Monticello Live

At Thursday evening’s monthly School Board meeting, Superintendent Johnston gave an update on the vandalism issue. The students apologized to the School Board at last month’s meeting. (more…)

Just finished processing the DCHS graduation photos,  We apologize for the delay

Jazmine Rivera was presented the Chip Gardner Choir Scholarship at Drew Central’s Senior Awards Night. Jazmine is a senior choir major and will be attending UAM. ( pictured: Sheila Gardner and Jazmine Rivera

Barrett Hunnicutt, a Drew Central Middle School seventh grade student, has been awarded a full scholarship to attend the Robotics Academy this summer at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Barrett was encouraged by Terri Smith, UAM STEM Science Specialist, to apply for the scholarship.

(more…)

Fourth graders at Drew Central Elementary worked on their engineering skills by attending DC Engineering Institute during their second semester as part of a grant written by teacher Eva Arrington funded by Toyota & Ryburn Automotive.

(more…)

(more…)

Drew Central Superintendent Mike Johnston attended an Arkansas Dept. of Eduction meeting in Little Rock, Monday, where it was confirmed that the Drew Central school district had been removed from the “fiscal distress list”.

When a district works to prove their fiscal viability to ADE, the process usually takes two years.  Drew Central is the only Arkansas district to accomplish this designation in one year, during this cycle.

(more…)

More details have come to light, following Friday morning’s discovery of the vandalism at Drew Central High School, including a list of approximately a dozen “senior prank” suspects, and the realization of around $5,000 in damage.

(more…)

Hall of Fame inductees for 2013 include
(more…)

At their recent Drew Central school board meeting, the board heard a report from Katie Taylor about her recent trip to Washington DC, as well as her plans to expand her service project “Pack of Hope” to more DC students in need.

The Drew Central school board, along with selected staff members and students, held thorough interviews Wednesday and Thursday with the five potential superintendent candidates.

(more…)

Breakfast in the Classroom expands to Drew Central Middle and High School on March 26th!

Breakfast is FREE for all students, and will be served in elementary and middle school classrooms at the start of each school day, and in high school classes at the beginning of second period.

School breakfast supports health & achievement, with a grant provided by Arkansas No Kid Hungry and Share Our Strength Campaign.

The program began with a pilot program in December, then became a part of the daily routine for the elementary school, in January, with impressive results.

The Drew Central PTO has Red Brick Memory Ornaments for sell. The Ornaments are $8 each.

If you have fond memories of the Red Brick Building at Drew Central this is a “must have” keepsake. Contact Sheila Gardner at 870-367-5235 to get your ornament.

Drew Central Safe Prom will having a meat sale with the help of Piggly Wiggly.

All money made will go to support the Safe Prom for this years JR/SR High Students.

Times 10.30 till

Butts $12.00
Ribs $11.00
Chicken Half $3.00
Whole Chicken $6.00
BBQ Sandwiches $1.00
Smoked Sausage $1.00

Drew Central fourth graders in Eva Arrington’s class enjoyed reading, researching, and exploring the classic The Wizard of Oz written by L. Frank Baum.

After analyzing and close reading the book, students viewed the movie and made comparisons. One example was Dorothy’s shoes were silver slippers in the book, but in the movie her shoes were ruby slippers. The study ended with students developing research projects.

(more…)

The Drew Central safety and security task force met Monday night to receive updates on the suggestions that were made at their earlier meeting.

Topics covered included doors, locks, playgrounds, among several others areas.

Nominations for Drew Central School District’s “Hall of Fame” and “Distinguished Service Awards” are now being accepted. Please submit nominations to:

(more…)

Jessica Wishard, a senior at Drew Central High School, received recognition at their recent school board meeting for advancing to finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program of 2013. She was awarded a certificate by Ms. Melissa Vincent, Principal of the high school.

(more…)

Left to Right Krista Donley, Keith Reynolds UAM Football player, Savannah Rainey

Drew Central 4th graders in Eva Arrington’s class had 3 furry guests on Friday- ferrets. Keith Reynolds, a UAM football player, spoke to the class about the responsibilities of owning a pet.

Drew Central 3rd & 4th graders’ presentation of the musical Aladdin under the direction of Ashley Gonzalez was a theatrical success!

Using the Common Core State Standards as her guide, Ms. Gonzalez, Drew Central Elementary music teacher, read the book to the students first and a character study followed. Every third and fourth grader had a part in the production from actors, dancers, stage managers, props managers, and audience greeters. A backdrop of Agrabah was designed and painted by students under the guidance of Lindsay Harper Groce, Drew Central Elementary art teacher.

The musical had two acts and an intermission. The play ended with a grand finale of all students on stage singing with baton twirlers, gymnasts, bread venders, flag bearers, belly dancers, Jr. Djinns, guards, and a beggar woman.

First picture: Jordan Watson as Jasmine singing her solo “One Jump Ahead”
Second picture: Arnold Diaz as Jafar, Pricila Tinajero as Lago, Lauren Tumey as Genie
Third picture: Pricila Tinajero as Lago, Arnold diaz as Jafar, Michael Herman as Aladdin, Jordan Watson as Jasmine, Adonis acre as Sultan, Lauren Tumey as Genie

Titus Burke with his parents Doyle and Kathy

With February being Heart Disease Awareness month, 37 Drew Central students in grades 1st-6th grade participated in the Physical Education Department’s Annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. The students collected donations for The American Heart Association. By collecting $5, students were able to participate in the Jump Rope for Heart event, with music, jumping rope, snacks and recognition of the students’ hard work. Many students raised money and jumped in memory or in honor of a loved one that has battled heart disease.

Titus Burke, a fifth grade student in Mrs. Wilmoth’s class, raised $141.00, which was our highest donation. The grand total raised was $1,226.04.

(more…)

Mon,., Feb. 18, County Quorum Court, Courthouse, 7 pm

Tues., Feb 19, Monticello School Board, 5:30 pm

Wed. Feb. 20 Inermodal Board, Warren BCIDC, 10:30 am

Thurs., Feb 21, City Council, 6 pm

The Drew Central Elementary Safety Team met Monday evening, to discuss a wide range of security and safety issues.

An espicially interesting part of the meeting was when Laura Kaminicki, a Drew Central 3rd grade parent, also a former Jonesboro resident from the time of that city’s March 24, 1998 massacre at Westside Middle School, described some of that school’s physical charistics.

(more…)

Dr. Sue Martin of the Education Department at the University of Arkansas at Monticello came to talk to Orientation to Teaching students at Drew Central High School about the requirements and classes they would be taking at the University and actions to take in order to become licensed teacher in the state of Arkansas.

The Orientation to Teaching class is instructed by Cindy Sass and gives students a glimpse into the profession of teaching.