Dexter, Missouri - The annual Hits for Hope volleyball game was quite the success this year! More than $4579 was raised by the Lady Cats volleyball team and their band of volunteers!
The Lady ‘Cats also came out on top defeating the Puxico Lady Indians 25-9, 25-10 on Monday, September 26, 2016.
Players, spectators, coaches and even the referees wore pink to support the Hits for Hope fundraiser.
The generous contributions were donated to 18FORE Life.
"Isn't is just great!" commented Scott Kruse, co-founder of 18FORE Life with a big smile! "Amazing, truly amazing!"
Shown in the photos are senior Janie Lindsey, Scott Kruse, and senior Ashlynn Wyman
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff R-I School District has further opened its doors to the Boys and Girls Club immediately following the discovery of structural damage to the roof at the Hentz Center.
The Middle School, which is presently serving 120 club members grades 4-6 in the former band room, will add seventh grade and up in what was known as the JROTC building located between E.T. Peters Gym and Kay Porter Theater. The building will also serve as the office headquarters for the after-school program, which began moving in last week.
“Again, this highlights the incredible partnership that continues to pay dividends for our youth and our entire community,” said Chris Rushin, BGC executive director. “The (school) administration and the Board of Education share our mission.”
For over a decade, the BGC has operated out of the Hentz Center on South C Street, which the district leases in good faith to the organization for $1 per month. The Hentz Center, originally donated by Bluff City Apostolic Worship Center, once served as the district’s alternative school.
“While the Hentz Center has admirably served the needs of this community for many years, circumstances dictate that we must find alternatives to meet the demands of our youth,” BGC Board President Brock Littles wrote in an issued statement following the incident. “We would like to extend our deepest thanks to the entire Hentz family and Poplar Bluff School District as we look toward a solution to our immediate challenge and long-term plans for the future of the Boys and Girls Club of Poplar Bluff.”
The BGC will go from 5,400 to 7,700 square feet at its new location. The club will share access to the gym, as well as Bacon Park for recreational activities. Until the facility is up and running, there are about 50 students utilizing the former Teen Center across the street from Hentz in the church annex.
Attendance at the club was 413 as of Wednesday, Sept. 21, according to Rushin. Last year’s start of school attendance was 364 members. Rushin expects the headcount to increase to 450 once the fall sports season ends at Junior High.
“The bottom line is they’re our kids, as in our community’s kids,” said Rod Priest, R-I assistant superintendent of business. “Being more centrally located for the majority of our community will provide an opportunity for more of our kids to be engaged in after-school activities.”
Shown in the photos: Robbie Toth (left), BGC unit director, and Director of Development Abbey Heuiser begin moving in to their new home on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
How to wash and dry clothing has been taught in life skills for three years, but now the task can be put into action, SWIN teacher Steven Frey said. The Whirlpool appliance set will also be used to wash school-issued backpacks, as well as the gym clothes of students perhaps without regular access to a washer and dryer, according to Bright Futures Site Coordinator Lybby Mannon.
Shown in the photo: Lybby Mannon (left) and assistant Krista Yarbro of the Junior High Bright Futures Site Council pose beside the washer and dryer set that the school was able to purchase from Hefner Furniture & Appliance with a $1,000 donation.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter, Missouri - Chuck Kasting, Stoddard County Ambulance District Assistant Manager, was the instructor for the Dexter Public School bus drivers during a safety training seminar for Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) and EPI pens.
Dexter School Bus drivers hold monthly safety training sessions as part of the required annual continuing education.
Photo and article submitted by Tim Fowler, Transportation Supervisor, Dexter Public Schools
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Public School Board Meeting was held on September 19, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Below are the minutes from that meeting.
Old Business
2015–2016 ASBR
The Board approved the 2015-2016 Annual Secretary Board Report as presented by Mr. Wood and Board Secretary Laura Miller.
MSBA Policy 2016B Update
The Board approved the MSBA Policy 2016b updates as presented with changes by Mr. Wood
New Business
Audit Report
The Board approved the 2015-2016 Audit as presented by Nick Steimle the representative from Begley, Young, Unterreiner & White, LLC.
Audit Bid
The Board approved Dirnberger, Hopper and Associates to perform the school audit for a three year period starting with 2016-2017.
Annual Administrative Duties
The Board approved the Annual Administrative Duties as presented by Mr. Wood.
Discussion Items
Board Policies
The Board discussed using MCE (Missouri Consultants Education) policies instead of the current MSBA policies that are in place.
Long Range Plans
The Board looked at the facility needs as presented by the building principals’. They will meet on October 13th @ 6pm at the Board Office to discuss these needs and determine if financially feasible.
Professional Development
Dr. Williams presented information on upcoming professional development days the district has planned.
IDEA Annual Determination Rating
Mrs. James presented the IDEA Annual Determination which received a rating of 4, which is the highest rating available.
Summer School Report
Mrs. Duncan presented the 2016 summer school report.
Old Football Scoreboard
The Board discussed the disposal of the old football scoreboard. The decision was made to ask the city / park department if they had a need for it and if not then a plan would be put in place to offer it to the public.
Nurse’s Report
A report was viewed that was prepared by HS Nurse Linda Milam.
Principal’s Report
An administrator from each building gave a report on happenings in their building.
In Executive Session
The Board approved the following people for addition to the substitute teacher list: Barbara Duckworth, Jessie Wyrick, Audra Placher
Abigail Coppenbarger, Morgan Cliff.
The Board approved the hiring of paraprofessional Jenifer Ritchie.
The Board approved the hiring of Southwest Elementary secretary Angelia Foster.
