Joplin Schools Annual Report 2013

2O13 ANNUAL REPORT - TO THE COMMUNITY -

Investing in the future today by inspiring our students to pursue excellence.

Dear patrons, In the six years I have served on the Joplin Schools Board of Education, I have witnessed incredible change throughout the district. With your support, in 2008 we opened three new middle schools to better serve our students – the first new schools in the district since 1985.

In May 2011, we experienced devastating losses, but, with your help and the help of people from across the nation and the world, we quickly began the recovery process. Shortly after that disaster, we made a promise to come back bigger and better than before, and in May 2012, we broke ground on four new schools and began work on community safe rooms and renovations throughout our district.

As 2013 came to a close, construction workers, staff, and volunteers worked to put the finishing touches on three of our new schools so that we could bring 1,300 of our Eagles home. In 2014, we will open our new high school and technical school, and our students will experience a new and innovative curriculum focused on helping them succeed in college and in their careers.

Change, whether planned or not, certainly has its challenges and the last few years have had their fair share. However, one thing hasn’t changed: our focus as a school board, a district, and a community is on doing what is best for our children. I can honestly say that I have never been more excited about the future of Joplin Schools and this community. Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff. We have an exciting destination ahead!

Jeff Flowers President, Joplin Schools Board of Education

RAISING THE STANDARDS OF EXCELLENCE In 2013, Joplin Schools Board of Education approved the Standards of Excellence, a comprehensive school improvement plan focused on five key areas: ff academic achievement ff graduating college-ready and career-ready students ff becoming the school district of choice ff becoming the employer of choice ff maintaining financial stability

Dozens of community members, parents, and school staff worked together to develop specific goals and accountability measurements in each of these key areas.

Standards of

EXCELLENCE

Visit www.joplinschools.org to view the complete plan and to find updates on our progress.

Kids make me feel useful. I like their energy and honesty and watching them change from scared kindergartners to confident middle schoolers. I feel like I accomplish something knowing that they come to a clean school ready to learn.

- Lourdes Hasty, building engineer

PROMISES KEPT IRVING ELEMENTARY

On Jan. 9, 2014, Irving Elementary, Soaring Heights Elementary, and East Middle School opened for students marking a milestone in Joplin Schools’ recovery efforts.

Designed for LEARNING: ff colorful, flexible common

Architect:

SAPP Design Architects, Assoc.

Grades served: K-5 Capacity: 650 students Site area: 13.5 acres Building area: 88,400 sq. ft.

Project cost: $18.5 million

SOARING HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY

Architect:

Hollis + Miller Architects Grades served: K-5 Capacity: 450 students Site area: 34.85 acres* Building area: 65,290 sq. ft.

Project cost: $13.6 million

spaces designed for collaborative activities ff creative use of natural light to enhance energy efficiency and boost learning

Designed for EFFICIENCY: ff high-efficiency mechanical and

lighting systems exceed energy standards ff large windows and skylights capture daylight and lower energy costs ff building material selections help reduce ongoing maintenance costs

Designed for SAFETY: ff when not in use as storm

shelters during severe weather, safe rooms for students, staff, and the community double as usable space for classrooms or gymnasiums

Designed for INSPIRATION:

EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL

ff thoughtful color choices and

Architect:

Hollis + Miller Architects Grades served: 6-8 Capacity: 750 students Site area: 34.85 acres* Building area: 157,273 sq. ft.

Project cost: $32.7 million

architectural elements support inspiration, exploration, and creativity ff areas designed for different types of learning offer students a versatile experience ff unique themed spaces that reflect the culture of each school ff use of salvaged, historical items from original schools to commemorate the past * The 34.85 acre site is shared by East Middle School and Soaring Height Elementary.

DESTINATION AHEAD Construction continues on the new Joplin High School/Franklin Technology Center. This project is scheduled for completion in August 2014 except for the performing arts center, which will be completed in the fall. The new school combines a comprehensive high school and career education center in one building where the focus is on each individual student’s education and career interests. Through Career Paths, students will have an opportunity to explore a variety of potential careers while completing their core studies. Students will also have more class options, more Advanced Placement and dual credit courses, schedule flexibility, and a variety of internships and personalized learning experiences.

JOPLIN HIGH SCHOOL / FRANKLIN TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Architect:

Corner Greer & Associates, Inc. / DLR Group

Grades served: Capacity: Site area: Building area: Estimated cost:

9-12 2,500 students 66 acres 487,937 sq. ft. $118 million

COMMUNITY SAFE ROOMS In 2013, construction wrapped up on community safe rooms at Irving Elementary and Soaring Heights Elementary. In 2014, 12 additional community safe rooms throughout the district will be completed. The safe rooms are designed to provide shelter during severe weather to students, staff, and residents who live within a five-minute walking distance from the safe room. The safe rooms will be open to the community during severe weather regardless of whether school is in session or not. Trained safe room managers will staff the facilities. When school is not in session, the doors will be opened automatically during a severe weather threat. Most of the community safe rooms also serve as gymnasiums for the schools.

For more information about community safe rooms, visit www.joplinschools.org/saferooms.

The new JHS will be a great source of pride for all of Joplin, especially our students who will finally return to a permanent home. This is when the 2011 tornado will become part of history instead of a part of daily life.

- Virginia Gormely, high school English teacher I’m looking forward to having our students in a new modern facility that will have new technology and lots of space.

But, the thing I’m looking forward to the most is having all students and staff back together on one campus.

- Rick Freeborn, technology specialist

CREATING PATHS TO SUCCESS While construction continues on JHS/FTC, much work has taken place behind the scenes to prepare for the opening of the new school and a new approach to education for Joplin students. Joplin Schools’ educators and local business partners have worked together to create the next generation of JHS/FTC – a comprehensive college, career, and technology focused high school designed to prepare students for a successful life. Students attending JHS/FTC will have an opportunity to choose one of five general Career Paths. These paths center around core foundational knowledge and skills plus the soft skills employers demand from their employees, including attendance, completing work on time, and other characteristics necessary for success in the real work world.

HUMAN SERVICES

Education and Training Early Childhood and Teaching and Training Developmental Services Law, Public Safety, Corrections Family and Community Services and Security Hospitality and Tourism

BUSINESS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Information Technology Finance

Computer Information Systems Accounting

Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (JROTC) Culinary Arts Pre-Law Travel and Tourism Law Enforcement Fire Services

ARTS AND COMMUNICATION Graphic Arts, Audio Visual Technology and Communication New Media Technology Music Debate and Theatre Visual Art Fashion Design Housing and Interior Design

Marketing, Sales Business, Management and Service and Administration Marketing General Management

FOUNDATION KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Academic & Technical Teamwork, Career Development, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Employability, Ethics, Systems, Safety, Health & Environment, Legal Responsibilities, Communication

HEALTH SERVICES Health Sciences

Biomedical Science Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Diversified Health Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Sports Medicine

TECHNICAL SCIENCES

Manufacturing Science, Technology, Welding Engineering and Math Automated Manufacturing (STEM) Architecture and Engineering Construction Innovative Technologies Heating, Ventilation and Agriculture, Food and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Natural Resources

Construction Plant Sciences Animal Sciences Natural Resources and Automotive/Diesel Technology Environmental Systems

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Automotive Collision Repair

Learn more about JHS/FTC, Career Paths, and the new curriculum at www.joplinschools.org.

REACHING FULL POTENTIAL The Bright Futures Joplin program continues to partner with area businesses, faith-based organizations, human service agencies, and parents to help eliminate obstacles that keep students from reaching their full potential. In 2013, Bright Futures met the needs of more than 350 students. In addition to meeting basic needs such as clothing and shoes, Bright Futures Joplin provides tutors and mentors to students and supports programs that encourage student success. Learn more about Bright Futures Joplin at www.brightfuturesjoplin.org

INVESTING IN JOPLIN’S FUTURE Where does the district get its funds?

(2012 – 2013 school year, excludes bond and insurance proceeds and FEMA funds)

STATE: 27.6%

FEDERAL: 11.6% OTHER: 1.6%

LOCAL: 57.5%

COUNTY: 1.7%

Cost per Student How much does it cost to educate one Joplin student for one year?

$5,819 for instruction 68.4%

ff Teachers who provide classroom instruction ff Counselors who monitor academic and social

growth ff Librarians who encourage reading and research

skills ff Instructional materials, textbooks, and library

books ff Computer hardware and software ff Supplies for classrooms, fine arts, and physical

education

16.5%

$1,409 for school support ff Principals and assistant principals who guide the

11.9%

3.2%

school ff Nurses who help keep students healthy ff School office staff who support the school’s daily operations ff Nutritious school meals ff Buses to and from school, field trips, and activities ff Workers compensation and life insurance for staff

$1,010 for building maintenance ff Keeping the schools clean and maintained ff Repairs of electrical, roof, heating, and air conditioning

$276 for administration ff Administrators who provide teacher recruitment and other human resources ff Professionals in finance, technology, and management services

TOTAL: $8,514 per student These figures represent the district’s operating costs per pupil and do not include the following: debt service, major building renovations, new building construction, insurance or FEMA reimbursed expenditures.

Source: 2012 – 2013 Joplin Annual Secretary of the Board Report (ASBR)

Joplin School Tax Levy $2.75 for operations $ .91 for debt service

$3.66 TOTAL

HARD WORK PAYS OFF Making it Happen ff 1,298 district employees ff 722 certified staff (teachers,

counselors, etc.)

ff 576 classified staff (building

engineers, bus drivers, support staff, etc.)

52.7% of teachers hold a master’s degree or higher Teacher retention rate: 85.3% Student to teacher ratio: 20 to 1

Average Teacher Salary Joplin Schools

Missouri

$39,924

$46,214

Student Performance For the last several years, Joplin Schools has focused on overcoming the challenge of consistently low graduation rates. Numerous programs and interventions have been put into place from pre-kindergarten through high school to help all students – from the most at-risk to the highest achieving – walk proudly across the stage to accept their diplomas. We still have much to do, but our efforts are paying off. In 2013, our graduation rate reached 86.6% – the highest graduation rate recorded for our district.

Joplin Schools’ Graduation Rate

1996

2000

2012

2013

54%

74.6%

78.5%

86.6%

% of Students Scoring at Proficient or Advanced Levels on the 2013 MAP Mathematics 46.01% Joplin

As a district, we recognize that there is room for improved student performance. We continue to make adjustments to meet and exceed state standards and expectations, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping all students achieve at their highest levels.

Communication Arts

53.88%

50.9%

55.67%

Missouri

Joplin

Missouri

ACT Composite Score Joplin Schools

Missouri

Nation

21.1

21.6

20.9

TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION For years, Joplin Schools has remained ahead of the curve regarding technology-rich instruction, training, and tools for students and teachers. In classrooms throughout the district, teachers use technology to improve learning and enhance instruction. The result: engaged and excited students who are no longer bound by the four walls of a classroom.

Technology Highlights: ff

In 2013, Joplin High School was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2013–2015. The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments. ff Every student in 8th through 12th grade receives a computer for use at school and home. Joplin Schools boasts a two-to-one computer ratio district wide. ff Every teacher receives a computer and ongoing training and professional development in instructional technology.

Examples of technology in action can be seen daily across disciplines: ff Students in a fashion design class Skype™ with an

organization in Ghana to learn about a design project that uses recycled materials to provide school bags to children. They apply what they have learned to create their own fashions from recycled materials and host a fashion show for their fellow classmates. ff Students in an English class share what they are learning about local history by creating a community website that showcases their articles, photographs, and videos. ff Students in a math class watch online videos featuring real-world situations, then determine resolutions to obstacles they observe through formulas.

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PAID

Joplin, MO 64801 Permit No. 306

joplinschools.org

3901 E 32nd Street | PO Box 128 Joplin, MO 64804

7,784 students pre-K through 12th grade 1,298 employees 1 early childhood center 11 elementary schools 3 middle schools 1 high school (temporary split campus 9-10 and 11-12) 1 technical school 1 flexible program that provides day and night school for at-risk high school students 1 facility for students with behavioral challenges serving Joplin and 16 additional school districts 14 community safe rooms at schools throughout the district by the end of 2014 640 children and 398 families served by Joplin Schools Parents as Teachers 366 student needs met by Bright Futures Joplin 800+ volunteers serving students and staff 123 sports, clubs, and activities for elementary and secondary students $2,110,487 in scholarships for high school seniors 14 Advanced Placement and 16 dual credit classes for high school students 28.6 average ACT score of the top 50 JHS students for the last three years 4,480 lunches served daily 1,923 breakfasts served daily 60.57% of students qualify for the free/reduced lunch program 69.69 square miles covered by district boundaries 96 school buses transporting 3,300 students daily 911,241 miles traveled by buses in 2012/2013 school year

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

JOPLIN SCHOOLS FAST FACTS

BOARD OF EDUCATION Jeff Flowers

President Elected April 2008 Term expires April 2014

Michael D. Landis

Anne Sharp

Jim Kimbrough

Randy Steele

Phil Willcoxon

Dawn Sticklen

Vice President Elected April 2001 Term expires April 2016

Member Elected April 2006 Term expires April 2015

Member Elected April 2008 Term expires April 2014

Member Elected April 2000 Term expires April 2015

Member Elected April 2008 Term expires April 2014

Member Elected June 2012 Term expires April 2016