Latest news with #GrenitaLathan
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Finalists for Springfield Teacher of the Year named, plus top librarians, reading teachers
Of the more than 270 nominations, five educators in Springfield Public Schools have been named finalists for Teacher of the Year. The winner, to be announced May 2 as part of the Celebrate SPS banquet, will serve during the 2025-26 year. At the event, the top reading teacher and librarian will also be honored. Superintendent Grenita Lathan recently surprised the five teachers in their classrooms or other workspaces. The winner announced at the banquet hosted by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools will compete for the Missouri Regional Teacher of the Year. That winner will advance to the Missouri Teacher of the Year competition. Here are the finalists: Amanda Brown, third grade teacher at Sunshine Elementary. "I knew I wanted to teach elementary because I believe that elementary teachers have the power to help shape how students will approach learning for the rest of their lives." Danielle O'Neil, physical education teacher at Sherwood Elementary. "Teaching is more than just a profession for me — it's a calling. At the end of the day, if I can be the light for just one student, then I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be." Rachelle Peak, a communications arts teacher with Launch Virtual Learning. "I believe the greatest commodity in any classroom is the students and their creativity. Ask for their ideas. Implement what you can. Give them credit." Tanner Schmidt, second grade teacher, Jeffries Elementary. "My core belief about teaching and learning is that every student has the ability to learn, and it's my job to find the best way to help them do so." Heidi Stagner, art teacher at Field Elementary. "It is my hope that students experience joy in my classroom and leave it with a passion for making things as lifelong artists and learners." At the banquet, the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year also will be named. More: SPS board agrees to build new Pershing Middle School on same campus Luke's legacy endures through her unwavering dedication to her students, colleagues, and the district. "Librarians are teachers, too!" was a sentiment she often shared. It is in this spirit of dedication and advocacy that the Linda Luke Fund was established, seeking to support future librarians who embody her commitment to students and the broader educational community. The finalists for that award include: David Stockton, McBride Elementary Morgan Johnson, Mann Elementary Lara Garrett, Gray Elementary Established by the Turner family, the Turner Reading Teacher of the Year award specifically honors teachers who demonstrate excellence in the critical area of reading instruction. The core purpose of the award is to reward those who impart essential reading skills and ignite a lifelong passion for reading within their students. The finalists for that award include: Janice Smith, Campbell Early Childhood Center Jennifer Montgomery, Rountree Elementary Manden Matz, Pittman Elementary Tickets to the banquet, sponsored by CoxHealth, are available online at There will also be a silent auction. At the event, Liberty Games will be celebrated at the foundation's Corporate Partner of the Year. The Queen City Free Runners will be honored as the Advocate for Education Award in recognition of their dedication to improving educational opportunities within our community. This award honors those who go above and beyond, championing the needs of students and educators alike. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Public Schools names 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Springfield Public Schools finalizes purchase of property for new Pipkin Middle School
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield Public Schools (SPS) has finalized its purchase of the property that will become the new Pipkin Middle School. According to a press release from SPS, the district closed on the 8.86 acre property previously owned by the General Council of the Assemblies of God on Jan. 21, 2025. The purchase now paves the way for construction of a new campus. 'We are pleased that we have achieved this important milestone and are positioned to move forward with building a new middle school for students in midtown Springfield,' said Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent of SPS. 'Our community was committed to keeping Pipkin as close to its current location as possible. Soon residents will start to see visible signs of progress.' The property is located a quarter of a mile from the current Pipkin campus, according to SPS, and is bordered by West Division Street on the north, West Lynn Street on the south and North Campbell Avenue on the east. The SPS Board of Education approved purchasing the property in March 2024 after a search for a parcel of land large enough to accommodate a modern middle school. Funds to purchase the property and build the new school were made possible by Proposition S, which voters authorized in April 2023. Nixa's SkyHigh fireworks show canceled for 2025 Prop S issued $220 million in general obligation bonds to fund 'critical school improvements prioritized by a citizen task force', according to SPS. Those improvements were identified to include safety and security upgrades at all school facilities, SPS says, as well as renovations for Pershing, storm shelters at Cowden, Holland, Mann, Pittman, Watkins and Wilder elementaries, and new construction for Reed Academy and Pipkin. The plan for the new Pipkin building is focused on giving students and teachers more classroom space and room to host activities outdoors. Dr. Travis Shaw, deputy superintendent of SPS, says it's also about addressing student safety while giving the community something to be proud of. 'We want to make sure that all of the safety aspects that we have established as being the criteria that all schools need to have, are there,' Shaw said. 'But it's also about really, we want kids to love walking into that building. We want teachers to love walking into that building because when we know we have that, that really just enhances the learning that can take place.' The current Pipkin facility opened in 1925, and SPS says it has the lowest condition score of any building in the district due to plumbing, electrical and other infrastructure challenges. Pipkin's current location also poses a student safety challenge, as students currently load and unload from buses and vehicles along Boonville Avenue. Shaw said construction for the new building is estimated at $53 million and includes everything from architectural and engineering costs to interior fixtures and furniture. Shaw said demolition is also estimated in that multi-million dollar price tag. The demolition of existing structures on the property is expected to begin in March and SPS says construction should be complete by 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
