Arkadelphia Public Schools

ARKADELPHIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Quality

Excellence

Equity

The Arkadelphia Public School District is located along Interstate 30 in Clark County, Arkansas.

Arkadelphia Public Schools

The Arkadelphia Public School District is located along Interstate 30 in Clark County, Arkansas. Arkadelphia, the county seat, is a beautiful community located in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains and approximately 10 miles from DeGray Lake Resort State Park. Arkadelphia houses two universities, Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University.

The Arkadelphia Public School District is committed to creating a quality learning organization where student achievement results in excellence within the local and global community. Currently, the district is made up of five campuses: Louisa E. Perritt Primary School, Central Primary School, Peake Elementary School, Goza Middle School, and Arkadelphia High School, all of which are accredited by AdvancED and the Arkansas Department of Education. Arkadelphia’s preschool programs consist of the Early Childhood Center at Gum Springs, Peake Rosenwald, and Perritt Primary School. The ECC offers a program for students 6 weeks to 2 years old. Peake Rosenwald offers a program for 3-year-old students, and Perritt Primary’s 4-year-old program equips students for kindergarten. These programs provide valuable learning opportunities at an early age and create a seamless transition into the school district.

As of 2017, the Arkadelphia Public Schools consisted of 177 certified staff members, with 63 percent holding advanced degrees, and 148 classified staff members. With a highly qualified staff and a commitment to excellence, the Arkadelphia Public School District is constantly evolving to ensure students receive a first-class education.

Arkadelphia Public Schools: Was twice named a National School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education Offers a nationally recognized early childhood/PreK program Has been a part of the New Tech Network Affiliation since 2012 Offers numerous Advanced Placement courses Leads the state in career education with aviation, pre-engineering, and JROTC programs Boasts championship athletic and band programs Is the fourth district in the country to offer a program like the Arkadelphia Promise

Arkadelphia Public Schools is the home of the Arkadelphia Promise, an endeavor funded by Southern Bancorp and the Ross Foundation that is dedicated to making college a reality for all local students. The Arkadelphia Promise began in 2011 and has awarded over $2 million in scholarship money to Arkadelphia High School graduates.

Arkadelphia Public Schools became a member of the New Tech Network in 2012, allowing teachers to better prepare students for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses. Through our partnership with New Tech Network, the district continues to provide an innovative, project-based learning environment that prepares students for postsecondary education or training. Students at every grade level have access to the latest advanced technology and one-to-one instruction and tutoring.

In September 2015, the community of Arkadelphia passed the “Our Kids, Our Future” millage. The millage will fund the construction of a new elementary school for grades 2-5 and a new middle school for grades 6-8. The two new buildings will reduce the total number of school campuses, making transportation for buses and parents more efficient and improving safety measures. The tax increase also provided a sizable increase in salary for faculty and staff.

For more information on the Arkadelphia Public School District, please visit www.arkadelphiaschools.org or call our Superintendent’s office at 870-246-1100.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as superintendent of Arkadelphia Public Schools. At Arkadelphia Public Schools, we take pride in our students’ academic success and all of our first-rate extracurricular events. Our teachers and administrators are committed to accommodating and meeting the needs of each individual student. From our primary musicals to our many extracurricular and athletic events at Goza and AHS - our students are the pride of Arkadelphia.

- Dr. Donnie Whitten Superintendent

Arkadelphia Early Learning Programs Early Childhood Center 25 McClellan Blvd.

Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 Phone: 870-245-2555 6 weeks - 2-years-old

Peake Rosenwald 1604 Caddo Street Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 Phone: 870-246-7301 3-years-old

Louisa E. Perritt Primary School 1900 Walnut Street Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 Phone: 870-246-2260 4-years-old

Arkadelphia Early Learning Programs provide the highest quality of care and education for young children. Our role is to encourage and support each child in all areas of development, therefore creating a positive self-image and realistic opportunity for success. Campus administration, children’s center staff members, parents and members of the community all play an integral part in promoting and providing an environment rich in learning experiences and opportunity for children within the Arkadelphia community.

The staff at all three programs is highly trained with certifications in their specific area. Their certificates are updated yearly.

The staff is observed by administration periodically to assure and reinforce high-quality teaching. To make sure that the children are learning what is appropriate for their age group, each lesson is focused on the Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards Birth to 60 Months. Parents can view these weekly lesson plans and monthly newsletters at any time via the PreK page on the APSD website.

Perritt Primary School’s PreK program is open to any child turning 4 years old before Aug. 1. Perritt’s hours of operation are from 7:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. for ABC students and from 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. for privately paid students. Extended hours for ABC students is $10 per day. Perritt Primary School’s 4-year-old program is closed on all school holidays. The cost of the program is $85 per week, plus a $25 registration fee.

Peake Rosenwald is open to any student turning 3 years old before Aug. 1. Peake Rosenwald’s hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for ABC students and from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for privately paid students. ABC students can stay until 5:30 p.m. for a fee of $10 per day. Peake Rosenwald is closed on all school holidays. The cost of the program is $85 per week, plus a $25 registration fee.

The Early Childhood Center is offered to any students 6 weeks old to 3 years old. The ECC is open during the school year from 6:45 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and during the summer from 7 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. starting in June. The ECC is closed on holidays.

For children 6 weeks to 18 months, the cost is $100 per week, plus a $25 registration fee. For children 19 months to PreK age, the cost is $95 per week, plus a $25 registration fee.

Perritt and Peake Rosenwald have ABC Scholarships available to families that meet the age and income requirements. If a family does not meet the income requirement, there are other options that may allow the family to get the same ABC benefits.

To complete the enrollment application, you will need the following documents: copy of birth certificate, current immunization record, copy of social security card, copy of insurance card, copy of 3 year old Child Wellness Report, copy of income (1040 Income Tax Statement or two recent check stubs). If you are applying for the “Early childhood is a time of curiosity, a time for ABC Scholarship, you will need: Supplay, and a time of rapid development. Every child plement Nutrition Assistant Program is unique and deserving of an early childhood (SNAP case #), copy of award letter (if education that facilitates exceptional academic, receiving disability benefits), Verification social, and developmental growth through a variety of Zero Earned Income form (available in of enjoyable experiences. We at the Arkadelphia the office, must be notarized), and a copy Early Learning Programs can help foster these of unemployment benefits report (availcharacteristics in your child.” able Arkansas Work Force Office).

Please call or come by one of the program offices to learn more about the Tasha Hines qualifications.

PreK Director

Louisa E. Perritt Primary School 1900 Walnut Street Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 Phone: 870-246-2260

Louisa E. Perritt Primary School, a National Blue Ribbon School with three National Board Certified Teachers, is home to Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade students. The school’s primary mission is to provide a safe environment which will optimize student success for lifelong learning.

Perritt is an Arkansas R.I.S.E. School and uses a balanced literacy approach to literacy instruction, Cognitively Guided Instruction to supplement math instruction, and a science lab for K-1. There is also a daily intervention and enrichment time. The technology available to teachers and students include SMART Boards, document cameras, computers, iPads, iPad Apple cart, Osmo, and a coding robot mouse.

At Perritt, teachers and students strive to be “bucket fillers.” Each student is given an individual bucket to represent his or her mental and emotional self. Students fill their individual buckets with “warm and fuzzies” (assorted pom poms) by exhibiting positive behavior or saying kind things to others. Once a student fills his or her own bucket, he or she receives a personal reward from the teacher and pours the “warm and fuzzies” into the classroom bucket. Once the classroom bucket is full from the students’ individual buckets, the class as a whole receives a reward, and the classroom bucket is poured into the school bucket. The school as a whole receives a reward when the school-wide bucket is full from all of the classroom buckets. This school-wide concept promotes a positive culture that encourages kindness and resolves negativity and bullying.

Each year, Perritt Primary School has two unique recreational opportunities for students, the Early Act Student Council and the Nickelodeon Choir. Students are given the opportunity to campaign and run for a position in the Early Act Student Council in September. The Early Act Council meets once each month on Friday mornings. Students may also audition for a spot in the Nickelodeon Choir, which performs in and out of town at numerous community events.

Families are invited to several events at Perritt throughout the year: Goodies for GrandPERRITTS, Louisa E. Perritt Day, Family Night, Donuts for Dads, Perritt’s Chili Supper, Just Say “NO” to Drugs Walk, Mother’s Day Tea, Academic Awards Assembly, and class musicals and parties.

In addition, Perritt Primary School has a very active Parent-Teacher-Child (PTC) organization. There are numerous opportunities throughout the year for parent volunteers, including classroom events, Track and Field Day, and Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students). Perritt Primary teachers utilize Bloomz, Remind, and classroom newsletters to communicate with parents. Parents “Perritt Primary has a strong history of can also get information from the school phone app and website, weekly student-centered, whole-child education. newsletters, and the “Perritt Primary Our staff takes great pride in providing a quality education and successful start for School” Facebook page.

To enroll a student at Perritt some of the district’s youngest students.”

Primary School, you will need the following documents: birth certificate, Callie Hunley social security, and immunization Perritt Primary School Principal record.

Central Primary School 215 North 12th Street Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 Phone: 870-246-2872

Central Primary School is home to Second and Third Grade students. The mission of Central Primary School is to provide a safe and caring school that is committed to raising student achievement in math and literacy and developing positive citizenship for our local and global communities. Central Primary is an AdvancED Accredited and KINDNESS Certified School.

All of the teachers at Central are equipped with a SMART Board in each of their classrooms. In addition, teachers and students have access to the school’s two computer labs, four Chromebook carts (30 Chromebooks each), and two iPad carts (60 iPads). Central is also a participant in Hour of Code, a global movement and learning event during Computer Science Education Week, where students are introduced to the basics of computer coding.

Central provides fine art and athletic opportunities for students. For fine arts, students spend 40 minutes in art class and 80 minutes in music class on a weekly basis. For athletics, students spend 80 minutes weekly in physical education. Students are also invited to participate in Badgers on the Run, an after-school program in which students complete a full marathon in three months. Central also encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities at school including Early Act Citizenship Council (EACC) and the Central Singing Bears.

Throughout the year, Central Primary School hosts many exciting events for the whole family to enjoy. These events include Grandparent’s Day, Book Fair, Family Night, Red Ribbon Week, Veteran’s Day Assembly, Awards Assembly, Muffins for Moms, Field Day, Great Kindness Challenge, class parties, and the 2nd and 3rd grade musicals.

In addition to attending events, parents are encouraged to get involved in school parent groups and volunteer at school functions. Central encourages parent participation in Parents and Teachers Helping Students (PATHS) and Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students). Central’s Report to the Public, Family Nights, Parent/Teacher Conferences, Field Day, and Fall Festival are successful each year because of the support of our parent volunteers.

Parents can stay informed about Central’s events and news by the following mediums: weekly newsletters from the office and your student’s homeroom, the school website and phone “I am so proud to be principal of Central Primary School in Arkadelphia, app, Remind 101, the “Central Prima- where learning is ‘central’ to everything we do! The professional staff at ry School” Facebook page, and email. Central Primary is committed to taking

To enroll a student at Central every opportunity to prepare our students Primary School, go to Central Prima- for the next step in their education process. ry School’s office with a copy of the There is a long history of learning in our student’s birth certificate and social building. Our students continue that legacy security card. You will be asked to as they reach new goals for the twenty-first fill out an enrollment form and sign century. Together, with our supportive a release of student records. Central parents and community, Central students Primary will fax the Release of Stuare learning the tools necessary to be dent Records form to the student’s productive members of our community.” previous school. The previous school will fax the required records to CenShannon Prince tral.

Central Primary School Principal

Peake Elementary School 1609 Pine Street Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 Phone: 870-246-2361

Peake Elementary School is an AdvancED Accredited school and is home to Fourth and Fifth Grade students.

The mission of Peake Elementary School is to provide a safe and positive learning environment filled with a variety of opportunities designed to improve achievement for all students. As a school-community, Peake Elementary School will develop responsible citizens with a commitment to continuous learning.

The technology available to students includes two iPad carts, two Chromebook carts, and two fully-equipped computer labs. Each teacher has an individual Chromebook, SMART Board, Ladybug (document camera), and Wii gaming system for their classroom.

Peake Elementary School has several school clubs available to students. All students have the opportunity to campaign and run for a position on the Early Act Student Council each year. Peake’s 5th Grade students have the option of becoming a member of the C.S. Dancers or New Edition Choir. Both of these groups travel to events in and out of Arkadelphia to perform. Peake also offers an Art Club for interested students.

Students at Peake Elementary School are welcome to invite their families to any school assemblies and events throughout the year. These events include Goodies with Grandparents, J. Ed Peake Day, Family Night, Field Days and the Celebration of Success Assembly. Families are also encouraged to attend our Fall, Winter, and Spring Musicals. Parents can get involved by volunteering in various capacities at the school such as homeroom parent, organizing communication folders, helping to organize classroom parties, chaperoning field trips, and becoming a member of our parent group, Peake Parents in Partnership (PPIP).

How can you stay informed? Peake Elementary School communicates with parents through the “Peake Elementary School” Facebook page, Remind101, a weekly school newsletter, and our school website page and phone app.

Parents also have access to eSchool Home Access Center (HAC), a web-based gradebook that allows them to view their child’s grades.

To enroll a student at Peake Elementary School, parents will need “I am very proud to be the principal at Peake Elementary. We have an to come by the school to get an enroll- excellent staff who are as dedicated and committed to the success and ment packet. The packet can be filled well-being of our students as I am. Our out on-site or returned to the school. classroom instruction offers a rigorous Parents can also bring student records curriculum that will help prepare our such as a social security card, birth students for tomorrow. Plus, we are certificate, and shot record. However, anticipating the building of a brand new the school can request these records school, and we are all excited about that from the previous school along with prospect. A new school coupled with an any educational records.

already amazing faculty and staff will only enhance the wonderful educational setting we already provide.”

Mary Snowden Peake Elementary School Principal

Goza Middle School 1305 Caddo Street Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 Phone: 870-246-4291

Goza Middle School is home to Sixth Grade, Seventh Grade, and Eighth Grade students. Goza strives to serve its students and community through a safe and conducive learning environment with appropriate educational and social activities. We are determined to help our students meet the challenges of a global society by providing them with a challenging curriculum in the areas of mathematics, literacy and composition. Goza teachers believe that all students must be prepared for either college or career. Goza teachers receive extensive professional development in the areas of literacy, math, social studies and science. Goza offers numerous Pre-AP College Ready classes, and teachers follow concepts described in Arkansas Standards.

The technology at Goza Middle School that is available for students and teachers includes three computer labs, 11 Chromebook carts housing 30 Chromebooks per cart, three computer carts housing 30 laptops per cart, and on-line textbooks. In addition, all core classes at Goza have a SMART Board.

In 2015 and 2016, the Office for Education Policy (OEP) at the University of Arkansas recognized Goza Middle School as one of the highest-achieving middle schools in Arkansas. Goza Middle School received two awards in OEP’s 2015 annual report for Outstanding Educational Performance: Best Test Scores in Math and Beating the Odds in Math.

Goza received three awards in OEP’s 2016 annual report for Outstanding Educational Performance: Best Test Scores in Science, Best Test Scores in ELA, and Best Test Scores in Math. According to the OEP, “awards are based on the OEP-created ‘school GPA,’ calculated on the basis of the percentage of students that perform at each level on the ACT Aspire Math, ELA, and Science.”

Goza offers several fine arts and athletic opportunities, as well as school clubs, for students. Fine art classes include choir, band, and art. For those interested in playing a sport, students may choose any of the following: basketball, football, volleyball, and track. Students are also invited to join Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Youth Act, and CHAMPS.

Goza administration and teachers communicate with parents through Remind101, a monthly newsletter, the “Goza Middle School” Facebook page, and the school website and app. Every parent and student has access to Home Access Center (HAC) through eSchool to be able to keep up with grades and assignments online. Teachers and administrators also make frequent phone calls, emails, and text messages to parents about their child’s behavior and academic progress. Parents are encouraged to “We are the Goza Greats – We have Great attend Parent-Teacher Conferences in the Fall and in the Spring. In addition, Students, Great Faculty and Staff, and Great parents are welcome to join our par- Parents! We work together, play together ent group, Goza PATHS (Parents and and learn together. Goza is the best school Teachers Helping Students). in the universe!”

For enrollment at Goza Middle School, students will need Angela Garner their social security card and birth certificate. New students and parents Goza Middle School Principal meet with Goza’s counselors, and they complete the registration packet on campus.

Arkadelphia High School 401 High School Road Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 Phone: 870-246-7373

Arkadelphia High School is home to 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, and 12th Grade students. The mission of Arkadelphia High School is to provide our students with the guidance necessary to become successful and contributing adults equipped for the challenges facing our changing global society.

AHS is a one-to-one technology school, providing each student and teacher with a Macbook for the school year.

Teachers utilize a project-based learning delivery for all courses.

AHS offers Pre-Advanced Placement and Advanced Placement (AP) courses in all areas of study. AP courses include Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Language & Composition, Literature & Composition, Statistics, Calculus, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, U. S. History, European History, Government & Politics, Art 2D, and Art Drawing. AHS also offers a concurrent credit option to all students. Students can earn up to 24 academic hours with College of the Ouachitas in Industrial Technology and up to 12 hours with Henderson State University.

Students also have the option of choosing to study on a more specific career pathway through the high school’s Career and Technology Education (CTE) Programs. CTE programs at AHS include Aviation, Family and Consumer Sciences, Child Care Guidance and Management, Finance Accounting, Finance Banking, Marketing Technology, Social Media and Communications, Pre-Engineering, Industrial Equipment Maintenance, Education and Training, Web Page Design, Army JROTC, Health Science Technical Ed., Jobs for America’s Graduates, and Consumer Services. If a student completes his or her CTE program, he or she will receive a College and Career Readiness certificate and may qualify for Linkages Scholarships for tuition waivers of up to four semesters at College of the Ouachitas and National Park College.

Students can also receive concurrent credit or technology and career certifications upon completion.

In addition to our various options in courses of study, AHS offers a wide-range of social groups and clubs for students. School clubs include: Student Council, National Honor Society, DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, BETA, Spanish Club, German Club, FCA, Readers Club, Debate, Cyberpatriot, Coding Clubs, Robotics Club, Yearbook, Drama, and Quiz Bowl.

For fine arts, students may choose to take part in the Badger Pride Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, or Men’s & Women’s Choir. For those interested in playing a sport, AHS offers the following athletic opportunities: Football, Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, Cross-Country, Wrestling, Basketball, “At AHS, we are trying to prepare our Softball, Baseball, Soccer, Track & students for the jobs they will find ten years Field, Cheer, and Dance. after high school. This has to be our

Administrators and teachers communicate with parents through ultimate goal. The jobs of today change so newsletter mailouts, the school web- quickly, our students would be behind, or at the least not ahead.” site and phone app, and the “Arkadelphia High School” Facebook and Twitter pages.

David Maxwell

Packets for enrollment are Arkadelphia High School Principal available on the school website or in the high school office. The School Choice deadline is May 1.

Badger Athletics Arkadelphia Public Schools... Home of the Arkadelphia Badgers!

Students in grades 7-12 have the option of participating in basketball, cheerleading, dance, football, track, and volleyball.

Students in grades 9-12 may participate in baseball, basketball, cheerleading, dance, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.

How can you get involved in a school sport? After students enroll in APSD and express interest in joining one of our teams, the respective principal’s office will put the student and/or parents in touch with the APSD Athletic Department and applicable coach.

Home of: 7 Volleyball State Championships 3 Boys Golf State Championships 3 Football State Championships 2 Baseball State Championships 2 Girls Swimming and Diving State Championships 1 Girls Tennis State Championship 1 Boys Tennis State Championship 1 Girls Track and Field State Championship 1 Boys Track and Field State Championship ....and more to come

“We take great pride in our athletic program in the Arkadelphia Public School District and are proud of our coaching staff and students who represent us throughout the year. There’s great pride in wearing a Badger and Lady Badger uniform. We’re thankful to represent a community that supports its students throughout the year and are proud of the successes our students have on the field and in the classroom during their respective careers as Badgers and Lady Badgers.”

- Chris Babb, Athletic Director

Fine Arts

The Arkadelphia Public School District prides itself on its high quality fine art programs available to students in kindergarten through grade 12. All of our fine arts options range from beginning levels to varsity and advanced, including band, art, drama and choir.

As of 2018, the Arkadelphia Band Program had over 300 students participating in grades 6-12. Arkadelphia Bands have a distinguished history of award winning performances and provide numerous social and performance opportunities for all students. The Arkadelphia Public School’s instrumental music program provides students with a balanced comprehensive study of music. Instruction is designed so that students are enabled to connect, imagine, refine, and integrate music study into other subject areas. After winning the 2016 and 2017 Arkansas State Marching Championship, head band director Jim Lloyd says the success of the program is a result of hard work, focused quality instruction, and a great parent support group.

The Arkadelphia Singers and the Goza Middle School Choir has consistently received superior ratings at the Choral Performance Assessment. Students from the Arkadelphia High School and Goza Middle School choirs frequently qualify for the All-Region Choir and have received individual academic achievement awards from ArkCDA for their GPA. Recently, the Goza Choir, Varsity Women’s Choir, and Varsity Men’s Choir have all received the Excellence Award in Academic Achievement. This means that as a class their GPA was at least 3.2.

Gifted and Talented Programs

Every child has unique abilities, but not all children learn in the same way or at the same speed. The Arkadelphia Public Schools’ Gifted & Talented Program specializes in identifying and challenging those students whose needs are not fully met by the standard curriculum. As we work to help gifted young people find their voices, we remember that we must meet them where they are to experience each child’s uniqueness. We engage them in ways that help them learn about themselves. Part of our commitment entails helping every student meet his or her potential. Providing for the needs of gifted and talented students is a consequence of that goal. APSD recognizes and supports the concept of differentiated curriculum for students placed in the gifted and talented program.

Gifted and talented children and youth are those of high potential or ability whose learning characteristics and educational needs require qualitatively differentiated educational experiences and/or services. Possession of these talents and gifts, or the potential for their development, will be evidenced through an interaction of above average intellectual ability, task commitment, motivation, and creative ability.

The APSD Gifted and Talented Program option opportunities include the following: AGQBA Quiz Bowl, Chess Teams, National Geographic Bee, DAR Essay, Robotics Team, Beta Club, CONE Foundation, Arkansas Governor’s School, Duke Tip, No Smokemon Team, Big Science Day Team, and Spelling Bee.

For information on the Gifted and Talented Programs at Arkadelphia Public Schools, please contact Gifted and Talented District Coordinator Nancy Mortensen at 870-246-7373 or nancy.mortensen@arkadelphiaschools.org.

Section 504 Programs

The Arkadelphia Public School District provides a free appropriate education program for all children with disabilities that are enrolled in the school system. Services are available for children with disabilities from age five through 21 years. A person with a disability is one who has been assessed and diagnosed with a disability that hinders educational performance. Services and assistive technology that are designed to be educationally beneficial for the child with a disability are available on each APSD campus. The services may either be provided at school, home, or hospital bedside.

All personnel providing these services for children with disabilities must meet Arkansas Department of Education certification standards.

Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the District has a duty to identify, refer, evaluate and if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to disabled students. For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, or for answers to any questions you might have about identification, evaluation and placement into Section 504 programs, please contact District Section 504 Coordinator, Dr. Jeanette Turner, at (870) 246-5563.

Parents as Teachers Program

Parents as Teacher (PAT) is a nonprofit organization offering child development information and parenting support to families of young children.

The target age of the PAT program is prenatal to age 3.

PAT helps you understand child development and connects you to the resources you need to make the best choices for your family. In the first few years, children learn more and at a faster pace than at any other time in life.

You help shape your child’s future through the kinds of experiences you provide. Your baby was born to learn, and as a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.

Those who enroll in the PAT program receive several helpful resources and services, including personal home visits, screenings to assess your child’s overall development and social emotional growth, “Play and Learn Together” group activities, and a resource network.

Each month, PAT hosts a Baby Safety Shower and a Group Connection meeting. The Baby Safety Shower is an injury prevention program that teaches expecting mothers about childhood safety. Group Connection gives all Parents as Teachers’ families an opportunity to come together, share experiences, and create a support system.

Enroll today!

It’s free!

For questions and additional information, please contact the PAT educators: Erica Bailey, PAT Educator

870-345-8275 erica.bailey@arkadelphiaschools.org

Jo Anne Buckley, PAT Educator

870-210-0375 joannebuckley@arkadelphiaschools.org

Tasha Hines, Coordinator

870-246-5564 Ext. 1215 tasha.hines@arkadelphiaschools.org

Since its inception in 2012, the Arkadelphia Promise has spent more than $2 million on college scholarships for Arkadelphia High School graduates. The Arkadelphia Public School District was the fourth school in the country and second in the state of Arkansas to offer a program like the Promise to its students. The Promise aims to help remove financial obstacles of higher education, so earning a college degree becomes a reality for every child in Arkadelphia.

The Arkadelphia Promise, funded by Southern Bancorp and the Ross Foundation, has three primary goals: increase the college-going rate for local students, reduce the number of students dropping out of college for financial reasons, and provide a more educated workforce. Students who receive the Promise scholarship are provided funds of assistance for up to four continuous years for tuition and mandatory fees for post-secondary education at any accredited twoyear or four-year public or private college or university in the United States.

The Arkadelphia Promise has assisted more than 600 Arkadelphia High School graduates access college since 2012. AHS graduates enter college at a rate of 16 percent higher than the State average, and AHS college freshman return for their sophomore year at a rate 20 percent higher than the Arkansas average.

In order to receive the Arkadelphia Promise Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements: Must be a graduate of Arkadelphia High School Must apply for and receive the Arkansas Academic Challenge (Lottery) Scholarship Must provide a letter of admission at an approved institution of higher education in a program of study that leads to a baccalaureate degree, associate’s degree, qualified certificate or a nursing school diploma Must be an Arkansas resident and US citizen or lawful permanent resident Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Government aid received will be reduced from the amount of the Arkadelphia Promise Scholarship Must provide documentation of application and awards of all federal and state financial aid available as well as additional applicable scholarships offered by colleges, universities and private funders Must achieve at least a 2.5 high school grade point average and/or achieve a 19 on the ACT Must apply for two scholarship opportunities outside of state, federal or Arkadelphia Promise funding. Awards are not required but proof of application is to be documented.

For more information about the Arkadelphia Promise, please visit arkadelphiapromise.com or contact Executive Director Jason Jones at jjones@arkadelphiapromise.com or 870-210-1271.

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Dr. Donnie Whitten, Superintendent Dr. Jeanette Turner, Director of Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Virginia Anderson, Director of Federal Programs & Administrative Services Ms. Tasha Hines, PreK Director Mr. Chris Babb, Athletic Director Ms. Hanna Dean, Communications Director Ms. Tammy Barger, Business Office Manager Mr. David Maxwell, Arkadelphia High School Principal Ms. Cheryl Merk, Arkadelphia High School NewTech Director Ms. Nikki Thomas, Arkadelphia High School Assistant Principal Mr. Trent Smith, Arkadelphia High School Dean of Students Ms. Angela Garner, Goza Middle School Principal Mr. Jimmy King, Goza Middle School Assistant Principal Ms. Mary Snowden, Peake Elementary School Principal Ms. Shannon Prince, Central Primary School Principal Ms. Callie Hunley, Perritt Primary School Principal Ms. Nancy Mortensen, Gifted & Talented District Coordinator Ms. Judith Davis, Alternative Education Coordinator Ms. Aiga Porter, Early Childhood Center Director Ms. Jo Anna Spradlin, Food Service Supervisor Mr. Wayne Hasley, Transportation Supervisor Ms. Aundra Leeper, Custodial Supervisor Mr. Joey Andrews, Technology Coordinator Mr. Leslie Wood, Maintenance Supervisor Administration Building 235 North 11th Street Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923

BOARD OF EDUCATION Mr. Randy Turner President Zone 5 Dr. Kenneth G. Harris, Jr. Vice President Zone 2 Ms. Karrie Goodman Secretary Zone 6 Dr. Casey Motl Zone 1 Dr. Jeff Root Zone 4 Ms. Paulette Blacknall Zone 3 Ms. Gina White Zone 7