Dexter, Missouri - Mr. Loyd Rice brought a group of Dexter High School students to Jefferson City this week.

The students had attended a Tobacco Free Missouri Youth Rally in Jefferson City and then visited the Capitol building. 

Shown in the photo from left to right are: Bryson Huggins, Emily Page, Landon Henson, Tila Hubrecht, 151st State Representative, Loyd Rice, Macy Graves, Corie Williams (Saxony Lutheran), and Jake Rice.

Photo credit: Tim Bommel, Photojournalist, Missouri State Capitol

Help Bring Technology to a Local Classroom in the Bootheel

Amy Pixley, a first grade teacher in Kennett, Missouri is asking for help in bring technology to her classroom.  Mrs Pixley currently wrote a proposal and sent it into Adopt-A-Classroom.  “Adopt-A-Classroom is a great organization that helps teachers with funding for their class,” said Pixley.  “Teacher spend so much of their own money on their classrooms, but sometimes what they want to do is even beyond their means.”  That’s where Adopt-A-Classroom comes into play. Teacher can write a proposal and send it in, then the community comes in and votes. The top 180 teachers will receive $2,500 to spend on what they need for their classroom.  

“ I have been teaching for 22 years and have taught in 4 different school districts in Southeast Missouri.” Amy explains.  “ I have loved every school district I taught in and made many friends.  My family moved to Kennett, Missouri 3 years ago and my whole teaching experience changed.  I can’t explain to you the difference there is in just driving 45 minutes south. You don't just make a difference in the kids education down here, but in their whole life.  It pulls on your heartstrings hard everyday.  You don't just worry about are they getting the content I put in front them everyday. You worry about; Are they going to get fed at home? Are they going to be warm? Will someone be there when they get off the bus? Will someone hug them and say I love you? Will they be safe?”

Mrs Pixley currently has 20 student in her first grade classroom.  The lacking technology is a big challenge. There are zero student computers in the classroom and 5 iPads. “I try to get the iPads in their hands as much as possible because I know most do not have them at home. Technology is a big part of our future and I want to prepare my students as best I can for their future.  My students journal, practice math, spelling, sight words and even handwriting on the iPads.  It's just a challenge when they have to share 1 iPad with 4 students.”  

There are only 12 teachers in the state of Missouri who are up for the grants.  Mrs Pixley is the only elementary teacher south of Jackson, Missouri.  “The way you win the grant is by votes, which I know will be a huge challenge for me considering the area I teach in.  Everyone can vote once a day per email address throughout the month of March. When you go up against teachers all over the nation like San Francisco and New York, Kennett probably doesn't have a chance.  But you never know unless you try.  I know my kids won't get more technology if I just talk about it. I have to at least try to do something about it.”  

To help Mrs Pixley’s class try to win this grant go to www.thankamericasteachers.com and click on vote.  Please vote everyday

Essex, Missouri - Members of the Richland Future Business Leaders of America pose for a photo with their medals after winning their various events at the FBLA District 16 Conference in Malden.

Included in the photo are, front left: freshman Kate Wyman who won first place medals in Introduction to Business, Introduction to Business ComFeb munication, and Introduction to Business Principals, senior Skie Pinkley who won fifth place in Business Law, and sophomore Megan Cullum who finished first in Securities and Investments. In the back is junior Preston Tilley, who placed first in Business Sales Presentation and fourth in Impromptu Speaking.

Not pictured is freshman Liza King who finished second in Introduction to Business Procedures. Each of the students will be moving on to compete at the state level in Springfield in April.

Photo by Emily Blunt / Richland School

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College’s DECA chapter has secured “Chapter of the Year” honors at the Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference, held in Lake Ozark, Mo., Feb. 25-26. Two members of the Three Rivers chapter also won individual awards, which qualify them to advance to multi-national competition at the Collegiate DECA international conference in Washington, D.C.

Three Rivers’ DECA students competed against 140 students from colleges and universities across Missouri at the state conference. For the “Chapter of the Year” award, students Rebecca Cato of Doniphan and Melissa Speers of Poplar Bluff were interviewed on behalf of the chapter about their activities and experiences as part of DECA at Three Rivers.

In addition to the chapter award, two students won awards in individual competitions. Alex Strauts of Poplar Bluff won second place in the Retail Management competition, and Madison Miller won third in Banking and Financial Services. Students in the individual competitions are required to formulate and present a response to a theoretical problem in their chosen field. Both Strauts and Miller will advance to compete at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference, to be held April 16-20 in Washington, DC.

DECA is an international organization that helps high school and college students across the country prepare for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through professional development, education, and networking opportunities. For more information on how to support or participate in DECA at Three Rivers College, contact Dr. Martha Kirkman at mkirkman@trcc.edu.

Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.

Shown in the photos:  DECA students from Three Rivers College pose with their awards from the Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference. From L-R: Alex Strauts of Poplar Bluff, second place, Retail Management; Rebecca Cato of Doniphan, interviewee for Chapter of the Year; Melissa Speers of Poplar Bluff, interviewee for Chapter of the Year; and Madison Miller, third place in Banking and Financial Services.

Article and photo submitted by Three Rivers College Media Services.

Dexter, Missouri - One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish!  Green Eggs and Ham!  Thing 1 and Thing 2! Cat in the Hat! Everyone knows Dr. Seuss! 

It's "Dress Like Your Favorite Dr. Seuss Character Day" at Southwest Elementary! 

Shown in the photo are Will Guethle, Brayden Vaughn, and Langston Werneck!

Thank you Lauren Hutchcraft for sending the ShowMe Times such a great photo!