Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Welcome back!
Full disclosure: If there was an award for the least motivated person in Bentonville during Winter Break, I'd most likely be the winner. Hope you all found time to do nothing as well.

Head's Up

Some of you participated in, and many of you heard about, Diversability Awareness Festival last year. The inaugural event not only provided students an opportunity to think critically and find creative solutions to challenges faced by people with disabilities, but also educate and create awareness of the contributions made by people with disabilities. Diversability Awareness is back and committed to making a greater impact on the community. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2016 in Downtown Bentonville. Diversablities Awareness is supported by strategic partnerships with Downtown Bentonville Inc., Walmart, Bentonville Special Education Equality Network (BeSEEN), and a group led by Former Cave Springs Police Chief Mike Caudill to bring an international disability support organization called Best Buddies to Northwest Arkansas. If you're interested in participating or know students who are already working on projects that align with Diversabilities, let me know. Here's the Google doc from previous planning meetings. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 12, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at Student Services 1000 SE 14th Street.

Here's video from last year's event, just to pique your interest.



Do you have students wanting to change the world, this opportunity for student voice in a public forum might be perfect for them. The MLK Holiday is Monday, January 18, 2015.

High school artists are invited to participate in the 2016 Governor's Young Artist Exhibit Competition. This year's theme is "bridges" and how creating "bridges" can help find solutions to various challenges. Click the above link for details and entry forms. 

Just found out about this: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles seeks entrants for the 2016 Drive for Design Contest. High School students are asked to design a Dodge SRT Hellcat for the year 2025. Unfortunately, the deadline is January 8! Something to keep in mind for next year.

@bpscommunity

Students at Sugar Creek collected food for Samaritan Community Center the week before Winter Break. 

Make your New Year's Resolution to share the great things going on throughout Bentonville Schools! Email me or Taylor Blackwell tblackwell@bentonvillek12.org and we'll get the word out. If you're using social media, tag @Bentonville_ps or use #bpsCares #bpsmorethanascore.

Thank you to Buddy Herndon and this great group of kids for their hard work and support for those less fortunate.

We'll be fighting food insecurity in NWA again in February during our Hunger is Heartbreaking food drive.

Social Media policy status update 

Work continues to draft a District Social Media policy. Currently, BPS attorney Marshall Ney is reviewing the current draft. After his input, we'll look at any changes to language. The next step is to develop guidelines for professional use. There are a number of people interested in collaborating in this process, if you'd like to help, contact me. Here is an interesting article with an infographic on best practices when using social media.

Grants and PD

Got this little gem on my Twitter feed last Friday. Check out these grant opportunities. to promote STEM, STEAM, and real, relevant learning opportunities.


Farmers Insurance is accepting applications in January for the 2016 Thank a Teacher Program. This program provides $2,500 grants for day-to-day classroom needs and $100,000 for visionary ideas that improve schools and the community at large.

Did you know that Crystal Bridges does PD? And did you know you can get credit for it? Check out these two offerings:

Looking Beyond the Obvious Part 1: Decoding Symbolism
Wednesday, January 6, 6 - 8 pm
This is the first part of a two part series that explores works of art using historical context clues to decipher the symbolism and intended meaning of the piece. Cost $10.

Learning with Chemistry and the Arts
Saturday, January 9, 9 am - 1 pm
What do Haiku poetry and chemistry have in common? And how do both relate to visual arts? Find out by attending. Cost $10.
For more details on these and many other opportunities available at Crystal Bridges click here.

Are you a science teacher who always wanted to attend Stanford? Then this MOOC's for you.

Video of the week

A lot of us are setting goals around this time of year. Here's a little video to help.




Have a great week.

December 15, 2015

I'm starting this week with a short story.

When my son, Tyler, was in 3rd grade he had a horrible year. He was bullied and shamed by his teacher through inaction. The week before Christmas that year, he came home and announced that he and couple of friends had come up with a new holiday - "Christmahannukwanzaka" - because they wanted to give everyone an opportunity come together and just be happy. My wish for you all is to be joyful, share joy, laugh, and embrace the childlike happiness of opening the perfect present - not taking life so seriously over the next two weeks.

Head's Up

While you're relaxing and being joyful, here's some events coming up next year.

Bentonville Parks and Recreation contacted me  with an opportunity for students to get involved with the Bentonville 1/2 Marathon Saturday, April 2, 2016. The route runs right in front of Tennie Russell, Sugar Creek, and Thomas Jefferson, and within a shoelace of Washington and Apple Glen, but all school's are invited to come up with something creative to support runners. One idea that's been tossed out is to have kids run the equivalent of a 1/2 Marathon January - March and complete the distance on race day. Could be great training for Gold Rush. Then, there's the always popular "Where you from?" map.

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to Fayetteville in February as part of their World Tour 2016.

Every night this week Bentonville Public Library is showing each Star Wars movie leading up to Star Wars Day on Saturday when The Force Awakes.

@bpscommunity

There was a huge crowd Downtown for the 2015 Christmas Parade. It was great to see so many schools and students participating. They looked like they were enjoying themselves.



A group of BHS students got an opportunity for some real, relevant learning when Dr. Christopher Dougherty performed an ACL repair surgery live on stage at Arend. Select students also had hands-on experience with the tools and equipment used in orthopedic surgery.

http://5newsonline.com/2015/12/10/live-surgery-performed-for-high-school-students/

BHS students get a hands-on look at a femoral artery.

Dr. Chris Dougherty demonstrates an ACL repair surgery live on the Arend Art Center stage. Dr. Dougherty is the team physician for the NWA Naturals and the Kansas City Royals.





BHS students work with an arthroscope.






Amazing what kids will do when given the opportunity. Mr. Killingsworth and Ms. Parker are supporting a group of young engineers who started a passion project to convert an internal combustion engine vehicle to electric power. They plan to compete in a competition in North Carolina in the spring.

Thanks to all who participated in Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code. Bentonville is definitely taking leadership on incorporating computer science into the  K - 12 curriculum. Old High Principal Jeff Wasem gives a great explanation for why exposing kids to code is so important in the clip below.

Bentonville Middle School Students Learn to Code - Story

Awesome to see so many schools participate the Bentonville Christmas Parade. 

Here's Old High and Bright Field Middle Schools Giving Clubs ready to go. These kids, did something special during the parade. They gave away socks, gloves and hats along the route.

Elm Tree Elementary's float had the elves on the vacation.

On RE Baker's float, the elves were busy working on preparing gifts.

BHS International club added some global flair to the festivities.

Give it up for the Creek! Sugar Creek is ready to roll.

Lincoln Junior High is cheering for a an excellent Winter Break.

And no parade's complete without a celebrity in a convertible.

Straight up, Good advice right here.

Here's a link to the Employee Social Media Survey results for those who are interested. Thank you to all who participated.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AlGqPOWuzcsiULUuAtHpkULWJ9dJeXdxVp7b8A0t6G4/viewanalytics#start=openform

Grants and PD

If you have receive a grant or donation so far this school year, please fill out this form. I want to share with the School Board how much value you add beyond what you do day in and day out for students in your classrooms.

Video of the week

Thought a reminder from one of my favorite educational theorists might be a great way to send us all into a well deserved vacation.



Enjoy, be joyful, share joy, and be nice to each other. If third graders can figure it out . . .

December 8, 2015

I'm sure you've started the countdown.

Head's Up

It's Computer Science Education Week, and there's a lot of code being written by students in Bentonville Schools. Tag @Bentonville_ps in your Twitter posts so we can share them with @AsaHutchinson. Use the #ARKidsCanCode. You'll still have 112 characters left.

Take a trip around the world with Ardis Ann Choir next week when they present Christmas Around the World, Monday, December 14 at Arend starting at 5:30 pm.

Or join BHS Chamber Orchestra at one (or all) of their three performances over the next two weeks. The Orchestra is performing to raise money for their trip to the American Stringed Teachers Association national conference next March. They are only one of 12 orchestras across the nation to be invited to perform.

Tuesday, December 15, is Bill of Rights Day celebrating the ratification of the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution. Besides 1 and 2, can you name the rest? #civics

On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers launched a technological revolution after tinkering a bicycle into an airplane. We need to foster that kind of innovative, creative experimentation whenever possible. I wonder how they did on the ACT? (Thump, that's me jumping off a soapbox.)

It's Christmas parade time in downtown Bentonville this Saturday. The action starts at 11:00 am.

Washington Junior High is hosting Ozark Stem's FIRST Robotics competition this Saturday. There's also hours of code going all day long.

@bpscommunity

Bentonville Choral Department's NOEL performances over the weekend were exceptional. These students have incredible talent.

I had the distinct pleasure of  accompanying members of the Bentonville Police Department and BPS counselors and social workers during Shop with a Cop last Tuesday. 

If you want to see joy, participate in Shop with a Cop. It's hard to tell who's more excited the officers or the kids. 

I doubt there are many school district's that have a better relationship with their local police department than we do here in Bentonville.

Russ Daniel presented $2,000 to Mrs. Surly's class at CPE to fund their friendship bench project. Centerton Gamble has their projects posted on McLarty Daniel's Facebook page now. And Mary Mae Jones is next up in the middle of January.

Grants & PD

Here's a painless PD possibility to ponder.
This free webinar from ASCD on questioning techniques to promote discussion sounds interesting .

Arkansas Department of Education is conducting a Technology Use Survey from December 1 - December 14.Click the linked text above to complete this survey. Honestly, it takes less than 5 minutes.

Video of the week

In the recent survey sent to staff on social media use in the district, over 90% responded that safe, appropriate use of social media should be taught in school. Over 80% of the community respondents responded yes to the same question. Here's one teacher's perspective on our digital footprints.



Have a great week.

December 1, 2015

I hope you all were blessed with a joyful Thanksgiving with friends and family.

Head's Up

Sixty years ago today, Rosa Parks quietly refused to stand up and started a conversation that continues to this day.

I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear. - Rosa Parks

Today is also #GivingTuesdayAR. Great day to donate to Bentonville School Foundation, the Friends of the Bentonville Library Foundation, or other non-profits that support what we do each day. Or support these Donor's Choose projects.

'Tis the season for special events. I'll do my best to let you know of everything that's happening in the District from now until Christmas Break. You can help by filling in this form.

Bentonville's newest holiday tradition comes to Arend again this year. Don't miss Bentonville Choir's NOEL program on December 4th, 5th, and 6th! The talent is amazing, the songs inspirational, and there's no better way to get into the spirit of the season. Get tickets here.

Can't make it to NOE?, Get your choral fix at the Lincoln Choir Concert on Tuesday, Decemeber 8^th 
 at 6:00 pm at the Arend Arts Center.

It's A Cave Springs Christmas December 5th and there's a whole sleighful of activities throughout the day.

December 7 to 11 is Computer Science Education Week. Check out code.org for information on how to include some computer coding into your classroom - even without devices! BPS and Ozark STEM Foundation are partnering to host Hour of Code workshops at Washington Junior High on Saturday, December 12th. Bring your own device and join us. Pre-register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nwa-hour-of-code-event-tickets-19138297162 

The choirs from Fulbright, Lincoln, and Washington will perform with the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, December 19^th at 7:30 pm at the Arend Arts Center.

@bpscommunity

The Scott Family Amazeum is looking for creative student performers to entertain guests on the weekends during the Holidays. No performances would be for an entire day, only a couple of hours at a time. If you know of or have a class full of making and tinkering musicians contact Pody Gay, Guest Experience Manager, at pgay@amazeum.org or 479.696.9280.

Here's something to check out. http://2030schools.com/ Looks like a good site to launch some student projects that, as they say in Arkansas, might could change the world. 

Have a room full of iPads and want to get kids creating screencasts? Check out Explain Everything.

Grants and PD

If you have been awarded grants or donations, please add them to this form. Thank you.

Video of the week

I have to thank Taylor Blackwell for discovering this wonderful validation of why teachers are the most important professionals in society.

Have a great week.

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.

November 10, 2015

Thankfully, it's almost Thanksgiving.

Head's Up

It's National Young Readers' Week. Thank you for supporting them.

For the 8th year, Jo Dunlevy at Old High has organized an Honor Veterans concert. Performances are at 9:00 and 11:00 am in the auditorium; an evening performance is scheduled for 6:00 at Arend.

Wednesday, November 11 is Veteran's Day.

Many of you know former CPE art teacher Mitch Terry is a talented artist and writer. Mitch will be at Two25 Gallery and Wine Bar (225 S. Main, Bentonville) on Friday, November 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm signing copies of his latest book Okiehomeland.

Next week, November 16 - 20 is American Education Week. Let's celebrate what's good about what we're doing all week long (and into the next, and after that, for another few days, aw, heck, let's just make it a whole year.) The National Education Association has some resources at nea.org.

If you've had Cooper Mackey in class or know the Mackey family, then you know they are people of impeccable character and passion for helping others. For the past few years, they've organized a basketball tournament to support curecmd.org. Read their story here and support their efforts if you can.

@bpscommunity

Old High Middle School P.E. program is making the most of the space they have available on campus to get kids out on the bicycles in this short "day in the life" documentary of Old High P.E. class cycling activity.



I'd like to make a similar short video for every school. P.E. teachers, let me know when those bikes are out!

Big crowd at Arend to celebrate 134 students inducted into the National Honor Society.

Cooper Roundup featured student performances. Student leaders run the show and do a great job -very empowering for the kids. 

 Cooper students judging the "minute to win it" leaf dropping contest. Yes, those teachers are on chairs.

Cooper teachers accept $2,000 donation for a makerspace from Russ Daniel. Central Park is the next to have their projects put to public vote. 

Bentonville High School's 14 (yes, 14) National Merit Semi-Finalists - some fantastic kids with some serious academic skills.

 Allen's Grocery Store in Bella Vista is donating 1% of sales to Bentonville Schools. All you have to do is shop and drop your receipt in the box. That simple.

Grants and PD

Did you miss Edcampnwa 2015  on October 17? Here's a sneak peek at the day. Without a doubt, Edcamp is the best, most engaging, relevant professional development anywhere. Don't miss the next one.

Video of the week

Thought-provoking or infuriating, I'll let you be the judge.



Have a great week.

November 3, 2015

Hope that extra hour of sleep helped you recover from Halloween.

Head's Up

Let me know when the bikes will be out at your school. We're making a short video about the bike program for the Walton Family Foundation.

Today is National Sandwich Day. Thank the Earl for disrupting lunch by packaging it between two slices of bread. 

It's No-Shave November y'all. Let it grow to raise awareness and money for a variety good charities. www.no-shave.org/

A preliminary Diversability Awareness meet-up is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2015 from 4:30 to 5:30 at the Admin building. If you are interested and can attend please add your voice to the conversation. 

Monday, November 9th is World Freedom Day. The week of November 9th - 13th is National Young Reader's Week.

Need some books for those young readers? Visit Barnes and Noble Book Fair November 6 - 8, 2015 and not only get some new books but also support  the Washington Junior High Robotics team and FabLab. 

There's an interesting opportunity coming up on November 21, 2015 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Meteor Theater in Downtown Bentonville. There will be a Holiday Market! Might be an opportunity to sell some of those maker-space items for a profit. The Lighting of the Square occurs on the same day at 6:00 pm. 

@bpscommunity

Know a new teacher who's just plain rockin' it? Email Taylor Backwell tblackwell@bentonvillek12.org and suggest that he/she be the subject of the next New Teacher Feature. Read about the inaugural featured teacher Ruth Barker's Katie Trumbo here. 

Grants and PD

Infosys Foundation USA is looking for applicants for its Infy Maker Awards program. Fifty middle and high school students will win $1,000 each. 

Foot Locker Foundation seeks entrants for the 2015-16 Foot Locker Athletes Program. Could mean $20,000 for a student.  


Here's a calendar of webinars from edweb.net. I've done a few of these and they are pretty good,. The presenters supply their materials to participants the following day. http://home.edweb.net/webinars/

A whole bunch of good stuff from Economics Arkansas:

JOIN.ME/ECONOMICS ARKANSAS: (TESS 4d and 4e)

The 3^rd Tuesday of each month at 3:30 pm, we will host a quick online meeting (30 minutes or less) spotlighting a resource or activity to use in the classroom. To join, simply visit: https://join.me/economicsarkansas. Our next online meeting will be November 17^th! 

ECONCHALLENGE: (TESS 3c)

We are excited to announce that we are offering the EconChallenge this year. This academic competition is free for student teams in grades 9-12.  The first phase of the competition is an online testing period which is available November 16-20^th.

To find out more information, visit: http://www.economicsarkansas.org/for_teachers/econ_challenge.html

10 FUN-FILLED FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: (TESS 3c)

Edutopia recently shared 10 of their favorite formative assessments. Learn more at

http://www.edutopia.org/discussion/10-fun-filled-formative-assessment-ideas

“FREE” NEW ECONOMIC AND PERSONAL FINANCE  RESOURCES (TESS 1d)

1.   EconEdLink   http://www.econedlink.org

There are a number of wonderful new lessons available on EconEdLink. Plus, your K-12 teachers will find many tried and true lessons. All are available at no cost to educators and integrate economics through technology, literature, and more!

2.   St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank Resources http://www.stlouisfed.org

Encourage your teachers to visit the economic resource section on the St. Louis Fed website. There are a number of children’s literature selections tied to economic and personal finance with Whiteboard applications. In addition, there are online courses, podcasts, video series and more for all ages.

Crystal Bridges has some great opportunities coming up as well: 

Wednesday, November 4, 6 to 8 pm

Wednesday Series for Educators » Unveiling the Mysteries of the Art Library

Join Interim Library Director Valerie Sallis for a guided tour of the Crystal Bridges Library and helpful advice on how to use the library for research. Two hours of professional development credit available. Sponsored by Neff and Scarlett Basore. $10.

Friday, November 6, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Teacher Preview Night » Picturing the Americas

Join fellow educators for a first glance of Picturing the Americas and a discussion of possible classroom connections. This event does not count for professional development credit. Sponsored by Neff and Scarlett Basore. Free.

Register for these and other Crystal Bridges programs here, or by calling Guest Services at 479.657.2335

Video of the Week

This one's for all the nerds and geeks out there.

If you haven't checked out TEDed yet, it's worth a look.