SPRINGDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT • NO. 50 SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS
A YEAR IN REVIEW: 2009-2010
Academics | Arts | Athletics | Activities Springdale School Board FOR THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL YEAR
Danny Dotson Kathy McFetridge Mike Luttrell President Vice President Secretary-Treasurer
Jim Bradford Jeff Williams Randy Hutchinson David Van Bebber
LOCATION: Northwest Arkansas AREA: 182.5 square miles (Washington County: 145.8/Benton County: 36.7) ENROLLMENT: 18,188 (As of 10-1-09) MILLAGE RATE (2009): 38.6 mills ASSESSED VALUE (2009 values, payable in 2010): $1,508,393,466 (Washington County: $1,321,413,036/Benton County: $186,980,430) TOTAL 2009-2010 BUDGETED REVENUE: $135,921,983 PERSONNEL: 2,195 (Certified: 1,306/Classified: 889) CAMPUSES: 26 • 2 high schools (Grades 10–12) • 3 junior high schools (Grades 8 and 9) • 3 middle schools (Grades 6 and 7) • 16 elementary schools (Grades pre-K through 5) • Early–Childhood Center (Prekindergarten) • Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) ACCREDITATION: All schools accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education and by the North Central Association. District accreditation by AdvancEd. "Blue Ribbon Schools": Five winners at the national level (one twice). Ten winners at the state level. "Shannon Wright Award": Kelly Middle School and Tyson Middle School "Arkansas Diamond Schools": Kelly Middle School and Tyson Middle School District Profile: 2009-2010 Term District Profile: 2009-2010
1 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Principals: 2009-2010 Term Table of Contents
HAR–BER HIGH SCHOOL LEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL General or Districtwide News...... 3–10 Dr. Danny Brackett Mrs. Regina Stewman Springdale High School...... 11-14 SPRINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL MONITOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mr. David Kellogg Mrs. Maribel Childress Har-Ber High School...... 15-18 CENTRAL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PARSON HILLS ELEMENTARY Central Junior High...... 19 Mr. Darrell Watts SCHOOL Dr. Debbie Hardwick-Smith George Junior High...... 20 GEORGE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL Mr. Don Hoover SHAW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Southwest Junior High...... 21 Mrs. Cynthia Voss SOUTHWEST JUNIOR HIGH Hellstern Middle School...... 22 SCHOOL SMITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Kelly Middle School ...... 23 Mr. Brice Wagner Mrs. Kim Simco Tyson Middle School...... 24 HELLSTERN MIDDLE SCHOOL TURNBOW ELEMENTARY Mrs. Angela Coats SCHOOL Bayyari Elementary School and Mrs. Stacey Ferguson Elmdale Elementary School ...... 25 & 26 KELLY MIDDLE SCHOOL Ms. Sara Ford TYSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL George Elementary School and Mrs. Lola Malone TYSON MIDDLE SCHOOL Harp Elementary School ...... 27 & 28 Mrs. Susan Buchanan WALKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Hunt Elementary School and Mrs. Dondi Frisinger BAYYARI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Jones Elementary School ...... 29 & 30 Mrs. Martha Walker WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY Lee Elementary School and SCHOOL ELMDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Monitor Elementary School...... 31 & 32 Dr. Jerry Rogers Mrs. Michele Hutton Parson Hills Elementary School and YOUNG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GEORGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mrs. Debbie Flora Shaw Elementary School...... 33 & 34 Mrs. Annette Freeman EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Smith Elementary School and HARP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Mrs. Darlene Odom Turnbow Elementary School...... 35 & 36 Mrs. Linda Knapp ALTERNATIVE LEARNING Tyson Elementary School and HUNT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT Walker Elementary School...... 37 & 38 Mrs. Michelle Doshier Mr. Tim Weiss Westwood Elementary School and JONES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Young Elementary School...... 39 & 40 Mrs. Melissa Fink Early Childhood Center...... 41 Goals of the Springdale School District ...... 42
ADMINISTRATORS
Mr. Hartzell Jones Statement of Assurance Deputy Superintendent for Personnel In keeping with the guidelines of Title VI, Section 601, Dr. Marsha Jones Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX, Section 901, Educational Assisant Superintendent Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation for Curriculum & Instruction Act of 1973, the Springdale School District assures that (PreK - Grade 5) no person in the United States shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability, be excluded Dr. Don Love from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be Assisant Superintendent subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. for Curriculum & Instruction (Grade 6-12) The Coordinator for the Springdale School District is: Hartzell Jones, Deputy Superintendent for Personnel Dr. Ron Bradshaw P. O. Box 8, Springdale, Arkansas, 72765-0008 Assisant Superintendent Telephone (479) 750-8800. Dr. Jim D. Rollins for Special Services Superintendent of Schools Any person having inquiries concerning compliance with Dr. Allen Williams Title VI (Race), Title IX (Gender), or Section 504 (Disability) Assisant Superintendent is directed to contact the above-named Coordinator. for Business Affairs
2009-2010 Springdale School District 2 Arkansas Middle-Level Assistant Principal of the Year Mrs. Stephanie McConnell of Tyson Middle School was named by her peers to represent them as the state’s Middle-Level Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2009–2010 term. The announcement of the selection of Mrs. McConnell for that recognition and the presentation of a plaque to commemorate that honor were conducted by Mr. Doug Ask, Director of Professional Development for the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, during an assembly at Tyson held on March 19, 2010.
Principal Susan Buchanan praises Mrs. McConnell’s professionalism, initiative, caring nature, and outstanding service to the district, commenting that, "Stephanie’s leadership skills extend beyond the walls of Helen Tyson Middle School and to the community as well."
Mrs. Stephanie McConnell Tyson Middle School
Arkansas Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year 2010 Springdale Mrs. Tonya Woods of Smith Elementary School was recognized Teacher of the Year as the Arkansas Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year for 2010. A plaque commemorating that recognition by her Ms. Kathy Prophet, a science instructor at Hellstern Middle peers was presented to Mrs. Woods by Mr. Doug Ask, Director School, represented her peers as the 2010 Springdale Teacher of of Professional Development for the Arkansas Association of the Year. Ms. Prophet was selected by the Arkansas Department Educational Administrators, during a surprise assembly at her of Education as one of four regional finalists for the 2010 school. Arkansas Teacher of the Year recognition. She and the other finalists were honored in a ceremony conducted on November 6, Superintendent 2009, at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. Jim Rollins comments that, Ms. Prophet has been an active member and officer in both the "Tonya Woods Arkansas Science Teachers’ Association and the National Science is a phenomenal & Technology Association. She serves on the Teacher Advisory member of our Committee for the Arkansas Discovery Museum Network district team. She and has served on the Northwest Arkansas Science Museum always makes Committee. In 2000 she was presented a Presidential Award for students the Excellence in Math & Science Teaching in Secondary Education, priority." and she is a district director for the Association of Presidential Awardees in Science.
Ms. Prophet has applied for and obtained lucrative grants to support educational programs, including a $100,000.00 grant from Best Buy for technology for her school.
Tonya Woods Kathy Prophet Smith Elementary Hellstern Middle School School
3 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Childress Named "Master Principal" Arkansas Secondary Principal Maribel Childress of Monitor Elementary School was named a "Master Principal" Assistant Principal of by the Arkansas Leadership Academy Master Principal Institute. The Leadership Academy is described as "a collaborative partnership which includes nine state professional the Year organizations" and has additional partners that include universities, educational Mr. Peter Joenks of Springdale High School cooperatives, governmental agencies, businesses and industries, etc. Operating out of was selected by his peers to serve as the the University of Arkansas, the Leadership Arkansas Secondary Assistant Principal of Academy conducts a rigorous three-phase the Year for the 2009–2010 term. As a state program of professional development for winner, Mr. Joenks was honored during a educators, a process that spans years. luncheon held in Washington, D.C., in April 2010 during the annual conference of the Authorized by Act 44 of the Second National Association of Secondary School Extraordinary Session of the 2003 Arkansas Principals (NASSP). General Assembly, the Arkansas Leadership Academy Master Principal Institute begins with Phase I, which is "open to all school principals with at least one year of experience and who have support and permission from their superintendents to participate." Participants "meet during the year in four multiday sessions for intense study while applying the learning from those sessions in their schools throughout the year."
Admission to participate in Phase II "requires submission of a portfolio documenting the application of the lessons learned from the first phase and the results of that work to improve student and adult learning in the school."
To advance to Phase III of the program, principals "must complete a rigorous application process that includes evidence of their impact on education at the district, state, and regional levels. These portfolios are evaluated by stakeholders in education from Arkansas as well as from out of state."
Finally, "After successful completion of all three phases, principals may choose to participate in a rigorous assessment by a team of trained examiners with at least one member from each team being from another state. The rigorous assessment process examines evidence from three primary sources: Student Performance: An analysis of student academic achievement Mr. Peter Joenks data; Principal Performance: An analysis of a portfolio created by the principal; School Springdale High School Performance: A site visit to gather evidence."
District to Establish Wellness Center
The Springdale School District was It is anticipated that as the school-based "When we work together to support notified in May 2010 of its selection by Wellness Center makes the served children our most vulnerable members, we are the Arkansas Department of Education healthier, their enhanced health will strengthening the community as a whole to receive a Coordinated School Health contribute to an increase in the students’ and providing for a healthier future." She (CSH) Wellness Center Initiative Grant. learning capacity. expressed her confidence that the district The grant provided $175,000.00 for the "will continued its proud tradition of 2010–2011 term to establish a Wellness Mrs. Mary Miller, coordinator of the attending to the needs of the whole child." Center at Jones Elementary School, and Springdale School District’s CSH program, the program "will continue for a three- comments that the Springdale community year cycle based on program progress and is "well situated to implement such an availability of funds." Funds are provided initiative." As she expressed to community through the Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax members who supported the district’s (Act 180). application for the Wellness Center grant,
2009-2010 Springdale School District 4 G/T Continuous Program Options (K–12) Numerous opportunities to challenge themselves are available to students who participate in the gifted-and-talented education program of the Springdale School District. Ms. Jo Vanderspikken, the program coordinator, has provided grade-level focus to the program offerings, with a strict adherence to Arkansas Department of Education standards.
> Elementary (Kindergarten through Grade 5): "Formalized monthly K–1 lessons are delivered by licensed G/T teachers in all schools (3,500 students). K–1 provides for ongoing long- term identification (Kingore Observation Scale). In kindergarten, literature-based lessons which integrate process skills are presented. DeBono’s Thinking Hats, PETS, Bessie B. Moore Award-winning Stickhorse Rodeo Economics, and Pint-size Economics are taught in first-grade classes." In addition, the elementary "schoolwide enrichment send-out program" is provided by licensed G/T teachers for grades 2 through 5, involving a focus on "content, process, and product-unit lessons" and "Type I" speakers. "Motivating Sponge Activities are predominant in a program that coordinates speakers with student interest, special community partnerships (K Kids, SIFE, ACO, Shiloh Museum, Heifer Project, Working for Wheels), and academic competitions (Film and Multimedia Festival, Art Reflections, Stock Market, Chess)." Cultural enrichment is provided through the Type I speaker program featuring professional ACO drama, musical performances, Spanish, science, and the International Baccalaureate at two elementary schools. The Odyssey of the Mind program is an extracurricular offering that is led by parent coaches.
> Middle School and Junior High School (Grades 6 through 9): "Student enrichment 6/7 cluster classes and Pre-AP match curriculum, speakers, and field trips" are various facets of the middle-level G/T program. "Cluster classes are research-based and encourage students to go into greater depth of study (Type III Research, Film and Multimedia Festival). Class choices include but are not limited to: Creative Problem-solving, Students in Free Enterprise, Book Bowl, Be An Engineer, Stock Market, Competitive Edge, ACO Shakespeare, Whacky Science, Geometric Design, Logic, Creative Writing, Mysteries, and Why Climb Mount Everest? Middle schools partner with YES (Little Rock) and John Brown ‘Students in Free Enterprise’ at NWA Mall Product Day."
Ms. Vanderspikken explains that, "All identified junior high G/T students are served in Pre-AP Algebra I, Geometry, Advanced Algebra II, Pre-AP English, Pre-AP Civics/Social Studies, and Biology. A fully-certified G/T instructor teaches Pre-AP Social Studies and is the department head at George Junior High School. All Pre-AP teachers receive College Board training." Teachers attend a week-long Summer Institute and other specialized state-level training sessions.
> High School (Grades 10 through 12): Ms. Vanderspikken reports that Springdale is one of the state’s leading districts in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and the Advanced Initiative for Math and Science. "Springdale requires all students enrolled in any AP courses to take the May AP exam." AP courses available include: Language and Composition, Literature Composition, Studio Art, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Calculus A/B, Statistics, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, U.S. History, World History, U.S. Government/ Politics, Comparative Government/Politics, Computer Science, Psychology, Music Theory, and Biology. "Students participate in research projects, labs, and showcases of their work." A total of 1,514 AP exams were administered to Springdale students in the spring of 2009 (2,154 projected for 2010), and the American College Test (ACT) is given to every junior in May. In 2009 a total of 113 International Baccalaureate exams were also administered.
5 Springdale School District 2009-2010 District Receives Technology Grant Mrs. Allison Byford, Coordinator of Technology for Curriculum order to effectively integrate the technology to which teachers will and Instruction, submitted a grant application that was approved have access. The goal for the teachers will be to use the technology by the Arkansas Department of Education for funding in the in the classroom in a transformative way that demands higher- amount of $200,000.00. That "Enhancing Education Through order thinking from the students and a higher level of relevant Technology" (EETT) competitive award was funded by federal projects being completed by the students." monies administered through the ADE. As Mrs. Byford explains, the grant will support a professional–development program for Ms. Byford states that participating teachers "will have access to an selected eighth-grade teachers to enhance their ability to integrate interactive whiteboard, an installed projector, a laptop computer, technology effectively in the classroom. The goal, she states, "is and a document camera. These components will be phased into to give teachers the knowledge to support student learning that the classroom throughout the first two quarters, and teachers will is engaging and project/inquiry based. Teachers will participate be supported in the use of these devices through the professional in eight professional-development days over the course of six development they will receive." After their training, participating quarters and the summer." She explains that the "focus will be on teachers will collaborate with other teachers during the next school the classroom community, inquiry-based learning, high-quality year to share their expertise and insight gained through their lesson design, and technology skills that need to be in place in involvement in the EETT initiative.
Springdale First in State in Duke Talent Search Springdale had the most students of any district in Arkansas Nine students from Tyson Middle School qualified for state honors: chosen for recognition through the 2009 Duke University 7th-grade Riegen Anderson, Jonathan Arrington, Kennedy Channel, Miranda Talent Search. Of the 81 students from the Springdale School Kelly, Harlee Marcum, Austin Nichols, Jacob Reynolds, Jordan District who took the American College Test (ACT) through the Shuster and Tiffany Withrow. Duke program, an impressive total of 21 students qualified for state recognition. Ms. Jo Vanderspikken, Springdale’s coordinator of gifted-and- talented education, extends special thanks to G/T facilitators Hellstern Middle School had six students who qualified for state Donna Garlington (Hellstern Middle School), Lacinda Files (Kelly recognition: Ashley Alston, Kenneth Buck, Mason Geary, Meghan Middle School), and Jenny Jones (Tyson Middle School) "for Kujawa, Lelia Rosenkrans and Elizabeth Woodard. following through to enter our students in the Duke Talent Search" — a program designed to identify students with outstanding Six students from Kelly Middle School also qualified for state academic potential. honors: Asa Alsip, Charity Booth, Maren Burgess, James Goodpasture, Jessie May and Santiago Romero.
PE4Life Program
The Springdale School District is one of only three districts educators and community leaders, PE4Life strives to facilitate that will participate in a detailed assessment under the PE4Life systemic change in physical education within communities with program which received a "school–based fitness" grant from desire to improve the health and wellness of children for life." the Care Foundation in the amount of $177,000.00. "The grant To fulfill the identified Core Principles of PE4Life, a physical focus," explains Community Outreach Manager Sherry Lloyd, "is education program should: to integrate PE4Life’s core principles in a select group of schools in Northwest Arkansas with the intention of completing K–12 • Be directed to all students, not just the athletically inclined. programs that can serve as models for school districts across the • Offer a variety of fitness, sports, leisure and adventure state." activities. • Provide a safe and encouraging learning environment. As explained by Ms. Lloyd, "PE4Life is a national nonprofit • Utilize individual assessments. organization dedicated to developing a country of active and • Incorporate current technology. healthy children and youth by increasing access to quality physical • Extend beyond the walls of the gymnasium. education. Through innovative professional development for • Ideally, be offered to every child every day.
2009-2010 Springdale School District 6 Highlights of Economic Education
Springdale has a strong program of economic education that semester competition. As described by Economics Arkansas serves all grade levels. Teachers design creative and innovative literature, "This investment simulation program introduces units of study that give students firsthand experience with fourth- through twelfth–grade students to the exciting world economic concepts and principles and illustrate of investing in the stock market and the role it plays in the for them the real–life relevancy of the study of U.S. and world economies." As the literature explains, economics. "The object of the program is to grow a hypothetical $100,000.00 portfolio during a 10-week period State–Level Awards: each semester. Current events, social studies, Four Springdale teachers won awards economies, math and reading are integrated in the Newcomer category, West into this experience as teams use critical- Region, of the 14th annual Bessie B. thinking skills to make wise investment Moore Arkansas Awards Program decisions." Winners are honored during an that recognizes excellence in the awards luncheon where they receive "T-shirts, teaching of economics. Dottie Sue certificates and trophies and cash prizes." Hill of Hellstern Middle School The competitions are coordinated by Donna was recognized for her entry titled, Wright, the Stock Market Game consultant "A First–Year Stock Market Game for Economics Arkansas. In the fall 2009 Experience." Pamela Conner of competition, a team from Har–Ber High School Elmdale Elementary School won with placed first in the senior high division for Region her submission titled, "Going to Bat for 1, and a team from Shaw Elementary School took Economics." Lynn Massey of Harp and Lee first place in the elementary division. Members of the Elementary Schools was an award winner with her Har–Ber team, coached by Dottie Sue Hill, were Michael entry, "Spanish works." Jim Newman of Central Junior Lightfoot, William Rorie and Ethan Ross. Members of the Shaw High School was honored for his entry, "Dog Gone Economics." team, coached by Lisa Stubbs–Taylor, were Ty Edwards, Hayes (See photo on next page.) Ms. Jo Vanderspikken, Coordinator Harris, Ireland Perry and Nicole Davis. of Economic Education for the Springdale School District, comments that our award winners "integrated state and national Economics Quiz Bowl: standards" into their respective units of study, making those A team from Elmdale Elementary School won a $50.00 prize for lessons capable of being replicated anywhere across the nation. answering the most questions correctly in the Economics Quiz Bowl held at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. Team Grant Awardees: members were Azailiss Bustamante, Paul Egziabher, Anthony • Ms. Jo Vanderspikken reports that in the 2009–2010 term Elias, Miguel Medina and Aaron Souvanno. seven Springdale educators received teaching grants of Liberty Eagles Expo: $750.00 each from the EconomicsArkansas organization, Springdale students participated in the Liberty Eagles Expo "Springdale’s partner in economic education and K–12 event conducted at the Northwest Arkansas Community financial literacy." Those grant-winning teachers were: College by the college’s chapter of Students in Free Enterprise. Jennifer Graham of Bayyari Elementary School; Michelle Prior to that culminating event, the students participated in a Wallis of Elmdale Elementary School; Ashley Fitz Davis six-week program through which they studied economics, basic and Teresa Jordan, both of Harp Elementary School; Lisa business concepts and business ethics, and entrepreneurialship Stubbs-Taylor of Shaw Elementary School; Dottie Sue Hill skills. Students formed businesses, produced wares and sold and Ariana Langford of Har-Ber High School. Those grant those products at the Expo event. A team from Elmdale earned winners were invited to participate in a training session held $100 for its first–place win in the business plan competition. on May 7, 2010, in Little Rock "for additional tips on entering the curriculum awards program."
• Springdale teachers also won four grants from the Arkansas Securities organization. Jennifer Graham of Bayyari received $2,685 in grant funds. Michelle Wallis of Elmdale received a JAG Program Honored grant in the amount of $3,795. Ariana Langford and Dottie Sue Hill of Har-Ber received a document reader, $520 in Stock The district’s Jobs for Arkansas Graduates (JAG) received Market registrations, and the sum of $1,099. Cathy Crouch of the distinguished "5 of 5" recognition from the national Tyson Elementary School received a grant for $2,638. JAG organization (Jobs for America’s Graduates). That award was presented at the JAG National Training Stock Market Game: Seminar held in Orlando, Florida, on July 14–16, 2010. Springdale students competed with distinction in the Stock Market Game sponsored by the Economics Arkansas The head of the JAG program at Har-Ber High School, Mr. organization. The Stock Market Game is conducted twice Don Struebing, was recognized individually at that event each school year — a fall semester competition and a spring as one of the nation’s "2010 Outstanding JAG Specialists."
7 Springdale School District 2009-2010 That award was presented to students who best demonstrated "their knowledge of what it takes to get a business going due to capital, overhead cost and supplies, along with a break–even analysis showing how many products they must make and sell to be able to repay their loan." Team members were Yuri Munoz, Giselle Castillo, Giselle Rodriguez and Jesslyn Ventura. Their faculty advisor was Rocky Bell.
Professional Development: A total of 62 Springdale School District educators participated on January 22, 2010, in a training program for teaching "Financial Fitness for Life." Trainers included: Dr. Gary Stone, a professor of economics at Winthrop University; Mrs. Marsha Masters of Economics Arkansas; Mr. Stanley Wells, a Master Economic Teacher (MET); and Ms. Vanderspikken, who also is a MET. "Every teacher received a grade–level–appropriate Financial Fitness for Life teacher guide from the National Council on Economic Education."
Northwest Arkansas "Trivia Challenge": Springdale educators and members of the corporate community participated in the Northwest Arkansas "Trivia Challenge" competition held on April 8, 2010, at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Springdale. That annual event raises funds for the Winners in the Bessie B. Moore Arkansas Awards Program nonprofit Economics Education organization that Left to right: Lynn Massey, Pamela Conner, Dottie Sue Hill and Jim Newman works to increase the economic literacy of Arkansas students in grades prekindergarten through 12. "Economics Arkansas trains teachers to effectively integrate real-life economic concepts into the classroom."
High Schools Staying "Ahead of the Crowd" Newsweek list: University of Arkansas at Little Rock as its "primary supporting Both of the district’s institutions for grades 10–12, Springdale partner" and "includes the collaboration of the Arkansas High School and Springdale Har-Ber High School, were Department of Education and the office of the Governor of included on Newsweek magazine’s 2009 list of "Top High the State of Arkansas." The program adheres to the following Schools in the Nation." Selection was based on a school’s "guiding purpose": (1) To improve mathematics and science performance on advanced-placement testing as determined education in Arkansas, and (2) to increase college retention/ by the "Challenge Index" formulated by Newsweek which graduation rates in STEM disciplines." (The acronym STEM calculates the total number of Advanced Placement, refers to science, technology, engineering and math.) International Baccalaureate, or Cambridge tests given compared to the number of graduating seniors. For 2009, "less than 6% of Only 66 schools across the country participated in 2009–2010 the approximately 27,000 U.S. public high schools" achieved the in the nationwide AIMS initiative which is funded by a grant standard necessary for inclusion on the "Top High Schools" list. of $125 million from Exxon Mobil and features a five-year implementation plan. SHS and Har-Ber were two of only 9 AAIMS: schools participating in the first phase of the Arkansas AIMS Both Springdale High School and Har-Ber High School program (Cohort I). participated in the Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science (AAIMS) in the fall of 2009. That program boasts the
2009-2010 Springdale School District 8 District Receives AdvancED Accreditation
On May 2–5, 2010, the Springdale School District hosted a visiting "Quality Assurance Review Team" from the prestigious • The implementation of innovative programs and practices AdvancED accrediting organization. The QAR Team members to address student learning needs and promote student toured numerous schools and visited many classrooms, met achievement. with educators and spoke with patrons of the Springdale school system. The district passed the evaluation with flying colors, The QAR Team praised the "focused, collaborative and committed receiving praise for "strong and effective practices, processes, staff, the empowering attitude that pervades the system, the or systems which benefit the school district" and "significant openness to engage all stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue, accomplishments in meeting and/or exceeding accreditation the culture of continuous improvement focused on student standards and requirements." achievement, the sense of pride that is embedded throughout the system, the caring environment, and the clean, safe and orderly Among the attributes of the Springdale School District that environment." received commendations by the QAR Team are the following: At the conclusion of their visit, the members of the QAR Team • An instructional and operational leadership team dedicated recommended to the AdvancED Accreditation Commission that to supporting and assisting the efforts of schools to improve the Springdale School District be awarded "district accreditation student learning. as a quality school system." The district and all of its schools now carry the distinguished AdvancED accreditation which was • An educational culture that emphasizes commitment awarded for a five-year term (renewable again at that time after to excellence that is infused throughout all levels and another evaluation process). departments.
• A safe, nurturing, caring environment that addresses the needs of the whole child and permeates the climate of each ********* educational facility and the district as a whole. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School • An administration, faculty and staff who are committed, Improvement (NCA CASI) and the Southern Association of Colleges dedicated, and focused on meeting the needs of ALL students. and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) are accreditation divisions of AdvancED. • A superintendent who is committed to excellence and advancing the vision of the school district.
• A Board of Trustees that develops policies and procedures and who honors the administrative leadership of the district.
• An expectation of excellence throughout the system.
• The provision of high-quality professional development at the district and school levels.
Alternative Learning Environment
Mr. Tim Weiss, Principal of the Alternative Learning Environment (ALE), participated in the national ALE conference held in our region in the fall of 2009.
In the spring of 2010, Mr. Weiss and Alana Howard, the lead teacher for the district’s Jobs for Arkansas Graduates (JAG) program, participated in a "JAG for ALE" training session and a JAG Leadership Conference.
9 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Mission Statement
The Springdale School District, in partnership with parents and community, will provide a quality educational environment which will enable all students to learn the skills and acquire the knowledge necessary for them to become contributing members of society and meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.
2009-2010 Springdale School District 10 Springdale High School Distinguished Educators • Mr. Peter Joenks was named the Arkansas Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year. He was also tapped to take over the principalship of Springdale High School in the fall of 2010. (See photo with earlier article.)
• Amanda Fears and Cindy Robinson, both of the Springdale High School faculty, earned the distinguished certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in the fall of 2009. That certification is described as the "the highest credential in the teaching profession," and it is achieved only after a lengthy and comprehensive demonstration of the teacher’s expertise.
• Mrs. Carol Turley was selected by her peers to serve as the 2009–2010 Springdale High School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Turley is the coordinator of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Springdale High School.
State Honors for HOSA Students • Shelby Newman (Creative Problem-Solving Team)
• Kyle Camp (Creative Problem-Solving Team)
In addition to receiving lucrative scholarships, those students qualified to represent Arkansas at the national level of HOSA competition.
Earning silver medals for second-place honors were:
• Ashley Manchamee (Extemporaneous Speaking) • Nancy Araujo (Creative Problem-Solving Team) • Ethan Espe (Creative Problem-Solving Team)
• Jessica Mounce (Creative Problem-Solving Team)
Patrick Xiong earned a bronze medal for his third-place win in the Medical Math competition.
Cindy Estrada received a bronze medal for third place in Prepared Speaking.
During the first week of March 2010, 19 members of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter at Springdale Mock Trial Team Excels High School participated in the Arkansas State HOSA competition held in Little Rock. Accompanying them on that trip were two Officer Mike Hignite of the Law and Public Safety instructors from the SHS Medical Professions Academy, Ann Academy at SHS reports that the school’s mock trial Phillips and Katie Carter. team achieved semifinalist status in competition at the state level held during the spring of 2010. Mrs. Phillips reports that, "Students with exemplary scores won a full-tuition-waiver scholarship to any participating Arkansas Members of the mock trial team were Katharine community college or technical institute." SHS students who Arthurs, Brandon Jeffries, Antonio Caldera, Ana received gold medals for first-place ranking, and their respective Garcia, Jackie Sandoval, Dominique Bonilla and areas of competition, were as follow: Shannon Macy.
• Chriscia Cartagena (Medical Terminology) The attorney coach for the team was Brooke • Mariah Hamilton (Job-seeking Skills) Lockhart. The teacher coach was Melanie Thresher of the SHS faculty. • Emily Schriver (Creative Problem-Solving Team)
11 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Springdale High School Sports Report • Swim Team: Sarah Chewning, a junior, won the state diving championship at the Arkansas State Swimming and Diving Competition held in the spring of 2010 (beating the state record previously set by herself). Sophomore Dexter Thomas placed second in the 100–meter breaststroke competition at the Arkansas State Swimming and Diving Competition. He also placed third in the 200–meter freestyle event. Both of those students advanced to the national level of competition held in Orlando, Florida.
• Cross–Country: Gabe Gonzalez was named the 2009 Arkansas State Cross–Country Champion, having the fastest time by five seconds in the State Cross–Country Championship competition.
• Football: Mr. Shane Patrick was hired to serve as the new head football coach for the Springdale High School Bulldogs. (See photo.)
Mr. Shane Patrick New head football coach
Engineering & Architecture Students Tour Chicago Senior students in the Engineering & Architecture Academy at of Springdale’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Springdale High School culminated their three–year "Project Instruction (8–12), Dr. Don Love, and Springdale educator Ann Lead the Way" pre-engineering curriculum by making a trip to Love.) Chicago, Illinois, on an Amtrak train in the spring of 2010. The students toured the Field Museum of Natural History and the Pictured seated, left to right, are: Heather Jones, Orland Martinez, Museum of Science and Industry. Academy sponsor Martha Karla Garcia, Guadalupe Soto and Leslie Benford. Standing, left to Bachmann reports that they "took the Architecture River Cruise right, are: Academy sponsors Martha Bachmann and Matt Jones, down the Chicago River, viewing architecturally significant Ricardo Trejo, Juan Aguilar and Ms. Love. locations." The students also toured the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) and Navy Pier, and they took a walking tour of downtown Chicago. Ms. Bachmann reports that, "The highlight of the trip was a tour of RTKL Associates, a prestigious architecture firm, where the students were hosted by Leanne Love, architect with the firm." (Ms. Love served as an inspiration to the students as she is a graduate of Springdale High School and the daughter
Engineering & Architecture seniors visit Chicago firm
2009-2010 Springdale School District 12 Springdale High School
Journalism Students Excel Students from SHS competed with distinction in the Arkansas Three SHS students received awards in the on–site competitions. Scholastic Press Association’s Journalism Competition and Mariah Knauf placed second in "Review Writing." Andrew Convention held in Rogers, Arkansas, on April 15 and 16, 2010. Hutchinson placed third in "Sports Writing." Ben Driver placed Instructor Melissa Smith reports that staff members of The Bulldog third in "Computer–Generated Design." Herald, the student-produced school newspaper, received 11 "Superior" awards individually and the newspaper as a whole Two SHS students earned "Best of ASPA" awards. Georgia Trimble was awarded a Superior award for "General Excellence." Students won that recognition for her opinion article, and Ben Driver won for who received individual Superior awards and their respective his sports opinion article. categories of competition were: Emily Patton, "Personality Profile" and "Feature Photo"; Georgia Trimble, "Column"; Ben Driver, Five SHS students received honors in the Arkansas Press Women "Sports Feature," "Sports Column" and "Front Page Design"; Awards presentation: Serenity Domenico, McKenna Scharlau, Emily Serenity Domenico, "News Photo"; Caitlin Sigmon, "Editorial Patton, Mariah Knauf and Caitlin Sigmon. Cartoon"; McKenna Scharlau, "Review." Emily Patton and Serenity Domenico won a Superior for their joint effort in "Photo Essay." The students also received six "Excellent" individual awards and three "Honorable Mention" recognitions.
Distinguished Students FFA Chapter "Superior" • Two students from Springdale High School attended the Springdale High School students participated in the annual 2009 Arkansas Migrant Student Leadership Academy: Eve convention of the Arkansas FFA held in the spring of 2010. At Leal and Ana Lara. that event, the SHS chapter was named a State FFA Superior Chapter. • Elana Hillbrand (pictured) of SHS was named a National Teams from SHS took second place in the state in the "Meats Merit finalist for 2010. That Evaluation" competition, eighth place in "Floriculture," and distinguished scholarship eleventh in "Poultry Evaluation." program recognizes students "who show exceptional academic The SHS agri program was featured in an edition of the ability and potential for success Arkansas Beef Council magazine. in rigorous college studies." In addition to the foregoing honors received by FFA students, Mr. Chad Burkett of the Springdale High School faculty was Elana Hillbrand appointed Director of the Washington County Turkey and National Merit finalist! Broiler Chain. Mr. Burkett explains that, "I will make sure all the students countywide receive their Fair birds and will work with Cargill Meat Solutions, the University of Arkansas and Tyson Foods, Inc., to make sure all the students in our county are served."
FBLA State Conference Students from Springdale High School competed with honors at the Placing fifth in the "Global Business" competition was the team state-level conference of the Future Business Leaders of America of Jose Castaneda, Maritza DeLaTorre and Susana Ramirez. (FBLA) held on March 30, 2010, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Joe Head Zach Spain and Jackson Eldridge took fifth place in the state in placed second in the "Help Desk Simulation" competition. Gaby "Management Decision–Making." Meza took second–place honors in "Personal Finance." Those students represented their school and their state at the National The students were instructed by SHS faculty member Tracy Reed, Leadership Convention held in Nashville, Tennessee, during the the school’s FBLA advisor. summer of 2010. Katherine Arthurs of SHS served as the 2009—2010 parliamentarian Jennifer Ortega placed fourth in the state in "Accounting 2" for the Arkansas State Future Business Leaders of America competition. Brandy Herrera placed fourth in "Client Service organization. As a state officer, she represented both SHS and Simulation." Arkansas at local, state and national FBLA conferences.
13 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Springdale High School Arkansas Governor’s School Three students from Springdale High School participated by special Governor’s School is a four-week residential program for gifted invitation in the 31st annual Arkansas Governor’s School held and talented students to provide them an opportunity to "explore from June 13 to July 10, 2010, at Hendrix College in Conway. Those cutting-edge theories in the arts and sciences and to develop a students and their respective disciplines or areas of study were: greater understanding of how art, culture and knowledge change Kristin Bechaud (Visual Arts); Kaylee Presley (Natural Science); and with time." Delegates to Governor’s School are selected based on Brianna Blackwell (English/Language Arts). (See photos.) merit measured by: (1) high intellectual potential, (2) outstanding ability in an academic or artistic area, (3) evidence of giftedness, either demonstrated or potential, and (4) personal characteristics, such as creativity, high motivation, and the social, emotional and intellectual maturity to benefit optimally from the program.
Kristin Bechaud Kaylee Presley Brianna Blackwell
SkillsUSA Students Reap Awards Springdale High School students won numerous awards in the Arkansas SkillsUSA State Competition held on April 14 and 15, 2010, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The team of Stephanie Duarte, Andrea Alaniz and Tania Martinez won gold medals for winning first place in the category of "Community Service." The team ofAna Garcia, Jackie Sandoval and Haley Allen won gold medals for placing first in the category of Crime Scene Investigations." The "Chapter Business Procedures" team from SHS received gold medals for placing first in that event. Team members were Cassie Zimmerman, Manda Homway, Dominique Bonilla, Lauren Webb, Danielle Pena and Katharine Arthurs.
Silver medals were awarded to Kenny Inthirath and Bradley Ponder for their second–place win in the category of "3–D Visualization and Animation."
Bronze medals for third–place wins were awarded to: Edgar Barrales and Yescenia Ruiz, "3–D Visualization and Animation"; Orlando Martinez, Lupe Soto, Cindy Caceres, James Rorie, Jose Escobar and Gerardo Lopez, "Chapter Business Procedures"; and Luis Serrano, "Architectural Drafting."
Three students received the distinguished Arkansas Statesman Award: Cindy Caceres, Lupe Soto and Orlando Martinez.
Two SHS students were elected to state offices in the Arkansas SkillsUSA organization. Those students were Laura Worthen and Juan Zermeno.
Gold–medal winners qualified to compete in the National SkillsUSA Championships held on June 21–25, 2010, in Kansas City, Missouri.
2009-2010 Springdale School District 14 Har-Ber High School Distinguished Educators • Carrie (Mandy) Bain of the Har-Ber High School faculty earned the distinguished certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in the fall of 2009. That certification is described as the "the highest credential in the teaching profession," and it is achieved only after a lengthy and comprehensive demonstration of the teacher’s expertise. (See photo.)
• Dr. Danny Brackett, Principal, was chosen by the board of directors of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to serve as a new member of the National Council for the National Honor Society and the National Junior High Honor Society. (See photo.)
• Choral music director Randy Erwin was selected by his peers to serve as the 2009–2010 Teacher of the Year for Har-Ber High School. (See photo.) Emmy–Winning TV Productions Program Instructor Trent Jones reports that three films created by his Television Productions students won honors in competition for the Mid–America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Forster McAlexander won an Emmy for his narrative titled, "We Need to Talk." Receiving Honorable Mentions were Jimmy Crisp for his narrative titled, "A Night to Remember" and J.T. Bowen for his narrative titled, "The Clear Creek Massacre." Those Mid–American High School Student Award winners were honored at an Emmy Gala held in October 2010.
The Har-Ber TV Productions program received the distinguished "All–Arkansas Award" at the convention of the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association (ASPA) held in the spring of 2010. It also received the "Best of ASPA" award — "the best of the superior rankings" — for its "Daily News Program." Also achieving "Best of ASPA" recognition were: Brent Cooper, Vinny Verucchi and Luke Hankins ("Humorous Story"); James Crisp, Forster McAlexander and Seth Biazo ("Original Short Film"). Har-Ber students received a Superior ranking in each of the eight categories of competition and two rankings of Excellent. In on-site competition, Zach Nordin and James Crisp placed second in "Broadcast Stand-up," Megan Benson placed second in "News Writing," and a "Public Service Announcement" produced by Seth Biazo, Brent Cooper, Forster McAlexander and Vinny Verucchi took third place.
Three films by students of Mr. Jones were featured at the Little Rock Film Festival that was held on June 5 and 6, 2010. Those films were: "Traitor Game" by student director Lance Lloyd, featuring Jon Blake and Brent Cooper; "We Need to Talk" by student director Forster McAlexander, featuring Madison Held and Brent Cooper; and "In the Hall of the Superball" by student directors Seth Biazo and Mathew Albritton.
Arkansas Governor’s School Two students from Har-Ber participated by special invitation in the 31st annual Arkansas Governor’s School held from June 13 to July 10, 2010, at Hendrix College in Conway. Those students and their respective disciplines or areas of study were: Hannah Blakely (Natural Science); and Tiffany Bounkhong (English Arts). (See photos.)
Governor’s School is a four-week residential program for gifted and talented students to provide them an opportunity to "explore cutting-edge theories in the arts and sciences and to develop a greater understanding of how art, culture and knowledge change with time." Delegates to Governor’s School are selected based on merit measured by: (1) high intellectual potential, (2) outstanding ability in an academic or artistic area, (3) evidence of giftedness, either demonstrated or potential, and (4) personal From L to R: Hannah Blakely (Natural Science) and characteristics, such as creativity, high motivation, and the social, Tiffany Bounkhong (English Arts) emotional and intellectual maturity to benefit optimally from the program.
15 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Har-Ber High School Economic Education Marching Band Is • Instructor Dottie Sue Hill was a winner in the Newcomer category, "Grand Champion" West Region, of the 14th annual Bessie B. Moore Arkansas Awards Program that recognizes excellence in the teaching of economics. Har-Ber High School’s marching band was accorded the "Grand Her winning entry was titled, "A First–Year Stock Market Game Champion" distinction at the Northwest Arkansas Invitational Marching Experience." She was honored at a ceremony held on December 4, Classic competition held in the fall of 2009. A total of 15 bands 2009, at Chenal Country Club in Littlle Rock, Arkansas. participated in that event which took place in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. • Instructors Dottie Sue Hill and Ariana Langford received teaching grants of $750.00 each from the EconomicsArkansas organization, The Har-Ber band also distinguished itself at the earlier regional "Springdale’s partner in economic education and K–12 financial marching band competition where it received a Superior ranking. literacy." They were invited to participate in a training session Band director Jeremy Ford commented that in the regional held on May 7, 2010, in Little Rock, Arkansas, "for additional tips competition bands "are judged against a standard," and in the NWA on entering the curriculum awards program." Invitational event "the bands competed against each other. • Ariana Langford and Dottie Sue Hill received a grant from the Arkansas Securities organization to enhance instruction. The grant provided a document reader, $520.00 in Stock Market registrations, and the sum of $1,099.00. Art Students Excel • A team coached by Dottie Sue Hill was a state finalist in the Art students of Mrs. Dawn Graham had a year of high achievement. Arkansas Personal Finance Challenge, "a quiz bowl competition for secondary students that tested their knowledge and • In the Arkansas Young Artists Annual competition (AYAA) understanding of personal finance." The event was sponsored by held in the spring of 2010, Dylan Siemens placed second in the EconomicsArkansas organization, the Federal Reserve Bank of the Graphite Realism category. Kristi Odell placed second St. Louis, and the Bill and Sharon Arnold Family Foundation. in the Realistic Sculpture category and third in Abstract Sculpture. Jacob Hilton placed second in Abstract Mixed • A team from Har-Ber placed first in the high school division Media. In addition to their state-level awards, Kristin Odell and for Region 1 in the fall 2009 Stock Market Game, a competition Jacob Hilton were each offered a $1,000.00 scholarship to the sponsored by the Economics Arkansas organization. Members Memphis College of the Arts. of that team (pictured) were Mitchell Lightfoot, William Rorie and Ethan Ross. Their coach was Dottie Sue Hill. The students were • Dylan Siemens won a third-place award in the art competition honored at a luncheon held on January 13, 2010, at the Verizon/ sponsored by Congressman Boozman. Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas. • Jacob Hilton won a Congressional Art Award with his picture titled "Faith" (girl playing trumpet). He was flown to Washington, D.C., to see his winning picture hung in the Cannon Corridor of the White House where it was to stay Dr. Jim Rollins, on display for one year. (See photo of Jacob with two of his Superintendent (right) winning creations.) with Har-Ber team.
First place in Stock Market Game (Region 1, senior high division)
Nationally Honored Choir The Camerata Singers, a select choral group at Har-Ber High School, performed by special invitation at the annual convention of the American Choral Directors Association—Southwest Division held in Denver, Colorado, on February 26, 2010. Only three high school choirs received that distinguished invitation. Only Jacob Hilton 16 choirs total were invited, including college, professional, community, Congressional Art Award–winner high school, junior high and children’s choirs. The Camerata Singers are directed by Mr. Randy Erwin. Mr. Cliff Pianalto serves as assistant choral director. 2009-2010 Springdale School District 16 Har-Ber High School Har-Ber EAST Lab is #1 in the Nation!
Har-Ber High School’s outstanding EAST lab program a 2010 EETT (Enhancing Education Through Technology) grant (Environmental and Spatial Technology) was presented the Timothy "to effectively replicate the technology-integration professional- R. Stephenson Founder’s Award at the annual EAST awards banquet development project Technology for Kids that was started by the held on March 3, 2010, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Founder’s Southeast Cooperative several years ago." Up to 50 high school Award recognized Har-Ber’s program as the top EAST lab in the EAST lab teams were to be invited to participate; Har-Ber’s EAST nation. Program instructor Debbie Lamb reports that the award "is program was one of those selected. Mrs. Lamb and a team of four presented annually to the EAST program best demonstrating the Har-Ber EAST students participated in a three-day training session overall purpose and mission of the EAST Initiative at the local level. in Little Rock in May 2010 in which they received "specialized The award is presented in honor of Tim Stephenson, who founded training in video production/editing camera techniques and lighting the EAST initiative in Greenbrier, Arkansas, in 1996." (See photo.) techniques" to prepare them to conduct a Technology Camp for Kids in the fall of 2010. The camp served approximately 30 students, As Mrs. Lamb explains, "The Founder’s Award competition from fourth grade up, teaching them to "utilize math, science, showcases an EAST program’s abilities and accomplishments over reading or writing skills," and it provided "a minimum of 20 hours the past year. Each EAST program had to submit a seven-minute of technology/problem-solving instruction that requires students video and a two-inch binder telling their EAST story. They had to to think while problem solving in real-world applications, utilizing exemplify outstanding student growth, service and collaboration, video production tools." critical thinking and problem solving, and resource integration."
Mrs. Lamb reports that her students were involved in approximately 60 events, service projects, presentations or special activities during the 2009–2010 school year. Just a few examples of those endeavors are: designing a teen website for the Shiloh Museum; a hiking field trip to Hobbs State Park where students participated in graphic arts, videography, and geospatial mapping; conducting a "technology evening" and a Medicare open-enrollment session to assist senior citizens; and challenging their computer-programming skills by participating in a competition held at the University of Arkansas. (See photos.)
Mrs. Lamb obtained a grant through the Southeast Arkansas Educational Services Cooperative that provided free video- technology equipment for the EAST lab. The Cooperative received
EAST students at the computer programming competition held at the University of Arkansas
Working on design for Teen Page on Shiloh Museum website Representatives of Har-Ber’s award-winning program at the annual EAST Initiative conference Front row, L to R: Cydney Reed, JennyKate Webb, Jessica Lavin Middle row, L to R: Kevin Carrillo, Derek Roetzel, Nick Bailey, Chase Stepp and Mrs. Debbie Lamb, program facilitator Back row, L to R: George Hudson and Zac Hill EAST students filming at Hobbs State Park 17 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Har-Ber High School Distinguished Students • Dillon Garr (pictured) of Har-Ber High was named a National Merit finalist for 2010. That distinguished scholarship program recognizes students "who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies."
• Christopher Bayles (see photo) reached the distinguished finalist status in the selection process for the United States Presidential Scholar Award. Established in 1964, the Presidential Scholars Program is "a nonpartisan, public-private partnership designed to recognize and provide leadership-development experiences for some of America’s most outstanding high school seniors."
• All 37 entries submitted by Har-Ber students were selected for the "Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Essay Competition." Shannon McKinney’s essay was ranked number 3 out of all the essays in the competition. Emily Schaal’s entry received an honorable mention (ranking it in the top seven essays). All 37 of Har-Ber’s entrants were invited to attend the "Dialogue with Future Diplomats" event featuring former United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on February 17, 2010. Dillon Garr Christopher Bayles FFA Students Win Top Honors Sports Report Members of the Har-Ber High School chapter of the Future Farmers • Football: Coach Chris Woods’ varsity Wildcats football team of America (FFA) participated with great success in the annual won the state championship in the fall of 2009. (See photo.) convention of the Arkansas FFA that was held in the spring of 2010.
• Cheerleading: The Har–Ber cheerleading squad, coached by • Seven FFA members won gold medals for first–place honors with Anne Martfeld, won the state championship. their "proficiency" applications, advancing to the national level of competition. Those students were Jaret Smith, Josh Grimsley, • Volleyball: The Har-Ber girls’ volleyball team won second Heather Leding, Dillon Garr, Amanda Bacon, Justin Bacon and place in the state championship competition. The team was Renee Rood. They competed at the National FFA convention held coached by Sandy Jones. (See photo.) in October 2010.
• Basketball: Mr. Adam Simmons was hired as the new head • Jaret Smith was named State Star in Agriculture Business. coach for boys’ basketball at Har–Ber High School. (See photo.) • Renee Rood was named State Star in Agri Placement. • Sportsmanship Award: Har-Ber High School was presented a Sportsmanship Award by the Arkansas Activities Association. • Dillon Garr placed first in the "Extemporaneous Public Speaking" competition, qualifying him to compete at the • Citation Award: Mr. Aaron Harris, an assistant principal at national level. Har-Ber High School, received the Citation Award for the 1– West Activity District presented • Amanda Bacon was chosen to represent Arkansas by the Arkansas Activities as a delegate to the National FFA convention in Association. October 2010.
• 1–West President: Principal • The Har–Ber chapter received the gold (first place) Danny Brackett was named the ranking for the state, and its application was president for the 1–West Activity submitted for consideration for national honors. District of the Arkansas Activities Association. • Heather Leding was elected president of the Arkansas FFA organization for the 2010–2011 school year.
Adam Simmons New head coach for boys’ basketball
2009-2010 Springdale School District 18 Central Junior High School
• Instructor Dee Ann Sallings was chosen by her peers to serve as minutes of exercise a day) between the Council, National Football the 2009–2010 Central Junior High Teacher of the Year. League, and the United States Department of Agriculture." Cal spoke at a school in Manhattan, participating on a panel • Cross–Country: The boys’ cross–country team and the that included U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, NFL girls’ cross–country team from Central won their respective Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL player Maurice Jones Drew, championships of the Northwest Arkansas Junior High U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, and Mr. Tom Gallagher, Conference. Those teams were coached by Van Stewman. the Chief Executive Officer of the National Dairy Council. The FUTP60 program to promote healthful food choices and physical • Economic Education: Instructor Jim Newman received an exercise was implemented during the 2009–2010 school year award in the Newcomer category, West Region, of the Bessie B. in more than 50,000 schools nationwide, including CJHS. Cal Moore Arkansas Awards Program that recognizes excellence summed up the focus of that initiative succinctly in his closing in the teaching of economics. His entry was titled, "Dog Gone remarks at the January press conference when he said, "I want to Economics." He was honored in a ceremony held at the Chenal encourage you to get involved because the decisions you make Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas, on December 4, 2009. now will affect you in the future." (See photo.)
• National Board certification: Celeste Creamer of the CJHS • CJHS students participated with distinction in various social faculty earned the distinguished certification by the National studies competitions. In the Fleet Reserve Association essay Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in the fall of competition for the Northwest Arkansas area, Sam Struebing, 2009. That certification is described as the "the highest credential Maria Glenn and Mason Daniels placed first through third in the teaching profession," and it is achieved only after a respectively in the eighth-grade division. Abbey Peterson, lengthy and comprehensive demonstration of the teacher’s Jacob Herrington and Brian Kasnicka placed first through third expertise. respectively for the ninth-grade division.
In the essay competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, eighth-grader Riley Turner placed first for the Northwest Arkansas District. Cassidy Kendrick took first place in the ninth-grade division of the VFW event, and Drew Swalley placed third.
In the Northwest Arkansas division of the essay competition sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, eighth-graders Maggie Barnard, Rachel Rupert and Amanda Lucas placed first through third respectively. Ninth-graders Gunnar Kemp, Alex Stillwell and Lake Luckett placed first through third.
• FFA: A team of Central Junior High students took second place in the "Opening and Closing Ceremonies" competition at the State FFA convention held in • Cal Davies, an eighth-grade student at Central Junior High the spring of 2010. School, served as a national spokesperson for the Fuel Up to Play program to promote healthful food choices. The • AdvancED: Principal program was piloted at Hellstern Middle School during Darrell Watts of the 2008–2009 school year, which Cal was then attending. Central was appointed He attended the National Fuel Up to Play Summit held in to the AdvancED New York City, New York, in April 2009 while he was a National Council in the seventh-grader at HMS. While in New York City he was spring of 2010. one of only two students (one boy and one girl) chosen to serve as youth spokespersons for the FUTP program. Acting in his capacity as a youth spokesperson for Fuel Up to Play, Cal attended the National Football League draft, participated in the National Media Training event held in Chicago, Illinois, and spoke at the National Dairy Council Convention that was held in Denver, Colorado. On January 15, 2010, the National Dairy Council flew Cal to New York City to speak at a press conference highlighting "the partnership merge for FUTP60 (healthy food/60
19 Springdale School District 2009-2010 George Junior High School
The outstanding George Junior High band!
• George Junior High welcomed a new assistant principal for 2009–2010, Mrs. Rosemarie Spaulding.
• Mrs. Cara Sedberry was chosen by her peers to serve as the 2009–2010 George Junior High Teacher of the Year.
• George social studies students participated in various competitions. In the Fleet Reserve Association essay competition, eighth-graders Dora Villareal, Jake Barnes and Rebecca Estep placed first through third at the district level. Dora Villareal also took first place at the state level of the Fleet Reserve competition, advancing to the national competition. Ninth-graders Chandler Davis, Marina Gonzalez and Meghan Anderson took first through third place in the district competition.
Two eighth-graders advanced through History Day competitions to the national level. Madison Moore and Yasmine Chavez (see photo) placed first at the State History Day in the Group Exhibit, qualifying them to compete in the National History Day event held on June 13–17, 2010, at College Park, Maryland, near Washington, D.C.
• Mr. Blake Cook was hired to serve as the head football coach for George Junior High for 2010–2011. (See photo.)
Mr. Blake Cook New head football coach Madison Moore and Yasmine Chavez First place, Group Exhibit, at State History Day Smiles are common in the (National History Day qualifiers) child-centered environment at GJHS
2009-2010 Springdale School District 20 Southwest Junior High School
• Southwest Junior High welcomed a new assistant principal for • Choir: Forty-two students were named to the All–Region Choir: 2009–2010, Mrs. Kim Lewis. Jacob Reynolds, Ethan Phipps, Nathan Hernandez, Mason Herndon, Alan Garcia, Blake Tucker, Josh Hoover, Eliajah • Math instructor Alicia Niccum was selected by her peers to Machado, Dandy Fleming, Gustavo Martinez, Grant Atkins, represent them as the 2009–2010 Southwest Junior High Teacher Richard Strouse, Brandon Jetton, Austen Moore, Carter Henson, of the Year. Zach McGowen, Joseph Adams, Cole Powers, Mary Roland, Constance Sananikone, Hannah Lewis, Annabelle Doffin, • Jody Koons was honored as the Secondary Physical Education Kyndall Wood, Reagan Wray, Jasmine Masha, Alexa Driggers, Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Health, Cheyenne McCallie, Janerose Ralpho, Grace Hannon, Morgan Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (ArkAHPERD). (See Atkins, Cindy Navarro, Stephanie Grace, Katie Fields, Tara Hall, photo.) Gabby Funes, Stormie Doshier, Miriam Delatorre, Maimoa Ahio, Karley Siemens, Morgan Vaughan, Alliyah Brown and Callie • President’s Academic Awards: A total of 47 students received Cannon. 2009–2010 President’s Academic Awards through a recognition program sponsored by the United States Department of Education.
• Essay winners: Southwest Junior High received a check for $1,000.00 donated by the Walmart Neighborhood Market for the achievement of its three winners in the Martin Luther King, Junior, Essay Competition. Those winning students were Jordan Lothian, Alex Bolinger and Aimee Apon.
• Band: Twenty-five students were named to the All–Region Band: Anna Holcomb, Tara Hall, Aly Schuster, Emily Cowing, Shelby Plichta, Mishel Quintero, Katie Fields, Nate Arrington, Justin Hernandez, Whitney Cruse, Alexis Arenas, Joseph Adams, Wes Martsching, Olivia Hodge, Zac McGowen, Nathan Hernandez, Rafael Soto, Freddie Gonzalez, Casey Self, Alan Morales, Jake Washkowiak, Evan Carlton, David Gutierrez, Maylynn Goud and Daniel Lopez.
The library is the heart of a "literacy first" environment
Taking aim during an archery tournament
Building spirit at a pep assembly Jody Koons ArkAHPERD Secondary PE Teacher of the Year 21 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Hellstern Middle School
• Ms. Kathy Prophet, a science instructor at Hellstern, was selected by the Arkansas Department of Education as one of four regional finalists for the 2010 Arkansas Teacher of the Year recognition. She was honored in a ceremony conducted on November 2, 2009, at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. (See photo on page 3 with earlier article.)
• Math teacher Kimberly Krueger was chosen by her peers to represent them as the 2009 Hellstern Teacher of the Year.
• Mr. Damon Donnell joined the Hellstern staff as a new assistant principal.
• Six Hellstern students qualified for state recognition under the 2009 Duke University 7th–grade Talent Search. Those outstanding students were Ashley Alston, Kenneth Buck, Mason Geary, Meghan Kujawa, Lelia Rosenkrans and Elizabeth Woodard.
Music student performs at patriotic assembly
Hands–on learning in science class
• Hellstern students participated in the Odyssey of the Mind, "an international educational program that provides creative problem–solving opportunities for students kindergarten through college." Two teams from Hellstern won awards at the state level in their respective categories of completion. A team coached by Sandy Ponomar and Rob Gary placed second in "Nature Trail’R" for Division II. Members of that team were Felip Acosts, Omare Curiel, Jared Gary, Fu Xin Keller, Isaiah Prater and Cale Smith. Another team placed second in Division II in Hellstern students jump for joy! "The Gift of Flight." Coached by Donna Garlington and Melinda West, that team was comprised of Nic Franco, Grant Lancelot, Preston McBee, Caleb Smith, Jonathan West and Peyton Wood. By virtue of their placement at the state level, both of those teams qualified to compete in the 31st Odyssey of the Mind World Finals held on May 26–29, 2010, at Michigan State University. One Hellstern team took seventh–place in Problem 2, Division 2, at the World Finals, earning it "Top 10" recognition.
2009-2010 Springdale School District 22 Kelly Middle School
Andrea McKenna Dr. Penny Pabst Middle School English Teacher of the Year
• Kelly Middle School participated in the International • Elizabeth Cooper of Kelly submitted an original poster that Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Middle Years Programme. was chosen by Economics Arkansas for inclusion in the Principal Sara Ford reports that Kelly was approved for 2011 calendar that was produced and distributed by that funding by the Care Foundation for an additional year of organization. training for the IBO initiative. • Heidi Holland, a sixth–grade teacher, submitted an application • Andrea McKenna of the Kelly Middle School faculty was that was approved for a $783.00 field trip grant from the named the Middle School English Teacher of the Year by the Target corporation. The grant "was written to coincide with an Arkansas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts interdisciplinary unit of study on the Civil Rights Movement" (ACTELA). (See photo.) conducted for her students in April 2010. The grant funded a trip for the students to take a guided tour of the Little Rock • Dr. Penny Pabst was named the Health Education Teacher Central High School National Historic site and the Arkansas of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Health, Physical State Capitol Building. Education, Recreation and Dance (ArkAHPERD). (See photo.)
• Dr. Martin C. Reynolds, Kelly’s music/band instructor, was chosen by his peers to represent them as the school’s 2009– 2010 Teacher of the Year.
• Six students from Kelly qualified for state honors under the 2009 Duke University 7th–grade Talent Search. Those outstanding students were: Asa Alsip, Charity Booth, Maren Burgess, James Goodpasture, Jessie May and Santiago Romero.
• Kelly students submitted entries to the "Reflections" competition sponsored by the Arkansas PTA as an opportunity for students to be recognized for their artistic achievements and creative expression. Alexandria Johnson of Kelly received an Honorable Mention award at the state level in the "Visual Art" category (Middle/Junior Division).
Smiling Kelly faces!
23 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Tyson Middle School
• Tyson Middle School participated in the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Middle Years Programme. During the 2009–2010 term, the school worked on developing curriculum, writing lesson plans and critiquing them, and looking at patterns and connections.
• Three TMS teachers were involved in distinguished professional–development activities. Justin Keen, a seventh-grade social studies teacher, participated in an archaeological training program conducted in South Dakota during the summer of 2009. Cheryl Tupper, an ESL teacher for grades 6 and 7, was one of only 40 applicants selected by the National Constitution Center to participate in summer 2009 workshops about (1) the American Revolution and the U.S. Constitution and (2) immigration, public health and the American workforce from 1891 to 1924. Tara Dye, a sixth–grade language arts instructor, was elected to serve on the board of the Arkansas Council of Teachers of English and Language Arts (ACTELA).
• Merri Herndon of the Tyson faculty earned the distinguished certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in the fall of 2009. That certification is described as the "the highest credential in the teaching profession," and it is achieved only after a lengthy and comprehensive demonstration of the teacher’s expertise.
• Mrs. Stephanie McConnell was named by her peers to represent them as the Arkansas Middle–Level Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2009–2010 term. (See earlier article on page 3 and photo.)
• Social studies teacher Jill Law was chosen by her peers to serve as the Tyson Middle School Teacher of the Year for the 2009–2010 term.
• Nine students from Tyson qualified for state honors under the 2009 Duke University 7th–grade Talent Search. Those outstanding students were Riegen Anderson, Jonathan Arrington, Kennedy Channel, Miranda Kelly, Harlee Marcum, Austin Nichols, Jacob Reynolds, Jordan Shuster and Tiffany Withrow.
• Amber Jones of Tyson submitted an original poster that was chosen by Economics Arkansas for inclusion in the 2011 calendar that was produced and distributed by that organization.
Making merry music in band class
"Putting it to the test" with science lab experiments
2009-2010 Springdale School District 24 Bayyari Elementary School
• Jennifer Graham was selected by the National Council of • Principal Martha Walker reports that the school also continued Teachers in Mathematics and the National Science Teachers’ its partnership with the Arkansas A+ Schools network. Association to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers’ Academy that was held in New Jersey in July 2010. (See photo.) • Fourth-grade students at Bayyari participated with enthusiasm in the Black Stallion Literacy Project which provided a free copy • Jennifer Graham received a grant in the amount of $2,685.00 of the classic book Black Stallion to each child. That project is from the Arkansas Securities organization to enhance instruction. supported by a financial partnership between the Springdale School District, the national organization for the Black Stallion • Bayyari continued its participation in the Primary Project Literacy Project, and donors. (See photo.) initiated in the previous school year for grades K—3, a project conducted in partnership with the Ozark Guidance Center. It • Bayyari students enjoyed many special events during the is described as "an early intervention and prevention program school year that enriched their academic experience, including designed to help young children make positive social and a schoolwide Book Fair held in September, numerous choir emotional adjustments in school." The program provides "a concerts, and a Career Fair held at the Jones Center for Families. social services component to support families in accessing community resources."
• Fourth-grade teachers continued the GREAT program partnership with the Springdale Police Department through which a school resource officer taught a curriculum that "included lessons which developed strong character, communication skills, good decision-making, and citizenship."
A fourth-grader enjoys his free book received through the Black Stallion Literacy Project
Jennifer Graham
Many smiles from Bayyari first-graders!
25 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Elmdale Elementary School
• Elmdale welcomed a new principal, Mrs. Michelle Hutton, a long-time member of the school’s faculty. Named to serve as her assistant principal was Ms. Stephanie Hinsey.
• Josh Hicklin was honored as the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (ArkAHPERD). (See photo.)
• Mrs. Pamela Conner of the Elmdale faculty won an award for her entry "Going to Bat for Economics" in the annual Bessie B. Moore Arkansas Awards Program that recognizes excellence in the teaching of economics.
• Elmdale teacher Michelle Wallis was awarded a teaching grant of $750.00 from EconomicsArkansas. She also received a grant in the amount of $3,795.00 from the Arkansas Securities organization.
• A team from Elmdale won a $50.00 prize for answering the most questions correctly in the Economics Quiz Bowl held Josh Hicklin at the Jones Center for Families located in Springdale. Team Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the year members were Azailiss Bustamante, Paul Egziabher, Anthony Elias, Miguel Medina and Aaron Souvanno.
• Elmdale students also participated in the Liberty Eagles Expo conducted at the Northwest Arkansas Community College by the college’s chapter of Students in Free Enterprise. Prior to that culminating event the students took part in a six-week program through which they studied economics, basic business concepts and business ethics, and entrepreneurialship skills. Students formed businesses, produced wares and sold those products at the Expo event. An Elmdale team earned $100.00 for its first–place win in the business plan competition. Team members were Yuri Munoz, Giselle Castillo, Giselle Rodriguez and Jesslyn Ventura. Their faculty advisor was Mr. Rocky Bell. Science experiment • Three teams from Elmdale were winners in the "Business Plan Criteria" competition of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Expo event. Members of the winning team The Stylerz were Yuridiana Munoz, Giselle Castillo, Jesslyn Ventura and Giselle Rodriguez. Members of the team named The Stars were Jessica Guevara, Jasmin Hernandez, Abby Washington, Scarlet Calleros and Fernando Villanueva. Members of the Krazy Key Keepers team were Gunner Jones, Jacob Priest, Elvira Andrade, Andrew Gillihan and Stephanie Barnes. Elmdale also had a winning team in the "Most Innovative" category: Unique Fashions. Team members were Priscilla Medina, Jesus Cevallos, Jaquelin Rodriguez and Alicia Lamudio. Two Elmdale teams won in the category of "Best Booth": Designer Dreams (Hailey Wyre, Sabre Thomas, Tia Smith and Teagan Myers) and Fashion Jewelry Buds (Alexander Gutierrez, Yecenia Rojas, Lawrence Melong and Stormie Shakleford).
• Elmdale students also participated in the "Reflections" competition sponsored by the Arkansas PTA as an opportunity for students to be recognized for their artistic Principal Michele Hutton visits an Elmdale class achievements and creative expression. Kaitlyn Eoff took third place in the Intermediate Division of "Dance Choreography" in that state–level competition. 2009-2010 Springdale School District 26 George Elementary School
• The "K Kids" program at George was named an International • George fifth-graders participated in the district’s annual Little Distinguished Club by the Kiwanis Club organization. Olympics.
• Students in the gifted-and-talented education program at • The school’s economic education program provided numerous George participated in numerous activities and competitive opportunities for students to challenge themselves. events, including the Odyssey of the Mind and the Quiz Bowl. • George students participated in the annual Shakespeare • First-grade students participated in the district’s annual Festival held at the Arts Center of the Ozarks. Stickhorse Rodeo. • George students submitted artistic entries to the annual • Musically-inclined students at George performed in such Reflections competition sponsored by the Arkansas PTA. groups as the school’s Honor Choir and the Jammin’ George Jake Williams of George earned an Honorable Mention in the Giants band group. Photography category, Intermediate Division.
Lifting hands and hearts at a school assembly
Working in the George Garden on the Kiwanis Day of Caring
27 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Harp Elementary School
• A Family Literacy Night conducted in September 2009 was a Members of the "Nutty for Notecards" team were Elli Poellot, great success, with more than 300 students and their families Thomas Jackson, Graycie Bohannan, Alexandro Silvia and attending. "Every family was treated to a read-aloud in their Makenna Taylor. The "Overall" award winner in the Stock student’s classroom along with strategies to help develop Market Game was Harp’s Undercover Pens team. reading comprehension." • Harp principal Mrs. Linda Knapp retired at the end of the 2009– • Mrs. Lynn Massey of the Harp faculty was an award winner in 2010 term. A schoolwide assembly and retirement reception the Newcomer category, West Region, of the 14th annual Bessie were held in her honor. Mrs. Allison Strange stepped into the B. Moore Arkansas Awards Program that recognized excellence principalship for the 2010–2011 term, with Mr. Jacob Sherwood in the teaching of economics. Mrs. Massey’s entry was titled, being tapped to serve as her new assistant principal. "Spanish Works." She was honored at a ceremony held on December 4, 2009, at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, • A three-week "Brain Camp" was held during the summer of Arkansas. She received a cash prize of $500.00. (See earlier article 2010, with 40 students attending. They "participated in Success on page 8 for photo.) Maker reading and math, AR reading, art projects and board games. Three field trips were taken to roller skate, bowl and • Ms. Robin Points of the Harp faculty was named the Arkansas purchase books at Barnes and Noble. All activities were Elementary School Counselor of the Year. designed to enrich language and build background experiences."
• Harp students submitted entries to the annual "Reflections" competition sponsored by the Arkansas PTA as an opportunity for students to be recognized for their artistic achievements and creative expression. Lucas Dias of Harp received an Honorable Mention in the "Visual Arts" category of that competition. He was honored at the Reflections awards luncheon held on April 20, 2010, during the Arkansas PTA convention.
• Two Harp Elementary instructors, Ashley Fitz Davis and Teresa Jordan, were winners of $750 teaching grants from the Economics Arkansas organization, "Springdale’s partner in economic education and K–12 financial literacy." Those teachers were invited to participate in a training session held on May 7, 2010 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
• Harp students competed with honors in the spring 2010 Stock Market Game conducted by Economics Arkansas. Two Harp teams were winners in the "Most Innovative" category. Harp Spelling Bee "Top 2" "Undercover Pens" was a team comprised of Avery Nichols, Nauman Malik, runner-up, and Derek Tharp, winner Rachel Rodriguez, Jason Lindstrom and Marco Sanchez.
Mrs. Knapp and Mrs. Strange kick off the Christmas assembly with festive flair!
The Harp choir performs, accompanied by local musician Marshall Mitchell
2009-2010 Springdale School District 28 Hunt Elementary School
"And they’re off!" Principal Michelle Doshier and a student at the Sock Hop
• Recognizing the importance of good nutrition for students to • Hunt’s challenging curriculum included numerous be healthy and to perform at their peak capacity academically, opportunities for children to challenge themselves in such Hunt Elementary School strives to educate children about competitions as Quiz Bowl, Media Festival, Science Olympiad, healthful eating habits and to provide a menu of foods Odyssey of the Mind, and the Arkansas PTA–sponsored that meet strict nutritional guidelines. Already named a Reflections competition for artistic students. Team Nutrition School by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, the school strove during the 2009–2010 term to become the first school in Arkansas to qualify for the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) Gold Award.
• A new outdoor track was installed at Hunt Elementary School, and a dedication ceremony for that facility was conducted in Smiles October 2009. Funding for the track installation began with a from young $5,000.00 grant from the Lowe’s corporation. Nearly $40,000.00 competitors worth of work was donated by supportive local companies. at a school Crossland Construction "did the dirt work and cut the track in" event and the McClinton–Anchor company "helped with asphalt." Riggs Caterpillar brought equipment to assist in that project. Running clubs use the track in the mornings, and students will practice on the track for Little Olympics competitions. (See photo.)
• Hunt continued such meaningful programs as Parent Mentoring and Kinderfriends, developing special relationships that benefited all participants.
• First-grade students participated in the district’s annual Stickhorse Rodeo, an economic education activity. Students in grades 2–4 participated in the annual Economic Fair. Fifth- grade students held a Product Market to culminate their study of economics.
• Fifth-graders visited the Ozark Natural Science Center to engage in science experiments and nighttime hikes. The new track at Hunt, ready for walkers and runners 29 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Jones Elementary School
• Teresa Davis (pictured) of the Jones faculty attained the banquet" for receiving a Partners in Education of Year Award. distinguished certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in the fall of 2009. National Board • Jones students visited the Care Mobile dental unit which certification has been described as "the highest credential in the provided essential dental services. teaching profession," and it is achieved only after a lengthy and comprehensive demonstration of the teacher’s expertise. • Jones received a grant to support the establishment of a Health and Wellness Center to serve the medical and emotional needs of • Principal Melissa Fink praises an exciting Service Learning the students. program implemented at her school in the 2009–2010 term. She reports that, "Nineteen students in third grade from • Mrs. Fink reports that, "Our year ended with a celebration Jones Elementary School and Service Learning students from commemorating Jones Elementary School’s 50th birthday. Springdale High School partnered together to build relationships Carolyn Long with the Jones Television Network produced and reading skills." The program was coordinated by Ms. a video showing the history of our school. It highlighted the Allison Dolan of the SHS faculty. As Mrs. Fink explains, "Senior legacy of Harvey and Bernice Jones that still lives strong today Service Learning is a community service class designed to through their namesake school." develop the civic and volunteer skills of seniors in preparation for their graduation from high school." A Teen Trendsetter grant through Volunteer USA funded the purchase of 30 books for each of the participating third-graders. The SHS students worked individually "The many with their third-grade "buddies" at Jones, visiting the different school each week for approximately 30 minutes. faces" of children and • Approximately 25 parents participated in the second gourds year of the Toyota Family Literacy Program. Mrs. Fink are evident comments that, "Parents attended school four days a on a school week. During this time, they learned English through field trip the lens of what their students were learning in the classroom." She reports that the parents also "had opportunities to learn parenting skills and more about the community they live in through parent time."
• A great partnership involving Arvest Bank was created. Mrs. Fink reports that "Arvest Bank supported the school in many ways through financial assistance, tutoring, mentoring and crossing guard. This partnership was recognized at the annual Chamber of Commerce’s Champions in Education
Teresa Davis National Board–certified teacher Jones Jaguars performing at a school assembly 2009-2010 Springdale School District 30 Lee Elementary School
"Streaming" science instruction Nature study in the outdoor classroom
• Principal Regina Stewman of Lee announced her school’s receipt • Lee students submitted artistic entries to the annual Reflections of a $3,000.00 grant for 2009–2010 as a result of its "Leaning on competition sponsored by the Arkansas PTA. Benjamin Literacy" program proposal submitted to the "Sharing the Dream" Dodson of Lee placed first in the state in the Film Production program sponsored by the National Association of Elementary category, Intermediate Division. School Principals (NAESP). That grant supported an outreach program for Marshallese students and their families. Programs • A group of fourth-graders (Carley Smith, Cassidy Stewman, for Marshallese families were conducted on eight nights during Quincee Scates, Alex Rodriguez and Ericka Herrera) in Lee’s the first semester of the term and on eight nights during the gifted-and-talented program won an award for the Best second semester. Those events were designed to "engage parents, Display in a SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) competition. families and the community to build relationships that support improved performance" of the students. • Lee students had the opportunity to participate in two soccer programs, one that was sponsored by the Champions in • Lee also conducts outreach services for Hispanic families Education program, and one that was conducted through the through its nationally–honored Toyota Family Literacy All-Star Sports Arena. Program. Principal Regina Stewman and Nora Sandoval, a parent participating in the Toyota program, had the honor to • Mrs. Stewman reports that 70% of Lee students in grades K–5 be presenters at the Spring 2010 National Center for Family participated in the school’s Walking Club which utilizes the Literacy Conference in San Antonio, Texas, where they shared walking trail that circles the Lee playground. the success of the school’s Toyota program with approximately 1,500 persons. • The school continued its service to students called the Mobile Library that delivers books to students during the summer • Deanna Self (pictured) of the Lee faculty attained the to encourage their love of reading and their development of distinguished certification by the National Board for Professional reading skills. Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in the fall of 2009. National Board certification has been described as "the highest credential in the teaching profession," and it is achieved only after a lengthy and comprehensive demonstration of the teacher’s expertise.
• Lynn Massey of the Lee faculty was an award winner in the Newcomer category, West Region, of the 14th annual Bessie B. Moore Arkansas Awards Program that recognized excellence in the teaching of economics. Her entry was titled, "Spanish Works." She was honored at a ceremony held on December Deanna Self 4, 2009, at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas. She National Board–certified received a cash prize of $500.00. (See earlier article on page 8 for teacher photo.)
31 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Monitor Elementary School
• Principal Maribel Childress was honored as a National Distinguished Principal at a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. in October 2009. Developing literacy • Mrs. Childress achieved Master Principal status after completing skills … the root of all of the comprehensive requirements of the Master Principal all learning program through the Arkansas Leadership Academy.
• Cassie Kautzer was selected by the National Council of Teachers in Mathematics and the National Science Teachers’ Association to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers’ Academy that was held in New Jersey in July 2010.
• Sally Ratcliff (pictured) of the Monitor faculty attained the distinguished certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in the fall of 2009. National Board certification has been described as "the highest credential in the teaching profession," and it is achieved only after a lengthy and comprehensive demonstration of the teacher’s expertise.
• More than 40 students participated in the school’s archery club, Sally Ratcliff practicing at least twice a week with Coach Terry Ciganek. The National Board club is supported by a grant from the Arkansas Game and Fish certification — the Commission. At the end of the school year, a tournament was held with high-point trophies being awarded. (See photo.) ultimate honor
• Coach Jamie Green sponsored a Golf Club for Monitor students. Students practiced at least twice a week and "developed amazing swings and accuracy." Trophies were awarded each month at the school assembly.
• Monitor sponsored 19 soccer teams for kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Students competed in the All-Star Sports Arena’s spring indoor soccer league. They also competed in a "World Cup" tournament, earning the championships of two out of three divisions. (See photo of Monitor Soccer Club.)
• Monitor sponsored a Kiwanis K-Kids Club in the spring of 2010 with the goal being to "provide community service and leadership opportunities for children." For their first service activity, the students served lunch at the Springdale Senior Center. Club sponsors were Sierra Engelmann, school counselor, and Truman Potts of Kiwanis Club International. End-of-year archery tournament
• Jacquez Swanigan, a first-grade student, was invited to attend the Young Performers Studio Hollywood Boot Camp held in California during the summer of 2010. The curriculum at that event included on-camera training, improvisation, commercial skills, scene work, and preparation for TV and film auditions. (See photo.)
Jacquez Swanigan First-grade student … outstanding young performer
Monitor Soccer Club 2009-2010 Springdale School District 32 Parson Hills Elementary School
• Dr. Debbie Hardwick–Smith, the principal of Parson Hills, • Fifth-grade students visited the Ozark Natural Science Center for reports that a new Green Panther Club was formed at her school hands-on learning experiences in science. during the 2009–2010 school year. That group, which strives to protect the natural environment, is coordinated by Mr. Wayne • First-graders participated in the district’s annual Stickhorse Bolin, assistant principal. Mr. Bolin explains that the Green Rodeo which culminated a study of economic concepts and Panther Club "is focused on five main areas: strengthening principles. the relationship between Parson Hills and families, providing a learning experience that parents can share with their • Parson Hills students participated in many challenging activities children, beautifying the campus of Parson Hills, increasing including the Arkansas Stock Market Game sponsored by the environmental awareness, and encouraging student leadership." Economics Arkansas organization, the Quiz Bowl, the Odyssey (See photo.) of the Mind, the Media Festival sponsored by the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media, the Science Olympiad, the • Parson Hills implemented a new literacy program to serve district’s annual Shakespeare Festival, and the Arkansas PTA- parents for whom English is not their first language. Dr. Smith sponsored Reflections competition. reports that parents spent three hours a day, four days a week, learning English in the classroom at Parson Hills.
• "Literacy first" is the foundation of the curriculum for all Parson Hills students. One enjoyable facet of the school’s efforts to promote reading skills and a love of reading is participation in the Black Stallion Literacy Project through which free copies of the classic novel Black Stallion were provided to each fourth-grade student, and students got to visit with a horse brought to the school.
Young authors challenge their literacy skills as they create their own books
Developing reading skills is important for every student
Members of the Green Panther Club
33 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Shaw Elementary School
• Fourth–grade teacher Lisa Taylor was chosen to attend the Training of Writers Program. That event, sponsored by the National Council for Economic Education, was a five–day workshop held in Washington, D.C., in August 2009. There were 24 participants — 12 teachers from the United States and 12 teachers from other countries.
• Mrs. Taylor also received a $750.00 teaching grant from the Economics Arkansas organization. she was invited to participate in a training session held on May 7, 2010, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
• Shaw Elementary received a $1,400.00 grant from Cintas for an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• Principal Cynthia Voss reports that the schoolwide motivational Reading Genre Challenge "continues to lead our students into a love for reading, as each grade level met and exceeded the high expectations for reading excellence at Shaw."
• Shaw Elementary School become a "Litter-free Zone" this year with the school’s acceptance to the Keep America Beautiful Litter-free Investigation Program. After training the student Students learn about nature up close while visiting body, Mrs. Voss reports that, "Our Shining Stars took it a step the Botanical Gardens for its Earth Day event further and were able to reach out to community schools with Litter Scene Investigation training at the Botanical Gardens Earth Day Event. Shaw hosted that celebration, setting up learning stations for visiting schools, teaching interactive lessons, and performing a choral tribute to Earth Day.
• The school was awarded a $4,000.00 grant by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for improvements to its Outdoor Classroom. (See photo.)
• Sarah Vannatta of the Shaw faculty was selected by the National Council of Teachers in Mathematics and the National Science Teachers’ Association to attend the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers’ Academy that was held in New Jersey in July 2010.
• Mrs. Voss reports that in Shaw’s science labs, "Fifth-graders One segment of the Outdoor Classroom have taken the lead in structuring a system for integrating hands-on learning, the use of academic vocabulary, problem-solving strategies, productive group work, and more through science labs." Fifth-grade teacher Sarah Vannatta leads that work.
• A team from Shaw, coached by Mrs. Lisa Taylor, took first place in Region 1, elementary division, in the fall 2009 Stock Market Game economics competition. Members of that team were Ty Edwards, Hayes Harris, Ireland Perry and Nicole Davis. Those students were honored at a luncheon held on January 13, 2010, at the Verizon/Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas. (See photo.)
• Shaw teachers Julie Hudgens and Lisa Taylor were invited to attend the Arkansas Leadership Academy Teacher Institute to be held during the 2010–2011 school year. Lisa Taylor and her first–place team in Stock Market Game
2009-2010 Springdale School District 34 Smith Elementary School
• Mrs. Tonya Woods was recognized in April 2010 as the Arkansas • The school participated in the Toyota Family Literacy Program Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year. (See earlier which provided weekly English classes for parents for whom article on page 3 and photo.) English is not their first language. Pictured is a Toyota mother taking part in PACT Time in the classroom, developing her • Karen Ward of the Smith faculty attained the distinguished English literacy. In addition, in April 2010 Toyota families certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching participated in a schoolwide tree-planting activity. Standards (NBPTS) in the fall of 2009 for the second time. National Board certification has been described as "the highest • Principal Kim Simco reports that there was great participation credential in the teaching profession." It is achieved only after of families in the Kiwanis One Day event sponsored by the a lengthy and comprehensive demonstration of the teacher’s Springdale Kiwanis Club and the Smith Elementary K-Kids expertise, and renewal of the credential involves the same Club. That activity was held on April 17, 2010, and involved rigorous certification process. students, parents and school staff in work to "spruce up" the school’s gardens and other landscaping features. Smith • Smith students participated in the Reflections competition stakeholders take pride in their school! (See photos.) sponsored by the Arkansas PTA. Logan Lightner of Smith took first place in the Photography category for the Primary Division. Cristen Wright received an Honorable Mention in Photography in the Intermediate Division.
• Smith fourth-graders received free copies of the book Black Stallion through the school’s participation in the Black Stallion Literacy Project.
A parent in the Toyota Family Literacy Program participates in a classroom activity
Families participated in the Kiwanis Club One Day event
35 Springdale School District 2009-2010 TurnbowMonitor ElementaryElementary SchoolSchool
Class activities keep students mentally engaged Turnbow students meet a chicken who visited the school
• Turnbow participated in the International Baccalaureate • Turnbow also participated in the "Fundred Dollar Project" — an Organization (IBO) North America Primary Years Programme awareness project in which students’ hand-drawn $100 bills accrediting process. Principal Stacey Ferguson, recognizing the were collected and delivered to the U.S. Congress in an effort to "great diversity" at her school, comments that the core of the IBO "urge Congress to designate $300 million of real money to clean initiative is for "kids to become internationally-minded." lead-polluted soil in New Orleans." That act in support of the improvement of the environment for students in another city • The Renaissance STAR reading program, installed on all is indicative of the caring and ecological consciousness of the computers in the school, provided enhanced literacy development Turnbow staff and student body. for Turnbow students.
• Morgan Southern, a fifth-grade Turnbow student, placed first in "Photography" for the Intermediate Division in the "Reflections" competition sponsored by the Arkansas PTA. That event is an opportunity for students to be recognized for their artistic achievements and creative expression.
• Morgan Southern was also a winner in the "Historic Moment in Arkansas" essay contest with her entry on the former Monte Ne resort near Rogers (now under water). She placed first in the photo division of that competition. She also took second place in the state with her written essay. The "Historic Moment" competition was cosponsored by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and Radio Disney. (See photo.)
• Turnbow students enjoyed the school’s Fall Festival held in October 2009. They also participated in the Spring Fling/Talent Show and the Fun Springdale firemen talk to students during Career Day at Turnbow & Field Day outdoor event, both held in May 2010.
• Turnbow students participated Morgan Southern in numerous activities that A winner in the "Historic were academically challenging, Moments" competition such as the Odyssey of the Mind, Quiz Bowl, and the Science Olympiad. 2009-2010 Springdale School District 36 Tyson Elementary School
Tyson students in costume for their performance in the Shakespeare Festival Joey Calleja Third place in the district spelling bee!
• Representatives of Arvest Bank teamed with Tyson Elementary fifth–graders through the bank ambassador program. (See photo.)
• Mrs. Cathy Crouch, a gifted–and–talented program facilitator, received a grant in the amount of $2,638 from the Arkansas Securities organization to enhance instruction.
• Tyson Elementary students participated as cast members and crew in performances for the district’s annual Shakespeare Festival held at the Arts Center of the Ozarks. (See photo of Mrs. Cathy Crouch with cast members.)
• Students in the gifted-and-talented program participated in numerous challenging activities including the Quiz Bowl, the Science Olympiad, the Economic Fair, and the Odyssey of the Mind. (See photos from the Product Market.)
• Developing their creative talents, Tyson students submitted Tyson Elementary Bank Ambassadors entries to the annual Media Festival sponsored by the Mr. Chris Lewis of Arvest Bank visits with fifth-graders Arkansas Association of Instructional Media (AAIM) and to in the bank ambassador program the "Reflections" competition conducted by the Arkansas PTA.
• Tyson fourth-graders received free personal copies of the classic novel Black Stallion through the school’s participation in the Black Stallion Literacy Project.
• Enhancing its strong curriculum of academics and enrichment activities, Tyson Elementary continued its focus on character education, helping the children develop the essential traits that will ensure their success as students and citizens.
Tyson third-graders with their wares Tyson economic students at the Product Market at the Product Market 37 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Walker Elementary School
• Art teacher Patti Brigman was one of 15 teachers in Arkansas chosen by The Freeman Foundation to participate in the "Bringing China to Arkansas" program. Ms. Brigman traveled to China where she visited with teachers, administrators and students during her 20-day immersion in the Chinese culture.
• Ms. Cindy Lenk, an English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teacher, received an "Exemplary Teacher" recognition at the Heroes de Corazon awards ceremony hosted by the Hispanic/Latino Associate Resource Group of Walmart.
• Walker Elementary partnered with Circle of Life Hospice for a project in community service. Assistant Principal Joy Shirley reports that the students "raised enough money to provide a laptop computer to Circle of Life guests to check their e-mail and use the Internet while visiting family members as well as two Kindles (which are used to download books so guests may be able to read to patients)." That partnership received a "School Giving Back" award at the spring Partners in Education/Chamber of Commerce banquet.
• Walker initiated a new "Girls on the Run" program during the spring of 2010 "to prepare third– through fifth–grade girls for a lifetime of self–respect and healthy living." That 12–week program incorporated such activities as running, playing games, and discussion sessions about important issues in an effort to build the students’ self–esteem and improve their emotional and physical health. Coached by special education teacher Amy Smith and librarian Missy Wright, the girls participated in a 5K run at Veterans’ Park in Bella Vista at the end of the program. (See photo.)
Members of the new "Girls on the Run" program
Christmastime in the Walker library
Chess Club challenges students
2009-2010 Springdale School District 38 Westwood Elementary School
• Named in 2008 as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years and to apply it in a self-directed manner. The subject of the Programme World School, Westwood continues to serve as Exhibition is a student-selected, real-world problem which a model school for Arkansas and the larger world. Dr. Jerry warrants an extended investigation. Some of the topics covered Rogers, the principal, states that, "Our vision is to provide were: Endangered Animals, Natural Disasters, Child Neglect, a nurturing, child-centered environment where everyone Global Warming, Animal Cruelty, Dog Fighting, Pollution, Stop is engaged in purposeful, practical, analytical and creative Smoking, Kids With Cancer, Forest Fires, Animal Shelters, and authentic learning experiences that develop and encourage a Hunger. Students shared their information with the school, lifetime of success." parents, and local community."
• During the 2009–2010 school year, Westwood received a $19,000.00 grant from the Child Wellness Intervention Project (CWIP) for the purchase of physical education equipment and training of teachers.
• Westwood received an Extended–Year Learning Grant from the Community Care organization in the amount of $15,000.00.
• The school also received a $5,000.00 Toolbox for Education grant from the Lowe’s corporation.
• Fifth-graders participated in Westwood’s third annual Exhibition, described as "a culminating experience which requires students to synthesize their prior knowledge
Students enjoy a rich science curriculum
Technology enhances research and project preparation
"Putting our heads together" in collaborative learning
39 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Young Elementary School
• Athletes from Har-Ber High School were among the "community readers" who visited Young all through the school year. Principal Debbie Flora reports that the athletes "built relationships with students by setting reading goals with them to help them improve their literacy skills." (See photo.)
• Mrs. Flora reports that, "Rachel Hickman integrated a robotic Lego unit with the help of a parent, Richard Cassidy, a University of Arkansas engineering professor."
• Young fifth-graders made an overnight trip to the Ozark Natural Science Center where they participated in hands-on science experiments and laboratory activities.
• Mrs. Stacey Plumlee served as the Assistant Principal Representative to the Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals (AAESP).
• Young Elementary School hosted its first 5K "BUZZBYE Fun Run" on September 12, 2009, to celebrate the newly-installed outdoor track at the school.
• Two teams from Young earned second-place wins at the regional level in the Odyssey of the Mind competition, and one team won a creativity award. As explained by Ms. Jo Vanderspikken, Coordinator of Gifted- and-Talented Education for the Springdale School District, "Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics."
• Young’s team of fifth-grade boys won the first-place overall trophy for the most accumulated points in the annual Little Olympics completion.
• Fourth-grader Peyton Wilson received an honorable mention at the state level in the photography category, intermediate division, of the "Reflections" competition sponsored by the Arkansas PTA. The annual Reflections competition is an opportunity for students to be recognized for their artistic achievements and creative expression.
2009-2010 Springdale School District 40 Early-Childhood Center (Pre-K)
The Springdale School District is proud of its exemplary prekindergarten program. In July 2010 the Arkansas Department of Education notified Ms. Darlene Odom, Principal of the Early–Childhood Center, that the district would receive a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant in the amount of $150,000.00 for the 2010–11 term. The awarded funding is channeled through the ADE from monies received from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant to the Springdale School District, as a new grantee, will continue for five years.
In addition to the services provided at our Early–Childhood Center by Ms. Odom and her dedicated staff members, prekindergarten services are available at certain individual elementary schools in our district. Our program began in the fall of 2004 with five participating schools, and it has grown steadily in student enrollment and the number of participating schools since its inception. Springdale’s new 21st Century Community Learning Center grant provided for the expansion of prekindergarten services to yet another facility, Monitor Elementary School.
It is extremely important for children to get "off to the right start" and up to grade level as soon as possible to give them an optimal opportunity to succeed in school. Our Springdale preschool program prepares children to take their "next step" into kindergarten with confidence and accomplishment. Parents of preschoolers can enhance that degree of preparation by what they do at home to help their children grow and develop as learners.
41 Springdale School District 2009-2010 Goals of the Springdale School District
• Each student will progress along the educational continuum as he/she demonstrates mastery of the basic skills.
• Each student will master the scientific process by following a hands-on approach of the science scope and sequence.
• Each student will develop good physical and mental health.
• Each student will develop a positive self-image by being given the opportunity to succeed at his/her highest potential.
• Each student will attend a school where the principal, teachers and parents work to provide experiences where students learn to choose from viable alternatives in order to cope with the problems of our changing society.
• Each student will learn the dignity of work and the pride that comes from good workmanship so that he/she may avail himself of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being a productive citizen.
• Each student shall participate in classroom activities that encourage integrity, punctuality, responsibility, dependability, loyalty, honesty, perseverance and respect for authority, respect for others, and the characteristics of good citizenship.
• Each student will learn to use leisure time wisely.
• Each student will develop cultural growth and foster interest in the fine arts.
• Each student will develop leadership skills.
• Each student will develop a sense of the responsibility for community, state and nation, and world citizenship.
2009-2010 Springdale School District 42 www.springdaleschools.org
Springdale School District No. 50 P. O. Box 8 Springdale, Arkansas, 72765-0008 Telephone (479) 750-8800 Publication Writer/Editor: Cynthia Newman