Superintendent provides information for upcoming school year at Gravette schools

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Editor’s Note: This is the first of two articles which contain information of importance for students and parents concerning the new school year at Gravette Public Schools, which begin August 19.

Dr. Andrea Kelly provided these articles to aid parents and students, particularly students who may be new to the Gravette schools.

The first article involves enrollment information including the names and phone numbers of building leaders (principals), as well as lunch prices, web-site and bus information, etc.

The second article, to be published next week, will introduce new teachers, curriculum additions, student support information, etc.

A flurry of activity has taken place this summer in preparation for the new school year which begins Thursday, August 19, 2010.

Enrollment in the high school begins August 4. Enrollment in the middle school will be conducted August 2 through 6 and the first two weeks in August for the elementary buildings. District officials estimate an enrollment of 1,750 in kindergarten through twelfth grades and 60 students in the prekindergarten program.

Faculty and students will return to campus with the opening of a new music complex at the Middle School and a new Lions Fieldhouse located on the campus of the high school. The addition of Mr. Mark Hedrick as a half-time band instructor for the middle school places a direct focus on the increasing number of students who participate in the junior high band. Mr. Mike Johnson remains on staff to teach elective courses in music and direct the high school jazz and marching bands. Rounding out the list of music teachers is Rachel Galloway, the choir director; Thomas Allison, music course electives teacher; and Kristina Legler, who teaches music appreciation in the Middle School.

Coaches and student/ athletes will be available as tour guides during the open house event, as will the music teachers and their students in the new music complex. Open house for both facilities is scheduled for Saturday, August 14, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Returning to the district this year as the school building leaders are:

1. Starting his fourth year with the district is Mr. Zane Vanderpool, principal, grades PreK through Two. He may be contacted at 479-787-4129 for more information regarding enrollment.

2. Mr. Jay Ensor begins year eleven with the district as principal for grades Three through Five. For enrollment information he may be contacted at 479-787-4149.

3. Native of Maysville, a graduate of Gravette High School and beginning his thirtieth year in the district is Mr. Mitchell Wilber, principal of the Middle School. His contact number is 479-787-4169.

4. Also a graduate of Gravette High School and returning for the start of her twenty-sixth year in the district is High School principal Ms. Jo Ellen Hastings who may be contacted at 479-787-4189.

Other important items of interest to parents in preparation for the new year are the following:

Lunch prices — Glenn Duffy Elementary remains the same at $1.50; Gravette Upper Elementary increases from $1.60 to $1.75 and lunch prices in the Middle and High Schools increase from $1.75 to $2. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in the free and reduced lunch program and the application is available with the enrollment packet. All applicants for free and reduced lunch are kept confidential.

Bus Schedules — There are no changes to the bus schedule for the upcoming school year. Questions regarding the bus routes may be directed to Mr. Richard Carver, Director of Transportation, at 479-787-4106.

Campus Emergency or Weather Alert Information — In the event of a campus emergency or inclement weather, immediate notice will be provided to the following radio and television stations: KIX 104, MAGIC 107.9, MIX 101.9, THE EAGLE 93.3, KAMO 94.3, POWER 105.7, KFAY 98 FM, KYNF 94.9, KURM 790 AM, KLRC 101.1, KHOG (40/29), KNWA (24/51), KFSM (5), KODE (12), KSNF (16) and KARK (4). In addition, and new to the district this year, is an alert system that will allow a text message to be sent to parents who register their cell phones for emergency notification with the district at the time of their child’s enrollment.

School Building Web sites — The school building Web sites may be accessed through the district web address at www. lions.k12.ar.us. As a convenience, parents may communicate directly with their child’s teacher by e-mail and review their child’s periodic progress report at the building Web site.

Information for New Enrollees — When parents arrive for enrollment, they will be asked to provide proof of address with the district; post office box numbers are not accepted as a bona fide proof of address. In addition, the parent must bring the child’s Social Security card, birth certificate, immunization records, transcript of final grades and discipline and attendance records from the previous school.

Additional Contact Information — In addition to the counselors and principals who are listed above with their contact information, you may also contact School Superintendent Andrea Kelly at 479-787-4100 and Business Manager Jake Haak at 479-787-4150.

“We’re looking forward to return of the students and all the attendant excitement that goes with a school year — athletic events, music productions, academic achievement and, more importantly, the educational success of our students,” states Superintendent Kelly.