Latest news with #PCSSD
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
PCSSD announces teacher and staff of the year winners
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. – Officials with the Pulaski County Special School District announced its district-level teacher and staff of the year for the school year. District officials said schools nominated a teacher and a support staff employee. Otter Creek Elementary School teacher named 2025 Arkansas Fine Arts Teacher of the Year School officials recognized Catherine Ziller as the 2024-2025 PCSSD teacher of the year. Ziller is an eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Robinson Middle School. Ziller will move on to represent the district in the 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Program, officials said. Arkadelphia Promise Scholarship program announces extension The district recognized Reid Altom as the 2024-2025 PCSSD support staff of the year. Altom is a speech language pathologist at Crystal Hill Elementary. To see the full list of nominees, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Central Arkansas schools prepare for laws going into effect next year
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Summer break is right around the corner for students, but it won't be a break for the state's school districts, which received plenty of homework from the state legislature. Of all the law changes coming in the 2025-2026 school year, Pulaski County Special School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janice Warren said 'Bell to Bell, No Cell' is the most challenging. The law requires students' phones to be stored during school hours. Arkansas educators experience Marine workshop in San Diego Warren said all changes made by new laws are among her biggest responsibilities this time of year. 'Whenever the session closes, you are trying to figure out, okay, what law impacts what,' Warren said. 'What laws have to do with registration? Which ones are the academic pieces?' She also categorizes changes by when they are coming which is usually one of three ways. They could take many years, like the full implementation of school choice vouchers. Some laws require adjustments over one summer, like 'Bell to Bell, No Cell' and free breakfast for all. Others are implemented immediately, such as a law passed this Spring requiring donated copies of the Ten Commandments to be hung in every classroom. New laws going into effect in Arkansas from the 95th General Assembly Some laws require curriculum changes and guidance from the Department of Education. Among them is a law requiring annual firearm safety instruction for students starting with the 2025-2026 school year. 'The big thing about that is figuring out what grade level, what subject area are you going to add this new law if it's gun safety or whatever,' Dr. Warren explained. Communication with staff and parents is a big part of preparation. PCSSD will be doing a trial phase of 'Bell to Bell, No Cell' within middle schools starting May 5, which has generated much feedback. 'It's just a task keeping up with all of them and making sure that we're implementing them correctly,' Warren said. Another law going into effect next school year requires all schools to offer accelerated learning courses. Bill to place audio recording devices in Arkansas school locker rooms headed to governor's desk A few laws are set to be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year. Act 478 requires the Founding Fathers' religious beliefs be taught. Act 134 requires education on communism and autocratic governments. Act 908 requires public schools to place audio recording devices in school locker rooms. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
PCSSD student selected as 2025 Arkansas Diamond Student
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A Pulaski County Special School District student has made history as the first student in the district to be selected as a 2025 Arkansas Diamond Student. Jamaya McCoy was honored Tuesday, March 18 during the Alternative Learning Environment Leadership Day at the Arkansas Capitol. PCSSD officials said McCoy was nominated by her teacher, Tonya Dixon, for the award based on her display of diligence, perseverance, sensitivity and resiliency. 'Finding the words to describe the greatness of Jamaya is hard,' Dixon said. 'She is truly going to go beyond her expectations and do absolutely great things! I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Diamond Award.' Little Rock Central High School teacher receives Prestigious Presidential Award Officials said her nomination was vetted by a committee made up of board members of the Arkansas Association of Alternative Educators and members of the Arkansas Department of Education Alternative Education Unit. When asked about her receiving the award, McCoy said she was determined to work hard and stay focused. 'It is better to lead than to follow. Your own path is the best path,' she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Board members called to resign by public during Pulaski County Special School District meeting
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Several people voiced concerns over Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) board members Tuesday night. Wendy Potter was not present, but the board member representing primarily Maumelle has been criticized ever since last month when she shared a meme on social media saying 'ICE ICE BABY' during the height of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deportations last month. She further commented after criticism, 'None of the people who are mad are in my zone anyway. Plus, it was a joke. Get over yourselves.' Pulaski County Special School District officials share message with families & staff regarding immigration, customs enforcement Courtney Stone Jackson, a PCSSD parent, called for the board member to resign. 'Wendy, your gross lack of judgment makes you unfit for public office. Perhaps that is why you are not here in public office tonight,' Jackson said. Critics also asked board member Karyn Maynard to resign. She commented in the thread asking how FERPA applied to it. Eli Keller, who also represents parts of Maumelle within the school board, stated in the meeting that he would not apologize for anybody but apologized that it happened. 'The best interest of the children should always be put first over political garbage, personal beliefs, religion… A fellow member failed to show up to listen to your words,' Keller said. On Jan. 25, the district released a statement online saying: 'PCSSD is aware of controversy surrounding comments made by a board member in a Facebook group. However, it is not an administrative function of the District to police its school board members' speech. School board members are elected officials accountable to the voters.' Pulaski County Special School District to hold meetings amid search for new superintendent Maynard made no comments at the meeting. Potter has not responded to requests for comment by KARK 4 News. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pulaski County Special School District officials share message with families & staff regarding immigration, customs enforcement
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. – The Pulaski County Special School District is reaching out to parents and staff regarding its policies as the federal government cracks down on immigration. District officials shared a letter on Monday with parents and staff clarifying PCSSD policies on customs and immigration enforcement. 'We value our students from different backgrounds and we believe that all students should be able to learn without being afraid,' the district stated. 'We are united in our responsibility to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of every child.' ICE arrests 956 Sunday as nationwide raids continue PCSSD officials stated that the district will follow school safety protocols, district policy and state & federal laws, which they said provide guidance on who is allowed to contact students during the school day. The district stated they, 'do not allow people to enter our school buildings without permission and proper clearance.' Officials said the district is also required by federal law to limit who has access to student documents due to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. The district cites the Supreme Court's ruling in the Plyler v. Doe case, which they note states that a school district can't deny any educational rights to any student, regardless of immigration status. The letter comes amid a nationwide crackdown on immigration law enforcement by the administration of President Donald Trump. Schools around the US are weighing responses to possible immigration raids According to the Associated Press, the administration threw out policies preventing officers enforcing immigration laws from making arrests in sensitive locations like schools or churches. 'In times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to lean on the strength of PCSSD,' district officials said. 'Together, we can ensure out students feel supported by the District and school community that upholds hope, dignity, and compassion for all.' The full letter can be read by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
