Arkadelphia Public Schools

Nine AHS Biology Students attended the 2024 Gene Hackathon hosted by Ouachita Baptist University's Biology Department. Students were paired with an OBU Biology major and learned to annotate the genome of a bacteriophage called WISP, which was discovered by OBU students. Bacteriophages (or phages) are the viruses that infect bacteria. The information students were able to record about the phage will be stored in a national database. This information may become the basis of future experiments in the field of phage biology. Two of our students had this to say about the experience, "The day was really fun but also super educational" and "It was a lot to learn at first but we got really good at annotating the genes by the end of the day!". The students were accompanied by Biology Teacher Jill Hardin. #BadgerPride

We greet you this Friday morning with a Badger Pride Recognition for Pastor Greg Lathem who is so faithful to greet our Perritt students and staff as they arrive each day at school! Brother Greg was recognized at the April Board meeting for his ongoing support of Perritt, highlighting his most recent role serving as the Master of Ceremonies at this year's Chili Supper and Art Show. Thank you Pastor Greg for making the chili supper a night to remember and for all you do at Perritt! Happy Friday! #BadgerPride

Join us on April 30th at 5:30 PM for the Annual APSD Title I Meeting in person (700 Clinton Street; Building 3; upstairs) or by Zoom (https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9368390869?pwd=RxSEmJrYKaNYOkr4wT0JQsdzDGGs3V.1&omn=79045362749)!

Goza Middle School Paraprofessionals Sharon Ford, Beverly Meeks, Karen Turner, and Angela Whitworth, were recognized in the April School Board meeting with a Badger Pride Award. Principal Tisha Hunter nominated the group and shared that they “are truly unsung heroes. They help create an inclusive, supportive, and adaptive learning environment that enables all students to thrive. We are immensely grateful for their compassion, expertise, and the profound impact they make every day. Our school shines brighter because of their efforts.” Thank you for all that you do! #BadgerPride

The district office staff started the day with a breakfast celebration for Administrative Professionals Day. We are grateful for Angela, Rendi, Glenda, and Diane. Not only are they amazing employees, but they are wonderful people. Thank you for all you do! #BadgerPride

Student sports physicals are on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Please see the graphic for times. If your child has a well-child visit planned, please get your physical form filled out at your healthcare provider's office. If your child has any chronic condition (high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, etc.) he or she will not receive a physical at school and must go to their healthcare provider. We will not take check-ins past 5:15 p.m. Please prepare for a long wait on this day. Marching band students (9-12th grades) are now required to have a sports physical on file. Physical forms must be picked up in the main offices at Goza or AHS. We will not allow a student to receive a physical that day without a parent or guardian's signature.

Coming May 15th! Three weeks from today will be the Arkadelphia Promise Signing Ceremony for the Arkadelphia High School Class of 2024! Mark your calendars and come celebrate our seniors! #BadgerPride

Arkadelphia Bands presented a Blast Show for 5th Graders. As sixth graders next year, they have an opportunity to join the award-winning band. Today, they got to see and hear from the different sections of the band as they prepare to make their instrument selections. #BadgerPride

Some of our Peake 4th-grade students participated in Optimum STEM Day ‘24 at ASUTR last week. Students had a great time working with other students from the Dawson Coop area to create an outer space colony including a working Land Rover to cross an obstacle course. Three of our teams won in their category. #BadgerPride

Congratulations to the Goza Middle School 8th Grade Quiz Bowl team who earned second place at the Dawson Education Cooperative Tournament on April 11th. They are coached by Misti Dixon. Great job students! #BadgerPride

Perritt students got to experience Hawaiian Culture with their specialist teachers on Friday. They had a special guest, Ms. Cheryl Merk, mother of PE Teacher Jennifer Hurst, who both lived in Hawaii. The collaborative lesson was filled with song, dance, art, and a reading of the book A Lei for Every Day by Beth Greenway. #BadgerPride

Congratulations to Charlie Harrell, a fifth-grade student at Peake Elementary who was recognized Saturday at the State Congress of the Arkansas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Little Rock. He received first place in the DAR essay contest based on the topic of John Philip Sousa and the introduction of his musical march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" performed on May 14, 1897, in Philadelphia, PA. He earned third in the region. Charlie was accompanied by his family and GT Elementary Teacher Brandi Cotton. Congratulations Charlie! #BadgerPride

Here is what's happening in the Arkadelphia School District! Tuesday is School Bus Drivers' Day! Wednesday is Administrative Professionals Day! Help us celebrate these special people in our school district! Have a great week! #BadgerPride

PURPLE UP! in support of Military Families! Shout out to Mrs. Harris’ class at Perritt and their Purple Up! supporting classmate Brooks King and his military family! To all military families thank you for your service and sacrifices! #Purpleupformilitarykids #BadgerPride

A group from AHS FBLA presented their state FBLA projects this morning at Henderson State University to members of the College of Business. FBLA students received feedback on their presentations from the faculty in preparation for the Arkansas FBLA State Leadership Conference on April 29-30. Thank you to the HSU College of Business and Nathan Campbell, Dean, for hosting our students. AHS FBLA Advisers Ashley Wesley and Kristin Cloninger accompanied the students. We are proud of the preparation students are making for their competitions! #BadgerPride

School Choice Applications are Now Being Accepted for the 2024-25 School Year! The Arkadelphia Public School District provides numerous opportunities for our students. Your child can be a part of it all, even if you do not live in the district. This is possible through School Choice! The deadline to apply is May 1st. Visit the link below for more information and to complete the application. BE A CHAMPION. BE A BADGER. #BadgerPride www.arkadelphiaschools.org/page/school-choice

Congratulations to Mrs. Amy Hornsby who received the Lifetime Achievement Award at last night’s South Central FCA Banquet held at Family Farm. Almost 35 years ago, Mrs. Hornsby began Arkadelphia Students For Christ and transitioned it to FCA. So many Arkadelphia students have been impacted by FCA. Well deserved, Mrs. Hornsby! #BadgerPride

Mrs. Jillian King was recognized in the April Board of Education meeting with a Badger Pride Award. Mrs. King is the PTC Secretary at Perritt and was nominated by Mrs. Kimberly Ellison. Mrs. King has taken a proactive approach and genuine interest in supporting Perritt Staff Professional Development events. We recognize the hard work she does behind the scenes to enhance the sense of community at Perritt Primary. We are grateful to Jillian King for her leadership and the significant role she plays in the success of our school. #BadgerPride

We appreciate everyone who came last night to the APSD K-12 Student Art Exhibit Reception. We are so proud of our students and their artwork! Thank you to the incredible art teachers in our district for the hard work and inspiration they bring to school every day. The Impressionism-inspired art exhibit will continue through April 25th. The Arkadelphia Arts Center is open Tuesdays (4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.). #BadgerPride

Arkadelphia Public Schools has openings for the 24/25 school year. Apply online @ www.arkadelphiaschools.org