2014 Open House dates announced

Campuses in the Arkadelphia Public Schools are preparing for the 2014-15 school year, which will begin for students on Monday, August 18. Open house for each campus is also approaching. On Tuesday, August 12, open house will be held for juniors and seniors at Arkadelphia High School from 6-8 p.m. On Thursday, August 14, open house times are as follows: Perritt Primary and Peake Rosenwald, 5-6 p.m.; Central Primary, 6-7 p.m.; Peake Elementary, 7-8 p.m.; Goza Middle School, 5:30-7 p.m.; Arkadelphia High School, 6-8 p.m. for freshmen and sophomores.

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sean.ruggles@arkadelphiaschools.org


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New immunization requirements for 2014-15

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Do the new immunization requirements for the 2014-15 school year affect your child?

Please read the new requirements carefully. This will affect MANY STUDENTS in our school. Contact your County Health Department or your primary care physician for the required immunizations. Appointments will need to be made, so it is very important to get this done as soon as possible.

Please do not wait until the end of the summer to make sure your child is in compliance with the new regulations.

The Arkansas State Board of Health has revised and clarified the immunization requirements under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 20-7-109, 6-18-702, 6-60-501-504, and 20-78-206. The updated requirements for entrance into Kindergarten and grades 1^st thru 12^th are as follows:

·       4 doses of DTP/DT/Td/DTaP/Tdap, with 1 dose on or after the 4^th birthday. ALL STUDENTS K-12^th

·       3 doses of Polio vaccine, with 1 dose on or after the 4^th birthday. ALL STUDENTS K-12^th

·       2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), with 1^st dose on or after 1^st birthday. ALL STUDENTS K-12^th

·       3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine. ALL STUDENTS K-12^th

·       2 doses of Varicella with 1^st dose on or after 1^st birthday. (Physician documentation only for history of disease will be accepted). ALL STUDENTS K-12^th

·       Kindergarten and 1^st grade students will be required to have 1 dose of Hepatitis A. KINDERGARTEN AND 1^ST GRADE

·       ALL students 11 years and older by September 1^st of each year will be required to have a Tdap vaccination. ANY STUDENT AGE 11 AND OVER

·       All 7^th graders will be required to have one dose of MCV4 (Meningococcal) vaccine with a second dose administered at age 16. If not vaccinated prior to age 16 years, 1 dose is required for all students who are age 16 on or before September 1^st of each year.  

Immunizations requirements have changed. Please make sure your child is in compliance for the 2014-15 school year.

APS News

sean.ruggles@arkadelphiaschools.org


Interested in learning more about the Arkadelphia Public Schools? Find us on the web, Facebook, Twitter, issuu, Vimeo, and YouTube. Graduate to Good Living... We Promise.

During summer, kids eat free

Food that’s in while school is out

-18 years old and younger eat for free-

The Arkadelphia Public Schools serves approximately 1,525 meals to students on a normal weekday during the school year. Many of these students depend upon these meals as their primary source of sustenance. The US. Department of Agriculture and APS have partnered to provide breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, throughout the summer break (from June 9 until August 1).

Perritt Primary School, located at 1900 Walnut St., and Goza Middle School, located at 1305 Caddo St., will serve breakfasts (8-9 a.m.) and lunches (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) to anyone 18 years old or younger for free. Adults are welcome, but will be charged $2.25 for breakfast and $3.50 for lunch. The cafeterias will be closed and not serving meals on July 4.

“Many students depend upon school meals as their primary source of nourishment. We are fortunate to be able to provide this service for our community during the summer months,” Jo Anna Spradlin, APS Food Services Director, said.


APS News

sean.ruggles@arkadelphiaschools.org


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Construction begins on AllCare Field at Badger Stadium

Excavation work began Wednesday morning on AllCare Field at Badger Stadium. The project is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the 2014-15 school year.

The Arkadelphia Public School District Board of Education approved a contract for construction of a synthetic grass field at Badger Stadium, and also approved the naming of the field as “AllCare Field at Badger Stadium” at its Tuesday night meeting.

The board approved the contract for Geo-Surfaces, a subsidiary of Global Synthetics Environmental, LLC, of Baton Rouge, La., to begin construction on the project immediately. GeoSurfaces has constructed synthetic grass surfaces at area schools such as Henderson State University, the University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas State University and Hope High School.

“Installing a turf surface in our stadium is a major improvement which creates many more opportunities for our students to utilize this facility,” Dr. Donnie Whitten, APS Superintendent, said. “Our athletics department has shown excellent vision and dedication to this project, and once it is completed, the new field will be enjoyed by not only our sports teams, but band, Junior ROTC, and many others. We are very appreciative of AllCare Pharmacy and Senator Malone for his support of this project.”

The approval of the project came after local businesses and individuals committed support to the project, with the naming rights level sponsor being secured by AllCare Pharmacy of Arkadelphia. The field will now be referred to as “AllCare Field at Badger Stadium” as a part of the agreement between the two parties.

Former Arkansas Senator, and long-time Arkadelphia resident, Percy Malone echoed his support of the project, which will benefit many programs in the district, as well as across the community.

“AllCare Pharmacy, our home owned pharmacy, is blessed to contribute to this worthwhile project, to support our school, and our children so we can have state of the art facilities,” Malone said. “I ask for your support of AllCare Pharmacy so we can continue to support our community, and we can continue to say, Arkadelphia – A great place to call home. I want to thank all of the dedicated AllCare employees for their efforts to help make this possible.”

Construction, which began Wednesday morning, is expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. The first school event at AllCare Field at Badger Stadium will be the annual “Meet the Badgers” event set for Friday, Aug. 22.

The fundraising campaign is still underway, with numerous local businesses having committed their support including: Arkadelphia Health Club; Taylor, Rodgers, Turner and Manning; Hardman Lumber Company; Mary and Martha’s; Taylor King and Associates; and Southwest Sporting Goods. A comprehensive list of sponsors will be published once fundraising for the project is complete. The deadline for sponsors seeking on-field advertising is June 11.

“We are extremely thankful for the generosity and support shown by the local businesses who have partnered with the district to make this project possible, and we look forward to the opportunities that this will present to many groups across our district and community,” APS Athletic Director Chris Babb said. “When pitching this idea to prospective sponsors, we became more and more convinced that this project will be beneficial to so many groups that will be able to utilize AllCare Field.”

Dirt work is progressing quickly, as shown in this image which was made on Thursday morning.

Arkadelphia head football coach J.R. Eldridge is excited about the scope of the project, but also sees the benefits to the Badger football program as well.

“I’m thrilled that this project is happening, and I can’t thank the local community enough for stepping up to make this a reality,” Eldridge said. “Not only our football program will benefit, but many other sports and activities will benefit because our facility will be better than ever.”

Any additional sponsors who wish to support this project can contact Babb at 870-246-7373.

APS News

sean.ruggles@arkadelphiaschools.org


Interested in learning more about the Arkadelphia Public Schools? Find us on the web, Facebook, Twitter, issuu, Vimeo, and YouTube. Graduate to Good Living... We Promise.

Strength & Honor

Strength & Honor from Arkadelphia Public Schools on Vimeo.

The award-winning Badger Pride Marching Band brings you a first-person view of their 2013 competition show "Strength and Honor."

Drum Major - Sierra Westberg
French Horn - Seth Daniell
Tenor drum - David Lloyd
Color guard - Riley Rorie
Gong, chimes - Tyler Freeman

The Badger Pride Marching Band is directed by Jim Lloyd, Aaron Seel, and Whitney Smith.

Badger Stadium as seen by french horn player Seth Daniell. View the first-person video of Strength & Honor above.

Arkadelphia High School serves 9th-12th grade students in the Arkadelphia Public Schools, Clark County, Arkansas - Home of the Arkadelphia Promise.

APS News

sean.ruggles@arkadelphiaschools.org


Interested in learning more about the Arkadelphia Public Schools? Find us on the web, Facebook, Twitter, issuu, Vimeo, and YouTube. Graduate to Good Living... We Promise.

AHS to graduate 135 on Saturday

AHS students from the class of 2013 toss their caps into the air at last year's commencement ceremony. 135 seniors are slated to receive diplomas on Saturday.

Arkadelphia High School will graduate 135 seniors Saturday, May 24, at the Duke Wells HPER Gymnasium on the campus of Henderson State University, according to Principal David Maxwell. The ceremony begins at 10:00 A.M.

Noah Dean McMillion, the son of Amanda and Bud McMillion, will deliver the Summa Cum Laude speech. Noah is a member of the Arkadelphia High School Band where he plays the Trombone. He is also the captain of the Arkadelphia High School State Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Noah is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Arkadelphia.

The seniors chose Steve Patterson, English Teacher and Coach, to deliver the faculty challenge, which will be responded to by 2013-14 Student Council President, Dalton Owen Huerkamp.

Summa cum laude graduates have earned a GPA of 4.001 or better and a composite ACT score of 21 or better with no sub scores lower than 19. Summa cum laude graduates at the time of publication include the following: Johanna Caroline Baker, Michelle Ashley Carter, Christopher Edward Clark, Madeline Danielle Cook, Jessica Anne Cornelius, Seth Hayden Daniell, Adason Jeanette Franks, Emily Dawn Hilton, Danielle Fong Ho, Dalton Owen Huerkamp, Jacob Austin Knight, Kelsey Marie Kobe, John Franklin Matros, Noah Dean McMillion, Hunter Drake Penfield, Cameron James Ray, Riley Renea Rorie, Callie Elizabeth Smith, Alexa Nicole Spinks, Spencer Elizabeth Tuggle, Michael Austin White, Rachel Leigh White.

Parents of these graduates and of those who achieve Magna cum laude (GPA of 3.750 to 4.000 and a composite ACT score of 20 or better with no sub score lower than 19), Cum laude (GPA of 3.500 to 3.749 and a composite ACT score of 19 or better with no sub score lower than 19), and/or Advanced Diploma status will present medallions to their children who have earned these distinctions.

Senior class officers will direct the welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance, the introductions of McMillion and Patterson, and the closing. Officers include Alec Cole Groom, President; Haley Nicole Harvell, Vice President; ShaNaudakia Hunter, Secretary; Michael Austin White, Treasurer; and Bailey Elizabeth Almond, Reporter.

The AHS JROTC Color Guard will open commencement. The AHS Band, under the direction of Jim Lloyd, will play the processional and the alma mater. Diplomas will be awarded by Dr. Donnie Whitten, superintendent of the Arkadelphia Public Schools, and Mr. David Maxwell, Principal of AHS. Assisting with the diplomas will be Ms. Cheryl Merk and Ms. Carla Narlesky, assistant AHS principals, and Mr. Randy Hicks, Dean of Students.

Escorts for the Class of 2014 will be juniors who have earned the top grade points and include the following: Kaleb Reid, Matt Savage, Sierra Westberg, and Julie Williams.

APS News

sean.ruggles@arkadelphiaschools.org


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Safety Focus Week at Central Primary

Deputy George Hawthorn shows Central Primary students features of his patrol car that help him perform his duties to serve and protect the community. 

Deputy Don Deaton discusses water safety with Central Primary students and teaches them about "Reach, throw, don't go." If someone is struggling to stay afloat, reach to assist them with a boat paddle or similar item, not with your hand. Keep something between you and the other person so that you are not pulled in with them. Throw a life saver or life jacket to the person in need of help and don't go into the water to help, as you may be pulled under, too. Always wear a life jacket when around water. 

Central Primary's safety focus week kicked off Monday morning with a visit from Clark County Sheriff Jason Watson and his deputies. Safety focus week activities will continue throughout the week for Central students with a variety of valuable lessons being taught by special guests each day. Other safety topics to be covered include Internet, weather, bicycle, fire and personal health. As part of Thursday's fire safety lesson, free smoke detectors will be provided to everyone who attends the evening demonstration at 6 P.M. in Central Primary's auditorium. A stuffed animal drive is also underway as part of safety week. Donate your new or gently used stuffed animals at Central Primary. 

“A little comfort can go a long way during a stressful time.” 

-Charlotte Dewitt, CPS Counselor 

At the end of the week, CPS will deliver the donated stuffed animals to the local police and sheriff's office for them to distribute to children who are involved in emergency situations. A little comfort can go a long way during a stressful time.


APS News

sean.ruggles@arkadelphiaschools.org

Interested in learning more about the Arkadelphia Public Schools? Find us on the web, Facebook, Twitter, issuu, Vimeo, and YouTube. Graduate to Good Living... We Promise.

AHS Choral Department presents "State Fair"

The AHS Choral Department presents "State Fair" opening Friday, May 2, at 7 P.M. Showtimes continue on Saturday at 3 and 7 P.M., and conclude on Sunday with the final performance at 3 P.M. Tickets cost $5 in advance or $7 at the door. Call ahead to (870)245-8133 or (870)245-8120.

From the cast - 

Katlynn Williams, AHS junior, as Vivian- “I love that moment when we’re on stage and we have the realization of ‘Wow, this is why I love doing this!’ Performing… it’s a beautiful, hectic, wonderful experience and I’m glad to be part of it with such great people!” 

Jessica Cornelius, AHS senior, as Margy Frake- “Being in the musical is amazing! There are so many people who want to do their best to make this play the best it can be and I am honored to work alongside all of them!”

Julie Williams, AHS junior, as Emily Arden- “Everyone involved in the musical is a gifted and dedicated performer and we all love coming together to perform. We are always excited to get started and a little depressed to see it end. We appreciate all the dedication from our director, parents, and friends who have worked tirelessly to make it all come together beautifully!”

Sloan Wayland, AHS junior, as Judge Heppenstahl- “Ain’t no swine finer than Iowa swine!”

Makayla Bird, AHS junior, as Eleanor- “The musical is always a great way to bring the choir closer as a family and every year we laugh and joke and have a good time. I love it and I love everyone involved.”

Kenny Taggard, AHS graduate ('13), as Wayne Frake- “The Arkadelphia choral program is filled with wonderful people and amazing talent. There's so much potential, and I hope they continue to take hold of it.”

Act I

It is late summer 1946 on the Frake family farm in Brunswick, Iowa. The Frakes are preparing to leave for the Iowa State Fair. Father, Abel, is confident his prize boar, Blue Boy, will win a blue ribbon, but neighbor, Dave Miller, isn’t so sure. He makes a $5 bet that something is bound to go wrong for at least one member of the family. Abel accepts the bet. Abel’s wife, Melissa, has her heart set on a blue ribbon for her mincemeat. Son, Wayne, is disappointed that his girlfriend has to stay at home. Daugh­ter, Margy, is feeling down and doesn’t understand why. Her suitor, Harry, pressures her for an answer to his long-standing marriage proposal; she agrees to give him an answer when she returns home.

So it’s off to the Fair. Arriving at the midway, Wayne heads straight for the ring toss where he is hus­tled by the barker. A glamorous woman intercedes on Wayne’s behalf He is smitten before he even gets to know who she is. At the beer tent, Abel and his cronies sit around trading stories about their loved ones. Meanwhile, a young and somewhat world-weary reporter, Pat Gilbert, arrives to cover the Fair. He sets his sights on Margy, who remains aloof until he begins to win her over. Wayne happens by the Starlight Dance Meadow in time to catch the floor show. The star attraction is Emily Arden, the woman he met earlier in the day. Over a beer she tells Wayne she is determined to become a Broadway star. He asks for a date, charming her with his boyish enthusiasm. She agrees, but on her terms.

The next morning, Margy bemoans the life Harry is planning for them. Abel is so excited at the prospect of victory and winning his bet with Dave Miller that he proposes an evening of family fun and dancing.

At the Exhibit Hall that afternoon the pickles and mincemeat are being judged. As it happens, Me­lissa’s mincemeat has been amply spiked, which sends the judges into giggles of delight. She wins the blue ribbon and a special plaque. Pat is on hand to capture the euphoric moment. From a moonlit hill, Wayne and Emily watch the fair below. He has fallen head over heels, but she remains cautious.

At the Starlight Dance Meadow fairgoers gather for a dreamy waltz. Abel and Melissa dance roman­tically, Wayne and Emily arrive with a distinct glow, and Pat and Margy share a first tentative kiss as Harry arrives unexpectedly.

Act II

It is the final day of the Fair. Despite Harry’s presence, Pat and Margy are clearly growing fonder of each other. As Margy rushes off to cheer for Blue Boy, Pat’s friends help him realise he is no longer his old self. Blue Boy is finally declared the winner of the hog-judging competition, and Abel cannot contain his joy.

Pat learns he has landed the Chicago job interview he has been waiting for, but it means catching the next train out of town. Reluctant to leave Margy in the lurch, he races off just as she arrives for their date. The scene shifts to the Starlight Dance Meadow and Emily Arden’s final performance. Both women realise their relationships are in trouble. Later that night Wayne proclaims his love for Emily, but she breaks it off. Back at the family campsite, Abel and Melissa are basking in their victories. Melissa is concerned about the children, but Abel assures her that they have each other. Wayne staggers in having drowned his sorrows. In his stupor, however, his thoughts turn to his girl back home. Under­standingly, Abel helps his son "Walk it off." On the darkened midway Margy is still waiting for Pat. The Fair is almost over, and she realises he is probably not coming. Harry enters, pleading to Margy to accept his proposal. She can’t - she realises she just doesn’t love him.

The Frakes return home. There is a spread in the local newspaper chronicling their adventures at the Fair, written of course by Pat Gilbert without any of them knowing. Dave Miller reminds Abel that the $5 bet hinged on everyone having a good time at the Fair, and whilst Wayne is thrilled to be home and is making big plans with his girlfriend, Margy seems a little low. At that very moment, who should arrive but Pat, out of breath and full of apologies, but he has just landed the job in Chicago and wants Margy to join him there. The lovers rush into each other’s arms as Miller reluctantly hands over the five dollars.

APS News

sean.ruggles@arkadelphiaschools.org


Interested in learning more about the Arkadelphia Public Schools? Find us on the web, Facebook, Twitter, issuu, Vimeo, and YouTube. Graduate to Good Living... We Promise.