CROSSETT SCHOOL DISTRICT

The date for the monthly Crossett School Board of Education meeting has been changed to Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the Administration building located at 219 Main Street beginning at 5 p.m.

Congratulations to Sam Rial of Crossett from Crossett High School who was elected as a State Representative for his congressional district at Arkansas Boys State 2023, a summer leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion. Rial was elected by his peers during district elections on Tuesday, May 30, as part of the 82nd annual session of Arkansas Boys State, where students build a mock government structure, including eight different congressional districts each with three senators and 10 representatives. "Being elected as State Representative is quite the special opportunity for Sam and his fellow legislators," said David Saterfield, director of instruction for Arkansas Boys State. "He'll get an up-close and personal look at the legislative process with his own state legislators leading him through the process." On Wednesday, Rial will meet with Arkansas legislators to learn more about the legislative branch and process. As part of their meeting, Rial will join his fellow Arkansas Boys State senators and representatives in creating mock legislation that they will debate and vote upon at the state capitol on Friday. "I'm excited to see what ideas Sam and his fellow legislators bring to the House and Senate floors on Friday," Saterfield said. "I hope these Arkansas Boys State legislators take it all in when they're at the capitol. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Rial is one of more than 470 students from throughout the state attending Arkansas Boys State at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Students are mock citizens in eight different counties and congressional districts, sixteen cities, and two political parties.

Congratulations to Tavis Caldwell of Crossett from Crossett High School who was elected as Secretary of State at Arkansas Boys State 2023, a summer leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion. Caldwell was one of 14 students elected by his peers to state office on Thursday, June 1, as part of the 82nd annual session of Arkansas Boys State, where students build a mock government, including the state constitutional offices: governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, auditor, land commissioner, treasurer, and chief justice and associate justices of the Arkansas Supreme Court. "Being elected to state office at Arkansas Boys State is the highest honor our students could achieve," said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. "This election speaks volumes about his character and excellence of Tavis and his desire to serve his community." On Friday morning, Caldwell will travel to the capitol in Little Rock where he will take office, meet with constituents, and learn more about their respective roles alongside their elected counterparts. "There are simply no words to describe the honor that Tavis has earned," said Jackson. "This is what it's all about. From all of us - leadership, staff, and alumni - we share the most heartfelt congratulations to Tavis, his school, his community, and his family." Caldwell is one of more than 470 students from throughout the state attending Arkansas Boys State at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Students are mock citizens in eight different counties and congressional districts, sixteen cities, and two political parties.

Congratulations to Blake Burford of Crossett from Crossett High School who was elected as a State Senator for his congressional district at Arkansas Boys State 2023, a summer leadership and civic engagement experience sponsored by the American Legion. Burford was elected by his peers during district elections on Tuesday, May 30, as part of the 82nd annual session of Arkansas Boys State, where students build a mock government structure, including eight different congressional districts each with three senators and 10 representatives. "Being elected as State Senator is quite the special opportunity for Blake and his fellow legislators," said David Saterfield, director of instruction for Arkansas Boys State. "He'll get an up-close and personal look at the legislative process with his own state legislators leading him through the process." On Wednesday, Burford will meet with Arkansas legislators to learn more about the legislative branch and process. As part of their meeting, Burford will join his fellow Arkansas Boys State senators and epresentatives in creating mock legislation that they will debate and vote upon at the state capitol on Friday. "I'm excited to see what ideas Blake and his fellow legislators bring to the House and Senate floors on Friday," Saterfield said. "I hope these Arkansas Boys State legislators take it all in when they're at the capitol. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Burford is one of more than 470 students from throughout the state attending Arkansas Boys State at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Students are mock citizens in eight different counties and congressional districts, sixteen cities, and two political parties. Tuesday at Arkansas Boys State also welcomed the beginning of campaigning for statewide office, including the office of governor.

We want to recognize and celebrate our teachers who make a difference in the lives of their students every day! We want to thank you for your long hours of work, your patience, and the love and care you show your students each day. Your dedication is truly appreciated!

The Crossett School District would like to inform our parents and patrons about a social media post circulated at the CHS and CMS campus today, May 5, 2023, involving a threat that resulted in the Crossett High School campus briefly going on lockdown. This post originated from a social media account from a different Arkansas town. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the post originated from a post out of Florida. The post alleged that a school shooting would occur on May 5, 2023, at 2:40 p.m. The threat is not specific to any school in Arkansas, and there are no known threats directed at Crossett School District. However, we take all safety concerns seriously and will continue to monitor the situation and work with local law enforcement to ensure students and staff are safe at all times. Again, the general awareness statement is not specific to any school district in Arkansas, including Crossett School District. The link to the news story out of Florida will also be attached, showing the social media post circulated in our district. https://www.wpbf.com/article/st-lucie-county-schools-responds-to-circulating-threat/43798150#

It has been brought to the district's attention that a student at Crossett Elementary brought an airsoft pellet gun to campus today, Tuesday, May 2nd, 2023, and showed other students. Crossett Elementary School Administration confiscated the airsoft pellet gun, notified local law enforcement, and followed district policy. There were no known threats made to any students or staff on campus. Crossett School District takes all threats to students and staff seriously and will always be transparent.

The Arkansas Drug Take Back was developed in 2010 to help Arkansas families secure, monitor, and dispose of their unused prescription medications. Most young adults who abuse prescription drugs get those substances from friends’ and families’ homes (NCBI, 2019). Recent data shows that overdose deaths in children under the age of 12 have been increasing along with the opioid crisis. When medications are left uncovered, children risk accidentally ingesting opioids left around the house (NCBI, 2021). To safely dispose of drugs, Crossett community members can drop off old prescriptions at Gammel's Clinic Pharmacy located at 909 Unity Road and the Crossett Police Department on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. Let’s all do our part to keep our homes and communities safe.

Band Signing Day There was a Band Signing Event at CHS today for five band students who will graduate in May. Each student signed with a university, accepting their scholarship offer that includes the student’s commitment to be a part of the university’s band program. Congratulations to Bryce Bailey, Savannah Goyne, Leah Weaver, Andy Hua, Emma Parker and John McLaren, the CHS Band Director.

It has been brought to the attention of the district that misinformation is circulating on social media pertaining to the Crossett Middle School. For clarification, there was no threat to students or staff at Crossett Middle School on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. There were no drugs or weapons seized nor arrests made. Crossett School District takes all threats to students and staff seriously and will always be transparent in such matters.

Crossett School District will dismiss school at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2023. This is due to the high rainfall and the continued threat of flooding in our area. School buses will run their routes during this time as well. All afterschool activities for today are canceled.

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please complete the 22-23 Parent/Guardian survey for the school that your child attends. Crossett Elementary School: https://forms.gle/JNPQC9h4WC7zSGr18 Crossett Middle School: https://forms.gle/s4QCL9zLC34Q7GQ38 Crossett High School: https://forms.gle/chMGnK3a2pjc9dEe6

CROSSETT MIDDLE SCHOOL 22-23 PARENT/GUARDIAN NEEDS ASSESSMENT The survey is designed to find out your thoughts about the environment of your child's school and how welcome you feel in the school building. You, the parent, play an important role in supporting student achievement and contributing to the school's success. Your opinion is very important to us and we appreciate your cooperation. Please use the following link to access the survey: https://forms.gle/VLf12tHTb6Wh1CiL7

CROSSETT ELEMENTARY 22-23 PARENT/GUARDIAN NEEDS ASSESSMENT The survey is designed to find out your thoughts about the environment of your child's school and how welcome you feel in the school building. You, the parent, play an important role in supporting student achievement and contributing to the school's success. Your opinion is very important to us and we appreciate your cooperation. Please use the following link to access the survey: https://forms.gle/HGSkRFhzqJihrN2Y7

CROSSETT HIGH SCHOOL 22-23 PARENT/GUARDIAN NEEDS ASSESSMENT The survey is designed to find out your thoughts about the environment of your child's school and how welcome you feel in the school building. You, the parent, play an important role in supporting student achievement and contributing to the school's success. Your opinion is very important to us and we appreciate your cooperation. Please use the following link to access the survey: https://forms.gle/c2a5KQWqjP6ehCcn9

Crossett Middle School hosted the Ashley County Spelling Bee Contest Tuesday, February 28. Congratulations to all the Ashley County School Champions that competed in the contest. Congratulations to Gabe Dubose and Landry Sivils from Crossett Middle School and Kimberly Blankenship and TJ Craig from Crossett Elementary School. Congratulations to the overall winners, Hayley Cossey (1st place) and Dazavian Stanley (2nd place) from Hamburg Middle School. Thank you to CMS English teacher, Emily Hale, for coordinating the event for Ashley County.

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is conducting a needs assessment to better understand the unmet behavioral and mental health needs of students in Arkansas (ages 12 and older). Through surveys and focus groups, UAMS hopes to learn more about current barriers to accessing care from all stakeholders, most importantly that of families and students themselves. Your expertise and perspective will be invaluable to plans moving forward. The results of this survey will provide UAMS and state partners with the information needed to develop plans to better meet the needs of youth and families in Arkansas. Please see the attached flyer for the survey link. Thank you!

DRUG-FREE ASHLEY COUNTY COALITION INVITES YOU TO JOIN OUR COMMUNITY FOCUS GROUP CONVERSATIONS MARCH 7 AND 8. Attendance and participation are critical to help us understand how to keep our children safe from drugs. Please see the attached flyer for more information.

Please join us this evening as we honor our seniors in their last home basketball game. Senior Night Ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. The Senior Girls game will begin shortly after followed by the Senior Boys. Eagles Fly High! --

“Crossett School District will have a two hour delay to the start of school for students and staff today, February 3rd. Buses will also run on a two hour delay.”