Jackson, MO - The Jackson R-2 School District has tentatively rescheduled prom and graduation during the summer.
Prom is tentatively set for June 13, 2020 and commencement is set for June 19th. The locations for each event have not been determined yet.
For students that are entering the military, they are planning a special ceremony prior to the date of graduation, as many will be leaving before that time.
Kennett, MO - My name is Jenise Seals and I am majoring in Criminal Justice.
I attend the SEMO Kennett campus and I have been attending for almost two years.
Things are different now following the COVID-19 crisis.
Doing everything online is a very new experience for me and I wasn't expecting the change, but along the way, I have learned new things that will help me in the long run.
The biggest one that sticks out to me is being responsible. I've always been a responsible person, but when doing online, communication can be somewhat challenging. Now, I've been learning to balance out work and school and I've been using a planner to help me keep on top of my assignments. And if I ever do need help, Zoom is offered and phone calls are as well.
The SEMO Kennett campus means a lot to me and I'm glad they are doing everything in their power to make sure everyone is getting the help they need and to make sure everyone passes their classes.
Sikeston, MO - Sydney has been working as a student worker in the Southeast – Sikeston office since last fall. She will be transitioning to the Cape campus this fall, to pursue her major in Dietetics. Her goal is to become a Registered Dietician. We will sure miss her!
Sydney is a graduate of Bloomfield High School, and she was valedictorian of her class. She is one smart cookie, and she continues to do very well in her college classes.
When asked what she likes about the Southeast – Sikeston campus:
I like that the Southeast-Sikeston campus is small and all of the classes are right there in one building, without having to walk all over campus. The professors and staff are all very friendly and always ready to help. The location was perfect because I could still live at home and easily drive back and forth.
When asked about how the transition to alternative instructional methods is going (because of COVID-19): It’s been going well so far. All of my professors have been extremely helpful and understanding with the whole situation, which makes this transition much easier.
Please note photo was taken on March 12th - Poplar Bluff Junior High and Technical Career Center students were recently awarded for placing in a T-shirt design contest initiated to promote the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
On Thursday, March 12, top students received $50 gift cards and trophies, sponsored by Ozark Federal Credit Union. Winners in the PBJHS category were: Cailin Pratt placing first, Carli Pundsack placing second, and Wyatt Meurlott-Luebben – third. TCC winners were: Jessica Paulin placing first, Jaden Jordan – second place, and Alayna Stokan – third.
The overall winner of the design chosen by way of committee was Jon Daniels, an area art teacher, who entered the adult category through the Margaret Harwell Art Museum, and received $100. T-shirts are available for purchase at the art museum, with proceeds supporting the operation
“I chose the Junior High and Senior High levels for the T-shirt design contest since we love for students to be a part of the art museum,” stated Terena Whitworth, event organizer, whose husband Steve serves as museum director. “This was a way to make them aware of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and the Margaret Harwell Art Museum at the same time.”
Terena Whitworth, a retired educator, said she can recall celebrating the 40th anniversary as a teacher at the former Poplar Bluff 5th and 6th Grade Center, and the 30th anniversary at O’Neal Elementary School. “My goal is for the whole community to become more aware of saving our planet and to celebrate Earth Day some time in April,” she continued.
The Margaret Harwell Art Museum is planning an ‘edible landfill’ and ‘junk sculpture’ activities free for children, ages 5-12, tentatively scheduled for 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at 421 N. Main St. For more information, contact Terena Whitworth at 573-785-3332.
(Left to right) PBJHS teacher Brandon Francis; organizer Terena Whitworth; students Cailin Pratt, Carli Pundsack and Wyatt Meurlott-Luebben; Ozark FCU representative Meagan Bader; and Margaret Harwell Art Museum Director Steve Whitworth.
Photo and article by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter, MO - The Dexter School board held a Regular Board Meeting on March 24, 2020 at 6 p.m. Below are the meeting minutes.
Call to Order/Roll Call/Pledge The Board President announced the meeting is to begin, ascertains the attendance status of all board members present. He then leads in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda was approved.
Public Comments: There were no public comments made.
Old Business: None
New Business:
A. The board approved MEUHP health plans for the 2020-21 school year. The board also approved paying $500 per month for health insurance premiums.
B. The board approved budget amendments for the 2019-20 school year.
C. The board approved change orders for the building project.
Discussion Items:
A. The nurse’s report was shared with the board.
B. The principal's reports were shared with the board.
C. The superintendent gave his report to the board.
D. The next board meeting was set for April 21, 2020 at 6:00 pm
In Closed Session:
1. The board approved the following substitutes for the 2019-20 school year:
Christina Smith
2. The board approved the employment of all Probationary Teachers for the 2020-21 school year.
3. The board approved the employment of all Tenured Teachers for the 2020-21 school year.
4. The board approved a employment of the Instructional Coaches for the 2020-21 school year.
Eric Boles
Kimmy Chamberlain
5. The board approved the employment of teachers for the 2020-21 school year.
Karrie Shands - Southwest Elem. Sped Teacher
Jessica Hunt - Central Elem. Sped Teacher
Lizzie Reeves - Southwest Elem. 1st Grade Teacher
6. The board approved resignation effective at the conclusion of the 2019-20 school year.
Angie Foster
Kaitlin Orr
Ashlyn Bruce
7. The board approved transfer requests for the 2020-21 school year.
Shena Benton to Special Services Secretary
Tori Sayre to Preschool Aide
Stephanie Grainger to Preschool Aide
Rebecca McGhee to Preschool Aide
8. The board approved new employment of non-certified positions for the 2020-21 school year.
Lori Anderson - Southwest Building Aide
Ginger McCoy - Central Elementary Secretary
Sharon Pfeffer - Jr. High Nurse
9. The board approved substitute bus driver for the 2019-20 school year.
Josh Hester
Items at the conclusion of Executive Session
A. None
