Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honors Lydia Christian a first grade student with the Positive Office Referral certificate.
This award is presented to students who consistently show the 3R's RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY TO LEARN at Southwest Elementary in Dexter.Lydia is in the first grade and takes art class with Mrs. Banken. She recommended Lydia for the award.
"Lydia is always ready to learn in my art room. She is a helper and a good friend to her classmates."
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Public School Board along with superintendent Mitch Wood met for the a regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, March 15th.
Call to Order/Roll Call/Pledge The Board President announced the meeting is to begin, all members were present except for Rick Williams and Mark Nea, the president then lead in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Consent Agenda The (Amended) Consent Agenda was approved; the minutes from February 16thwere approved. Motion carried 5-0
5. Public Comments
CTA – Mrs. Jarrell spoke on their retirement tea scheduled for April 28th and the Board Candidate Q & A forum, she stated that all candidates couldn’t attend the forum so they are giving them questions and placing them in the Daily Statesman and on the ShowMe Times.
Correspondence – A thank you note from the Bell family was read thanking the board and staff.
6. Old Business-
A. Mr. Wood updated the board on the status of the new football scoreboard that was purchased by community members. He also stated the company is going to provide a 5 x 10 marquee that will be installed at Grant and One Mile to inform the community about school happenings.
B. The Board approved Summer School dates which will run from May 24 until June 21 for a total of 20 days.
7. New Business –
A. The Teens against Smoking Coalition along with their sponsor Mrs. Judy Patterson gave a brief presentation to place no tobacco signs at the BEC and Football stadium. They have $500 of funding that will cover the cost of the signs. Board approved 5-0.
B. The board approved Health Insurance Plans with USI which represents the South Central Education Consortium. The plan saw a 4% increase overall. The board also approved to stay with the current $472 premium that is paid by the district. Motion Carried 5-0
C. The board approved the following lunch prices for 2016-17. Motion Carried 5-0.
K-5 Student Breakfast $1.15
6-12 Student Breakfast $1.30
K-5 Student Lunch $1.80
6-12 Student Lunch $1.85
Adult Breakfast $1.30
Adult Lunch $2.15
Extra Milk $ .40
A. The April Board meeting was set for April 19, 2016.
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Nurses’ Report: The monthly caseload was submitted by high school nurse Linda Milam.
B. Technology Committee: The technology committee will meet on March 23 @ 3:30 in the administration building. Mr. Mouser talked about items of discussion which included 1:1 initiative, phone system, laptop carts and internal hardware needed to have more devices.
C. Board approved Hillyard to re-coat gym floors during the last two weeks of August for the following cost. Motion Carried 5-0
MS $1,387.00 HS $1,368.00 BEC $3,106.50
D. Principal’s Report: Building administrators from Southwest, Central, Middle School and High School gave a report on happenings in their building.
In Executive Closed Session:
The Board approved 2 Additions to the Substitute Teacher List
Malinda Mayo Jennifer Steinberg
The Board accepted the resignations from the following:
Southwest Music Teacher, James Eldreth
Central Third Grade Teacher, Hillary Mayberry
SW Companion Aide, Emily Lucy
HS Varsity Girls Tennis Coach, Kurt Lovelady (Coaching Only)
The Board hired the following personnel for 2016-17 school year:
Amber Duley Southwest Music Teacher
The Board approved the employment of returning probationary teacher’s upon recommendation of their respective building principals.
Dexter, Missouri - Southwest Elementary honors first grade students Zaiden Barfield, Gavin Passley, and Juan Martinez with the Positive Office Referral certificate.
This award is presented to students who consistently show the 3R's RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and READY TO LEARN at Southwest Elementary in Dexter.
Zaiden Barfield is in the classroom of Mrs. Lambert. "Zaiden has made huge improvements and is trying so hard. So proud of you!"
Gavin Passley is in the classroom of Mrs. Lambert. "Gavin is always so nice and does what his teacher says."
Juan Martinez is in the classroom of Mrs. Putnam. He was referred by Mrs. Sarah Jarrell. "Juan comes to group every week and is very respectful of the teacher, cadet and other students!"
Congratulations and keep up the good work!
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
