Welcome to another new school year. The 2015-16 school year promises to be a great one. I would like to take this opportunity to say I am honored and very excited to once again be your superintendent of Schools. As we begin another exciting educational year, we welcome you to one of the most innovative, creative and vibrant learning communities anywhere. Our district is committed to providing a high quality public education to each and every student, and we are fortunate to have stakeholders who are so passionate about our school district.
Every day, our staff works to provide a rigorous, creative, supportive learning environment that ensures college and career readiness by the time our students graduate; however, we know that while academics are our focus, achievement can only happen in a setting where the social-emotional and physical well-being of our students is considered every day. We also know that the work world of the 21st century requires our graduates to be creative, critical thinkers who communicate effectively and can collaborate well with others. For the past three years, we have been focused on creating a culture of collaboration, leadership, and innovation. Between staff, students, parents, and community, it is necessary for us to fulfill our mission as a learning community.
Our mission statement is: The mission of the Pea Ridge School District is to prepare our students for success in the 21st century by providing a safe environment, encouraging innovation, incorporating relevant technology in every classroom, and modeling behaviors of responsible citizens. My mission as your Superintendent is also my passion and the reason I do what I do. That is, to maintain and grow a rigorous teaching and learning environment that provides every student with a sense of belonging while helping students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. It is critical to every student's success that they graduate from high school with the habits of mind and skills necessary to pursue and achieve their goals and dreams.
There is much for your students to be excited about when they return on Monday, Aug. 17. We have remodeled the entrance to the Middle School providing additional safety and security for staff and students. In September, we will open our new fine arts facility which provides two large art rooms and two large band rooms. In one short year, Pea Ridge Manufacturing and Business Academy has become the model school for college and career education in the state of Arkansas. Last year PRMBA welcomed over 20 schools and over 100 visitors who toured our innovative academy.
This year Pea Ridge High School will meet the needs of the 21st century learner by implementing a Flex-Mod schedule which will allow students to model their life after high school. The Middle School will focus on character education as it strives to fully develop each student. Finally, our Primary and Intermediate schools will become "Leader in Me" schools. Outlined in Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," students will be taught leadership principles aligned with the habits and taught within our academic curriculum. It is a thrilling time in education, and we are fortunate to have excellent staff, supportive parents, and committed community members who are willing to collaborate and do whatever it takes so that our students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our community, school board and stakeholders are excited. So welcome, or welcome back, to Pea Ridge Schools!
Community on 08/05/2015