Good Afternoon Joplin High School Eagles Family! I hope you all have had an awesome week and have gotten to spend some quality time with those you love this weekend.
We had a great week of school this week! In this week's edition of The Weekly Memo, you will learn about staff members Ms. Erica Etuonu and Ms. Jamie Williams.
If there is anything you ever need, please feel free to call me at 417.625.5230 or email me at randyoliver@joplinschools.org. As we make our way toward finals and the semester break, I would like to remind our students to WORK HARD, BE KIND, and GO EAGLES!
With the school break coming up the next Weekly Memo you will receive will be on January 4, 2026.
Your Proud Principal,
Dr. Oliver
|
Erica Etuonu
Erica serves as one of our English I teachers. For as long as she can remember, Erica Etuonu imagined herself teaching in higher education. But after starting her first “adult” job as a paraprofessional in a self-contained classroom, her perspective shifted. The experience sparked a passion for special education, and she has followed that calling ever since. Erica has now dedicated six years to teaching SPED and three years in general education. Her journey has taken her from Neosho to Seneca, and now into her fourth year at JHS. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Missouri Southern and a master’s in administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State. Though she sometimes debates pursuing administration, her heart always finds its way back to the classroom.
Born and raised in Crane, MO, Erica is a proud wife and mom. She and her husband have been married for 11 years, and their story started in a uniquely memorable way—he kicked a soccer ball that hit her, asked for her number and a date to dinner as an apology, and the rest was history. Erica has two daughters: a high school freshman and a fifth grader, who keep her busy with lots of after school activities.
Outside of school, Erica enjoys reading and spending time at her daughters’ many activities. She also loves experimenting in the kitchen, exploring recipes from around the world and bringing international flavors to her family’s table.
Looking ahead, Erica dreams of one day opening a coffee shop—not because she loves coffee, but because she loves the cozy, welcoming atmosphere. And if she could, she’d find a way to get paid just to read books.
|
For Jamie Williams, teaching was a dream she chose to pursue after raising her own children. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jamie earned her teaching degree from Kansas State and waited until her three oldest children graduated before stepping fully into the classroom. She began her career teaching for seven years in Junction City, KS, and is now in her second year at Joplin High School serving in the Math department.
Family has always been at the center of Jamie’s journey. She and her husband are high school sweethearts who married right after graduation. His 20-year Army career took them all over the country including 7 years in Hawaii, before they settled back home here in Joplin, where her husband is originally from. Together, they’ve raised four children: Ian, Owen, and Clo—all young adults living in Kansas with careers ranging from boilermaker to para to delivery driver—and their youngest, Misty, a freshman here at JHS. Jamie’s mom also lives with them, keeping a little piece of extended family close by.
When she’s not teaching, Jamie enjoys life outdoors. She and her husband are happiest on the water—kayaking, he fishing and Jamie, simply floating side by side while she reads a good book. At home, she loves bird-watching from her porch. They also enjoy traveling to the beach whenever possible, and spending time with family.
Looking ahead, Jamie’s dream is simple: continue teaching for the next 18 years, then travel—hopefully alongside her future grandchildren. For now, she’s pouring her energy into her students and making the most of every moment in and out of the classroom.
|
QUALITY ATTENDANCE - Exempt From Finals |
Below, you will find a flow chart that explains the process for determining Quality Attendance at JHS. We define quality attendance as 93% Attendance Rate or higher. If a student has a 93% attendance rate or higher, they may be exempt from finals.
Please keep in mind, for this exemption, 93% is 93% attendance rate, factoring out all absences. In other words medical appointments is counted as an absence. It is not a punishment if a student has to take the finals if the student doesn't reach 93%. It is a reward for those students who earned a 93% attendance rate for the entire semester.
Further, remember that some advanced, AP, and/or Dual Credit classes may have a REQUIRED final.
|
Ms. Ashley Trotnic is one of the November Teachers of the Year. |
Mr. Josh Franklin, is one of the November Teachers of the Year |
|
We would also like to shout out to the following people:
Ms. Janet Parker-Spain and the JAG Students for working with 300 elementary students to help make Christmas Ornaments. Thank you Ms. Parker-Spain and JAG students for helping our youngest of students to make the season brighter!
Ms. Angela Rambo who stayed late this week to help a parent in need that happened to show up late. She put her stuff down and immediately started to assist the parent with a helpful attitude and spirit. Thank you Ms. Rambo for your willingness to go above and beyond to help a parent.
Mr. Chris Rupport for fixing the Hudl Camera during the girls basketball tournament. He willingly jumped in to assist so everyone away from the gym could still see the game. Thank you Mr. Rupport for your dedication!
Ms. Lee Ann Fent for organizing Freshman 101 Tours of FTC to help bring the possibilities of Real-World Learning to life. Thank you Ms. Fent for coordinating these vital tours.
|
8 Days Until... Finals - Spirit Days
|
Bell Schedule This Week and Important Upcoming Dates |
Monday, December 15, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule (CANDY CANE DAY - Red & White Colors for Spirit Week)
Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule (TRIM THE TREE WITH TINSEL - Wear Your Shiniest Outfits for Spirit Week)
Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule (WARM WITH SPIRIT - UGLY Sweater Day for Spirit Week)
Thursday, December 18, 2025 - Block Day Schedule ODD
Friday, December 19, 2025 - Block Day Schedule EVEN
|
Lunch will be provided and it is a full day of school |
We will be dismissing at 12:30 on this day. THERE WILL NOT BE SCHOOL LUNCH PROVIDED. If your student stays after for activities, please pack them a lunch/snacks to get through the rest of the day. |
|
December
18 - Odd Hour Finals - FULL DAY OF SCHOOL
19 - Even Hour Finals - 1/2 DAY OF SCHOOL
Dec 20 - Jan 5 - NO SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK
January
5 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Professional Development Day for STAFF
6 - 1st Day of Second Semester
7 - Block Day - ODD Schedule - 1-3-5-7
8 - All School Boys Basketball Game - EVEN Schedule
13 - Lock Down Drill - 3rd Hour
13 - All School Wrestling Match - Regular Schedule
14 - Fire Drill / Reverse Evacuation - 2nd Hour
15 - Tornado Drill - 1st Hour
19 - No School - Martin Luther King Jr Day
22 - FTC Sophomore Tours - BLOCK SCHEDULE - ODD - (During World History
23 - FTC Sophomore Tours - BLOCK SCHEDULE - EVEN - (During World History)
|
|
Senior Class of 2026 Info |
Attention Seniors and Senior Parents / Guardians, please see the link below. This will take you to some timely information for all Seniors in the Class of 2026.
|
This opportunity is open to students in grades 9 through 12.
The contest invites students to explore an ethical dilemma they have personally faced and apply the Rotary Four Way Test as a framework for decision making. As outlined in the attached manual, the speech should address each of the following questions:
• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Students will prepare a 5–7 minute speech, record it using a cell phone or school video resources, and submit the video link along with the required application and consent forms. Local Rotary members will review submissions using the standardized judging criteria included in the manual.
Cash prizes are awarded for the top three speeches at the local level in the following amounts:
1st place: $300.00
2nd place: $150.00
3rd place: $75.00
Following the local competition, the top three finalists will be invited to Joplin High School to have their speeches professionally recorded. These recordings will be submitted to the District 6110 Four Way Test Speech Contest, where a new panel of judges will review and score each entry. From this round of evaluation, the District will determine the top three grand prize recipients. The District Champion receives a $1,000 cash award, and each runner-up receives $350.
Detailed rules, instructions, and examples can be found in the attached Four Way Test Speech Contest General Information.
Submission Deadline:
11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026
If you or your students have any questions, I would be more than happy to assist. You’re welcome to contact me directly at Castell-B@mssu.edu or 417-434-7884.
Taping Schedule for Top-3 Finalists:
Feb. 2-13, 2026 (Exact date TBD) at Joplin High School
|
Dear Students and Families,
We’re excited to share that the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now open at fafsa.gov.
Completing the FAFSA form is a key to accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid that can help cover the cost of college or career training. We strongly encourage all students to complete the form as soon as possible.
Start your FAFSA form now: FAFSA.gov
The earlier you apply, the better your chances of maximizing aid.
If you need help or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselor or college.
|
COUNSELORS BY ALPHABET:
Students are assigned to counselors by the student’s last name:
|
“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”– Malcolm Forbes
|
|
|
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
