Joplin High School named Apple Distinguished School

(From Joplin Schools)

Joplin Schools is pleased to announce that Joplin High School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2015 through 2017 for creating an innovative, technology-rich learning environment that supports students and staff through leadership, collaboration and feedback for continuous improvement. Every teacher and student at Joplin High School has access to his or her own MacBook and a wealth of online resources. Collaboration between teachers, district staff and the community help to create a project-based, technology-rich curriculum that encourages curiosity, exploration and real-world application of learning. Support and tools for teachers include coaching staff, online instructional resources and ongoing personalized professional development.

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. This is the second time that Joplin High School has earned this designation.

In classrooms throughout the high school, 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. Examples can be seen daily across disciplines. Students in English and social studies courses research primary documents online anytime and anywhere, adding flexibility and depth to their work. Students in TV Productions class serve as on-air talent for the student-run JETHD television station. They help to produce an announcement and news program that is broadcast weekly to all classrooms and shared through social media and the school website. Students in the fashion design class host an annual fashion show that features designs created from recycled materials. They conduct online research and work with the community to find the materials to create their designs. When their designs are complete, they invite the community to see their finished products. The event is also streamed live on the Internet so parents and community members can watch from home. Students in a journalism class recently worked with a local businessman to develop a marketing and advertising plan using traditional and digital media to help them promote their yearbook and publications to students and the community.

"We want our students to have the foundational skills they need to achieve and succeed after high school and the opportunities to experience real-world learning in a safe and supportive environment," said Joplin High School Principal Dr. Kerry Sachetta. "This designation is exciting because it recognizes our efforts to innovate through technology and to collaborate with students, staff and our community to continuously improve our curriculum and instruction and help our kids graduate better prepared for college and careers."

Joplin High School, located in Joplin, Mo., serves 2,200 students in grades 9 through 12. The only public high school in Joplin, JHS is fully accredited by the AdvancED/North Central Association of Schools and Colleges and by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and is a designated A+ School of Excellence.