Challenge match met, Joplin School District to receive $750,000

(From the Joplin R-8 School District)

First Priority: Our People


We have accounted for 100% of our students and staff. Thank you to everyone who assisted in this effort. We grieve the loss of 8 members of our family- 7 children and 1 educator.

Eagle Family Get-Togethers

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. CJ Huff, will host a weekly briefing open to all district staff to ensure they have the necessary information to prepare for the start of school. During these “Eagle Family Meetings,” Dr. Huff will provide updates and answer questions. The gatherings will also provide the opportunity for staff members to reconnect and plan for the future. These meetings are not open to the media.

Counseling

The district is providing counseling services to staff and students. Those interested may call the Joplin Schools Operation Center at (417) 625-5270.

Counseling support will also be provided during summer school for students.

Staff members are receiving training and materials from Dr. Robin Gurwitch, Program Coordinator, National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement. A team of district specialists is also working together to plan and facilitate district response – both immediate and long-term. These plans will be coordinated with those of the community to ensure timely identification and support for those in need of more intensive, specialized support.

New Information

Joplin Schools Reaches Matching Grant Challenge

Joplin Schools is pleased to announce the matching grant challenge, established by Joplin residents David and Debra Humphreys, has been met through a generous donation of $250,000 by the Satterlee family of Joplin.

“Our family has lived, worked and been educated in this city for over 100 years,” commented Susan Satterlee. “We believe the key to the rebirth of our community lies with the school district rebuilding stronger than it was on May 22.”

Last week the Humphreys donated $250,000 and challenged others to support Joplin Schools through a matching challenge grant of an additional $250,000.

“Joplin Schools is humbled by the support from the Satterlee family, the Humphreys family and families throughout the world,” comments Dr. C.J. Huff, Superintendent of Joplin Schools. “This support enables us to ensure our staff and students have the tools needed to succeed in the coming year and beyond.”

The combined donations of the Humphreys and Satterlee families totaled $750,000.00 for the Joplin Schools Tornado Relief Fund. This fund will be used to remove the obstacles that stand of the way of teachers being able to teach and children being able to learn by providing them the basic educational materials and support they need. This could include, but not be limited to, things such as food, clothing, shelter, after school care, school supplies, classroom materials and student transportation to and from school related events.

Satterlee went on to say, “we are all in this together and as a community we must all pull together and stay the course.”

Summer School

As of today, summer school enrollment for elementary students stands at 1,060. Enrollment continues this week at Memorial Education Center, (417) 625-5290.

Students entering grades 6-9 will attend summer school from 8 a.m. to noon at South Middle School beginning Monday. This is a change in time.

Ongoing Updates

Joplin Schools Adopt-a-Classroom

Since the May 22 tornado, the outpouring of support from across the country has been amazing. Joplin Schools has identified a new method for schools, individuals and organizations to provide a warm and inviting space for students returning to school on August 17 through the Adopt-a-Classroom program.

“What the school district really needs now is help getting those classrooms ready for the new school year,” according to Joplin Schools Director of Community Development, Kim Vann. “We want our students to be able to return to a warm and inviting environment on August 17.”

Classes at Joplin Schools will begin on August 17 and more than 260 classrooms must start from scratch. These teachers must restock their classrooms with supplies and materials other than textbooks that insurance does not cover this expense. When students come back to school, Joplin Schools would like the classrooms to feel as normal, warm and welcoming as possible.

If you would like to help make a classroom warm and welcoming for the students of Joplin Schools, please participate in the “Adopt-a-Classroom” program. Joplin Schools will partner you or your organization with a Joplin teacher who will let you know the specific things he or she needs to create a fun and inviting classroom again.

To adopt a Joplin classroom, contact Kim Vann at kvann@joplin.k12.mo.us, and include your name, organization name and phone number, or call 417-625-5270 ext. 3430.