Future
Focus
2010
Good Things Are Happening
in Fort Smith Public Schools
The mission of the Fort Smith Public Schools
is to ensure academic and personal success
for each student—today and in the future.
Message from the Superintendent
L
ooking into the future is something which has intrigued humankind throughout the
ages. Despite the claims of some to be able to precisely predict the future, in actuality
this process has never been perfected and challenges us every day. Nonetheless, it is a
certainty that the students who pass through our schools will live in a world which is sure to
be vastly different from today.
The Fort Smith Public Schools regularly attempt to examine what we are doing today in the
context of how it will prepare these students for their futures during the next half-century or
more. This process involves the collective vision of educators, community leaders, parents and
students themselves. Their examination of the processes and plans to prepare students for an
uncertain future are summarized in what we characterize as our “Future Focus” document.
These strategically developed plans are the product of their work.
In this issue of Good Things you will also find real examples of how Fort Smith Public
School educators, community volunteers and students are implementing the vision of what the schools and their
students must become. The Fort Smith Board of Education has adopted this plan to guide our work and our service
to today’s students as they pursue their futures. From a number of District beliefs grow a concise mission statement
and vision for its attainment. These statements form the basis for a comprehensive array of programs and activities
to address the formidable challenges which emerge. Several strategic goals detail a series of initiatives which will help
achieve the desired results.
We cannot predict the exact future. However, we can be proactive in our
planning in order to ensure that the needs of our students, staff and the
community are effectively addressed. This is how we attempt to work for
“academic and personal success for each student.”
Benny L. Gooden, Ed.D.
Laura Davis teaches science at Chaffin
Sami Sue Welch teaches elementary music at Tilles and Morrison.
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Superintendent of Schools
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We believe:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
All students can learn and be successful.
Every individual is important and should be treated with dignity and respect.
Every individual is challenged to achieve academic excellence when standards and expectations are high.
All students are entitled to equal access to broad and varying educational opportunities.
Family and community involvement in the educational process fosters and strengthens student learning.
Students learn best when educational needs and aspirations are recognized and addressed.
Mutual respect and trust promotes good citizenship.
School environments should be challenging, positive and enjoyable.
Instruction Begins Focused Toward Graduation
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4
ames Brown, 2010 Arkansas Academic All-Star, is also a
three year Arkansas All-State musician who will attend
the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville pursuing degrees
in History, International Relations and English. Brown
would like to pass along the knowledge and skill that he
has gained. He wants to engage the world in continuing
conversations about the interconnectedness of the past,
present and future. He wants to teach.
Brown and his classmates at Southside and Northside
High Schools exemplify the individual and collective success
that Fort Smith young people demonstrate as they complete
their K-12 public education.
• Fort Smith students score above the state and national
averages on the nationally recognized American College Test
(ACT). For many years this statistic has included the caveat
of an improving score even as the number of students (more
than 65% of entering seniors take the ACT) has increased.
This is a tremendous statistical clue pointing toward a
successful instructional program.
The universal credibility of the ACT also challenges the
District to be bold in the administration of the ACT. In the
years prior to the 2009-2010 school years, students selected
and paid to take the ACT. But, in 2010 the District gave
every student the chance to take the ACT at no cost to the
students or their families. 100% of 11th graders took the
ACT this spring. It is likely that, with a 30-35% increase in
the number of students taking the ACT, District scores will
decline. But, even so, the scores will establish an important
baseline for improving the academic achievement for all
students who attend Fort Smith Public Schools.
• A wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) classes provide
the opportunity for rigorous instruction in specialized
subject areas. These classes enhance the knowledge and skill
of all participating students. Students may be motivated
to do their best in light of the fact that high scores may be
applied as credit hours toward a college degree. In 20092010, Northside High School was selected as an Arkansas
Advanced Initiative for Math and Science (AAIMS) School
which in part focuses and emphasizes the importance and
value of Advanced Placement classes.
• Additionally, the Fort Smith Public School District
is recognized as an “Overachieving District” in the
“Diplomas Count” Study commissioned by Education
Week and sponsored in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation. The study notes that a substantially higher
percentage of FSPS school students graduate from high
school than would be expected considering the urban nature
of the district.
Superintendent, Dr. Benny Gooden, said, “High marks
in a national study, good test scores, and an emphasis
on rigorous study, are due to the excellent work of all
teachers—elementary and secondary.”
The possibilities are limitless for Fort Smith Public School District
students. Kindergarten is where the emphasis on graduation begins.
“Life is the art of drawing
without an eraser.”
—John W. Gardner former secretary
of Health, Education, and Welfare
James Brown’s path to success...
Raymond Orr
Elementary
Ramsey Junior
High School
Southside
High School
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
—History, International Relations & English
“Give me a place to
stand, and I shall move
the world.” —Archimedes
Jenny Van’s path to success...
Tilles
Elementary
Darby Junior
High School
Northside
High School
Massachusetts Institute
of Technology
—Biological Engineering
Our vision is that…
1. Each student is regarded as an individual who has unique needs and aspirations.
2. The curriculum is comprehensive, relevant and rigorous.
3. Every school provides a safe and nurturing environment.
4. Faculty and staff are active learners who are engaged in professional growth.
5. Faculty and staff are well-compensated, recognized, and valued for their expertise.
6. Families are partners in a child’s education.
7. The community demonstrates pride and ownership in the work of the school system.
8. The privileges and responsibilities of citizenship are understood and practiced.
9. Ethical decision making is taught, modeled and encouraged.
10. Students who attain life-long learning skills become critical thinkers.
Life is Filled with Transitions
enny Van, 2010 Northside High School’s top ranking
student, had to make several notable transitions before she
could accept an invitation to study Biological Engineering at
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She would like
to assist the world in finding cures for cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Her family nurtured her growth and introduced her to
learning. Teachers at Tilles Elementary School began to build
on the educational foundation Van’s family established.
Darby Junior High School teachers introduced Van to new
learning opportunities, and at the same time enabled her
to narrow her focus toward her greatest interests. Teachers
at Northside, helped Van to add polish and skill to her
knowledge and talent. One could say that Tilles, Darby and
Northside teachers assisted Van in shaping the quality of the
form, as well as strength of execution to her springboard to
MIT. They offer the same for all children, day-after-day and
year-after-year.
At every level of a child’s development, educators ask an
important question, “How can we best support the success
of this student?” With 14,000 students, the question can
Terri Haaser (left), Sunnymede media clerk, sings with children and
parents preparing for kindergarten.
have 14,000 different answers. But, one common thread
always emerges: Students and parents who are best informed
about expectations and procedures find the path to success
easier to travel.
Secondary school educators realized several years ago
that “a little information goes a long way” with parents and
students who are entering transitional grades. Transition
to Success was introduced throughout the District for all
entering seventh graders. Parents have a first opportunity to
visit the school that their child will attend in seventh grade
in the late winter of a child’s sixth-grade year. Parents are
invited back in early August for more detailed information.
This event is followed two days later by a half-day, preschool, orientation for the new students.
The youngest of the junior high crowd walk through
their schedules, meet their teachers, find their lockers and
experience the “lunch” line. Northside High School has
adopted the same kinds of activities for their sophomore
students and several elementary schools are using the same
model for their entering kindergartners.
Pam Mulson (right) teaches math at Ramsey
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Essential Elements of Mission Accomplishment
These factors must be present in order for the Fort Smith Public School
District to accomplish its collective mission:
• Family and Community Support: Families and the community work with schools to inform and
influence the academic and personal success of all students. Each group participates in school
activities. Each demonstrates the value of education in their advocacy and in their effort to support
teaching and learning.
• Emphasis on Teaching and Learning: In guiding students toward their greatest potential, educators
and families incorporate resources which respect the talents and skills of each child.
• A Broad and Rigorous Curriculum: The curriculum is broad, rigorous and driven to address the needs of
its diverse group of learners. It is globally competitive and aligned with state and federal requirements.
• A Positive Climate and Culture of Respect: Fort Smith Public Schools develop and maintain an
environment in which each person anticipates high standards and experiences intellectual challenge.
Each school promotes respect, safety, open communication, and the acceptance of social, ethnic, and
economic differences.
• Strong and Compassionate Leadership: School leaders motivate, direct, and empower people to
achieve common goals.
• The Ability to Adapt in a Changing World: Schools and educators adjust strategies and resources to
address the dynamic expectations held for 21st Century students.
• Adequate Resources: Schools and educators have the time, people, energy, and money to provide for
excellence in education for today and tomorrow.
“Dedicated teachers instill the love of learning in all children”
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enora Bullington’s principal,
Hank Needham, describes the 2010
Fort Smith Public Schools Teacher of
the Year as “persistent, determined,
tenacious and motivated.” Cavanaugh
Elementary School teachers describe
her as a “tremendous resource.”
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Bullington, who was selected for
the District recognition for her work
with students and their teachers, is a
Literacy Interventionist. She works
with students who need more time
with a teacher. In her role as an instructional mentor, she also supports
and guides other teachers throughout
the school. Jackie Roberts, Arkansas
Reading First Professional Development Coordinator also describes
Bullington as a teacher of parents. All
are responsibilities which Bullington
takes very seriously, dedicating significant time and energy toward each
group. Summers, as well as traditional
school years, are dedicated to teaching students, parents and teachers in
a variety of ways.
Teachers Elizabeth Parker, Kimberly Stanfill and Meghan Estep credit
Bullington’s encouragement and emphasis on being the best teacher that
each one could be with their successful pursuit of national certification
through the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. All have
earned the prestigious certification in
Literacy Instruction. They note that
“thousands of children” throughout
Arkansas have benefited because
of Bullington’s willingness to teach
teachers. She “demonstrated Reading
First protocols to hundreds of teachers from around the state…As those
teachers returned to their buildings
and implemented new knowledge and
practices demonstrated for them, they
helped their students achieve success
in literacy.”
Bullington successfully demonstrates her commitment to life-long
learning as she works toward the acquisition of new skills, proficiency and
excellence for herself, other teachers,
students and their parents. She understands that her greatest impact is as a
teacher of teachers. Bullington notes,
“I want to instill in teachers that they
need to provide active learning experiences…students need to be actively engaged with a teacher, another student
or group of students.” In doing so, she
says that every child can develop the
confidence needed to succeed on his or
her own.
“35 years later, I still love to teach children,
and I also love to help other teachers provide
the instruction children need to be successful in
today’s classrooms.”
—Lenora Bullington, K-3 Literacy Interventionist, Cavanaugh Elementary School
— Strategic Initiatives —
Student Achievement
Every student will achieve.
• We will provide a curriculum that is comprehensive, relevant, and rigorous.
• We will regard education as an opportunity to develop critical thinking and lifetime skills necessary
in a changing society.
• We will challenge each student by using teaching strategies which support the progress of an
individual and his or her varied learning style and ability.
• We will close achievement gaps between sub-groups.
• We will increase graduation rates, emphasizing the progress of all sub-groups.
Classrooms Score with Mini Laptop Computers
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Mini laptops bridge the gap. With them I plan effective lessons that target student developmental
and instructional needs and engage them in interactive activities that satisfy the 21st century
child’s need for technology. We have had access to the “minis” all year in 2009-2010, and this has
also been a very successful academic year. Considering the 16 quarterly exams given to every FSPS
fifth-grade student, this class of fifth graders scored above the district average 15 times. —Rachael Foster, Sunnymede Teacher
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unnymede Elementary School Teachers Elizabeth Buergler, Rachael Foster and Leslie Hale ‘sing the praises’ of the classroom
sets of mini-laptops they were granted. District administrators note with enthusiasm the achievement that these teachers
have recorded in test scores following the implementation of the 1:1 Computing Project.
Three years ago the District invested money received through Microsoft grants to place classroom sets of mini-laptops in
as many classrooms as possible. Any FSPS teacher who completes the prerequisite training may apply to receive the computers
through the competitive and ongoing 1:1 project.
The Sunnymede student test scores represent a classic baseline measurement, and a dramatic example of the benefit of
properly used classroom technology. Buergler, Foster and Hale and their students, didn’t have access to the “minis” in 2008.
Buergler and Foster received their classroom sets of mini-laptops midway through the 2008-2009 school year. In 2009-2010,
with a full year of mini-lap top
use recorded, it is clear that
these teachers have harnessed
a powerful teaching tool to the
advantage of their students.
Buergler teaches second
grade. Foster teaches fifth.
Hale taught sixth-grade in
the three years measured.
In each classroom the test
scores indicate not only a clear
but decisive trend upward.
Traditionally, a majority of
younger students served by the Fort Smith Public School District, begin school behind their regional and state peers. Buergler’s
classroom was not different. In their first-grade year, 2008-2009 students in Buergler’s class scored with a 26.3 percentile
in Literacy—just slightly above the District rank of 26.0. In 2009-2010, the first full year of mini-computer use, Buergler’s
students scored an average percentile rank of 31.3 compared to the previous year’s 26.3. The District’s average at the first grade
level was 25.2 in 2009-2010. Improvement is more dramatic in mathematics. Buergler’s students 28.0 percentile rank in 2009
increased to a 47.8 percentile rank in 2010.
In the criterion-referenced scale scores, recorded in Foster and Hale’s classrooms, the trend from 2008 through 2010 also
represent dramatic improvement. Foster’s literacy scores improved from 554 to 602 to 635. Her math scores do the same,
moving from 597 to 625 and 641. Hale’s score make a 163-point (513, 559, 676) improvement from 2008 to 2010 in literacy.
The math scores improve 93 points (584, 602, 677). These are only examples of success district wide.
At the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, 162 teachers will be trained to use ‘minis.’ To date, the District has placed
classroom sets of mini-computers in 106 classrooms in 23 of 26 schools. There are an additional 23 carts of ‘minis’ in several
school buildings. These carts are shared by the ‘mini-computer’ trained teachers.
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Highly Qualified Staff
Recruit, Train and Retain.
• We will prepare teachers and administrators to be adaptable to the changing environment without
losing common vision and values.
• We will provide meaningful, focused and supportive professional development to enable each staff
member to experience job satisfaction and success which contributes to student success.
• We will provide competitive compensation to enhance recruitment as well as the retention of staff.
• We will support professional growth for administrators, teachers and support staff by building
professional learning communities which provide mentoring/coaching, study of current literature,
action research, collaborative planning and review of student work.
• We will continually monitor and periodically reevaluate required documentation to ensure relevancy
and efficiency.
Teachers who Love Teaching, Love Learning Too
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airview Elementary School Principal Peggy Walter is
the first Fort Smith Public School District principal to
receive the distinguished and hard-won designation as an
Arkansas Master Principal. The credential, approved by the
Arkansas State Board of Education, is part of a three-year
competitive program of rigorous study which encourages
the ongoing development of leadership skills, as well
as the support and creativity which emerges through
collaborative relationships.
Walter has the opportunity to share what she
has learned by experience and by reflection on that
experience with her staff, students, teachers and with
educators all around the state. Through the intensive
program, Walter also serves as a mentor principal to
educational administrators participating in earlier phases
of the program. The designation, like the National Board
Certification program for teachers, provides opportunity
for enhanced compensation.
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Northside teachers celebrate graduation with students.
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• The development of a highly qualified staff is facilitated in
a variety of ways and at several levels. Teachers new to the
district participate in a district new teacher program which
establishes the highest of expectations for all staff members
as individual and as school teams. The FSPS Professional
Development division offers an instructionally rich menu of
learning opportunities which includes the support necessary
when a teacher pursues national credentials.
• More than 50 Fort Smith Public School District teachers
have earned certification through the National Board of
Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) program. As
with the Arkansas Master Principal program, teachers
participate in an intense learning and reflection process.
They are guided by local mentors and reviewed by educators
designated by the NBPTS as adjudicators. More than 20
Fort Smith teachers are participating at varying stages of
the national certification process which includes specific
review dates and examinations.
“Great educators distinguish themselves by
their continuing willingness to learn and in their
passion for teaching what they have learned.”
—Dr. Benny Gooden, Fort Smith Public Schools Superintendent.
Education of Choice
Fort Smith Public Schools will be the premier provider of education services
in the region.
• We will communicate to stakeholders the necessity of a strong public school system for the vitality of
our community.
• We will provide exemplary educational programs which meet the diverse needs of all students from
pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
• We will build a culture of support for teaching and learning among all stakeholders: students,
parents, teachers, community and business members.
• We will foster a nurturing environment in which each student is valued.
• We will provide a broad spectrum of traditional, career, pre-AP and AP courses in junior and senior
high schools.
• We will provide opportunities for each student to participate in extra curricular activities that will
expand their skills and sense of accomplishment.
Keyboards All Around
courtesy Glen Gilley
T
National Board Certified Choral
Music Director Gaye McClure
is pictured here at the All-State
Choral Music Concert with some
of the record number of Southside
choral music students selected to
participate in the 2010 All-State
Choir. The success of McClure
and her students is supported by
foundational music instruction
provided in elementary schools and
by junior high choral music teachers
Dennis Burton and Keith Reeves.
The Southside High School Volleyball Team won the
2009-2010 Arkansas 7A Volleyball Championship.
Athletics and many other extra-curricular activities
provide a wealth of opportunities for students who
are developing individual skills and talents.
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he 7,700 plus students who attend Fort Smith Public School
District elementary schools participate in weekly music instruction.
Now, that instruction includes access to piano keyboard laboratories.
Superintendent Dr. Benny Gooden said, “Access to these instruments
enhances the rich opportunities that every child has to develop individual
musical talents and skills.”
When the Board of Education approved the District’s American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) spending plan, it included a budget item
supporting the purchase of keyboard labs for each of the 19 elementary
schools. Gooden said, “Elementary music teachers presented the idea at a
staff forum on ARRA spending. They offered a strong argument supporting
the kind of instructional benefit the keyboards provided for every child. The
administration and board agreed.”
The computerized instruments have a full-keyboard range, but can be
digitally set as two units allowing 30 students access to 15 stations. The
teacher presents a lesson and demonstrates. Then the students respond.
Head-sets make the classroom environment virtually noise-free, and allow
the teacher the benefit of listening to and encouraging students individually
as well as to communicate with the whole group. Students are physically
and creatively engaged in this kind of learning. The keyboard labs provide
the additional benefit of access to another type of technology and an
application for that technology.
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Safe & Healthy Schools
All students and staff will demonstrate responsible behavior.
• We will create schools which are genuine communities of respect and learning.
• We will teach conflict resolution skills to all students.
• We will provide comprehensive prevention and intervention systems that will ensure a positive and
safe learning environment.
• We will respond to the needs of students, parents, and staff in the event of local or national crisis.
• We will teach students to make healthy decisions.
Healthy Choices, Healthy Children
These are examples.
• More than 120 FSPS third graders
participated in after-school tennis lessons
in the spring. Physical education teachers
accompanied students to afternoon lessons,
and at the end of the six-week period the
third graders played in a city-wide tennis
tournament for fun and recognition. The
event sponsored by District P.E. teachers is designed to introduce students
from all parts of the city to the game of tennis as well as to promote the healthy
choice of exercise. Colleen Orick, Euper Lane P.E. teacher, noted a substantial
increase in participation in the second city-wide introduction to tennis and
tennis tournament.
• Kimmons Junior High School is also celebrating its second year of success and
community support for its PE4Life initiatives. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield continues to be a major contributor to the program which now includes an
introductory upper elementary project at Sutton Elementary School. PE4Life has
refined the physical education program at Kimmons making it more engaging in
the added variety. According to their teachers and the Kimmons administrators,
the students who are working harder in P.E. are less likely to misbehave. Discipline
statistics confirm this observation.
• Good nutrition is also a growing concern as the rates of childhood obesity
increase. One of the ways which teachers and parents are working together to
combat this nationwide problem is by introducing students to the concept of
making healthy fast food choices. Euper Lane Elementary school students sampled
items from the menus of Taco Bell and Wendy’s among many others. The food was
purchased with money received by the school from a good nutrition grant.
courtesy Glen Gilley
(Above) The sixth-grade track meet is an
annual staple in the end-of-the-year schedule
of events. (Below) Euper Lane students
sample healthy fast foods.
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afe and Healthy Schools—The goal ‘boils
down’ to emphasizing and modeling
responsible choices and encouraging good
decisions, while always tending to the details
which make schools safe and nurturing places
to be. Some of these decisions might include
a choice to exercise, a choice to eat healthy
food in moderation, and a choice to interact
respectfully with others. So, teachers offer
a variety of opportunities that make these
choices applicable and relevant.
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Family and Community Involvement
Families and community members are partners in education, supporting each
child’s academic and social progress.
• We will promote a sense of pride and ownership in the Fort Smith Public Schools throughout
the community.
• We will emphasize strong community relations by encouraging involvement through Partners in
Education, PTA, the Fort Smith Education Foundation and other volunteer programs.
• We will improve communication within our community, especially senior members.
• We will provide our staff with the skills to effectively engage families in their children’s education.
Welcome Energy and Influence
• future focus > > >
• Christine Hardin, (pictured) Ramsey PTA President and
local American Red Cross CPR/Lifesaving Instructor, was
surprised beyond belief when the Arkansas PTA President
called her name as the recipient of the 2010 Arkansas PTA
Heroic Effort Award. She wrote a grant to provide CPR
Training for Ramsey students and received enough money
to train students throughout the District. With an overall
stamp of approval for the project, Hardin promptly organized,
facilitated and completed CPR training for 8th and 9th grade
students in Fort Smith and in the surrounding area. The grant
from Medtronics has a three-year renewal option allowing
Hardin to train 1000 more students each year the grant is
renewed. Hardin said, “I submitted the project for Ramsey
Junior High as a potential candidate for the Arkansas PTA
Health and Safety Award.” But, the Fort Smith City Council of
PTAs had other ideas. They changed her application pointing
the success of the project squarely toward her persistent and
heroic effort.
• Keith Cummings, Gerber Products, is a long-time Partner
In Education with Howard Elementary School as well as a
member of the Partners Advisory Board. During this school
year, Cummings introduced and advocated the idea of a
Partner In Education-sponsored city-wide food drive to benefit
the Fort Smith Area Community Services Clearinghouse
Back Pack Meals for Kids program. Through his efforts
and the energy of many more, FSPS Partners In Education
delivered pallets of food and several cash donations for the
Clearinghouse Back Pack program.
Clearinghouse Executive Director Rick Foti said, “By the
time it was all over, we had eight pallets of food and enough
cash to make a total donation of $10,000 in value. The added
value for us came in the fact that we had only to buy minimal
food to finish out the year in the Meals For Kids program, and
that one project allowed us to get our budget back into the
black for the first time since August 2009.”
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• These are only two examples of dozens (and dozens) of projects,
programs and activities that are initiated and sustained by
parents, Partners and community members throughout FSPS.
School Board President Deanie Mehl presents 2010 Arkansas
Scholar Medals. The Arkansas Scholars program, which is
sponsored by the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce,
emphasizes a solid work and attendance ethic as well as rigorous
study and good grades among secondary school students.
Christine shares her passion and spreads her
concerns for the importance of CPR/Lifesaving
skills to everyone she meets. She knows that
many Jr. High/High School students are left
at home caring for younger siblings or elderly
adults and wanted to provide students with the
skills to recognize emergency situations and
how to respond to them.
—Debbie Everly, Fort Smith City Council
of PTAs Membership Chair
P.O. Box 1948 • 3205 Jenny Lind Rd.
Fort Smith, AR 72902-1948
(479) 785-2501
www.FortSmithSchools.org
School Board
Administration
Deanie Mehl, Ph.D., President
Shannon Blatt, Vice President
Wyman R. Wade, Jr., Secretary
Jeannie Cole
Barbara Hathcock
David Hunton, M.D.
Yvonne Keaton-Martin
2010
Benny L. Gooden, Ed.D.
Future
Focus
Good Things Are Happening
in Fort Smith Public Schools
Superintendent of Schools
Gordon C. Floyd, Ed.D.
Deputy Superintendent
Brenda Sellers, Ed.D.
Associate Superintendent for Human Resources
and Support Services
Barry Owen, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services