Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Oak Grove Elementary has joined Lake Road and Eugene Field in implementing the Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support program designed to reward students who are meeting and exceeding building expectations.
Through the new program that goes by the acronym STARS, students who are spotted by staff doing something exceptional earn points which they can use to purchase prizes in a makeshift store set up monthly. Classes can also earn reward parties. The store is funded by the Parent Teacher Organization as well as the Latch-Key program.
“If you put in those positive expectations, maybe you’ll ward off the negative behavior by bringing more attention to the good things,” Principal Jenifer Richardson explained. “It feels good to be praised so other students take notice.”
Upon meeting the required staff buy-in quota, Richardson and a team of colleagues attended a summer training institute in 2015 and proceeded to collect data last school year. Implementation of the action plan kicked off this year with an Olympic-themed boot camp that was designed for students to rotate through stations that defined expectations in various school settings such as the lunchroom and the bus.
The final component of the program is the Monday morning celebration during which students learn their behavioral focus of the week. Students are encouraged to wear their STARS T-shirts supplied by school sponsor Poplar Bluff Realty.
Richardson credits her staff for the early success of the program. First grade teacher Sheila Henderson commented that she enjoys “starting the week on such a positive note.” The biggest benefit third grade teacher Hilary Taylor sees, she added, is the “consistency of the new building-wide approach to classroom management.”
STARS stands for: The expectation is for our Star students to Take responsibility, Always be safe, Respect yourself and others, and Strive to do your best.
Promoting the STARS program are students (from left) Alexis Jameson, Laynie Riggins, Emma McCracken, Kale Caudel, Kinley Young, Samantha Painter, Cayden Innes and Zada Camden.
Photos and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter, Missouri - Amy James, Director of Special Services, Director of Federal Programs, District Compliance Officer submitted the Regular Board Meeting Minutes from the board meeting held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order/Roll Call/Pledge: The Board President announced the meeting is to begin, ascertains the attendance status of all board members with all members being present, and leads in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda was approved.
Public Comments: CTA presented updates of school happenings
across the campus.
Old Business:
A. No old business was discussed.
New Business:
A. The board rescinded MSBA Policy GB-R1-previously policy GCE-R.
B. The board approved 12 semester graduates, pending completion of
graduation requirements.
The board approved the bleacher inspection from Heartland
Seating Inc. for $1400.
The board approved the renewal of the umbrella liability insurance coverage from MUSIC for $8404.
8. Discussion Items:
Dr. Williams discussed the district’s Annual Performance Report (APR).
The nurse’s report was submitted by high school nurse Linda Milam and reviewed.
Administrator’s from all buildings were present to give a report on the happenings in their building.
The next scheduled board meeting was set for December 15, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
In Closed Session:
The board approved the following additions to the Substitute Teacher List: Joshua Link, Jennifer Slavings, Jansen Williams, Billie Stratton-Nurse.
The board accepted a resignation letter from Bus Driver, Regina Dowdy.
The board accepted a resignation letter from Southwest Paraprofessional, Tracy Botsch.
The board accepted a retirement letter from High School Counselor, Jennifer Miller.
The board accepted a retirement letter from High School Counselor, Judy Patterson.
The board accepted a retirement letter from High School Math Teacher, Linda Hill.
The board accepted a retirement letter from High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Derek Urhahn.
The board employed Bus Driver, Brad Hann.
The board discussed the completion of an advanced degree and approved a pay increase for the payroll/insurance clerk. This increase is due to obtaining a Masters in Business Administration.
The board voted to approve salary indexes equivalent to their positions for the remainder of their 2016-2017 contract for; Gavin Miller, Nancy Langley, and Amy James.
Dexter, Missouri - The Southeast Missouri District 11 High School All-District Jazz Band auditions were held on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Jackson High School.
The Dexter high school Jazz Cats are under the direction of Scott Rybolt.
2016 All-District Jazz Band:
Zarah Olsen - Alternate Alto Sax
Shelby Smith - Tenor 2 Sax
Gracie Bess - Alternate Tenor Sax
Layla Brown - Trumpet 3
Olivia Collins - Trombone 3
Dason Milam - Bass Trombone
Alex Fitzpatrick - Alternate Trombone
Sean Rybolt - Alternate Bass Guitar
Matt Chester - Drum Set
Congratulations!
Dexter, Missouri - High School All-District Band auditions were held on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Jackson High School.
The Dexter high school band is under the direction of Scott Rybolt.
The students will perform on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at a concert in Cape Girardeau. They will spend the day learning new songs and working with clinicians.
2016 High School Concert Band All-District:
Sarah Smith - 9th Flute
Abby Mangum - 2nd Oboe
Jillian Avery - 4th Bassoon
Audrey Lutmer - Alternate Bassoon
Victoria Merritt - 14th Clarinet
Amber Scott - Alternate Clarinet
Johnna Hinklin - 4th Bass Clarinet
Emily Johns - 1st French Horn
Sean Rybolt - Alternate Percussion Option 2
Congratulations!
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Choral Department proudly presents, "The Wizard of Oz" beginning Thursday, November 17, 2016.
Performance dates are Thursday, November 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Dexter High School auditorium; Friday, November 18th at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 19th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Prices are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for students and children 4 years of age and younger are free.
Special pricing for Saturday afternoon is $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for students and children 4 years and younger are free.
They would love for you to come and see the show! These awesome group of kids have worked very hard on this production. Come out and watch the magic of this classical performance come to life!
