Welcome Back!!!

FALL 2015

EAGLE PRIDE

Helping You Stay Connected to the Paris School District….

INSIDE:

Message from the Superintendent New Staff Inman Appointed to SREB 1:1 Technology S.W.A.T. Senior Info Dates to Remember

Paris School District R Wayne Fawcett, Superintendent 602 N 10th St Paris, AR 72855

The 2015-16 school year has begun with a very smooth start. Students, teachers and staff are all back into the school routine and looking forward to another successful academic year. I visit the schools often and noticed several years ago a sign on Rick Trusty’s classroom door that says, “Remember to bring your tools to work”. If there is one thing that I can say about our school district, it is that everyone involved brings their tools to work. Obviously this means computer, pencil/pen, paper, books, and supplies but it also means attitude, conviction, purpose, and goals. Regardless of the school building that I visit I see teachers teaching, students working and learning, staff assisting in whatever role they have to compliment the educational process and putting the ultimate goal of “college ready, career ready, life ready” as their mantra. We know that society has changed and continues to change into a global marketplace where time and distance has largely become irrelevant. Students in the Paris School District won’t only compete with other students regionally and statewide but globally. The skills needed to be successful in the 21st century are greater than in the previous century. I often remind the teachers that we are preparing students for careers that may not exist at this time and to solve problems that don’t yet exist. Continuous, life-long learning is the norm and expectation for success. I believe that our students are getting those skills and can be successful going forward. It is my wish that in the educational process the school district, parents, community, business, and higher education be partners to address the needs of students. Thank you for your support whether you have a child in our district, are a local business, member of the community or in higher education. Working together, there is no doubt that the citizens of tomorrow will be solid, productive, and achieving in life. R. Wayne Fawcett, Superintendent Paris School District

Alan Anderson, Principal – Paris Elementary School – 1-844-963-3243 X2

Mike Nichols, Principal – Paris Middle School – 1-844-963-3243 X3

Bryan Hutson, Principal – Paris High School – 1-844-963-3243 X4

Message from the Superintendent

New Staff in Paris School District

Inman Appointed to SREB Congratulations!

Governor Asa Hutchinson has appointed Teresa Inman, Paris High School Media Specialist, as a member of the Southern Regional Education Board. Inman will serve on the SREB until June 2019.

Inman is a 1988 graduate of PHS who earned her Bachelor's in Language Arts from Arkansas Tech University and later her Master's in Instructional Technology from ATU. She is also a graduate of the Teacher Academy of the Arkansas Leadership Academy. She has served 18 years in education with 11 in the Paris School District.

The Southern Regional Education Board works with 16 member states to improve public education at every level, from pre-K through Ph.D. SREB is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Atlanta. Member states are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

The Board includes the governor and four gubernatorial appointees from each member state, including at least one state legislator and one educator. The Legislative Advisory Council of legislators from each state advises the Board. Governor Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas is the 2015-2016 SREB Chair.

SREB was created in 1948 by Southern governors and legislators who recognized the link between education and economic vitality. SREB helps states focus on what works in both policy and practice. SREB brings together member states to forge consensus and work together on initiatives that would not be possible alone. SREB also works directly with public schools and educators to improve classroom teaching and learning, career/technical education, online education and school leadership.

The nation’s first regional interstate compact for education, SREB is today the most comprehensive, working directly with state leaders, schools and educators.

Teresa Inman will be sworn in with the SREB later this week.

We would like to welcome aboard our new teachers and staff to the Paris School District for 2015-16. Judy Kleck-PES aide Kim Hatcher-PES aide Jessie McGarrah-PES Kindergarten Molly Bennett-PHS Business Chandra Tompkins-PES Special Ed Mandy Loving-PMS 6th grade Literacy/SS Theresa Daniels-PMS 5th grade Science Alexandra Dake-PMS 6th grade Math Scott Martin-PHS assistant football coach Mike Nichols-PMS Principal Irvin Fairfield-PHS girls basketball coach Jordan Vines-PHS Science Lanee Nye-PES 3rd grade Special Ed Chelsey Elmore-PES 3rd grade Ellen Phillips-PES Media Specialist Brittany Crosby-Choir & Band Katie Hammonds-PMS 5th grade Math Michelle O’Neal-PES Art, 7th & 8th grade Art

Paris Elementary School News

Rolling Out Phase Three of 1:1 Technology In 2013, Paris School District embarked on a three year project to put technology in the hands of each of our students. During that first year, every high school student was equipped with a Chromebook. In the fall of 2014, the District started phase two of the project by providing the middle school students with Chromebooks as well. Now entering the 2015-16 school year, the District is also furnishing each student at PES with a device. The students utilize these devices on a daily basis to research and learn about different subjects, aid them in projects and turn in assignments. Students at PHS and PMS have the opportunity to carry the devices home as well. However, PES students are day users only. The feedback of this project from teachers, students and the community has been positively overwhelming. The implementation of this 1:1 initiative is part of the school district's goal of "College Ready, Career Ready, Life Ready."

“Captain Magic” Valentino Willis Coming to PES A former member of the Harlem Globetrotters will be coming to PES to speak to students about drug and alcohol awareness. The October 5th visit will be part of Red Ribbon Week activities. Former Harlem Globetrotters Player “Captain Magic” Valentino Willis is captain of the Harlem Swish, a comedic basketball team that performs at anti-drug rallies throughout the country.

He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets and played in the Eastern Professional Basketball League. Since retiring, he has turned his attention to conducting basketball clinics, participating in the Special Olympics and delivering the message of respect to children.

PTO Info to Know Below are a list of upcoming events and meetings for the PES Parent Teacher Organization: >Fall Family Movie Night - September 25, 2015 >PTO Meeting - November 18, 2015 >Santa Shop - December 7-11, 2015 >PTO Meeting - February 10, 2016 >Spring Family Movie Night - February 19, 2016 >PTO Meeting - March 31, 2016 >Spring Carnival - April 15, 2016 We welcome any and all parents, guardians and grandparents of our PES students to attend our meetings and help out with our upcoming events!

Paris Middle School has been conducting the S.W.A.T. program (Surviving Withstanding Achieving Together) for all eighth grade students for the past nine years, to build team work, confidence, improve critical thinking skills and increase knowledge. Students are strategically placed on teams at the beginning of the school year and may earn bonus points for their S.W.A.T. team for positive behaviors such as perfect attendance and bringing in recycled items. S.W.A.T. points can also be deducted for negative behaviors such as being assigned to ISS and After School Detention. The eighth graders competed in challenges earlier this month involving communication skills, critical problem solving and team-oriented events. The S.W.A.T. program has proven to be successful in helping the students to gain valuable skills in team work and critical thinking, while also building their confidence.

Million Meals Program

Paris Middle School News

Paris Middle School in conjunction with Arvest Bank will once again participate in the “Million Meals” food drive program. From October 1 through October 31, students and community members may donate food items to be distributed to needy families in OUR COMMUNITY. If you would like to make a donation, the following items are needed: individual serving cereals, juice boxes, pudding cups, fruit cups, trail mix, cheese & cracker packages, raisins, breakfast bars, pop tarts, Vienna sausages, animal crackers, beanie weenies with easy open cans, Rice Krispy treats, Jell-O cups. We are requesting items that are “ready to eat” and a child can eat on their own without any needed preparation. (Please no Ramen noodles, as those require cooking.) Last year, the donations received equated to providing 16,560 meals to our local students and their families! Help us surpass that goal this year! Thank you for your continued support!

S.W.A.T.

Expanding Encore PMS continues to offer a unique program of encore classes. These are high interest classes that integrate math, science, literacy, Social Studies and the arts into activities including cooking, engineering and videography among others. This year these classes have been expanded to an hour long course each quarter on the new schedule. The purpose of the encore program is to allow students access to extracurricular opportunities during the school day, broaden their abilities in areas that will also give them "real life" applications for math, science, literacy, Social Studies and the arts and authentic ways to integrate technology. Not all students have access to participate in traditional extracurricular activities due to the afterschool and evening commitments. Many students sometimes lack the necessary resources (funds, transportation, etc.) to be a part of them as well. The encore program allows the students to learn vital skills that relate to many future career options as well.

Paris High School News Becoming Leaders On and Off the Field The PHS Sr High Eagle Football team visited Paris Elementary on Friday, September 11th to read books to every classroom. The team felt it was important to let the children know just how important academics are to them and their futures. The team plans to read to the students at PES every Friday afternoon throughout the season.

Seniors Making Preparations PHS Seniors took time the morning of September 4th to place orders for their Graduation caps, gowns and announcements with Jostens. These items will be delivered to the students in the spring. PHS Graduation is set for Friday, May 13th in the gymnasium.

Senior Tips & Info from the Counselor During October through December would be a great time to:

Attend a College Fair Visit a college campus Submit your Admissions Application (Oct-Dec are deadlines for many colleges regarding their Honors and

Prestigious Scholarships. These often require recommendation letters too.) Continue scholarship search and application submission Complete your admission essay and request your recommendation letters Register for ACT if you want to take it in December or February >>MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU SEND IT!<<

Welcome Home Alumni Paris School District would like to welcome all Paris High Alumni to “come home” for this year’s Homecoming Festivities and Alumni Day on Friday, October 9th.

Class Reunion Scheduled The Class of 1996 will be having a 20 year mini-reunion at the Homecoming game on Friday, October 9th. Please plan to come early to join us for all the Homecoming festivities (see above schedule). The class plans to meet for the free tailgate dinner before the game at 5pm outside the stadium gate to visit. There will also be a section roped off in the bleachers for these Alumni. Be sure to stop at the Alumni sign-in table to update your contact information, enter to win a custom door prize at half-time and pick up your free game pass (*only for class of 1996 graduates). Plans are being discussed for a full-blown 25 year reunion bash!

Alumni Volleyball Game To carry on a tradition of the past five years and kick off the 2015 volleyball season, Coach Davis invited PHS volleyball alumni to play during the Blue and White event on August 20th. Over 20 alumni participated in the event, playing odd graduating years versus even. It was a great time to show our support of the Lady Eagles! The 2015 PHS volleyball schedule can be found on our website at parisschools.org/sports.

parisschools.org

Eagle Pride is a publication of the Paris School District. It is published quarterly to provide

information about the Paris School District to parents, teachers, staff, alumni and community

members. Please address comments or suggestions to Tonya Varnell, Director of Communications.

tvarnell@parisschools.org 1-844-963-3243 ext 4004

Paris Public Schools 602 North 10th Street Paris, AR 72855-0645

1-844-963-3243

The goal of the Paris School District is to provide meaningful learning

experiences so that students can enhance their potential to

succeed in a career of their choice.

- DATES TO REMEMBER -

OCTOBER 01 JR HIGH PEP RALLY AT PHS – 1:45 PM 05 CAPTAIN MAGIC VISITS PSD AT PHS GYM – 10:15 AM 05 SR PICTURE RETAKES 06 DISTRICT WIDE FLU CLINIC 08 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 5:30 PM 09 PHS HOMECOMING (SEE SCHEDULE ON PAGE 7) 19-22 PES BOOK FAIR 22 STUDENTS DISMISS EARLY - 1:30 PM 22 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES – 2-7:00 PM 23 PD DAY (FLEX DAY) – NO STUDENTS 27 PES COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR – 6 PM

NOVEMBER 06 SR HIGH PEP RALLY - 2:40 PM 12 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING – 5:30 PM 18 PES PTO MEETING AT PES LIBRARY – 11:30 AM 25-27 THANKSGIVING BREAK – NO SCHOOL

DECEMBER 07-11 PES PTO SANTA SHOP 10 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING - 5:30 PM 17&18 SEMESTER TESTS - STUDENTS DISMISS EARLY – 1:30 PM 21-JAN 3 CHRISTMAS BREAK – NO SCHOOL