The Bobcat buzz

District Mission: Ensuring high levels of learning for everyone, every day!

It’s hard to believe that we are winding down the first semester of the school year! We have a lot to acknowledge and celebrate in this edition of the Buzz.

On Dec. 1, FCCLA members Chayse Anderson, Shelby Allen, Myla Hernandez, Alisa Sutton, Taelor Tomlinson and adviser Chandra Davis attended the Region 2 FCCLA STAR Events in Heber Springs.

Chayse scored a 91 and received a Gold on her Interpersonal Communications Level 2 project; Shelby scored a 91.3 and received a Gold on her Sustainability Challenge Level 2 project; Myla scored an 85.3 and received a Silver on her Say Yes to FCS Education Level 2 project; Alisa scored an 87 and received a Silver on her Career Investigation Level 2 project; and Taelor scored a 96 and received a Gold on her Career Investigation Level 3 project!

Chayse, Shelby, Myla and Taelor all qualified for State STAR Events, which will take place in April 2024 in Hot Springs. To qualify for State STAR Events, students have to be in the top two and have a score of at least 60. We are so proud of these young ladies for all of their hard work and dedication! Go get ’em at state, girls!

Attendance continues to be a priority in the district. There were 145 high school students that did not miss a day of school at the midterm check this nine weeks. That’s 52 MORE students than the first midterm! Establishing priorities makes a difference. Families, thank you for supporting this goal and prioritizing it at home. (See photos and student names in this section.)

The Berryville Middle School Student Council is working hard to give back to the community this holiday season. Christmas trees, complete with decorations, are available for donations to families that are without a tree this year. If your family needs a tree, or you know a family that does, complete the form on the Middle School Facebook page, or call the school for more information. Shout out to the middle school for teaching students to have a heart for others and to give during the holiday season!

The fifth and sixth grade GT Quiz Bowl team showed up strong finishing second at the Quiz Bowl competition that was recently held at the OUR Cooperative outside of Harrison. Great job to the students and GT teachers Shaanti O’Dell and Delene McCoy.

The Intermediate School recognized staff member Rachel Beckwith this month. Rachel recently completed the intensive requirements to become board certified in Childhood Language and Language Disorders. Congratulations! The Bobcats are proud of you!

Don’t miss the Christmas theme days this week at the elementary school. Monday was “PJ Day”, Tuesday is “Wear Plaid,” Wednesday is “Wear Red & Green,” Thursday is “Elf Ears Day,” and Friday everyone can wear their Santa Hats.

The first-grade students will present a Christmas program Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Celebration day will be held in the building on the last day of the semester, Dec. 20.

Reminders

• The last day of school this semester is Dec. 20! School resumes for students on Jan. 8, 2024.

• The after-school program, Bobcat Academy, has openings next semester! The program operates Monday- Thursday from 3:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Students are enjoying hands-on activities, homework help, and project based learning. Next semester, students will have the opportunity to build drones and learn how to use a 3-D printer! Students also receive a free hot meal before they leave for the evening if he or she chooses to participate. Make plans to send your child to the Bobcat Academy today! Transportation is provided and the program is FREE.

On behalf of the administration and staff, we wish each of you a Merry Christmas and the very best New Year! We hope all of you enjoy a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.

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Dr. Tammi Davis is director of curriculum and federal programs for the Berryville School District. Her email address is tdavis@bobcat.k12.ar.us.