Give those youngsters a hand!!!

The fifth grade students at Central Elementary School in Dexter got to hear the praise and accolades of their third and fourth grade friends, teachers and school staff Thursday afternoon during the school's traditional "Clap Out."

Thursday was the last full day of classes in the Dexter schools, and the fifth grade students were congratulated for completion of the academic year. The students will move from Central Elementary to T.S. Hill Middle School next school year.

As students left the Fifth Grade Hallway, they were greeted by applause and "high 5's" on their walk down the hallway to the north exit to the school.It was a proud walk, marking the end of the school days at the elementary school.

The final day of school in Dexter is Friday, May 28. It is a half-day of classes for students, with students dismissed at 11:30. No lunch will be served on Friday.

"Lunch with the Principal" students like to read!

Second grade students at Southwest Elementary School in Dexter have participated in the Accelerated Reader program all academic year, and this week have celebrated their successes as the school year comes to a close.

On Monday, students who met their Accelerated Reader goal all four quarters of the year with at least an 85 percent accuracy rating on reading comprehension got to have a fun time at Lunch with the Principal.

Southwest Principal Sherry Matthews shared a picnic lunch with these students and they had the chance to romp and play on the "second grade playground" at Southwest. (Plans originally called for the event to be held at Boon Park, but conditions at the park necessitated the change.) Monday afternoon the two three Accelerated Rader students in each second grade classroom got to go bowling at Dexter Bowl. The students not only had to be in the top three of their class, but had to maintain a 90 percent or better accuracy every quarter this year.

The bowling party was provided by Dexter Bowl free of charge as a service to the Dexter schools.

According to reading teacher Felicia Powers, the primary focue os Accelerated Reader is reading comprehension.

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The vocal music students at Dexter's T.S. Hill Middle School presented an end-of-the-year concert Tuesday evening, May 17. The concert was held for family and friends at the Bearcat Event Center.

Featured in the concert was the 6th grade under the direction of Melissa Whitaker and the 7th and 8th grade choirs under the direction of MaryRuth Boone.

Assisting Boone with the 8th grade choirs were high school Cadet Teachers Shelbie Hessling and Ben Rodgers. Both are seniors at DHS and are members of the DHS Chamber Choir. Hessling and Rodgers each directed a selection performed by the 8th Grade Chorus.

The concert was Boone's final concert as a teacher in the Dexter Public Schools. Boone is retiring at the end of the school years after 30 years as a music educator in the Dexter schools. At the conclusion of the concert the 8th grade Chorus presented her with a dozen red roses for her contributions to the Dexter music program.

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The Dexter Community Teacher Assocition (CTA) recently held a Tea honoring the retiring teachers in the Dexter schools. Nine local educators were honored for their service to young people and to the local school district. Those recognized include (front row, from left) Chris Hillis, Mary Ann Simmons, Kaye Blankenship, and Joanne Mangum; (second row, from left) Karen Pippins, Jackie Asberry, Teresa Wray Overall, and Bryce Matthews. MaryRuth Boone was unable to attend the afternoon tea.

There was music in the air Thursday evening as the Dexter High School Bands held their final concert of the academic year. Outstanding band members were recognized during the concert. Recognized were (from left) Steven Harrellson, senior; Alex Rybolt, junior; Lauren Dudley, junior; Joseph Greer, sophomore; and John Dunham, freshman. The bands are under the direcion of Scott Rybolt and Jim Wade. (Photo by SMT Reader Kay Steventon; thanks, Kay!)