Tuesday, September 20, 2016

It's election day in Zones 3 and 7.

Head's Up

Tune in, it's National Radio Day.

National Hispanic Heritage Month started last Thursday and goes through October 15th. Esta una grande fiesta in Fayetteville uno y dos de octubre. Detalles nwahispanicheritagefestival.com 

Daaang, missed National Butterscotch Pudding Day yesterday.

Thursday is the Autumnal Equinox and summer is over. It's also the first rivalry football game between BWHS and BHS when the Freshman take the field at the TAC.

Friday, September 23 is National Great American Pot Pie Day.

Monday, September 26 is National Johnny Appleseed Day.

Everyone should be at the Future Ready Forum Tuesday, September 27 at BWHS Performing Arts Center. We're talking opportunities for graduates and how #EveryLearnerFutureReady is a great goal to have.

@bpscommunity

Ok, I was able to attend the Walmart Saturday Morning Meeting last Saturday and Miss America was there. Just sayin'.
Here's the contestants in this year's Miss BHS pageant.

Who has the most National Merit Semi-finalists? BHS, BHS, BHS! Yep, there's 18. The most in the state and a new BHS record. Congratulations to these scholars!










Then Dr. Jones and I joined some of our community partners at the Walmart Inclusion Festival. So great to see the diversity that is Northwest Arkansas and how everyone can find something they have in common.

That reminds me, it's time to start start talking about Diversabilities Awareness Festival 2017! We've got some non-profits ready to support student learning and celebrating the diverse abilities instead of focusing on the disabilities. Love to see this completely student-driven this year. We had a great group of students last year who really made the event exceptional.

McLarty Daniel Automotive is giving away a NEW car to a BHS and BWHS student with perfect attendance. I don't know about you, but that is pretty cool, and definitely an incentive.










Bentonville West played their first game in Bentonville last Friday. The scrappy Wolverines put up a good fight, but fell to Muskogee, OK.





First Graders at Thomas Jefferson Elementary collected school supplies for the Arkansas Children's Shelter. Think doing something for others doesn't make you happy, just look at these faces.

Are you making or tinkering in your classroom or grade level? Are you doing genius hour with your students? Then we want to video in your classrom for our next short film Making and Tinkering and Genius Hour, Oh My! Email Keith khelm@bentonvillek12.org or I and let us know when the best time to visit your class would be. By the way, Tinkerfest III is Saturday, October 1 at the Scott Family Amazeum.

Contests, Competitions, and sometimes cool stuff

Want to get started on your child's college fund? Here's the contest for you. The Arkansas 529 plan is holding a "Coloring for College" contest. Winners get $529 to start a 529 college saving plan. Win and leverage the power of compound interest to help you put your kids through college.

Art teachers and app developers, this is the reminder to check the due dates for the City Planning Art Contest and the Congressional App Competition.

Video of the Week

Have a great week.

Tuesday, September 13

Just didn't get this one done, and views were way down last week. Better up my game. Spelling better will probably help.

Head's Up

National Keep Kids Creative Week is September 19th through 23rd. No excuses, it's a national week, people!

Today is national Kids take over the Kitchen Day.

Wednesday, September 14 is National Live Creative Day and National Creme Filled Donut Day.

Thursday, September 15 is National Online Learning Day and National Double Cheeseburger Day. Not sure if this is a good idea, maybe they need to throw in National Work at a Standup Desk Day.

Friday, September 16 could be the best day ever! It's National Play-Doh Day! Can't you just smell it! It's also the first game in Bentonville for Bentonville West High School! Go Wolverines!

Saturday, September 17 is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

And Monday, September 19 is INTERNATIONAL Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Looking ahead - we are again partnering with TATA Consultancy Services to provide an opportunity for kids to learn design thinking and app development. But this year, unlike in years past, we are holding the Go-IT Camp during a school break. Fall break to be specific. If you're not taking a vacation on the first two days, and would like to earn a stipend ($175 per day) for helping facilitate the camp, send me an email. Facilitators will have to attend a training camp in the evening on September 27th. Only need a hand full of facilitators to support TATA employees and Ignite Computer + IT Solutions students, serious inquires only.

@bpscommunity

Here's a cool idea from a teenager - sit with us app http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/teen-creates-app-sit-with-us-open-welcoming-tables-lunch-bullying_us_57c5802ee4b09cd22d926463 Worth the time to read this story.

District National Intercollegiate Cycling Association teams participated in their first race of the season last weekend in Fayetteville. According to BHS Teacher Stuart Brune, not only did the participants have a great time, the earned a few podium finishes. NICA is going to be YOUUUGE!

My wife and I hiked part of the Bella Vista trail system on Sunday. If you're a cyclist or hiker check them out.

Have you checked out the district website? Ok, I know it's not the most engaging thing in the world. But maybe your students can help with that. We are going to start displaying student artwork on the website. Send us hi-resolution images of student work, and, yes, you can use your phone. Just center the shot with your camera horizontal and make sure to email the file at original size. We'll give the student full credit for their efforts.

Grants and PD

I'm still tweeking the Google form for grant/donation requests. Thanks to all who are helping debug and adding to my Google knowledge base.

Want to understand more about entrepreneurship and how to incorporate entrepreneurial concepts with your students? Then this PD offering is for you. There is no charge for the first session, space is limited, and best yet, it's here in Bentonville at Junk Brands on Tuesday, September 27 at 5:15 pm. Sign up here http://tinyurl.com/startupculturejunkbrands

Video of the Week

Sometimes to #findthegift you to open the box, break it down and recycle it.


In my humble opinion, the Best. TED talk. Ever. Have a great week.

September 6, 2016

That extra day off was certainly welcome, especially with the exceptional weather.

Head's Up

Today is National Coffee Ice Cream day and National Read a Book Day. Well, my day is planned.

September 8 is National Ampersand Day & probably something else.

September 9 is National Teddy Bear Day.

Saturday, September 10 is Square to Square ride on from Bentonville to Fayetteville. This is the route for a first timer, it's more downhill than uphill.

Sunday, September 11, is Patriot's Day. We visited the site and memorial this summer and it is a very somber yet strangely optimistic place now that the Freedom Tower is complete. If you are doing lessons or commemorative events aligned with 9/11 let me know.

September is Hunger Action Month, and leave it to those creative people at the Pack Shack to digitize the food drive. For the Great Arkansas Food Drive this month, they've developed an app that can be used to purchase bags of food to be donated to local, regional, and state food banks. Want to know more? http://www.thepackshack.org/great-arkansas-food-drive.html

I was contacted about holding a book drive for schools in Louisiana that lost their libraries in the recent flooding. I haven't been able to connect with the person who contacted me, if someone has reached out to you about this, let me know.

@bpscommunity

We survived the TriFest for MS on Saturday and finished respectably in the middle of the pack.

Speaking for myself, some training would have helped with the overall time. Need to thank Dr. Jones, and Amber D'Angelo, Aramark Director Mike D'Angelo's wife, for keeping us competitive.

The official results. I'm glad we were able to support the Rampy MS Foundation in there work to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis









Went back to the TriFest on Sunday afternoon for the kids Triathlon. Over 120 kids from Arkansas and surrounding states participated, including a number of special needs athletes sponsored by Bentonville Schools. Amazing how all the kids worked together and supported each other to get to the finish line making for a truly an inclusive event.

Mr. Neal from Mojo Cycling visited Ruth Barker this week to talk about cycling and  making sure to have the proper equipment before hitting the Greenway or the mountain bike trails. Square to Square is next Saturday, September 10th.









U.S. Congressman Steve Womack spent the morning at Ruth Barker this week to visit with students. You have to appreciate how Representative Womack makes time to visit with kids in our district. I sent information out last week about the Congressional App challenge for high school students. And yes, that's Vishack the REBES history club president front and center.

Out at Bentonville West, Coach Pratt brought in some experts to teach skills off the field. A group of dads came out to teach the team how to tie a necktie, so they're ready for those collegiate travel games and award ceremonies.  

Former Razorback Cheerleader Patience Beard calls the hogs after speaking to Elm Tree first graders about being confident and happy with who you are.








Do you have a mentor or other community member coming to your class to support student learning. Give us some head's up and we'll be there to share the gift.

Have a talented photographer in class, or an artist? We're going to highlight student visual arts on the website, so send in submissions. Photos need to be hi-resolution and will be formatted to fit the letterbox window. Students will be credited for their work. Send submissions to khelm@bentonvillek12.org.

Grants and PD

I appreciate everyone who has helped to debug the Grant/Donation Request Form. It's a learning process - any suggestions are welcome. You can find the form under the communications drop down on the website.

It's time to check the accuracy of your Kalpa professional development plan. Here's how https://docs.google.com/a/bentonvillek12.org/document/d/1lT3FWphSGPrAN1nyiiDiRPvJWtvCm1RFjd1FGKlqz3E/edit?usp=sharing

Video of the week

We talk a lot about data in education, check out how this guy analyzes data to create are. If you don't want to watch the whole thing, fast forward to 12 minutes to here his point - it's a good one.

August 30, 2016

First three day weekend of the year coming up.

Head's Up

Friday, September 2, is Sugar Creek Days at Downtown Bentonville's First Friday. Once again, they'll be re-enacting the great Bentonville Bank Robbery. If you haven't downloaded DBI's app, get with the in crowd and get it today.

Friday is National Lazy Mom's Day. Now, before all the mom's out there start sending in emails, read this http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-lazy-moms-day-first-friday-in-september/. If you're a mom, make sure and get some "me" time.

Friday is also the First home game for the Tigers! Until November 4, there's a game every Friday at Tiger Stadium, then on November 4th it's THE game.

Saturday, September 3, Dr. Jones, Amber D'Angelo, and I will be representing Bentonville Public Schools in the corporate team relay at TriFest for MS. Wish us luck, we've been training really hard.

Monday, September 5, is Labor Day. While summer doesn't officially end until the autumnal equinox on September 22, it's sure feels over on September 6.

Anybody up for riding Square to Square on Saturday, September 10? Details at the Bike Bentonville Website http://www.bikebentonville.com/#!events-1/c283

September is National Preparedness Month https://www.ready.gov/september and National Self Improvement Month.

@bpscommunity

I've created a simple form to develop a master list of students who do not have photo releases.


Here's a link to the form https://goo.gl/forms/bUP9xIIuJ71Qq8122

Contests/Competitions/ and sometimes cool stuff

Probably not going to be a weekly section, but occasionally I get some interesting opportunities for community engagement.

Downtown Bentonville Inc. is looking for art students to add some public art to windows downtown. This could be a great way for our artists to express themselves in a public forum. DBI will provide the supplies to the winning design.















Art students from select classrooms at Fulbright Junior High, Washington Junior High, Lincoln Junior High, Bentonville High School, Bentonville West High School are eligible to submit entries to Bentonville City Planning Department for National Community Planning Month poster contest. This year’s theme is “Civic Engagement." See the attachment for details. If I'm not mistaken, a student from Jerris Palmer's class has won the last two years.

But wait there's more. The Congressional App Challenge is back. Congressman Steve Womack is hosting the challenge for high school students in NWA. I know we've got some app developers out there, because we actually had the winners last year!

Get your code on! Could this be another first for Bentonville West, or will BHS hack out a victory for the second year?

Grants and PD

Please submit the grant/donation request form prior to applying. We want to say "yes" to your requests, and building principals want to support you proactively. If you receive an grant or donation please let me know so I can report to the School Board the amount you bring into the district to support students. A grant request form can be accessed on the communications page of the website. Remember to share it with your building principal.

It's time to check the accuracy of your Kalpa professional development plan. Here's how https://docs.google.com/a/bentonvillek12.org/document/d/1lT3FWphSGPrAN1nyiiDiRPvJWtvCm1RFjd1FGKlqz3E/edit?usp=sharing

Video of the Week

I found this interesting. I need a new friend.



Have a great week.

August 23, 2016

Heard some great 1st week stories, especially about Kindergartners. Kindergarten first week is a very special time, and all you Kindergarten teachers out there need to be celebrated for all you do to help our newest students.

Oh, heck, let's celebrate everyone for getting through the first week of the 2016 - 2017 school year. Do your happy dance!

Head's Up

Missed National Tooth Fairy Day yesterday. First and second grade teachers: What's the going rate for a tooth these days?

Wednesday, August 24 is National Waffle Day, and Thursday, (along with being my lovely daughter's 18th birthday) is National Kiss and Make Up Day. August 26, is National Women's Equality Day. With any luck the weather will stay cool for next Tuesday's National Toasted Marshmallow Day. Fire pit s'mores, anyone?

Should have told you this sooner, but August is National Coffee Awareness Month. Humm, seems like with schools starting, coffee awareness is already on everyone's mind.

The deadline for parents to provide proof of residency to registrars is Thursday, August 25.

Central Park Elementary's TailGator is Friday, August 26th.

Send your school events to either Keith or me so we can get them on the district calendar. And share those photos.

@bpscommunity

Please submit items for this section. There's no way with 19 schools, we can get to all of them each week.

It's time to collect photo releases. I'm creating a Google form for you to add students whose parents do not want his or her photo used. Add the few in your class to the form so we have a master list. I'll share that with PTO as well. Thanks.

The first ever Pride of Bentonville took over the TAC on Saturday and it turned into quite a celebration of all things Bentonville Athletics.

High 5's all around for the BWHS Marching Wolverines after their performance Saturday. I have pictures of Bentonville Pride marching band, but they're blurry - they were moving too fast for me to keep up. Let's just say their show is energetic.







Bentonville Cheer and the MIB are ready when Kansas City Rockhurst comes to town Friday, September 2 at Tiger Stadium.

Teresa Hudson speaks to Ignite Professional Studies students last Friday. The strands convened to collaborate on marketing the program, developing activities on the Razorback Greenway, and adding their voices to city government.

BHS and BWHS Cheer and Dance teams re-connecting on the sidelines during Saturday's event.

Some of you know or have heard of BWHS Freshman Cole Phillips. Here's a shining moment made possible by the BWHS Wolverines Football team that speaks to the spirit of Bentonville.



Want to stay connected to Bentonville Schools? Follow us on Twitter @Bentonville_PS or like us on Facebook @BentonvillePublicSchools. Instagram coming soon.

Grants & PD

When you are applying for grants or donations, make sure to submit a grant request form. Believe it or not, this helps us to say "yes!" to your requests by making sure that there is a way to implement your innovative ideas, and no obstacles arise after the grant or donation has been awarded. I've created a new Google form to help with this process. Once we've all reviewed the request, you will be notified.



This form can also be found on the communications page of the district website and under staff resources.

Video of the week

If you haven't read Tony Wagner's books Creating Innovators or Most Likely to Succeed, you might want to consider picking them up. He's been a champion for preparing students for the innovation economy by making education relevant and aligned to competencies supported by content knowledge.




Enjoy your week.

August 16, 2016

There's nothing quite like the first day of school. I hope yours was great.

Head's Up

Saturday, August 20, is Bentonville Pride at the TAC. It's the first year to celebrate BHS and BWHS athletics programs along with all the junior high programs.

Yesterday was national relaxation day. What a great way to end the first day of school.

Today is National Tell a Joke day. The past, present, and future walk into a Starbucks. It was tense.

It appears to be the week for ice cream. Thursday, August 18, is National Ice Cream Pie Day and Friday, August 19, is National Soft Ice Cream Day.

@bpscommunity

It was a blast serving as your MC for the opening day celebration at Arend. Do we have some gifts in this district or what? Remember to #findthegift this year and share them on social media.

Thinking about this as the first #bpseduchat book for 2016? It's a quick read with a good mix of philosophy and practical application. Open to suggestions, however.

I've attached information on Fayetteville Montessori School's True Lit Festival. Contact Lindsey Holland lgrholland@gmail.com if you have any questions or are interested in having students participate. 

On the subject of social media. The new policy is in effect. Here's a link to policy and FAQs. I've heard from many about following students. Employees should not follow students, as defined by the Arkansas Teacher Code of Ethics, on personal social media accounts. If employees follow their children or relatives, let your supervisor know in case someone, who doesn't understand the nature of the relationship, questions the connection. Continue to send questions/concerns to bpssocialmedia@bentonvillek12.org. I will get clarification for issues as soon as possible.

Grants and PD

Here's a new opportunity sponsored by Save On Energy. Submit a lesson plan, perhaps get a $500 donation. https://www.saveonenergy.com/teacher-grant/ You probably already have the perfect plan created.

Video of the Week

Given that we're all working to #FindTheGift this year, I thought it might be a good time for a Sir Ken Robinson pep talk.


Have a great week.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Welcome back!
I hope those of you who had a summer vacation enjoyed it. (I'm only a little jealous.)

Head's Up

The Opening Day Festivities will be on Tuesday, August 9 at Arend Arts Center. Looking forward to seeing you all then. Don't forget to visit the Teacher Fair and get some free stuff.

Today is National Coloring Book Day. Help the BHS DECA collect 1,000 coloring books for Arkansas Children's Hospital and enter to win an official Nike BHS pullover. Donations can be dropped at the DECA Table at BHS.

Wednesday, August 3, is National Watermelon Day.
Thursday, August 4, is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day.

Friday is Back to School First Friday in Downtown Bentonville. We'll be on Main Street in front of Walton's 5 & 10.

Certainly in honor of Dr. Sterling Ming, Saturday, August 6, is National Root Beer Float Day!

Sunday, August 7, is National Kids' Day, National Friendship Day, and National Sister's Day. Be nice to your kid sister and buy her a root beer float.

This weekend is also Tax Free Weekend in Arkansas.

@bpscommunity

If you're not following @Bentonville_PS on Twitter and @BentonvillePublicSchools on Facebook, start now.

In case you've been living under a rock, here's some news. Bentonville's new high school opened officially last Friday. Bentonville West Principal Jonathon Guthrie and his staff put on an excellent event attended by more than 1,000 people. It was the first standing room only crowd in the BWHS performing arts center.

Celebrate magazine did a great story on Bentonville West this month.

Ignite is catchin' fire in Northwest Arkansas! If get a hold of this month's CitiScapes magazine, read the article.

Anyone missing #bpseduchat? If the demand is there, I'd love to bring it back with a twist, maybe it turns into a digital book study, I know y'all have some excellent libraries. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Grants and PD

I'm guessing that PD is probably something that doesn't need to be discussed this week.

Here is a Google Form (It's all about Google this year) for you to use to submit grant and donation requests for pre-approval. The purpose of pre-approval is simple: First, Dr. Schwanhausser needs to make sure there are no on-going expenses for the District as the result of the grant or donation being awarded. Second, you building principal has to know that a request is being made and be prepared to answer Dr. Schwanhausser's questions. Third, Mr. Rice (Technology Director) needs to make sure that if technology is part of the request that it is compatible with the District network and that it can be supported. Finally, I need to record the amounts of grants and donations to share with the Board of Education to celebrate what you are doing to support innovation and student learning. 

I've included a link to this tool in the email.

Video of the Week

I know some of you attended Jo Boaler's talk this summer at BHS, but it's worth sharing with everyone.


Anything you'd like to see in this blog? Or are you just plain sick of the same ol', same ol'. Leave a comment below.

Have a great week.