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Pcssd

The Pulaski County Special School District is committed to providing a quality and equitable education to all students, which includes lessons both in and out of the classroom. In addition to the academic courses offered for Pre-K to 12th grades, PCSSD provides a number of extracurricular and club activities for students to join at many different grade levels. Here are just a few of the unique opportunities available to students within PCSSD.

“Students of all abilities are able to interact on a deeper level with their peers and form real friendships,” said club advisor Heather Moreland. “While those with disabilities are learning social skills, they are also being given the encouragement they need to do and try new things. Those without disabilities are breaking down barriers and learning to mentor, volunteer, and be a friend to all!”

Pine Forest Elementary in the Maumelle Feeder offers a Chess Club for students. They meet weekly and play against other students, watch video lessons, and even play against the computer on Chesskid.com.

“Chess Club provides players an opportunity to play casually, socialize, and participate in a yearly tournament,” says chess club facilitator Deborah Jones.

“The chess classes link to many facets of the curriculum -- from higher-order thinking skills to math, science, and reading. The children not only develop critical thinking skills but also show more self-esteem and self-worth as a result of learning the game.”

Over in the Mills feeder, Mills University Studies High offers U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) for its students. JROTC is designed to teach values associated with responsible citizenship.

Joe T. Robinson High in the Robinson Feeder has a Friends for Life Club. The club is composed of students with and without disabilities with the goal of creating friendships no matter the obstacles one may face in life.

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“Cadets learn and apply leadership and human relations skills, communication skills, and an appreciation for teamwork and self-discipline,” said LTC Paul Brown. “Emphasis is placed on integrity, responsibility, and respect for each other and authority.”

Finally, in the Sylvan Hills feeder, Oakbrooke Elementary has an honors choir for 4th and 5th grade students. They meet weekly and work together to learn songs and prepare for performances.

“They get to form a different bond with the students they are in choir with,” said Music teacher Rebecca Bloodworth. “The honor choir gets to develop singing skills and social skills on field trips and practices that we don’t get to do during the normal school day.”

PCSSD is proud to offer a number of unique extracurricular activities and clubs for students across the District. You can find a full list of extracurricular opportunities on each school website.

Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.

PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.

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