Dexter, Missouri - The 6th, 7th and 8th grade band students at Dexter's TS Middle School welcomed the holiday season with their annual Christmas concert.

Under the direction of Mr. Jim Wade, Middle School Band Director, the 6th grade students were excited to perform their first Christmas concert.  They began with an old time favorite, "Jolly Old St. Nick" written by Bruce Pearson.  The band played a total of five tunes, "We Three Kings" written by John Hopkins, "Up on the Housetop" by Chuck Elledge and ended the concert with two songs written by Bruce Pearson, "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".  They did an awesome job and the crowd cheered and sang with the band during their performance.

The 7th and 8th grade students were dressed in their band uniforms as this is a tradition at TS Middle School.  They don't get to show off their uniforms as often as the high school; however they will get their chance to march very soon.  Dressing in their band uniform always makes them look sharp.

They too performed 5 songs beginning with "A Holly Jolly Christmas" written by Johnny Marks and favorite of many, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" arranged by Mike Story.  Mr. Wade chose two songs arranged by Jerry Nowak, "Merry Christmas Darling" and "Home for the Holidays."  The 7th and 8th grade band ended with "Deck the Halls with Old Composers", a cute little tune by Jerry Williams. 

This was the last Christmas concert for the 8th graders at TS Middle School, for next year they will be at the high school.  There are several students who have already been playing music with the high school during this past football season and they look forward to marching next year.

"There is a lot of musical talent at Dexter Schools. Both Mr. Wade and Mr. Rybolt do a fine job teaching our youngsters.  I enjoy their performances and I attend all of my girl's concerts," stated one very proud mother in the audience.

We look forward to their next performance in the new year! 

Dexter, Missouri - There is no "dress rehearsal" for Crazy Hair Day at Dexter Senior High School.  Students spent the morning creating their own idea of a masterpiece.  They probably only had a few minutes to perfect their hair by spraying or spiking their curls into the necessary shapes before heading off to school.  Some even added feathers, glitter and different colored hair attachments. 

Some students even dyed their hair a different color, red, green, or blue, some with streaks, some just dyed their whole head.  You could be as different as you wanted and it didn't have to look perfect.  Alexandria Dennison astounished everyone by dying her hair orange and adding purple extensions.

Crazy Hair Day has been a tradition during Spirit Week for years.  Students may be ready for their Christmas break, but they are just as excited about Winter Homecoming on January 4th when the Dexter Bearcats take on the Woodland Cardinals at the Bearcat Event Center.   The Homecoming queen coronation will also be held as well as the annual Winter Homecoming Dance.  Everyone is welcome to attend the game and cheer for the Bearcats!

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College students have been working very hard this holiday season.  Along with attending classes and studying they have been collecting gifts for children to donate to the Angel Tree Program.

Along with the familiar Red Kettles of the Salvation Army, the Angel Tree Program was created in 1979 by Majors Charles and Shirley White.  In the very beginning they worked with a shopping mall in Lynchburg, Virginia to provide clothing and toys for children at Christmas.

The program got its name because the Whites identified the wishes of local children by writing their gift needs on Hallmark greeting cards that featured pictures of angels.  They placed the cards on a Christmas tree at the mall to allow shoppers to select children to help.  Thanks to them, more than 700 children had a brighter Christmas that first year.

Then three years later the Whites were transferred to Nashville, Tennessee and the Angel Tree Program was launched as the radio station WSM, which airs the Grand Ol' Opry, came on board as the first co-sponsor.  Now some 33 years later the Angel Tree Program is still helping underprivileged children all over the country.

Marcia Fields, Director of Student Services at Three Rivers College and Derek Vaughn, SGA Director of Activities, stand in front of a truly mountainous pile of gifts donated by Three Rivers College students and staff.  This year the students and staff have truly given from their hearts as this holiday season is all about giving and sharing. 

Children from newborn to 12 years of age who are less fortunate are able to participate and receive specially wrapped gifts.  With the help of volunteers, their Christmas will be even more delightful!

If you are interested in participating or donating, you may contact the Salvation Army directly online at http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org or call your local Salvation Army Area Command. 
 

Dexter, Missouri - Dexter Senior High School is really getting into the Christmas spirit with their many activities during Spirit Week!  Thursday is wear Grandma's Sweater or "ugly" Sweater Day. 

The Dexter High School halls were filled with holiday cheer as the students and faculty wore their Grandma's Christmas sweaters and sweatshirts.  Beautifully colored with Christmas trees, red ribbons, ornaments, Santas and snowmen.  Students enjoyed

Mrs. Tammy Crowley and Rhonda Lowery also participated with their holiday sweaters.  They almost looked liked twins, but that was Tuesday! 

Rebecca Reeves, Krysta Winstead and Sophie Lebel were fully clad in their "Grandma's Sweaters".  How festive each of them looked. Brittney Twomey, Kelsey Frederick, and Paige Fitzpatrick showed off their "Grandma's Sweaters".  They all looked so very sweet in their Christmas attire.

It is almost Friday and that means the last day of the semester and Christmas Break is finally here!  Students are hoping for a white Christmas this year.  Dexter High School will continue Spirit Week one more day by wearing Christmas colors - RED and GREEN.  Good luck to all those who have finals and tests this week, the pep rally 7th hour can't get here soon enough.

Dexter T.S. Hill Middle School - The upcoming dates and activities are provided by ShowMe Times working in partnership with the Dexter Public Schools for your convenience.

ShowMe Times would like to encourage all our readers to get involved with our public schools. The upcoming activities are posted weekly in hopes of encouraging more people to get involved in the academic and athletic growth of our school system.

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