MSTA, Missouri State Teacher Association, hosted internationally known speaker and author, Dr. Ruby Payne, for a 2-day conference on June 2-3 in Branson.  Dr. Payne is a leading expert in helping schools meet a diverse population of students through research-based instructional techniques as well as various community/parent involvement activities. 

The team of teachers and principals from Bolivar Middle School had the extraordinary opportunity to eat lunch with Dr. Payne and converse about specific ideas that the middle school has put in place as well as new ones that can be utilized to continue the strong school and community partnership already formed.  Dr. Payne commented on Bolivar Middle School’s efforts in being innovative and raising student achievement for all kids through cutting edge techniques such as the MAP walk and offering breakfast items before the MAP test, among many other practices. 

“It was a privilege to spend some focused time over lunch with Dr. Payne," said Shane Dublin, BMS Principal.  "She has influenced schools and the way we reach students for a number of years, so her input into what we are doing at Bolivar Middle School is invaluable.”

Pictured from left are Lisa Doyle, Nancy Smith, Lisa Funk, Judi Wall, Dr. Ruby Payne, Shane Dublin, and Michael Methvin.