Archived News

Bus tracking app for families piloted at Early Childhood, Kindergarten

03/07/2023

The Poplar Bluff School District is piloting its new bus tracking app Here Comes The Bus at the Early Childhood and Kindergarten centers with plans to roll out the parent access tool district-wide for the 2023/24 school year.

MMA fighter kicks off Black History Month celebration at PBJHS

02/28/2023

Poplar Bluff native TeeJay “Bad Newz” Britton discussed his professional career as a mixed martial artist to the Junior High student body, kicking off a Black History Month series celebrating African American alumni making an impact beyond Missouri.

A cross section of HVAC condensers is set up in TCC instructor Dan Parker's classroom.

TCC awarded $154K, latest in string of grants totaling $1.3M

02/14/2023

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center will receive a campus-wide HVAC overhaul with $154,000 through the Area Career Center construction fund, bringing the total of state and federal grants acquired in less than a year to more than $1.3 million.

Drake Hutson, Cooper Allen and Devin Woods.

‘Thinking classrooms’ created with $2K Foundation grant

02/14/2023

The Poplar Bluff School Foundation has funded a $2,000 grant for Middle School math teachers to establish ‘thinking classrooms,’ a data-informed approach to further engaging student learning.

(Back row, left to right) Glenn Eubanks, Greg Hansbrough, Todd Tinsley, Ross Whelan and Tyler Hansbrough; (front row from left) Bill Caputo, JD Pattillo, Billy Pyland, Jim Brown, Bill Burfield and Sheldon Tyler.

Tyler Hansbrough’s Sports Hall of Fame journey begins in Poplar Bluff

02/06/2023

Tyler Hansbrough has joined a master class of sports figures from the Show Me State, becoming the Poplar Bluff school system’s fourth inductee into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

A certificate of accreditation is displayed in the front office of the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center.

TCC granted reaccreditation in virtually flawless review

01/24/2023

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has received reaffirmation of accreditation, ensuring complete compliance with government standards so that qualifying adult students can continue to receive federal loans, grants and financial aid.

9th annual PB Connect benefits all district personnel

01/24/2023

Poplar Bluff Schools recently hosted its most well-attended PB Connect on collaboration day, boosting participation by opening up the conference to classified staff for the first time since the event’s inception nine years ago.

Poplar Bluff Middle School math teacher earns statewide award

12/22/2022

Sixth grade math teacher Dr. Brandi Compass has received statewide recognition through a professional math association in her return to Poplar Bluff Middle School.

Jay Dowd, Tiffany Voyles, Dr. Valerie Ivy and Marci Priest.

Ross Fuel Center launches Operation Lunch Box fundraiser

12/22/2022

Ross Fuel Center recently hosted a fundraiser, matching the total collected from its customer base, in an effort to help reduce outstanding lunch balances at area schools.

Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center awarded $400K ARPA grant

12/13/2022

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center will receive over half a million dollars in facility improvements through a 75 percent state, 25 percent local matching grant awarded recently by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Shawn Politte of Mark Twain School helps distribute blankets at the Bread Shed.

First lady Parson approves over $1K in grant projects at Mark Twain

12/13/2022

Mark Twain School has been awarded $1,100 for its Jobs for America’s Graduates program in a string of new grant initiatives under Missouri first lady Teresa Parson’s Moving Missouri Forward Foundation.

$Brayden Conover, Nelson Xiao, Wyatt Ward, Ivy Hoang and Kathern Harris.$

Fourth grader competes against hundreds to win Math Counts

12/13/2022

Poplar Bluff Middle School student Ivy Hoang was named the 2022 Math Counts champion out of hundreds of fourth graders on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Municipal Library.

Poplar Bluff faculty members named McDonald’s Outstanding Educators

12/05/2022

Two Poplar Bluff elementary teachers have been named 2022 McDonald’s Outstanding Educators across a multi-state service area.

Experienced superintendent selected to succeed Dr. Dill over Poplar Bluff Schools

12/04/2022

The Poplar Bluff Board of Education has hired a career educator who draws on more than two decades of experience, the majority of which has been spent as superintendent in public schools across Missouri, to succeed Dr. Scott Dill in leading the R-I district starting in July.

Margie Vandeven, Dr. Paul Katnik, Mary Schrag and Aaron Decker.

Officials discuss statewide teacher shortage at Poplar Bluff Schools

11/29/2022

Missouri Education Commissioner Dr. Margie Vandeven and the Blue Ribbon Commission detailed their efforts in addressing what was labeled a statewide teacher recruitment and retention “crisis” during their final public engagement forum held Thursday, Nov. 17, at Poplar Bluff Schools.

Gage Sparks, Dr. Josh Teeter, Marge Van Praag, Charlotte W. Craig, Marley Wertenberge, Kelly Lawson, Kayden Hadley-Rommel, Bralin Duckett and Veronica Brassfield.

Poplar Bluff school system raises $2.3K for Animal Welfare Alliance

11/15/2022

A teacher’s chance visit to a local dog groomer has led to a month-long series of student fundraisers generating thousands of dollars for the no-kill animal shelter in Poplar Bluff.

Dan Parker, Isaac Siebert and Jonathan Grimaldo.

Technical Career Center adds solar power to HVAC/R program

11/08/2022

The HVAC/R program at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has incorporated solar energy into its hands-on curriculum, ensuring students remain at the forefront of industry advancements.

Emily LeMaster, Noah McCrary and Andre Brown.

Mark Twain School forges partnership with Nutrition Center

11/08/2022

Mark Twain School has partnered with the Northside Nutrition Center to serve senior citizens lunch and, in addition to an elective credit, gain life experience.

Bright Futures hosts ‘reboot’ event to help address student needs

11/01/2022

Bright Futures Poplar Bluff hosted a ‘reboot’ event for community partners since the organization’s mission was impacted during the public health crisis. While visitors were limited, student needs increased, according to officials.

College Fair features broad range of postsecondary options

11/01/2022

Poplar Bluff High School hosted its annual College Fair for upperclassmen on Tuesday, Oct. 25, in the auxiliary gym. The event featured 50 representatives, including several first-timers and a dozen postsecondary paths besides college such as military, and career and technical education institutions.

Justin Knapp, Michele Steffan, LaRonda Mack, Hannah Tuttle, Lalena Vaughn, Jasmine Terry-Deloney, Amy Counts and Jennifer Lee.

Poplar Bluff partners with MSU to help staff gain SPED teacher certifications

10/25/2022

Poplar Bluff has created its own pipeline of teachers by offering paraprofessionals an opportunity to receive a certification in special education at little to no cost, while continuing to earn a salary.

Patty Robertson, Brooke Weaver, Tabitha Parsons, Kali Dawes, Gabe Thompson, Abby Hanner, Bryson Merriott, Rebeca Pacheco, Leslie Maples, Mariah Long, Judy Moss, Darla Nunn and Allison Austill.

CRC underwrites new curriculum for elementary school counselors

10/25/2022

Poplar Bluff counselors, grades K-3, have their own curriculum for the first time in recent memory supplied along with a $500 implementation stipend per school building by the Butler County Community Resource Council.

Shaelynn Nordwald, Dede Ross, Cheri Sparkman, Carey Wilkerson, Crystal Huddleston and Charlene Mills.

MSTA surprises Poplar Bluff educators with $500 in grants

10/25/2022

The Missouri State Teachers Association recently awarded five $100 classroom project grants to Poplar Bluff faculty members out of 64 applications and 30 awarded in total within the Southeast region, according to officials.

Todd and Sierra Henson, and Elizabeth Rose and Amanda Ayers.

Pottery equipment donated to Poplar Bluff art program

10/11/2022

A lifetime collection of pottery-making equipment has been generously donated to the art programs at Poplar Bluff Junior and Senior High.

Matt Funke, Dan Jackson, Rozetta Little, Dawn Hicks, Rondi Vaughn, Belinda Birrer and Steve Hicks.

Rotary ‘Good Habits’ Store celebrates 10 years

10/11/2022

The Rotary Club of Poplar Bluff has provided financial backing for the Rotary ‘Good Habits’ Store at Lake Road Elementary for a decade long – rewarding punctual, well-behaved, high-performing students.

First lady delivers words of encouragement at Mark Twain

10/11/2022

“If it is to be, it is up to me.” These 10 two-letter words inspired Missouri first lady Teresa Parson to initially become involved with the Jobs for America’s Graduates program on which she now serves with Gov. Mike Parson as co-chair of the Board of Directors.

PBHS robotics class receives second $5K donation from Montgomery

10/04/2022

The Poplar Bluff High School robotics program continues to progress with financial support from a Georgia-based philanthropy group that has a vested interest in the future of engineering.

O’Neal launches reading incentive program

10/04/2022

O’Neal Elementary has kicked off a reading incentive program this month with help from a business sponsorship to encourage students to read more at home.

Junior High awarded grant for mental health awareness

09/27/2022

In a string of successful grants this year alone, gifted teacher Hilary Taylor has been awarded $3,870 through the Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Charitable Foundation toward mental health consultation for students and teachers at Poplar Bluff Junior High.

Jayden Bowler, Shawn Politte, Za’Riasis Cody, Mathew Reynolds and Aaron Barber.

Mark Twain installs chicken coop with grant funds

09/27/2022

Mark Twain School incorporated a chicken coop into its non-traditional learning environment on Friday, Sept. 23, for students to work in shifts and tend after.

Hester steps up as R-I health director midyear

09/20/2022

Bailey Hester has the task of leading the district out of the pandemic and into a "semi-new normal," she says – a lofty goal inherently beyond her control.

Joe Stokely, RhyLee Sprague and Emma Eubank.

PBHS Class of 1972 donates coin collection to new graduates

09/13/2022

The Poplar Bluff High School Class of 1972 has selected the Class of 2022 to pass a time capsule on to in hopes that the gesture inspires the new alums to follow suit, and stay connected through the decades.

Linda Surber, Mark Cook, Missy Cox and Hilary Taylor.

MRTF awards $1,000 in grants to Poplar Bluff educators

09/13/2022

Poplar Bluff Schools is bringing back food canning and board games, with assistance from the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation.

An initial group of elementary teachers practice classroom activities during their two-day Project Lead the Way Launch certification in June.

Project Lead the Way expands to elementary schools with grant

08/22/2022

Poplar Bluff R-I has been awarded over $55,000 to help expand Project Lead the Way’s premier science, technology, engineering and math curriculum to its elementary schools.

Preliminary rendering of the future Culinary Arts Center.

TCC secures $872K in grants for Culinary Arts Center

08/22/2022

A $500,000 Community Development Block Grant was approved by the Missouri Department of Economic Development one month ago toward a state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Center to be constructed on the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center campus.

Rendering of the new Poplar Bluff Junior High Activity Center.

1937 Junior High building replaced with new Activity Center

08/22/2022

The district’s oldest building on any campus will be replaced with a new 8,700-square-foot Activity Center at Poplar Bluff Junior High School, something of a passion project for those closely involved.

A new concession stand, designed by Dille and Pollard Architecture.

New concession stand, scoreboard added at Mules Stadium

08/22/2022

Visitor concessions are being added to Mules Stadium with new restrooms and storage, expanded seating of the south grandstand, plus a scoreboard replacement, all in an effort to improve the fan experience during sporting events at Poplar Bluff High School.

Poplar Bluff accepts governor initiative to raise teacher salaries

08/22/2022

The R-I Board of Education took what has been described as “bold action,” in response to a recommendation from Gov. Mike Parson, raising Poplar Bluff’s base teacher salary to $38,000, using one-time state and federal funds school leaders applied for to help subsidize the increase.

Owen heads Personnel Department after leading multiple buildings

08/22/2022

Mike Owen has had the unique vantage point of following students along their journey, from elementary to middle school and finally as high school principal, while his career in public education was fast-tracked to the administrative ranks.

Lifelong educator hired to lead restructured Transportation Department

08/22/2022

The Poplar Bluff Transportation Department has been restructured to require its director to not only maintain a commercial driver’s license, but be certified as a school administrator. The office will also be merged with a newly created registrar position.

Dr. Ivy advances to serve as principal of her alma mater

08/22/2022

Poplar Bluff native Dr. Valerie Ivy has been selected as the first female principal in the history of Senior High to lead the school building, according to district records.

Long-time Oak Grove teacher selected to lead elementary school

08/22/2022

Before Jenifer Richardson retired as principal of Oak Grove, the elementary school was named one of Poplar Bluff’s National Blue Ribbon schools, and rated the No. 9 ‘Best Elementary School’ in Missouri by U.S. News & World Report last year.

Dual valedictorians lead largest graduating class in decades

06/01/2022

A total of 371 students graduated from Poplar Bluff High School on Thursday, May 26, at the Black River Coliseum – the biggest cohort since 1980, and the sixth largest class in history.

Maj. Gregory Crites helps perform the passing of the colors from cadet Ltc. Dustin Ramsey to Aaliyah Shephard.

JROTC promotes incoming battalion commander

06/01/2022

Dozens of outstanding cadets and the companies they represent were honored during the annual awards and Change of Command ceremony of the JROTC on Thursday, May 19, at Poplar Bluff High School.

Multiple students land jobs during hiring event

05/17/2022

Dexter Bar-B-Que settled in at the second ‘hiring event’ at Poplar Bluff High School with plans of spending the morning recruiting. The restaurant wound up filling its opening within the first 10 minutes, then was able to pack up and call it a day.

(Back row, from left) Physical education teacher Joan Lack, Dominique Baucom, Karson Busse, Hayden Downs, Hunter Lawson, Christopher Chapman, Trevor Collins, Emily Faith, Charles Harris and coach Kayla Keith; (front row, left to right) Jason Bell, Skylar Elledge, Nicole Weatherford, Reba Mace, Haley James, D’Angelo Keel and Maison Dennis.

Student-led effort to hold letter banquet for Special Olympics athletes

05/03/2022

For the first time, Poplar Bluff High School hosted an athletic letter banquet for the families of students who participated in the recent Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) spring games.

(From left) Daniel Colvin of Baldwin Chevrolet, TCC Director Charles Kinsey, student Terry Stevens, TCC auto collision instructor Denni White and Southern Reynolds Principal Jake Hime.

Inaugural signing ceremony hosted for outgoing students at TCC

05/03/2022

Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center hosted its first signing day to provide recognition for outgoing students entering the workforce, both through apprenticeships or employment, and those advancing to a technical college in a related field.

R-I food service director receives Homegrown Hero award

04/26/2022

Poplar Bluff Food Service Director Dixie Harden has been selected as one of three bi-state recipients of the Homegrown Hero award, sponsored by the St. Louis District Dairy Council.

Achievement at all-time high during 9th annual Leadership Day

04/12/2022

“There’s nothing more powerful than a kid with a dream,” said third grader Reagan Sparkman to help kick off the 9th annual Leadership Day themed ‘A million dreams’ on Friday, April 8, at Eugene Field.

Culinary arts students serve guests from original menus

04/12/2022

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center culinary arts program held its second annual Senior Showcase on Thursday, March 31, serving between 80-100 guests from several student-created menus.

O’Neal principal wins statewide award for support of school libraries

04/12/2022

O’Neal Elementary Principal Dr. Amy Dill earned the 2022 Missouri Association of School Librarians Award for School Administrators on Monday, April 11, during the organization’s spring conference at Osage Beach.

Student-led group volunteers to remove invasive trees from campus

04/05/2022

A voluntary group of students and district personnel has begun to remove hundreds of non-native, invasive pear trees from the Poplar Bluff High School campus.

StuCo members display their statewide award.

StuCo earns School of Character award via Special Olympics

04/05/2022

Poplar Bluff High School Student Council was the only recipient in the state to earn the Award of Merit in the Special Olympics Missouri School of Character program for working to create an environment of inclusion.

TCC joins Poplar Bluff litter control efforts

03/29/2022

Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center instructor Michael Barrett took his PLTW computer science classes outside to pick up litter and get some fresh air following a test when the weather broke earlier this month.

Iron Mules vie in Bi-State Championship

03/29/2022

The Poplar Bluff High School Iron Mules vied in the FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship for Missouri and Kansas robotics teams earlier this month at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

Poplar Bluff administrators honored regionally for leadership

03/08/2022

Two Poplar Bluff school administrators whose career paths are entwined were chosen by their peers to receive regional recognition this past weekend.

PBHS Beta Club rallies together to win $6K

03/08/2022

The Poplar Bluff High School Beta Club has earned $6,000 for collecting the most bottle caps during the annual Dr. Pepper Pigskin Points contest.

Todd Richardson discusses Constitution with PBJHS students

03/01/2022

State official Todd Richardson drew on both his experience serving as Missouri House of Representatives speaker and as a lawyer in the private sector during a recent Q&A with Poplar Bluff Junior High students studying the Constitution.

Students in Audrey Harris’ American sign language class at PBHS reinforce their skills during a vocabulary exercise.

New sign language course makes impact beyond classroom

02/15/2022

A student-led American sign language club generated enough interest at Poplar Bluff High School to establish a new foreign language class this school year. Now a movement is happening in the community.

PLTW computer science instructor Michael Barrett demonstrates a triple-pronged claw.

TCC hosts 55th-anniversary tour during CTE month

02/15/2022

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center held an open house for stakeholders on Friday, Feb. 11, in celebration of its 55th anniversary as a school facility during Career and Technical Education month.

Renovations underway at Kay Porter Theater

02/01/2022

Work is underway for the Kay Porter Theater to receive a complete overhaul of its control booth with use of original funds bequeathed by the campus building’s namesake.

National educators set stage for eighth annual PB Connect

01/27/2022

Three national education trendsetters were featured among over 50 sessions for staff to choose from during the eighth annual PB Connect held Tuesday, Jan. 18, across the Poplar Bluff School District.

Lindsay Allbritton, Terry Campbell and Esther Luna.

Masons donate $4,200 to Eugene Field, Lake Road

01/11/2022

Poplar Bluff Lodge No. 209 of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons recently donated $2,100 to Eugene Field and Lake Road Elementary, respectively, to purchase clothing items for students in need.

Foundation funds over $3,500 in innovative teacher grants

01/11/2022

The Poplar Bluff School Foundation recently voted to fund over $3,500 in competitive grants designated to benefit a range of students, both at-risk and gifted, at the Middle School and Junior High.

Camden Donnell, Addy Yarbro, Bridget Popp and Clint Wallace.

R-I earns top placement at Junior, Senior Beta Convention

01/11/2022

The Poplar Bluff School District qualified nationally in a total of 16 competitions at the recent state Beta conventions in which 113 R-I students participated in.

Isaiah Treaster, Barry Cundy and Diane Jones.

Bread Shed gives away food, clothing, diapers and now bikes

12/21/2021

The Bread Shed gave away 24 bikes to students during its ABC program on Wednesday, Dec. 15, through a newly forged partnership with the Manchester United Methodist Church’s Bike Rehab Ministry.

Event founder leads her final Jingle Jog

12/21/2021

The annual Jingle Jog, an Oak Grove tradition of 17 years, combines charity, physical fitness and goal-setting, as well as community involvement during a Christmas-themed parade.

Middle School students get to test out the new playground space for the first time during recess last month.

New playground opens for students at Middle School

12/15/2021

The Poplar Bluff Middle School has opened up its new playground to provide students with more recreational options, around a year after installing a pavilion.

The Kinders perform crowd-pleasing set list at Kindergarten Center

12/14/2021

The Kinders put on a children's Christmas concert for students of both the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten and Early Childhood Center in the first combined school assembly at the Camp Road campus.

Student’s independent artwork to be displayed in building entrance

12/07/2021

The Poplar Bluff Middle School has plans to permanently display the artwork of a student who has taught himself to create highly detailed 3D paper models from memory in very short order.

Students display patriotism during Veterans Day Parade

11/17/2021

The Poplar Bluff Middle School campus was lined with more than 1,000 cheering students holding small flags and homemade signs as 25-30 vehicles entered the annual Veterans Day Parade held Thursday, Nov. 11, along Victory Lane.

JROTC cadets of PBHS begin to break into a dance as they enjoy their Friday evening at the Community Thanksgiving.

Community Thanksgiving returns to the delight of hundreds

11/17/2021

Approximately 850 people were served during the Community Thanksgiving held Friday, Nov. 12, at Poplar Bluff High School.

Essay gains student admission to Governor’s Mansion

11/17/2021

A Mark Twain School sophomore was a guest of honor at the Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday, Nov. 9, in Jefferson City, along with approximately 65 students across Missouri.

Eugene Field Elementary students stand in a lighthouse formation in a choreographed pose.

Three R-I schools listed in top 15 of new statewide ranking

11/09/2021

Each of Poplar Bluff’s lower elementary buildings have been named ‘Best Elementary Schools’ by U.S. News & World Report, with three R-I campuses placing among the top 15 schools in Missouri.

Hannah Tooman’s class display their book selections.

Lake Road one of two chosen statewide to receive free books

11/09/2021

Lake Road recently received the first round of free books to enhance the home libraries of students as part of an exclusive program designed to promote literacy among Title 1 schools across the country.

Mark Twain junior Darius Hubrins walks an Early Childhood student back to his classroom.

Mark Twain students mentor at Early Childhood Center

11/09/2021

A new partnership between Mark Twain and the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center is not only proving to be beneficial for the students at both age levels, but for the teachers facilitating.

STEM students of the Poplar Bluff Middle School pose next to a representation of the activity kits generously donated by the Three Rivers College ETS program.

Middle School receives donation from Educational Talent Search

10/27/2021

Three Rivers College’s Educational Talent Search program has donated a stockpile of gently used STEM kits to the Poplar Bluff Middle School for its hands-on elective.

Chess Club takes off among Poplar Bluff Middle Schoolers

10/19/2021

About 100 students signed up for the opening day of Chess Club at the Poplar Bluff Middle School, immediately placing the after-school group next to Junior Beta as the upper elementary’s most active.

Middle School teacher honored regionally by McDonald’s

10/19/2021

A Poplar Bluff Middle School teacher was among a shortlist of area educators out of 724 nominations to be selected in the second annual McDonald’s Outstanding Educator program.

Past valedictorian advocates for engineering career field

10/05/2021

An alumna returned to Poplar Bluff Schools, not long after she graduated at the top of her class, to speak with the Junior High design and modeling class about her experiences thus far studying engineering.

Esther Luna, Kadi Dare, Patty Reed, Linda Surber, Michelle Adams, Tucker Chance Lakin and Maci Ray.

Classroom project funded through new MRTA program

10/05/2021

A Eugene Field teacher has received a dozen STEM kits with hands-on building manipulatives for students to ‘go beyond the basic skills’ in the subject areas through a new grant program rolled out by the Missouri Retired Teachers’ Association.

Students Tiffany Womack and Kennedy Robertson help load up a laundry basket carried by Caiden Politte of Mark Twain School.

Mark Twain students team up with the Bread Shed

09/28/2021

Mark Twain School students are gaining perhaps just as much as they give while helping to address the food insecurity in the community, organizers say.

Kathy Miller’s robotics class break off into groups and unbox robotics kits.

Robotics class receives financial backing from out-of-state group

09/21/2021

A Georgia-based philanthropy group has donated more than $5,000 to a popular elective class at Poplar Bluff High School to purchase several robotics kits so more students can practice engineering.

Dr. Scott Dill, Mark Cook, Hilary Taylor, Candace Warren, Linda Surber and Arleta Godwin.

MRTF funds puppet theater at PBJHS

09/14/2021

A Poplar Bluff Junior High faculty member has been awarded a $500 grant from the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation to create a puppet theater and purchase a digital camera for her drama elective.

Kyle Pearson, Joe Salamone and Michelle McDaniel.

Sparklight donates 50 computers to Lake Road

09/14/2021

Sparklight recently donated 50 Google Chromebooks to Lake Road Elementary to be used to teach coding during latchkey as the school works toward its goal of incorporating STEM into its curriculum.

R-I Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill and Oak Grove Principal Jenifer Richardson lead the final TIPSS session with the 2020/21 cohort of new educators.

Faculty induction program designed to combat teacher shortage

08/25/2021

In an effort to increase retention among faculty, a job-embedded training program created by a state-wide education mogul has been relinquished to the Poplar Bluff school system so new teachers can find success in their first year.

Mark Twain juniors and seniors hear from Three Rivers College Director of Enrollment Services Chris Adams.

Mark Twain expands services to reach students earlier

08/25/2021

Mark Twain School will add staff and expand to include Middle School aged students for the 2021/22 school year, after experiencing initial success despite scaling back the scope of the operation during the health crisis.

New health director begins during pandemic

08/25/2021

An internal applicant has begun her new career leading the nursing department of Poplar Bluff Schools during a global pandemic – a story, no doubt, to tell future grandchildren.

PBJHS receives grant to help expand STEM electives

08/25/2021

Poplar Bluff Junior High has been awarded a matching grant to offer three new semester-long courses in high-demand fields through Project Lead the Way.

Dr. Scott Dill and John Scott stand in front of the district’s future Administrative Building in downtown.

Poplar Bluff Schools acquires century-old building downtown

08/25/2021

Over the decades Poplar Bluff High School has moved northward, beginning where Junior High is now located, to Victory Lane, to its present-day campus on Oak Grove Road.

Resilient Class of 2021 graduates PBHS

05/27/2021

A total of 299 students graduated from the Poplar Bluff High School Class of 2021 on Thursday, May 20, at the Black River Coliseum, earning a total of $2.6 million and counting in individual scholarships, A+ funding and other grants.

Bestselling children’s author spends day at Oak Grove

05/26/2021

Prolific children’s book author and illustrator, Jan Brett, visited Oak Grove last week and read one of her favorite titles, sharing some insights with the elementary students, as part of her 10th annual contest.

2020/21 Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase School

R-I earns national recognition from CKH for fifth year

05/05/2021

Three buildings in the Poplar Bluff School District out of 325 campuses across the U.S. have been named national showcase schools under the Capturing Kids’ Hearts initiative.

Jessica Shimbo, Kate Scott, Harley Werkmeister and Claire Funke.

PBJHS leads essay contest about civil rights

04/27/2021

Poplar Bluff Junior High yielded three out of four of the top students who placed in a recent county-wide essay contest, sponsored by the Butler County Community Resource Council in partnership with the Daily American Republic.

Jennie Randolph, Isabella Sifford, Jordyn Shearrer, Lauren Dickerson and Maria Polasek.

$3,000 awarded in Red Cross scholarships

04/27/2021

The American Red Cross has awarded four $750 scholarships to Poplar Bluff High School students who completed successful applications reflecting on their efforts in helping to host blood drives.

Municipal Library earns Friend of School Libraries award

04/20/2021

Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Director Sue Crites Szostak received the 2021 Friend of School Libraries award from the Missouri Association of School Libraries during a virtual conference that began on Monday, April 19.

Two Poplar Bluff sophomores named Missouri Scholars

04/13/2021

Poplar Bluff High School had both of its allotted student nominees accepted into the 2021 Missouri Scholars Academy—a rarity—according to counselor Dr. Regina Williams.

PBHS sophomore accepted into Agribusiness Academy

04/13/2021

A Poplar Bluff sophomore has been chosen alongside only 30 high school students in Missouri to participate in the 2021 Missouri Agribusiness Academy this summer.

Elementary students connect with local author

03/23/2021

Second graders were overjoyed to meet a local author for the first time in their lives in most cases after reading the recently published book as a class assignment.

Oak Grove student named finalist in multi-state art contest

03/16/2021

An Oak Grove first grader has been selected among 100 students to have her artwork featured as part of the 31st annual Picture the Music competition presented by the St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association.

Students peel potatoes and perform other meal prep.

Guests dine at mock restaurants created by TCC students

03/16/2021

Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center students prepared a sampling from several original menus for about 60 guests to enjoy during the revamped Senior Showcase on Tuesday, March 9, in the Mules Café.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Lesli Brown and the Robotics Club.

PBHS Iron Mules win Connect Award for outreach

03/09/2021

The Iron Mules earned the Connect Award during the FIRST Southeast Missouri Regional Competition on Saturday, March 6, held virtually at Poplar Bluff High School.

The Poplar Bluff R-I School District celebrated its 2020 National ESEA Distinguished Schools, Eugene Field and Lake Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Westwood Center.

First district in Missouri to win both national ESEA awards

03/02/2021

Two Poplar Bluff elementaries have been named 2020 National ESEA Distinguished Schools, the first time in the 25-year history of the program that each of Missouri’s designees were a part of the same school system, a state official has confirmed.

Dr. Scott Dill, Valerie Ivy, Mike Owen, Stephanie Hillis, Jennie Randolph, Tammy Deken, Isabella Sifford, Logan Massey, Olivia Kirkman and Steve Halter.

Student-run Mules store opens on PBHS campus

02/09/2021

The Stable held its grand opening during the Basketball Homecoming on Friday, Feb. 5, in the Poplar Bluff High School commons.

HVAC program forges local industry partnerships

02/02/2021

The HVAC program at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has been receiving scrap equipment donations from businesses as inroads are being made to further align the curriculum with local industry standards.

Substitute teacher compensation increased, fees reimbursable

02/02/2021

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson approved last week a reimbursement extension for people interested in obtaining their substitute teaching certification during the public health emergency.

Five barbering chairs and stations have been established at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center.

Barbering, esthetics available for high school students at TCC

01/26/2021

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has begun recruiting area high school students for esthetics and barbering programs offered for the first time under the cosmetology umbrella.

Seventh annual PB Connect has virtual learning focus

01/26/2021

The seventh annual PB Connect took place virtually across campus on Tuesday, Jan. 19, with a digital learning focus.

Sixth graders view and make observations about the watercolor art.

Students tour watercolor exhibit at museum

01/12/2021

Sixth grade art classes from the Poplar Bluff Middle School had an opportunity to view nationally renowned watercolor art on Friday, Jan. 8, at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum.

A ribbon cutting is held for the Middle School pavilion.

Pavilion, walking track added at PBMS through partnership

12/21/2020

A pavilion has recently been constructed in front of the Poplar Bluff Middle School, connected to an ADA-compliant walking track installed last school year so that students can have expanded recreational space for recess.

Students in Pam Davis’ business management elective make hot chocolate bombs during second hour every day.

PBHS students raise $1,000 for Project Christmas Promise

12/15/2020

A class at Poplar Bluff High School has raised a projected $1,000 for Project Christmas Promise through a student-led enterprise that has quickly gained popularity across campus.

Eighth grader David Williams joins his schoolmates in loading up canned goods.

PBJHS donates over 9K cans to food pantry

12/08/2020

Poplar Bluff Junior High generated 9,025 canned goods last month for St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, helping to sustain the nonprofit for the entire year, volunteers say.

Jenifer Richardson, Jenny Dennis, Aubrey Rider, Gael Arredondo and Jake Fickert.

Oak Grove recycling project inspires creativity

11/23/2020

About 40 elementary students at Oak Grove recently participated in a home project, creating a piece of art using nothing but recyclables, besides adhesive material.

A group of student leaders portray the Raising of the Flag on Iwo Jima as veterans pass by.

Veterans Day Parade hosted in lieu of assembly

11/17/2020

The Poplar Bluff Middle School may have reinvented the way its student body observes Veterans Day, having hosted a parade in place of its longstanding assembly for the first time this year.

Shelia Skorcz, Aubreigh Vermillion, Paul Savat, Rhett Williams, Grayce Keeney and Kenzley Hicks.

Kindergarten Center nearly doubles fundraising goal

11/10/2020

The campus community rallied around Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center to make its annual Stonie’s Sausage fundraiser by far the most successful in its several-year history.

Dinner is served for the first time at O'Neal Elementary.

Dinner offered for free to students at all school sites

10/23/2020

Free dinner meals are being served either to go or on-site after school beginning today, in a district-led food service effort to reach more students.

Pink-Out Day celebrates 10th anniversary, $200K raised

10/13/2020

Pink-Out Day, which started at Poplar Bluff Schools and soon expanded city-wide, has reportedly raised over $200,000 for the United Cancer Assistance Network over the past decade.

PBMS Giving Closet opens for students in need

09/29/2020

A sixth grade teacher working toward a counseling degree has realized her vision at the Poplar Bluff Middle School this school year, having opened a Giving Closet free for students in need.

General Acrylics resurface the tennis courts.

Tennis courts resurfaced through partnership with Parks Department

09/29/2020

The tennis courts at the Poplar Bluff Middle School were resurfaced over the summer for students and patrons to use through an ongoing partnership forged with Parks & Recreation.

Therapy dogs continue to be utilized by school system

09/22/2020

A chocolate Lab, certified as a professional therapy dog, recently served to help get apprehensive new students through the classroom door during the first day of school at the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center.

The PBJHS gymnasium is pictured with new banners, paint and basketball hoops.

$5K awarded toward remodel of 80+ year-old gym

09/22/2020

The final touches of a facelift have been placed on the Poplar Bluff Junior High gymnasium, the very oldest building in the district, with its construction dating back to 1937.

Chartwells is headquarted at 1304 Victory Lane.

Free school meals for children through fall

09/15/2020

The Poplar Bluff R-I School District, in partnership with Chartwells, is excited to announce that school meals will be free to all students through the end of the semester on Friday, Dec. 18, or longer, as Congressionally appropriated funding is made available.

First ever virtual back-to-school convocation held

09/01/2020

The Poplar Bluff School District’s annual back-to-school convocation, a tradition in which the entire staff normally assembles in advance of the new year, was held virtually for the first time on Monday, Aug. 17.

Mark Twain School set to open with administrative recruit at the helm

08/23/2020

The Poplar Bluff School District will open its first comprehensive alternative school for the 2020/21 academic year in the former Early Childhood Center facility centrally located on North Main Street.

Ribbon cutting held for state-of-the-art Early Childhood Center

08/23/2020

Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center students will have the privilege of starting the school year in one of the finest preschool facilities in Missouri, local educators believe.

A child waves and smiles as she receives a meal package at one of the district’s curbside locations.

Poplar Bluff serves almost 500K meals during pandemic

08/23/2020

Nearly half a million free meals were served by school partners to students over the course of 100 days.

Dr. Teeter advances as principal of Poplar Bluff Middle School

08/23/2020

Dr. Josh Teeter joined the Poplar Bluff School District so he can be a part of an active professional learning community, he reflected.

Teacher of the Year promoted internally to lead Lake Road

08/23/2020

Distinguished elementary educator Rondi Vaughn has been hired to succeed Erica Weadon as principal of Lake Road Elementary.

Dr. Brad Owings is recognized among colleagues on Saturday, Feb. 29, during the MAESP Distinguished Principal banquet at Osage Beach.

Dr. Owings honored regionally by principal association

03/10/2020

Poplar Bluff Middle School Principal Dr. Brad Owings was named ‘distinguished principal’ of the Southeast Region during the 31st annual conference of the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals held Saturday, Feb. 29, at Osage Beach.

PB alumnus returns for Black History Month assembly

03/03/2020

A Poplar Bluff alumnus who leads intercity youth development training throughout the country shared his “tips for a successful life” on Thursday, Feb. 27, during an assembly observing Black History Month at Junior High.

Jenifer Richardson accepts the National ESEA award.

Poplar Bluff earns national ESEA award for third year in row

02/25/2020

A Poplar Bluff elementary school has been nationally recognized for its exceptional student achievement for the third year in a row.

Poplar Bluff first to participate in national milk pilot designed to reduce waste

02/11/2020

Poplar Bluff Schools became the first of two districts in the country to launch a bulk milk dispenser pilot program on Monday, Feb. 10, rolling out about $20,000 in grant-funded cafeteria equipment.

Foundation funds $4,500 in teacher grant projects

01/29/2020

The Poplar Bluff School Foundation recently approved six classroom grants totaling around $4,500 in value as part of the nonprofit’s annual Innovative Educational Project program.

TCC forges partnership with Dexter, Westwood Baptist

01/28/2020

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has expanded its service area to include Dexter High School and Westwood Baptist Academy, increasing its area sending schools to nine, in addition to PBHS.

PB Connect features self-care focus

01/28/2020

Over 75 breakout sessions were hosted for R-I faculty district-wide during the sixth annual PB Connect on collaboration day in what initially began as an internal technology camp for 1:1 buildings.

(Clockwise) Robbie Myers, Michael Barrett, Maria Powell, Charles Kinsey, John Scott, Jeremy Bell, Kristen Laird and Quinn Johnson.

Computer science students create potential 911 app

01/14/2020

Computer science students at the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center are exploring the potential launch of a 911 app, upon catching the attention of public officials.

Apache teacher shares meaning of Thanksgiving with students

11/26/2019

Eugene Field first graders were provided a special opportunity to learn the meaning of Thanksgiving this holiday from the perspective of a full-blooded American Indian.

First of four elementary schools to add Buddy Bench

11/21/2019

Oak Grove has installed the first buddy bench of Poplar Bluff’s lower elementary schools upon successfully collecting over 250 pounds of plastic lids and caps in a student-led effort.

O’Neal grad discusses military career with elementary students

11/20/2019

Gulf War veteran Lisa Bratton of the U.S. Air Force returned to her elementary school to speak with students about her service on Monday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

PBJHS celebrates Scooby-Doo Day with celebrity guest appearance

11/13/2019

Voice actor and radio personality Scott Innes, a Poplar Bluff native, visited Junior High on Monday, Nov. 4, to inspire a team of students named in his honor.

Commissioner outlines Show-Me Success Plan in Poplar Bluff

11/13/2019

Education Commissioner Dr. Margie Vandeven served as the special guest speaker during the monthly Southeast Missouri Superintendents Association meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Holiday Inn.

Gateway 2 Jobs program representatives are pictured with the 2019 graduates.

Grad Center students earn G2J certificates

10/29/2019

A total of 13 students from the Graduation Center earned certificates to include on their resumes through Gateway 2 Jobs on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce.

Teacher believes busy hands means engaged minds at Kindergarten Center

10/22/2019

Creating a developmentally appropriate curriculum is the building-wide mission at the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center, and one new teacher appears to be lighting the way, if her network of followers is any indication.

AmeriCorps hosts 16th annual Career Fair

10/17/2019

A total of 381 Poplar Bluff High School sophomores participated in the 16th annual Career Fair on Thursday, Oct. 10, at Three Rivers College.

Teacher Leslie Elledge purchases jewelry from student Jose.

Life Skills class opens jewelry business

10/08/2019

A new jewelry line designed by students is becoming a fashion trend among Poplar Bluff Middle School staff.

Steven Moore of SUSA displays a 3D scan.

Students take industrial tour during MFG Day

10/08/2019

Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center and Graduation Center students participated in Manufacturing Day on Thursday, Oct. 3, and were provided the opportunity to tour factories in Industrial Park.

Michele Carmode helps a group of students create eBinders.

Middle School librarian helps students create online portfolios

10/01/2019

Poplar Bluff Middle School students are creating eBinders, or online portfolios, designed to preserve their best work so they can reflect on what they have learned throughout their educational careers and ultimately utilize on college applications.

Janice Vincent and Angie Kearbey serve hot ravioli to elementary students at O’Neal.

Free dinner service offered across district

10/01/2019

Chartwells began offering dinner services for free last week at five additional school sites where after school enrichment programs and services such as tutoring, club activities and latch-key are available to all students.

Poplar Bluff School District earns back-to-back Blue Ribbons

09/26/2019

For the second consecutive year, a school within the Poplar Bluff R-I District has earned the highest honor achievable for an educational institution in America.

Eddie Moss Day celebrated at PBJHS

09/24/2019

Former NFL player Eddie Moss was recognized on the field where he once played on Thursday, Sept. 19, during Poplar Bluff Junior High’s first home football game of the season.

Austin Pullum poses next to a student-owned 1968 Chevrolet Camaro and the winning plaque for the Car & Motor Show.

TCC gearing up to host Car & Motor Show Saturday

09/17/2019

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center will host its inaugural Car & Motor Show this weekend to showcase its updated programming and help raise funds to expand opportunities for students.

Maria Powell, a senior, performs a magic trick utilizing binary numbers.

TCC starts first new program in over a decade

09/10/2019

The Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center has launched its first new program in over a decade this school year with the addition of computer science in what was once the health occupations classroom.

Students Carley Brooks and Makayla Schalk help collect several bags of trash at Bacon Park.

New class teaches students value of community service

09/10/2019

A focus on developing a sense of community at Poplar Bluff Junior High School has led students to seek out ways to contribute to the community at large.

DAR names Winters 2019 Difference Maker of the Year

08/27/2019

AmeriCorps Program Director Becky Winters was named the Daily American Republic’s inaugural Difference Maker of the Year during a banquet held Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Holiday Inn Ballroom with approximately 200 guests in attendance.

Mark Murphy, Kaylee Merrick, Eugene Barnes and Tyrus Merrick

Green Bay Packers feature PBHS student’s artwork

08/27/2019

The artwork of a Poplar Bluff High School senior is being displayed for a year at the Green Bay Packers stadium, and the Art Department has been awarded $5,000 as the result of a recent national contest.

Accompanied by MSBE members Kimberly Bailey, Carol Hallquist and Mary Schrag, Education Commissioner Dr. Margie Vandeven leads a discussion with stakeholders.

MSBE, Commissioner holds forum in Poplar Bluff

08/20/2019

The commissioner and members of the Missouri State Board of Education recently held their first community forum at Poplar Bluff High School in an effort to seek input from stakeholders of the 8th Congressional District and prioritize issues facing educators.

‘Ellen’ guest star speaks at Back-to-School Convocation

08/20/2019

The consensus among R-I educators who participated in the Back-to-School Convocation was that this year’s keynote speaker was the most engaging in recent memory.

Gabby Bullock engages in a guided reading exercise with outgoing first grader Carmen McCrary.

Commissioner: Oak Grove a ‘Gold Star’ of success in Missouri’s schools

08/12/2019

Oak Grove Elementary School was the only educational institution in the region to be named a 2019 Missouri Gold Star School for its high academic performance.

Dr. Jackson succeeds Priest as assistant superintendent of business

08/12/2019

A long-time member of the superintendent cabinet at Poplar Bluff Schools will apply two decades of administrative experience in public education as she makes a transition from personnel to finance.

Former Scott County superintendent hired to lead personnel department

08/12/2019

The Poplar Bluff School District has hired a former superintendent in Southeast Missouri to fill the vacancy opened by Dr. Amy Jackson in the R-I executive cabinet.

Children gather at Poplar Bluff Head Start to enjoy lunch.

School District, Chartwells serve students free meals through summer

08/12/2019

Chartwells, the longstanding partner of Poplar Bluff Schools, was awarded a near $5,000 equipment grant through the No Kid Hungry Missouri initiative to extend the district’s food service program from July 1-Aug. 2 for students in need following summer school.

R-I Maintenance Director Al Ursery and Kendra Gibson of All Inclusive Rec meet with a representative of Brockmiller Construction on the proposed playground site.

District receives $27K tire grant for new ECH playground surface

08/12/2019

Poplar Bluff Schools has been awarded a $27,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to use 12,500 pounds of recycled tire material to surface a 1,700-square-foot portion of the playground at the new Early Childhood Center.

RISE Transition Center set to open with dedicated at-risk staff

08/12/2019

The new RISE Transition Center will open during the 2019/20 school year as a pilot program for the planned alternative school to help address behavioral issues that students, grades 7-12, are struggling with in the regular education setting.

Jeff Baldwin, co-owner of Baldwin Automotive Group, hands two sets of Ford Escape keys to PBHS educators (front row, from left) Mitch Davis, Charley Harper and Mike Sowatzke.

Baldwin supports PBHS Driver’s Ed program

06/10/2019

Baldwin Automotive Group has loaned a pair of 2018 Ford Escapes for students to use in the Driver’s Education program available at Poplar Bluff High School.

Surrounded by family and colleagues, Gretchen Pendley receives a prestigious award.

PBHS teacher earns statewide biology award

06/07/2019

Poplar Bluff educator Gretchen Pendley has won the 2019 outstanding biology teacher award for the state of Missouri through the National Association of Biology Teachers.

Incoming PBHS junior to participate in 2019 MSA

05/29/2019

Poplar Bluff High School is sending a student to the exclusive Missouri Scholars Academy for the second year in a row.

Drew Metz reunites with his military sister, Alyson.

Commencement held for PBHS Class of 2019

05/29/2019

A total of 321 students graduated from the Poplar Bluff High School Class of 2019 on Thursday, May 23, at the Black River Coliseum, earning nearly $2.1 million in scholarships and grants, staff reported.

Elizabeth Shirrell’s mother Amy joins Maj. Gregory Crites in the Change of Command ceremony.

Change of Command 2019

05/14/2019

Poplar Bluff High School junior Elizabeth Shirrell has been named commander of the Pvt. Billie Kanell JROTC Battalion for the upcoming school year.