Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff High School AP physics class is competing regionally in a MoDOT-sponsored model bridge building contest for a potential $10,000 civil engineering scholarship to a heartland university.

Students were supplied 15 pieces of balsa wood, a bottle of glue and some string, then given four weeks to create a bridge design of their choosing between 16-20 inches long and 2-9 inches wide, with the ability to hold at least 7 pounds. The resulting projects will be judged based on structural efficiency on Thursday, Nov. 19, in Cape Girardeau.

The annual competition, intended for juniors and seniors in the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Southeast District, was established 12 years ago. This marks the second year in a row Kathy Miller’s physics class has participated in the contest, though PBHS’ involvement goes back even further.

Shown in the photo: Instructor Kathy Miller puts her students’ bridges to the test on Thursday, Oct. 29, before the class submitted the models for inspection.

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

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff Mules Booster Club selected Girls Tennis star Stephanie Hobbs and Football quarterback Tristen Francisco as Athletes of the Month for September.

A four-year letterman, Francisco has a career record of 79 completions and 1,489 yards with 137 attempts. The Poplar Bluff High School senior has 50 rushes for 273 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. In addition, he has thrown 19 touchdowns. According to head coach Mark Barousse, Francisco has a high IQ on the football field, with a 10.0 grade point average to boot.

Hobbs, also a senior, has a 10-5 record in singles and 5-10 in doubles for the current season, while maintaining a 10.738 GPA in the classroom. According to her coach, Charles Harper, Hobbs is a role model for new and younger teammates, with a character that is above reproach.

“In a sport with no officials, she always makes honest calls, even if it means losing,” Harper said. “(Hobbs is) kind and polite in her interactions, even in adverse circumstances.”

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

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - A special tribute to the surviving family of Sam Giambelluca took place Friday, Sept. 18, at Fred M. Morrow Stadium, prior to the Mules Football game.

Beth Lewis-Muse, head girls coach for Track, presented the late Giambelluca’s wife Judy with a Missouri State High School Activities Association Class 4 championship ring from the Lady Mules victory in May.

“One thing Sam wanted before he left this earth, we’re told, was for the Mules to receive a state championship in track,” announced Boys and Girls Club Director Chris Rushin to a standing ovation from the audience. “We’re proud to say his wish was granted. This spring, Sam’s alma mater won states in Track and Field for the first time in the history of the school system.”

In 2001, the track at Junior High was named for Giambelluca after he helped raise money to renovate the stadium, including an all-weather track surface. A proud graduate of the PBHS Class of 1946, Giambelluca helped start the Poplar Bluff Sports Hall of Fame, where he was later inducted for his career as a student athlete.

Giambelluca passed away surrounded by his family at the age of 87 on Monday, Sept. 7, according to Cotrell Funeral Service. He dedicated his life to his loved ones, school and community.

Shown in the Photo:  Four generations of the Giambelluca family accept a state championship ring from Beth Lewis-Muse and R-I Superintendent Chris Hon (right) in honor of Sam Giambelluca.

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

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.