesday, Oct. 26, during a classroom visit.
The hope is for a “chain reaction” to occur once the program generates revenue from concessions while hosting qualifiers, elaborated Tonia Clark, a financial adviser for Whelan.
“We’re just doing our little part,” Clark said.
Clark’s daughter Jocelin, a junior, has been a member of the Robotics Club since last year, when the Iron Mules placed 12th in the state championship for the first time since the program was started in 2013. Jocelin approached Whelan for the sponsorship.
“Ask and you might receive,” she exclaimed.
Shown in the photo from left to right: Robotics Club Coach Kathy Miller, student Bryan Nguyen, Robert Whelan and Assistant Coach Mike Sowatzke.
Article and photo submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Kathy Sweeney of KFVS12 visit Poplar Bluff Junior High School on Thursday, October 20th
“Why don’t you be a TV news chick?”
It all began for Kathy Sweeney with an off-hand suggestion.
The KFVS12 news anchor received the advice from one of her older brothers, proceeded to change majors in college, and began a broadcasting career that has spanned 27 years.
Sweeney shared this story with the Exploring Career class Thursday, Oct. 20, at Poplar Bluff Junior High School.
"I didn’t choose my career, my career chose me,” said Sweeney, who has been employed by KFVS12 for over two decades. “If you don’t know what you want to be, (stick with) what you’re good at.”
She first learned as an undergrad during her final project in speech class that she was not afraid to talk in front of a camera, the newswoman recalled, a previously unidentified talent she later shared with her sibling who made the impromptu suggestion.
Sweeney went on to speak with students about digital citizenship as well as working up the career ladder. She said be prepared to start at the bottom, adding: “If you work hard enough, eventually you’ll be rewarded.”
Following the lecture, Sweeney participated in some Q&A with the students, which included several from the mass media class. She revealed such behind-the-scenes tidbits as how she and co-host Jeff Cunningham used to sit at the anchor desk, but now they stand in order to increase their energy levels during a broadcast.
Shown in the photo: Long-time KFVS12 anchor Kathy Sweeney visits Jenn Nicolini’s classroom to speak with students about identifying a career path.
Article and photo submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Several Poplar Bluff High School students were selected for the 2016 Southeast Missouri All-District Choir during an audition on Saturday, Sept. 24, in Cape Girardeau.
Ross Dare, Alivia and Bethany Jenson, and Allison Knowlton and Aaron Taylor will perform with the 9th and 10th grade choir, while Hunter Ellis, Ariel Judd and Shelby Ross will join the 11th and 12th grade choir Saturday, Nov. 12th, at Cape Central High School.
The juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to try out for the All-State Choir.
Shown in the photo: (Back row from left) Choir teacher Joshua Allen, tenors Ross Dare and Hunter Ellis, alto Ariel Judd and bass Aaron Taylor; (front row) soprano Alivia Jenson, altos Shelby Ross and Allison Knowlton, and soprano Bethany Jenson.
Article and photo submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
The TCC had to restart a rigorous compliance process after its previous regional accrediting agency—utilized by post-secondary education institutions in 19 states—dissolved in 2014.
The reaccreditation granted Thursday, Sept. 22, through the national Council on Occupational Education will remain effective for six years if annual benchmarks are met.
“I believe as an institution we have improved a lot of our processes that were previously known, but not necessarily followed in a structured manner or written in a course manual,” reflected Charles Kinsey, TCC director. “This high standard of documentation is designed to improve student success, and their ability to find gainful employment.”
Under the U.S. Department of Education, the COE requires institutions to maintain a program completion rate of at least 60 percent, a student placement rate in related industry or continued education of 70 percent, and a licensure pass rate of 70 percent if a license is required following graduation.
After more than two years of reviewing policies and practices, the COE issued provisional accreditation to the TCC over the summer. Officials cited only a handful of findings which have since been addressed, including making the restroom facilities of the near 50-year old building ADA-compliant.
“The review team was very complimentary, telling us it was outstanding for a school going through an entirely new accreditation process to only have five minor issues identified—mostly paperwork related—and corrected within two months,” Kinsey said.
The director thanked his faculty for performing intensive self-studies over each of their programs, and his office staff namely retired administrative assistant Sherry Tinsley for sacrificing many lunch hours and evenings.
Pictured from left to right: HVAC instructor Ron Hedrick Jr., and adult students James Hayes, Eric Garris, Erika Lamb, Jeffery Higgs, Dale Denson, Dustin Urich and Charles Nunnery are a small representation of the beneficiaries of a fully accredited institution.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff R-I School District has further opened its doors to the Boys and Girls Club immediately following the discovery of structural damage to the roof at the Hentz Center.
The Middle School, which is presently serving 120 club members grades 4-6 in the former band room, will add seventh grade and up in what was known as the JROTC building located between E.T. Peters Gym and Kay Porter Theater. The building will also serve as the office headquarters for the after-school program, which began moving in last week.
“Again, this highlights the incredible partnership that continues to pay dividends for our youth and our entire community,” said Chris Rushin, BGC executive director. “The (school) administration and the Board of Education share our mission.”
For over a decade, the BGC has operated out of the Hentz Center on South C Street, which the district leases in good faith to the organization for $1 per month. The Hentz Center, originally donated by Bluff City Apostolic Worship Center, once served as the district’s alternative school.
“While the Hentz Center has admirably served the needs of this community for many years, circumstances dictate that we must find alternatives to meet the demands of our youth,” BGC Board President Brock Littles wrote in an issued statement following the incident. “We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the entire Hentz family and Poplar Bluff School District as we look toward a solution to our immediate challenge and long-term plans for the future of the Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff.”
The BGC will go from 5,400 to 7,700 square feet at its new location. The club will share access to the gym, as well as Bacon Park for recreational activities. Until the facility is up and running, there are about 50 students utilizing the former Teen Center across the street from Hentz in the church annex.
Attendance at the club was 413 as of Wednesday, Sept. 21, according to Rushin. Last year’s start of school attendance was 364 members. Rushin expects the headcount to increase to 450 once the fall sports season ends at Junior High.
“The bottom line is they’re our kids, as in our community’s kids,” said Rod Priest, R-I assistant superintendent of business. “Being more centrally located for the majority of our community will provide an opportunity for more of our kids to be engaged in after-school activities.”
Shown in the photos: Robbie Toth (left), BGC unit director, and Director of Development Abbey Heuiser begin moving in to their new home on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
