A SMT News Report

CAPE GIRARDEAU – Southeast Missouri State University is a "growing" place.

Total enrollment at the regional university continues to grow with 10,875 students enrolled after the first full day of classes of the fall 2011 semester.

Total enrollment is up 2.7 percent from this time last year. Classes at Southeast began Aug. 22.

Key to growth this fall is the second consecutive year in which beginning freshmen enrollment has surpassed 1,900, according to Dr. Debbie Below, assistant vice president for enrollment management and director of admissions. Beginning freshmen enrollment stands at 1,924, down just 1.7 percent from last year’s 1,958 beginning freshmen on opening day.

“This record of continued growth is contributing to the University’s positive outlook for the future,” Below said. “This is a student body that is well-prepared and ready to learn. We are honored they have chosen Southeast, and we look forward to helping each and every student meet their educational goals.”

Dr. Bruce Skinner, director of Residence Life, said 3,108 students are living in SEMO's dorms this fall, an increase of 171 from this time last year. Because of the demand for on-campus housing and to accommodate Southeast’s growing campus population, only five students are housed in private rooms this year.

Southeast also has 48 students who are upperclassmen are being housed this year on the fourth floor at Candlewood Suites, a Cape Girardeau hotel, Skinner said.

“The residence halls at Southeast continue to be in high demand from our new and returning students. We are pleased so many students recognize the value and convenience of living on campus,” Skinner said.

With more than 800 volunteers, a record 1,286 students moved into the residence halls on Aug. 18, accounting for the largest single day move-in to the residence halls in more than 20 years.

Enrollment of students taking only Web courses is 705, up from 659 last year.

“Increasingly, our students have busy lives, and online classes make it possible for students to stay on target with their academic goals while balancing the demands of family and work,” said Robin Grebing, director of Southeast Online. “Increasing the number of classes we offer online is just one way the University serves the needs of students locally and around the world.”

Growth is also evident in the School of Graduate Studies where total graduate student enrollment is 960, up 2.6 percent from fall 2010. Degree seeking master’s student enrollment is 834, up 5.7 percent from this time last year.

The official census report will be issued in four weeks. University officials say the enrollment typically grows between the first-day census and the final fourth-week census date.

Local Link Of Interest

Southeast Missouri State University

Video On Southeast's Fall Enrollment

The first of two Open House events at Southwest Elementary School in Dexter was held Tuesday evening with parents of kindergarten and first grade students. Many of the officers and representatives of the Southwest PTO were on hand to recruit new members and to sell this year's edition of the PTO t-shirt. On hand were (from left) Belinda Worley, public relations; Christy Dorton, kindergarten delegate; Sarah Porter, membership; Pam Laramore, vice president; Angie Dugan, president; and Ginny Krapf, first grade delegate. Among the year's activities will be Grandparents night from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 18, and later in the year the PTO will help sponsor National School Lunch Week and Book Fair Week. This year marks the 99th year for Parent-Teacher organization in Dexter Schools. (SMT Photo by Annabeth Miller)

OLD GREENVILLE –All roads will lead to Old Greenville in September for the annual Old Greenville Days, slated for Sept. 16 - 18.

The Old Greenville Recreation Area and National Historic Site will be transformed to the early 19th century for the three-day event as the Crowley’s Ridge Black Powder Club members and various Civil War groups (10th Missouri and Big River Volunteers) connect the past to the present.

"This free event will awaken your senses as you smell the aroma of gun powder and hear the great sounds of some good old fashioned bluegrass, country and gospel music." said Park Ranger Andrew Jefferson of the Wappapello Lake Project Office. "You will witness some extremely creative handy work of various crafters. You may also take a gingerly stroll down Memory Lane at your leisure."

If hunger hits, Jefferson said there will be a variety of traditional as well as non-traditional food (baked goods, funnel cakes, kettle corn, shaved ice, lemonade etc.) available to satisfy.

The event will start on Friday at 5 p.m. with music provided by The Otter Creek Band, Betty and Jane Bluegrass and Friends (including clogging), String Circle and Acoustic Crossroads. It will continue on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and conclude on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Other groups include Iron Mountain Station, Mikayla and the Davis Family Tradition, Buzzard Run, Level Ground Ministries, Drive Tyme, Chuck Bazzell, 3rd Degree and McAtees.

There will be a magic show featuring Cuzin Irene (Bo Bo the Clown), old time children’s games, candy cannon, Hat Fashion Show, watermelon eating contest and more.

Photo Above: Dexter resident Mike Clippard works on a carving at Old Greenville Days. (SMT file photo).

Central Elementary held its annual Open House Monday evening, and the Central PTO was on hand selling Bearcat t-shirts and distributing information about PTO to parents. On hand were (from left) PTO President Leigh Ann Kincy, Treasurer Jennifer Hampton and 3rd Grade Representative Peg Rogers. Parents attending the Open House were able to visit with their student's teachers and learn more about plans and expectations for the year. Upcoming plans at Central School call for the DARE program to begin this week for fifth grade students, and Grandparent Night is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 12. (SMT Photo by Annabeth Miller)

A SMT Report By
Reader Malisa Mayo

A Boy Scout's motto is "Do a Good Turn Daily", and a group of local Boy Scouts recently worked hard to complete a good turn for the community.

Four young scouts in Dexter's Troop 200 are working on the Camping Merit Badge, which includes a requirement to complete a conservation project.

"We decided to work on cleaning up the Outdoor Education Center at Centra," said Scout Ryan Mayo. Joining Mayor were fellow Boy Scouts Weston Avery, Cody McFaddin, and Matthew Geary.

With the assistance of and watchful eye of parent helpers, the four boys put in an energetic morning working at the site near the school. The area had grown up considerably, and so lots of limbs had to be cut and stacked and trees and vines trimmed.

The Camping Merit Badge is a requirement for Scouts working toward attainment of the Eagle Rank in Boy Scouting. Scouts learn about personal health and safety, survival, public health, conservation, and good citizenship while in the outdoors, and relate these lessons to Scout Spirit and the Scout Oath and Law.

Dexter's Boy Scout Troop 200 is sponsored by the Dexter United Methodist Men and the Dexter Kiwanis Club.
[br[]