Mrs. Misti Ard, is in her 10th year as a teacher, and she is someone our students, families, and staff know they can always count on. Her path into education is anything but ordinary. Mrs. Ard graduated from MSSC in the 1990s with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After graduation, she married, raised her boys, and later worked as a video game vendor at several local Wal-Marts. In 2012, she began subbing in schools and quickly realized she loved being in the classroom far more than vendor life. While some people buy a sports car during a mid-life crisis, Mrs. Ard went back to school instead, earning her Master’s in Education from Grand Canyon University. After graduating, she was hired as a para for Job Sites—a program she proudly describes as amazing. The following year, she stepped into the role of Special Education teacher, where she has made a lasting impact ever since.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Ard helps run the school food pantry, working quietly behind the scenes to support students experiencing food insecurity. She’s also affectionately known as the “homebound queen.” If a student can’t physically come to the building for any reason, chances are Mrs. Ard is the one making sure they still receive the education and support they deserve.

Mrs. Ard has been married to her husband, James, since 2000, and together they have two sons: Kyle (23) and Daniel (19). Both boys attended FTC during their high school years. When it comes to hobbies, Misit “doesn’t know that word.” And instead, spends more her time just doing her day job, but at night. As for retirement plans? —she’ll “probably die here,” and honestly, JHS would probably be okay with never losing her. 

Mrs. Whitney Stahl, is a true JHS staple whose impact has been felt across our building for 15 years. A proud JHS graduate, Mrs. Stahl’s journey at JHS began as a SPED para, where her passion for working with students quickly became clear. She went on to teach Functional Skills and Resource Science and is currently teaching Applied Chemistry, and Physical Science. Mrs. Stahl attended Missouri Southern, earning a Biology degree, and later completed an online program to officially begin her teaching career. 

Whitney has been married to her husband, Martin, for 26 years (together for 32!), after meeting at their job at CC’s Pizza way back when. They have three sons, all JHS graduates—two who live nearby and one in Kansas City. The family has grown even more with the addition of four grandchildren.

Outside of school, Mrs. Stahl enjoys crocheting, gardening, reading, and—most of all—traveling. Some of her favorite destinations include Ireland, Italy, and Stonehenge, with Hawaii and New Zealand high on her bucket list. Looking ahead, Mrs. Stahl’s dream is simple and well-earned: to travel more and check off those long-awaited bucket-list adventures. 

February 13th After the Basketball Game. Tickets are on sale in the cafeteria during lunch. $10 for tickets. $10 for shirt (not required).

We would like to shout out the following people:

Ms. Roanna Dowell for being recognized as a Support Staff Star! Roanna was nominated by a colleague who described her like this:

"Roanna is an incredible member of our school community who truly goes above and beyond each day. For more than 30 years, she has dedicated her time, energy, and heart to supporting not only the students in the classrooms she serves, but every student in need. Whether it’s stepping in to provide academic support, offering encouragement, or finding essentials and resources to ensure no child goes without, she is always there with compassion and commitment. Her unwavering kindness and selflessness have made a lasting impact on countless students and families. She is truly an irreplaceable asset to Joplin Schools, and we are grateful for the many ways she helps us fulfill our mission each and every day."

We couldn't agree more, and we're so thankful to have staff like Roanna working so skillfully with our students. Thank you for going All In Every Day and being such a valued teammate.

Our Cafeteria Staff for their willingness to roll with any changes, field trips, and every day preparations that go with providing awesome lunches every day for our students and staff. They truly are an amazing group and I wanted to thank them for all they do every day!

Mr. Terry White, Custodian, and Mr. Charles in Culinary helped the food pantry out this week. 

There was a problem with one of our freezers. Terry helped for hours this morning. Pure grit and strength ( that I didn't have) fixed the problem. Mr. Charles jumped in and offered the Culinary freezers to help the pantry out. Thank you Mr. White and Mr. Charles for your willingness to assist!

Ms. Cara Clark for developing and providing RtI Level Up focused PD Opportunities for our students. (SEE STAFF REMINDERS SECTION) Thank you Ms. Clark for your willingness to professionally develop our staff!

Monday, January 19, 2026 - NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule

Thursday, January 22, 2026 - Block Schedule - ODD (FTC Sophomore Tours)

Friday, January 23, 2026 - Block Schedule - EVEN (FTC Sophomore Tours)

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.

"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education."

Martin Luther King Jr.