Students & Parents Weekly Communication - 9.6.26

As we wrap up our second week of school, there is so much to celebrate at Joplin High School! 

Our students are settling into their routines, building relationships, and engaging in meaningful learning throughout the building. From our classrooms and career programs to athletics, activities, and the arts, the energy and Eagle pride across our campus have been incredible.

We are especially grateful for our teachers and staff, who continue to create welcoming, supportive environments where students feel known, valued, and encouraged to succeed. We also appreciate our families and community members for their continued partnership and support as we begin another great year together.

The foundation has been set, our momentum is growing, and exciting opportunities are ahead. Let’s continue working together to make JHS a place where EVERY KID knows they belong and can achieve great things

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It’s a great time to be a Joplin Eagle!

If there is anything you ever need throughout the school year, please feel free to call me at 417.625.5230 or email me at randyoliver@joplinschools.org. 

Your Very Proud Principal,

Dr. Oliver 

Brian Hancock has been shaping the lives of students through mathematics for the past 24 years here at JHS. His entire career, he has been an Eagle! Over the years, Brian has taught nearly every math course JHS has offered, with the exception of Statistics. Originally from Baxter Springs, Kansas, Brian attended Pittsburg State University for his undergraduate and master’s degrees, and also earned a master’s degree through Missouri Southern State University. 

Outside the classroom, Brian enjoys golf, board games, and traveling with his two sons as they play sports. Brian is married to Jennifer Hancock, who serves in our counseling department. His sons, Landon, a junior, and Tate, a freshman, keep the family busy, although Brian says things have slowed down just a little now that both boys are in high school. He is also a drummer and plays at his church alongside Jennifer who sings.

As for the future, retirement is not that far away, but he hasn’t quite figured out what comes next. Maybe a second career, perhaps a four-day work week across the state line. 

Meet Carson Milar, a Webb City native who was born in Las Vegas and is joining the JHS family as a SPED ELA teacher! Carson graduated from Webb City High School before attending MSSU, where he earned his degree in Political Science Education. Last year, he joined the school as a para, and this year he’s making the jump into the classroom!

Outside of school, Carson lives with his dad and is kept busy by his four dogs. His mom lives in Montana and previously worked at Yellowstone National Park. Carson also has two half-brothers and a foster brother.

When he’s not teaching, you can probably find Carson playing video games, writing creatively, or watching movies and TV shows. He loves getting completely immersed in different worlds—he grew up on Star Wars and Batman and especially enjoys getting lost in a good series. Carson is also a serious reader! He has already read nearly 30 books this year! His favorite books tend to fall into the fantasy genre, especially anything involving dragons.

Since Carson has only been on the job for a week, retirement is too far to imagine or plan for at this time. 

Reminder about dress code...

Within the first few weeks, your student will be hearing about Level-Up, so we wanted to give you some information ahead of time. Please see the informational flyer below.

Students would be eligible for finals exemption if they met the following criteria:

Please make note of detailed criteria below. 

We would like to shout out the following people:

Mr. Josh Carter and Ms. Delice Downing for their assistance in helping de-escalate a situation at Friday night's football game.  Thank you Mr. Carter and Coach Downing.

Officer Shindorf and Mr. Dustin Haywood for their calming presence when things get tense.  We truly appreciate your support and patient demeanour even in the toughest of times.  

Mrs. Leslie Webster and the Fusion Students for putting together the Freshman Student Tailgate party before the game on Friday night.  (See Photo). Further, thank you to Ms. Webster and Fusion for putting together Club Fest this week.  We appreciate you creating amazing opportunities for our students!  

Ms. Misti Ard and Mr. Breven Yarbro for all their work in getting our student success classroom off the ground and starting this week.  Thank you Ms. Ard and Mr. Yarbro for all your flexibility.