Arkansas School Boards Association

🔔 Final Reminder! 🔔 The deadline to submit an entry for this year's Student Essay and Speaking Contest is 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟎/𝟐𝟒, 𝐚𝐭 𝟒 𝐩𝐦. Please help us spread the word to Arkansas 11th and 12th graders about this great opportunity! 💰ℂ𝕒𝕤𝕙 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕫𝕖𝕤💰will be awarded as well as the honor of presenting at the ASBA Annual Conference! One entry per district is allowed. Learn more at bit.ly/24sscontest. #StudentFocusedLeadership #ResilientandReady

𝐀𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡! 🌱 The Arkadelphia Public Schools Board of Education met in a work session on Friday, October 11th. Henderson State University Chancellor Trey Berry began the work session with an inspirational challenge for the district leadership. Superintendent Nikki Thomas and the seven school board members reviewed the current strategic plan by identifying the progress and potential toward reaching each goal. The District is now looking to move forward with building a new Arkadelphia High School. Clayton Vaden of Lewis Architects Engineers, Dr. Charles Stein, Director of the Arkansas Division of Public School Academic Facilities, and Transportation, and Jason Holsclaw, Stephens, Inc., provided information and options for consideration as a new building project takes shape. Exciting things are happening! Job well done to district board members and administrators! #StudentFocusedLeadership

🔔 Reminder! ASBA is accepting presentation proposals for the 71st Annual Conference! We are seeking submissions from school staff, board members, and organizations with insights to help improve student outcomes. Presentations will be on Dec 11-12. Submit by Nov 8! Read full proposal details at bit.ly/asbarfp24. #StudentFocusedLeadership #ResilientandReady

Happy National Principals Month! Thank you to all of the principals who are committed to making a difference every day in Arkansas schools. Your impact is invaluable! #StudentFocusedLeadership #ThankAPrincipal #NationalPrincipalsMonth

🔔 ASBA App Update - New Download Needed! 🔔 We’ve just released an updated version of the ASBA app! To continue receiving important notifications, please 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 the current app, then 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝 it from your app store (Search "Arkansas School Boards Association"). *Don't forget - you will also need to enable notifications on your phone and subscribe to the ASBA notifications group in the app's Settings. Not an app user yet? Now is the perfect time to download. The app is the easiest way to receive notifications right to your phone about upcoming ASBA events and deadlines! 📲 Don’t miss out—get the latest version today! #StudentFocusedLeadership

One final reminder! TOMORROW is the deadline to nominate for this year's Dr. Dan Award! Get your nominations in! #StudentFocusedLeadership

📣 Arkansas school groups, here's your chance to shine! 🌟 Do you have a student band, choir, dance group, or theatre ensemble? We want YOU to take the stage at the COSSBA 2025 National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia! 🎤🎶🎭 Perform live in front of national leaders and showcase your school's incredible talent. Apply today for this amazing opportunity! ✨ 📅 When: March 20-23, 2025 📍 Where: Hilton Atlanta, Georgia 🔗 Apply now: https://www.cossba.org/student-entertainment-application

🎉 From the Boardroom of Lake Hamilton School District 🎉 At their August Board Meeting, LHSD School Board President, Dr. Tiffany McCain, presented certificates of achievement to many of Lake Hamilton's Advanced Placement scholars. Among this year's achievements were: • One AP Scholar with Distinction (scoring at least 3.5 on all AP exams with at least 5 exams taken) • Three AP Scholars with Honor (scoring at least 3.25 on all AP exams with at least 4 exams taken) • Twenty-one AP Scholars (scoring 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams) Congratulations to these students on their impressive accomplishments! We know the future is bright! 💡 #StudentFocusedLeadership

Scenes from a great evening in Crossett! 📸 On Monday, October 7th, ASBA members gathered for the Region 14 meeting to connect, learn, and share insights on supporting our schools. Thanks to everyone who made the meeting a success! #StudentFocusedLeadership

🎉 Registration is NOW OPEN for ASBA’s 71st Annual Conference! 🎉 Join us December 11-13, 2024, for an event you won’t want to miss! This year’s theme, “𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 - 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬'𝙨 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨 𝙏𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮,” will guide inspiring conversations about the future of education. Featuring keynote speakers Willow Sweeney, expert in social-emotional learning, and Chris Chism, AI thought leader, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience! 💡✨ 📅 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧: December 11-13, 2024 📍 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: Marriott Hotel & Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock ➡️ Register now at bit.ly/arboardconnect under the "Registrations/Publications" tab! Hotel information will be sent in your registration confirmation email. Full agenda coming soon! #StudentFocusedLeadership #ResilientandReady

Please help us spread the word about our annual Student Essay and Speaking Contest! Remember, one submission per member district is allowed. Deadline to submit is Thursday, October 24th, at 4 pm. Full contest information available at bit.ly/24sscontest. #StudentFocusedLeadership

This week’s regional meetings took us to Paris Schools, Crossett School District, and Bearden School District for Regions 4, 14, and 13. Thank you to our host districts for providing excellent facilities, delicious meals, and warm hospitality! Facilitated by incoming Executive Director Shannon Moore and Board Development Director Tammie Reitenger, attendees shared valuable insights and experiences that led to meaningful discussions on board service 🤝. Thank you to all who participated, and we look forward to continuing next week in Jonesboro, Clinton, and Mayflower! #StudentFocusedLeadership

Each month, the Perryville School District Board of Education recognizes a "Mustang Lighthouse of the Month!" 💡 The September award went to August! August, a 3rd grade student, is a true light to all who meet him. He has been working diligently in Mrs. Gentry and Mrs. Hill’s class, and his hard work paid off with an A on his science test! All of his efforts are supported by the amazing team at Perryville Elementary School. The Board and district administration expressed their appreciation to everyone working together for student success! #StudentFocusedLeadership #FromtheBoardroom

Time is quickly running out to make your nominations for this year's Dr. Dan Award! Nominate by Tuesday, October 15th at bit.ly/3yHi2la. Remember, school board members, administrators, teachers, or any public servant are eligible for this award! #StudentFocusedLeadership

Check out this "From the Boardroom" spotlight from the Mt. Vernon-Enola School District! After a year of planning, gathering data, and seeking input from the community, staff, and students, MVESD developed a District Strategic Plan. This plan focuses on key areas such as Human Capital, Finance, Safety, Academics, and Facilities. The district also updated its vision, mission, and core values, while the Board of Education took the opportunity to select the official school colors, hashtag, and crest. Great job to the MVE Board of Education and staff on identifying their priorities to enhance student success! #StudentFocusedLeadership #FromtheBoardroom

✨ Region 7 Annual Meeting at Cross County High School was a productive evening filled with networking, sharing feedback, and focusing on the fundamentals of board service. A big thank you to Cross County School District for being exceptional hosts—from their dedicated student volunteers to the outstanding meal 🍽️ provided by Chartwells. The facilities were top notch, and the hospitality was appreciated by all! Thank you to all who attended! #StudentFocusedLeadership

We kicked off our annual regional meetings in Region 5 last night at Pottsville Junior High! Attendees received important updates and shared valuable insights with ASBA staff to enhance future offerings. The dinner was fantastic, and the company even better! A big thank you to Pottsville School District for hosting the event! #StudentFocusedLeadership

🌟 From the Boardroom: Sheridan School District 🌟 Sheridan School District bus drivers Chris Neel, Markeeta Cunningham, Theresa Funderburg and Walter Whitmire were presented with “Difference Maker” awards at the district’s September Board of Education meeting. These drivers volunteered to attend the East End Elementary and East End Intermediate Open House events in August. While at the Open Houses, the drivers talked to parents, explained the new bus rules, and assisted with questions about routes. They attended two nights of Open House for two hours each time. East End Intermediate Principal Dr. Amber Binz said, “These drivers are a perfect example of how our bus drivers continue to go above and beyond to take care of our students. They are always willing to help in any way. We are very excited about the new school year and grateful for what our drivers do each and every day to bring joy!” 📸 Pictured (Left to right): Dennis Emerson (Director of Administrative Services), Chris Neel, Markeeta Cunningham, Theresa Funderburg, Walter Whitmire, and Dr. Amber Binz. Submit your "From the Boardroom" celebration at bit.ly/fromtheboardroom! #StudentFocusedLeadership #FromtheBoardroom

🌟 From the Boardroom: Greenland School District 🌟 1. Greenland School District was recently awarded the Community Oriented Policing Services grant in the amount of $495,000! Funds will be used for continuous safety upgrades, including additional security cameras, metal detectors, bulletproof window film, and internal notification systems. 📸 Pictured: Superintendent Dr. Andrea Martin, Chief Financial Officer Sarah Trublood, GSPD Chief of Police Seth Partain, Director of Technology Miles Eubanks 2. Shoutout to the incredible students scoring above 30 on the ACT! Welcome to GHS Club 30! 📸 Pictured: GHS Principal Stephanie Baker, Senior Dixie Moulton, Senior Addison Knapp #StudentFocusedLeadership #FromtheBoardroom

⭐️ From the Boardroom: Bryant School District ⭐️ At this month's board meeting, the Bryant Public Schools Board of Education proudly recognized two outstanding groups: 1. Led by 4th grade teacher Carly Wise, the Bryant Elementary Green Team was honored recently with the 2024 Arkansas Recycling Coalition School Recycler of the Year award. The award is given to an outstanding school, college, or university that demonstrates a long-term commitment to waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable resource use both in the classroom and as a means to manage the school’s waste. For the past 10 years, Bryant Elementary's Green Team has actively promoted sustainability and recycling practices, including educating students on recycling and conducting weekly classroom recycling pickups. They have organized events to promote recycling among students, such as Bike Drives, Pop Tab Competitions, Earth Day Celebrations, Vintage Dress-Up Day, Bottle Cap Mural & Recycled Art Contests. 🏆🌱 2. Staff members who completed Take Flight Training, a two-year comprehensive Intervention for Students with Dyslexia curriculum, were recognized. Several educators passed the exam and are now Certified Academic Language Therapists! 🎉✏️ #StudentFocusedLeadership #FromtheBoardroom