Poplar Bluff, MO - In the spirit of giving back during its one-year anniversary, Blaich Family Dentistry made a $1,500 donation to Poplar Bluff Junior High in a return-to-school raffle.
The dental practice, via Facebook, asked people to ‘like’ its page and nominate a school to receive $1,000. On top of that, owner Dr. Eric Blaich pledged to match any additional funds raised up to a certain amount. A total of $250 was generated through crowdfunding.
The social media post garnered nearly 300 comments, including nominations from public and parochial institutions throughout the region, several of which were schools within the R-I district. Junior High nurse Bailey Hester was responsible for the winning submission, announced on Sunday, Aug. 30, by Blaich’s children: Stavia of Oak Grove and Jace of the Middle School.
Junior High Principal Candace Warren said the money would go in the school's activity fund in lieu of typical door-to-door fundraisers that have been canceled due to the pandemic. Blaich, a repeat supporter of the school system, said he plans to hold the back-to-school fundraiser annually.
Located at 821 W. Pine St., Blaich Family Dentistry was the former practice of Dr. Dan Jackson, who remains an associate of the operation.
Pictured: Dr. Eric Blaich presents PBJHS Principal Candace Warren a $1,500 donation on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at his dental practice.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honored Second Grade students with Positive Office Referral certificates.
This award was presented to students who consistently showed the 3R's RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY TO LEARN.
Each student received a certificate and a FREE Taco from Taco Bell.
Front row from left to right are Symphony Hunsaker, Avery Harmon, Kinley Burnett, and Sophia Moore.
Middle row from left to right are Bryer Watson, Meredith Mayer, Archer Menley, Rivers Schlief, and Bailey Adkins.
Back row from left to right are hattie Galloway, Drake Jenkins, and Taylen Sjolander.
Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honored First Grade students with Positive Office Referral certificates.
This award was presented to students who consistently showed the 3R's RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY TO LEARN.
Each student received a certificate and a FREE Taco from Taco Bell.
Front row from left to right: Autumn Fees, Ryleigh Edwards, Emry Joyner, and Chandler Sluder.
Back row from left to right: Jacob Holden, Eli Null, Luke Hester, and Jack Guethle.
Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honored Kindergarten students with Positive Office Referral certificates.
This award was presented to students who consistently showed the 3R's RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY TO LEARN.
Each student received a certificate and a FREE Taco from Taco Bell.
Pictured from left to right are Annabella Bowers, Scout Kennedy, and Bonnie Ryan.
Poplar Bluff, MO - The tennis courts at the Middle School were resurfaced over the summer for students and patrons to use through an ongoing partnership forged with Poplar Bluff Parks & Recreation.
Lanny Corcimiglia approached the school district with a cost-share proposal soon after being hired as director over the Parks Department late last year. A memorandum of understanding was approved by the R-I Board of Education in February, and General Acrylics of Mount Vernon, Ill., completed the job in June.
"The partnership was relatively easy to establish, and I think it worked out well," said Corcimiglia, who credited John Scott for his liaison work serving as a member of both the school board and the parks board. "Any time you can split cost to allow people to get out and about more... Plus it can be used by the school district as basically an [extension] of the playground for the kids."
According to the bid, resurfacing included power washing, filling cracks, applying acrylic material, striping, painting and installing new nets, plus repairing the birdbaths nearby. Portable pickleball nets were also added. The agreement included sharing maintenance responsibilities.
"The mutual benefit for both parties is to provide another avenue for students and citizens of Poplar Bluff to play tennis/pickleball and continue to participate in a recreational sport for exercise and social activity," wrote R-I Assistant Superintendent of Business Dr. Amy Jackson in the district's board memo
The three courts were previously utilized for practice by PBHS Mules Tennis until the campus along with its athletic facilities moved from the Victory Lane location to Hoover Way in 2016. The old tennis courts were kept open for public use after hours at the now Middle School since they are among the few in town with outdoor lighting.
Pictured: General Acrylics employees resurface the tennis courts at the Poplar Bluff Middle School in June.
Article and photo submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
