MAUMELLE, Ark. (KARK) -- School lunch debt is not uncommon around the country. Schools right here in Pulaski County rack up a huge bill from families not being able to afford lunch. Today one local man decided to pay that bill for Crystal Hill Elementary. “I’ve been here for 12 years as the principal and I have never known that to happen,” says Stacy Bottoms,... READ MORE >
Regular Meeting - Board of Education MeetingTuesday, December 10, 2019 - 6:00 PM Call to Order - Dr. Linda Remele Roll Call -Tina Ward Reorganization of Board Pledge of Allegiance Public Comments Certified P.P.C. Presentation Classified P.P.C. Presentation Reports/Recognitions Construction Updates Financial Report - Ms. Rowlett Marketing... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. (Arkansas Times) - If you needed further proof that school librarians can be pivotal forces in young people’s lives, ask 16-year-old Emmarie Gates. When Gates’ librarian at Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock handed her a copy of Nadya Okamoto’s “Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement” earlier this year, Gates was shocked at... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - A school district is rebranding its traditional library format into a versatile library learning center. The library has always been a place to check out books, read and study. But over time teacher librarians, like Traci Matthews, have noticed more needs to be done to accommodate students and ever changing technology. “You see their... READ MORE >
The Robinson High School Library Club recently held their annual book exchange party.Students are asked to bring wrapped novels that they have enjoyed as a gift for a white elephant gift exchange. A white elephant gift exchange allows participants to either unwarp a new present of "steal" another's already unwrapped gift.The Library Club works to promote reading... READ MORE >
Harris Elementary welcomed University of Central Arkansas students and staff of the National Science Teachers Association, along with their life-sized whale, Uca. The presentation was part of a partnership with the university featuring STEM activities for all grade levels. Harris students learned about whales, had the opportunity to walk through the whale, see the... READ MORE >
Maumelle High School hosted their second annual College and Career Fair, open to all high school students. The College and Career Fair was organized by the Maumelle High Career and Technical Education Department and the Counselors. More than 70 organizations attended, from colleges and universities, trade schools, and tutoring representatives. Maumelle city... READ MORE >
The Sylvan Hills Middle School Green Team was honored this week as a $1,000 recipient of a grant from the Regional Recycling District. SHMS was one of 10 Little Rock-area schools this year. The SHMS Green Team was established in 2017 and is advised by Ms. Patricia Archambeau. The organization's 20 members recycles from each classroom and during lunch, and so far... READ MORE >
Shorter College, the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock attended a panel at Daisy Bates Elementary to encourage students to start thinking about their college options.Students heard about what the institutions have to offer and were able to ask questions to the panel about college life.The panel was part of PCSSD's focus on... READ MORE >
Crystal Hill Elementary hosted a Color Dash fundraiser. Students paid to participate to help fund the 5th grade’s end-of-year trip. Students will be taking a 3-day AVID College Road Trip to southern Louisiana at the end of the year. The 5th graders will have the opportunity to visit Southern University and Louisiana State University and some museums along the... READ MORE >
Daisy Bates Elementary celebrated the birthday of the school’s namesake: Daisy Gaston Bates. Representatives from the Daisy Bates Museum Foundation joined the students in the birthday festivities. The even included student essays on the life of Daisy Bates, as well as her impact on the students of Daisy Bates Elementary. Daisy Bates was an American civil rights... READ MORE >
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- Deputy Superintendent Alesia Smith organized a district reading challenge for all fourth grade students in PCSSD. Students are reading "Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World" by Mildred Walter. As part of the challenge, Superintendent Dr. Charles McNulty and Ms. Smith are incorporating various elements of learning beyond reading the... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Seven student athletes signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, November 13 at Robinson High School. Six students will be playing baseball in college and one student plans to collegiate soccer. Two Robinson Senators will remain teammates in college, KJ Merriweather and Justin Nelson will head to the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff to... READ MORE >
Daisy Bates Elementary School celebrated veterans this week and were treated with a surprise visit from General Wesley Clark. The school’s Veteran’s Day program included the Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School JROTC, as well as LOTC participants, under the direction of Daisy Bates 4th grade teacher Major Josiah Burns. The Daisy Bates Honor Choir also... READ MORE >
Elementary schools in the Mills Feeder are participating in a challenge to encourage more students to read. Each student is reading “The Lemonade War” by Jacqueline Davies and tracking the amount of time they read. A winner is announced, based on the amount of time the elementary school reads, at the end of each week. The winning elementary school at the end of the... READ MORE >
PULASKI COUNTY -- Three PCSSD schools have been recognized by the Office for Education Policy (OEP) at the University of Arkansas as schools that are "Beating the Odds." Students at Oak Grove Elementary, Harris Elementary and Mills Middle demonstrated high growth on the ACT Aspire even though the school serves a high percentage of students who participate in Free... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A Chenal elementary teacher was one of 76 educators from 31 counties in Arkansas recognized by Arvest Bank for their annual We Heart Teachers campaign. Mrs. Lisa Mitchell, a kindergarten teacher at Chenal, was selected to receive a $500 gift as symbol of respect and appreciation for the work teachers do. “Teachers leave a lasting impact on... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- During the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, the Pulaski County Special School District School Board presented the 1st Quarter "Inspiration in Education" award to Yolanda Richards, secretary to the Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Pupil Services. Ms. Richards was nominated by her supervisor, Dr. Janice Warren, and... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Education are excited to announce that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded Arkansas a five-year grant totaling $38 million to improve literacy in the state. The state received the maximum amount allowed under the grant. ADE has received an initial $1.1 million to begin implementing the... READ MORE >
The Greater Little Rock Optimist Club recognized two Sylvan Hills High School students as their “Optimist Teens of the Month” at their November monthly meeting. Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization with more than 2,500 local clubs. Members work to make the future brighter by bringing out the best in children, our communities and... READ MORE >
Congratulations to the following Robinson Middle School Choir students for making the 2019 All Region Choir. These students competed against hundreds of other middle school students in central Arkansas and earned a spot in the choir with top honors. Spencer Watson Michael Hayes Khylin Porchia Luke Dunagan Eli Eifling Cash Heifner Carson... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Secondary and Elementary Education are pleased to announce that $6,700,100 will be awarded to 175 public schools through the Arkansas School Recognition Program.Baker Elementary and Chenal Elementary were among the schools recognized for growth. Chenal was recognized in... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Friday afternoon in the weight room at Robinson High School looks like it could be any gym class throughout Central Arkansas. It's anything but. Week after week, rep after rep, Justin Earnest and Bruce Baker are teaching students at the Center of Innovation how to lift a barbell. Hoping to use their strength to lift the weight of past... READ MORE >
Regular Meeting - Board of EducationMeeting on Tue, Nov 12, 2019 - 6:00 PM I. Call to Order - Dr. Linda RemeleII. Roll Call - Tina WardIII. Pledge of AllegianceIV. Public CommentsV. Certified P.P.C. PresentationVI. Classified P.P.C. PresentationVII. ReportsConstruction UpdatesFinancial Updates - Jacqueline RowlettMarketing Report - Jessica DuffVIII. Action Items -... READ MORE >
The Maumelle High School (MHS) Hornet Marching Band is among a handful of Class 5A bands to receive a Superior rating at the Arkansas State Marching Contest. MHS was one of only seven schools to receive this highest possible rating at the competition. This is the school’s first “First Division” award since the State Marching Contest’s inception in 2016. “This... READ MORE >
Pulaski County Special School District school libraries are rebranding from the traditional “library format” into a versatile Library Learning Center. This transformation into user-centered spaces will better support the ever-changing needs of our school communities. While books are still the focus of the space, the Library Learning Centers will provide a space... READ MORE >
Congratulations to Joe T. Robinson, Maumelle and Sylvan Hills High School cross country teams for amazing performances at the Conference Championships! In the 5A Central Conference Championships, the Maumelle High School boys cross country team finished first, with Tyler Melton (1st), Nate Sutterfield (4th), Clay McDonald (6th), Stephan Boland (7th), Maurice... READ MORE >
A group of Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School DRIVEN students recently attended the Secretary of State’s Young Voters Workshop. The day-long program demonstrates the importance of voting to high school students who are nearing or have already reached voting age. Hundreds of students from across Arkansas participated in the workshop, which also... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Mills University Studies High School has been recognized by the Office for Education Policy (OEP) at the University of Arkansas as a school where students demonstrated high growth on the ACT Aspire. The OEP creates an annual report entitled the Outstanding Educational Performance Awards where we recognize schools with high student academic... READ MORE >
SHERWOOD, Ark. -- Life Skills students from Mrs. Dunlap's class at Sylvan Hills High - North and FCLA hosted Trick or Treat on the Sylvan Hills High School main campus this week. Students from the Sylvan Hills Middle School Life Skills class visited the school to go trick or treating. Life skills students from Sylvan Hills North buddied up with a middle school... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Pulaski County Youth Services (PCYS) hosted the 7th annual Champions of Youth luncheon on October 29 and Pulaski County Special School District is the proud recipient of the Partners in Education award. PCYS provides after school and summer programs for several PCSSD families as well as ACT prep for high school students. The "Ready, Set,... READ MORE >
Little Rock, Ark. -- All schools in the Robinson feeder participated in the annual "Holiday Cards 4 Our Military" challenge through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education within the Arkansas Department of Education. Students from Robinson High, Robinson Middle, Robinson Elementary, Baker Elementary, Chenal Elementary and Lawson Elementary created cards... READ MORE >
This is just a reminder that all schools are closed Wednesday (October 30), Thursday (October 31) and Friday (November 1). Teachers, principals, and district leadership will participate in professional development training all three days. We'll see you back in the classroom on Monday, November 4! READ MORE >
Congratulations to MacKenzie Frederick, who was awarded the $2,500 McLarty Drives Education scholarship. The McLarty Drives Education Scholarship Program awards students who demonstrate excellence both in the classroom and in the community. Students who display their drive for learning, compassion for others, as well as utilize their high-standing character in the... READ MORE >
Sylvan Hills Elementary is an Arkansas A+ School. Arkansas A+ is a framework for teachers to teach students how they best learn. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate and take ownership of what is happening in their classroom and school. READ MORE >
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. - Pulaski County Special School District wishes to offer condolences to the family of John Walker, a civil rights advocate and lawyer for more than six decades in central Arkansas. He was an integral part of the Plan 2000 Desegregation case with PCSSD since its inception. Walker’s driven dedication and support for civil rights will be greatly... READ MORE >
Congratulations to Baker Elementary, Sylvan Hills Middle and Sylvan Hills High schools for being named finalists in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Best of the Best public schools. The Best of the Best is an annual advertising supplement to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette allowing readers to pick their favorites in categories such as food, shopping, entertainment,... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Students at Landmark Elementary are proving one person's trash is another's treasure. "Trash is not always disgusting,” said fourth-grader Melvin Lopez. "If you have creativity, you can make it into almost anything." Melvin said you can turn trash into a robot, a bird, a boat, or even a helicopter. "We all know how important it is these days... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) - A new anonymous tip texting platform will soon be implemented in Arkansas public schools. The Rave Eyewitness will be used by public and open-enrollment charter schools K-12 and provide parents, staff, and students a tool to report a variety of behaviors or threats. Safety and Security Facilitator for the Pulaski County Special School... READ MORE >
SHERWOOD, Ark. (KATV) - It's no secret teachers play a big role in students' lives. Some even save student's lives. Last Friday, Cato Elementary School second-grader Evan Bartele was at lunch when he started choking on a piece of granola.Click below to watch the story on KATV7: His teacher Wendy Sanabria sprung into action before things could've turned... READ MORE >
Both Life Skill classes at Oakbrooke visited the pumpkin patch this week. These classes are made up of students in kindergarten through fifth grade. This group has been learning about pumpkins and farms the past month. They went on a hayride all throughout the patch and even got to see some of the Christmas trees that are growing. They walked through a petting zoo... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It’s not something that’s often talked about, but a day before National Period Day, a 16-year-old girl is trying to start a “Menstrual Movement.” Emmarie Gates wants change for girls and women. She’s fighting to make sanitary products more accessible for Arkansas women. "So 35 states still tax tampons, Arkansas being one of them," said... READ MORE >
Mills University Studies High School (MUSHS) JROTC Comet Battalion has challenged the Lonoke High JROTC Jackrabbit Battalion to a push-up challenge at half time during tonight's football game.Push 4 A Cure! In doing so, they are challenged to match our concessions contributions or give a worthy donation. Additionally we will have a Stuff The Pink Boot activity... READ MORE >
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. – For 10 weeks, KARK 4 Today co-host Susanne Brunner is traveling to elementary schools across Central Arkansas to talk to kids about the importance of reading. With her reading initiative, more than 2,300 kids have already taken the pledge to read 10 books in 10 weeks. Story time is a favorite time in elementary school. It’s one of the... READ MORE >
State Releases School Report CardThree PCSSD elementary schools improve letter grades. (Little Rock, Ark.) -- The Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education released the 2019 federal and state accountability reports for public schools. The reports include data from the 2018-2019 school year, including 2019 ACT Aspire results.... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, (Ark.) - The Arkansas Down Syndrome Association BE PART OF THE CHANGE, Down Syndrome Awareness Week, was a great success at Robinson High School. The week of October 7 - 11, students participated in recognizing down syndrome by participating in the Be a Part of the Change promotion. Students brought their pocket change during lunch and received... READ MORE >
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It's a conversation we're familiar with here in Arkansas: teens, education, and sleep. Now, it's coming back up because of what's happening in California. A new law is changing the start times for many middle and high schools in the name of brain health. The topic of later starting school times always bring many different opinions to... READ MORE >
MAUMELLE, Ark. – A Central Arkansas church has started a new mission to make sure kids stay fed. They make snack bags and give them to the elementary school across the street. Pine Forest Elementary puts the snack bags in the backpacks of kids who need them every Friday. The bags contain things like granola bars and oatmeal. “It helps them to not have that worry... READ MORE >
Susanne Brunner’s Book-A-Thon is making its way through elementary schools across PCSSD this month (October). Brunner is reading her book, Busker the Tusker to kindergarten through second grade students and encouraging students to sign the pledge to read 10 books in 10 weeks!So far, she's made stops at Clinton Elementary, Daisy Bates Elementary, Joe T. Robinson... READ MORE >
Youth activists from the PERIOD movement in Arkansas will host arally at the State Capitol on October 19, 2019, at 10 AM. They will be collecting period products to give back to those in need in our community. Members of the Menstrual Movement believe that it is a fundamental human right to have access to menstrual hygiene products. Currently, 35 states in the US... READ MORE >
Introducing the new PCSSD app. It's everything PCSSD, in your pocket. Catch up with the latest student stories, events and news updates. It’s everything PCSSD, in your pocket. Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/2IcfiP3 or iPhone: https://apple.co/30qo7uT Here's a quick tutorial video on how to navigate the app. And don't forget to turn on your... READ MORE >
(Little Rock, Ark.) -- Robinson High School students plan to dedicate an entire week to show support and stand up for fellow students and friends with Down Syndrome. All students, staff and faculty are invited to participate the week of October 7 - 11; October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Each day the students have been asked to wear a different color or... READ MORE >
The District is partnering with American First Response to host a series of CPR certification classes for interested PCSSD staff.The half-day classes currently cost $7 per participant. PCSSD will cover the cost for employees. Please see your bookkeeper to get your individual check issued to bring to the class with you. You may need to fill out a request for... READ MORE >
The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, October 8 at 6 p.m. I. Call to Order - Dr. Linda Remele II. Roll Call - Tina Ward III. Pledge of Allegiance IV. Public Comments V. Certified P.P.C. Presentation VI. Classified P.P.C. Presentation VII. Reports Construction UpdatesFinancial Report - Dr. McNultyMarketing Report - Mrs. Duff VIII. Action Items - Old... READ MORE >
Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School students participating in the U.S. Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) had a great showing at the Watson Chapel’s Color Competition over the weekend. Three teams placed for their work: All Male Color Guard Team: 3rd Place, Lead by Cadet/2nd Lieutenant Xerin Merriweather All Female Color Guard... READ MORE >
We celebrated PBIS Kick Off Week September 9 - 13 across PCSSD. Schools dressed up, danced, laughed and encouraged positive behavior through PBIS approaches.What is PBIS you might ask? It stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. It is not a packaged curriculum, scripted intervention, or manualized strategy. PBIS is a framework that helps schools... READ MORE >
Pulaski County Special School District will host flu clinics at various sites for all students and staff. Schools will provide vaccinations start October 2, 2019 and continue through November 13, 2019. Central office will offer vaccinations on November 13. The full schedule can be found below. Sherwood flu clinics are served by the Jacksonville Health Unit. The... READ MORE >
The THEA Foundation’s annual sidewalk chalk event, THEA Paves the Way, brought artists from all over Arkansas to the Clinton Library on Saturday, September 21. The sidewalks were covered in a vibrant tapestry of dozens of chalk drawings, a collaborative art project involving many artists, young and old, teams and individuals.Robinson High School and Middle School... READ MORE >
(Little Rock, Ark.) -- Students at William Jefferson Clinton Elementary School in Sherwood have a new resource to learn through movement. A group of Pulaski County Special School District therapists created the “Eagle Pass” to give students an indoor movement path that can be adapted depending on the student’s grade and skill level. The “Eagle Pass” was created... READ MORE >
(Little Rock, Ark) -- Lawson Elementary hosted a Fiesta to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month on Tuesday, September 24. Highlights included three dances from Ballet Quetzalli traditional Hispanic dance organization, four piñatas filled with candy, and a taco bar provided by the ESOL Department within PCSSD. Families also enjoyed sweets from Mercado San Jose Bakery... READ MORE >
As the number of reported illnesses linked to vaping continues to increase, education officials are looking into how schools are impacted. There have been than 450 cases and six deaths reported in the U.S. so far. Dr. Sherman Whitfield says data he is seeing in and around Little Rock matches national numbers. "About one-in-five high school students have tried... READ MORE >
Governor Asa Hutchinson visited Sylvan Hills Middle School as part of his Fall 2019 Computer Science Tour. This is his ninth tour which includes more than 70 Arkansas schools since he took office in January 2015. More than 1,100 students from three Sylvan Hills campuses attended the event which included 8th through 10th graders. Several legislative and district... READ MORE >
We're excited to bring you a fresh, new look for communication at Pulaski County Special School District. The new website will serve as a resource for news, events, important documents, contact information and more. PCSSD and each of its 25 schools will have the same layout and content to help the community find what they need, when they need it. In addition to... READ MORE >