Conway Public Schools

📣Zach Orvin , Speech-Language Pathologist at Woodrow Cummins Elementary is a CPSD CORE VALUE CHAMPION!! 🏆🚾 Mr. Orvin, exemplifies what it means to be a Core Value Champion! Mr. Orvin fosters an inclusive school environment where every child feels empowered to participate in classroom activities, build meaningful friendships, and reach their full potential. He’s always ready to lend a hand to his colleagues, jumping in to help wherever he sees a need—often without even being asked. His cheerful spirit spreads positivity throughout our school community. We are so lucky to have him on our team! Thank you Mr. Orvin for your commitment to our students! We are so proud!! #ChampionForKids #AscendtoExcellence

🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟 This week, we’re excited to spotlight Koni Garrett Wade, Class of 1980! Koni moved to Phoenix after 10 years in welding at Virco and transitioned into law enforcement, earning a degree while working with the Phoenix PD and at the men’s prison. After five years, she started a successful 26-year career in sales, specializing in mobile veterinary clinics and police command trucks, achieving #1 sales for 24 of those years. Koni is married to Jim Wade, a retired special education teacher, and they have one daughter, Amra, and a grandson, Lucas. After 30 years away, Koni recently moved back to Conway and is thrilled to be home! School Memories: Koni loved Conway schools, starting with Mrs. Wilson in 1st grade. She made many lasting friendships. Personal Highlights: Koni received awards in business classes and was recognized in the school newsletter for being the only female in Mr. Brice’s refrigeration and repair classes. Favorite Teacher: Mr. Bill Brice. Advice for Students: “ENJOY IT! Once you’re an adult, you don’t get those summers off!” Additional Thoughts: “I love my Conway, my Wampus Cats, and live life like tomorrow won’t happen!” Join us in celebrating Koni’s inspiring journey from CPSD to a successful career in sales and her return to Conway! 💙🤍 #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow

📅 It’s Official! The 2025-2026 District School Calendar is HERE! 🎉 Plan ahead for an amazing school year! Whether you're counting down to the first day of school, marking those breaks to recharge, or planning for special events, we’ve got you covered. 📝 Click here to view and download the calendar: https://www.conwayschools.org/page/school-calendar 💙 #CPSDCalendar #WampusCatPride #ReadySetPlan #AscendtoExcellence #ChampionsForKids

📣Audrey Cooper, 1st Grade Teacher & Parent Involvement Coordinator at Ellen Smith Elementary School is a CPSD CORE VALUE CHAMPION!! 🏆🚾 Ms. Cooper exemplifies our core values as an outstanding first-grade teacher and Parent Involvement Coordinator at Ellen Smith. She consistently puts Students First by fostering a nurturing and engaging classroom environment, ensuring every child thrives academically and emotionally. Her dedication to Staff Excellence and Cultivating Community Relationships shines through in her leadership with her grade level team, administration and the Parent Teacher Organization and her tireless efforts to strengthen connections between families and the school. Ms. Cooper! We appreciate the impact you have and continue to make on our students and community!! #ChampionForKids #AscendtoExcellence

🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟 This week, we’re excited to spotlight Hailey Estes, Class of 2016! Hailey is currently coaching women’s college basketball at UCA after earning her undergrad and graduate degrees at Henderson State, where she played basketball for four years. Her coaching journey began at UCA with her first paid position. School Memories: Hailey loves how Conway teachers continue to stay connected with their students after graduation. She also proudly claims that the Class of 2016 pulled off the best senior prank! Personal Highlights: Winning the state championship with the basketball team in 2014. Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Matthews. Advice for Students: “Don’t be afraid to be different. Follow your heart and do the work.” Join us in celebrating Hailey’s journey from CPSD to college coaching! 💙🤍 #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow

🌟 Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day 🌟 Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Let's reflect on his powerful message and commit to doing what is right. “The time is always right to do what is right.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Enjoy the day, and let's continue to strive for justice and equality together. #MLKDay #WampusCatPride #WeAreWampusCats #CPSDascends #AscendToExcellence

📢 School Closure Notice: Martin Luther King Jr. Day 📢 Conway Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Let's honor his legacy and enjoy the day off. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 21. Thank you!

📣Coach Rhonda Holloway, 7th Grade Coach & 5th-7th Grade Health/PE at Ruth Doyle Middle School is a CPSD CORE VALUE CHAMPION!! 🏆🚾 Coach Rhonda Holloway for her dedication and the lasting impact she’s made on our female athletes. She consistently goes above and beyond, devoting her time to help her 7th-grade teams achieve high standards. Coach Holloway’s passion for coaching inspires athletes to excel while teaching resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence. She fosters leadership and character in every young woman she works with. Coach Holloway! We appreciate the impact you have and continue to make on our students!! #ChampionForKids #AscendtoExcellence

📣Mr. Bart Dooley, Music Teacher at Marguerite Vann Elementary is a CPSD CORE VALUE CHAMPION! 🏆🚾 "Of the many Vann teachers working diligently to uphold our shared values in the work that they do, Mr. Bart Dooley is certainly one to note. He demonstrates his commitment to excellence in everything he does. He is organized in his planning, thorough in his communication, and a creative genius. Mr. Dooley provides innovative educational opportunities inside and outside of his classroom. His lessons provide all students with the opportunity to learn about music, listen to music, and most importantly, make music. His classroom is rarely silent as students are encouraged to make a joyful noise with instruments and their voices. Outside of the classroom Mr. Dooley’s students have the opportunity to participate in grade level musical productions (complete with impressive costumes & set designs), join the Vann Voices choir, sing the national anthem at sporting events, perform at Toad Suck Daze and other city festivals, visit nursing homes, entertain peers at Vann’s annual student talent showcase, join friends and family in holiday caroling, and entertain at the state Capitol. Students in Mr. Dooley’s class are embraced by a safe and caring environment in which they are challenged to try new things, discover their talents, and learn the value of practice in order to master new skills. Mr. Dooley’s positive attitude is infectious, brightening the days of his students and his colleagues. His gifts of hospitality and encouragement help make Vann a wonderful place to teach and learn. Above all, Mr. Dooley’s “students first” mindset guides his actions and makes him a tremendously important part of the Vann team and a Core Values Champion indeed." - Vann Employees Mr. Dooley! Thank you for your work and dedication to being a #ChampionForKids and continuing to help our district #AscendtoExcellence!

📣 SPECIAL RECORDS TO BE DESTROYED📣 On January 27, 2025, the Conway Public School District will destroy Special Education records of students who graduated, moved or were dismissed from Special Education services in the district between July 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018. This process is carried out in compliance with federal and state laws. Students, parents and/or guardians may obtain any data from folders prior to January 20, 2025, by calling the Special Education office at (501) 450-6634, extension 0303.

🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟 This week, we’re excited to feature Casey Slayton, Class of 2014! Casey is now an RN at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Her love for healthcare was sparked during her time at CHS when she was heavily involved in HOSA, which gave her valuable insight into the medical field and allowed her to shadow different specialties. School Memories: Casey loved being in the marching band and on colorguard, which sparked her love for football and the excitement of Friday night lights! Personal Highlights: After CHS, Casey attended Central Baptist College to pursue nursing, saving time by discovering which aspects of healthcare she enjoyed most. Favorite Teacher: Melissa Castleberry. Advice for Students: “Be involved! Support the band and the sports teams!” Join us in celebrating Casey’s journey from CPSD to nursing! 💙🤍 #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow

It was a great CPSD School Board meeting tonight with many recognitions and highlights! Check out our January School Board Meeting recap! https://conwaypublicschools.edurooms.com/engage/conway-public-schools/newsletters/january-2025-school-board-recap

Out of caution, Conway Public Schools will have a 2-hour delayed start on Monday, January 13, 2025. School will start at 10:00am. Snow Bus Routes will be in effect. Please visit our district website for detailed information about snow bus routes: https://www.conwayschools.org/page/inclement-weather-information. Thank you for your understanding and stay safe Wampus Cats!

School Closure Announcement Out of caution for the safety of our students and staff, all Conway Schools and offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, and Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, due to incoming inclement weather. Our team will continue monitoring the weather throughout the weekend and will provide updates regarding any additional school closings or delays as needed. Stay safe and warm, Wampus Cats! 🐾

🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟 This week, we’re excited to feature Zachary Sanders, Class of 2022! Zachary still lives in Conway and is actively involved with Elevation at NLC. School Memories: Zachary enjoyed being involved in clubs, sports, and making friends with everyone during his time at CPSD. Personal Highlights: A standout moment was when ESPN picked up a video of his high jump during football practice his junior year! Favorite Teachers: Mr. Curt Amenta, Mr. Justin McEntire, and Mrs. Tiffany Miller were some of the biggest influences in Zachary’s life. Advice for Students: “Get involved in school clubs and have fun—it goes by quickly!” Join us in celebrating Zachary’s journey and his continued involvement in the Conway community! 💙🤍 #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow

🌟 Community Champion Volunteer Trainings 🌟 Are you ready to make a difference in our schools? Join us for one of our Community Champion Volunteer Trainings this Wednesday! 📅 When: Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 9:00 AM 5:30 PM 📍 Where: PD Lab at the Central Office 💡 A notary will be available during both sessions for anyone needing notary services. Let's work together to make our schools and community even better! 🙌 #CommunityChampions #VolunteerTraining #CPSD

📢 Stay informed! We’re closely monitoring weather conditions this week. If school closures are necessary, we’ll notify you through: 📱 Text Message 📧 Email 📲 CPSD App 💻 School Website 🌐 Social Media For more details and updates on inclement weather, visit: conwayschools.org/weather. Make sure you're following us and stay connected! #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends

🎒✨ Welcome back, Wampus Cats! ✨🎒 We hope everyone had an amazing winter break filled with fun, family, and relaxation. 🎄☀️ Whether you spent time with family, explored new places, or caught up on some much-needed rest, we want to hear about it! 👇 Drop a comment and let us know what you did over the break! Let’s kick off 2025 ready to ASCEND to greatness! 🐾💙 #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #NewYearNewGoals

"⏰ Reminder: Winter break is coming to an end! Students return to school on Monday, January 6th. We can't wait to see everyone back and ready to kick off the new year! 🐾 #WeAreWampusCats #CPSDascends #Ascend"

🎉 Happy New Year 2025, Wampus Cats! 🎉 Wishing our entire Wampus Cat family a year filled with happiness, health, and success. May this new year bring you many opportunities and memorable moments. Here's to a wonderful 2025 ahead! 🌟🎊 #HappyNewYear #WampusCatPride #WeAreWampusCats #CPSDascends #AscendToExcellence