WINTER 2017
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT Dear Parents and Community, Our spring semester is underway, and it is shaping up to be another banner year for Arkadelphia Public Schools. Our students and staff continue to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in the classroom and in our extracurricular programs. The future is bright for our students! Our students and staff are gearing up for our second year for the ACT Aspire assessment that will be administered across Arkansas this spring. The test will be administered online again this year. Our instructional team is preparing our students for this platform, and we look forward to reviewing the data that will come from the assessment. For more information, please contact your child’s principal or counselor. Our building projects continue to move forward with the planning and design of our new schools, and in collaboration with a great team of professionals. As the process and plans advance, we will continue to provide regular updates, projected timelines and various ways for our patrons to participate in our progress over the coming years. It is an exciting time for Arkadelphia Public Schools. Finally, we encourage you to show your support by attending the outstanding activities and events that showcase our talented students. Our young people are the pride of our community, and we encourage you to be a part of these special moments. You’ll be glad you did. Go Badgers! Sincerely,
Donnie Whitten, Ed.D. Superintendent
Dr. Kenneth Harris, Vice President of the Arkadelphia Public Schools Board of Education, recently attended the Arkansas School Boards Association’s 63rd Annual Conference and received the President’s Award for having completed 500 hours of professional development. Over the 34 years that Harris has served, he has played a vital role in the district’s many achievements such as the construction of the Badger football stadium, the development of the early childhood program, helping two Arkadelphia campuses receive recognition as a National School of Excellence, and the passage of the millage allowing two new schools to be built, along with countless other contributions. Aside from all of these successes, Harris’ finds the most fulfillment in the achievements of the students and faculty. “Anytime we can recognize students for their achievement, as well as recognizing staff and faculty for
the work that they do, I’m always elated,” he says. “And to know that our graduation rate is very good, along with number of students who go on to post high school training or college. Those are some of the things that really make me very proud to be a part of. Our community is exceptional.” Harris previously received the Platinum Award for completing 400 hours of professional development, as well as the Service Award for serving 30 or more years on the Board of Education. “Dr Harris, with many years in higher education and over 500 hours of school board specific training, is a virtual “Treasure Trove” of knowledge and insight and an asset to our board,” said Board of Education President Randy Turner. Harris had three motives for becoming a devoted member and leader on APSD’s board: his child, his career and his passion for diversity. “Education is my field, my career,” Harris said. “I felt that I could make a more significant contribution to the
community by serving in an area that I’m most familiar with. Plus, I had a child in the school system.” When the only minority on the school board stepped down, Harris stepped up in an effort to maintain diversity on the board and was elected in 1983. Since then, Harris has served as president, vice president and secretary. Harris retired from Henderson State University in 2007 as a professor of Education. He received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical and Normal College (AM&N), which is now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He later earned his master’s degree in curriculum and instruction at Henderson State University and his Doctorate in Education from East Texas State University. “I get asked a lot of times, ‘You’ve been on the school board for 34 years. Wow! Why?’” Harris said. “My rhetorical response is, ‘Somebody has got to do it, so why not me?’ I understand education. Many of the challenges that we have to deal with to educate kids, I am very familiar with. I helped to train teachers. Many of the teachers that we have in this district, probably a greater percentage of them, I have had as students, including our superintendent. It is an honor for me to give back and serve.”
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 Mr. Randy Turner, President Dr. Kenneth G. Harris, Jr., Vice President Karrie Goodman, Secretary Gina White Dr. Jeff Root Mona Vance Dr. Casey Motl
Badger Pride Football It was an up and down season for the Badger football team, as they finished the regular season with a 5-5 record and fell to eventual 4A State Runner-Up Pea Ridge on the road in the first round of the state playoffs. The Badgers began the season with an undefeated non-conference slate, defeating Stuttgart and Sheridan at home before going on the road to defeat Hot Springs. The beginning of 4A-7 conference play pitted the Badgers against two of the top teams in the state in 4A and Nashville and Robinson proved to be too much too handle for a young Badger squad. A last-second defeat on a Hail Mary pass at Fountain Lake and a second-straight heartbreaker loss in the final minutes to Mena at Homecoming had the Badgers at a critical point of the season. The first half in week 8 at Ashdown looked like more of the same with the Badgers facing a big deficit at halftime, but a 29-point third quarter got the Badgers back in the game. The halftime deficit was too large of a hill to overcome, but the third quarter set the stage for somewhat of a turnaround. The Badgers defeated Bauxite on Senior Night at home and then earned a playoff spot with one of the largest margins of victories over archrival Malvern that many who had been around Arkadelphia football for a long time could remember. The playoffs had the Badgers traveling five hours to Northwest Arkansas to face the 9-1 Pea Ridge Blackhawks. The Badgers gave the Blackhawks all they wanted, but a late turnover led to a Pea Ridge touchdown and a last-minute drive came up short giving the Blackhawks a 30-24 win. The loss was the third of the season the Badgers suffered by a touchdown or less, all three of which were decided on the last drive of the game.
All-Conference selections for the Badgers included: Offense:
Shemar Dickens Zion Hatley Cannon Turner
Defense:
Dillion Scott Jack Burnham Josh Burnham
Honorable Mention: Dalon Turner Trent Keeling Kyren Harrison
2
AHS Dance and Cheer The Dazzler dance team and the Badger cheer squad represented Arkadelphia in their state championship meets in November and December. The Dazzlers came away with their third consecutive 4A State Runner-Up trophy, finishing less than a point behind Bauxite. The Dazzlers will say goodbye to the lone senior on the squad and four-year dancer, Kayla Barnes. The AHS cheer squad finished fifth in the 4A State Cheerleading Championships in Hot Springs in December, just five points out of first place. The cheer squad was led by 7 seniors who will wrap up their cheer careers for AHS at the end of basketball season. The seniors are: Evelyn Durrett, Kenzi Land, Madison Ledford, Emilee Roberson, Chandler Taylor, Abby Turner and Abby White. The AHS Athletic department would like to thank the members of the cheer squad and Dazzler dance team for their hard work and dedication year-round to supporting the Badgers and Lady Badgers.
Volleyball It was a quick start for Lady Badger volleyball as Arkadelphia began the season 6-1 heading into blended conference play. The 2016 season was the first season in the newly-adopted format of playing a mixture of 3A and 4A schools. The Lady Badgers finished the season with 11 wins on the season but suffered a first-round loss to Malvern in the first round of the 4A West District Tournament at Mena. Closing out matches was the story of the season for the Lady Badgers as Arkadelphia found itself ahead early in the majority of its matches, able to notch wins in games one or two. In many matches, however, the Lady Badgers weren’t able to maintain a lead and suffered a handful of heartbreaking defeats in the final games. Seniors August McClure and Indesia Eley were named All 4A-West for the Lady Badgers, who said goodbye to a total of 10 seniors: McClure, Eley, Jakaisha Arnold, Sidney Medley, Nia Nelson, Emilee Roberson, Alexis Smith, Alexis Summerford, Jada Summerville, and Abby White. 3
Badger Pride Spring Sports Spring sports are just around the corner as baseball, softball, soccer and track will begin at the end of February and into the beginning of March. Spring sports schedules are posted on the AHS Athletics website (www.arkadelphiaschools. org/o/athletics) in both printable and HTML versions. One word of caution about spring sports schedules: they are always subject to change. Spring weather forces numerous cancellations, postponements and reschedules throughout the season. For daily updates on changes, subscribe to the Live Feed on the APSD website, follow @APSD_Athletics on Twitter or like the “Badger Athletics� Facebook page. We realize that family schedules and advanced planning is vital for your families, but please be patient as springtime weather calls for flexibility in many cases.
4
AHS Student Council visits the Senior Adult Center
The AHS Student Council traveled to the Senior Adult Center for a community service outreach on December 2. The students ate lunch with the group, served dessert, and played Bingo, along with several other games.
5
Winter Musicals Peake Rosenwald’s Holiday Musical
Perritt Primary’s “Christmas at the O.K. Corral”
Performed by the kindergarten classes of Ms. Bright, Ms. Garner, Ms. Gierth and Ms. Tuttle under the direction of Ms. Misha Parker and Ms. Abby Root.
6
Central Primary’s “Twinkle and Shine”
Performed by the second grade classes of Rodgers, McBride and Smith and the Singing Bears Choir under the direction of Mrs. Pamela Harris
Peake’s “Dear Santa: A Musical Tweet for Christmas!”
Performed by the fourth grade classes of Ms. Jackson, Ms. Kingdon, Ms. Wright, and the New Edition Choir under the direction of Ms. Laura Cornelius
7
Arkadelphia Bands present a Christmas Concert
Beginning Band
First Christmas March - arr. John O’Reilly Jingle Bells - arr. George Pokorski
Seventh Grade Band
You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch - Albert Hague, arr. Story A Coventry Christmas - Larry Neeck Andrew Steck, conducting Celtic Bell Carol - arr. Robert W. Smith
Eighth Grade Band
A Horse Drawn Buggy Ride - Ron Dekker Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Johnny Marks, arr. Henderson Christmas Spectacular - arr. Mark Williams
High School Band
Sparkling Lights - Matt Conaway A Winter’s Night (Based on “Silent Night”) - Franz Gruber, arr. Kirby Celtic Carol - arr. Robert W. Smith
8
Badgers on the Run
Students participating in the Badgers on the Run program at Central Primary School and Peake Elementary School will complete a full marathon on March 4 at the Little Rockers Kids Marathon in Little Rock, Ark. The goal of Badgers on the Run is for students to run 25.2 miles before completing their final mile at the Little Rockers Kids Marathon. Beginning in December, students stay after school two days a week with adult volunteers to log miles before the race in March. “It’s really amazing to see where these kids start physically in December and then at the end February where they are,” Central Primary Counselor Charlotte DeWitt said. “And how good they feel about the fact that they’ve set a goal, and they’ve reached their goal. I just like to see kids grow not only physically but in confidence and pride for having started something and finish it.” Students will run and walk their final mile on the official Little Rock Marathon course, starting on Main Street and ending on Scott Street. As each child completes the 26.2 miles, they receive a medal.
“All the parents get to come to Little Rock on that Saturday, and I’m telling you, I have seen tears when those parents see their kids cross that finish line,” DeWitt said. “To see those babies finish and get that huge medal is just unbelievable.” During the first year, DeWitt and Central Primary Physical Education Teacher Ryan Ellison began Badgers on the Run for Central’s second and third grade students. The year following, Peake Teachers Laquita Jones and Lea Myers helped to extend the program to include fourth and fifth grade students at Peake Elementary by offering to serve as sponsors. “It was not a very hard decision for me to make,” Myers said. “I immediately said yes when Mrs. Jones asked me to team up with her here at Peake Elementary. I am a big advocate for physical activity
for students. It is a great way to start a healthy lifestyle at a young age.” In order for students to fully accomplish their goals, parent support is imperative. Parents have to be willing to pick their child up an hour after school twice a week and encourage them along the way. “I think my favorite part is the parent support for these students who want to live a healthy lifestyle,” Myers said. “This is an afterschool program that the students are involved in and the parents make it work for their child. We talk to parents who run with their child and invite others on the weekends or after church. We have parents that take the time to volunteer with us and that is very helpful because just at Peake alone we have over 60 runners in the program.” With 105 students participating this year, the program has almost tripled in participation size since its inauguration. “My hope for the program is that it continues to grow, and more and more students become involved,” Ellison said. “It is also my hope that more teachers and more parents become involved as well! It really is a great program, and I’m lucky to be a small part of it.”
Cone Foundation awards grants to community The Arkadelphia High School’s CONE Foundation awarded 25 grants to various non-profit organizations for their proposed projects in Clark County at their annual awards ceremony. The CONE Foundation, made up of 20 Gifted and Talented Seniors at Arkadelphia High School, received over 34 proposals requesting almost $25,000.00. The 2016 selected recipients at the December 5, 2016 ceremony were:
Educational Grants: Badger Scholar - Miss Rebecca Alexander Central Primary School - Mrs. Charlotte Dewitt Peake Elementary School - Mrs. Alison Carter AHS Band Boosters - Mrs. Sharon Hayes Career Education - Mrs. Lisa Stanley/Mr. David Gustaveson Peake Elementary School - Ms. Sandy Capps APSD Early Childhood Center -Mrs. Aiga Porter APSD Food Pantry - Ms. Paula Keeling Goza Middle School - Mrs. Jenny Coon Peake Elementary School – Mrs. Mona Jackson
“Through the Cone Foundation, I have learned how to help provide for both my school and my community.” -Jared Garner
Community Grants: Lighthouse Ministry - Mrs. Debbie Files Clark County Humane Society - Mrs. Amanda Bell Pregnancy Resource Center of S.W. AR - Mrs. Beverly Hankins CASA - Mrs. Stephanie Hrabal Arkadelphia Junior Auxilary - Mrs. Jessica Wright Clark County Historical Society - Mr. Charles Todd Healthier Clark County Coalition - Mrs. Virginia Anderson Group Living, Inc. - Ms. Yukiko Taylor Percy & Donna Malone Child Safety Center - Mrs. Christa Neal Clark County Ecumenical Food Pantry - Mrs. Cynthia Jackson Evergreen Church/Comm. Food Pantry - Ms. Velvet Gonzales Degray Rural Fire Dept – Mr. James Tate Humane Society - Mrs. Betty Helms
YAC Student Initiated Grants: AHS JROTC - Mr. Chase Goodson OBU Kinesiology Dept. - Mr. Mike Reynolds
“We all hope to help the community, and I am thankful that I have been given the chance to do so.” -Pempho Moyo
“Serving the community through the Cones” 10
-Kayla Thompson
Local non-profit organization representatives gather for a photo after accepting a grant at the 2016 CONE Foundation Grant Award’s Ceremony located at the Ross Foundation headquarters in downtown Arkadelphia.
The senior students making up the CONE Foundation are: Mikayla Adams, Nia Nelson, Jack Bennington,Turner Pentecost, Griffin Brown, Cameron Porchia, Eric Carter, Sara Roberson, Preston Crowder, Hayden Spells, Nova Franklin, Alexis Summerford, Jared Garner, Chandler Taylor, Channon Hogan, Kayla Thompson, Chris Levar, Abby Turner, Cole McMillan, Dalon Turner, Pempho Moyo, Abby White, and Aikyia Youmans. The Foundation’s sponsor is Ms. Nancy Mortensen.
Geographic Bee Goza Middle School
The 2017 Goza Middle School Geographic Bee took place Monday, Jan. 8. Ten students competed in the finals in the Goza Media Center. Joshua, a 7th grader, was crowned the school champion and will now take the exam to qualify for the Arkansas State Bee in April. Second place honors went to 7th-grader Jarrett, and 3rd place honors went to 7th-grader Ayden. Other students earning finalist positions were: Landon, Benton, Takylia, Anna, Lori, Cameron, and Shahid. For the 29th year, the National Geographic Society is holding the National Geographic Bee for students in the fourth through eighth grades in thousands of schools across the United States and in the five U.S. territories, as well as in Department of Defense Dependents Schools around the world. The champion of the Goza Middle School National Geographic Bee will advance to the next level of the competitions, a written examination to determine state competitors. All school champions are eligible to win the national championship and its first prize, a $50,000 college scholarship, at the national championship May 15-17, 2017, in Washington, D.C.
Peake Elementary Congratulations to all of the Peake Elementary School Geography Bee finalists that competed on January 25. Daniel K. was named School Champion with Carson C. following as Runner-Up. Daniel will take the state qualifying bee at a later date. Top 10 included: Allie, Autumn, Daniel, Carson, Michal, Perry, Paige, Chase, Michael, Jaxon
2016 Bus Drivers’ Luncheon
Perritt Primary was pleased to honor the Arkadelphia Public School District bus drivers. While the bus drivers enjoyed performances from several of our students, Perritt’s student council officers served lunch and drew names for door prizes. Our student council officers were also able to get a picture with Mr. Hunter in front of the Christmas tree he provided for Perritt. Perritt Primary would like to extend a special congratulations to Mr. Jon Page for being named the 2016 Bus Driver of the Year.
Great Kindness Challenge
JROTC and AHS Band awarded $1,000 checks Arkadelphia Walmart presented Arkadelphia Junior ROTC and Arkadelphia Bands with a $1,000 check during its commencement for the first class of the Walmart Arkadelphia Training Academy on February 2. Both Arkadelphia Junior ROTC and Arkadelphia Bands have celebrated great achievements during the 2016-17 school year!
The Arkadelphia High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) recently scored a 98.7 percent and retained the highest rating of Honor Unit with Distinction during its Program of Accreditation inspection. The inspection was conducted by the Brigade Headquarters out of San Antonio, Texas. The AHS JROTC receives an accreditation every three years. To achieve the status of Honor Unit with Distinction, JROTC must make a 95 percent or above.
Arkadelphia High School’s Badger Pride Marching Band ended their competition season by winning the first ever State Marching Championship at North Little Rock High School on November 1. In addition to being named State Champions, the band won the awards for Outstanding Visual Performance and Outstanding Musical Performance. Thank you, Arkadelphia Walmart, for investing in our students!
AHS Band competes for region and state spots Arkadelphia band members have been busy the last few months competing individually in region competitions. Over 100 Goza Middle School and Arkadelphia High School band students auditioned for the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra (ASBOA) Region 2 bands. Each student prepared up to five pieces in addition to memorizing scales and practicing sight-reading for the audition. On Saturday, December 3, 7th-9th grade students spent the day at Lake Hamilton High School (LHHS) auditioning with over 900 students from surrounding schools such as Malvern, Texarkana, Lakeside, Hot Springs and Lake Hamilton. Thirty-nine Arkadelphia students were placed in one of two junior high bands and spent the next Friday and Saturday preparing music with a guest conductor for a concert they performed Saturday, December 10th. Of the 39 Arkadelphia students making the band, five
students were placed first band, first chair, meaning they scored the highest on their instrument. Those students were Lynli Lowry (flute), Carlee McCraney (oboe), Jayson Campbell (bari sax), Lunden Cotton (trumpet), and Patrick Hayes (percussion). On Saturday, January 21st, 10th-12th grade students spent the day at LHHS auditioning with over 400 students from the same surrounding schools for placement in one of the two high school bands. Twelve Arkadelphia students were selected and spent the next Friday and Saturday preparing a concert with a guest conductor. They performed their concert on Saturday, January 28th at LHHS. Tierra McCraney also placed first band, first chair in the flute section. Students in the high school band may qualify to audition for the Arkansas All State band if they are placed in the top seats in their
7th Grade Junior High All Region Band Members: (L-R) Spencer Allen (percussion), Matyas Johnson (trombone), Joshua Motl (bari sax), John Shaefer (horn), Mallery Gilbert (trumpet), Baylee Burson (clarinet), Kelsey Coventry (oboe), Carlee McCraney (oboe), Cahleel Campbell (percussion), Noah Kelly (percussion), Isaac Hensley (trombone)
section. Four Arkadelphia students qualified and will audition for the All State Band on Saturday, February 4th. Tierra McCraney (flute), Colleen Lloyd (oboe), Sam Coventry (alto saxophone), and Mollie Daniell (horn) will travel to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and compete with students from around the state to be placed in one of three state bands. In addition, students who participate in the jazz band program at Arkadelphia auditioned for the ASBOA Region 2 jazz bands in early November. Four students were selected for the Junior High Jazz Band and performed a concert on January 28th at LHHS. Nelson Ferguson was selected for the High School Jazz Band and performed a concert on December 10th. Nelson also qualified to audition for the All State Jazz Band on February 4th in Russellville.
8th Grade All Region Band members: (L-R) Elizabeth Rodriguez (clarinet), Danny Curl (trumpet), Dylan Rich (trombone), Rachel Bosley (clarinet), Katherine Turner (euphonium), Madison Morris (clarinet), Emma Taylor (clarinet), Brittany Quintero (clarinet), Gabbie Wempe (clarinet), Sara Allen (trumpet), Zach West (alto sax), Aaliyah Collier (bass clarinet) Not pictured: Shepherd Molinari (trombone), Gage Ward (percussion)
9th Grade Junior High All Region Band members: (back row L-R) Darbeigh Hale (horn), Lunden Cotton (trumpet), Patrick Hayes (percussion), Yebo Moyo (percussion), Jayson Campbell (bari sax), Wyatt Forthman (tuba), Caleb Cornelius (euphonium); (front row L-R) Lynli Lowry (flute), Aisha Faiq (euphonium), Teddy Buckley (clarinet), Emma Hill (trumpet), Jasmine Riley (clarinet) Not pictured: Aiden McMurray (tuba)
Junior High Jazz Band Members: (L-R) Emma Hill (trumpet), Aiden McMurray (bass), Caleb Cornelius (trombone), Patrick Hayes (piano)
High School All Region Band members: (back row L-R) Sam Coventry (alto sax), Mollie Daniell (horn), Sallie Matthews (clarinet), Alex Leguin (clarinet), Eric Carter (horn), Scott Holbrook (trumpet); (front row L-R) Lynn Duncan (flute), Michaela Forthman (clarinet), Caroline Derby (horn), Colleen Lloyd (oboe), Tierra McCraney (flute), Fateemah Faiq (clarinet)
High School Jazz Band member: Nelson Ferguson (drum set)
Perritt Chili Supper
Perritt Primary School has hosted its annual Chili Supper since 1984 in order to raise money to purchase large items used in the classroom and media areas - ipads, sound systems, etc. We would like to thank our wonderful community for coming out on January 30 and purchasing a $5 ticket. Each ticket included a bowl of chili, a cinnamon roll, cheese, crackers and a drink. With the support of our community, we were able to sell over 700 bowls of chili!
Thank you, Sponsors: Compassion Women’s Clinic Alliance Insurance Group Citizens Bank Southern Bancorp Vision Source of Arkadelphia Rock Creek Insurance South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. Batson Signs Ashley White Photography White Construction INC Hamburger Barn Slim & Shorty’s Fat Boys Fine Food and Catering
Subway in Arkadelphia Sodexo Wendy’s Brookshire’s Walmart Arkadelphia TaMolly’s Caddo Valley Arkadelphia Clinic For Children and Young Adults Hardman Lumber Company Bank of the Ozarks 3:16 Logging Inc. Donna Worrell HSU’s Heart & Key Club