Good Afternoon Joplin High School Eagles Family!
We had a great couple days this week, especially with our Level Up Student Intervention System. I hope each of you all have been able to stay warm and spend some quality time with those you love on this very cold, snowy weekend.
If there is anything you ever need, please feel free to call me at 417.625.5230 or email me at randyoliver@joplinschools.org. I would like to remind our students to WORK HARD, BE KIND, and GO EAGLES!
Your Proud Principal,
Dr. Oliver
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Meet Ms. Erika Blank, one of our dedicated Special Education teachers who makes a powerful impact on students every single day. This is her fourth year at JHS, where she teaches Basic Skills. Ms. Blank’s journey into education has taken her across several states and experiences. She grew up moving from Kansas City to Mississippi and back to Kansas City, where she graduated from Park Hill High School. She went on to attend Missouri Southern State University, where she played softball and earned a degree in Health Promotion and Wellness and Exercise Science. Originally, she planned to pursue occupational therapy, but while in graduate school, she began working as a para and quickly discovered her true passion—teaching. Inspired by her time in the classroom, Ms. Blank changed course and earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from Northwest Missouri State University.
Family is a big part of Ms. Blank’s life. She met her husband, Joe, at MSSU, and the two have been married for two years. Together they are raising their daughter, Everlyn, who turned one this past September and keeps their home full of joy and energy.
Outside of school, Ms. Blank loves to travel and plan adventures. This summer, she’s looking forward to a Fourth of July trip to Mount Rushmore for its 250th celebration. She previously played softball overseas in Italy and would love to return someday. While her husband enjoys skiing, Ms. Blank prefers relaxing in the hot tub. She also enjoys gardening and yard work at home. Looking ahead, Ms. Blank hopes to continue exploring the world, with dreams of traveling to Japan, Spain, and Greece.
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Alternate Method of Instruction (AMI) Day Information |
AMI Information and Guidelines
What is AMI?
AMI is Alternative Method of Instruction. On bad weather days we can use an AMI Day so we do not miss as many instructional days through the usage of our student devices.
What Do I (Teacher) Need To Do?
You will need to plan an asynchronous lesson or activity that can be done at home by the student. This can be a video lesson with questions included via studio, a Canvas quiz after a reading, or even a screenshot uploaded to Canvas. The main thing is we need the students to actually submit something on these days to show they worked on the AMI day.
Your departments will have some really great ideas! But if you need any ideas please feel free to reach out and I will help as necessary!
Your lessons need to be posted and available by 9AM. Additionally, you will need to check your email between 9AM and 3PM for any student questions.
What Will It Look Like?
You will create an announcement in your course(s) directing students to the assignment they will be completing. Please see the attached video for guidance!
What About Due Dates?
Due dates for AMI are more flexible. This is because even though all students have devices, not all students will have internet access. Also, if the roads are bad enough to not have school, they are most likely bad enough to limit students going to the public library or McDonalds (where there is free wifi). Please extend the due date to a few days after we return to school so students would have time to complete the assignment. However, also remind students that turning in the assignment counts as their attendance on that day!
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Dedicated School Time for Extra Support
Starting in January 2026, all Joplin High School students will have the opportunity to receive dedicated, in-school support services to help them Level Up their academic success in the classes and subjects they need it most. Level Up options will fill the former Transitions period, and will be offered every day of the week.
Level Up is designed to help students improve grades, build skills, and stay on track for graduation before small problems become large obstacles. The time is focused on individual growth and success, not punishment. We understand that everyone needs support sometimes, even when the grade card shows an A or a B, and Level Up is designed to meet those needs right in the middle of the school day, without asking students to come early or stay late for tutoring. The goal is effectively to help students take ownership of their own learning so they can Level Up their academics.
Three Levels of Opportunity
Intervention: Targeted Support
This is a 30-minute session that provides focused help on a SPECIFIC LEARNING STANDARD. Students will work with a teacher to relearn, practice, and retest to master a specific standard in a specific content area.
Academic Opportunity: The Catch-Up
This is 30 minutes of structured time for students who have a D or an F to work with a teacher to improve their grades, complete missing work, retake assessments, and get help.
Eagle Time: The Reward
This is a 30-minute reward period for students who are meeting expectations and mastering standards as expected. Students can choose from a variety of non-classroom locations to socialize, get ahead on work, read, or relax.
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Students & Parent Reminders & Updates |
February 13th After the Basketball Game. Tickets are on sale in the cafeteria during lunch. $10 for tickets. $10 for shirt (not required). |
Please ensure that we do not prop exterior doors open. I know it is easy to do, but we need to ensure anyone needing access to the building who does not have a fob for that building goes through the main office. |
We would like to shout out the following people:
Last week when I made a shout-out, I inadvertently left off a custodian that assists a ton during lunch. Ethalinda, we really appreciate all you do each and every day! My apologies Ethalinda. It was a complete oversight and your work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do during lunch every day!
ALL STAFF, for working through the first couple of days of Level Up. Thank you for living up to the TIME is NOW. They did a great job of Teaching, Inspiring, Mentoring, and Engaging with our students. Further, thank you for supervising, helping students get to the right places, and being patient as we work through something new. Thank you to all staff staff for your willingness to be ALL IN EVERY DAY for our students!
Mr. Nicholas Reid, for filling in as an assistant principal for the past couple months. It is extremely difficult to be out of the classroom for any time, let alone two months. Mr. Reid made it look easy, and filled in extremely well, helping our school not miss a beat with AP's out for different reasons. Thank you, Mr. Reid.
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Bell Schedule This Week and Important Upcoming Dates |
Monday, February 2, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Thursday, February 5, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Friday, February 6, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
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February
2-6 - Counselor Appreciation Week
4 - Fire Drill / Reverse Evacuation - 3rd Hour
5 - Sophomore Class Ring Meeting with Josten's - 10:15 AM
12 - Sophomores Order Class Rings Through Josten's - During Lunch Time
13 - Winter Homecoming Pep Assembly - Kaminsky Gym - 2:47 PM
16 - NO SCHOOL - President's Day
17 - Site Council Meeting - Black Box - 7:30 AM
March
3 - Tornado Drill - 3rd Hour
4 - Block Day Schedule - ODD
5 - Block Day Schedule - EVEN - FTC Career Fair
6 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - TEACHERS - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
9 - Fire Drill - 5th Hour
10 - Lockdown Drill - 6th Hour
16-20 - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
25 - Site Council Meeting - Black Box - 7:30 AM
26 - Josten's Graduation Announcements Delivered
28 - Prom
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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.
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This week, we proudly celebrate our incredible school counselors and the vital role they play in supporting our students every day. From academic planning and college/career guidance to social-emotional support and crisis care, our counselors are truly at the heart of Joplin High School.
Their compassion, dedication, and commitment to helping every student succeed does not go unnoticed. We are grateful for the countless ways they advocate for our students and partner with families to ensure each Eagle is prepared for life beyond high school.
Please join me in thanking our amazing counseling team for all they do, and please read below for information about each counselor! Happy Counselors Appreciation Week!
Mrs. Rich has been at Joplin High School serving in her current role as a school counselor since 2020. Prior to joining the JHS team, she served as a Career Path Coordinator and taught Special Education at Joplin as well as Carl Junction. Mrs. Rich completed a bachelor of science from Missouri Southern State University. She also holds two masters degrees, one in School Counseling from University of Central Arkansas and a second in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lamar University.
Mrs. Russell became a Joplin eagle in 2021. Prior to being a school counselor, she worked in the field of social services working with individuals who have experienced substance use or domestic violence. Mrs. Russell holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a Substance Abuse emphasis from Pittsburg State University and a Master of Science in School Counseling from Fort Hays State University.
Mrs. Holt started her career with Joplin Schools in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Missouri and a Masters in Secondary School Counseling from Missouri State University.
Mrs. Ramsey joined the JHS counseling team in 2024 but has been in school counseling for over a decade. She received her undergraduate degree from MSSU and her Masters from Missouri Baptist University in School Counseling. She joined the JHS counseling team in 2024.
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Mrs. Hancock began working at Joplin Schools in 2016. She brings nearly 2 decades of experience in education, having previously worked as both a high school and elementary music teacher, as well as a school counselor. Before joining Joplin Schools, Mrs. Hancock served in school districts in Springfield, Missouri, and southeast Kansas. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocal Music Education from Missouri Southern State University and a Masters in School Counseling from Pittsburg State University.
Ms. Bowman began working at Joplin High School in August 2006. Prior to coming to Joplin High School, Ms. Bowman had experience in Miami, OK and Webb City, MO where she filled the roles of high school business teacher, varsity cheerleading coach, middle school teacher, and high school counselor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Southern State University and her Master of Science in Counseling from Pittsburg State University.
Mrs. Hardman started with JHS as Counselor and Graduation Coach in 2024 with 4 previous years in public education along with two years experience teaching at the collegiate level. Mrs. Hardman holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master in School Counseling and a Specialist in Assessment and Diagnosis all from Missouri State University. She also holds a graduate certificate in Play Therapy.
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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.
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COUNSELORS BY ALPHABET:
Students are assigned to counselors by the student’s last name:
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“Nine-tenths of education is encouragement.”– Anatole France
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