Dexter, Missouri - Many people were talking about a potential threat to our children attending Dexter public schools today. Amy James has issued a SchoolReach text alert and sent the ShowMe Times information to share with the public. Thank you for all your concerns today! Safety of our students is a priority!
"As many of you know accusations of threats towards our school circulated on social media over the weekend."
"Please be aware, an investigation has been conducted by our high school administration, the juvenile authorities, and the Dexter Police Department. There is currently no threat to our students or staff at this time. School is being conducted as normal. The safety of our students and staff is our utmost priority."
Thank you,
Amy James
Director of Special Services
Director of Federal Programs
District Compliance Officer
Dexter R-XI School District
If you see a school or student threat on Social Media please contact your local police department. Save the image so the police may track it down.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - A total of $20,000 was raised for the United Cancer Assistance Network during the sixth annual Pink-Out Day, which concluded Friday, Oct. 14, at the Mules Football game.
Pink-Out Day is a citywide observance founded by the Poplar Bluff High School Student Council. Citizens participate in a T-shirt fundraiser, the proceeds of which go toward UCAN, a nonprofit organization that provides monetary assistance for local patients receiving cancer treatment.
In the photo: Wearing their Pink-Out Day T-shirts to school, students and staff members present a check to UCAN in the PBHS commons area.
Photos and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Oak Grove Elementary has joined Lake Road and Eugene Field in implementing the Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support program designed to reward students who are meeting and exceeding building expectations.
Through the new program that goes by the acronym STARS, students who are spotted by staff doing something exceptional earn points which they can use to purchase prizes in a makeshift store set up monthly. Classes can also earn reward parties. The store is funded by the Parent Teacher Organization as well as the Latch-Key program.
“If you put in those positive expectations, maybe you’ll ward off the negative behavior by bringing more attention to the good things,” Principal Jenifer Richardson explained. “It feels good to be praised so other students take notice.”
Upon meeting the required staff buy-in quota, Richardson and a team of colleagues attended a summer training institute in 2015 and proceeded to collect data last school year. Implementation of the action plan kicked off this year with an Olympic-themed boot camp that was designed for students to rotate through stations that defined expectations in various school settings such as the lunchroom and the bus.
The final component of the program is the Monday morning celebration during which students learn their behavioral focus of the week. Students are encouraged to wear their STARS T-shirts supplied by school sponsor Poplar Bluff Realty.
Richardson credits her staff for the early success of the program. First grade teacher Sheila Henderson commented that she enjoys “starting the week on such a positive note.” The biggest benefit third grade teacher Hilary Taylor sees, she added, is the “consistency of the new building-wide approach to classroom management.”
STARS stands for: The expectation is for our Star students to Take responsibility, Always be safe, Respect yourself and others, and Strive to do your best.
Promoting the STARS program are students (from left) Alexis Jameson, Laynie Riggins, Emma McCracken, Kale Caudel, Kinley Young, Samantha Painter, Cayden Innes and Zada Camden.
Photos and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District
Dexter, Missouri - Amy James, Director of Special Services, Director of Federal Programs, District Compliance Officer submitted the Regular Board Meeting Minutes from the board meeting held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order/Roll Call/Pledge: The Board President announced the meeting is to begin, ascertains the attendance status of all board members with all members being present, and leads in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda was approved.
Public Comments: CTA presented updates of school happenings
across the campus.
Old Business:
A. No old business was discussed.
New Business:
A. The board rescinded MSBA Policy GB-R1-previously policy GCE-R.
B. The board approved 12 semester graduates, pending completion of
graduation requirements.
The board approved the bleacher inspection from Heartland
Seating Inc. for $1400.
The board approved the renewal of the umbrella liability insurance coverage from MUSIC for $8404.
8. Discussion Items:
Dr. Williams discussed the district’s Annual Performance Report (APR).
The nurse’s report was submitted by high school nurse Linda Milam and reviewed.
Administrator’s from all buildings were present to give a report on the happenings in their building.
The next scheduled board meeting was set for December 15, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
In Closed Session:
The board approved the following additions to the Substitute Teacher List: Joshua Link, Jennifer Slavings, Jansen Williams, Billie Stratton-Nurse.
The board accepted a resignation letter from Bus Driver, Regina Dowdy.
The board accepted a resignation letter from Southwest Paraprofessional, Tracy Botsch.
The board accepted a retirement letter from High School Counselor, Jennifer Miller.
The board accepted a retirement letter from High School Counselor, Judy Patterson.
The board accepted a retirement letter from High School Math Teacher, Linda Hill.
The board accepted a retirement letter from High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, Derek Urhahn.
The board employed Bus Driver, Brad Hann.
The board discussed the completion of an advanced degree and approved a pay increase for the payroll/insurance clerk. This increase is due to obtaining a Masters in Business Administration.
The board voted to approve salary indexes equivalent to their positions for the remainder of their 2016-2017 contract for; Gavin Miller, Nancy Langley, and Amy James.
Dexter, Missouri - The Southeast Missouri District 11 High School All-District Jazz Band auditions were held on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Jackson High School.
The Dexter high school Jazz Cats are under the direction of Scott Rybolt.
2016 All-District Jazz Band:
Zarah Olsen - Alternate Alto Sax
Shelby Smith - Tenor 2 Sax
Gracie Bess - Alternate Tenor Sax
Layla Brown - Trumpet 3
Olivia Collins - Trombone 3
Dason Milam - Bass Trombone
Alex Fitzpatrick - Alternate Trombone
Sean Rybolt - Alternate Bass Guitar
Matt Chester - Drum Set
Congratulations!
