News

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

By Jenna Wilson With the start of school looming, the St. Joseph School District is looking to keep students safe by preventing bullying in the classroom. Dr. Samantha Davis, SJSD coordinator of counseling, said starting a new school year can be difficult for students who have concerns about encountering bullying from their peers, but school