Skip to main content
District
  1. Our School
  2. Military Families

Military Families

East Middle School Welcomes our Military Families!

 

Planning Your Arrival to EMS         Preparing Your Move from EMS        Academic Planning for Military Families

Interstate CompactSpecial Needs Navigation & Parental Rights

Purple Star Team Members

Welcome to East Middle School!
 

Families,

Welcome to Joplin Schools and East Middle School, where we are proud to share resources and guidance for military students and their families. We deeply appreciate your service, and we know that integrating into a new community can come with its own unique burdens and challenges. Our goal is to lighten that load for you, and help you become comfortably settled into our community. Please use any of the resources you find here for help with enrollment, academics, and other community opportunities. You are also encouraged to reach out to our school principals, counselor, or teachers for help at any time.

Warm regards,
Mr. Jason Cravens, EMS Principal
Mr. Paul Gipson, EMS Assistant Principal
417-625-5280

Planning Your Arrival

What You Will Need to Enroll

These items will make your transition as seamless, comfortable, and efficient as possible:

❑ Fill out the pre-enrollment form online
❑ Your Photo ID
❑ Birth Certificate
❑ Immunization Records (Missouri Requirements)
❑ Current Proof of Address (bill, lease agreement,
purchase agreement)

Recommended:
❑ $10 Laptop Accident Forgiveness

What to Expect on the First Day

Your child will:

• Meet with the counselor to discuss their needs and interests
• Receive a schedule that closely matches their previous school’s schedule
• Be paired with a trusted peer who will provide a tour of the building and help answer any questions about their first day
• Be welcomed by a member of our Purple Star Committee

Continued Supports for Students

• Your child will be encouraged to participate in sports, clubs, and activities
• Counselors will conduct follow-up "minute meetings" to check in
and ensure your child is transitioning well. These meetings will
focus on:

o Maintaining positive academic progress.
o Building a strong connection with a teacher or trusted adult in the building.
o Developing good social relationships with peers.

Academic Planning

Advanced courses, denoted below with a double askterisk (**) include Mathematics & Algebra I, Advanced Science, Advanced Reading & Reading Workshop, and Gifted Advisory.

6th Grade
Required Courses

• Reading
• Writing
• Math**
• Geography
• Earth & Space Science**
• PE (one semester) and Computer Keyboarding (one semester)
• One Elective

Electives (pick one)

• Choir
• Orchestra (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)
• Band (Woodwind, Brass, Percussion)
• The Wheel (a sampling of four electives – Art, Family & Consumer Sciences, Music, Technology)

7th Grade
Required Courses

• Reading
• Writing
• Math**
• World History
• Life Science**
• Physical Education (1 Semester)
• One Choice Class
• One Elective

Choice Classes (pick one)

• Art (9 weeks) & Technology (9 weeks)
• Robotics (1 Semester) – Project Lead the Way

Electives (pick one)

• Choir
• Orchestra (non-beginners)
• Concert/Marching Band (non-beginners)
• Beginning Band
• The Wheel (a sampling of Family & Consumer Sciences, Lifetime Wellness, Computers, Music, and/or Robotics)

8th Grade
Required Courses

• Reading**
• Writing
• Math**
• American History
• Physical Science
• Physical Education (1 Semester)

Year-Long Electives

• Marching/Concert Band
• Concert Choir
• Orchestra

Semester & Quarter Electives

• Advanced Fitness
• Drama
• 2-D Art
• 3-D Art
• Intro to Foods
• Intro to Applied Technology
• App Design – Project Lead the Way

Preparing Your Move From Joplin Schools

You will be missed!

Transition

With notice, the counselor will:

  • Connect with your student and check on their emotional well being addressing anxiety, concerns, excitement.
  • Contact the school the student will be transferring to, to help with the transition from East Middle School to your student’s future school.
  • Give your student an opportunity to say goodbye to their friends and teachers.

Unenrollment Paperwork & Process

With our secretary, the following will need to be completed:

  • School Checkout Form – student will go by each class to collect their final grades. and to make sure they have turned in all classroom materials and equipment
  • Check all fees and unpaid costs.
  • Collect all medicines (if applicable) from the nurse.

Enrollment in New School

  • We will digitally transfer all academic records to the new school.
  • If needed we will communicate with new school until the transition process is complete.
  • Some states or countries may need paper copies, instead of digital, and we will provide those to assist in your transfer.
  • With notice, we can call ahead to your new school to ensure we provide you with the paperwork necessary for a seamless transfer.

Clubs & Activities

Participating in school-sponsored activities like sports, clubs, and activities can be especially beneficial for military-connected students transitioning to a new school. These activities provide a sense of belonging by helping students build friendships and form connections with peers who share similar interests. They also foster social skills, teamwork, and confidence, making the transition smoother. Academically, involvement encourages discipline and motivation, helping students thrive in their new environment while feeling valued and supported within their school community. Following is a list of Athletics, Clubs and Activities available at East Middle School.

Clubs & Activities

• Academic Bowl
• Crafts and a Movie Club
• Magic the Gather & Dungeons and Dragons
• Drama/Theatre
• Art Club
• Harry Potter Club
• E-Sports: Smash Brothers & Rocket League
• Archery
• Running Club
• Board Game Club

Intramural Sports (6th – 8th Grade)

• Basketball
• Volleyball (girls only)

7th & 8th Grade MSHSSA Sports

• Football
• Cross Country
• Volleyball (girls only)
• Basketball
• Wrestling
• Track
• Cheerleading
• Softball

Please reach out to our counselors if interested:
Mrs. Blount – alissablount@joplinschools.org
Mrs. Bard - marissabard@joplinschools.org

School staff can also help find community activities that are not school-sponsored but include Joplin Students and the larger community that your child may wish to participate in. We feel strongly that every student needs connection and we’re excited to find a good fit for your child!