Gravette Schools to start Monday

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

GRAVETTE - Faculty and staff at Gravette Public Schools have been busy in recent days preparing for the first day of school, which is Monday, Aug. 19.

“The Gravette school district is proud to welcome back the children on Monday, said Richard Page, superintendent of schools. “As you will soon see, the fl oors have been polished, the walls have been painted, the grass is being mowed and the classes arebeing set. We are excited that a new school year, where students can learn and have fun, is upon us.”

The superintendent noted there are 25 new staff members this year, among themis James Hendrix, who is the new high school band director; Sheila Roughton, who has been promoted to food service director; and Stephanie Summerford, director of curriculum for the district.

“Technology in our schools has grown, with an additional 100 new computers being added to last year’s total,” Page said. “Some programs being implemented that will help our students learn are the resolution of reading incentives for students in grades K-8. These programs will be great to help motivate children to read and become profi cient readers. A new writing program called Six-Trait Writing will help students become better writers.

“Last spring, the Gravette School Board approved Professional Learning Communities that allow teachers to collaborate and discuss student achievement data and find the specific areas that a student needs to work. This program provides teachers a shared resource for meeting children’s needs. Our character education program will be in full swing again district wide. It’s important that every child realize that demonstrating quality character traits along with an excellent academic education is the key to success after graduation. These are just a few of the great programs that are happening within our schools.” Useful Information

The following information has been provided to assist parents, particularly those new in the district, to fi nd answers for possible questions they may have.

Gravette School District covers 149 square miles and is comprised of four schools: Glenn Duffy Elementary, Upper Elementary, Middle School and High School and serves more than 1,800 children.

Richard Page is superintendent of schools. The following are building principals: Glenn Duffy Elementary, 787-4120, Zane Vanderpool, principal; Upper Elementary, 787-4140, Jay Ensor, principal; Middle School, 787-4160, Duane Thomas, principal; Gravette High School, 787-4180, Jay Chalk, principal.

Classes in all buildingsbegin at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, with the following dismissal times (please note change for Fridays):

◊Glenn Duffy Elementary School will dismiss at 3:07, 3:12 bus pick up Monday through Friday;

◊Gravette Upper Elementary School will dismiss at 3:12 Monday through Friday;

◊Gravette Middle School will dismiss at 3:15 Monday through Friday;

◊Gravette High School will dismiss at 3:25 Monday through Thursday.

On Fridays only, student drivers will be dismissed at 2:45 and bus riders at 2:50 (high school is the only Friday dismissal difference).

Note: On Fridays the buses will leave the elementary/middle school campus and immediately take students home. This will result in students arriving at home a few minutes earlier on Fridays than any other day of the week.

Transportation Information

Transportation to some 1,200 students each day is provided by a fl eet of 32 buses which cover 23 routes. Persons may secure information about the route which will serve their children by visiting the newly-designed Gravette Public School website and clicking on the Transportation Quick Link. Richard Carver heads the transportation division.

New Web Page

Page stressed the Gravette Schools newlydesigned web page will provide information on almost any school topic, such as schedules, late breaking news and policy, and the accompanying Facebook and Twitter links can also be accessed. The sites will be continually updated and are designed easy access. Immunization Requirements

One requirement parents should be aware of is an up-to-date immunization record for each child for kindergarten through 12th grade:

Immunization requirements for kindergarten are: four DTaP, three Polio, two Measles, one Mumps, one Rubella, three Hepatitis B and one Varicella.

Requirements for seventh graders are very similar to those above, with the following additions: two or three Hepatits B (students 11-15 years of age can use the2-dose schedule), one or two Varicella (dose must be on/after fi rst birthday if less than 13 years of age. Students age 13 years or older without previous vaccine must receive two doses separated by at least 28 days, OR history from physician/health care professional or from a previously documented record may be accepted in lieu of vaccine.

Students entering the seventh grade for the 2013-2014 school year will be required to have a Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) immunization. If your child has had Tdap or a tetanus booster in the past two years, another Tdap is not required. You will be required to provide documentation to the school nurse showing the vaccine was given. The Benton County Health Department has appointments open to give this vaccine. You may call to make an appointment in Rogers at 986-1300 or in Siloam Springs at 549-3794. Students who are not immunized will not be allowed to attend school.

“With school starting, it is important to watch for students crossing the roads,” the superintendent said. “Even though roads are hazardous during winter months, it is in the fall and spring that students are more prone to accidents. Please watch for our children and slow down in school zones, and have a great school year,” he added.

News, Pages 1 on 08/14/2013