To give you an opportunity to see what's new, and what has changed, we have taken the paywall down temporarily.
Currently, there is no need to log into the site.
We will provide instructions for creating new account and resetting passwords when the paywall is turned back on.
Dear Editor, Please allow me to share my memories of the incredible love and support I witnessed given to Rainbow School (now TLCNA) during my tenure as founding director/head teacher (19751986). I’m limited by word count, but I hope many of you will remember how very important you were some 50 years ago. I do.
In summer 1975, I met Sue Summers, who’d been hired as my administrative assistant. We were meeting with Rainbow School Board of Directors: Robert Spurlin (Berryville), Margaret Wallace (Green Forest), and Gloria Follett (Eureka Springs). Through their tireless efforts these citizens negotiated a contract with the Arkansas Department of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities that ultimately resulted in the establishment of a school in Carroll County, with a mission to serve a generally forgotten population.
Pastor Vic Nixon and his Berryville Methodist congregation graciously allowed Rainbow School to use a room in the church’s west wing. That August, Sue and I greeted the first class of students (13) who ranged in ages 5-40+. Within a very short time, we began providing transportation (in my very colorful van!) on a daily x 2 route from Berryville to Oak Grove to Green Forest and back (Eureka parents transported their own). We were awarded a bus grant, along with a driver, for our second year.
We grew. Within our first several years, we added infant and preschool programs along with staff and volunteers. The county public schools hired a teacher for the school-aged students. The school grew to occupy all but one room in the church’s west wing! Eventually, Rainbow School relocated to the Green Forest school campus.
During our time in Green Forest, Berryville School offered a section of campus for a permanent home. With building plans drawn, we approached the Carroll County Quorum Court with a proposal to fund $60,000 toward a building, if we could raise a matching amount. The court agreed. Our work began.
People across the county responded to our fundraising whole-heartedly. Before long, we realized our match and ground was broken. The original one room schoolhouse finally had a home of its own. The 3000 square foot brick and mortar building, dedicated spring 1986, represented hopes and dreams of so many.
On this upcoming 50th anniversary, I’m sending warm congratulations to everyone. I’m so proud of TLCNA’s expansion and am honored to have been part of Rainbow School’s early days.
— Ann E. Witcher, Ed.D.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here