Since her father was an engineer, Anna Shaw grew up thinking about a career in engineering. Her pathway changed when her mother, knowing how much Anna loved math, suggested her daughter would be an outstanding math teacher. “I loved math growing up,” says Shaw, a sixth grade math teacher at J.O. Kelly Middle School. “My dad was great at math and always helped me,... READ MORE >

Initially exhausted by the travel but elated by the experience, members of the Don Tyson School of Innovation Root Negative One robotics team are back in their classrooms and already preparing for their next adventure. “We got back Monday evening after 16 hours on a plane and a bus ride from Dallas and Tuesday after school we were meeting about this year’s... READ MORE >

Joel Lookadoo, a first year math and science instructional facilitator at the Don Tyson School of Innovation after serving as a ninth grade algebra instructor for six years at Lakeside Junior High School, has been named Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Lookadoo is the first Springdale teacher to be named state Teacher of the Year since Justin Minkel, who teaches at... READ MORE >

In order to stimulate an enhanced appetite for reading among her students, Sonora Elementary School fifth grade teacher Kari Spurlock created a book club. Imagine the response when the author of the first book selected joined Spurlock’s students and parents by livestreaming from his home in Australia! Needless to say, the book club has become a success. “It... READ MORE >

UA REPORT RANKS SPRINGDALE NO. 1 IN ACADEMIC GROWTH Students in Springdale schools rank No. 1 in the region in grade level advancement over a 12-month period. That means Springdale students make greater academic advances from one year to the next than students attending the other public school districts in Washington and Benton Counties. This news comes from the... READ MORE >

Lisa Cox, a teacher at Childers Knapp Elementary and Carla Tate, the school’s counselor, are very good friends. However, not even their deep friendship could have prepared Lisa for a project Carla launched to benefit Lisa’s son. Ayden Cox, a fifth grader at Shaw Elementary, was born with muscular dystrophy. His father, Chris, has it, too. His sister, Caitlan, a... READ MORE >

Robby Ariola always has enjoyed his work. He served in several positions at Harp’s Food Stores and other places for 28 years and appreciated every day of his previous career. But after “arthritis got me,” he became a fulltime bus driver for Springdale Public Schools. He says, “It’s the best job I’ve had in my life.” Really? Driving a school bus is the best job... READ MORE >

Knox Graham is a busy young man. He is heavily involved in EAST and debate as a ninth grader at Central Junior High. He also plays the trumpet in the school band. He knows he has a lot of work ahead but he already is focused on his future dream. He wants to represent Northwest Arkansas in the United States House of Representatives. “I am very politically minded,”... READ MORE >

Jose Ballesteros got pushed into driving a bus for the Springdale School District. Now he recommends others give it a try. He loves his job because of the people he works with and the students he has the pleasure of transporting. “Five years ago a friend got me started,” says Ballesteros. “He pushed me into driving for Springdale Schools. He left and I am still... READ MORE >

Joel Lookadoo taught ninth grade algebra for six years at Lakeside Junior High. He liked it so much he gave up coaching basketball to devote his entire energy to helping students with math. Now his role has expanded beyond teaching in a single classroom as he begins a new role at the Don Tyson School of Innovation. One of four semi-finalists for Arkansas... READ MORE >

After teaching accounting and other business courses at Springdale High School for over two and a half decades, Kelley Williamson coordinates the Career and Technical Education teams for the entire Springdale Public School District. She will always be a teacher at heart but her classroom has expanded considerably. “CTE is a high priority in our district,” says... READ MORE >

When Mike Fotenopulos graduated from Fort Smith Southside High School, he wanted to go to college but wasn’t ready. Instead he joined the Air Force before returning and earning a degree at the University of Arkansas. His lack of preparation when he finished high school is a driving force in his effort to prepare students for their futures once they are handed... READ MORE >

Cara Sedberry, choir director at George Junior High for the past 15 years, has been named assistant principal at the school. She replaces Betsy Barker who was named district assistant athletic director. “I want to thank Dr. (Superintendent Jim) Rollins, the administrative staff and the school board for the opportunity to build on the great things that are... READ MORE >

An educator for more than a decade in California, Tom Doppe has been named assistant principal at the Don Tyson School of Innovation. He replaces Damon Donnell who has moved into the position of district Coordinator of Student Support Services. “I couldn’t have landed at a better place,” Doppe said. “This is a great opportunity. Many of the things I was working on... READ MORE >

Damon Donnell, who has served as assistant principal at the Don Tyson School of Innovation for the past two years, has been named District Coordinator of Student Support Services. He replaces Danny Brackett, who resigned to take a position in another district. “I am so excited to have the opportunity to serve Springdale students, parents, faculty and community in... READ MORE >

Betsy Barker, assistant principal at George Junior High School for the past five years, has been named Springdale Public School District assistant athletic director. “I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the entire Springdale School District in a position to impact Springdale athletics,” Barker said. “I have a coaching background along with my administrative... READ MORE >

Westwood students interested in robotics and video games had the time of their lives as their school hosted a week long NERDIES™ camp. Twenty two students were recommended by their teachers based on their interest in robotics or video game development and their exemplary behavior in school to attend the NERDIES™ camp. They were able to attend the camp... READ MORE >

Brett Unger, who has been a teacher, coach and instructional facilitator in the Springdale School District during the last 11 years, has been named assistant principal at Sonora Middle School. He replaces Jonathan Buchanan who was named assistant principal at Southwest Junior High. “I am excited to serve the students, staff and parents of Sonora Middle School,”... READ MORE >

Heather Barron, who has spent 14 years as a teacher and instructional facilitator at Jones Elementary School, has been named assistant principal at Smith Elementary. She replaces Tonya Woods, who retired. “My years in the Springdale School District have been flooded with outstanding mentors who have taught me more than I ever could have imagined,” Barron said. “I... READ MORE >

Jonathan Buchanan, current Arkansas Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year and an assistant principal at Sonora Middle School the past seven years, has been named assistant principal at Southwest Junior High. He replaces Shane Patrick who accepted an administrative position in the Siloam Springs School District. “I am very honored to become part of the... READ MORE >

Aterra Lowe, who has served as an instructional facilitator the past two years at Helen Tyson Middle School, has been named assistant principal at Springdale Har-Ber High School. She replaces Jacob Hayward who was named principal at Siloam Springs High School. “I am excited and honored to be a part of the Har-Ber High School staff,” Lowe said. “It is a... READ MORE >

Kim Bowerman, who has served as an instructional facilitator, has been named the assistant principal at Sonora Middle School. She replaces Jason House who accepted a principal position in Alaska. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity that Dr. (Superintendent Jim) Rollins, the Administrative Leadership Team and the Springdale School Board have provided me,”... READ MORE >

Megan Rojo, who has served as an instructional specialist for the past five years, has been named Early Childhood Center assistant director. She replaces Brandy Wolfenbarger who was elevated to the director at the school. “Thank you Dr. (Superintendent Jim) Rollins and the administration team for trusting me in this position,” Rojo said. “I am honored to be a... READ MORE >

Aurelian Sennett, who has served as an instructional facilitator at the Don Tyson School of Innovation, has been named assistant principal at the Don Tyson School of Innovation. He replaces Kelly Boortz, who was elevated to principal at the school. “I would like to thank Dr. (Superintendent Jim) Rollins and the school board for this appointment as well as Mrs.... READ MORE >

Brandy Wolfenbarger, the assistant director of the Early Childhood Center for the past five years, has been named Early Childhood Center director. She replaces Darlene Fleeman who is retiring. “I’m really excited and want to thank Dr. (Superintendent Jim) Rollins and the administrative team for this opportunity,” said Wolfenbarger. “When we moved to Northwest... READ MORE >

Jody Johnson, who has served as an instructional facilitator at George Elementary School for the past four years, has been named assistant principal at Bayyari Elementary. She replaces Mary Mullican who was elevated to principal. “I am very excited to be joining the team at Bayyari,” Johnson said. “I am grateful to Dr. (Superintendent Jim) Rollins, the... READ MORE >

Cassie Marquette, who has served in the J.O. Kelly Middle School math department for the past eight years, has been named assistant principal at Monitor Elementary. She replaces Andi Acuff, who was elevated to principal at the school. Marquette taught sixth grade math for three years before serving as math and science instructional facilitator for the past five... READ MORE >

Lucas Foliart and Thomas Hart were recruited from their seventh grade classrooms at Hellstern Middle School to participate in the Duke TIP program. Both took coaching well and surprised themselves and their families with the results. Foliart discovered he made a 30 on the ACT exam. Delighted and surprised he anticipated besting his friend Hart. Instead,... READ MORE >

Andi Acuff, who has been assistant principal for 12 years at Monitor Elementary, has been named principal of the school. She replaces Maribel Childress who was promoted to assistant superintendent for curriculum, grades pre-k-5. "I am so excited to have the opportunity to continue to serve the students, staff and parents at Monitor Elementary School,"... READ MORE >

Literacy has been alive and well at Sonora Elementary School since the building opened but the Sonora Scholar Student Leadership Team wanted to promote literacy at an even higher level. Through a partnership with Lakeside Junior High teacher Kristin Pennington and her students, two Little Libraries were constructed and installed at Sonora Elementary. “I meet... READ MORE >

Ashley Kirby, who has spent the last 12 years at Smith Elementary as a teacher and instructional facilitator, has been named assistant principal at Tyson Elementary. She replaces Kimberly Crumby who has been selected as principal at Westwood Elementary. “I am very excited to be supporting the amazing things that are happening at Tyson Elementary,” Kirby said. “I am... READ MORE >