Education

By Leah Rainwater Applications are open for one competitive scholarship available to high school seniors in Andrew and Buchanan counties. The Cotillion for Achievement has been offering scholarship applications, enrichment opportunities and leadership training for almost 39 years. Each year, 16 finalists are selected based on scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement and a written

By Jazmine Knight In recognition of the tragedy that took place 23 years ago on Sept. 11, 2001, students at Robidoux Middle School had a chance to explore the event’s history throughout the school day. School librarian Melissa Corey and Robidoux middle social studies teachers created a 9/11 exhibit in the library. Student tours began

By Jazmine Knight The St. Joseph Schools district will host a reception for their new Family Leadership Institute Sept. 11 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Troester Media Center board room.  Attendees can learn more about institute and how this program will help English learning families. For questions or more information contact Michelle Schulze at michelleschulze@sjsd.k12.mo.us.

By Jazmine Knight One Central High School student was honored Tuesday afternoon for her volunteerism around St. Joseph. Nyliya Washington received the “Most Spirited Volunteer for 15” award through the Youth Volunteer Corps and Patrick Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. The award recognizes positive leaders in volunteerism. The Patrick Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies

By Jazmine Knight Hillyard Technical Center students will have another way to gain hands-on career experience thanks to a new piece of equipment. Diesel tech students welcomed a new, fully operational Freightliner chassis donated by Daimler Truck North America. The chassis was previously stored at Altec as the school’s diesel shop was being remodeled. Mike

By Jazmine Knight The St. Joseph Board of Education voted on the fate of two more challenged books Monday evening. The school board voted 4-2 to retain “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, “This Book is Anti-Racist” by Tiffany Jewell. LaTonya Williams, Whitney Lanning, Mike Moore and Rick Gehring voted to retain both books with no restrictions

By Jazmine Knight As college students start to get into the swing of the semester, some may notice an unexpected deposit in their bank account. Refund checks come when students take out a loan for a certain amount of money to cover the cost of school but the loans exceed the school bill. The additional

By Jazmine Knight With strict cell phone bans gaining popularity in schools nationwide, the St. Joseph School District officials said they don’t plan on changing their policy any time soon. Lara Gilpin, director of secondary education, said the district is looking to be intentional about the enforcement of its cell phone policy. Right now, the

By Ashley Luthans Educators in Buchanan County will start the day with a boost several times this fall, as the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and various businesses treat teachers to free coffee at their schools. Coffee trucks are set to visit every school in Buchanan County in a rotation. Only one school will be

By Jazmine Knight The St. Joseph school board held a work session to discuss a timeline for hiring its next superintendent. This comes after current superintendent, Gabe Edgar, announced his retirement earlier this year. The board is working in collaboration with the Missouri School Boards’ Association, the firm hired to help with the search. LaTonya

By Ashley Luthans Two Central High School students shared their gratitude after receiving recognition from a national program. Charlie Horn was given the First Generation National Recognition Award, and Aaron McAllister received the Hispanic National Recognition Award. Both awards were handed down from the College Board National Recognition Program. Horn, a senior, said he was

By Jazmine Knight With the recent additions of a brand new simulated manufacturing facility and a newly renovated health science wing, Hillyard Technical Center has a lot to show off during the HTC Showcase. The event gives eighth, ninth and 10th grade students, along with their families, a chance to explore the state-of-the-art facilities and

By Ashley Luthans Financial aid can be crucial for college students, and many benefit from Free Application for Federal Student Aid. However, there were some delays last year that are expected to continue this year. Taylea Luedke, a freshman at Missouri Western State University, said that she dealt with last year’s delays, explaining that it

By NewsPress Now (StatePoint) When a new school year begins, most teachers don’t wait long before they begin scheduling tests, and assigning loads of homework and reading assignments. Here are three tips for helping kids stay on top of all their coursework: 1. Focus on organization: One of the most valuable life skills a student

By Jazmine Knight Parents of children who receive free and reduced lunch may be entitled to new benefits. The St. Joseph School District just announced Missouri’s approval of the Summer EBT 2024 program. This program is made possible by the Department of Social Services and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Summer EBT gives

By Jazmine Knight With the St. Joseph school board approving the long-range plan at its Aug. 26 meeting, community members have mixed opinions on the next steps for St. Joseph schools. The long-range plan lays out goals to eventually build two new St. Joseph School District high schools, improving the school feeder system. The plan

By Jenna Wilson St. Joseph School District leaders are continuing to make security a priority this school year, with some upgrades on the way, like metal detectors at sporting events, and others still in the works. “We’ve received plenty of money over the last four or five years to help with security improvements within our

By Jazmine Knight Parents at four St. Joseph schools that struggle the most with attendance will have a new incentive for making sure their kids get to class this year. Carden Park Elementary, Lindbergh Elementary, Robidoux Middle School and Lafayette High School parents will be competing for two opportunities to earn a $500 gift card,

By Jazmine Knight The St. Joseph School District made a few decisions during the August 26th board meeting. The board approved the long range plan with six votes in support and one member abstaining. Superintendent, Gabe Edgar, says there’s still a lot of work to do over the next couple of months but he’s happy

By Kendra Simpson “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison received the green light to stay in St. Joseph School District libraries, but some community members still aren’t happy about its place in local schools. In June, the district announced it would be forming a committee to review books that were challenged by community members. The

By Jazmine Knight The school year has just begun, but district leaders are already thinking ahead to how to improve attendance this year. Attendance has been an ongoing problem for St. Joseph schools. In 2022, attendance rates stood at 70.6%. They hit 78.91% in 2023 and 77.56% in 2024. “So what that has us doing

By NewsPress Now (StatePoint) At a time of declining enrollment and rising college costs, extra support of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) can give more young people a chance at a bright future. “HBCUs nurture the success of tomorrow’s leaders. That’s why investing in the HBCU community is critically important,” says Dewey Norwood, senior

By Jazmine Knight Wednesday morning was full of nervous jitters but laughter and smiles, too, as St. Joseph students celebrated the first day of school. The 2024-25 school year is in session, and students have different things to look forward to. Second grader Bentley Harris said he’s looking forward to recess. “That’s all I really

By Jazmine Knight The first day of school is usually full of surprises, but choir students at Central High School received one that was particularly grand. Central High School’s choir program was surprised with a grand piano as they entered class Wednesday. The school purchased a Yamaha CX3 grand piano. This comes after the April

By NewsPress Now (StatePoint) Say goodbye to dull, white walls and hello to a world of color and personality! A new survey by Duck brand finds college students and teachers are on a mission to turn their small spaces into feel-good, stylish surroundings. From creating DIY bulletin boards to covering cubbies and desks with fun

By Jazmine Knight Hillyard Technical Center students will be able to hone their skills in a new facility this school year. Hillyard hosted the ribbon-cutting for its brand new stimulated manufacturing facility Tuesday morning. The 22,000-square-foot facility, on the campus at 36th and Faraon streets, will be ready for students when classes begin on Wednesday.

By Kyle Schmidt Back-to-school supplies cost parents an average of $875, according to the National Retail Federation, but student-athletes have to tack on a bit more to prepare for their extracurriculars. Brad Spinner, athletic director at Lafayette High School, spoke about the costs of athletics, even without a registration fee. “Your soccer requires cleats and

By Jazmine Knight St. Joseph teachers and staff geared up for the school year Monday morning at Civic Arena with the annual convocation. District employees welcomed in the 2024 school year with speeches from board members, the superintendent and special performances from students across multiple St. Joseph schools. During convocation, Robert Sigrist, assistant superintendent of

By Leah Rainwater The St. Joseph School District Board of Education discussed possible firms in the search for a new superintendent Monday night in a special meeting. Both firms, the Missouri School Boards’ Association and the Education, Governance and Leadership Association were interviewed by the SJSD Board of Education. Ultimately, the board voted for the