Jessica Snider, SMT Writer
Throughout the area, many people are not used to seeing very much snow throughout the winter. For kids who attend the local schools, it can be exciting to hear the news of possible snow, which also calls for possible school cancellation. For most adults, it’s more of a headache than anything. Having to worry about having a safe travel to work, keeping your children safe, and not being able to travel many places besides where you absolutely have to are a few things that can cause stress from winter weather.
Throughout the Dexter area, and probably many other surrounding towns, we have been so lucky to have such wonderful street departments taking care of our roads. Before the snow hit, there were crews out salting many of the roads, which are used often throughout the town.
We often take for granted that we can still run to Wal-Mart or even make it to work safely because of the street department’s hard work in keeping our infrastructure safe for everyone.
Although winter weather can be a pain, remember to thank someone who cleared off your road or the roads in your town for you!
In order to achieve such an honor, pupils were required to not only pass their Accelerated Reader tests but uphold a comprehension rate of eighty-five percent or above within their assigned book level. A total of sixty students earned an afternoon of fun at Dexter Bowl for having gone above and beyond their reading goal.
Students who met one hundred percent of the Accelerated Reader goal were also noted for their achievement by being entered into a drawing. In order to qualify, children must have maintained an eighty-five percent comprehension goal and meet their book level as well.
Shelby Haynes was the lucky winner of the second quarter’s drawing. Shelby gladly accepted her prize- a gift bag filled with Christmas goodies, an array of McDonald’s coupons, and money to the Central School Store.
The faculty members at Central Elementary are extremely pleased to have had so many students meet their reading goals and hope incentive programs such as these will encourage children to develop essential reading skills. Way to go, kids!
Jessica Snider, SMT Writer
What is it about Christmas shopping that gets people in such a tiff? There are actually some people who do Christmas shopping all year round, and then when Christmas rolls around, they do not have to make trips to the mall every time they turn around.
Once Christmas approaches and you have no one left to buy for, how do you get in the Christmas spirit? I think one of the greatest things about waiting until last minute would be the atmosphere of everyone rushing around taking advantage of all the sales, while faintly hearing Christmas music playing all across the store.
Although Christmas shopping can be very stressful, I don’t think we take enough time out to just relax and enjoy the shopping we’re able to do. It’s such a joy to see the smile across someone’s face when they opened the gift you searched so hard to find just for them, so why isn’t the shopping a joy?
There are so many people around us, and maybe even in your family, who can no longer enjoy shopping for Christmas. Whether sickness has gotten them down, or they’ve just reached an age where it isn’t an option to leave home, some people never know the joy of Christmas shopping. So next time you run out to buy a gift for someone and you wish you didn’t have to, just remember those who would love to be able to do it.
As you may or may not be finishing up your shopping this weekend, just remember to slow down and think of the real reason for the season. Enjoy having to bundle up just to take a trip to the mall, hearing the Christmas music, and seeing everyone in such a hurry. Maybe once we just stop and realize how thankful we are for all our surroundings, we will be able to calmly (and joyfully) wrap up our Christmas shopping of 2012.
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a bright and Happy New Year!
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri - Robert Waldner decided to take a temporary job many miles away from Dexter in Nemo, South Dakota. He is a Social Services Supervisor with Boxelder Job Corps and is detailed at that center for at least 120 days.
He has been assisting in the Leadership Program, Recreation and the Dorms. The students seem to love him there as well as the staff at Boxelder.
Each month an award is presented and voted on by the students and staff. Mr. Bob Waldner was the recipient for the month of November. The award states that with the little things you do every day, your impact spreads far and wide. Your commitment to improving lives inspires and motivates us all. In everything you do you make a world of difference.
Bob Waldner has enjoyed his experience at this Center with the staff and student employees. They have provided him with some new ways of doing things and he has provided them with some knowledge as well.
We wish him well in his job and congratulations on a job well done!
Jessica Snider, SMT Writer
The Children from Small Wonders have been working on their Christmas program for the past few weeks or so and today they had the chance to share it with some very appreciative residents.
The group of children traveled to Central Gardens Residential Care Facility in Dexter this morning to perform their program.
Residents gathered into the activity room as thirty-seven children performed Christmas songs.
The kids sang six songs and some of those including: Silent night, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Joy to the World.
After they concluded their program, some of the children walked around visiting with some of the residents.
Small Wonders makes frequent visits to Central Gardens, and many residents get a joy out of seeing them each time.
What a great way to spread holiday cheer!
