Good Afternoon and Happy Super Bowl Sunday Joplin High School Eagles Family!

We had an outstanding week last week at JHS. As we go in to classroom, I am so excited to see all the teaching and learning occurring every day. I hope each of you were able to get outside on this unusally warm weekend, and I hope you got to spend some quality time with those you love.

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 

Meet Mr. Corbin Steinert, one of the newest members of the JHS team and our Physical Science teacher. This is his first year at JHS as a certified teacher but he might look familiar because he served in a long term subbing position last year. 

Mr. Steinert is originally from McPherson, Kansas, about an hour north of Wichita. During middle school, his family moved to Los Angeles, where he later returned after attending Kansas State University. His parents still call California home and Corbin enjoys visiting them in Claremont, as it is just 15 minutes from the mountains—a perfect mix of hiking, nature, and quieter living. His journey eventually brought him to Joplin, when his wife was accepted into the medical school here. 

His wife, Lexi, is currently attending medical school and plans to specialize in emergency medicine. Outside of school, Mr. Steinert enjoys reading, watching Jeopardy, and spending time playing board games like Splendor and Catan. Looking ahead, Mr. Steinert dreams of a future filled with books, woodworking projects (even though he’s never tried it yet!), and plenty of time with his wife and, hopefully, future kids. 

Meet Mr. Manhattan Caldwell, one of our passionate Social Studies teachers. This is his fifth year teaching and his third year at Joplin High School, where he teaches World History, World Geography, and Ancient Civilizations. Prior to joining JHS, he taught in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Mr. Caldwell grew up in Fort Smith, AR and attended Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, where he earned his degree in Health and Physical Education. While his degree started him in one direction, he found his true calling in the classroom, helping students understand the world—past and present.

Family is the center of Mr. Caldwell’s life. He met his wife, Kendra, a Joplin native who owns both a photography and marketing business, and together they have built a busy and joyful household. Their family includes Bentley, a freshman here at JHS; Carter, age 10, who attends school in Dover; and their daughter Raelynn, who is four and turning five this February.

When he’s not teaching, Mr. Caldwell loves spending time with his family. Whether it’s roller skating, visiting SOAR, enjoying Japanese steakhouse, hosting family movie nights and board game nights, or trying out new restaurants with his wife, he values every moment together. He also enjoys video games, riding motorcycles, and has a growing interest in firearms. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please nominate a teacher for this year's Golden Apple Awards, hosted by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce! Nominations are open from Monday, Feb. 9 through 5pm Monday, March 9 at https://joplincc.com/goldenapple/. Nominations must be accompanied by a parent and student letter of recommendation. 

This local program works to recognize PreK-12th grade teachers from public and private schools in Joplin. They are looking to celebrate teachers who demonstrate the ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to reach their full potential. We have amazing teachers who do this every day, and it means the world to them to be nominated by their students. Nominate early and often to help us celebrate our amazing teachers!

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

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.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B King