By special invitation

Two hundred fifty-five students at T.S. Hill Middle School received some very special personalized invitations Wednesday afternoon. As a result of hard work, regular attendance at school, good behavior, and their efforts to be of solid character, each was invited to be a member of the first-ever Jr. Beta Club at Dexter Schools.

School Principal Scott Kruse, along with Counselor Nancy Langley, presented the proposal for the local school to participate in the Beta National organization during a recent meeting of the Board of Education. Kruse and other key staff members at the school have been looking into the possibility for more than a year, and when their plan met with board approval, they began the task of making a list and checking it twice.

Although the current school year will be more of an observation period than one involving full participation at the state level in Beta, the club is officially forming and an induction ceremony is already in the planning stage.

In addition to recognizing students for academic achievements, Beta Club provides an avenue for incorporating three important curriculum components into the school environment --character education, leadership development and community service.

"This organization is just a perfect fit for our school," an enthusiastic Kruse said Wednesday. "We've got eight staff sponsors already on board, and we're looking for this group of kids to do some fantastic things through Beta."

The 255 students who received an invitation gathered in the gym Wednesday to hear Kruse explain what Beta is all about. Kruse was quick to tell the group that they have been provided with the "privilege," rather than the "right," to be a part of Beta. Their performance, he told them, has granted them that privilege.

Three criteria come in to play to be eligible for Jr. Beta membership. The students must maintain an 8.0 grade point average on an 11 point scale. No grade lower than a C is acceptable. They must be in compliance with the Dexter School District's attendance policy, and must be in good standing with regard to character. Students with discipline referrals within the quarter are not eligible for membership.

Dexter is the last school in Stoddard County to implement the Beta organization in its school setting. In its place at the high school level has been Student Council, and that organization will remain in place as is.

"We just really lacked a good place for our students to be recognized and to complete with other schools in the county and the state on all kinds of levels, and after examining all that Beta has to offer, we knew we wanted to get it going," said Kruse, who is in his second year as principal at the local middle school.

"I spent last year really getting my feet wet and getting into the routine at Dexter, but I've had time now to examine what these kids need, and this is so perfect. We can't wait to get this rolling!"

Members of Jr. Beta have the opportunity to showcase their talents through a number of ways. Students participate in skits, talent shows, art exhibits, scrapbook projects, academic bowls, and many more activities -- all serving to prepare them for life and empowering them to be successful in their adult lives.

One of the most significant aspects of Jr. Beta is community service. Members will annually participate in activities of their choice that aim toward community betterment.

"That's something that we'll talk about at each grade level," Kruse explained, "to see what kind of projects we'll get involved in. We have plenty of options and these kids are excited about it."

Kruse credited the 255 students who earned eligibility for Jr. Beta at T.S. Hill, but also explained that those students who did not initially qualify will have many opportunities to advance their grades or improve behavior to earn their way into the group.

"It will actually serve as a great incentive for kids to keep those grades up," he says, "and an incentive for non-members to improve their grades and any behavior or attendance issues they have that are keeping them from joining."

One big selling point to bring Beta to Dexter is the fact that the regional convention is held annually at Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff.

"The fact that it's held in such close proximity is a real plus," Kruse says. "We're going to take the whole group this year. We won't be competing, but we can observe, see what it's all about and get a good idea of what we'll be involved in next year."

Wednesday's invitations seemed to be met with excitement and enthusiasm by the 255 middle schoolers who gathered in the school gym. The next step in the process, Kruse says, is to collect all dues and hold the first-ever Jr. Beta induction ceremony, which will likely take place in early December.