Good Afternoon Joplin High School Eagles Family!
I hope you have had an awesome extended weekend, and a great Easter. Last week was an amazing week at JHS. As we continue to implement Level Up, we are seeing great gains in our students and students are truly buying in to the process.
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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Originally from New York, Mr. Keczkemethy never imagined he’d become a teacher, by his own admission, he was a bit of a “wild kid.” A turning point came when his parents sent him to a military academy. He earned his degree in criminology from Ocean County Community College and went on to get his Bachelors of Arts in History from Gettysburg College, along with his teaching certification. He went to graduate school at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, serving as a teaching and research assistant, an experience that cemented his path in education. He started teaching at the collegiate level until a head hunter found him and that started his path to Joplin.
In 1999, he joined Joplin High School, drawn by the opportunity to teach both high school and college courses while being closer to family. Now in his 26th year at JHS, his schedule is as dynamic as his interests. He teaches dual credit U.S. History I & II and Government through Missouri Southern State University, along with AP U.S. History and AP Government. He also coaches the school’s Constitution Team and leads the Jam Club as its band leader. He is married and his kids have also went through Joplin Schools with his youngest a junior currently.
Music is a big part of his life, especially jazz, blues, and classic rock. When he’s not teaching, you’ll likely find him building something. He’s constructed a greenhouse, built a pond, and tends a thriving garden on the family’s four-acre property. He loves to travel, having visited every U.S. state except Hawaii and 6-8 countries across Europe. Biking, hiking, and camping are favorite pastimes. As for retirement? He doesn’t spend much time thinking about it. “I like what I do. I’ll teach as long as God allows me.”
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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 & Parents Reminders & Updates |
This is a reminder to vote April 7th. The Joplin Schools has a Bond Issue on the ballot. For more information regarding the Bond Issue for Joplin Schools, please click on the following link.
Further, please see the images below that will also provide answers to many questions you may have about the bond issue.
Further, please remember that all the parents of the students you serve live in the Joplin Schools Community , and we need everyone to go out and vote. If you get an opportunity to encourage parents to get out and vote, please do so. Every vote matters!
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We would like to shout out the following people:
Ms. Tiffanie Moore-Crouch and the Students of Family and Consumer Sciences who put on a fashion show Thursday night at JHS. The event was well-done and enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you Ms. Moore-Crouch and your Fashion Students who made this happen!
Ms. Fent, Ms. Anderson, and Ms Johnson for organizing an outstanding Incoming FTC Student Parent Night on Wednesday. The attendance was outstanding and every new student and family felt welcomed and excited to be there. Thank you Ms. Fent, Ms. Anderson, and Ms. Johnson for going above and beyond to engage our families in our school!
Also, a big thank you to all of the FTC Teachers who were at the Incoming FTC Student Parent Night on Wednesday. The information you delivered and you taking the time to build relationships with your new students' families will prove to be so beneficial in the long-run. Thank you for meeting your families and providing one more thing that will make your programs great!
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Bell Schedule This Week and Important Upcoming Dates |
BELL SCHEDULE THIS WEEK:
Monday, April 6, 2026 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS; PD DAY FOR STAFF
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Thursday, April 9, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Friday, April 10, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
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April
6-10 - Assistant Principals Week
11 - Prom
14 - Fire Drill - 7th Hour
21 - Site Council Meeting - Black Box - 7:30 AM
22 - Administrative Professionals Day
23 - ODD BLOCK DAY
24 - EVEN BLOCK DAY (2, 4, Transitions, 6) With Food Trucks - Staff vs Students Volleyball & Basketball Games
28 - School Bus Driver Day
29 - EOC Testing - ODD Block Day - Government, Biology, Algebra II
29 - Mental Health Fair - FTC Parking Lot (Gym 3 if rain) - 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
29 - SIT Team Meeting - All Day - 2 Sessions
29 - FTC Senior Awards - PAC - 6:00 - 7:30 PM
30 - EOC Testing - EVEN BLOCK DAY - Government, Biology, Algebra II
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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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Link for Class of 2026 Graduates to Apply for Scholarships:
Every year thousands of dollars of scholarship money is awarded to JHS seniors for their post-high school plans. Now is the time to begin checking the JHS Scholarship website and get those applications in! The dates listed on the site are the due dates, but start early and get those applications in NOW!
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The Freeman Education Department is excited to announce that applications for the 2026 Freeman Health Academy are now open! T
If your student, or if you know a student 16 or older who is interested in exploring a future career in healthcare, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience hands-on activities, job shadowing hours, networking with professionals, an optional BLS class, and more.
Important (Please refer to attachments for further information):
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Application Deadline: May 29, 2026, by 4:00 PM
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Spots are limited, so we encourage students to apply as soon as possible
- Three session dates are available at no cost to participants
I’ve attached the flyer, brochure, and application packet, which include full details about eligibility, requirements, session dates, and how to submit.
For more information, along with the application, please click HERE.
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COUNSELORS BY ALPHABET:
Students are assigned to counselors by the student’s last name:
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“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember amateurs built the ark, but professionals built the Titanic.” – Unknown
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