
Retiring this year are Andrea Backfisch, first grade teacher; Sherry Dukes, high school special education teacher; Anita Joyner, middle school math teacher; Paula Jarrell, elementary learning disabilities teacher; and Cindy Bowman, Central Elementary principal.
Among the classified staff retiring are Gale Simmering, elementary librarian and Lisa Moore, high school secretary.
The public is encouraged to attend this even and honor those that are retiring.
Congratulations to all those retiring!

She participated in basketball her freshman and sophomore years, volleyball her sophomore year, and softball all four years of high school. This year she is playing at 1st base.
Dakota is member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Teachers of American, Future Farmers of America, Pep Club, Honor Society and is the treasurer of DECA.
She has earned awards as an all-county softball player and all-tourney softball athlete and the Highest Batting Average Award.
Her future plans are to attend Southeast Missouri State University and major in Radiology.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Long-time Dexter Public School teachers Sherry Dukes and Anita Joyner were honored Thursday evening at the MSTA Southeast Region Spring Teachers' Meeting and Retirement Banquet.
The annual spring dinner was held at the Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau. Retirees from thirteen Southeast Missouri school districts were recognized for their years of service to Missouri public schools.
Sherry Dukes has been in special education for thirty years--twenty-eight of those
in the Dexter schools. Anita Joyner, who has taught 8th grade math and algebra for the past 27 1/2 years, is also retiring with thirty years of teaching experience.
Mrs. Dukes and Mrs. Joyner were presented with the traditional engraved classroom bell, as a tribute to their dedication to education.
The Dexter Public Schools will host a retirement tea on May 5 in the Bearcat Event Center, which will honor all those retiring from the district.
Photo and article courtesy of Nancy Vines.

We hope you will mark your calendar and we encourage everyone to support our local students and their activities. The education and growth of young people in our community is the key to everyone's future!
If you would like to submit information and a picture of a student and his/her accomplishments, send it to news@showmetimes.com.


School Wide Positive Behavioral Support (SWPBS) award is presented at the start of each month at Southwest Elementary. One classroom in each grade is recognized for exhibiting the high character with regard to observing the school's 3R's.
The 3R's stand for being Respectful, Ready to Learn and Responsible. The class with the highest attendance average, combined with the fewest disciplinary measures and general good character are awarded a 3R red flag to be posted in their classroom for the next month. The students are also awarded "superhero" capes to wear and parade around the gym before returning to class.
Front row: Drew Martinez, Wyatt Hockersmith, Gwyn Burleson, Marissa Bradley, Cadence Buenaventura, Makalie Mekan, Rilee Hayes, Daniel Twomey, Olivia McCollum
Back row: Tara Pullum, Brailyn Evans, Charlene Bess, Austin Lasater, Emma Sadler, Luke Fichtel, Ashur Allen, Cheyenne Austin, Stryker Muzny