Education

By Ashley Luthans The future of several St. Joseph School District library books is in limbo after community members called for them to be banned. Ten books are under consideration to be banned: “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “Looking for Alaska” by John Green, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, “If I

By Charles Christian A historic St. Joseph home is looking to expand its impact through education and innovation. Since 1885, the Shakespeare Chateau Inn has been a landmark in St. Joseph. With its large collection of 19th Century stained glass and accommodations, current owner Isobel McGowan is partnering with the new Shakespeare Chateau Guild to

By Marcus Clem Most folks want to pay teachers more, but the question is always how, and no clear answer to that exists within more than 150 pages of a new Missouri law, rural education leaders have said. Gov. Mike Parson, a second-term Republican who will leave office in early January 2025, signed Senate Bill

By Marcus Clem As the St. Joseph School District sets to work on hiring teachers and staff this summer, it faces a challenge. Assistant Superintendent Brian Kraus told the Board of Education this week that he does not have specific numbers on the effort to hire employees for the 2024-25 year, but that the “applicant

By Kendra Simpson A new program through the Bartlett Center is aiming to help local teenagers gain self-confidence and entrepreneurial skills. With the help of the Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri After-School network, Bartlett Center’s Executive Director, LaTonya Williams, was able to get a grant that promotes entrepreneurship and civic engagement. This grant will

By Marcus Clem St. Joseph schools gave ground on getting kids to class for the recently ended 2023-24 academic term, compared to last year’s data, but one other key benchmark improved. The district announced a satisfactory attendance rate of 77.56% for the year, down from 78.91% in 2022-23, and well below the goal of more

By Charles Christian Retirement didn’t last long for a man who is well-known from his previous roles at an area university. Clarence Green Jr. retired in March after 28 years at Northwest Missouri State University, where he served as chief of the University Police Department, vice president of culture and interim university president. He now

By Riley Funk Facilities and maintenance workers were recognized on Thursday for the work they do to keep schools clean in the St. Joseph School District. The Cleanest Building Contest recognized the work that all custodial staff did during the 2023-24 school year. The winner for the overall cleanest building went to Hillyard Technical Center,

By NewsPress Now Two leading agricultural businesses in St. Joseph are now recognized as the $12 million Convergent Technology Alliance Center nears completion. The CTAC, a co-project of Missouri Western State University, North Central Missouri College and various public and private sponsors, is under construction on Missouri Western’s campus ahead of a scheduled opening for

By NewsPress Now A U.S. Armed Forces retired serviceman with decades of experience in the trades is a newly promoted administrator by the St. Joseph School District. The district said Thursday in a news release that Daniel Steidel replaces Casey Housman as coordinator of maintenance and warehousing, following a previous decision to give Housman the

By Marcus Clem The end of classes for the school year saw four lucky children with good attendance each receive a free bicycle on Wednesday. Coleman Elementary had students gather in the gym ahead of annual Field Day activities to celebrate those who have met the “Strive for Five” standard. Each child so honored is

By Jazmine Knight Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, is sweeping the nation. Some believe he’s just upholding traditional Catholic views, while others said he was insensitive to women. The opinions of Benedictine College students who attended the graduation are divided as well. One spring 2024 graduate who

By NewsPress Now (StatePoint) It’s graduation season, and if you have a college-bound student in your life, you’re probably looking for great ways to honor all their achievements of the past four years while helping prepare them for future successes. Consider this round-up of high school graduation gifts, by intended college major: Music: College dorm

By Jazmine Knight United Way’s Reading Adventure program is looking for special volunteers to help read to school-age children. The program, launched in 2011, helps kids maintain their reading skills over the summer to avoid a dip in their capabilities. “They will leave school next week and they may not pick up a book again

By Jenna Wilson St. Joseph Christian School celebrated its 2024 graduating class on May 12 with 28 graduating seniors receiving diplomas. The graduation ceremony held at Frederick Boulevard Baptist Church was presented with an opening prayer by Mr. Todd Miller, Teacher of the Year Announcement, Salutatorian address from student Lilly Walker, Valedictorian address from student

By Riley Funk The Bishop LeBlond Class of 2024 walked the stage Friday evening, wrapping up their high school careers. Families and friends gathered at Our Lady of Guadelupe for the ceremony, but first took part in the 64th Annual Baccalaureate Mass. Forty-three seniors were recognized for their achievement, and some received special honors. Six

By Jazmine Knight St. Joseph students will have new opportunities to be scientists and mathematicians in the classroom thanks to a donation aimed to uplift STEM learning. Thanks to Optimum’s donation of $25,000, the St. Joseph School District is now turning to teachers to create fun, innovative STEM projects. Teachers can submit their ideas through

By Jenna Wilson Dozens of JROTC cadets protested outside of Lafayette High School on Thursday in support of Master Sgt. Jamaal Anderson, who was placed on administrative leave by the St. Joseph School District. News-Press NOW has been following this story since last week. District officials have said they are avoiding commenting on the situation

By Jazmine Knight More than 30 St. Joseph students took the first step on a promising career path on Thursday. Hillyard Technical Center hosted its Apprenticeship Signing Day where 36 students accepted offers from their desired companies. Some of those companies include the St. Joseph School District, Midland Steel, Altec, Herzog, Lifeline Foods, multiple car

By Chris Fortune Four-day school weeks were rejected in St. Joseph, and a new bill signed by the governor may reduce the likelihood of the issue arising again any time soon. Gov. Mike Parson signed Senate Bill 727 into law on Wednesday, addressing elementary and secondary education and incentivizing a five-day school week. The Department

By NewsPress Now With the traditional school year wrapping up, enrollment is on for summer classes through the St. Joseph School District. The summer program, Catapult Missouri Summer Journey, is free but to secure transportation for the first day parents must register students by Friday, May 10. Classes run from Tuesday, May 28, through Friday,

By Marcus Clem Several future educators in St. Joseph received special recognition on Tuesday. The Hillyard Tech Center is best known for its capacity to train young students in the industrial arts, such as welding, robotics and automotive technology. However, it is also the site of a program that trains students interested in becoming teachers.

By Marcus Clem An impactful reform to public education is sitting on the desk of Missouri’s chief executive, and local leaders have a lot to say about it. Senate Bill 727 passed the Missouri General Assembly on April 24, starting a 15-day clock for Gov. Mike Parson, a second-term Republican who will leave office in

By Kirsten Stokes With universities across the country forced to eliminate funding, jobs and departments, diversity, equity and inclusion-based programs continue in Missouri — for now. DEI programs have roots in the 1960s Civil Rights movement. Today, officials who are against DEI are leaning toward, if not already, removing programs some say promote discriminatory ideology

By Jenna Wilson A Lafayette high school JROTC instructor is on administrative leave, district officials confirmed, and parents and students are speaking out against the decision. No criminal charges have been filed against Master Sgt. Jaamal Anderson, who has been a JROTC instructor in the SJSD for almost five years, but the teacher is on

By NewsPress Now Missouri Western State University is set to send its Class of 2024 off with fanfare this Saturday. About 375 students are set to graduate in two spring commencement ceremonies at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 4 in the MWSU Fieldhouse in the M.O. Looney Complex. The public is invited. Doors

By NewsPress Now Several staff members will take on new leadership roles with the St. Joseph School District this summer. Promotions announced Tuesday by the Board of Education take effect July 1. Dr. Alexander Tomes will serve as principal at Robidoux Middle School. He started with the district as a biology teacher at Central High

By Marcus Clem Limited information has been confirmed about the paid administrative leave of a St. Joseph School District staffer earlier this month.  News-Press NOW filed a Missouri Sunshine Law request about the case on Monday, seeking all records about the case. Until the name of the staffer and any allegations affecting them are confirmed,