March 8, 2016

Not going to jinx it. Not going to even mention that we haven't had a snow day this year. Nope not going to do it.

Head's Up

Do you know kids who are looking for volunteer hours, or just want to make a difference in the community? Diversabiities Awareness Festival and Best Buddies Friendship Walk could use their help on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 8:00am to 12:00 at Lawrence Plaza in Downtown Bentonville.
For more information on Best Buddies, contact Sheila Munn, Kathy Breed, or Libby Shaller.

If you're having students create projects to raise
awareness of Diversabilities, fill out this form by Friday, March 11, 2016. Contact Paul Stolt for information on Diversabilities.

Friday is also the last day to suggest names for Elementary 11 and Middle School 5. Use this form.

Crohn's Disease or Colitis affect millions of Americans and many in our community suffer from the debilitating effects of these two often misunderstood diseases. You can help raise awareness and funds to support research by participating in Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis April 9, 2016. It's also another great opportunity for students to get involved in a community event.

Some of you may know Ann Taylor. She's an exceptional Bentonville educator who battled through Leukemia and is now cancer free, but not cancer forgotten. Help her become the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Woman of the year.

Daylight savings ends this Sunday. Use those Starbucks cards you got in December Monday.

High School students are invited to enter the Congressional Art Competition. Winning entries are displayed in Washington, D.C.

@bentonvillecommunity

I was talking to a teacher this weekend and was asked about how best notify communications about upcoming events. He said: "You should have a form for that." Here it is. http://goo.gl/forms/YUbSe0iGfW Save it to your desktop. Or you can email khelm@bentonvillek12.org or pstolt@bentonvillek12.org. Done.

The collaboration between Apple Glen and Bentonville Schools, Crystal Bridges, Bentonville Public Library, and the Amazeum created an exceptional community event to celebrate this year's One District, One Book - The One and Only Ivan.

Maybe the most interesting part about this day was that it was nearly impossible to tell who was a Bentonville family and who was visiting the museum. We are so fortunate to have these community partners to help us create learning opportunities for all families.

Last Friday, RE Baker dedicated a new set of swings for students with special needs. The best part about this event was that students initiated and lead this celebration. The swings were one of the projects created as part of the McLarty Daniel School Support Program. In every elementary school that has participated, the student projects have all been targeted toward supporting peers and the community. 

Nice little news article can be viewed here http://www.nwahomepage.com/news/bentonville-school-unveils-accessible-swings

Grants & PD

Cox Communication's Innovation in Education program awards grants up to $2,500 to fund classroom and school-wide projects that encourage and promote students' innovation and imagination.

Video of the Week

Don't take this one personally, just thought it was a clever commentary on the times in which we live.



Now, get out there and take some selfies!