Good Afternoon Joplin High School Eagles Family!

Last week was another great week at JHS, especially for our seniors. They truly took to heart to finish this semester and year strong, as I believe we may end up having the largest number of graduates at JHS since 1978. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 who will have 542 graduates in the class.

My message is not much different than last week, as we need to make sure our underclassmen finish the year strong. The Time is NOW!

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 Mrs. Vanhorn, someone you don’t always see but maybe hear about since we are just one stop on her very busy day. She teaches orchestra across multiple buildings: South Middle School, Joplin High School, and East Middle School. A 2004 graduate of Joplin High School, Kylee went on to attend Missouri State University (SMS and mid way through changed to MSU), graduating in 2010. She accepted her position with Joplin Schools in June of that same year. By the end of her very first year, the Joplin tornado had hit, an unforgettable start to what has now become a 16-year career in the district.

Kylee and her husband, Joe, have a son, Jensen, who is finishing 5th grade at Webb City. Family time is a big part of their lives. They are self-proclaimed gamers who enjoy playing video games and board games together. Kylee also loves theater. She and Joe both serve on the worship team at their church. In the summertime, you’ll likely find them swimming in their pool and simply enjoying being together. Kylee has a fun musical side note, she can whistle and hum at the same time! She also performs with a traditional Irish band called Sea Hollies, with band mate, Mr. G. They play jigs, drinking songs, and three-part harmony with guitar and fiddle.

When she thinks about the future, Kylee dreams of getting an RV and traveling across the United States to see all the incredible places she hasn’t yet explored.

Mr. Bennett serves as one of our Math teachers here at JHS, teaching mostly juniors and seniors upper level courses such as AP stats and Algebra II. Originally from Osceola (yes—the cheese!), Adam went on to attend Pittsburg State University, where he ran cross country and studied Math Education. It was also there that he met his wife, Ruth. She had one more year of school left, so Adam took a job at Joplin High School, and as he says, he blinked and 18 years flew by.

Education clearly runs in Adam’s family. His mom and dad were both educators, his grandparents were educators, and his brother took a slightly different path as an actuary. Ruth is also an elementary teacher in Neosho.

Adam and Ruth have two children who keep them very busy. Rhett (9) is involved in just about every sport imaginable—soccer, track club, basketball, and tumbling. Valerie (6) is finishing kindergarten and enjoys dance, tumbling, and recently started track club. As for pets, Ruth claims the cats, Adam says he has no ownership in that arrangement.

These days, Adam jokes that he’s reached the “I used to have hobbies” stage of life, as most of his time is spent at his kids’ activities. He is also an avid fan of the Chiefs and Royals and a proud Pitt State Gorilla—right alongside fellow Gorilla alum Karisa Boyer (see photo for additional jab).

Looking ahead, Adam isn’t sure what retirement will look like. Retiring at 51, he doesn’t see himself fully stepping away from work. Whether that’s staying in education by double dipping in Kansas, or trying something new, he knows he’ll keep himself busy.

Dave is currently a FLEX instructor over at the Roi S. Woods campus but he will be moving over to the high school next year serving as our in-school detention teacher. Dave is a Carthage guy, still residing there ever since graduating high school in 2001. Following high school he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (History) from Missouri Southern State University.

Dave began working for Joplin Schools in 2007, spending his first three years at North Middle School before moving to the high school in 2010 to begin his long tenure with the FLEX program. Next year, he transitions into a new role in ISD, and he’s excited to build new relationships at the high school once again.

Education runs in the family. His mom was a SPED teacher in Carthage for 30 years, his brother an English teacher, and just so happened to win teacher of the year this year in his district, and his dad, a blue collar man, is, as Dave says, “the glue.” His educational journey is extensive. Dave completed the IMSE program through University of Missouri and earned advanced degrees (master’s, specialist, and doctorate) through William Woods University. He is also working through DESE in a program supported by Northern Arizona University to earn his Director of Special Education degree. Along the way, he has earned certifications in 29 different teaching areas. Fun fact about Dave and his JPS journey, he has quite literally worked in nearly every building in the district over the years: old North, Washington elementary, old South during the middle school shuffle, Irving, East, the old high school, old, and now the old administration building.

Dave is a consumer of knowledge, he reads constantly, anything and everything (including “The Science of Cheese” currently). He loves writing and has self-published two books. He also enjoys traveling, spending time around art, and cheering on the Kansas City Royals. At home, Dave is happily outnumbered by four beloved cats. 

When he dreams about retirement, Dave imagines working for the Royals as a clubbie—the person who assists the umpires and manages the humidor where the game balls are stored. Around Joplin high school, Dave is somewhat “The Sasquatch of Joplin.” You may have heard about him… but sightings are rare. Hopefully with this new position next year, everyone at the high school can actually meet him in person. 

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.

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.