District Insider Newsletter
April 2024 Edition
A Note from the Superintendent's Desk
Arkansas STEM Festival
Dear LISA Family,
I am happy to share the success of the 10th Annual Arkansas STEM festival with you. Over 2,000 students, teachers, and parents were able to attend the festival, which exhibited more than 300 student STEM projects.
This is a LISA Academy tradition, and it was incredible to see the unique and creative projects that demonstrated how AI is making a difference in our lives now. I am proud of each student who competed, and offer my congratulations to the following winners, whose projects ranged from coding to engineering and beyond!
Elementary Division Winners
HM Jack and Jacob - LISA Academy Fayetteville
3rd Nnamdi - LISA Rogers-Bentonville
2nd Kira - LISA Rogers-Bentonville
1st Ilian - LISA Academy West Elementary
Junior Division Winners
HM Esha and Zyna - LISA Rogers-Bentonville
3rd Yogi and Vishak - LISA Academy West Middle
3rd Melodi - LISA North High
2nd Mina and Apple - LISA Academy West Middle
1st Haasini and Aanya - LISA Academy West Middle
Senior Division Winners
HM Yusuf - LISA North High
3rd Carlos and Kendall - LISA West High School
2nd David and Roberto - LISA North High
1st Juakeen - LISA West High School
I'd also like to thank the special guests who were able to take part in viewing the student projects and offering inspiring words to our students during the awards ceremony, including Chief of Staff Gretchen Conger, UAMS Chancellor Dr. Cam Patterson, Deputy State Health Officer Dr. Naveen Patil, Colonel Jonathan E. Tucker, State Director of Computer Science Education Adam Musto, Dr. Tolga Ensari, and Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder.
I am happy to announce that next year, the STEM Festival will take place in Northwest Arkansas! This will allow more students to participate from various areas in the state. In future years, we will alternate hosting the event between Central and Northwest Arkansas. I hope to see you in attendance next year.
Best Regards,
Dr. Fatih Bogrek
Join us at the 13th Annual Language and Culture Festival!
West Elementary Awarded Highly Effective School!
(Bloomington, IN, 04/17/2024)— LISA Academy West Elementary announced today
that it has earned Highly Effective Schools Accreditation from Solution Tree. This
accreditation is a significant achievement that reflects LISA Academy West
Elementary’s commitment to reaching and maintaining the highest levels of
educational quality. LISA Academy West Elementary earned this accreditation by
maintaining and growing identified areas having the biggest impact on student learning
and growth. These areas are directly aligned to the Professional Learning Communities
at Work® (PLC) process and the High Reliability Schools(TM) (HRS) framework.
PLCs are schools and districts that recognize the key to improved learning for students is
ongoing, job-embedded professional learning for educators. The 3 Big Ideas of the PLC
at Work process call upon educators to: (1) focus on learning, (2) build a collaborative
culture, and (3) create a results orientation. The complementary HRS framework serves
as a long-term strategic planning tool that guides school improvement in five key areas:
1. Safe, Supportive, and Collaborative Culture
2. Effective Teaching in Every Classroom
3. Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum
4. Standards-Referenced Reporting
5. Competency-Based Education
Cameron L. Rains, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Solution Tree and co-author of
Professional Learning Communities at Work® and High Reliability Schools(TM): Cultures of
Continuous Learning, explained, “In order to receive Highly Effective Schools Accreditation,
schools must put a laser-like focus on the things that really matter and make a difference for
students. We commend LISA Academy West Elementary for achieving this designation and for
going the extra mile for the learners they serve.”
To learn more about Highly Effective Schools Accreditation, please visit
National Rocketry Finalists!
TEDEd Student Talks
Sonia B. from North Middle High has been chosen to participate in the prestigious 2024 TEDEd Student Talks, set to take place during the Office of Innovation for Education Annual Innovation Rally on June 4, 2024, in Jonesboro, AR. This event promises to be a wonderful opportunity for students and educators alike to connect, learn, and celebrate the powerful ideas of young thinkers who are shaping the future.
Purple for Military Children
As a Purple Star School District, our campuses and district office wore purple to celebrate and support military children. We recognize the strength and resilience of these students on April 19 and every day!
Celebration of Student Discovery Symposium
The UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute held its 3rd Annual Celebration of Student Discovery Symposium for students and teachers in cancer research.
Aanya T., who won and placed in the regional science fairs, received an award from Dr. Thomas Kelly. Mrs. Acikgoz also joined as panelist in teacher panel. Students from West Middle presented their regional science fair projects to visitors.
Gifted and Talented Summer Camp Information
Join us to explore STEAM in the Natural State!
Gifted rising 3rd - 8th graders are invited to attend the LISA Academy GT Camp, which offers fun, stimulating activities in the STEAM fields, including art projects and games.
Snacks and lunch will be provided. Both camps will take place from 9am-3pm each day. The Northwest Arkansas camp will be hosted at the LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville campus, 590 S Horsebarn Rd, Rogers, AR 72758. The Central Arkansas camp will take place at the LISA Hybrid campus, 21 Corporate Hill Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205.
There is a two step registration process, first complete the Google Form to register, then pay using the OSP portal. In-district students can attend the camp for $100, out-of-district students are welcome to attend for $150.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our District GT Coordinator, Mrs. Julie Hartle, jhartle@lisaacademy.org.
FBI Safe Online Surfing
Students at West Elementary were able to learn about cyber safety through the FBI's Safe Online Surfing program. Cumulatively, they scored 94.1%!
Visiting the Veteran's Hospital
GT students from West High school were able to visit the Veteran's Hospital to view equipment used in surgery, experience AI situations, and even use the DaVinci Robotic Surgical machine!
VEX IQ Robotics
North Middle/High teams placed 3rd and 7th at the VEX IQ Robotics competition.
Total Eclipse
Campuses were closed on April 8 so students and staff members could safely view the solar eclipse. Students were provided safe solar-viewing glasses and several classes were able to study the phases of the moon and other solar phenomenon. Mr. Robert Tongi was able to speak with North Elementary 3rd-5th grade students.
AiC AR Educator Winner and 2024 AR Affiliate Winners
North Middle High students Neema P. and Melissa O. were recognized as 2024 Arkansas Afiliate Winners from over 3,300 students across the country. This shows their dedication in coding and technical knowledge!
Their Computer Teacher, Ms. Roza Shaimrat, was also recognized as the 2024 AiC AR Educator Winner, chosen from over 130 applicants across the country. "This accolade acknowledges my contributions to computing education and includes a cash reward and professional development funds," she said. "It also qualifies me to apply for the National NCWIT Award."
Your student will automatically receive Summer EBT if they were approved for Free or Reduced meals. No further action is required. Summer EBT benefits will be loaded to an EBT card and mailed to your home.
If you think your household may qualify, and does not already have a Free/Reduced Meal eligibility, please fill out an application here.
More information can be found at https://ar.gov/summerebt
Math Kangaroo
As a STEM-focused school, we celebrate math awareness all year! Both West Middle and Rogers-Bentonville campuses hosted Math Kangaroo competitions. It was an excellent experience for students and parents, and they enjoyed solving challenging Math questions.
Arkansas State Science Olympiad Wins
West Middle and North Middle participated in the state Science Olympiad competition, which is dedicated to inspiring a passion for science by providing hands-on activities and stimulating a creative atmosphere for science and technology. West Middle placed 1st in Division B and was also awarded the Ray Montague trophy.
Some will advance to the National Science Olympiad competition, which will take place in Michigan.
3rd Place LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Tower
3rd Place LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Wheeled Vehicle
1st Place LISA North MS
2nd Place LISA West MS
Division B Microbe Mission
1st Place LISA West MS Team 1
2nd Place LISA West MS Team 2
Division B Road Scholar
2nd Place LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Wheeled Vehicle
2nd Place LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Forestry
3rd place LISA North MS
Division B Meteorology
1st Place LISA West MS Team 1
2nd Place LISA West MS Team 2
Division B Agricultural Science
1st Place LISA West Team 2
3rd Place LISA West Team 1
Division B Anatomy and Physiology Division B Dynamic Planet
2nd Place LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Tower
2nd Place LISA North MS
3rd Place LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Flight
1st Place LISA West MS Team 1
2nd Place LISA North MS
Division B Reach for the Stars
LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Fossils
LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Disease Detectives
2nd Place LISA West MS Team 1
3rd Place LISA West MS Team 2
Division B Wind Power
1st Place LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Agricultural Science
3rd Place LISA West MS Team 1
Division B Fast Facts
2nd Place LISA West MS Team 2
Division B Microbe Mission
2nd Place LISA West MS Team 2
Division B Anatomy and Physiology
1st Place LISA West MS Team 1
Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge
3 students have been recognized in the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge, which is the premier STEM competition for middle school students in the United States.
According to the organization, only the top 10% of middle school projects nationwide are invited to
apply online for the national competition.
Congratulations to Pranjal A. for achieving first place and Soha K. for achieving third place. Students Anvi S. and Sasha M. also received Honorable Mentions.
A Unique Visitor
Strike, the Arkansas Naturals baseball team mascot, was able to visit the Springdale campus to celebrate a team win.
Project ADAM Heart Safe School
The Rogers-Bentonville campus are LISA Academy's 4th campus to be a nationally-recognized heart safe school. This continued effort is in partnership with Arkansas Children's Hospital and local fire and rescue teams. The team of staff members, led by Nurse Abigail and Ms. Ussery, were complimented as being "one of the top 10 schools to be designated in the state and possibly the most prepared team assessed," according to Charles Wooley, BSN, RN, Outreach Coordinator with Arkansas Children's Hospital.
All LISA campuses designated to this point have received the highest praise on their fast response times and overall campus preparedness, which speaks to the level of professionalism of our teams.
Becoming designated and nationally recognized as "heart safe" provides an addded layer of reassurance to our students, staff, and families in the event of a medical/cardiac emergency that staff are on hand, trained, and ready to respond at a moment's notice. This effort is ongoing at all LISA campuses as we speak with staff and students on education, practice drills, and CPR and AED certifications. Additional campuses are preparing to be designated.
Please continue to support your Campus Nurses and CODE Blue teams through spreading the word on how to act in case of an emergency. Time saves lives!
Career Talks
Thank you to Ashley French, Director of Talent Management and Recruiting at the Arkansas Center for Data Science, for sharing insights on IT careers during one of West High's career talks.
Girls of Promise Conference
Students from West Middle were able to attend the Girls of Promise conference to learn more about STEAM careers through breakout sessions and speakers. These 8th graders enjoyed the activities and learning more about STEAM careers!
National STEM Finalist
West Middle student Vishak was able to travel to Washington, D.C. to showcase his national STEM Challenge project, which explored using drones for seed planting. He was able to appear on THV 11's "The Vine" morning show, and was also able to catch up with Arkansas Congressman French Hill in Washington! "It was encouraging to see such bright-minded young students already working to address global issues," he said, "I thank all who participated for their hard work and dedication to STEM!"
All State Coding
Lunchtime Leader Program Continues
Seniors from North High are mentoring 5th graders at North Elementary during lunchtime to encourage students to become future leaders of tomorrow. The high school students are able to gain volunteer hours to count towards graduation as well!
ACTM State Competition
Congratulations to Lily Q., who took third place in the Algebra 1 round of the State ACTM Math competition!