Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Local members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Barbara Rexroat and Paula Allen, delivered 400 Constitutions to be distributed to eighth graders at Junior High on Thursday, Sept. 17, in recognition of Constitution Day.
 
The booklets come in handy as a reference when the history department teaches a unit on the U.S. Constitution, according to social studies department chairwoman Kathy Beck. The DAR has made it an annual tradition to purchase the booklets for Junior High students.
 
Last week, students were told a "fast fact" about the Constitution over the PA system each day as well as participated in related activities such as taking sample citizen tests provided by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
 
In order to become a member of the DAR, a woman must trace her genealogy back to a soldier or patriot that was involved in the American Revolutionary War.

Shown in the photo: Junior High teacher (top left) Kathy Beck's American history class pose with their Constitutions, which were distributed by (from right) Barbara Rexroat and Paula Allen.
 

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill chose Lake Road Elementary School to donate five used computers to as part of the Computers for Schools program of the legislative chamber.
 
The HP Compaq devices were placed in first grade classrooms on Friday, Sept. 4, to be utilized for differentiated instruction during group exercises, according to Lake Road educators.
 
"We are delighted that out of the hundreds of elementary schools in Missouri, Sen. McCaskill picked Lake Road," Principal Erica Weadon said. "This year we've been able to add computers in our classrooms with Title I funding so second and third graders can have access to online instructional resources. This generous donation will help us expand our efforts to reach more first graders as well."
 
Lake Road was the only school in Southeast Missouri selected to receive the computers under the national yearly program. The Missouri senator also donated computers to Jefferson City, Kansas City, Springfield and St. Louis elementary schools this summer.
 
"Technology is a critical component of education today," McCaskill stated in a press release. "This program connects young Missouri students with technology that can enhance classroom learning and boost the life skills needed to succeed in the 21st century."
 
In the photo: Support specialists Brandon March and Kim Geringer of Poplar Bluff R-I's information technology department set up a small computer lab in elementary teacher Alex Tinker's classroom.

Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-I School District.

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - About 25 city and county First Responders shared lunch with Middle School students on Friday in remembrance of September 11th in honor of Patriot Day.
 
There was representation from the Butler County Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, Emergency Management Agency and EMS, along with the Poplar Bluff Police Department and Fire Department, plus Rural/Metro. Guests received 'thank you' cards from students.
 
Lunch was provided by Chartwells School Dining Services. "It's been 25 years since I had a school lunch," Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs joked.
 
Shown in the photo: Deputy Chris Ridens shows fifth grader Keaton Rexroad his handcuffs.



Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-I School District

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff High School Academic Team had a strong showing during ACE Quizbowl camp last month at Lincoln College in Illinois.
 
Jackson Rideout, the PBHS senior captain, took first place in the history tournament; sophomore Alyssa Cook, the JV captain, won second in a team contest; and Christian Cmehil-Warn, a senior starter, consistently qualified to compete with the top performing students from multiple states.
 
PBHS has been making its mark in Academic Competition Enterprises-sponsored camps for several years, according to their coach, science teacher Gail Karlish. The Academic Team ended the 2014/15 season with a 30-14 Scholar Bowl record, the Missouri State High School Activity Association has reported.

(Shown in the photos from left) Jackson Rideout, Christian Cmehil-Warn and Alyssa Cook pose with their spoils outside of Lincoln College following Quizbowl.


Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Coordinator, Poplar Bluff R-I School District

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Rep. Todd Richardson of Poplar Bluff, the Missouri House speaker, visited the “I’m a Citizen, Too” class during the last day of summer school on Friday, June 26, role-playing with students how a bill becomes a law.
 
Richardson’s guest appearance in the enrichment class has become an annual tradition since he was first elected to serve the 152nd Congressional District in 2010. Last year he was able to host the students at the state Capitol in Jefferson City.
 
For at least 25 years, Jan Desgranges, a retired R-I educator, has led “I’m a Citizen, Too,” teaching students, grades 5-8, how to become productive citizens. Fourth grade teacher Shiela Boyles of Lake Road Elementary has co-taught the popular class since the 2006/07 school year.

Students (from left) Katie Rose Pattillo, Audrey Cisne and McKenzie Knapp present Rep. Todd Richardson a plaque for his continued dedication to the “I’m a Citizen, Too” class.

Article and photo submitted by Tim Krakowiak
Communications/Marketing Coordinator
Poplar Bluff R-I School District