District Insider Newsletter

Dear LISA Family,

This month has been filled with excitement as we held our annual enrollment lottery, offering seats to a new group of bright and eager learners. It is always a joy to see so many families enthusiastic about joining our school community, and we are thrilled to begin this journey with our new students.

While the lottery has concluded, I want to remind everyone that it’s not too late to apply. We are still accepting applications, and seats will continue to be offered to students from our waiting list as they become available. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming part of our vibrant and innovative learning environment, you can apply here.

I would also like to congratulate LISA Academy Springdale, Rogers-Bentonville Middle School, North Middle and High Schools, and West High for receiving recognition from the Office of Education Policy for demonstrated growth by students on the ATLAS test on regional and statewide levels.

The OEP awards are a true testament to the dedication of LISA Academy students, reflecting their hard work and perseverance in pursuit of academic excellence. These achievements demonstrate how LISA Academy's mission-- providing a high-quality, rigorous education-- empowers students to grow, excel, and reach their full potential. With the unwavering support of teachers and a strong academic foundation, students are prepared not only to achieve today but also to thrive in the future, equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in higher education and beyond.

Best Regards,

Dr. Fatih Bogrek

“This is a monumental achievement for our school, and we are honored to be the first in the state to receive this designation,” said Hallee Hughes, Assistant Principal of LISA Academy North High School. “Our mission has always been to cultivate well-rounded students who excel academically and as leaders in their communities. This recognition affirms our efforts and commitment to character education.” Dr. Fuat Bakisli, Principal of LISA West Middle School.

LISA Academy, known for its focus on STEM and college readiness, has embraced character education as a crucial component of student success. The Leader in Me framework, based on Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is integrated into daily instruction, helping students develop the skills necessary for personal and academic growth. This recognition elevates LISA Academy and sets a standard for schools across Arkansas.

Congratulations to Kira from LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville! She was one of three students nationwide whose essay was recognized. She was able to travel to the Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota to share her essay and meet the other winners.

Photo courtesy of the Austin Daily Herald

Congratulations to Sam, Emma, Nidiana, Morgan, Jocelyn, Najaah, Neema, Kyle, and Landon for earning the President's Volunteer Service Award! These students went above and beyond the 75 state-required volunteer hours at organizations such as Baptist Health Hospital, Arkansas Food Bank, CALS, the Museum of Discovery, and Camp Aldersgate. These 9 students alone volunteered over 1700 hours in the community; we are proud of them for giving their time and being involved and compassionate citizens.

Congratulations to the LISA Academy West Middle Quiz Bowl team! They will advance to the state competition.

The energy was high at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock as students from across the region gathered for the highly anticipated MATHCOUNTS competition. Among them, LISA Academy West Middle’s mathletes were ready to showcase their problem-solving skills and hard work.

Lilly Q. emerged as the 1st place individual champion, demonstrating remarkable speed and accuracy. In the team competition, LISA Academy West Middle earned an impressive 2nd place, highlighting their collaboration and strategic thinking.

Congratulations to our talented students for their outstanding achievements! We are proud of your hard work and can’t wait to see you excel at state in March!

Congratulations to LISA Academy West Middle 8th grader Saanvee for placing 3rd at the Pulaski County Spelling Bee! She made it through an incredible 16 rounds. We are beyond proud of her hard work and talent, supported by her coach, Ms. Jordan.

Highlights of the Day:
1st Place in the Teamwork Challenge – Advancing to the State Competition!
2nd Place in the Teamwork Challenge – Outstanding performance!
We couldn’t be prouder of their success and can’t wait to see what’s next for our amazing students. Thank you for your continued support of our robotics program!

Coach Horton has been the driving force behind the LISA North Middle-High School boys’ basketball program, leading the Jaguars to a 3A-6 conference championship. His leadership, passion for the game, and commitment to player development have elevated the program to new levels of success.

Beyond his coaching achievements, Coach Horton actively supports school-wide initiatives such as Leader in Me and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). His leadership extends beyond the court, reinforcing the importance of character education and personal growth in student-athletes.

With 103 victories and counting, Coach Chris Horton continues to set the standard for excellence at LISA North Middle-High School. His legacy is defined not just by wins, but by the lasting impact he has on his players and the school community.

The LISA North Jaguars have broken the team's record for most wins this season after defeating a potential state tournament team, Newport, 66-54.

With a 12-2 conference record, 11 straight wins, and more than 23 total wins, our Jaguars are officially ON FIRE.

Superintendent Dr. Fatih Bogrek was honored to participate in the ceremony of Gov. Sarah Sanders signing two bills into law that benefit our students and families; Phone Free Classroom and Universal Free Breakfast for all students!

Ms. Cooper from LISA Rogers-Bentonville recently had the opportunity to expand her knowledge outside the classroom by visiting New York City and Washington, D.C. During her trip, she explored iconic landmarks such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square. She also spent a meaningful day at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. These firsthand experiences have deepened her understanding of pivotal moments in history, which she is now bringing back to her middle school classroom. By sharing personal insights and stories from her journey, Ms. Cooper will enrich her students' learning, making history more vivid, engaging, and impactful.

Thank you to the LISA Academy campuses that decorated their front lobbies to welcome potential new families during our application season. Congratulations to LISA Academy West High for winning the Application Festival competition! They will receive $300 for their campus.

Thank you to Enedelia Resendiz and Monica Lopez for referring others to join the LISA Academy family! Each guardian will receive a free uniform for their students.