Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Elks Lodge recently donated $2,500 to the Middle School for the purchase of supplies including backpacks, Trapper Keepers and pencil cases for students in need.

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

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Stand Still Apparel in cooperation with Ozark Federal Credit Union has given out free T-shirts to the entire Poplar Bluff R-I staff to show their appreciation as the new school year kicks into gear.

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

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Poplar Bluff High School senior Grace Hudson has been awarded the $1,300 Mary Lynn Wolpers Scholarship to pursue a global business degree with a concentration in social entrepreneurship. She has applied to the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Hudson has taken advanced courses throughout her entire high school career and has participated in the dual credit program through Three Rivers College.

A total of $12,000 has been awarded through the Wolpers Scholarship since its inception in 2007.

Shown in the photo: Poplar Bluff Public School Foundation vice president Emily Hogg presents Grace Hudson with the Wolpers Scholarship last week at Senior High.

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