This week’s shoutout goes to the amazingly talented students at our HSSD, and the brave way that our student groups put themselves out there in public forums, competitions, and performances. We’ve had a series of memorable events this week that have taken weeks (and in some cases- years) of preparation, discipline, creativity, integrity, community collaboration, and I’ll say it again - amazing talent. I also want to share an anonymous shoutout to Mrs. Hatcher at our HSJA. 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!

At the HSSD, we have four outstanding EAST Programs. All groups presented and competed this week at the 2019 EAST Conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Their amazing work has made the HSSD extremely proud. During the Conference Gala last night, our HSWCHS team Program was awarded the prestigious Project Sophistication and Innovation Award, and an individual award via Miles Hermann in the ARCHICAD Competition.

This week’s shoutout goes to our Park Magnet School staff members who have been super positive and helpful all week during massive staff absences due to widespread flu and illness. They also still managed to have incredible growth in MAP reading scores in all K-2 classrooms. I am SO proud of this staff and our students. I also want to share an anonymous shout to Ms. Holder and Mrs. Cox as follows “Langston’s Ms. Holder and Mrs. Cox rendition of Dr. Seuss Wocket in My Pocket!!!!”

This week’s shoutout goes to our 7th-12th grade students and support staff/sponsors in our HSSD Secondary Theatre Program for their excellent production of “Footloose!” Your theatrical talent, months of hard work in rehearsals and preparation, and wonderful collaboration as a student team was evident during every part of the “Footloose!” performance. I also want to share an anonymous shout to Mrs. Sadler at our HSJA.

The HSJA JAG (Jobs for Arkansas Graduates) Program has received a $500 Walmart Community Grant to help support 7th-8th grade JAG students in community service endeavors and student initiatives within the district. Thank you to Walmart Store 261, which is the Walmart Supercenter on Central Avenue in Hot Springs. JAG students are working during the spring semester to plan a ceremony for students who have completed the program, and to complete service learning projects in the Hot Springs area at nursing homes, homeless shelters, blood donation centers, and other non-profit organizations. JAG students are also beginning a campaign of reading to elementary classes throughout the HSSD.

This week’s shoutout goes to our Trojans Basketball Teams. You - just like all of our athletes at the HSSD - represent us with such sportsmanship, maturity, and professionalism. Our Special Olympics Basketball Teams at the HSJA and HSWCHS have wrapped up an excellent season of hard work. Our HSJA team won a Bronze medal as team and several individual placement ribbons. Our HSWCHS Team won a third place finish. I also want to wish luck to our Boys and Girls Trojans Basketball teams, who will be playing next week at Lake Hamilton in the State Championship Basketball Tournament. You have worked so hard to get where you are, and we are all very proud of you! Thank you to the many hours that our athletes, coaches, and families put in to make our athletic programs world class. I also want to thank and congratulate the many staff members and students who have organized, volunteered, performed, or contributed in any way to our HSSD Black History Month celebrations and concerts.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Programs are available at all public schools in Arkansas, and HSSD is committed to maintaining ESOL resources and assistance of the highest caliber to students and families. Student diversity is one of the most important pieces of the identity and culture at HSSD. We are proudly providing an educational foundation to the most diverse student population in Garland County, where 11 languages are spoken among HSSD families. Learn more about the professional facilitators, specialized resources and tools, outreach events, and opportunities available to our HSSD families who are experiencing a language transition.

Park Magnet, an IB World School, has been named a National Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. To receive a national merit award, schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme. “Our dedicated staff work so hard to go above and beyond in providing the opportunity for academic excellence, and in helping to develop well-rounded, globally minded students. We deeply appreciate this recognition,” says Park Principal Dr. Sarah Oatsvall.