Dear JHS Students, Families, and Staff,
It is hard to believe we have already completed six weeks of school! As we move further into the semester, our focus is on building upon a strong start, strengthening relationships, developing good habits, and helping every student take the next step toward success.
Students, this is a great time to pause and reflect on your progress. Celebrate what is going well, check your grades and assignments, and identify an area where you can improve. Be present, stay engaged, and ask for help when you need it. Your teachers, counselors, and administrators are here to support you, and we want you to feel confident taking on new challenges.
Families, thank you for your continued partnership. Conversations about school, encouragement to attend each day, and regular communication with teachers make a meaningful difference. Asking your student what they are learning, what they are proud of, and where they need support can open the door to valuable conversations.
To our staff, thank you for the care and commitment you bring to JHS each day. The encouragement you offer, the expectations you maintain, and the time you take to connect with students help make our school a place where students can grow and belong.
Our theme, “Every Kid. Every Adult. Every Time.”, reminds us that each interaction matters. As we begin week seven, let’s keep showing up for one another, recognizing progress, and making the most of the opportunities ahead.
Go Eagles!
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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Mrs. Shelly Dunn is one of our FLEX teachers over at the Roi S. Wood Campus, specifically working with juniors. Originally from Riverton, Kansas, Shelly earned her degree from Southeast Missouri State University in General Education. She later expanded her certifications and is now dual-certified in English and Social Studies. Shelly spent five years at Joplin High School, teaching English, and then left briefly to go to Webb City and then joined us again in her current role. Throughout her career, Shelly has always found ways to stay involved with students beyond the classroom, including coaching volleyball and tennis—even though she had never played tennis herself! She also coached cheerleading, gymnastics, softball, and basketball.
Shelly now lives in Joplin with her husband, J.D. Dunn, who is a retired teacher and currently works for GEICO. The couple has two adult children. Their son is a musician, while their daughter works for Walmart. Outside of school, Shelly’s biggest passion is theater. She is very active with the Joplin Little Theatre and hopes to continue being involved with theater for many years to come. She also enjoys staying active by riding bikes, walking, and playing pickleball. Looking toward retirement, Shelly dreams of traveling more, hopefully welcoming some grandchildren, and continuing to be involved with the theater.
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If you know Kerry Cravens, you know she is one of those people who keeps things running smoothly, and as the 3rd Floor Secretary, she certainly has her hands full with three assistant principals.
Originally from Lamar, Missouri, Kerry moved to Joplin after high school to work at a doctor’s office. Knowing no one in town, she picked up a second job serving at Red Lobster, where she hoped to meet people her own age. That decision turned out to be a pretty important one, it's where she met Jason, her husband of 25 years and the principal of East Middle School. Kerry stayed home with her four children until her youngest, Gray, reached sixth grade. She then began working as a secretary substitute for Joplin Schools and has now been part of the district for 14 years.
Family is at the heart of Kerry’s life. She is the proud mom of four: Gabe, who is married to Kaylie; Mallory, a nurse at Freeman; Morgan, who serves in our EL Department; and Gray, who is preparing to graduate from MSSU and become a teacher. Outside of school, Kerry loves trying new foods, family dinners, refurbishing furniture, and watching soccer with her family. She and her family travel to Lamar and spend time with her parents on their farm playing cards. She is also involved with WellSpring Church and enjoys weekend trips with her four sisters, as she is one of five girls!
Looking ahead, Kerry hopes to travel more, welcome some grandbabies, and eventually enjoy retirement. Although she jokes that she could happily stay home in retirement, she isn't quite sure that Jason could do the same! We're grateful for the warmth, humor, organization, and family-centered spirit Kerry brings to Joplin High School each day.
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Students & Parents Reminders & Updates |
Parent Communication Message:
Wagner Portrait Group will be at school to photograph any students who were absent on the original Picture Day. Retake photos will also be available upon request.
If your student is having a retake, please return the entire portrait package (including the insert sheet) to the photographer on retake day. Feel free to attach a note describing what you’d like done differently.
FOR ABSENTEE STUDENTS WHO NEED TO ORDER:
Joplin High School ABSENTEE Absentee & Retake Picture Day
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The JHS Book Fair will be from October 19-23. |
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:
A big thank you to Ms. Bethany Shultz for helping Mrs. Ard grocery shop for our Food Pantry, and to Ms. Logan Ross and Ms. Cara Clark for unloading and putting away all the groceries! Just a reminder to everyone: Our Food Pantry is here for any JHS student or staff member who may need a little extra food support. If you know of someone who could benefit from the pantry, please reach out to Ms. Misti Ard at mistiard@joplinschools.org We are happy to help—no judgment, just support.
Ms. Jada Reed Mason for coming in and sharing her story with the Student Success Class. Your message was just what the students needed. Thank you Ms. Reed Mason.
Ms. Leslie Webster, Mr. Josh Carter, and the Student Council Students for the time, effort, and energy that they put in to making the homecoming parade and dance a success!
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Bell Schedule This Week and Important Upcoming Dates |
Monday, October 5, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Thursday, October 8 - Regular Bell Schedule
Friday, October 9 - Regular Bell Schedule
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October
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!
November
2 - No School for Students - Teacher Professional Development
6 - Fire Drill - 7th Hour
10 - ASVAB Testing for Juniors at Roi S. Wood - 8:30 - 11:30 AM & 12:00 - 3:00 PM
10 - ASVAB Testing for Juniors at JHS - 8:45 - 11:00 AM - A-CH, 1:30 - 3:30 PM - CI-GO - Gym 3 at JHS
11 - Veteran's Day
11 - ASVAB Testing for Juniors at JHS - 8:45 - 11:00 AM - GR-LE, 1:30 - 3:30 PM - LI-NI - Gym 3 at JHS
12 - ASVAB Testing for Juniors at JHS - 8:45 - 11:00 AM - AO-SE, 1:30 - 3:30 PM - SH-Z - Gym 3 at JHS
17 - Site Council Meeting - Hospitality Room - 7:30 AM
24 - Grateful Feast - Freshman Fusion Activity - During Lunch Periods
25-27 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
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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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“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
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