2021SCHOOLINSERT.QXP_MASTER FACING PAGES 11/11/21 1:47 PM PAGE 1 - FORT SMITH SCHOOL DISTRICT
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 1
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 2
reflecting
Jeannie Cole
Fort Smith Board of Education,
1997-2020
A community is only as healthy as its local public school. It was very heartening to
see the community rally around our students to pass the much needed millage
increase. Now we can see the tangible benefits that will continue to bless the entire
Fort Smith community for decades to come. Thank you, Fort Smith citizens!
Administration Current Board of Education Former Board Members
Terry Morawski, Ed.D. Susan McFerran, President Matt Blaylock Jeannie Cole
Superintendent Talicia Richardson, Vice President Troy Eckelhoff Wade Gilkey
Dee Blackwell, Secretary Yvonne Keaton-Martin Bill Hanesworth
Martin Mahan Dalton Person Greg Magness
Deputy Superintendent
Vision 2023 Strategic Planning Team
Kent Blochberger Betsy Hayes Sam Sicard Ryan Gray Sharla Whitson
David Cogswell Jerry Glidewell Talicia Richardson Katie Kreimer Hall Isaiah Joe
Mary Lynne Cloar Jason Green Adriana Roque Angelica Hernandez Hannah Krehbiel
David Craig Crystal Lougin Lonnie Watts Britt Humphries Dania Rahal
Jackie Flake Marcie McKinney Hanh Chuong Keri Rathbun Okla Ben Smith
Evan Fleming Autumn Minnick Greg Crawford Natasha Shoate Laura Smith
Georgia Hale Mat Pitsch
FSPS Citizens Committee
Tim Bailey Jim Echols Christy Ivey Dalton Person Darrell Stovall
Tim Beasley Beverly Elam Michael Jacimore Patti Pinter Mike Thames
Dee Blackwell Jim Geels Trey Jackson John Priester Anne Thomas
Mosie Boyd Jennifer Goodson Holly Jennings Brent Ralston Kevin Thompson
Garland Bray Jason Green, chair Derrick Joe Mary Riche' Charolette Tidwell
Rick Carlisle Tanisha Guy Crystal Lougin Alex Sanchez Elizabeth Voris
Eric Carman Eddie Lee Herndon Hugh Maurras Martin Schreiber Rusty Walker
Marty Clark Gary Hogue Autumn Minnick Rodney Shepard Ken Wallace
David Cogswell Bill Hollenbeck Craig Pair Sam Sicard Emma Watts
Dwonne Cogswell David Humphrey Blair Parnell Keley Simpson Lonnie Watts
David Craig Sheila Humphrey Claire Person Sherry Sims
FSPS Capital Improvement Projects Advisory Committee
Tim Beasley David Humphrey Hugh Maurras John Priester Alan Smith Pam Weber
Dee Blackwell Britt Humphries Autumn Minnick Stacy Ralston Darrell Stovall Rodney West
Eric Carman Christy Ivey Richard Morris Tracy Risley Dan Sturgill David Wiggins
Dave Cogswell Trey Jackson Lavon Morton Hobe Runion Elizabeth Voris
Scott Faldon Holly Jennings Rusty Owen Alex Sanchez, chair Eddie Walker
Tanisha Guy MacKenzie King Sherri Penix Justin Skinner Emma Watts
On the Cover: Dr. Gary Udouj, Director of Peak Innovation Center and District Innovation, Remington Cockrum, SHS CTE student, Nadia
Facio, NHS CTE student, Nate Lyon, Darby Health Sciences Academy student, and Dr. Terry Morawski, FSPS Superintendent.
2 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 3
Terry Morawski, Ed.D.
Superintendent,
looking forward Fort Smith Public Schools
F
ort Smith Public Schools students and employees, parents and community – thank
you. You have played an important role in successfully completing the tasks set
before us by the Vision 2023 Strategic Planning Team, prioritized by the Citizens
Committee, and approved by the Fort Smith Board of Education and the voters in May
2018. Together, we have accomplished an enormous set of infrastructure improvements
that promote the district’s Student Success Goals. is annual report highlights those
capital improvements and introduces our path forward. Student Success is our priority.
You will see Vision 2023 Reflections from representative community members who
have worked alongside our team to support student success. In looking forward, district
leaders offer a glimpse of the projects and programs that are having a direct impact on the
culture and success of our schools. We are currently in the process of completing the
projects and activity of the Vision 2023 Strategic Plan. As we complete this work, we are
taking this school year to evaluate our instruction delivery and support systems to identify
the best practices for our future work. is discovery process will be anchored by the
proven methods outlined in the Professional Learning Community and High Reliability
School frameworks, which have been successful for school systems throughout the
country.
We are moving forward with four areas of impact that will drive everything we do -
collaboration, data-driven processes, relationships, and a career focus. You will see
evidence of ongoing work that focuses on a collaborative approach to education.
Education teams are approaching this collaboration with an emphasis on proven processes
that use data to support and enhance instruction. We recognize that productive relationships are essential among our school staff, students,
parents and larger school community. All of this culminates in a career focus that aims to ensure opportunities for each student if they choose
to enter the workforce directly after high school, or if they decide to pursue post secondary education or training.
We are building a culture of excellence in our district that demands high
expectations in all aspects of our work, in all of our buildings, and for every child who
attends our schools as well as for every adult who supports these children. I believe we
are a truly great school district, but I also believe in the value of creating a system of
continuous improvement. As Jimmy Casas, author of “Culturize” who was our
speaker for the district’s back to school professional development session has said,
“Expecting excellence from yourself is a choice. Striving for excellence each day is a
lifestyle.” We choose to embody this lifestyle through our culture, which aims to give
everyone a voice in the educational process.
I am grateful for you and for the
opportunity to serve as the Superintendent of
your schools.
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 4
looking forward
TIFFANY BONE, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction
Ensuring Student Success The focus of the Professional Learning
Communities initiative as it relates to student
success is to ensure high levels of learning for all
Our district has four focus areas and associated students by ensuring that all students are
programs. Professional Learning Communities equipped to master content at their grade level
focus our attention on Collaboration, and beyond.
Capturing Kids Hearts on Relationships, High
Reliability Schools on Process, and our PEAK The High Reliability Schools Framework
Center of Innovation highlights our attention further ensures conditions for success in our
on Career Focus. Together, these will lead to our school through a strategic planning framework
ultimate goal of ensuring the success of all of focused on ensuring a safe and collaborative
our students. school culture, effective teaching in every
classroom and a guaranteed and viable
Our district has chosen "Capturing Kids curriculum for all students.
Hearts" training to equip our staff members
with the tools and strategies to address the social Through our Career Focused Education the
emotional needs of our students and empower Fort Smith Public Schools system strives to
the entire community of learners to ensure that every student leaves our district
collaboratively establish standards for how to equipped with a viable plan and relevant skill set
treat each other and encourage appropriate to earn a family sustaining income in the career
behaviors for learning and working together. field of their choosing.
Celebrating the classic “Charlotte’s Web” and exploring the possibilities of unmanned
aerial systems benchmarks the teaching, learning and success in Fort Smith Public
Schools elementary, middle and high schools.
Information regarding FSPS teacher qualifications and
student and school performance can be found using this
QR Code to visit DESE’s “My School Info.”
4 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 5
by Glenn Gilley
Martin Mahan
looking forward
Deputy Superintendent
Vision 2023 Capital Improvements in infrastructure enhance instructional delivery,
student engagement, and building security by adding walls to open spaces in four
elementary schools, and secure vestibules at every campus. These walls and entrances
remove distractions while they add a layer of safety.
The 2023 Capital Improvements provide student access to one to one technology, new
facilities, technology, and instructional programming. Every student now has access to a
laptop and wifi services to expand their educational learning experiences. The new
freshman centers, arenas and Peak allow for students to compete, learn, engage, and earn
career credentials in state of the art facilities.
2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 5
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 6
looking forward
KERRI TUCKER
Coordinator, School-Based Health Center
District COVID-19 Point of Contact
It has been an honor to work with so many outstanding individuals,
departments and community agencies to develop the School Based Health
Center. Each has played a vital role in creating a clinic which reduces barriers
to quality healthcare service. With us all working together, the dream of those
who wrote the grant has gone from paper to operational. To see students,
staff, and families utilize the services is so amazing.
First school-based health center opens near Darby
The School-Based Health Center between Darby Middle
School and Tilles Elementary School makes going to the
doctor as simple as walking down the hall or across the
ZERO
campus. This center provides all FSPS students, staff and
families access to healthcare at school so that students can
PATIENTS
be better prepared to learn. ENROLLED
Here's how the SBHC works:
• Click into the “Departments” tab at the top of the FSPS
JULY 1
web page at www.fortsmithschools.org and look for
“School-Based Health Center”.
• Enroll your student with the SBHC by completing the
registration and enrollment form. You can access the form
486
PATIENTS
by clicking the 'Forms' tab or pick up a printed copy at the
SBHC. ENROLLED
• Once enrolled, your student will have access to all the SEPTEMBER 30
physical and mental health services provided by the SBHC.
It's as easy as that! When you or your student needs
medical care, the SBHC is there.
If your student has a primary care provider outside of
school, the SBHC will work with your doctor to deliver
consistent care. If your student does not have a primary
care provider outside of school, the SBHC can offer your
student care as the primary care provider.
6 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 7
What services are provided?
Physical Health Services provided by partner, Mercy Emotional/Mental Health Services provided by
Clinic Fort Smith, may include but are not limited to: partner Western Arkansas Counseling and
Guidance Center may include but are not limited to:
• Routine physical exams, including sports physicals
• Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic • Mental Health awareness
illness • Outreach including suicide prevention
• Treatment of minor injuries • Screening for depression, anxiety, substance abuse
• Vision, hearing and medical screening and other mental health conditions
• Age-appropriate reproductive health services with • Behavioral Health care including: assessment,
parent approval treatment, referral and crisis intervention, individual,
(abstinence counseling, education, exams and group, and family therapy, Qualified Behavioral
referrals) Health Provider services, and social service
• Limited immunizations assessment, referral, and follow up as needed
• Laboratory testing
• Health education, counseling, and wellness Will the SBHC serve all students regardless of their
promotion ability to pay?
• Nutrition education and weight management
• Telemedicine Yes. Wellness and preventive care is prioritized over
• Prescription medications costs. Insurances will be billed for covered students.
• Classroom presentations SBHC staff can help students and families navigate
• Referrals for services not provided at the School the application process for ARKids/Medicaid when Catherine Owen, SBHC Assistant (left)
Based Health Center appropriate.
Kerri Tucker, SBHC Coordinator
Grant Application Team
$540,000 Grant Funded Zena Featherston Marshall Pat Morris, Mercy Fort Smith
by Arkansas Division of Elementary and FSPS Executive Director of Communication Dr. Courtney Morawski
Secondary Education & Community Partnerships former FSPS Principal and Administrator
2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 7
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 8
looking forward
Dr. Gary Udouj
Director
Peak Innovation Center & District Innovation
I am most excited about the expanded opportunities our students have
at Peak Innovation Center. The regional support has been amazing, with
students, parents, teachers, community and industry leaders involved in the
planning and designing of needed technical programs and curriculum that
will prepare our students for high-demand, high wage careers. It has been a
real thrill to see this project grow from just an idea to an actual high tech,
modern training center that will benefit our students for years to come.
project
Peak Innovation Center
Contributors
Build Specialized Lab Spaces and Classrooms
l
Health Care Information Technology l
ABB ArcBest
AR Office of Skills Development
Manufacturing and more
l
Baptist Health Fort Smith/Barling Voters
Gene Haas Foundation
Design Team
William L. Hutcheson Estate
Childers Architect
Mercy Fort Smith
Corgan Architect & Design
U.S. Economic Development Administration
Turn Key Construction Management
Windgate Foundation
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 9
PEAK FACTS
262
ENROLLED
69 ADVANCED
MANUFACTURING
33 INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
HEALTH
160 SCIENCES
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Students in the 11th and 12th grades can sign up
for half-day programs through WATC
in the following areas:
Advanced Manufacturing
Robotic Automation
Electronics Technology
Computer Integrated Machining
Health Sciences
Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Medical Office Assistant
Information Technology
Network Engineering Technology
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Visual Arts
Visual arts programming planned for Fall 2022
2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 9
2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 10
reflecting
Jason Green
Country HR Manager, US at ABB
& Chair, FSPS Citizens Committee
I feel so fortunate to have been part of this game-changing process for Fort
Smith, our district and our current and future students. Fort Smith is my
hometown and I’m a product of the Fort Smith Public Schools so it was extra
special for me to play a small part in several different aspects of the program.
And now, three years later, knowing what I know about the entire process and
seeing how we have transformed our district and facilities and improved safety
and security for our students and faculty, I’m so proud of what we were able to
accomplish as a team and a community.
project
Southside High School
New Secure Entry/Office and Media Center
l
Freshman Academy New Cafeteria and Kitchen
Remodel Existing Administration Offices, Media and Cafeteria to classrooms
l
Add Two Storm Shelters New Competition Gymnasium
Added Square Footage
106,082
Design Team
Lewis, Elliott, McMorran,
Vaden, Ragsdale
& Woodward, Inc.
Risley Architects
Baldwin & Shell
Turn Key Construction
10 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC by Gabby Woodie2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 11
by Parker Hewett
by Bianca Perlera2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 12
reflecting
Alex Sanchez
Arvest Bank
Chair, FSPS Citizens Capital Improvement Program Advisory Team
FSPS Citizens Committee & Partner in Education
I remember vividly the Citizens Committee process and how everyone from
different backgrounds, different races, certainly different demographics, came
together in one room to accomplish one goal. We all shared different ideas,
different perspectives and, ultimately, the goal was accomplished.
project
Northside High School
l l
New Secure Entry/Office Freshman Academy Renovated and Expanded Cafeteria
Remodeled Existing Administration Offices, Media and Cafeteria to classrooms
Enclosed corridor between Main Building and Science Building
l
Add Two Storm Shelters New Competition Gymnasium
Added Square Footage by Ruba Yasin
106,082
Design Team
MAHG Architects
Hight Jackson Associates
Nabholz Construction
12 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 13
by Leigh Ann Hasley2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 14
project
Darby Middle School
Secure Entry/Office Area
Renovations to 2nd and 3rd Floors
Enclose Open Space Classrooms
Enclose Outdoor Corridors
Added Square Footage
Added Square Footage
34,015
Renovated Square Footage
7,916
Design Team
l
Architecture Plus Nabholz Construction
14 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 15
looking forward
Dr. Katie Kreimer-Hall
Principal, Darby Middle School
The Health Sciences Academy has been a special project to work on these
past few years. The real-world opportunities these students have are
preparing them for future careers in the healthcare and technology
professions. The HSA teachers provide lessons that guide student inquiry,
dialogue and critical thinking. On a daily basis students work together to
solve problems and learn from each other. The future of this program is
exciting because we continue to build partnerships with our community
that will provide students with even more experiences.
Health Sciences Academy Students
Learn Through Lens of Healthcare
“Our students in the Health Sciences Academy have multiple opportunities
throughout the school year to get hands-on and real life learning experiences
specific to healthcare careers in our community,” said Dr. Katie Kreimer-Hall,
Darby principal.
All core instruction in English, math, science and social studies, focuses on
aspects of healthcare careers within the academy. HSA students also
have the opportunity to participate in activities, like band, choir,
orchestra, gifted education and other athletics and activities
within the Darby community.
HSA Teacher Angela Holwick said, “This program allows
students to get first hand experience with healthcare
related professions, many of which students have not had
the opportunity to experience before.”
The Health Sciences Academy opened in 2020-2021 for
any sixth grader in Fort Smith Public Schools who has an
interest in exploring a career in the health sciences. This year the
academy is open to students in sixth and seventh grades. FSPS
students entering Grades 6-8 may apply this spring to participate in this
career-focused programming during the 2022-2023 school year.
Strong base knowledge of healthcare careers gives these HSA students a great
foundation for success in the Peak Innovation Center Health Sciences
programming in the years to come.
2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 152021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 16
reflecting
Ken Wallace, M.D.
Vision 2023 Citizens Committee
President, Fort Smith Public Schools Foundation Board
My most lasting impression is what a great plan the consulting firm brought
to us and how well it was executed. Each Citizens Committee session was
focused, had specific goals, and stayed on track. All suggestions were seriously
considered/incorporated into the report. Each meeting started and ended on
time! I think the process was a major reason the bond issue was passed.
project
Ramsey Middle School
Secure Entry in Main Entrance
and Office Area
Remodel of Existing Office
Added Square Footage
7,429
Renovated
Square Footage
4,144
Design Team
MAHG Architects
Beshears Construction
16 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:47 PM Page 17
Dr. Ginni McDonald
Executive Director,
looking forward
Professional Development & Strategic Initiatives
The opportunity to have a blank slate to create a learning environment for
our children to thrive, learn, and grow is something that educators don't often
experience. Being with principals and campus teams as the design came
together was a remarkable experience. The most exciting part was seeing how
many opportunities children now have access to...meaning at the middle level,
more time for fine arts, structured physical activity, and career
exploration....and at the freshman centers, students now have access to so
many electives that further their journey to a post secondary option of choice.
It is simply amazing and exciting times for our district!
by Alexa Torres
FSPS Completes Transition to 6-8 Middle Schools and 9-12 High School
Middle School Freshman Centers
FSPS middle school students at Chaffin, Darby, Kimmons or Freshmen who are new to high school life have a great space that
Ramsey have more art, more music, more PE, more STEM, more they can call their own at Northside and Southside High Schools.
Computer applications…more experiences and opportunities Grade reconfiguration was recommended by the Vision 2023
designed specifically for them. Middle schools are geared toward Strategic Planning Team as one way to address space constraints in
mastering the content of a class while they also teach and build the elementary schools and as a way to provide more equitable
capacity for success through the choices students learn to make in access to high school programming for 9th grade students. FSPS
middle school. Core subject classes are strengthened by access to freshmen participate in core class instruction in their centers, but
Career Connections, elective and exploratory classes and daily also have access to athletics, activities, and instruction that meets
Cornerstone classes focus on academic enrichment and support, the unique needs of each student.
goal-setting, and advisory time.
2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 172021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:48 PM Page 18
reflecting
Brenda Hayes
former Assistant to the Director of Secondary Education
The Superintendent Scholars program is an indirect tool for
bridging the past participants with the future participants. The past
scholars shared their experiences with the incoming scholars by
giving advice and tips on getting the most out of the program. To
me, that was a life lesson in itself, how to help each other and learn
how to make the most of an opportunity.
Brenda Hayes (right) has been instrumental in organizing this enrichment
program for Fort Smith Public Schools high school students. She is pictured
here with Dr. Ginni McDonald.
Fort Smith Public Schools offers summer enrichment programs
for all kinds of learners.
Spotlight on PSAT Prep
75 SUPERINTENDENT 2020 A summer PSAT Academy reinforces content knowledge in math
and language to ensure students are prepared for the PSAT.
2019 SCHOLARS 66
This Superintendent’s Scholar program is designed to better
prepare students who have earned high PSAT scores for their
next steps with the SAT. This national assessment can qualify a
student for a National Merit designation.
18 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:48 PM Page 19
Schools from Their
Perspective: NHS
and SHS student
and faculty
photography is
featured throughout
this document.
2021 Arkansas Teacher of the Year
Susanna Post notes that she is
learning a great deal about all Information regarding
aspects of the local, state and FSPS teacher qualifications
and student and school
federal education system. She is performance can be found
grateful for the opportunity to using this QR Code to visit
celebrate and represent Arkansas DESE’s “My School Info.”
students and their teachers.
Dr. Chris Johnson, Kimmons Middle School
Principal, is the Mayor’s Educator of the Year. This
award was presented by Mayor George McGill
recognizing Johnson for his contributions to his school
and the community, and for the work that he has
accomplished toward providing a rigorous and equitable
education for all students while ensuring a safe learning
environment conducive to student success.
OUR “WHY”
= STUDENT
SUCCESS
Graduation Rate – 96.9% CTE Students – 3,613 Dropout Rate – .87%
(Single Year Calculation) (Grades 6-12) Includes 14 students who left to get a GED
CTE Career Credentials – 1,325
AP Students – 692 School Choice
AP Enrollment – 1,069 948 Class of 2021 Graduates 75 have transferred out of FSPS
AP Tests Given – 1,257 29 have transferred into FSPS
AP Success – 57% $7,555,595
(percentage scoring 3, 4 or 5) Awarded in Scholarships in 2021
2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 192021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:48 PM Page 20
Bill Hollenbeck
Chief, FSPS Police Department reflecting
Director, Security & Facilities
Within the last few years, the Fort Smith Public Schools has made tremendous
progress in providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students
and staff. Since the passing of our millage and with the leadership of our
superintendent and school board, our district now has controlled access at all of
our schools, as well as some of the best-trained police officers who provide safety
and security to our students, staff and the community when they visit our
campus. Looking back, I am so proud of the efforts and hard work that our staff
and leadership have done to ensure our school campuses are safe and secure. We
have a cutting-edge police department tailor made to assist our students in their academic success. Our motto is
“Protecting our Future.” Our school police officers and SRO’s are trained in mental health first aid, trauma
medics, suicide prevention, threat assessment and community policing, just to name a few. We all are truly
excited to be a small part of this important progress. We are Fort Smith Public Schools Strong!
project
Safety & Security
Wall Projects at Barling, Cook, Morrison and Woods Elementary Schools
l
Access Control Alarms, Lighting and Accessibility Controlled Access System at Every Campus
Secure Entry Storefront at All Elementary Schools Not Currently Equipped
Exterior Site Lighting Improvements at All Campuses
ADA Improvement at Campuses – Exterior and Limited Interior Alarm Upgrades l
Design Team
Architecture Plus
Nabholz Construction
Beshears Construction
Wear Construction
Turn Key Construction
20 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:48 PM Page 21
looking forward
Lori Griffin
Director, Elementary Education
The Professional Learning Community process supports teachers and students with a
shared purpose of becoming “crystal clear” about what each student needs to master
in each grade level to be successful in the future. Teachers collaborate to improve
instruction and find ways to provide extra time and support for students so they can
ALL reach higher levels of learning. The shared culture of collaboration, high
expectations and celebration creates a positive energy that is contagious and can be
felt the minute you walk into a building.
Professional Learning Darby Middle School, Northside High School 2023 goals, PLC is focused on providing
and Howard Elementary School. Ballman, equitable access to resources. Equity defined in
Communities Spradling and Northside have been recognized this sense means the Fort Smith Public Schools
A Professional Learning Community isn’t really as Model PLC schools and the district is will act with urgency to give students what
a “thing” a school becomes. It is a process and investing in PLC coaching for all district schools they need when they need it. This includes a
culture the education team internalizes and as a part of the Student Success goals. “guaranteed and viable curriculum.”
practices. Fort Smith Public Schools employed
the PLC mindset a number years ago. But, it District work includes facilitating the Janel Keating Hambly, author of “From the
wasn’t until the Division of Elementary and development of the shared essential standards Boardroom to the Classroom,” told the FSPS
Secondary Education adopted the process for and shared high-quality assessments. It is Board of Education in a recent study session
the state that district schools had the paced for the whole district in a way that that, “PLCs in practice ensure improved Tier
opportunity to dig in and wholly immerse ensures student who move to another school 1 instruction – the first and best instruction,
themselves into the work of a PLC. Ballman and will receive the same essential instruction, improved adult professional practice, and
Spradling were the first schools selected by the support and/or extensions/enrichment at the more good teaching in more classrooms more
state to participate in PLCs at Work, followed by same time during the year. Like the Vision of the time.”
High Reliability Schools
The High Reliability Schools (HRS) focus area connects the work of
Professional Learning Communities, Capturing Kids Hearts and the
district’s Career Focus as it provides a framework for using data to make Dr. Tony Jones
decisions about instructional practice. District and school teams are Director, Secondary Education
studying the High Reliability Schools model during the 2021-2022
school year to build a shared understanding of how HRS strengthens
The High Reliability Schools model ensures an
education systems and outcomes. Schools and the district will seek HRS
Level 1 designation during the 2022-2023. equitable approach for all students in the Fort Smith
Public School District. By creating systems to
• Build a safe, supportive, and collaborative culture.
• Ensure effective teaching in every classroom.
improve safety, Tier I instruction, and curriculum,
• Design a guaranteed and viable curriculum. FSPS students will have many opportunities to reach
• Achieve standards-referenced reporting. their greatest potential.
• Implement a competency-based education system.
2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 212021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:48 PM Page 22
Capturing Kids Hearts
Amye Drackett and Stephanie Freeman facilitate career
education throughout the district and work with students You may hear FSPS students and their teachers talking about the “social
and their teachers to identify a child’s career interests and contracts” they are developing in their classrooms as a result of the Capturing
the skills and knowledge they will need to be successful. Kids Hearts pilot. Basically, these contracts are the first steps in identifying and
Their home base is Peak Innovation Center. formalizing ways that students and their teachers demonstrate their respect for
each other. Seven schools are piloting Capturing Kids Hearts processes aimed at
“One Mission … To Bring Out the Best in People.” Barling, Bonneville, Euper
Career Focused Education Lane, Orr, Ramsey, Trusty and Woods are in Year 1 of the CKH
implementation. These schools are setting the stage in 2021-2022,
Career Education begins a lot earlier than it used to.
district-wide implementation is planned for 2022-2023.
Stephanie Freeman, FSPS Career Development
Facilitator, noted that the district used to rely on a one-
semester class that students took in 8th Grade to do
work that now begins in Kindergarten. Kindergarten
through fifth grade students participate in a variety of
career activities, like school-wide and grade-specific
career fairs. These introduce them to career exploration.
Students in Grades 6 and 7 explore a variety of career
fields and jobs within those fields. For sixth graders the
content in a nine-week Career Connections (CC)
course builds toward the content introduced in the
semester-long CC in seventh grade. Eighth-grade
students complete a year-long Career Connections
course that focuses the Planning phase of career
development for eighth and ninth graders. Students in
Grades 10-12 are enrolled in programs of study that
prepare them for future careers.
The District is expanding the career education program
to ensure stronger foundations for students as they move
toward high school and career. Educators are using tools
like Naviance, Edge-Factor and You Science to identify
natural aptitudes, personal interests and set career goals
to ensure that they have a skill and plan by the time each
one graduates.
22 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC2021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:48 PM Page 23
reflecting
Tim Bailey
Owner, Candy Craze
FSPS Mentor, Partner In Education
Citizens Committee Member
My favorite part of serving on this team was the collaborative spirit that
developed from such a diverse group of citizens. This was a dramatic example
of what can happen when people pull together rather than tear apart.
YOUR DOLLAR WHAT DOES THE MONEY BUY? WHAT ARE THE SOURCES
IN THE FORT SMITH PUBLIC SCHOOLS Total Funds OF REVENUE?
Summary of Expenditures by Function ACTUAL EXPENDITURES 2020-2021 ACTUAL REVENUES 2020-2021
minus Capital Projects Funds for 2020-21 Less Capital Projects Funds
FUNCTION CENTS
Classroom Instruction 54
Instruction/Support Service 16
Administration 6
Utilities, Maint. & Central Support 11
Transportation 2
School Meal Services 4
Debt Services 6
Capital Outlay 1
TOTAL $1.00
BEVERAGE REVENUE
FY2021 $39,926.33 revenue
with an ending balance of $74,393.81
P.O. Box 1948 • Fort Smith, AR 72902-1948 • (479) 785-2501 • (479) 785-1722 fax
In compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws, the Fort Smith Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, age, religion, genetic information or disability in its employment and educational practices. If you have questions regarding the
professional qualifications of your child’s teachers or paraprofessionals, you are encouraged to ask Dr. Christopher Davis, Assistant Superintendent
of Human Resources and Campus Support. • Le invitamos a que hable con el Dr. Christopher Davis si usted tiene alguna pregunta sobre las
capacitaciones profesionales de los maestros o asistentes de maestros de sus hijos. www.FortSmithSchools.org
2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLIC l 232021SchoolInsert.qxp_Master Facing Pages 11/11/21 1:48 PM Page 24
Fort Smith Public Schools Board of Education members Dalton Person, Yvonne Keaton-Martin, Dee Blackwell,
Troy Eckelhoff, Susan McFerran, Talicia Richardson and Matt Blaylock.
Facebook LinkedIn
Twitter @fsschools Instagram @fsschools
@fortsmithpublicschools /company/fsschools/
FSPS Activities School Board Fact
Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,990 Fort Smith Public School Board members documented 55 hours in Arkansas School Board training in
Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,249 2019-2020. Arkansas ACA 6-13-629 requires that each member attend at least six hours per year. All
Cheer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 seven board members have completed this requirement.
Drill Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 787 FSPS Board Meetings
Orchestra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575 The Fort Smith Public School District is governed by a seven-member Board of Education. Four members are
JROTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 elected by zone while three are elected in at-large positions. School board meetings are held on the fourth
Drama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Monday of each month at 5:30 PM in the Service Center Auditorium, located in Building B of the Service
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5,306 Center Complex, 3205 Jenny Lind Road.
Fort Smith Public Schools offer Fort Smith Public Schools, a premier district where innovation creates excellence,
a variety of extracurricular activities is dedicated to providing an equitable, challenging educational experience by engaging families
that encourage students to become and community partners as we prepare students to embrace their roles in our
a part of a group or groups that culturally diverse community and rapidly changing world.
develop and refine personal and
team skills and habits.
24 l 2021 FSPS REPORT TO THE PUBLICYou can also read
