Dear JHS Students, Parents, and Staff,
Welcome to Week 10 at Joplin High School! As we close out October and look ahead to November, let’s continue building on the relationships, learning, and growth that have shaped our school year.
With Halloween this week, there is plenty of excitement in the air! I encourage everyone to enjoy the fun, make responsible decisions, and look out for one another. Whether you are spending time with friends, helping younger siblings trick-or-treat, or enjoying activities with family, please keep safety and kindness at the center of your plans.
Students, this is a great time to check your grades, complete missing assignments, and ask for help when you need it. Being present, participating in class, and following through on your responsibilities can make a big difference. Each day offers another opportunity to make progress.
To our staff, thank you for bringing consistency, care, and encouragement to our students each day. To our parents and families, thank you for supporting attendance, checking in about schoolwork, and partnering with us to help students succeed.
Our theme, “Every Kid. Every Adult. Every Time.”, reminds us that everyone has a role in making JHS a place where students feel connected, supported, and challenged. Let’s carry that commitment into Week 10.
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.
Go Eagles!
Your Very Proud Principal,
Dr. Oliver
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Born in Carthage, Lucas spent his first four years in Minnesota before being adopted by his grandparents and returning to Carthage, where he eventually graduated from high school. After graduation, Lucas attended Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, on a speech and debate scholarship. His college journey took an unexpected turn after his first year so he returned home to help his family. He spent the next six years working in the restaurant industry, including at Johnny Carino’s. Lucas joined the JHS team four years ago, starting in custodial services. He recently accepted a new position as a Technology Specialist, and we are excited to see him take on this next chapter at JHS.
Lucas has been married to his wife, Brittany, for eight years. Brittany is a science teacher at East Middle School, and together they have a four-year-old black Lab named Scout (check out his shirt). Lucas has plenty of interesting hobbies. He runs three tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) sessions each week, each lasting about three hours. He is also learning programming skills with the dream of creating an entire video game on his own. He enjoys riding motorcycles, a passion he picked up from his dad. One of Lucas’s favorite ways to connect with people is by talking about music. He believes music taste is a great way to get to know someone and learn more about who they are.
Looking ahead, Lucas and Brittany have joked about one day opening a retreat for senior dogs, giving around 20 older dogs a place in the country to spend their golden years surrounded by love. They have also talked about moving abroad someday, so we will have to wait and see where life takes them!
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Students & Parents Reminders & Updates |
October PBIS Focus: Beat the Bell!
October is our PBIS focus month for reducing tardies. Getting to class on time helps you start strong, stay on track, and make the most of every learning opportunity. Take responsibility for your schedule, plan ahead, and beat the bell every day!
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Greetings Safe Drivers!!!
It’s almost time for the 2026 Buckle Up - Phone Down High School Showdown safe driving pledge contest!
AAA Missouri, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation, invites JHS/FTC to compete against other Missouri high schools for bragging rights and a chance to win school monetary prizes worth $1,000 to $5,000!
The goal of the Buckle Up Phone Down High School Showdown is to promote and reward safe driving in and around our community, by putting down phones while driving, encouraging other drivers to do the same, and always buckling up.
It only takes two easy steps!
a. Put their phones down while driving
b. Speak up for others to the same
c. Always wear a seat belt
2. Encourage faculty, families, and community members to take the BUPD High School Showdown pledge on behalf of JHS/FTC any way you can. Share https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/AAAShowdown publicly so they can submit a safe driving pledge for us also!
Safe driving pledges can be submitted online Wednesday, October 14th through December 18th. The pledge form will be available on the BUPD High School Showdown webpage. High schools with the most students, faculty, and community pledges in their BUPD High School Showdown Class will win!
Since the BUPD High School Showdown began in 2021, AAA Missouri has awarded 25 Missouri high schools more than $55,000 in donations. Let's beat last year’s BUPD High School Showdown participation that generated more than 12,400 safe driving pledges!
Pledges open Wednesday, October 14th!!!
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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:
Ms. Tammy Cady and Ms. Amber Cooney for the work they put in to making the book fair a smashing success. From a staff member: "I wanted to let you know just how amazing Amber and Tammy are doing in the library. I am in here with my social skills and resource English kids, all with varying academic or social needs. Amber and Tammy are always willing to jump in and accommodate, and help.
This week takes it to another level. The book fair is so exciting to my students, but some struggle with the funds. Amber and Tammy have been helping my kids count change, talk them through books they might like, and really sharing their passion for the library and the book fair." Thank you Ms. Cady and Ms. Cooney!
Ms. Kassie Schwarting for raising a portion of the funds for the staff dinners during Parent-Teacher Conferences. Thank you Ms. Schwarting for taking the initiative to make this happen for our staff. It is so appreciated!
Ms. Lupita Banda, Counseling Secretary, for coming in when she did not feel well, just to make sure sub coverage occurred. Thank you Ms. Banda for your dedication to your job, even when you don't feel 100%!
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Bell Schedule This Week and Important Upcoming Dates |
Monday, October 26, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - Regular Bell Schedule
Thursday, October 29 - Regular Bell Schedule
Friday, October 30 - 1/2 Day for Students and Teachers (Dismiss at 12:30 PM - LUNCH IS NOT PROVIDED)
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*Lunch will not be provided on Friday, October 30th, when we have a 1/2 day schedule. |
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October
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 |
Please click on the link below for the Counselor's Corner Newsletter:
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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“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ardour and diligence.”– Abigail Adams
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