Our Hot Springs Junior Academy Choir & Hot Springs World Class High School Thespian students got to see the memorable Broadway Musical, "Wicked" on this week at Robinson Performance Hall (Little Rock). Students enjoyed a sensational show and learned about appropriate etiquette, musical production, and the many careers available in arts and drama.

Geography Bees, hosted for HSSD 4th-8th grade students, took place last week for all four elementary schools and our Hot Springs Junior Academy. This national geography competition is designed to inspire and reward students' curiosity about the world. Ten competed at each school-level competition. A first, second, and third place were awarded at each competition. Congrats to all participants!

We are thrilled to continue growth and progress within the Hot Springs School District! Starting in August of 2020, the HSSD will consist of six campuses, two of which will be super campuses. Learn more here about upcoming school name changes, location changes, and more in the 2020-2021 school year.

HSSD families, please be advised that report cards are being sent home today from all HSSD schools. Elementary students in grades K-6 will be sent home with their report cards. Secondary students in grades 7-12 will receive report cards by mail. Please contact school principals with questions.

This Thursday, January 9, all finalists from HSSD Spelling Bees will compete at the Garland County Spelling Bee! The Garland County Spelling Bee is hosted at Gospel Light Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Congrats to all of our outstanding, hardworking competitors.

Our Hot Springs Junior Academy 7th-8th grade students collected items needed by the Ouachita Children’s Center this holiday season - to help families receiving shelter or services from OCC. Thank you to the students, families, and HSJA staff members who contributed to this heartwarming effort for an area non-profit.

Generous parishioners of St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church delivered wrapped toy bundles and clothes for HSSD families in need. Next week, they will complete the donations for each family with food boxes. Thank you to all who contributed to this wonderful effort from St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church. We are so thankful for those in our Hot Springs community who remind us and set the example for our kids - especially during the holidays - that we are all here to take care of each other.

Xpress Boats and Veranda Luxury Pontoons has again generously sponsored the Wild Game Snack Stick Program through Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry. Through this program, more than 3,000 tasty, protein-rich snack sticks have been provided to the HSSD, for distribution through our school Backpack Programs and the Welcome Center.

Don't miss a thing across the #HSSD during our exciting holiday season. We have so many outstanding and talented student groups to showcase! Find dates and details, here:

Happy Thanksgiving to our wonderful Trojan Family! I am so thankful for this amazing district (all the people in it) and our wonderful community! As we take next week to rest and enjoy family and friends, I want to very simply capture for you how thankful and proud I am of you - and your work - and our amazing kids. You change lives through the work you do every day. Trojan Good Things is a weekly shout out from #HSSD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Nehus to individuals in our school community who are doing amazing things!