Graduation ceremonies are such a special part of our jobs as educators. Whether you were part of the graduation for our outstanding senior class last night, or are part of our precious kindergarten commencement ceremonies from each of our elementary schools, you are part of moving our kids on to another step in their growth and academic journey. The term “Graduate” comes from the Latin term "Gradus,” which actually means a “step.” This week’s shoutout goes to all of our #HSSD Graduates - of all ages! Here’s to you - Class of 2031 AND Class of 2019. This week’s shout out goes to our staff members involved with any one of our graduation or awards ceremonies. Thank you for working so hard to help us honor and celebrate our kids in every way possible.

This summer, we look forward to hosting our HSSD Community Dance Camp July 8-11. Camp is open to any students, ages 4+. Mrs. Amy Bramlett Turner coordinates for instruction from local and abroad guest teachers to teach ballet, jazz, modern dance, and tap! All participants will receive the official dance camp shirt and perform in an informal performance on July 11. The cost is $45. All Dance Camp proceeds go towards the HSJA/HSWCHS Dance Program.

This week has been Teacher Appreciation Week and School Nurse’s Day was on Wednesday - celebrations that don’t come close to the thanks and praise that our educators and nurses deserve for the huge impact that they make! All of you remember - even though you may not be told directly, or see it for yourself - the work that you do within HSSD changes the lives of our students forever. You make a difference. You make an impact. You are changing the world, one student at a time. Also - I want to give a special shoutout to our HSSD Teachers of the Year! We are all so proud of you!

Each year, the HSSD proudly honors a Teacher of the Year for each of our world class schools. Learn more about Gardner STEM Magnet School Teacher of the Year Lorri Saracini. She has taught with the #HSSD for 37 years.

This week’s shoutout goes to our amazing senior class! This week has been their last with us here at HSSD. An educator has a truly unique journey with each student. We all feel a sense of pride for each child that walks our hallways because in part, their progression through each of our classes and buildings is partly our success, too. A piece of our hearts graduates with each and every one of them. Congratulations to these amazing kids. THEY are why we are all here, and THEIR success is our success and our celebration. We look forward to celebrating them on May 16th as 194 graduate from HSWCHS as the HSSD Class of 2019!

This week’s shoutout goes to our boys Trojan Soccer Team - who played a true nailbiter game last night against Benton. Congrats on your hard work and a GREAT, memorable season. You have set yourselves apart in your teamwork and your discipline.

The HSSD will host summer Pee Wee Camps for students entering 1st-6th grade for the following athletic activities: Soccer (July 8-10), Cheer/Dance (May 28-30), Football (May 28-30), Volleyball (May 28-30), Baseball/Softball (May 21-23), and Basketball (July 22 - 24). A camp fee of $10 per camp will be charged per student

Standardized testing begins next week across the #HSSD ... Find details for 3rd-10th grade, below. On these dates, please make sure that your students are well rested, and well fed. Please do not schedule appointments for students during these dates. We appreciate you!

The HSSD coordinated more than 2,100 K-6th grade students through the Hot Springs Airport today for Career Day, an event dedicated to highlighting the careers and services available in the Hot Springs community. Public safety and service agencies provided unique stations for students to visit with representatives and tour equipment and gear.

How do you summarize the biographies of our 45 United States Presidents? Gardner STEM third grade students in Ms. Sierocuk’s class wrote bio poems, created illustrations to accompany each poem, and presented their work to the class. As part of the Presidents Unit, the project included writing, art, and speaking skills, and challenged them to learn collaboratively about U.S. leaders.