Poplar Bluff, Missouri - A new STEM class that has been added to the Poplar Bluff Middle School curriculum is quickly gaining popularity among students.
“My daughter came home talking about this. She loves this class,” exclaimed Mary Arnold, the mother of fourth grader Chloe, on the Middle School Facebook page. Trina Weldon of the fifth grade commented: “My favorite class ever.”
The enrichment class—which combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics—was one of the driving forces behind the buildings plan that has added 40,000 square feet to the relocated campus. Taught by Keri Jameson and Cody Young, STEM takes the place of computer lab since Google Chromebook carts are being made available in all classrooms of the upper elementary school.
“Hands on, minds on,” explained Young, a fifth year teacher. “It’s how kids learn.”
When Jameson began teaching in 2009—METS—a reversal of the acronym, was the buzzword in education, she recalled. In an effort to prepare the students for a modern-day work environment, Jameson—much like Young—has always tried to apply project-based learning in her classroom lessons.
Now with a dedicated class, the pair of educators are delighted to be able to introduce tools such as Spheros, iPads, and 3-D scanners and printers, plus Lego and circuit board stations to teach critical thinking. “This is the best job I have ever had,” Jameson stated. “It’s the last teaching job I’ll have.”
Having focused solely on science in previous years, Young and Jameson spent the summer planning their new interdisciplinary activities. Just weeks into the school year, they are already inspiring more STEM action throughout the district.
At Eugene Field, elementary school educators are in the planning stages of converting their vacated art room in the older part of campus into a STEM lab, according to Principal Jennifer Taylor.
Upon completing over 50 pages of research, Ashley Woolard, a Junior High science teacher, received her certification through the National Institute for STEM Education earlier this month. She too is planning to introduce “whole brain teaching” into her curriculum, she said.
Shown in the photo are teachers Keri Jameson and Cody Young are the district’s first dedicated STEM teachers.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
The bulk of the funds were awarded through the Community Investments Program of the Elks National Foundation and Poplar Bluff Lodge No. 2452 contributed the rest, according to Mac Campbell, past exalted ruler.
Shown in the photos are: Middle School counselor Julie Withrow; IEP facilitator Cindy McIver; students Travis Vaughn, James Wilder, Xaviese Jackson, Brooke Montgomery, Jamaya Hamilton, Carmelo Perkins and Kathryn Montgomery; and Elks Debbie and Mac Campbell.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
The gesture was part of the clothing company’s monthly Do Good Campaign, which was established last year to recognize community organizations, according to co-founder Mark Wilson. Stand Still provides the labor pro bono, and partners with a business to subsidize the cost of the shirts.
“It’s a great way to say ‘thank you’ to the school system,” stated Business Development Specialist Davine Conover of Ozark FCU.
Shown in the photo: Stand Still Apparel and representatives of Ozark FCU hand-delivered a T-shirt to Poplar Bluff High School Assistant Principal Sheldon Tyler on Friday, Sept 9. (From left) Tim Strohmeyer, Mike Crumley, Sheldon Tyler, Mark Wilson and Chad Wolfram.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved $183,000 in funding for Poplar Bluff R-I to expand its Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to all elementary schools.
The program has allowed for fruits and vegetables to be made available to Eugene Field and Lake Road Elementary students over the past few years. This year fresh produce will also be served a couple times per week during class breaks at the Kindergarten Center, Oak Grove, O’Neal and the Middle School.
“We love it,” Lake Road Principal Erica Weadon exclaimed. “It makes for a healthier place.”
The FFVP was established to help students develop lifelong healthful eating habits, according to the award letter from DESE. Poplar Bluff’s dining service, Chartwells, administers the program at no cost to the district.
Dixie Harden, food services director, said her team plans to introduce produce that many students may not have had the opportunity to taste such as star fruit, jicama and sugar snap peas. The funding will also equip a salad bar at each of the school facilities.
Shown in the photo are Landen Deaton and Evan Knight of the third grade grab some fruit in the lobby at Lake Road.
Photos and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Modern Woodmen Chapter 1472 recently donated $400 to Poplar Bluff Junior High School for a campus beautification project.
With the funds, a string of crepe myrtles were planted along the median in the new parking lot by the 20,000-square foot addition of the facility. Lukescaping provided the landscaping services.
Modern Woodmen has supported the R-I school district through service projects in the past, including purchasing playground equipment for Eugene Field Elementary, according to district manager Brandon Woolard.
(Adults, left to right) Modern Woodmen Activity Coordinator Tammy Parker, PBJHS science teacher Ashley Woolard, PBJHS Principal Bob Case, Andy Luke of Lukescaping and Modern Woodmen District Manager Brandon Woolard; (children, left to right) Charlotte, Jacquelyn and Maddison Woolard.
Article and Photos submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
