Superintendent's Scoop

Dear Panthers,

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! I hope each of you had a restful and enjoyable holiday break, filled with time spent with loved ones and moments of joy. As we step into the new year, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the second semester, which will officially begin on January 8, 2025.

Reflecting on a Successful First Semester

The first semester of the 2024-2025 school year has been filled with many successes, and I am incredibly proud of all that our students, staff, and community have accomplished together. Across the district, we’ve seen outstanding achievements, including:

• Dedication to Advancing Academic Achievement: I have witnessed so many of our teachers and staff working tirelessly to support every student’s academic success. Whether collaborating with peers to improve instructional techniques, spending extra time with students who need additional help, or exploring new and innovative ways to engage students in the classroom, our staff is fully committed to helping each student reach their full potential.

• Athletics: Our student-athletes have demonstrated remarkable talent, determination, and sportsmanship, achieving great success on the field, court, and track. From football and volleyball to cross-country and other sports, our athletes have made us proud, exemplifying the spirit of teamwork and perseverance.

• Fine Arts: Our fine arts programs continue to thrive, showcasing the incredible creativity and hard work of our students. From band and choir performances to theater productions and visual arts exhibitions, our students have brought their artistic passions to life and earned recognition for their talent and dedication.

• Career and Technical Education (CTE): Our CTE programs are helping students prepare for a wide range of careers, and this semester we’ve seen outstanding growth in these areas. Students have excelled in programs such as robotics, healthcare, business, and our CASS program, gaining hands-on experience and skills that will serve them well in the future.

We are proud to offer these opportunities for our students to excel not only academically but also in extracurricular and career-focused pursuits. These programs continue to provide valuable experiences that equip our students for success in a rapidly changing world.

January is School Board Appreciation Month

We are fortunate to have such a dedicated school board. The members—Mr. Travis Jackson, Mr. Chris Horton, Mr. Aric Bergthold, Mr. Heath Nance, and Mr. Brian Lamb—each bring a wealth of unique knowledge and experience to our board. They all have a servant’s heart and work diligently to ensure that our school district continues to put students first. I personally want to thank each of them for their unwavering support of our mission, "Changing Lives Through Educational Excellence."

A Focus on Mental Health and Well-Being

One of our top priorities is the mental health and well-being of our students. We recognize the importance of supporting not only the academic needs but also the emotional and psychological needs of our students. Throughout the second semester, we will continue our efforts to provide resources, counseling services, and positive coping strategies. We encourage parents and guardians to stay connected with our school counselors and staff as we work together to ensure every student feels supported and valued.

A Thank You to Our Community

None of our successes would be possible without the ongoing support of our community. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our parents, volunteers, and community members who contribute to the success of Siloam Springs School District. Whether you’re involved in the PTO, Booster Clubs, volunteering in a school, or offering encouragement to students and staff, your involvement makes a world of difference. We are better as a district with you involved.

Let’s Make the Second Semester Even Better!

As we look forward to a fresh start in January, let’s work together to make the second semester one of growth, learning, and success. Let’s continue to challenge ourselves, celebrate our accomplishments, and support each other every step of the way.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. Let’s make 2025 the best year yet!

Sincerely,
Shane Patrick

Go Panthers!

• K-4 Report Cards going home the week of January 6, 2025
• 5-12 Report Cards going home the week of January 13, 2025

• Students return from break and second semester begins: January 8, 2025

• January 14, 2025

• January 15th in the SSHS Cafeteria 3:45 - 5:00 pm
• Students and parents in grades 6-11, you're invited to our Come-and-Go Showcase! Explore the amazing career and college pathways we offer and discover how we can help prepare your student for their future! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to learn more!!

• January 16th at the Middle School starting at 5:30pm

• January 16th, 18th, and 19th

• January 20, 2025

• February 3rd - 7th

• February 13th and 18th

• February 17th

On December 6, 2024, the Siloam Springs Public School Foundation embarked on a special mission to recognize and reward the outstanding work of our district's educators. The Foundation team visited various schools, surprising fifteen deserving teachers with well-earned grants.

These grants, funded by the generous support of the community, will be used to implement innovative projects that enhance student learning experiences. From STEM initiatives and literacy programs to art projects and technology upgrades, these grants will have a positive impact on our students and teachers. We extend our sincere gratitude to the SSPSF for their dedication to supporting our schools and educators. Their efforts inspire us all to strive for excellence.

On December 12, 2024, Siloam Springs School Resource Officer Corporal Joshua Fritz was honored as Officer of the Year for Benton County by the Arkansas Attorney General's Office. What an awesome, well-deserved award.

Corporal Fritz currently serves as an SRO in Northside Elementary and Main Street Academy.

I want to recognize the dedicated and highly talented Technology Department here in the Siloam Springs School District. These employees work tirelessly to keep all things technology running smoothly. They are responsible for many things in our district, including but not limited to cybersecurity, the district network, software, hardware, equipment repairs, video security, digital technology, and many other systems that allow our staff and students to perform at a high level. Simply put, they are incredible!

We want to inform the community about the upcoming construction work at the Intermediate School, which is currently in the preliminary planning stages. The main goal of this project is to improve the security of the school’s entrance, ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and families. While we already have secure procedures in place, this revised entrance will help streamline the process, making it even more efficient. During construction, there may be changes to the usual drop-off routine, and the area will likely become a construction zone with increased traffic. We kindly ask for your patience as we work through this process. The project is expected to begin towards the end of the semester, and we wanted to give the community an early heads-up so that everyone can anticipate these changes. Safety remains our top priority, and we look forward to the positive impact this project will have in the future.