Partners in Education
November 2023 / FSPS 2023-2024 - Issue #4
FSPS Employee Recognition Program
It's time to make nominations for 2023-2024!
• 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.
Nominations for the 1st quarter are currently being evaluated and will be awarded soon. We had an incredible number of nominations this quarter. The total number of nominees for the first quarter of 2023-2024 exceeded the entire 2022-2023 school year! Wow! You guys rock!
The nomination form is currently open and accepting nominations for the 2nd quarter of 2023-2024! Nominate FSPS Staff here.
Lunch with a Pro
Students at Northside & Southside will be enjoying lunch with a professional this school year.
In October the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith hosted the Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC). Students met with a variety of small business owners and other professionals from such companies/organizations as The Bakery District, 100 Families, Boys & Girls Club, US Representative Steve Womack's office, UAFS, Hanna Oil & Gas. It was an incredible turn-out with dozens of businesses and organizations represented!
The Huckabee Nature Center hosted the SSAC in November as they met with community members from the City of Fort Smith, Janet Huckabee Nature Center, Fort Smith Symphony, United Way, OG&E--just to name a few.
Later this month business people will visit Northside & Southside to meet with students who want an opportunity to visit with them and learn about their profession.
This school year events will be held throughout the city to introduce students to different businesses and career paths. If you or your company are interested in being part of one of these events, please contact us at partners@fortsmithschools.org.
iCan Career Conference
iCan Career Expo Video
Partner Highlights
Below are just a few things submitted by schools and grabbed from social media over the last few of weeks.
Fairview Book Bingo
BINGO for Books was a success! A special thanks to the Northside JROTC for helping serve snacks.
Kimmons - First Security Bank
First Security Bank celebrated the staff and student of the month!
Spradling - Arvest Bank
Euper Lane Buddy Program
Euper Lane 5th graders were trained to assist Kindergartners work on their essential skills in reading!
Southside High School - Fort Smith Police Department
Did you know that all of the Adventures of Pawfficer Fuzz artwork was created by a very talented Elizabeth Do? Elizabeth is a Southside senior who wanted to serve her community with her artistic ability.
Beard - Noon Exchange Club
The Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club sponsored the "Shoes that Fit" drive. This year the Club provided 48 pairs of shoes and $230 in cash to Beard Elementary School to support students in need!
Darby Health Sciences Academy
Interested in applying for the Health Sciences Academy for the 2024-2025 school year? Join us on November 16th for our Health Sciences Academy open house! This event will start at 5:30 and end at 6:30! See you there!
Morrison - Laura Bush Foundation
Thanks to the Laura Bush Foundation grant, our students will have lots of new books to check out. How exciting!
Sunnymede - Blaz Willis
Blaz Willis and a couple of his friends donated shoes to the students at Sunnymede Elementary! What a blessing!
Spradling Club Day
Spradling Elementary held their first Club Day this fall and it was a huge success! Through generous donations and support they were able to introduce students to a variety of different activities. A few of the Clubs provided were: Coloring, Fashion, Bracelet, Arts & Crafts, and Design Clubs.
If you're interested in donating or volunteering, their next Club Day is scheduled for April 12th!
Interested in becoming involved?
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!