Since the start of school, everything has been different including the school bell schedule. One of the things students liked most about the schedule was that there wasn’t class on Friday. But with the start of the 2nd quarter mid-October, there was a change in the schedule that added Fridays back. The Fridays were included back in the schedule because the state of Missouri requires a certain amount of education time in order for students to gain credits. Some students expressed their opinion that the Fridays weren’t needed, but staff members saw this as an opportunity for a test day or a catch-up day. Still, Confluence student Alia Britt didn’t like the idea of adding Fridays back in, so she started a petition, http://chng.it/8ShnXHKdwG, to get Fridays back off the schedule. Alia said that more than 200 students signed the petition. Alia feels strongly about students getting a break from their computer screens every day, “Fridays have affected me in a bad way. I’m not learning anything new and I’m spending way too much time in front of a computer. I used to use Fridays as a day to relax from the stressful week of school and also to take a break from my computer screen. I wasn’t very excited when I found out we now had to meet on Fridays, but I was willing to try it.” The principal, Ms. Burgdorf, explained that those first few weeks of virtual classes was to really get the hang of everything. Once students and teachers caught on, the schedule would be back to normal, “I have always prided myself on having high expectations for myself, my teachers, and my students. This has allowed me to continue to grow as an educator and as a professional. I am not going to change now!” Even though many would love to have Fridays back Ms. Burgdorf says that it is in the best interest of everyone to have Friday class and that, “We are not going to go back. We are moving forward!”

This 2020-2021 school year at CPA started with 5 new teachers and 1 returning teacher. The new teachers include Lana Hughey (CTE), Crystal Kuse (Special Education), Natasha Payne (returning instructional coach), Carolyn Barnes (math), David Cook (guidance), and Shavonne Simmons (Social Worker).

Mr. Cook/Guidance Counselor A-L:

This is Mr. Cook’s 11th year as a High School counselor, which he enjoys dearly because no two days are the same! He earned his master’s degree and attended Valor Christian College, Fontbonne University, and Missouri Baptist. Mr. Cook is currently working on his doctorate from Liberty University. Mr. Cook lived and worked in the same community he grew up in until the summer of 2019. He is excited to be at CPA to try something new and work in a different setting. In his free time, Mr. Cook enjoys spending time with family, exercising, fishing, and hunting.

Ms. Hughey/CTE:

This is Ms. Hughey’s first year teaching! This year she will be a CTE Business teacher teaching personal finance, business management, and graphic design. Ms. Hughey earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Drury University and is working on her master’s degree from Lindenwood University. She chose CPA to enjoy the small feel of knowing all the teachers and students. On her free time, Ms. Hughey loves to spend time with her dog, play the guitar, and cook.

Ms. Payne/Instructional Coach:

This is Ms. Payne’s 18th year in education. This year she will be an instructional coach because she enjoys supporting teachers and helping students beyond the classroom. Ms. Payne received her bachelor’s degree from Harris-Stowe State University and her master’s degree from Lindenwood. She decided to join CPA because the school gave her an opportunity to advance her career. Ms. Payne likes to dance in her free time.

Mrs. Barnes/Math:

This is Mrs. Barnes' 27th year in education. She is qualified to teach math to students in grades 5th-12th. This year she will be teaching Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and College Algebra. Mrs. Barnes graduated from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). She decided to join CPA because she has the opportunity to live out her 2 passions, mathematics and making a difference in the lives of young people. In her free time, Mrs. Barnes enjoys collecting old teacups and saucers, spending time with family, and running her photography company.

Crystal Kuse/Special Education: Check Ms. Kuse’s story in our next newsletter

Shavonne Simmons/CLC Social Worker: Check out Ms. Simmon’s story in our next newsletter