Dexter, Missouri - Central Elementary School in Dexter, Missouri has received a grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities to support the school's Accelerated Reader program.

The money received will be used to fund the AR Reward Program and Reading Week at Central Elementary.  Students earning their goals will be treated to a variety of treats including pizza picnics at the park, bowling, skating, and Snowcones.

The program develops reading skills, confirms comprehension by computerized testing and offers motivational rewards to students.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities supports non-profit children's programs in the areas of education, health, and social well-being, and the cultural arts.

The local chapter awarded over $250,000 in grants to projects in the tri-state area.

Students in the photo were the top three readers in each of their grades.

Shown in the photo are April Aldridge, English Teacher and AR Program Coordinator and Shane Brumfield, Ronald McDonald House Charities representative; 3rd grade students: Serina Churchill, Landon Annesser, and Cadence Buenaventura; 4th grade students Jake Parker, Ryan Goode, and Adeline Prance; and 5th grade students Gabe Ingram and Camrin Thurston.  Piper Freeman was not available for photo.