Bernie, Missouri - The Bernie Parents as Teachers Student of the Month for December is Lyla Raine White.

She is the 9-month old daughter of Cordie and Rachel White.

Lyla loves laughing at her brothers Brooks and Owen, crawling, and getting into anything she can get her hands on.

She also loves to eat and her favorite snacks are strawberry puffs.

During the family's PAT visits, Lyla enjoys receiving the new books Mrs. Casey brings each visit.

If you would like to know more about Parents as Teachers contact Courtney McGarity or Casey Arnold at 573-293-5335, ext 293 or find them on Facebook by clicking HERE.

The following information was taken directly from the Parent as Teachers Missouri website.  For more information click HERE.

Our Vision

All children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.

Our Mission

To provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.

Our Values

The early years of a child's life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life.

Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers.

Established and emerging research should be the foundation of parent education and family support curricula, training, materials and services.

All young children and their families deserve the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of any demographic, geographic or economic considerations.

An understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions of diverse cultures is essential in serving families.

History

In 1981, Missouri pioneered the concept of helping parents embrace their important role as their child's first and best teacher. Today, Parents as Teachers continues to equip early childhood organizations and professionals with information and tools that are relevantᾢand widely applicableᾢto today's parents, families and children.

The Parents as Teachers leadership team and Board of Directors is engaged in a three-year strategic plan, which positions the organization as a valued partner to support the organizations and professionals who serve families and children, especially those most vulnerable.

The concept for Parents as Teachers was developed in the 1970s when Missouri educators noted that children were beginning kindergarten with varying levels of school readiness. Research showed that greater parent involvement is a critical link in the child's development of learning skills, including reading and writing.

Early childhood professionals suggested that a program to provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, and parent education to help parents understand their role in encouraging their child's development from the beginning could help improve school readiness and parent involvement.

With funding from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and The Danforth Foundation, Parents as Teachers began in 1981 in Missouri as a pilot project for first-time parents of newborns. Recognizing the program's benefits and cost effectiveness, the Missouri legislature provided state funding in 1985 to implement Parents as Teachers programs in all Missouri school districts. Since 1985, Parents as Teachers has expanded to all 50 states and six other countries.

Advance, Missouri - The Advance First Church can not wait to share their Live Nativity with the community this year!  Join them on Friday, December 7th, Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Umfleet Park.

There will be hot chocolate and goodies by the fire and they will have a marketplace this year as well.

Tis the reason for the season!

Bernie, Missouri - The Bernie Public Library is sponsoring a Christmas Lighting contest of homes within the city limits of Bernie.  The decorations and lights will be judged on the evening of December 18, 2018.

Residents are asked to have lights on beginning at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday.

A first place prize of $50 will be awarded to the winner and two honorable mentions will be named.

Signs denoting winners will be placed in the homeowner's yard.

The Bernie Library Board is comprised of Gloria Young, librarian, and members Yvonne Keathley, Ginger Beaird, Gaye Miller, d enise Mayberry, Carolyn Buttry, Lisa Stockton, Rachel Collier, and Linda Tilmon.

Bloomfield, Missouri - For the third consecutive year, the Stoddard County Children's Home has received a generous donation from Farmers Insurance.  This year the donation was for $10,000.

The Children's home board recently met with District Manager Tim Bryant and Agent Andrew Stuever, representing Farmers for a check presentation.

The Children's home board is truly grateful for the amazing support they have received over the years.

Pictured from left to right: Judy Ackerman, Janine Ballin, Jim Russell, Tim Bryant, Linda Sams, Andrew Stuever, Lauren mayer, Tonya Keena, Bonnie Harty, Lori Warner, and Jim Tweedy.