Irene Huang was elected State Jr. Beta President during the 2014 State Convention and will preside over their State of Missouri convention on December 4, 2015. She was elected by more than 3,000 of her peers.
She spoke to a packed gym of teachers, parents, special guests, board of directors, and the entire middle school student class. Below is her speech from the Induction Ceremony.
"Good morning, Betas! How are we doing today? This summer, I learned a little chant that encourages me to stay positive and happy. I would like all of you to do it with me." She explained how the chant went and the participation was overwhelming. The students were really excited to chant and cheer with her.
"Welcome to our annual T.S. Hill Junior Beta Induction Ceremony parents, teachers, sponsors, and my fellow Betas! My name is Irene Huang, your Missouri State Junior Beta President!"
"As you can see, we have a tremendous group of dedicated students at T.S. Hill. This year, we have 294 members in our Dexter Jr. Beta Club. This is the most we have ever had and I would like to congratulate all of you on your achievements. new members, we welcome you to Junior Beta. This club is a wonderful opportunity for each of you to get involved with our school and prepare you for your future."
"Some of you might be wondering what exactly Junior Beta is. Many believe Beta is just a club for kids with good grades or another opportunity for our school to get good publicity. While those things are true, Beta Club also promotes character, develops leadership skills, encourages service involvement, and much more. Overall, it is a great association that encourages students to develop their skills and abilities that they may not have been aware they possessed."
"I am honored to be here, to introduce each of you about the vast amount of things Beta has to offer. I would also like to take a moment to simply thank all of our sponsors. They have invested time in our students to help us reach our academic goals and achieve accomplishments beyond our expectations. Thanks for helping ME to reach MY goals. I am proud member and I love representing our school and organization. Now it's your turn. Remember to carry the torch and maintain your momentum. Remember to tell yourself, "I feel great and I AM great!"
The Board President announced the meeting to begin with the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
New Business
A. The Board approved the A+ report as presented by High School Counselors Judy Patterson and Jennifer Miller.
B. The Board approve revisions to the 2015-16 Assessment Plan as presented by Curriculum Director Michele Williams.
C. The Board approved Special Services Director Amy James as Foster Care Coordinator; Homeless Coordinator; 504 Coordinator; Surrogate Parent Coordinator; Federal Programs Director; and Compliance Coordinator of Policy AC (which prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation).
D. The Board approved the Superintendent as Title IX Coordinator.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Mrs. Williams discussed the District Annual Performance Report (APR).
Mr. Wood discussed MSBA Policies GBEA, BBB, BBBA, BBC, BHA, BHD, DGA, DLC, DLCA, JFH, KL, ACAE, and MCE policy 2115.
A nurse’s report was submitted by high school nurse Linda Milam.
High School Principal Dan Pollock was asked to gather information on National Honor Society and compare it to Dexter Honor Society which the school currently offers. After discussion the board asked Mr. Pollock to gather more information from his faculty and staff for further discussion at the November or December Board meeting.
Administration from Southwest Elementary, Central Elementary, Middle School and High School gave reports on attendance and things going on in their buildings.
In closed session
The Board approved the following additions to the Substitute Teacher list: Whitney Bramlett, Eric Callahan, Lindsey Callahan, Brooke Stoker, Summer Griffin, Mandi Wood and Jeremy Granger.
The Board accepted the resignation of Southwest Elementary custodian Justin Berry, effective immediately.
The Board accepted the resignation of Central Elementary 5th Grade teacher Gale D. Slinkard, effective immediately.
The Board accepted the resignation of High School English teacher Carla Bradley, effective at the end of the 2015-16 school year.
The Board accepted retirement notice of Central Office Secretary Peggy Currie.
The Board accepted retirement notices from Southwest Elementary teacher Debbie Thrower; from Central Elementary Art teacher June Lawrence; from Middle School Family and Consumer Science teacher Shari Stickles; Social Studies teacher Sherry A. Chance and 8th Grade teacher John Stevens, effective at the end of the 2015-16 school year.
The board voted to employ Martin Fortenberry as high school Industrial Arts teacher.
The board voted to employ Whitney Bramlett as Central Elementary teacher beginning Jan. 4, 2016.
The board voted to employ Emily Lucy as Special Services Aide.
The board discussed a formal complaint that was filed with the school. Mr. Wood informed the Board the matter has been turned over to the schools liability insurance carrier MUSIC.
The board discussed the option of contracting out custodial services. Mr. Wood and Mr. Mouser explained the difficulties the district is having finding enough applicants to fill these jobs. Mr. Wood explained the contracted service would not cost the district more monies and would provide them with enough manpower to have a clean environment for the students and staff. The district will post a RFP immediately so that bids can be taken with their goal being implementing services second semester.
The board discussed the district options of baseball and softball facilities.
Dexter, Missouri - Julia Hahn and Brittany Brown, captains of the 2015 Lady Cats volleyball team presented a check in the amount of $5,500 to Scott Kruse, founder of 18 ForeLife.
The money was raised during the team’s annual Hits for Hope volleyball game on October 1st, 2015.
Julia, Brittany and Kendall Adams are senior members of the team and were a part of the very first Hits for Hope game in Dexter. They helped organize and participated in that first event when they were in the 7th grade.
When asked what they like most about participating in Hits for Hope.
“I love playing the game,” commented Julia Hahn. “I always play in honor of Patty May. On a few occasions, myself and some teammates got to deliver love offerings to someone fighting cancer. We didn’t know them. They didn’t expect it. The appreciation they expressed made a huge impact on me. I’ll never forget that.”
“The whole week leading up to the Hits for Hope game is amazing,” stated Brittany Brown. “We do so much more than just play the game to help raise money. The event also raises awareness of Breast Cancer. I have loved being a part of it. It is something I will miss since I am graduating.”
The group is currently on tour throughout Missouri. Dexter was their second stop on a seven- city tour that includes Poplar Bluff, Willow Springs, and Springfield.
The Chorale performed for on stage in the Dexter High School Auditorium for faculty, staff, and student.
If no rain it will be held in the Dexter High School parking lot, if rain, they will move the Trunk or Treat indoors. There's a chance of rain so just get dressed up and come out and get some candy. The STUCO students have been working hard on their costumes and collecting candy!
Children from preschool through 5th grade are invited to attend.
Added note: City of Dexter trick or treating will be allowed in the city on Saturday night from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. according to City Administrator Mark Stidham.
Have a SAFE and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!
