November 17, 2015

Happy week before Thanksgiving week.

Head's Up

Well, next week is Thanksgiving, which officially marks the beginning of the Season of Nighttime Performances. Let me know what you all have going on so it can be shared.

One performance already scheduled is the BHS Choral Department's NOEL. This is a must see performance. Tickets are on sale now at www.bentonvillechoirs.com or by calling 800.965.9324.

This week is American Education Week - celebrate your awesomeness! Tomorrow, November 18th, is Education Support Professionals' Day. Thank you to classified employees for all they do to support teaching and learning. Friday, November 20th, is Substitute Educator's Day.

It's also Global Entrepreneurship Week. Curious? http://wearegen.co/gew I'm going to keep this in mind for next year and be more prepared.

December 7th through 11th is Computer Science Education Week. Find resources for adding computer science to your classroom here. Ozark STEM and BPS are collaborating to present Hour of Code this year on December 12th at Washington Junior High. It's actually a few hours of code and a FIRST robotics competition all in one. Here's a sneak peek at the flyer for the event. If you would like to volunteer at this event let me know.

@bpscommunity

Lot's of great activities across the District for Veteran's Day. I feel fortunate to have been able to be at a couple of schools as they honored our nation's most valuable citizens - those who literally put their lives on the line to secure the freedoms we too often take for granted, or worse, feel are our entitlement. (Thump - That's me jumping off the soapbox.)

Ardis Ann Middle honored Veterans with a choral performance that incorporated a history lesson on why we celebrate Veterans and their contributions. Great way to make content real and relevant and connect history to our time. 

Ardis Ann Color Guard preparing opens the assembly last Wednesday. 

 Central Park students, teachers and parents acknowledge the contributions of 30 Veteran's in attendance.

WWII Veteran Lavon Chandler inspires students to be people of character, conscience, and empathy. According to Mr. Chandler, the most important thing you can do in life is "do a little more and then some" no matter if it's in your job, your relationships, or your activities. Success will follow.








Jo Dunlevy lead Old High Middle School students to another fantastic performance. It's the 8th year OHMS has brought down the house with this inspiring performance.

Monday, four BPS teachers were honored at Economics Arkansas with Bessie Coleman Awards. This is a fitting tribute to their hard work and dedication to providing students with relevant learning opportunities. Jessica Imel and Jason Swim were honored for their work with kids at Gateway and infusing entrepreneurship into the curriculum. Cara Moreland at Mary Mae Jones, Krista Harvey at Central Park, along with Debbie Etheridge at Fulbright Junior High were honored for their innovative projects that engaged students in learning economics principals and helping society.

All this and BHS Dance team won a state championship, and the Bentonville Pride Marching Band took at the Bands of America Grand National in Indianapolis.
To keep up with all the events happening in Bentonville Schools, follow us on Twitter @Bentonville_PS and Like Bentonville Public Schools on Facebook.

Finally, check out these kids from Barker.

Grants and PD

Interesting eSchool News article on quick and painless PD. Two of the five suggests should be familiar.

Missing #bpseduchat? Suggest a new time and date here. Or follow this link http://goo.gl/forms/NIhGlZu6uC

Video of the week

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your week.