Arkadelphia Public Schools

Our Faculty Graduate Spotlight today is on our Peake Elementary School Nurse Spenser O’Brien! Nurse Spenser completed her Master of Science in Nursing in May 2024 from Henderson State University. Congratulations! We are so grateful to have you as part of our Badger team! #BadgerPride

The Arkadelphia Public Schools Administrative Team held their annual retreat last weekend to Set Sail for Success—an inspiring theme! Our team is already hard at work preparing for the 2025-2026 school year. During a break, they enjoyed a scenic tour of Lake DeGray, learned a bit of history, and even spotted a bald eagle! Special thanks to Dawson Co-op Director Darin Beckwith and Communications Specialist Katie Brown for spending time with our leadership group. #BadgerPride

AHS Junior Clark Wingfield received a Badger Pride Award at the May School Board meeting! Legacy on Pine Street, part of Clark’s AP Art Portfolio, was selected for display at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion during the month of April. Clark’s piece was one of only 60 chosen from 300 student entries statewide, which were based on Arkansas History for the Governor’s Young Artist Competition. Students were honored at an Awards Reception/Recognition ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in May. Clark’s piece is a scale model of a home that has been in his family for generations and now houses the family’s insurance business. His art teacher, Candace Eriksson, shared that Clark has a special talent for creating detailed scale model art. Congratulations, Clark! #BadgerPride

This summer, we want to shine a spotlight on our 2025 Arkadelphia Faculty Graduates. The Spotlight today is on Goza Social Studies Teacher Michael Ankton. Mr. Ankton graduated in May from Henderson State University with his Building Level, Master of Science in Educational Leadership. Mr. Ankton was also recently reappointed to the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Teacher Leader Council for the 2025-26 school year. He serves as the Clark County Justice of the Peace for District 2. Congratulations to Mr. Ankton on your outstanding accomplishments! #BadgerPride

📣 Badger Pride Spotlight! Nicole McGough was honored with a Badger Pride Award at the May School Board meeting! She was nominated by Peake Counselor De'Shae Craig for her outstanding dedication and the exceptional support she provides to our school community. Nicole has led the Acorn Project, which facilitates the funds and manpower to have food ready to send home each weekend for students who need it. Her efforts are making a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and care she pours into this initiative. Thank you, Nicole, for all you have done! We are grateful to you and all those who have helped feed students. 💙 #BadgerPride

We hope your summer is starting well. We are sharing our 2025-26 School Calendar once again as you make plans for the next few months. Here is the link to the PDF versions: www.arkadelphiaschools.org/documents/state-required-documents/calendars/2025-2026-apsd-academic-calendar/774797 #BadgerPride

The AHS Band Program was presented a Badger Pride Award at the May Board of Education meeting. They were recognized for earning top honors in their classification at ASBOA State Concert Assessment with the 1st Division Wind Ensemble and the Honor Ensemble--High Points. Representing the band at the meeting were Head Band Director Larry Brown, Assistant Band Director Ondrea Green, along with students David Garrett, Ezra Campbell, Amelia Price, and Hayden Darby. Congratulations, Arkadelphia Band on an outstanding year! #BadgerPride

We have exciting things to share about Ms. Sharon Ford, 2024-25 Goza Paraprofessional. Jodie Daniell nominated Ms. Ford for a Badger Pride Award in May. Ms. Daniell shared that the students Ms. Ford has worked with this year made great strides in reading, spelling, and comprehension. She works to make sure they complete their lessons and reminds them to work hard in the classroom as well. Sharon Ford earned her Bachelor of Science in Education K-12, Cum Laude, from Henderson State University in December 2024 . We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Ford will be joining the faculty at Peake Elementary School as a Special Education teacher in August. We are so blessed to have Sharon Ford in the Badger Family. Congratulations! #BadgerPride

This is a reminder that FREE meals begin tomorrow for children up to 18 years old in the Peake Elementary and Goza Middle School Cafeterias. Breakfast is served 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Lunch is served 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Thank you.

The BX3 Team at AHS was recognized at the May School Board meeting. The team members are Sarah Brawley, Tiffany Edwards, Garrett Garner, Jill Hardin, Shalonda McCoy-Johnson, and Elizabeth Morris. AHS was accepted into the Arkansas Behavior Support Specialist BX3 Project Cohort in 2023-2024. The BX3 team started this year off by working with AHS faculty and students to communicate student behavior expectations within school common areas. At the end of the year, the team identified tardies as a significant issue. They initiated a challenge to the students, promising a reward to the winning grade level. The freshmen won the competition and earned a “DONUT be Late” celebration with games, food, music, and some line dancing. Thank you team for your work this year! #BadgerPride

The Arkadelphia Public School District offices and buildings will observe summer hours until the week of August 4th. This means that office hours are extended on Monday through Thursday starting this week. All offices are closed on Friday. Offices will also be closed on July 4th for the Independence Day holiday. #BadgerPride

Reading Teacher Joan Crowder was recognized with a Badger Pride this month. This year, Joan has worked with students at AHS and Goza. She was nominated by Jodie Daniell, who shares, “She has helped me with dyslexia screenings and testing on both campuses. Her students have made so much progress this year. I love hearing them say, ‘I can read and spell so much better, now!’” So proud of our students and their hard work to get to this point. We appreciate Ms. Crowder’s dedication to making sure students are getting what they need to be successful! #BadgerPride

In the May Board of Education meeting, fourth-grade student Lucas Feller and fifth-grade students Georgia Neal, Parker Roberson, and Thomas Tennyson were recognized for volunteering to raise funds for the American Cancer Society through the Soldiers of Service Walk-a-thon. These students were presented with this opportunity by Mrs. Brandi Cotton in their GT classes. Together, the students raised $1,145, which was donated. Parker and Thomas also participated in the Walkathon held on May 10. We are so proud of each one of you! Special thanks to Mrs. Cotton for all the wonderful opportunities and learning experiences she has given to our students. Amazing job! 💙 #BadgerPride

The staff at each school were treated to their favorite Sonic drink this spring. TTAG provided Sonic drinks and also delivered some free drinks that our local Sonic provided to schools during Teacher Appreciation Week 2025. Thank you, TTAG and Sonic, for supporting our staff! These gestures brightened our days! #BadgerPride

We’re proud to recognize Ms. Ball for her dedication and compassion. She received this month's Badger Pride award. Each morning this year, she’s committed her time to support a student helping them grow academically and build confidence along the way. Thanks to her consistent support, the student has made remarkable progress since starting interventions last year. Thank you, Ms. Ball, for going above and beyond! #BadgerPride

Peake Elementary Paraprofessional Haydon Helms was presented a Badger Pride Award this month. Haydon was nominated by Jodie Daniell, Arkadelphia Dyslexia Interventionist. Ms. Daniell shared that Mr. Helms has worked with two students who have made tremendous progress this year with reading and spelling. His patience and kindness have really made an impact on the students, helping make this growth possible. Mr. Helms, we truly appreciate all you have done for our students and staff. Thank you! #BadgerPride

First year and new to the district teachers got a visit from Superintendent Nikki Thomas at the end of the school year. They received a “Survivor” Gift Bag after completing their first year with Arkadelphia Public Schools and are returning in August. We are so happy that you are a part of the Badger Family! #BadgerPride

Congratulations to Ms. Yonda Holliman, for receiving this month’s Badger Pride Award! Nominated by Ms. Daniell, Ms. Holliman has gone above and beyond in providing extra reading and spelling support to her students. Her dedication, joyful spirit, and positive approach have helped students grow in confidence and skill. We’re so thankful for her passion and impact! #BadgerPride

Congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Story for being recognized with a Badger Pride Award from Ms. Jodie Daniell for this month. Ms. Story has gone above and beyond by stepping in to support a student with additional reading help. Her commitment to learning new strategies and completing training shows her dedication to student growth. We’re excited to see the progress ahead. Thank you, Ms. Story, for making a difference every day! #BadgerPride

Today, on Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. From Arkadelphia Public Schools, we are grateful for those who represent the true meaning of this day. Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday. #BadgerPride