SPRING 2016
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Dear Parents and Community, What a great year for teaching and learning in Arkadelphia Public Schools! The superior accomplishments of our students and staff are great examples of our commitment to our vision of quality, equity and excellence. From academics to athletics and the arts, our students are the pride of Arkadelphia. We appreciate our parents and community for your partnership in supporting these fine young people. APS would like to congratulate the Class of 2016 on their transition from Arkadelphia High School to college and career. Commencement is always a special time for our graduates and their families. We are proud of our seniors and wish them the best in their future endeavors. In addition, we also wish to bid farewell to our teachers and staff members who are retiring from APS this year. Congratulations to Kimberly Moore (AHS), Mary Thomas (Goza) and Sylvia Davis (Goza)! We are grateful for their service to our students and schools. Finally, we are preparing for and anticipating the upcoming building projects in Arkadelphia Public Schools. Our team of professionals continues to work toward the design and construction of our two new schools. All of our funding from the state has been approved and finalized as we move into the next phase of our plan. 2016-17 will be an exciting year as this process of change unfolds. Stay tuned for the exciting developments!
2016-2017 District Calendar
APS Superintendent Dr. Donnie Whitten APS Communications Dept. Hanna Dean, Director Arkadelphia Public Schools Voice is a publication of the Arkadelphia Public Schools Communications Department. Questions regarding this publication may be directed to: E-mail - hanna.dean@ arkadelphiaschools.org Phone - (870) 246-5564 x1214 Mail - Arkadelphia Public Schools attn: Dept. of Comm. 235 N. 11th St. Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Arkadelphia Public Schools Board of Education Dr. Jeff Root, President Dr. Kenneth G. Harris, Jr., Vice President Karrie Goodman, Secretary Gina White
Have a wonderful summer. Sincerely,
Dr. Donnie Whitten Superintendent
Billy Groom Randy Turner Dr. Casey Motl
Field Days at Perritt, Central and Peake! Field Day is a day when students participate in team building and physical activity! - Jennifer Hurst, physical education coach and teacher at Perritt Primary
“Jay Davis Field Day was awesome again this year. The students put forth a lot of great effort in each event. The inside events are fun, but the running events held outside are the best. Watching the kids compete and perform at a level that they didn’t think they were capable of is exciting. Students had positive attitudes and showed good sportsmanship towards one another. Congratulations to the winners! Can’t wait until next year!” - Michael Forthman, physical education coach and teacher at Peake Elementary
“It’s a lot of hard work and preparation, but it’s all worth it when I see the students and parents having a great time!” - Ryan Ellison, physical education coach and teacher at Central Primary
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Thank you to Arkadelphia’s Junior ROTC for volunteering to help with all Perritt and Central Field Day activities!
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Badger Pride Several All-State selections, individual performances, a state runner-up and a state semifinal appearance highlighted the spring of 2016 for Arkadelphia and Lady Badger Athletics.
Softball THE LADY BADGER SOFTBALL TEAM CAME UP JUST SHORT OF qualifying for th4 4A South Regional tournament, falling in the District tournament quarterfinals to Malvern. The Lady Badgers improved on their 2015 record in the always-tough 4A-7 conference. Sophomore Ashlyn Taylor earned All-Conference honors for the Lady Badgers for the 2016 season.
Baseball
AHS Dazzlers WRAPPING UP THE FALL SEMESTER was the AHS Dazzler dance team at the State Dance Championships in Bryant with a State Runner-Up finish in the 4A All-Girl category. The Dazzlers missed out on a State Championship by less than two-tenths of a point.
Swimming and Diving ALL-STATE PERFORMANCES AT THE STATE SWIM AND DIVE Championships highlighted the season for the AHS swim/dive teams. Senior David Lloyd finished second in the state in 1A-5A in the 100 back and 5th in the 100 fly. Lloyd earned All-State selection for his performances. Lloyd, Taylor Savage, Nicholas Berger and Kayla Thompson earned All-District Meet selections at the 1A-5A South Meet in Bryant.
Wrestling THE INAUGURAL SEASON FOR BADGER WRESTLING concluded at the state Wrestling Championships with freshman Rhett Womack finishing 3rd in 1A-5A in the 113-lb weight class, earning the program’s first-ever All-State selection in the program’s first year. Womack qualified for the Arkansas National team as well.
THE BADGER BASEBALL TEAM MADE ANOTHER run to a state title, but came up just short of a fourth straight trip to Baum Stadium with a loss to Ashdown in the state semifinals at Ashdown City Park. The Badgers were the 4A-7 District Champion and the 4A South Regional Runner-Up. Senior Ty Kosters and Cutter Jester were selected All-State and the program bid farewell to a group of 11 seniors who were a part of two state championships and a state runner-up finish. Named to the 4A-7 All-Conference team were Brayden Bebee, Eric Groom, Brandon Matros, Dylan Parnham and Danny Joe Spradlin.
Lady Badger Basketball IT WAS ALSO A SEASON OF IMPROVEMENT for the Lady Badger basketball program, also improving on its win total from 2014-15 and finishing a game shy of making the 4A South Regional. The Lady Badgers defeated Mena in the first round of the 4A-7 tournament, but saw the season come to an end in the quarters. Seniors Victoria Lewis and Kaitlyn Williams were named All-Conference for the Lady Badgers by the league’s coaches.
Badger Basketball A 7-2 HOME RECORD HIGHLIGHTED the season for the Badger basketball team, that came up just short of the 4A South Regional with a loss in the conference quarterfinals. Among the home wins were 5 conference wins and a non-conference victory. Junior forward Preston Crowder was name 4A-7 All-Conference by the league’s coaches at the end of the season.
Keep up with Badger Athletics! 4
Follow us on Twitter: @APSD_Athletics “Like” us on Facebook: Badger Athletics Visit our website: http://www.arkadelphiaschools.org/o/athletics
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Arkadelphia Bands Spring Concert Lady Badger Soccer THE LADY BADGER SOCCER TEAM WAS 8 MINUTES away from pulling a huge upset in the first round of the 4A State Soccer Tournament, holding a 2-1 lead over 13-1 Warren late in the match. But the Lady Lumberjacks were able to score two goals in the final 8 minutes to eke out a firstround win. Senior Erica Dixon was named All-State for the Lady Badgers and was named to the AllState Tournament team. Kimberly Avila, Samantha Dixon, Blanca Rodriguez and Madeline Wallace were named 4A-2 All-Conference. The end of the season also marked the end of the nine-year tenure of head coach Drew Smith, who announced that he was stepping down during the season. AHS Athletics thanks Drew for his dedication to Lady Badger soccer.
Badger Soccer A YOUNG ROSTER FOR THE BADGER SOCCER TEAM led to a rebuilding year in the tough 4A-2 conference in 2016. Senior captain Brady Purifoy was named 4A All-State to highlight the season. Being named 4A-2 All-Conference were Jack Bennington, Will Cervantes, Jared Garner, Chris Levar, Purifoy and Nathan Warner – all of whom will be returning with the exception of Purifoy.
Track and Field THREE QUALIFIERS TO THE 4A STATE MEET highlighted the season for the AHS track and field teams. Sophomore Jasmine Gordon (100 and 200) and junior Emilee Roberson made return trips to the state meet and they were joined by Badger senior Nigel White in the boys’ discus. Gordon followed up a solid 9th grade year, but being one of the top girls’ runners in the state in the 100 and 200.
Beginning Band
Bells! - Robert W. Smith A Prehistoric Suite - Paul Jennings
I. Stegosaurus (The Gladiator) II. Brontosaurus (Gentle Giant) IV. The Battle (Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops)
Overdrive - Robert Sheldon
Seventh Grade Band
Awake the Iron - Scott Watson Declaration in Blue - Robert W. Smith Aaron Schaefer, guest conductor Downtown Dash - Nathan Daughtrey American Tribute - arr. John Moss
Eighth Grade Band
The Cowboys - John Williams/arr. Jay Bocook The Great Locomotive Chase - Robert W. Smith Fanfare for the Third Planet - Richard L. Saucedo
High School Band
Hoo-Daiko - arr. Robert J. Damm Carter Harlan, guest conductor A Tribute to Grainger - Percy Aldridge Grainger
Badgers selected for All-Star Games THREE BADGER SENIORS WERE SELECTED to the Arkansas High School Coaches’ Association All- Star Games. Brannon Rogers (Football), Brady Purifoy (Boys’ Soccer), and Ty Kosters (Baseball) will represent Arkadelphia in the games in conjunction with the AHSCA Coaching Clinic at UCA. The week will begin with the Baseball game at Bear Stadium on Tuesday, June 21, at 5:00. On Wednesday evening, the boys’ soccer All-Star game will be held at Bill Estes Stadium at 7:00; and the week will wrap up on Friday night with the All-Star Football game at 7:00 at Estes Stadium. 6
1. Country Gardens 2. Mo Nighean Dubh 3. “The Gypsy’s Wedding Day”
Xerxes - John Mackey Theme from “Schindler’s List” - John Williams/arr. Calvin Custer Whitney Smith, clarinet soloist Symphonic Suite from Star Trek - Michael Giacchino, Alexander Courage and Gene Roddenberry/arr. Bocook
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Sunrise Rotary helps shade Peake Rosenwald
With the support and partnership of the Arkadelphia Sunrise Rotary Club, Peake Rosenwald installed a playground shade system on April 25. The structure encompasses the entire playground at Peake Rosenwald and measures 30 feet long, 30 feet wide and 8 feet high. The Sunrise Rotary Club met with Dr. Patricia Wright, Director of Special Programs and Schools of the 21st century, to discuss the needs of Peake Rosenwald. Wright identified playground enhancement as Peake Rosenwald’s most pressing need. “They want to make sure the children have a safe, fun environment,” Wright said. “In the summer months, there are no trees to shelter the playground, and the equipment can get really hot. The sun shelter will protect our students and faculty from the harmful effects of sun rays.” The Sunrise Rotary’s Service Projects Committee coordinated with Wright to help with the funding and installation of the shade structure. “It is a wonderful community partnership with the Rotarians,” Wright said. “Not only have they been involved in Peake Rosenwald’s playground landscaping, but they have also volunteered their time and energy through their reading program.” The Arkadelphia Sunrise Rotary is involved in the Imagination Library program, established by Dolly Parton in 2006. The goal of the Imagination Library program is to spark a love for reading among children by sending them a new book each month. This year, the Sunrise Rotary anticipates providing over 300 Clark County children under the age of five with children’s books. The Arkadelphia Sunrise Rotary Club has a long history of support for education in Arkadelphia. Arkadelphia Public Schools is proud of the rotary club’s commitment to helping our students reach their highest potential. For more information about the Arkadelphia Sunrise Rotary Club or Imagination Library, contact Scott Holsclaw at holsclaws@obu.edu.
Kindergarten Roundup
Perritt Primary would like to thank all of its volunteers for helping with the Kindergarten Roundup on March 30, 2016: Family Eye Clinic Dr. Miranda Childs, DDS Dr. Coffee, DDS and the staff at Arkadelphia Supersmiles Henderson Nursing Department Ouachita Baptist University Department of Communication Disorder Arkadelphia Area Reading Council
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Spring Musicals Perritt Primary Perritt’s Nickelodeon Choir performed “A Day at the Beach” on May 19.
Central Primary The classes of Ms. Fielding, Ms. Horton, Ms. McBride and Ms. Rodgers performed “E-I-E-I-Oops!”, under the direction of Mrs. Harris.
Central Primary All of Central’s third grade classes performed “Hats” on May 12, under the direction of Mrs. Pamala Harris. Peake Elementary
The classes of Ms. Snowden, Ms. Rippeto, Mr. Hartmann, New Edition Choir and C.S. Dancers presented “Backstage Bandstand”, under the direction of Ms. Laura Cornelius and Ms. Susan Sorrells on May 19.
Perritt Primary Perritt Primary’s Pre-K students presented “Singing in Spring” on April 28.
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AHS presents 2016 Badger Scholars Arkadelphia High School awarded Badger Scholar honors to 151 students during the 36th annual Badger Scholar Banquet on May 23. This year, over 430 people attended the Badger Scholar Banquet, located at Walker Conference Center on the campus of Ouachita Baptist University. The Badger Scholar Program, partially funded by the CONE Foundation, is an academic reward program for Arkadelphia High School students, beginning under the administration of AHS Principal Dr. Steve Castleberry. Dr. Castleberry wanted to motivate students and reward them for their academic achievement. During the inaugural year of the Badger Scholar Program, only around a dozen AHS students were honored. In 1986, AHS Principal Herman Thomas and a student committee redesigned the program to the format used today. In order to become a Badger Scholar, students must sign an intent form declaring interest in becoming a Badger Scholar and maintain at least a 3.5 GPA for each of the first three nine weeks. The First Year Badger Scholars are awarded a Badger Scholar pin and certificate at the ceremony. Second Year Scholars receive a Badger Scholar t-shirt. Third year Badger Scholars receive a personalized plaque. Fourth Year Badger Scholars receive a personalized letterman blanket. All Badger Scholars are awarded a locker in an area preferred by the students.
Congratulations, Badger Scholars!
First Year Badger Scholars for 9th grade include: Mary Jane Adame, Allison Adkison, Tyler Allen, Kamryn Bell, Caroline Cissell, Garrett Collie, Robert Crawley, Prince Dalal, Caroline Derby, Michael Evans, Hannah Fenocchi, Ethan Fielding, Addelyn Groom, Shunn Harrison, Sumner Huerkamp, Camille Jones, Nicholas LeVar, Colleen Lloyd, Shannon Mecum, Faith Ochello, Jenna Patterson, Owen Phillips, Alec Ruble, Diana Summerville, Lauren Trippett, Trudy Vo, Josh Wallace, Andrew Webb and Angelmaa Wempe.
First Year Badger Scholars for 11th grade include: Gabriel Curlin, Evelyn Durrett, Baliey Elder, Jalise Hayes, Kenzi Land, Cole McMillan, Cristo Rivera, Destiny Walker and K’lee Zeagler. 12
First Year Badger Scholars for 10th grade include: Baylee Bethell, Keaton Goodrum, Kristopher Hall, Kathleen Helms, Angel Marciano, Camdon Narlesky, Drew Saunders and Foxx Ward.
First Year Badger Scholars for 12th grade include: Tyra Adams, Kyauna Crawford, Darby Deaton, Erica Dixon, Samantha Dixon, Cheyenne Gray, Anaya Hunter, Macklaine Irby, Keyasha Jones, Christia Livsey, Kameron Owens and Brenna Spells.
Second Year Badger Scholars for 10th grade include: Elizabeth Adair, Mikayla Adams, Tanner Adams, Khennedy Brunson, Jack Burnham, Matthew Calhoun, Jimmy Castro, Mollie Daniell, Parker Davis, Fateemah Faiq, Allison Harris, Scott Holbrook, Blanton Matthews, William Matthews, Leotis McClure, Ryan Motl, Radreka Perry, Taylor Savage, Ashlyn Taylor, Kacie Thomas and Haley Zeiler.
Second Year Badger Scholars for 12 grade include: Katy Dickerson, Kayla Goshen, Madison House, Rylee Maxwell, Zhaiven Nelson, Lauren Newton, Brady Purifoy, Kevin Tate, Camille Tedder and Jahishmah Whittie.
Third Year Badger Scholars for 12th grade include: Autumn Blankenship, Kaylee Davidson, Tyler Freeman, Addy Goodman, Tyler Hill, Cutter Jester, Tori Jones and Kasey Smith.
Second Year Badger Scholars for 11th grade include: Joseph Andrews, Griffin Brown, Nicholas Gerber, Rachel Gierth, Macey Green, Aabrejah Hill, Chris LeVar, Autumn Loy and Nia Nelson.
Third Year Badger Scholars for 11th grade include: Ja’Kaisha Arnold, Jackson Bennington, Tea Burgess, Tiara Burgess, Preston Crowder, Nova Franklin, Jared Garner, Keawana Hale, Jatasia Jenkins, Tierra McCraney, Sidney Medley, Pempho Moyo, Kierstyn Noel, Turner Pentecost, Cameron Porchia, Connie S. Quintero, Emilee Roberson, Lacarol Rone, Alexis Summerford, Chandler Taylor, Kayla Thompson, Abby Turner, Dalon Turner andAbby White.
Fourth Year Badger Scholars include: Mason Archer, Brayden Bebee, Jacob Coon, Race Craft, Trace Fryar, Kameron Hall, Brock Huerkamp, Grant Hughes, Alexandria Hunter, David Lloyd, Brandon Matros, Erin Mecum, Johnathan Miles, Ryan Otwell, Blanca Rodriguez, Kaitlyn Rubach, Morgan Stinson, Mackenzie Suggs, Madeline Wallace, Kaitlyn Williams and Cassidy Witherspoon. 13
Perritt’s “Just Say No!” Walk
AHS performs “Oz!”
The Arkadelphia Choral Program presented “OZ! The Musical” on April 29 - May 1 in the Little Theatre.
“We pledge to be DRUG-FREE!”
Dorothy - Camille Tedder Glinda - Gabby Hess Wicked Witch - Alex Hunter Scarecrow - Mehkia Wilson Tin Woodsman - David Lloyd Cowardly Lion - Jordan Hearn Poppy - Shannon Mecum Poppy - Alana Prince Fighting Tree - Jayla Henderson Fighting Tree - Jakaisia Arnold China Princess - Christia Livesy Gate Guardian - Aswa Khan Gate Guardian - Fateemah Faiq OZ - Brock Huerkamp Winged Monkey - Myauna Cummings Winged Monkey - Jataisia Jenkins Aunt Em - Nova Franklin Student Director - Peyton Fleenor
AHS Commencement
135 seniors graduated from Arkadelphia High School on Saturday, May 21, at the Duke Wells Gymnasium on the campus of Henderson State University. Adeline Maude Goodman, daughter of David and Karrie Goodman, delivered the Summa Cum Laude speech. Ms. Goodman is a member of the Arkadelphia Band, Beta Club and the National Honor Society. She attends First Baptist Church and is a member of the First Baptist Church Youth group. The seniors chose Kay Hyde, math teacher, to deliver the faculty challenge, and 2015-16 Student Council President Kameron James Hall responded to her challenge. Summa cum laude graduates earned a GPA of 4.001 or better and a composite ACT score of 21 or better with no sub scores lower than 19. Summa cum laude graduates included the following: Mason Kenneth Archer, Jacob Frazier Coon, Adeline
Maude Goodman, Brock Anderson Huerkamp, Alexandria Nicole Hunter, Brandon Allen Matros, Johnathan David Miles, Blanca Iris Rodriguez, Morgan Alyssa Stinson, Mackenzie Edith Suggs, Madeline Gay Wallace, Kaitlyn Denise Williams, Cassidy Shae Witherspoon. Parents of these graduates and of those who achieved Magna cum laude (GPA of 3.750 to 4.000 and a composite ACT score of 20 or better with no sub score lower than 19), Cum laude (GPA of 3.500 to 3.749 and a composite ACT score of 19 or better with no sub score lower than 19), and/or Advanced Diploma status presented medallions to their children who have earned these distinctions. Senior class officers directed the welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance, the introductions of Goodman and Hyde, and the closing. Officers include President Alexandria Mary Hunter, Vice President Anaya Nicole Hunter, Secretary Adeline Maude
Goodman, Treasurer Mackenzie Edith Suggs, and Reporter Ryan William Sheets. The AHS JROTC Color Guard opened the 2016 commencement. The AHS Band, under the direction of Jim Lloyd, played the processional and the alma mater. Dr. Donnie Whitten, superintendent of the Arkadelphia Public Schools, and Mr. David Maxwell, principal of AHS, awarded the diplomas to the graduating class. Ms. Cheryl Merk and Ms. Carla Narlesky, assistant AHS principals, and Dean of Students Mr. Randy Hicks assisted with diplomas. Juniors who earned the top grade points escorted the Class of 2016. These students include the following: Tea Burgess, Nova Franklin, Jared Garner, Sidney Medley, Pempho Moyo, Kierstyn Noel, Stephany Quintero, Alexis Summerford, Chandler Taylor, Abby Turner, Abby White.
The Board of Education and Administration of Arkadelphia Public Schools hosted The Annual Employee and Service Awards Dinner on May 26 at Ouachita Baptist University. Employees dedicating 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 or more years of service to our district were honored. Five Years
Chris Babb - AHS Dean Bosley - District Martha Burks - District Alison Carter - Peake Kimberly Chapman - AHS Rachel Davis - Perritt JR Eldridge - AHS Marilyn Fite - AHS Jacqueline Hale - Perritt Bridgette Hardage - Peake Kay Hyde - AHS Autumn Mortensen - Central
Brenda Moss - Goza Sean Queen - AHS Nancy Smith - AHS Jane Watson - Perritt
10 Years
Phyllis Deloach - Goza Barbara Hubbard - Goza Stephanie Reynolds - Perritt Tori Rocole - Peake Jean Smithey - Central Mary Snowden - Peake Shelly Whittle - AHS
Jana Wright - Transportation
15 Years
Tammy Barger - District Joan Crowder - Goza Rebecca McBride Nicole McGough - Goza Amanda McMillion - Perritt Sarah Moss - Goza Christy Smith - Goza Trent Smith - Goza Susan Sorrells - Peake BC Stanley - Peake Dana Tuggle - Goza
20 Years
Julie Bradshaw - AHS JoAnne Buckley - District Sandra Capps - Peake Kathy Carter - District
Kathy Crow - Central Clarice Davis - AHS Lynn Rook - AHS Judy Stewart - Goza Brenda Williams - Goza
25 Years
Randy Hicks - AHS Debbie Robertson - Central
Retirees
Kimberly Moore - AHS Mary Thomas - Goza
Retirees + 30 years or more Sylvia Davis