Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary School in Dexter holds a Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser each year for the American Heart Association.

First and second graders jumps their little hearts out for the cause!

This year, under the direction of Coach Kyle Williamson, students raised a total of $7,414.48.  The school's top fundraisers in first grade are pictured above.

Klaire Essner raised $217, Emmelia Cliff raised $250, Calab Rowland raised $300 and the overall fundraiser was Eli Scott.  He raised $505 on his own.  for his accomplishment, the school gym at Southwest Elementary was named after Eli for a week.  His classroom, with Shannon Putnam as teacher, was the top fundraising class with $1,069.00 turn in for the American Heart Association.

Congratulations Eli and to all the students who worked so hard to raise money for a great cause!

Dexter, Missouri - Robert Shell brought a load of "free gifts" to the T.S. Hill Middle School Jr. Beta Club.  He also addressed the club explaining FORD's Drive for Your School opportunity.

On Saturday, April 11th, Bud Shell Ford in Dexter will have select automobiles at T.S. Hill Middle School for test driving opportunities.  Every person 18 and over who fill out a form will earn the Jr. Beta Club $20.  The offer is limited to 300 participants and will earn the T.S. Hill Jr. Beta Club $6,000. 

This money will be used to travel to the National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee on June 25, 2015.

There will also be other events on Saturday, April 11th.  They will host a carwash (donation only), yard sale (donation only), and a Diaper Derby.

Support like this is greatly appreciated and the students left the gym motivated and in high spirits.

Shown in the photo are Jr. Beta Club members and Robert Shell.

Dexter, Missouri - Matt Worley is a Dexter School Board Candidate.  The Dexter CTA made available at Monday evening's School Board Candidate Forum a little background information on each candidate to share with the public.

Family Members:  Amy (wife), Jack (9th grade), and Cooper (2nd grade)

Personal Education History:  Graduate of Dexter High School Class of 1989, Southeast Missouri State University with Bachelor of Science in General Studies.

Occupation: Owner and President of Specialty Products & Services, Inc.

Community Service Activities/Affiliations:  Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Mental Health Regional Advisory Council.

Why do you want to serve as a school board member?  "I have two children in school, and I want them to receive the best education possible.  As a member of the school board, I hope to affect Dexter's schools in order ot give my children this opportunity, and by those same efforts give the same opportunity to all the children of the district."

What is your philosophy of education?  "I believe education starts at home with the parents.  The school has the responsibility to give them the structured education they deserve, and need, to be successful.  School should have an environment that is conducive to learning, and have opportunities for extracurricular activities that enhance the education experience.  I believe the way to do this is by developing a strong administration, and supporting that administration while it performs its duties."

School Board Election is Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Dexter.

Dexter, Missouri - Rick Williams is a Dexter School Board Candidate.  The Dexter CTA made available at Monday evening's School Board Candidate Forum a little background information on each candidate to share with the public.

Family Members: Kim, Cale, and Carson Williams, Sarah, Josh, Eli, and Delaney Hunt.

Personal Education History: Graduate of Dexter High School, Southeast Missouri State University, University of Missouri, Columbia School of Law.

Occupation: Chief Executive Officer of Williams Moving Company.

Community Service Activities/Affiliations:  27 years on the Dexter R-XI Board of Education; Board President in 1993, 1994, 2003, 2004, 2010; Board Vice President 2000, 2001, 2002, 2014; past president of Lions Club; First Baptist Church Board of Directors and various committees; Board of Directors for Missouri Movers Association and the Missouri Movers Risk Management Trust; Chamber of Commerce; Missouri Bar Association; Mizzou Alumni Association; Board of Directors and President of the SEMO Football Officials Association.

Why do you want to serve as a school board member?  "I would like to continue to offer the experience and knowledge gained int he business and education setting to further advance the school system that is looked upon in the areas as being of the highest quality."

What is your philosophy of education?  "I believe that the purpose of education is not to train students to regurgitate facts, but to train them to think and how to understand.  The goal of education should be to create intelligence and character."

School Board Election is Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Dexter.

Dexter, Missouri - Jim Reiker is a Dexter School Board Candidate.  The Dexter CTA made available at Monday evening's School Board Candidate Forum a little background information on each candidate to share with the public.

Family Members:  Tania (wife), Thomas, Sam, and Jonah (sons), Katie Reiker and Abby Coppenbarger (daughters), granddaughter Libby Grace.

Personal Education History: Graduate of Cape Central High School in 1977, Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Class of 1981.

Occupation: Senior Vice President of Finance

Community Service Activities/Affiliations: Radio Broadcaster for Lady Bearcat Basketball, First Baptist Church - Deacon, assistant treasurer, and Media Team, Bearcat Booster Club member.

Why do you want to serve as a school board member?  "To be a part of ensuring quality education for all children in the Dexter R-XI district.  Additionally, I want to ensure that all faculty and staff are motivated and respected."

What is your philosophy of education?  "The role of a school is to educate each child in such a way that they reach their maximum potential."

School Board Election is Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Dexter.