To the Members of ASMSA’s Community of Learning:
I recently had the opportunity to welcome Dr. John Ahlen back to campus for a project as part of ASMSA’s 30th Anniversary celebration. The notion of a public residential high school for math, science, and technology was a transformative concept in the late 1970s when the creation of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics kicked off this wave Instead of states spreading limited pools of gifted education and STEM (before it was STEM) money across their geographies, decision-makers could make an intentional, centralized investment that would draw both age and intellectual peers together within a specialized community of learning. Geography, family income, and other factors would no longer be limitations for emerging scientists and innovators. The model flourished with these schools, receiving regular placement among the nation’s top public high schools.
During our lunch visit, Dr. Ahlen spoke about the initial conversations that led to the school’s creation and the pushback these visionaries often encountered at each turn in bringing this vision to reality. The frequency with which ASMSA’s founders were questioned even by senior educational leaders about why families would send their kids away from home to learn was often surprising. Three decades since ASMSA’s opening and 45 years since the movement for public residential STEM schools began with NCSSM, the landscape around these programs continues to evolve. The rise of charter schools and other localized magnet programs in the 1990s created a new wave of competition. The advent of the internet and online learning also meant students were able to access personalized curricula no matter where they are enrolled. These and other factors will, at least at times, leave families to conclude that “good enough” at their current school is sufficient. Much has also been said over the past year about the future of education in Arkansas. In a time where school choice will become an even bigger fixture, we have to constantly remind ourselves of the need for ASMSA to lead to be the example of what can be accomplished when students are given the opportunity to ignite their full potential. How we work collectively in this fourth decade of educational excellence will be the standard for how the School maintains its relevancy, grows its base of advocates, and rises to even greater heights.
The story of ASMSA is often one of underestimation and overcoming odds. Challenge and change in the earliest years of the school’s history. Friction with ADE in the early 2000s that ultimately led to joining the UofA System. A lack of state investment in campus housing and other facilities. A quickly evolving landscape of school choice that challenges ASMSA’s uniqueness. And with each challenge, our faculty, staff, and friends have sought solutions and continued to carry the promise forward. But perhaps the most notable way in which the odds have been overcome again and again -are for the young people from rural communities, families with limited resources, and under-resourced schools who have often stepped out on faith in search of growth and greater promise. Yes, so many of our colleagues have overcome odds to ensure ASMSA’s success, but these young people that risk comfort and familiarity are who make this work so meaningful.
There is much to celebrate in this milestone year, but the work remains unfinished.
Sincerely,
Corey Alderdice ASMSA Director
Office of the Director
May 2024 Quarterly Report
Corey Alderdice, ASMSA DirectorBy the Numbers
• Thanks to an encouraging state revenue forecast, ASMSA will be offering merit-based salary increases ranging from 2.5% to 3.25% based on employees’ annual evaluations
• 13 ASMSA students were finalists in the Arts Across Arkansas state competition. The event is sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council.
• 26 ASMSA students qualified for the state FBLA competition, while 14 students automatically earned a spot to compete at the National Convention this summer by placing within the Top 4 of their respective events. Both events had a record number of qualifiers.
FY25 Budget Planning
Inflationary pressures related to the cost of contract services, utilities, and goods continue to hold balance against stronger than anticipated sales and use tax collections. Proceeds from those taxes underwrite the majority of ASMSA’s annual budget. ASMSA has submitted a budget for approval to the University of Arkansas System that reflects a 2.0% increase in funding for FY25 that begins on July 1, 2024.
The cost of contract services and utilities are forecast to increase by at least 5% in the coming year. These are fixed costs related to food service, campus safety, MEP systems, and other foundational components of the campus’ physical plant.
As noted above, ASMSA is planning a 2.5-3.25% merit increase in salary for employees who received positive evaluations during the annual process conducted in March 2024 and were employed prior to August 1, 2023. This is in line with System practices on salary increases. Though the planned raise does not fully keep pace with inflation, it does represent a continued commitment to annual increases while many higher education campuses are unable to do so within the current fiscal landscape. Special funds have been set aside for the continued implementation of the Faculty Advancement Plan in future cycles.
Additional funds have been allocated for facilities depreciation as a result of the construction of the new Campus Administration Building. ASMSA along with all UofA System campuses will see a significant increase in the cost of insurance policies for campus facilities. Historically, campuses have underinsured these facilities. Recent significant weather events in the state and challenges with traditional insurers necessitated a switch for campuses to join the policies of other public entities. While the change will ensure that the full cost of replacement for any facility is included under the policy, ASMSA’s annual premiums will increase by $150,000. The General Assembly is currently exploring a self-funded approach that would unite K-12, higher ed, and state facilities under one portfolio.
94th General Assembly Fiscal Session
The Fiscal Session is likely to conclude in early May. Overall state spending is anticipated to
increase by less than 2%, with the majority of new funding directed toward the second year of the LEARNS Act.
ASMSA’s appropriation for FY25 is included in Act 93 of 2024. Along with other University of Arkansas System divisions, the bill includes ASMSA’s state appropriation, cash appropriation, and approved positions along with their line-item maximum salaries. Appropriation simply denotes the ability to spend and may not align with actual revenues.
Campus Facilities Update
Construction of the new Campus Administration Building is nearing completion, with an estimated move-in date of mid-June. Construction has slowed as the contractor awaits installation of the transformer by Entergy. Once that component is complete, HVAC and lighting will be powered on. From there, final finishes and coats of paint will be installed.
ASMSA will seek updates to the Memorandum of Financing to add some additional parking enhancements as well as resurfacing and lighting the former service drive so that it can function as an additional gateway into the upper, residential zone of campus. That work should be completed this summer as well.
An RFP will be released shortly for the renovation work on the first floor of the current Academic and Administration Building. The project includes new flooring, painting, and other enhancements as well as similar improvements throughout the two stairwells of the building. The goal is to have the project complete before the return of 10-month employees in August. Classrooms for visual arts will be relocated from the Pine Street Wing to the first and third floors of the building. We also anticipate the facility will receive a new name in the year ahead, as "Academic Building” does not reflect the spirit or character of ASMSA.
Challenge Success Survey and REACH
ASMSA and other members of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS) continue to participate in a special cohort of the Challenge Success-Stanford Survey of Adolescent School Experiences. 232 ASMSA students electively participated in the survey during its administration earlier this year. A copy of the Executive Summary for ASMSA’s data is attached to this report.
Challenge Success is a research study on students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being, as well as students’ educational goals and their views on the academic climate and expectations at their school and at home. This special cohort presents an important opportunity for ASMSA to not only better understand the needs of our student population but also to benchmark our growth in a variety of areas to that of the schools most like us throughout the country. Campus leadership, our Student Success Team, Student Life Staff, and mental health professionals have begun a review of individual data related to the campus.
Challenge Success also maintains a partnership with REACH Boarding System. ASMSA transitioned to this software a few years ago to replace the paper-based systems for checkin/check-out and other residential procedures. The cost for Challenge Success is included as part of the annual subscription. Seven of ASMSA’s benchmark institutions currently utilize the
software, with three additional campuses actively exploring implementation. Dr. Morris will present about REACH and Challenge Success at the 2024 NCSSS Professional Conference in November.
Music Ensembles Earn Top Honors at State Competition
Three ASMSA music ensembles earned state recognition recently including two of them taking top honors at their respective state competitions.
ASMSA’s Wind Ensemble placed first by earning straight Superiors/First Division ratings in the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association Class 3A Statewide Concert Assessment on April 16 at Bryant High School. Their performance netted the ensemble the honor to serve as the featured Honor Band at the 2025 ASBOA statewide concert contest. It was only the second time that ASMSA has participated in a statewide contest.
The school’s SSA/Treble Choir traveled to Conway on April 15 and earned a Superior overall rating and was named Best in Classification for Class 3A at the Arkansas Choral Directors Association State Festival that was held at the University of Central Arkansas. The choir is directed by adjunct instructor Jordan Murdock.
ASMSA’s String Ensemble placed 14th overall, earning straight Excellents/Second Division ratings at the ASBOA Class 3A Statewide Concert Assessments on April 16 at Bryant. It was the first time that the String Ensemble has competed in a statewide or regional contest.
ASMSA Captures First Place at State
Science and Engineering
Fair
ASMSA took the Top School honors at the event held March 29-30 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. ASMSA was followed in order by Little Rock Central High School, Pulaski Academy, Alma High School, and Abundant Life Christian Academy. The school trophy is determined by a formula that takes the school’s number of award winners and total number of projects into account. Aarohi Sonputri of Little Rock won third place in the Best in State Individual Awards. Daniel Nkunga of Sherwood and Melike Senlikci of Fayetteville were named Regeneron International Science and Engineering qualifiers through the state science fair. ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition. More than 1,600 high school students from around the world are expected to compete for more than $9 million in awards, prizes and scholarships at the event that will be held May 11-17 in Los Angeles. That means ASMSA be represented by five students at ISEF. Sonputri, Nasya Choy of Conway, and Michelle Lin of Little Rock qualified for ISEF at the West Central Regional Science Fair held at ASMSA in February.
Student Artists Earn Awards at State Competition
Six student artists recently won awards in the Arts Across Arkansas competition. Arts Across Arkansas is a mentorship and professional development program that aims to encourage, enhance, and expand students’ original thoughts, processes, personal experiences, and artistic abilities, according to the program’s website. It is sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Division of Arkansas Heritage. Students who earned recognition also received a cash prize $1,000 for first place and $500 for second place.
ASMSA students who received awards include: Music Composition - Alex Back (1st) and Grace Adams (2nd); Film - Calen Long (2nd); Visual Arts - Gwen Oliver (1st) and Olivia Busby (2nd).
This was the second year that the competition was held. Categories also included Literary Arts, Dance Choreography, and Photography. Thirteen ASMSA students qualified for the finals. The competition finals and awards ceremony were held at the Westwind School for Performing Arts in Maumelle.
Total Solar Eclipse a Memorable Campus Event
ASMSA’s campus community marked the Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8th through a series of weekend campus events that included guest lectures, citizen scientist research projects, and a visiting delegation from the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science. Special thanks are in order for Dr. Brian Monson, who chaired the campus planning workgroup for the event, as well as numerous faculty and staff who coordinated several events leading up to the event over the past year. Arkansas PBS produced a six-minute short video on the ASMSA Astronomy Club’s preparation for the event. The video is available online at https://youtu.be/jUs1v1Gh7tA
Exchanges Continue with Japanese Partner Schools
ASMSA welcomed a visiting delegation from Hanamaki Kita High School in March along with a group from Tennoji High School (Osaka) in April. Discussions with the Tennoji educators explored the possibility of longer exchanges for a limited number of students, potentially beginning as early as 2025. During the months of January through March, a group of approximately four ASMSA and Tennoji students would live on campus to further their language and cultural understanding. Teams from both schools will continue to explore the logistics associated with such an expansion in the coming months.
Commencement Reminders
ASMSA’s Commencement ceremony will be held at 2 p m on Saturday, May 18th, at the Oaklawn Events Center in Hot Springs. This marks a change of venue for the ceremony.
Kaira Harper and Gwen Oliver have been selected to represent the Class of 2024 with remarks at ASMSA's 30th annual Commencement ceremony this month. SGA President Nkunga will also give remarks. Matt Bell, President of Origami Sake, will deliver the Commencement Address to our graduates. Matt is an Arkansas native and successful business entrepreneur. Prior to starting Origami Sake, Matt was a founding partner of Bell-Corley Construction, a commercial general contracting company, Viridian, a green building and energy efficiency consulting company, and Entegrity, a commercial solar development and energy efficiency contractor.
Challenge Success – Stanford Surveys of School Experiences: High School Student Version – Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
Winter/Spring 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT
SURVEY BACKGROUND
The Challenge Success – Stanford Surveys of School Experiences are online surveys that ask students and parents to give their perspectives on a variety of areas related to their school lives. These areas include: perspectives on homework, extracurricular activities, free time, sleep, physical health, stress related to school and academics, cheating, academic engagement, teacher support, and parent expectations. The results of the student survey are intended to help your school identify students’ perspectives on what the school currently does well, as well as areas for growth. The data and findings can be useful tools in guiding practice and policy changes.
Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts students took the Student Survey in February 2024. Approximately 232 students completed the high school survey. Parents were given the opportunity to opt their children out of the survey and students were asked to give their assent in order to take the survey. Student responses are confidential; students were not asked for their names, birthdates, or identification numbers.
This report highlights a few key findings. The full results are available in your school’s dashboard. We encourage sharing this executive summary report with key stakeholders across your school community.
KEY FINDINGS
School Perception
» “Challenging or Rigorous” used by 17% of students, is the most common categories of words students use to describe the school The next most common categories are “Difficult or Stressful” and “Caring and Welcoming” used by 15% and 8% of students, respectively
» 84% of students say they have an adult they can go to if they have a personal problem 86% of students have a peer they can go to.
» The most common major source of stress students experience is “Grades, tests, quizzes, finals, or other assessments” (56% of students).
Workload and Engagement
» Students report doing an average of 3.5 hours of homework per weeknight, and 2.8 hours per weekend. 48% of students feel that they have “too much” homework.
» 27% of students are Doing School, meaning they “often” or “always” do their work, but “rarely” or “never” value it or enjoy it An additional 29% of students are Purposefully Engaged, meaning they “often” or “always” do their work, and value it, but “rarely” or “never” enjoy it. 6% of students are Disengaged, meaning they neither do, enjoy, nor find value in their schoolwork 30% of students are Fully Engaged, meaning they “often” or “always” do their work, enjoy it, and value it 9% fall into other patterns of engagement.
Sleep
» Students report getting an average of 6.1 hours of sleep per weeknight.
Office of Academic Affairs
May 2024 Quarterly Report
Stuart Flynn, Dean of AcademicsSince the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith drop date on Friday, April 12th, our Academic Support Staff has focused on students who continue to underperform in select courses, and as we move toward final exams, the Staff will intensify efforts on academic interventions with students who need additional support through teacher and peer tutoring, task prioritization, study strategies, and test-taking strategies. Academic interventions also include parental contact to ensure strategic collaboration between parents, students, and Staff. Our Associate Deans for STEM and Arts & Humanities and our Academic Support Staff have also been preparing for Fall Semester Course Registration, and Academic Support Staff will begin meeting with returning students the week of April 29th. Registration meetings will continue through the rest of the semester and will also involve parental input. In late May, Academic Support Staff will shift their focus to incoming students and will begin contacting those students on June 3rd to arrange Zoom meetings or phone conferences to discuss Fall Semester course registration.
By the Numbers
● Three ASMSA students named Gates Millennium Scholars.
● Five students recognized for literary work in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
● Seven students earned All-State recognition from the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association.
● Two Questbridge Match Scholarship Recipients.
Important Upcoming Events and Performances
On Friday, May 3rd, ASMSA will host the 2024 Arts and Humanities Symposium. Academic Dead Day is Monday, May 13th, and at 4:00 p.m. that day we will host the 2024 Academic Awards Ceremony in the Creativity and Innovation Complex. ASMSA’s annual late-night breakfast for students will take place at 10:00 p.m. on Monday, May 13th, and we will administer final exams from May 14th-16th. Final grades are due on Friday, May 17th, and the following week, we will mail Spring Semester report cards to families. ASMSA’s 2024 commencement ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18th.
May performances: Film Capstone Screening, May 1st, 7:00 p.m.; String Ensemble performance, May 2nd, 7:00 p.m.; Wind Ensemble performance, May 7th, 7:00 p.m.; Student Art Auction, May 8th, 2:30 p.m.; Jazz Ensemble performance, May 10th, 7:00 p.m.
New Faculty Hires
Long-time ASMSA instructor and ASMSA alumnus, Josh Ulrey, will transition to a new role as our Mathematics/STEM Pathways Instructor. Josh will continue to teach two residential Math courses while mentoring Math instructors across Arkansas and helping to develop Math curricula. New Math Instructor, Eiko Koizumi, will replace Josh on ASMSA’s full-time, residential faculty and take over the Math Research Capstone. New Music Instructor, Cody Ford,
will join ASMSA’s full time, residential faculty and take on many of Dr. Tom Dempster’s current Music Department responsibilities, as Dr. Dempster continues his transition to Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities. Tracy Lewis will join ASMSA’s team as our new Computer Science/STEM Pathways Instructor. Tracy will teach two residential Computer Science courses while mentoring Computer Science instructors throughout Arkansas and helping to develop Computer Science curricula. And we are currently reviewing applicants for a full-time, residential Computer Science Instructor.
New Student Orientation Sessions
On June 22nd, ASMSA will host incoming Sophomores and Juniors for all-day orientation activities. From July 7th-19th, we will host a group of incoming Juniors for our Math Assessment Program (MAP), formerly CARC (College Algebra Readiness Camp). MAP is designed to accelerate math readiness for select students, and we use the camp to evaluate students for math placement in Fall Semester courses. It’s also a good opportunity for students to begin developing relationships with their peers before the Fall Semester begins. From July 14th19th, ASMSA will host all incoming Sophomores for Summer Splash, a week-long orientation program that will include academic sessions with ASMSA faculty and activities with our Academic Support and Residential Life teams.
Office of Student Life
May 2024 Quarterly Report
Rheo Morris, Ph.D., Dean of StudentsThe ASMSA office of Student Life has wrapped up prom under the theme Midnight Rose Garden We have also wrapped up SGA elections and are preparing for closing and graduation.
By the Numbers
• There have been one hundred and twelve students who have participated in mental health services since the beginning of the school year.
• Hosted one of our highest attended proms with 202 students (ASMSA and guests) attending
Student Leader Selection
Student Leaders have been selected for the 2024-2025 school year. Fourteen rising seniors were selected for the Community Leader position with 12 in the Student Center and two in Selig Hall. Peer Mentors and Student Ambassadors will both have 12 students each while Admissions Delegates have chosen 16 students.
Mental Health Hub
The Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Master’s Social Worker have conducted 115 individual counseling sessions and 3 group therapy sessions for the month of February. They have conducted 146 individual therapy sessions, 3 group sessions, and 3 crisis interventions in March. Overall, for the school year, they have conducted 815 individual counseling sessions, 3 family counseling sessions, 9 crisis interventions, and 19 group sessions We have seen a increase from last year in the number of students who have accessed mental health services this school year while seeing a decrease in the number of crisis interventions.
Prom
ASMSA held its prom on April 27, in Community and Innovation complex under the theme “Midnight Rose Garden”. The prom court was named according to hall and classification with the winners voted on by the student body The Prom ticket included a full buffet meal including appetizers and dessert and a prom keepsake. Prom was followed by “after prom” until 2 am. There were video games, snacks, music, and inflatables.
Programming
Responsible decision-making addressed social media etiquette and ethics. This topic explored using good judgement and polite behavior when posting on social media. It also discussed Cyberbullying, what it was, examples, and how to combat cyberbullying. It encouraged them to examine their personal social action before posting and social media and remembering that they were responsible for their actions.
In March the staff placed some focus on celebrating women who we felt have contributed to each student in some meaningful way. They also highlighted Arkansan and Hot Springs women such as Helen Selig who contributed to the Hot Springs community and ASMSA. There were bulletin
boards that acknowledged the contributions of women in healthcare, politics, art, and STEM. This topic focused on the social awareness goal.
Office of Admissions and Outreach
May 2024 Report
Jason Hudnell, Director of AdmissionsThe Admissions cycle is coming to a close with acceptance notifications going out on April 25th. Outreach programming is also winding down as we look forward to the first ASMSA-TIP Awards Ceremony to be held on Saturday, June 8.
By the Numbers
• 122 Acceptance Notifications went out to candidates
• 229 Summer@ASMSA applications have been submitted for 140 spots
• 231 ASMSA-TIP students
2024 Admissions Interview Days
ASMSA Admissions hosted Interview Days on April 13 and April 20. These two events brought in nearly 150 candidate semi-finalists who had the opportunity to hear more about ASMSA as well as interview with faculty and tour the campus.
ASMSA Acceptance Notifications
ASMSA Admissions sent out 122 invitations to be a part of our community of learning on Thursday, April 25th. The candidate “Intent To Enroll” form is due back to the Admissions office no later that Wednesday, May 1. Final numbers and demographics will be provided in the next BOV report when all candidates have declared their intent.
Summer@ASMSA
Total Applications: 229
Applicants By Grade:
9th Grade - 80
8th Grade - 89
7th Grade - 60
ASMSA-TIP
Total Registered: 257
Fully Admitted: 231
Fee Waivers granted: 62
Counties Served: 38
ACT Scores Received: 125 scores reported to date
Current Averages:
Composite: 18.2
Math: 16.8
Science: 18.6
English: 17.5
Reading: 19.5