HOME OF THE BLACKHAWKS

HOME OF THE BLACKHAWKS

Mr. Rick Neal Superintendent of Schools 781 W. Pickens Rd. Pea Ridge, AR 72751 Phone: 479-451-8181 Fax: 479-451-8235 Email: rneal@prs.k12.ar.usdear Pea Ridge Schools Students, Staff, Parents and Community Members, Welcome to another new school year. The 2012-13 school year promises to be a great one. I would like to take this opportunity to say I am honored and very excited to be your Superintendent of Schools. The Pea Ridge School District is one of the finest school districts in the state. Since serving as high school principal here at Pea Ridge for the last seven years, I have learned the tradition of excellence that exists is due to the wonderful people of our community and the hard work of our students and staff. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about me and my family. First and foremost, I am a husband and father. My wife Sheila and I have two adult boys 27 and 23 years old. My wife coaches and teaches at Central Junior High in Springdale. My sons will be entering their senior years of college and hopefully graduating in May. Our boys are far from perfect but they are good guys. I tell you this because my experiences as a father have helped to shape me as an educator and a leader. I deeply believe in a quality and comprehensive education for all students. Pea Ridge is known not only for its academic excellence and extracurricular programs, but also for the positive and healthy relationships between staff and students. I take very seriously that you have entrusted the young people of this community to our care and expect our fine staff to give their best day in and day out. My mission as your Superintendent is also my passion and is the reason I do what I do. That is, to maintain and grow a rigorous teaching and learning environment that provides every student with a sense of belonging while helping students to grow intellectually, emotionally and socially. It is critical to every student s success that they graduate from high school with the habits of mind and skills necessary to pursue and achieve their goals and dreams. I was fortunate enough to have several days this past spring and summer to work with Dr. Roland Smith. It was truly a pleasure learning from an incredible teacher and now lifelong friend. Last spring and this summer, I visited schools and classrooms, participated in construction meetings and worked with our leadership team developing work goals that will maintain our excellence and drive us toward continuous improvement. There is much for your students to be excited about when they return on Monday, Aug. 20. We will be opening our new Intermediate School downtown. All of our schools, most recently our new Pea Ridge Alternative Learning Academy, has been renovated and updated to give students and teachers the space and enhanced technology they need for 21st century learning. Finally, the process has begun for the construction of the new football stadium. Our community, school board and stakeholders are excited. Respectfully, Rick Neal, Superintendent

UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: 2013-2014 New Football Stadium Additional classrooms at Middle School & High School 650 Seat Auditorium 4000 Sq. Ft. Media Center School Board Members President Joshua Ramsey Vice President Jenny Wood Member Darin Wright Member Sandy Button Secretary Ann Cato Bonnie Fullmer Testing & Accountability Phone 479-451-1819 E-mail : Bfullmer@prs.k12.ar.us

Mr. Jon Laffoon High School Principal 781 W. Pickens Rd. Pea Ridge, AR 72751 Phone: 479-451-8182 Fax: 479-451-0323 Email: jlaffoon@prs.k12.ar.us Dear Students, Staff, and Parents: I am thrilled to serve as the principal of Pea Ridge High School. It is a privilege to lead this learning community during a time of incredible change and tremendous possibilities. Our challenge is to embrace the future of the 21st century and assure that our students are properly prepared to become leaders in this exciting new world. In order to accomplish this monumental task we must provide the following: a high level of personalization in every aspect of a student's high school experience, a commitment to improving technology in our schools, a proud recognition for individual and group accomplishments as well as for diligence and hard work, and, an unwavering commitment to the development of character and civic responsibility in our young people. To our students, I ask that you reflect on your goals and strive not only to pursue personal excellence but also to demonstrate your perseverance and integrity. Know that I am here to support and encourage you as you explore different possibilities and grow as learners. Remember that with these opportunities, comes both a personal and collective responsibility to be supportive of one another. I will count on you to go beyond tolerance and treat all members of our community with respect. A school that aspires to greatness can expect no less. To our staff, I pledge my commitment to work together as we strive to fulfill our district s vision, The mission of Pea Ridge School District is to provide a safe environment, to increase Literacy and Math skills, learn communication skills through verbal and written means, and mold young people to be lifelong learners and productive members of society. We pursue these goals from a background of strong values and cultural heritage. Our district depends on our community to support the achievement of our vision, and we are committed to developing the relationships and resources to achieve these goals. The district serves as a foundation for the future success for our students. In preparing our students for this 21st century world, we must find our strength in a shared determination to inspire students to find their passion and challenge them in new ways to follow their dreams, while assuring that we do our part to ensure that they have the skills necessary to achieve those dreams. To our parents, it is through your support that we make a significant difference in the lives of our students. As we strive to take Pea Ridge beyond its state standing as an exemplary high school, our partnership becomes that much more critical. The Pea Ridge community has dedicated itself completely to the education of its students and has placed great trust in our schools. I understand the importance of this trust and vow to work for the best interests of our students and community. Serving as principal at Pea Ridge High School is as great an honor as it is a responsibility. I believe that the foundation of our future accomplishments will be found in the power of our combined efforts and the strength of our community. I look forward working with you. Sincerely, Jon Laffoon

High School Programs & Activities 1-4A Athletic Conference Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track Golf, Volleyball, Softball, Cross Country Cheerleading, Drama, FBLA, FCA FCCLA, FFA, NHS, Spanish, Yearbook Student Council, Choir. Art, Band Newsletter, Gifted & Talented Total Enrollment: Grades 9-12 2010-2011 457 Students 2011-2012 472 Students 2012-2013 488 Students

Ms. Sue McElroy Middle School Principal 1391 Weston Street Pea Ridge, AR 72751 Phone: 479-451-0620 Fax: 479-451-0624 Email: sterry@prs.k12.ar.us Welcome to the Pea Ridge Middle School. The faculty, staff, and I anticipate this year and every year to be a time of excitement, growth, and educational success. We are committed to creating a safe environment conducive to learning and mastery of essential skills where all students are challenged to work hard and maintain high academic standards. Pea Ridge Middle School has been recognized by the state of Arkansas and the National Center for Educational Achievement as being one of the top middle schools in the state of Arkansas for the last three years. This recognition is a direct result of the continuing hard work of our faculty and students along with the involvement and support of our parents and community. Parental involvement is an essential part of the academic success of the student. We welcome and encourage parents to become involved with the school and their student s education. Our goal at Pea Ridge Middle School is to foster the abilities, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for our students to become lifelong learners and responsible, productive members of society. Sue McElroy, Principal

Middle School Programs & Activities Integrated Curriculum Future Business Leaders of America 1 4A Athletic Conference Football, Basketball Track, Cross Country Cheerleading, Volleyball Gifted & Talented, Band, Choir Accelerated Reader Quiz Bowl, Art Student Council Total Enrollment: Grades 6-8 2010-2011 377 Students 2011-2012 386 Students 2012-2013 401 Students 2011-2012 OEP Office of Education Policy Advanced Math 93% Advanced Literacy 87% Overall Grade 3.44

Mrs. Sarah Stokes Intermediate School Principal 1391 Weston Street Pea Ridge, AR 72751 Phone: 479-451-0620 Fax: 479-451-0624 Email: sterry@prs.k12.ar.us Total Enrollment: Grades 3-5 2010-2011 402 Students 2011-2012 458 Students 2012-2013 447 Students Welcome to Pea Ridge Intermediate School! The town of Pea Ridge is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in the northwest corner of Arkansas. Historically known for the pivotal Battle of Pea Ridge in which 26,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought during the Civil War, Pea Ridge is now a bedroom community to the larger city of Bentonville. Pea Ridge Intermediate School is proud to be the only school in the district that has continued to operate on the original site since 1880. Following five years of private subscription school which met at the Lodge Hall at Buttram s Chapel from 1874-1879, a new, native brick public school known as the Pea Ridge Academy was built for the Fall 1880 school term on the property where the Intermediate School now resides. In 1884, the Academy was certified by the University of Arkansas to teach college level courses, and the building space was then shared by the new Pea Ridge College and the Pea Ridge Public School which served grades one through eight. During the 1890s, the school realized a series of brief changes. For three years, the public school met at the Hilltop School west of downtown before returning to the college building on North Davis Street. The college became Mt. Vernon Normal College with emphasis on teacher training, and then with financial support from area Masonic Lodges, it became known as Mt. Vernon Masonic College, and the emphasis shifted to business education. The college closed in 1916, and the public school became the sole owner of the property. In 1930, a new, red-brick building was constructed to house grades one through twelve. Through the years, the district has experienced significant growth, considerable new construction, and the necessary reconfiguration of grade levels. These changes have kept the Intermediate School, housing grades three through five, on the original Davis Street property. Currently, Pea Ridge Intermediate School is enjoying its own new building. Two older brick buildings have been renovated and seamlessly connected to 38,000 square feet of new construction. With new facilities, a new Common Core curriculum, an exemplary staff of individuals who care about the safety and education of our children, and approximately 450 excellent students who are ready to learn each day, Pea Ridge Intermediate School is THE place to be!

Intermediate School Programs & Activities Accelerated Reader Reading Renaissance Gifted & Talented Special Education Birthday Book Club Art, PTO 2011-2012 OEP Office of Education Policy Advanced Math 87% Advanced Literacy 88% Overall Grade 3.41

Mr. Keith Martin Primary School Principal 1411 Weston Street Pea Ridge, AR 72751 Phone: 479-451-8183 Fax: 479-451-0325 Email: kmartin@prs.k12.ar.us Welcome to Pea Ridge Primary School! We are pleased that you have taken the time to visit Pea Ridge Primary s new website. Our hope is that you find our website to be user-friendly, and after your visit, you will have a good idea of all we have to offer. Pea Ridge Primary is a wonderful place for students to grow educationally and socially. We strive to create an environment where each and every student is given the attention necessary to achieve his/her individual success. All of this is made possible by strong partnerships that are developed with our parents and community. I hope that our website will assist in this endeavor. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Go Blackhawks! Keith Martin

Primary Programs & Activities Accelerated Reader Reading Renaissance Gifted & Talented Special Education Birthday Book Club Art, PTO Total Enrollment: Grades K-2 2010-2011 399 Students 2011-2012 362 Students 2012-2013 351 Students Mr. Aaron Gaffigan Director of Pea Ridge Academy 1460 N. Davis Street Pea Ridge, AR 72751 Phone: 479-451-0004 Fax: 479-451-0237 Email: agaffigan@prs.k12.ar.us Total Enrollment: Grades 6-12 2012-2013 24 Students

PEA RIDGE ALMA MATER HAIL MIGHTY BLACKHAWKS SOAR HIGH ABOVE ALL OF THE TREE TOPS AND THE RIVERS ARE FOREVER YOURS TO CLAIM. HAIL, ALMA MATER HOME, WHERE WE FLY WE WILL SING FOR PEA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL OUR HEARTS FULL OF PRIDE. MISSION STATEMENT The Mission of the Pea Ridge School District is to: *Create a safe environment. *Increase Literacy and Math Skills. *Learn communication skills through verbal and written means. *Mold young people to be lifelong learners and productive members of society.