JOPLIN EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL

GOOD NEWS
Teacher With Secret Modeling Career Uses Newfound Attention To Buy Books For Students
By Kimberly Yam
BOOKS
Scars From the Tornado: One Year at Joplin East Middle School
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
One of the things I never really said out loud until recently was how reluctant I was to return to teaching at Joplin East Middle School after the May 22, 2011, tornado.
EDUCATION
Joplin Tornado Teaches True Meaning of School
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
It was just a building that was destroyed, one that had packed many memories into its two years, but just a building. The circumstances that brought us together were horrific, but what a wonderful school year.
EDUCATION
My New Pacemaker: Some Teachers Will Do Anything to Get Out of State Testing
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
Later today, after my students have completed the second day of MAP testing, my big test will begin. I have faith that my eighth graders and I are going to excel.
EDUCATION
Twist of Fate Makes Christmas Dance Symbol to Joplin Middle School Students
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
The Christmas dance was another sign of the resilience that East Middle School students have shown after this year's hurricane.
EDUCATION
Saying Goodbye to the Forgotten School
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
During a recent teacher in-service day, staff members from Joplin East Middle School returned to the building that we called our own for the last two years for a farewell ceremony.
BOOKS
Sharing Stories After the Joplin Tornado
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
During the four hours we were at Hastings Books in Joplin Saturday, we heard terrifying stories, some sad, some uplifting of the May 22 event that forever reshaped the lives of Joplin residents.
EDUCATION
School Begins Today in Joplin
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
The second I opened my car door, I could hear shouting, intermittent applause, and music, punctuated by the pounding of a bass drum.
EDUCATION
These Are My Students; This Is My School
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
The last two papers I put up did not look like the others. While the first 18 papers had been stored safely away in folders, the last two were on the Wall of Fame when the tornado hit.
EDUCATION
The School Year That Never Ended
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
For the seventh and eighth graders, the final gathering of this school year at Joplin East Middle School was the first opportunity they had to see their friends since the tornado.
EDUCATION
A Teacher's Gift: Finding Hope Amidst The Rubble In Joplin
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
Despite the destruction that surrounded me, that collection of "Hi's" was enough to put the smile back on my face.
EDUCATION
Death, Destruction Hit Joplin, Missouri
By Randy Turner, Contributor
Former English teacher
Those of us fortunate enough not to be in the direct path of the storm waited in the center of our darkened city, praying that loved ones somehow managed to remain safe in what reporters were describing as a scene from a war zone.