Partners in Education

As part of the district Portraits project, we are asking for your input. Please take a few minutes to list those qualities you feel that every graduate and leader needs to possess.

Your input is important and we look forward to your answers!

1st Quarter Deadline - October 27, 2024

• District employees who have worked for the district for five years or less may be nominated for the Ignite Award. This recognizes their energy and willingness to serve up a great education for students. These new employees demonstrate commitment to students, professional learning and leadership development.

• A Kind Counts Award recognizes employees who are models of respect and kindness, and who build meaningful and productive relationships with students and colleagues.

• The Foundation’s Every Day Leader Award is designed as a shout-out to great employees who make a significant sustained impact on learning in and out of the classroom.

The nomination form is currently open and accepting nominations through OCTOBER 27, 2024 for the 1st quarter of 2024-2025! Nominate FSPS Staff here.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our Partners in Education, educators, mentors and volunteers! We had a great time recognizing our Partner award recipients, Presidential Service Award medal winners, and our district volunteers.

We'd like to thank the Fort Smith Area Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring lunch, Peak Innovation Center for hosting the event, and all those involved in making the day such a huge success.

Check out Facebook for more pictures! #FSPSEveryDay

Mark your calendar for our next celebration, May 29, 2025 @ Peak Innovation Center!

Someone misplaced their glasses at the PIE Conference. If these look familiar, let us know! Email Genevieve at gmartin@fortsmithschools.org.

Our Partners in Education conference at Southside was incredible! Over 300 people came together to learn about area organizations, mentoring, FSPS and opportunities to be involved in the community.

A special thanks goes out to our presenters and to Southside High School who hosted the conference. We look forward to seeing how the community comes together to support each other in the months ahead.

Check out some pics on Facebook #FSPSEveryDay

Our next PIE conference is scheduled for July 31, 2025 @ Peak. See you there!

Mrs. Franklin @ Orr Elementary is the winner of this year's J.B. Hunt Transport Adopt-A-Class program! One of their drivers nominated Mrs. Franklin and she won!

Every year, drivers nominate a teacher who has gone above and beyond for their students’ education, entering them for a chance to win a $1,000 donation for school supplies.

J. B. Hunt Transport would like to thank Orr Elementary & Mrs. Franklin for providing an education and environment that has made such an impact in the lives of theirs drivers and their families!

Application deadline April 5, 2025:

Continuing Education award

Tom Cooley Space Academy for Educators grant (teams of 2)

BLG AASA Scholarship (graduating seniors)

Application deadline April 8, 2025:

Instructional Mini-grant

Super Grant

Bud Jackson Teamwork Award

Norma Shaffer Partnership of the Year

Cathy Williams Partner of the Year

See, Think, Build

Interested in becoming a Partner in Education, Volunteer or Mentor?

If so, please fill out an application.

Need more information about being a Partner in Education? Here's a quick FAQ sheet to answer some of your questions!

The Partners in Education (PIE) Program establishes mutually beneficial relationships between businesses and schools. The business, community agency or organization and partner school commit themselves to reciprocal activities that are based on the needs and resources. Partnership activities and events are aligned with the goals of the school and school district. For more information, contact Zena Featherston Marshall, Executive Director of Community & Business Partnerships at 479-785-2501, ext. 91301 or email zfeatherston@fortsmithschools.org.