It is hard to believe that we have already completed four weeks of the school year! During this first month, our students have settled into their routines, built new relationships, and embraced the many opportunities available at Joplin High School.
Throughout our classrooms, Career Academies, athletic programs, performing arts, clubs, and organizations, our students are learning, growing, and representing JHS with pride. Their energy and enthusiasm are helping create a positive school culture where every student can discover their strengths and find a place to belong.
To our students: continue attending every day, working hard, asking for help when you need it, and becoming involved in our school community. The habits you establish now will make a tremendous difference throughout the year.
To our staff: thank you for the care, commitment, and high expectations you demonstrate each day. Your work ensures that our students feel known, valued, supported, and challenged to succeed.
To our parents and families: thank you for your continued encouragement, communication, and partnership. Your involvement is an essential part of our students’ success.
We have accomplished a great deal during our first four weeks, but our best moments are still ahead. Let’s continue building on this strong beginning and working together to make this an outstanding year for every Joplin Eagle.
Every Kid. Every Adult. Every Time.
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
|
Angela “Angie” Rambo-Stratton has deep roots in the Joplin community. A Joplin High School graduate herself, Angie attended Cecil Floyd Elementary and was part of the very first class to begin first grade at the new Cecil Floyd building. After high school, she attended trade school for cosmetology and worked in the field for 10–15 years. She later transitioned into banking before becoming a stay-at-home mom. When she was ready to return to the workforce, Angie wanted a job close to her son and that search eventually brought her to Joplin High School. This year marks her ninth year at JHS. She started her JHS journey in food service and has continued to grow and take on new opportunities ever since.
Family is at the heart of Angie’s life. She has two sons, ages 27 and 25, and is now a proud grandma, affectionately known as “Gigi.” Her family continues to have strong ties to the Joplin community, with her children and grandchildren all living nearby and attending Joplin Schools.
Angie is especially excited for the newest addition to the family, with another grandbaby on the way, expected to arrive in January. When she’s not at JHS, Angie loves spending time with her kids and her mom. She also enjoys working gate shifts at Joplin events to support the student athletes. Cooking and entertaining are two of her favorite pastimes. In her retirement life, Angie hopes to give back to her community, maybe as a “baby holder” at the hospital.
|
Mrs. Nelson is one of our FACs teachers here at JHS. Her journey in education began with a passion for design. She attended Missouri State University, where she earned a degree in Interior Design, before continuing her education at Southeast Missouri State University, earning a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) Education. Nelson is now in her 21st year of teaching FACS and is in her third year at Joplin High School. Throughout her career, she has also taught at Willard and Clarkton.
Originally from Jefferson City, Nelson spent much of her life in southeast Missouri, raising her children in Dexter. After getting married to her husband Steve, she made her way to Joplin.
Tracy has a daughter who is a captain in the Marines and lives in California, where she and her husband are expecting a new baby. Her son lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his three children. He is a full-time missionary and leads a missionary program focused on sororities and fraternities at the University of Utah.
Outside of school, Mrs. Nelson enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and making memories with her grandchildren whenever she gets the chance. She and Steve recently purchased a lake house at Lake of the Ozarks and are enjoying the process of remodeling it. Mrs. Nelson has visited 11 countries and hopes to continue adding to that number. Rome, Italy, is her favorite destination so far, but she would love to return and explore more of the country. Most of all, she looks forward to traveling, visiting family, and finding more opportunities to spend time with her children and grandchildren after she completes her career as an educator.
|
Students & Parents Reminders & Updates |
The Missouri Department of Public Safety, in partnership with the Committee on School Safety, is conducting a statewide Secondary School Safety & Climate Survey to better understand the current safety environment, needs, and experiences of Missouri students and school staff.
This survey is voluntary, and all responses are completely confidential. No personally identifiable information is collected, and results will be used solely to strengthen statewide school safety planning, improve support services, and identify areas where additional resources may be beneficial.
The Survey will close on September 30, 2026.
Student Survey - intended for secondary students (grade 6 thru 12) to share their perspectives on school safety, climate, and support systems.
|
Here is the information for ordering a yearbook. |
Reminder about dress code... |
Level Up will be starting this week! |
Joplin High School
Finals Exemption Plan
Criteria
- 0-2 absences (in the class) per semester AND
- No ISS or OSS on the student’s record for that semester AND
- Students must have a grade of 70% in the class as of the date of finals.
ALL THREE ITEMS MUST BE MET TO BE EXEMPT.
Students would be eligible for finals exemption if they met the following criteria:
- Student must complete and submit a Finals Exemption Form, signed by parent or guardian. This form must be turned in by the due date and time (which will be determined and communicated per semester).
- Student has 0-2 absences in a class with the exception of:
- School-sponsored activity, athletics, competitions, field trips.
- Death or funeral- program must be presented to the grade level principal. The number of days missed will be at the discretion of the grade level principal.
- College Visit- Students may be exempted dependent upon advance approval through the office AND return of documentation to the grade-level assistant principal. Documentation must be visit specific and signed by a college official.
- Court ordered appearances should be discussed prior to absence with the grade level principal.
There is no distinction between “excused” and “unexcused” absences (including doctor’s notes or parent permission). Note: The administration reserves the right to make a final decision on any situation.
- Student has not received ISS or OSS during the semester.
- Student has a grade of 70% in the class as of the date of the final.
Please make note of detailed criteria below.
- If a student has seven or more tardies in a class per semester, he/she will NOT be eligible for Finals Exemption in that class because 6 tardies is equal to two absences.
- 3 tardies = 1 absence
- Being more than 10 minutes late to a class = absent
- Homebound status does not disqualify the student from exemption as long as they attend their daily meeting with their homebound instructor. If they miss a scheduled meeting with their instructor it will be counted as an absence.
- A student who transfers to JHS after September 1st or January 15th is not final exempt.
- Students must be passing the class with a 70% or higher by the deadline for submitting final exemption forms to qualify for final exemption. After the deadline, a student may lose their exemption if their grade falls below the required percentage but cannot gain exemption status.
- If a student is exempt from the final and chooses to take the final to improve his/her grade, the final grade CANNOT hurt his/her overall grade.
- Students are NOT required to attend a class period on finals day if they are exempt from that class period’s final. They should not be at school during that period.
- If a student is on campus and not required to take a final, they should follow their regular schedule. They will be required to take the final but it cannot hurt their grade.
- Parents can opt to require an exempt student to take a final by not signing the exemption form.
|
- Finals are required for students enrolled in weighted classes, dual credit and AP classes, regardless of DC enrollment or AP exam participation.
Attendance during finals week for non-exempt students
- Students who are not exempt are required to be present during their scheduled final exam time. If a student does not attend their final, they will receive a zero and will not be given another opportunity to complete the exam.
- Students who are absent due to illness during finals must take their exam on the designated make-up day. A parent or guardian must notify the school’s attendance office regarding the illness in order for the student to qualify for the make-up opportunity. The attendance office will notify the grade level principal and arrangements will be made for the test to be taken during the designated make-up day.
- Students with a pre-planned absence, such as a vacation, must also complete their finals on the assigned make-up date. Failure to do so will result in a zero, and no additional opportunity to take the exam will be provided. Students must communicate with their grade level principal prior to finals regarding this trip in order to qualify for this opportunity.
|
We would like to shout out the following people:
The Career Academy Ambassadors had their first opportunity to share about the Career Academies of Joplin on Thursday September 17, 2026. (See above pictures.). They first learned how to tie their ties, which was fun and a great learning experience for the students. Our students did awesome as they represented our Career Academy Model.
Ms. Mendell Johnson, Ms. Kerry Cravens, and Ms. Schwarting for sorting and distributing a ton of Student ID's on top of their already busy days. Thank you Ms. Johnson, Ms. Cravens, and Ms. Schwarting for you willingness to jump in and assist to get this mission completed.
|
Bell Schedule This Week and Important Upcoming Dates |
Monday, September 21 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Professional Development for Staff
Tuesday, September 22 - Regular Bell Schedule
Wednesday, September 23 - Regular Bell Schedule
Thursday, September 24 - Regular Bell Schedule
Friday, September 25 - Regular Bell Schedule
|
September
21 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS - Professional Development for Staff
24 - AG Expo - ALL DAY - Gym 3 & FTC Parking Lot
30 - Homecoming Parade - 6:30 PM - Downtown Joplin
October
2 - Homecoming Pep Assembly - Pep Assembly Bell Schedule - 10:54 AM
3 - Homecoming Dance - JHS Commons/Cafeteria - 7:30 - 10:00 PM
5 - Winter Sports Meeting - During Transitions Class
8 - All School Softball Game - 1:30 VS Neosho - Teacher Discretion on going to game or not
9 - Fire Drill - 6th Hour
12 - Josten's Class Meeting with Seniors for Cap/Gown/Announcements for Graduation - PAC - 10:14 - 11:01 AM
13 - Wagner Portrait Re-Takes for Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
15 - Tornado Drill - 7th Hour
16 - Earthquake Drill - 10:27 AM
20 - Site Council - Hospitality Room - 7:30 AM
21 - Parent Teacher Conferences - 4:00 - 7:30 PM
22 - Parent Teacher Conferences - 4:00 - 7:30 PM
23 - No School for Students or Staff
26 - Josten's Deadline to Order Cap/Gown/Announcements for Graduation
30 - 1/2 Day for Students and Teachers - DISMISSED AT 12:30 PM - LUNCH IS NOT SERVED THAT DAY - If your student participates in activities after the school day, please send a lunch with them!
|
|
Senior Class of 2027 Info |
PSAT / NMSQT INFO:
10th & 11th grade Joplin High School students: Registration is now open for the upcoming PSAT/NMSQT!
Date: Wednesday, October 21
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: JHS Black Box
The PSAT/NMSQT is a great opportunity to get a feel for the college entrance testing experience and potentially qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
If you would like to take the PSAT/NMSQT, please complete the PSAT/NMSQT Sign-Up Google Form to reserve your spot.
FAFSA:
The FAFSA Form opens October 1, 2026. The September prep list for this information includes:
- Create FSA ID's Now (One for the student and one for the parent.)
- Make a list of schools you are interested in having your FAFSA sent to. Adding Schools later can create delays.
COUNSELORS BY ALPHABET:
Students are assigned to counselors by the student’s last name.
Caseloads for the Counselors are as follows:
|
“Change is the end result of all true learning.” – Leo Buscaglia
|
|
|
