As we complete our fifth week of school, the energy and momentum at Joplin High School continue to grow. Our students have established routines, formed meaningful relationships, and embraced opportunities to learn, lead, perform, compete, and serve.
This is also an important time to reflect on the habits that lead to success. Attending school each day, arriving on time, completing assignments, participating in class, and asking for help when needed all make a difference. Small, consistent choices today create greater opportunities tomorrow.
To our students: continue challenging yourselves and take advantage of everything JHS has to offer. Get involved, connect with others, and remember that many caring adults are here to help you succeed.
To our staff: thank you for your dedication, encouragement, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences for our students. Your daily efforts are making a lasting impact.
To our parents and families: thank you for your continued communication, encouragement, and partnership. When our school and families work together, our students are better positioned to succeed.
We have built a strong foundation during these first five weeks, and there is much more to accomplish and celebrate. Let’s continue supporting one another, taking pride in our school, and ensuring that every person at JHS feels known, valued, supported, and challenged.
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
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ReGenia Brown serves as one of our Spanish teachers here at JHS. Originally from Baxter Springs, Kansas, Ms. ReGenia Brown attended Missouri Southern State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish as well as a degree in Criminal Justice. Her original goal was to become a judge, and she began working in Family Law to gain experience in the field. However, she eventually realized that law wasn’t the right fit for her. Her career took an unexpected turn during COVID-19, when she worked at 609, helping with to-go orders and deliveries. It was shortly after this time that Mark LaTurner recruited her into teaching. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Instruction and Curriculum from MSSU. She is now in her third year at Joplin High School.
As the oldest of five children, all girls, Ms. Brown takes great pride in being a first-generation high school and college graduate. Family continues to be a major part of her life. Her niece who she claims as her daughter, Keely, whom she has raised since she was two years old, is now a freshman at Pittsburg State University. Her son, Connor, is 26 and is working toward an EMT and firefighter position.
When she isn’t working, Ms. Brown enjoys spending time outdoors and taking walks with her dog, Bruno, an 88-pound American Bulldog. Bruno has a special place in her heart because she inherited him from her dad, whom she lost a few years ago. She stays busy and enjoys working, but traveling is also high on her list of things she loves to do. One of her future goals is to return to Spain and continue exploring a place that holds a special interest for her.
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Tristan was born and raised in Joplin and graduated from Joplin High School in 2002. After high school, he entered the workforce rather than immediately attending college, working in construction. After his father passed away in 2008, along with facing some other challenges, Tristan was inspired by his mom to pursue a new direction. He attended Missouri Southern State University, earning a degree in Political Science. He briefly moved to Jefferson City before returning to MSSU for a position there. While working at MSSU, he earned a master’s degree in Organizational Management from Missouri State University and began teaching freshman orientation classes at MSSU. A phone call from Holly Yust, whom he had previously coached softball with, brought him back to Joplin High School when an opening became available mid-year. He is now in his sixth year at JHS. Being back home and serving the community that raised him has been an incredibly rewarding part of his journey.
Tristan and his wife, Kaley, have two children. Their daughter, Taryn, is a 2024 Joplin High School graduate and currently attends Pittsburg State University. Their son, Jack, is 7 years old and attends Kelsey Norman Elementary. Family and community have always been important to Tristan, making his return to JHS especially meaningful. In addition to teaching, he has stayed active in Joplin athletics, coaching freshman football and previously coaching basketball and softball at JHS.
When he’s not at school, Tristan enjoys staying active and spending time with friends and family. He loves to travel, fish, play golf, and especially enjoys smoking meats. Tristan draws inspiration from his grandparents, who are 95 and 90 years old and remain active, independent, and busy. Their example motivates him to keep moving, stay involved, enjoy life, and make the most of every opportunity to travel, spend time with the people he loves, and serve his community.
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Students and Parents Reminders & Updates |
With homecoming this Saturday, I wanted to remind you of the Spirit Week Themes for each day. I would like to encourage all students to participate. |
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.
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Here is the information for ordering a yearbook. |
Reminder about dress code... |
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.
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- 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.
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We would like to shout out the following people:
The Fusion Students who greeted students and parents at arrival time on Monday. Thank you Fusion students for helping to create a culture of belonging!
Ms. Ebony Palmer for being a calming presence when parents just need a place to vent. She gives them grace and space and genuinely makes the parent feel at ease. Thank you, Ms. Palmer!
English Department for covering an entire afternoon of classes when a colleague had a medical emergency. Thank you, English Department, for jumping in to assist and being great teammates!
Ms. Baugh, Mr. Allen, and all the FFA Students for organizing the Ag Expo. It was a great day giving students teh opportunity to explore many careers available in agriculture andto connect with people and business in our region. Thank you Ms. Baugh, Mr. Allen, and all the FFA Students for putting on an unforgettable experience for our students!
Ms. Myriam Bonetti for always going the extra mile to make sure all her students' needs are met. She works extremely hard at building relationships with students and their families, while creating high expectations for success at school. Thank you, Ms. Bonetti for all you do for your students!
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Bell Schedule This Week and Important Upcoming Dates |
Monday, September 28 - Regular Bell Schedule
Tuesday, September 29 - Regular Bell Schedule
Wednesday, September 30 - Regular Bell Schedule
Thursday, October 1 - Regular Bell Schedule
Friday, October 2 - Pep Assembly Schedule - Pep Assembly at 10:54 AM
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September
30 - Homecoming Parade - 6:30 PM - Downtown Joplin - Between 3rd Street and 6th Street
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!
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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.
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FAFSA:
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.
MSSU financial aid reps will be in the Counseling Center during Parent - Teachers conference to help with FAFSA
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COUNSELORS BY ALPHABET:
Students are assigned to counselors by the student’s last name.
Caseloads for the Counselors are as follows:
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“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”– Mark Twain
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