🌱 We are thrilled to announce that Carolyn Lewis Elementary has been awarded the 2025 Harvest Community Partnership Garden of the Year! 🌱
This recognition means so much to our school, and we are incredibly proud of the hard work, care, and dedication that made our garden flourish this year.
We are especially thankful for our amazing partnership with Krista Quinn and the Faulkner County Extension Office, the wonderful Mr. Richard Clerk and the Master Gardeners, as well as Kelli Burke who continually support, guide, and encourage our students. Their expertise and willingness to invest in our school garden have helped create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for our kids.
A huge heartfelt thank-you goes to Mrs. Tyler and Mrs. Parham—your passion, time, and sacrifice are the heartbeat of this project. Because of your leadership and commitment, our students not only learn about gardening, but also about teamwork, responsibility, and the joy of watching something grow.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our garden. This award is a celebration of community, collaboration, and the belief that great things can grow when we work together. Thank you to Leslee Tell from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture coming to present this award to us!🌿💚
#CarolynLewisElementary #GardenOfTheYear #ArkansasGrown #SchoolGarden #FaulknerCountyExtension #MasterGardeners #ProudToBeCLE
🎉 Ellen Smith Elementary is turning 100! 🎉
Established in 1925, Ellen Smith Elementary has spent a full century shaping minds, inspiring growth, and serving as a cornerstone of the Conway community. This year, we are proud to celebrate 100 years of learning, leadership, and legacy—and we want YOU to join us!
Celebration Event
Friday, December 5th
6:00 PM
Ellen Smith Elementary – Conway, AR
As we honor a century of excellence—and the incredible impact that Ellen Smith herself had on education—we also want to hear your stories.
📣 Were you a student or alumni of Ellen Smith? Did you know Ellen Smith personally?
Share your memories, moments, and photos with us using this form:
👉 https://forms.gle/a2PLcoYDTfNGcjVk7
Come celebrate 100 years of community and history with us! 💙✨
Check out this interview with Ellen Smith Elementary Principal Shannon Riner!
🎉 Wampus Cat Recognition 🎉
At our November School Board Meeting, we were proud to recognize our National Merit Semifinalists at Conway High School—some of the top academic performers in the nation! Fewer than 1% of seniors nationwide earn this honor, selected from over 1.3 million students who took the PSAT/NMSQT.
Dr. Kate Worley, CHS Principal, spoke highly of these students and their extraordinary achievements, and we couldn’t agree more. These seniors now move forward in the competition for more than $26 million in National Merit Scholarships this spring.
Please help us celebrate our outstanding students:
⭐ Caroline Chrysler
An exceptional scholar-musician with a 4.2 GPA, 34 ACT, nine AP courses, dual All-State honors in choir and clarinet, and co-founder of ConwayUP, a program supporting college access. Caroline plans to study biology on a pre-med track.
⭐ William “Will” Schlientz
A quiet, dependable leader with a 4.23 GPA, 33 ACT, and involvement in Tennis, Swimming, Soccer, and Band—where he serves as a section leader. Will plans to pursue a STEM-related field in college.
We are incredibly proud of these remarkable Wampus Cats and their hard work, dedication, and leadership. 💙🐾
🇺🇸 Honoring Service & Celebrating Excellence 🇺🇸
At our November School Board meeting, we were honored to welcome Brigadier General Chad Bridges, The Adjutant General of Arkansas, as our special guest. General Bridges led the Pledge of Allegiance alongside Ella, our Champion Student.
For Veterans Day, we thanked General Bridges for over 34 years of service, including 4 deployments (Sinai, Egypt; Baghdad, Iraq; Hurricane Katrina; and Germany) and numerous assignments across the country. Your dedication and leadership are deeply appreciated.
We were also proud to recognize our outstanding Conway High School JROTC, led by LTC Shelby, Sergeant First Class Michael Webb, Command Sergeant Major Larry Foster, and the JROTC Lead Cadets. Here are just a few of their incredible accomplishments from the past two years:
⭐️ 195 students enrolled—2nd largest JROTC program in Arkansas
⭐️ Earned Honor Unit with Distinction for two consecutive years
⭐️ Achieved the highest possible rating on their accreditation inspection
⭐️ Academic & Leadership teams competed in worldwide finals
⭐️ 17 graduates enlisted in the military last year; 6 entered Senior ROTC programs
⭐️ This year’s Cadet Battalion Commander received a nomination to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point
We are so proud of these cadets, their leadership, and their commitment to excellence. Thank you, General Bridges and CHS JROTC, for helping us celebrate Veterans Day last week in such a meaningful way. 🇺🇸💙
We are grateful for the service and sacrifice of:
Jason Black — United States Marine Corps
Tammy Henderson — United States Navy & Army National Guard
Thank you for your dedication to our country and to our students and community. 💙
#VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #WeAreWampusCats #ChampionsForKids
🎖️ Veterans Day – Honoring All Who Served
Today and every day, we honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. 🇺🇸
A special thank you to the veterans within our CPSD family—your dedication and service inspire us all.
We are proud to recognize all veterans for the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our freedoms.
#ChampionsForKids #ProudPastPromisingFuture #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #CPSDStrong
This week, schools across the nation and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) celebrate the vital work of school psychologists and the difference they make in helping students thrive at school, at home, and in life.
This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” highlights how school psychologists help students, families, and school communities set goals, navigate challenges, and discover their own paths to learning, growth, and well-being. 🌟
We’re proud to recognize our outstanding CPSD school psychologists:
Laykn Beard, Allison Bowsman, Makayla Ellison, Jessica McClure, April Reed, Elizabeth Spann, Paula Turner, and Sarah Washington.
Thank you for empowering students and families every day to find their path to success! 💙
#NationalSchoolPsychologyWeek #FindingYourPath #ThankYou #WeAreWampusCats #ChampionsForKids
🍎 Help Support the Wampus Cat Pantry! 🐾
We’re excited to share a new resource available this year for Conway Public Schools families — the Wampus Cat Pantry, which helps provide food and basic necessities to families in need through school referrals.
You can help us make a difference in one of the following ways:
🥫 Donate Food:
Purchase items from our list and drop them off at Courtway Middle School or Ida Burns Elementary School.
🛒 Shop Online:
Order directly from our Amazon Wish List and have items shipped straight to the pantry.
💙 Give a Monetary Donation:
Mail tax-deductible donations to:
Conway Public Schools
Attn: Wampus Cat Pantry
2220 Prince St.
Conway, AR 72034
(Make checks payable to “Conway Public Schools” and write “Wampus Cat Pantry” in the memo line.)
📦 Pantry Wish List Includes:
Mac & cheese, pasta, ramen, canned meats and soups, breakfast items, peanut butter, jelly, snacks, and more!
For additional information or questions about how to donate, contact Claudia Courtway (courtwayc@conwayschools.info) or Laney Doan (doanf@conwayschools.info).
Read more about the launch of the Wampus Cat Pantry and how it’s serving our Conway families here: https://www.conwayschools.org/article/2530644
🔗 Additional Community Resources: https://fcl.org/community-resources/
#WampusCatPantry #ConwayCares #ConwayPublicSchools #CommunitySupport
Our Wampus Cats had a great time at this year’s Conway Arbor Day Celebration!
There was fun for everyone — food, activities, educational exhibits, a free tree giveaway, tree planting, and even a photo contest. The best part? Seeing our Little Cats, playing drums under the trees , and meeting Smokey the Bear!
A huge thank you to the Conway Tree Board for inviting us to be part of such a wonderful community event! #ConwayPublicSchools #WampusCats #LittleCats #WeareCPSD #ChampionsForKids
💙 Principal Dr. Kate Worley – Conway High School
As we end National Principal’s Month, we’re proud to highlight Dr. Kate Worley, Principal of Conway High School!
For Dr. Worley, being a principal is all about serving others. She finds the greatest joy in creating opportunities for students they might not have otherwise and supporting teachers and staff so they can thrive in their work. “It’s rewarding to see the positive impact these efforts have on both individuals and our school community as a whole,” she says.
Her favorite quote, from Theodore Roosevelt, reminds her to stay dedicated and courageous in the work: “It is not the critic who counts... The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”
A former college softball player at UCA, Dr. Worley brings the same determination, teamwork, and passion to leading Conway High. She’s also a proud wife and mom to a precious 2-year-old, and she loves the balance of family life and leadership.
Under her leadership, Conway High School continues to thrive through innovative programs like the Conway Area Career Center, which offers outstanding career and technical education opportunities for students across multiple districts. CHS also takes great pride in its Special Olympics program, which unites special education and general education students to experience teamwork, friendship, and sportsmanship together.
💙 Join us in celebrating Dr. Kate Worley for her servant leadership, her heart for students, and her dedication to helping every Wampus Cat succeed—both in school and in life! Show your appreciation for Dr. Worley in the comments or send her a note here:conwayschools.org/o/cps/page/staff-celebrations
💙 Principal Marquis Rogers – Conway Junior High School
As we continue celebrating National Principals Month, today we’re proud to highlight Mr. Marquis Rogers, Principal of Conway Junior High School!
For Mr. Rogers, the best part of being a principal is the unpredictability of each day—and the opportunity it brings to make a meaningful impact on students and staff. Every morning is a new chance to connect, inspire, and help others grow.
A proud graduate of Conway Schools, Mr. Rogers says returning as principal is deeply personal: “Conway Junior High is a special place with a tradition of excellence, and I’m honored to continue building on that strong foundation alongside our students, staff, and families.”
He and his wife, April, who owns April Rogers Law PLLC, are raising their two children—Daniel, a first grader, and Aria Kaye, a kindergartener—right here in Conway Schools. His love for this community runs deep, and his leadership reflects that same commitment to every student’s success.
A former college football player at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (and a twin!), Mr. Rogers brings energy, teamwork, and focus to everything he does. His guiding belief: “Students thrive when they are challenged in a safe and supportive environment where their individual strengths are recognized and celebrated.”
Beyond the classroom, Conway Junior High’s strong sense of community shines through programs like the Cat Nation Christmas Program, which provides gifts for students in need, and the Backpack Program, which ensures families have meals and snacks over the weekend.
💙 Join us in celebrating Mr. Marquis Rogers for his leadership, his heart for students, and his dedication to making Conway Junior High a place where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired. Celebrate Mr. Rogers in the comments or send him a note of appreciation here:conwayschools.org/o/cps/page/staff-celebrations
💙 Principal Matt Kelly – Ruth Doyle Middle School
As we continue celebrating National Principals Month, today we’re proud to recognize Mr. Matt Kelly, Principal of Ruth Doyle Middle School!
For Mr. Kelly, the most rewarding part of being a principal is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both students and teachers.
He shares, “Students, teachers, and I spend around forty hours a week together, and I love watching students grow—not just academically, but as people—and seeing teachers succeed in helping them get there. The most fulfilling part is creating the conditions where everyone in the building feels supported, challenged, and valued.”
Mr. Kelly lives by the quote, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known,” by Carl Sagan—a reflection of his belief in the endless possibilities that come with learning and curiosity.
When he’s not leading his school, you might find him building or fixing something—whether it’s a car, an appliance, a piece of furniture, or even a go-kart. He enjoys tackling projects hands-on and isn’t afraid to learn from a YouTube tutorial or two!
Mr. Kelly is a proud husband of 18 years and father of five, and he brings that same sense of care and commitment to his school family. At Ruth Doyle, he’s especially proud of the opportunities students have through programs like Math Olympiad, Rockets, Drones, 3D Printing, the Student News Network, the RDMS Spirit Award, and Elite Harmony Choir—all of which help students explore, create, and shine.
💙 Join us in celebrating Mr. Matt Kelly for his leadership, dedication, and passion for helping every student and teacher at Ruth Doyle Middle School grow and thrive! Show your appreciation for Mr. Kelly below or send him a note here: conwayschools.org/o/cps/page/staff-celebrations
💙 Principal Ty Hendricks – Carl Stuart Middle School
As we continue celebrating National Principals Month, today we’re proud to spotlight Mr. Ty Hendricks, Principal of Carl Stuart Middle School!
For Mr. Hendricks, the best part of being a principal is simple—the people. He says, “Carl Stuart has some of the best teachers and staff. Each and every one of them give 100% for our students every day.” His appreciation for teamwork and dedication shines through in the way he leads—with trust, humility, and heart.
His favorite quote, “I feel so strongly that deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex,” from Fred Rogers, reflects his philosophy as an educator and leader: focus on what truly matters—relationships, integrity, and meaningful learning.
At Carl Stuart, Mr. Hendricks is especially proud of two programs that help students grow in leadership and character:
D3 and G3, teacher-led mentoring groups that encourage students to make good choices and engage in volunteerism. Students hear from teachers and outside speakers who inspire them to lead with kindness, responsibility, and respect.
Through these programs and the supportive culture he’s built, Mr. Hendricks and his team are helping students develop the confidence and compassion they’ll carry long after middle school.
💙 Join us in celebrating Mr. Ty Hendricks for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to the students and staff of Carl Stuart Middle School! Celebrate Mr. Hendricks in the comments or send him a note of appreciation here:conwayschools.org/o/cps/page/staff-celebrations
💙 Principal Brad Etters – Bob Courtway Middle School
As we continue celebrating National Principals Month, we’re proud to spotlight Mr. Brad Etters, Principal of Bob Courtway Middle School!
In his first year leading Courtway, Mr. Etters has brought energy, warmth, and a student-first approach to the school. He says what he loves most about being a principal is talking with kids and solving problems—helping students navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and grow every day.
A fun fact about Mr. Etters? He’s a talented singer and piano player! Whether he’s making music or building connections in the hallways, he brings creativity and heart to everything he does.
Mr. Etters says simply, “I love Bob Courtway Middle School!”—and it shows. Under his leadership, the school continues to thrive as a welcoming and inclusive community. One unique and valued part of Courtway’s culture is the Middle Level Sheltered Program, which brings fantastic diversity to the building and enriches the learning experience for everyone.
💙 Join us in celebrating Mr. Brad Etters for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to creating a supportive and engaging environment for all students at Bob Courtway Middle School! Show your appreciation for Mr. Etters in the comments or send him a note of thanks here:conwayschools.org/o/cps/page/staff-celebrations
📣 Calling All Local Businesses!
Conway High School is seeking community partners to support the Circles Program, a research-based initiative helping students with disabilities transition from school to adult life.
As a Community Level Team Member, you can:
Connect students with professionals in your field
Share insights about careers and industry expectations
Help students set realistic post-secondary goals
💡 Fields of Interest This Year Include:
Disc Jockey, Counselor, Art/Marketing/Graphic Design, Construction, Excavation/Equipment Operator, Restaurant/Cook, Military, Welding, Vet/Animal Care, Fashion Design/Modeling/Alterations, Retail, Agriculture, Teaching/Child Care, Architect, Independent Living Services, Pilot, Mechanic
📅 Join Us at the Next Circles Meeting:
Friday, October 31, 2025
9:00am – 10:30am
2300 Prince Street – Conway High School
🤝 Your expertise can make a real difference in a student’s future!
For more information: Lee McKinney mckinneyj@conwayschools.info
💙 Principal Joey Moon – Simon Middle School
As we continue celebrating National Principals Month, we’re proud to highlight Mr. Joey Moon, Principal of Simon Middle School!
Mr. Moon says one of his favorite parts of being a principal is the behind-the-scenes work of building reliable, student-centered systems that allow the focus to stay where it matters most—on dynamic teaching and learning in the classroom. His leadership is grounded in teamwork, consistency, and a deep belief in the power of growth.
His favorite quote, “You haven’t taught until they’ve learned,” by Coach John Wooden, reflects his student-first philosophy and his commitment to meaningful instruction that truly reaches every learner.
Originally from California, Mr. Moon moved to Arkansas as a child and proudly calls it home—but he admits he still roots for many of his favorite West Coast teams! Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and collaborating with teachers and parents to make the Simon experience the very best it can be for every student.
At Simon Middle School, Mr. Moon and his team have introduced some exciting initiatives that build community and encourage student growth:
📚 Reading Bingo, a school-wide program that promotes reading across multiple genres. Students earn points for their grade level by completing “bingos,” and the winning class earns a popsicle party and extra recess time!
🌟 Simon Standard Assemblies, held monthly to celebrate students, teachers, and staff who exemplify the school’s core values. Assistant principals even call families ahead of time so they can attend and celebrate together.
“The Simon Standard” has become a shared mindset across the campus—representing high expectations, growth, and pride in everything students and staff do.
💙 Join us in celebrating Mr. Joey Moon for his dedication, innovative leadership, and commitment to ensuring every student at Simon Middle School has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive! Celebrate Mr. Moon below or send him a note of appreciation here:conwayschools.org/o/cps/page/staff-celebrations
