Mark Twain School incorporated a chicken coop into its non-traditional learning environment on Friday, Sept. 23, for students to work in shifts and tend after.

“We’re expanding our alternative way of learning,” explained Darla Nunn, Jobs for America’s Graduates specialist.

The prefabricated kit was the first of a series of project-based learning activities that the campus was able to pursue with the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds, of which Missouri Gov. Mike Parson allocated $12,825 toward Poplar Bluff’s JAG program at the end of last school year.

A group of JAG students assembled the structure under Nunn’s supervision, and placed it beneath a canopy next to a tree in the outdoor recreation area. The goal is to introduce a rooster and two hens to the enclosure this week, with contributions from farmers.

“We’re open to any possibility of potential learning, from operating power tools to following instructions – these are life skills,” Nunn continued. “It’s not just about chickens; we’re building those relationships with kids, and it’s a process.”

Nunn hopes to one day have eggs for the school community to enjoy “theoretically,” she says. She also may look to acquire an incubator to teach a unit on embryology. “Maybe some kids will be excited to come to school just to take care of our chickens,” she commented. 

Mark Twain Principal Aaron Burton added: “They’re putting connections together about caring for an animal that is gonna provide eggs that maybe we can share.” If a single student can apply the knowledge outside of school, he said, he will consider the project a success. 

“Who would have ever thought at an alternative school, students would be excited about raising chickens,” asked Burton, noting that he had already heard a freshman discussing the activity at the bus stop the morning prior.

Mark Twain was founded in 2020 on North Main Street as a non-traditional school, serving grades 4-12. In addition to offering the credit recovery services of the former Graduation Center, Mark Twain houses the district’s JAG program through which students receive career exploration opportunities.

Pictured: Mark Twain students (from left) Jayden Bowler, Shawn Politte, Za’Riasis Cody, Mathew Reynolds and Aaron Barber pose behind the chicken coop they helped assemble.

Article and photo by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District

Below is the agenda for the Dexter School Board Meeting set for September 27th at 6:00 p.m.

Approve board agenda.

Approve minutes of August 25, 2022 regular board meeting.

Approve payment of bills.

Public Comments (At this time someone who is pre-registered with the Board Secretary prior to the beginning of the Board meeting to present a position on a specific agenda item or who is pre-registered with the superintendent in writing at least 5 days prior to the beginning of the Board meeting to present a general comment about a non-agenda item will be given time for presentation to the Board of Education. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes. A maximum of 15 minutes is allowed for this public comment section. Please, just one spokesperson per group; individuals may speak only once per meeting; time regulated by the Board Chairman. Note: Individuals wishing to convey a complaint about procedures, regulations, or personnel will not be scheduled to address the Board until the District’s complaint procedure has been exhausted; Complaints directed at specific personnel will not be heard in open session.)

CTA– 

Registered requests- None at this time.  

Correspondence– None at this time. 

Recognition of guests- 

Old Business

A. There is no old business at this time.  

New Business

A.  Approve 22-23 budget amendments for the month of September.  

B.  Approve the 2021-2022 audit report.  

Local Special Education Compliance Plan Certification

MCE Policy Updates-Policies to be reviewed during the upcoming month-

Policy 0320-School Board Elections

Policy-0342-Nepotism, Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosure.  Policy-0412-Meetings-Participation by Public

Policy 1210- School Year and School Day. 

Policy 1725-Shared Superintendent

Regulation 2240-Admission and Tuition-Non-Resident Students

Policy 2550-Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Scholarships

Policy 2670-Corporal Punishment-Authorized

Regulation-2875 Student Suicide Awareness

Policy & Regulation 2876-Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder

Policy 4130-Certificated Staff Contracts

Policy 4150-Substitute Teacher Employment

Policy 4515-Career Ladder

Policy 4630-Staff Conduct

Policy 4645-Classroom Postings and Displays

Policy 5620-Student Transportation Services

Policy 6118-State Mandated Curriculum-Mental Health Awareness

Policy 5205-Removal of Lead from Water Supplies

Policy 6119-Computer Science Class 

Policy 6190-Virtual Education-Less Than Full-Time Equivalent

Policy and Regulation 6190-Virtual Education

Policy & Regulation 6215-Reading Success

Policy & Regulation 6251-Blind Students Independence, Training, and Education

Policy 6273-Underperforming Test Scores

Paper Bids

Discussion Items 

A. CSIP Process and DCI Program-Superintendent’s Report

B.  Nurses Report 

C.  Building Reports 

D.  PTO Report

Next Regular Board Meeting is October 18, 2022. 

 Motion to Enter Executive Session

  Hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting particular employees.  § 610.021(3), RSMo

B. Individually identifiable personnel records, performance ratings or records pertaining to employees or applicants for employment. § 610.021(13), RSMo.

Items to be considered after conclusion of Executive Session

None at this time

Motion to adjourn the meeting.  

The 2022 Fall Homecoming coronation was held on Friday, September 16th at 6:30 p.m. at Charles Bland Stadium.

The DHS student body has cast their votes.

2nd attendant is Kylah Hill

1st attendant is Alise Howell

The 2022 Fall Homecoming Queen is Alliye Lee!

The 2022 Fall Homecoming coronation was held on Friday, September 16th at 6:30 p.m. at Charles Bland Stadium.

Dexter High School retiring 2021 queen, Julianna Rivera was on hand to crown the new queen and her court.

Julianna graduated from Dexter High School in May 2022 and is the daughter of Julio and Tiffany Rivera.

While in high school, Julianna was a member of the girls tennis team and wrestling team.

She currently attends Three Rivers College and is majoring in nursing.

Julianna plans to become a travel nurse after college graduation and then she hopes to one day coach high school wrestling.

Julianna is escorted by Lee-Michael McDonald.

Lee-Michael is a sophomore at DHS and the son of Jason & Stacie McDonald.

Lee-Michael is a member of the Football and Wrestling teams.

When he was asked to describe Julianna in three words, he said she is gorgeous, smart and caring.

The 2022 Fall Homecoming coronation was held on Friday, September 16th at 6:30 p.m. at Charles Bland Stadium.

Calysta Whitaker is a senior at Dexter High School and was nominated by the Football Cheerleaders.

She is the daughter of Melissa Whitaker and Joe Whitaker.

Callie is a 4-year member of the Varsity Football Cheer Team as well as the Kickin' Cats Dance Team.

She is also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and FCCLA.

After high school, Callie plans to continue cheering at Three Rivers College while majoring in business management and then pursue a career in Cosmetology.

Escorting Callie is Cole Gibson.

Cole is also a senior at DHS and the son of Nathan and Sarah Gibson. 

Cole is a member of  FCA, FCCLA, and the DHS Baseball team.

When asked to describe Callie in three words, Cole said she is stunning, kind-hearted, and thoughtful.