Dexter, Missouri - Eleven Dexter educators representing nearly 300 years i the field of education were honored at the annual Retirement Tea on Thursday, May 4, 2017.
Dexter School Board vice President Herman Morse, a retired educator and administrator, presented the honors at the Bearcat Event Center.
Honored were Loretta Morrow, Regina Mick, Elizabeth Spratt, Rhonda Lane, Michelle Kirkley, Linda Hill, Jennifer Miller, Derek Urhahn, Judy Patterson, Tracy Elfrink and Melanie Stoelting.
Mrs. Melanie Stoelting began working in the district as a substitute teacher.
In 1995, she was hired as a Learning Disability Aide at Southwest Elementary.
In 1997, she became a Parent Educator for the Parents As Teachers program and in 2004, she was named Coordinator for the program.
In 2013, she was awarded Educator of the Year by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce.
She has served as the P.A.T. consultant for the National Center of Parents as Teachers & the Department of Education & Secondary Education (DESE).
Dexter has the largest P.A.T program in Southeast Missouri.
Mrs. Stoelting is retiring with 22 years of service with the Dexter Public Schools.
Dexter, Missouri - Eleven Dexter educators representing nearly 300 years i the field of education were honored at the annual Retirement Tea on Thursday, May 4, 2017.
Dexter School Board vice President Herman Morse, a retired educator and administrator, presented the honors at the Bearcat Event Center.
Honored were Loretta Morrow, Regina Mick, Elizabeth Spratt, Rhonda Lane, Michelle Kirkley, Linda Hill, Jennifer Miller, Derek Urhahn, Judy Patterson, Tracy Elfrink and Melanie Stoelting.
Mrs. Elizabeth Spratt was hired in 1993 as an Aide at Central Elementary.
After 4 years at Central, for health reasons, she took a leave of absence.
In 1997, she was rehired to work at T.S. Hill Middle School as an Aide, where she will retire with 24 years of service to the Dexter Public Schools
Dexter, Missouri - Eleven Dexter educators representing nearly 300 years i the field of education were honored at the annual Retirement Tea on Thursday, May 4, 2017.
Dexter School Board vice President Herman Morse, a retired educator and administrator, presented the honors at the Bearcat Event Center.
Honored were Loretta Morrow, Regina Mick, Elizabeth Spratt, Rhonda Lane, Michelle Kirkley, Linda Hill, Jennifer Miller, Derek Urhahn, Judy Patterson, Tracy Elfrink and Melanie Stoelting.
Mr. Urhahn graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1987 with a degree in Education.
He received his Master’s degree in 1998 and his Specialist degree in 2007 from Southeast Missouri State University.
He began his teaching career in 1987, with the Zalma R-V School District, teaching PE and Health.
Mr. Urhahn also taught, coached, and served as Athletic Director at Scott City, Oak Ridge, and Advance.
In 1990, Leopold R-III School District hired Mr. Urhahn as Principal, he then became Superintendent of the district in 2005.
Mr. Urhahn was hired in 2012, as the Assistant Principal at Dexter High School as well as the Athletic Director. He came to the Dexter School District with many years of teaching and administrative experience.
Mr. Urhahn is retiring with 30 career years in education.
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter High School Class of 2017 Salutatorian is Reagan Miller and the Valedictorian is Janie Lindsey.
Regan has a 4.32 grade point average and is the daughter of Travis and Laura Miller and Steve and Tracy Watkins.
She has been a member of the top 10% all four years, National Honor Society and Dexter Honor Society. She finished 2nd in the math competition at the Sr. Beta state convention. Reagan is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Stoddard County Young Republicans Club, Scholar Bowl Team, and Art Club. She also participated on the Lady Cats' Tennis Team and the Track and Field Team.
Reagan will be serving our country at the United States Naval Academy and will become a Naval Officer.
Janie Lindsey is the Class of 2017 Valedictorian. She has a 4.34 grade point average and is the daughter of Elaina Lindsey and Kevin Lindsey.
She has been a member of the Top 10% all four years, National Honor Society, Dexter Honor Society, and won the 2017 DHS Math Award. She is also a member of the Student Council, Sr. Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Teachers of America, Teens Against Smoking Coalition, Art Club and was a volunteer for Special Olympics - Missouri. Janie also participated on the high school volleyball team.
Her future plans are to attend Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Microbiology and Cellular/Molecular Biology.
Dexter, Missouri - Dexter Middle School FACS teacher, Mrs. Brittany Watkins, worked with her students this year to make weighted lap blankets for younger students who have Autism or sensory issues.
The lap blankets are filled with beans and are very soft. Some even have a textured material.
Weighted things like weighted blankets, weighted lap pads and weighted vests have been found to be very calming for some children with autism. Many occupational therapists recommend appropriate weight for individuals with autism and sensory issues who can be overstimulated or anxious. Weight can also help some kids with autism or ADHD focus and pay attention in the classroom or during mealtime.
Pictured are from left to right DMS FACS students Bailee Boyer, Layken Smith, Kaden Ritter, and Andrew Morgan along with Carsen Jones who loves his blanket.
