Monticello Live

Andrew McKeown received a Certificate of Outstanding Achievement for scoring a 22 on his ACT, during the Drew Central school board meeting, Thursday night.

The principals of Drew Central reported to the school board that they are preparing for upcoming Benchmark exams.

Drew Central High School will begin taking steps, in the upcoming school year, to aid in the transition to high school life. Steps include using a mentor program where older kids will help the younger kids.

ARMOMS will be at UAM on May 21-22 to offer free dental to any who need. Drew Central will be sending at least one bus to help move people around campus to and from the parking areas.

The Board approved the Sylvan contract, staff wellness policy, a bid for a handicapped/special needs bus, and an additional District Administration secretarial position for cross training in APSCN/Payroll.

Ashley Reed will be hosting Drew Central’s annual talent show as her senior project on Thursday, March, 18th at 6:30 pm at the Earl Willis Auditorium.

 Every year DC holds a talent show but this year, as her senior project, Ashley has turned it into an oppurtunity to help our home state because the proceeds from this show will be donated to Arkansas Childrens Hospital. The contestants will be judged this year and the winner will recieve a trophy at the end of the night.

Admission to watch the show is $1.00 and all donations will be welcome and very appreciated.

Please come out and support Drew Centrals many talented students and the children of Arkansas.

Drew Central Students, Jake Wishard and Derrick Herman smile as they get ready to perform in the Male Chorus at the 2010 Arkansas All-State Choir concert in Hot Springs, AR.

Herman is a Senior and made 28th chair.

Wishard is an 11th grade student and made 33rd chair.

Senator Jeffress, Katie, Weston, and Katie's cousin, who she has helped several years

State Senator Jimmy Jeffress visited Drew Central schools Monday to extend congratulation to Katie Taylor, age 13, who was named one of Arkansas’ top two youth volunteers for 2010 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Katie, a seventh-grader at Drew Central Middle School, created games and activities to help her young autistic cousin learn basic school subjects, and has helped educate hundreds of adults and young people about autism. “In 2004, when my cousin Weston was diagnosed with autism, I read that most autistic children’s minds are two years behind their age, but that it can be helped,” said Katie.

The chocolates sold by Drew Central Elementary and Middle School students as a fund raiser for the library has arrived.

Parents may start picking up chocolate orders in the library after 11:00 a.m. on Monday.

If you have questions, please call Sheila Gardner at 367-6893. Thank you for your support of our library program.

Drew Central Elementary and Middle School Students participated in JUMP ROPE FOR HEARTS on Friday February 26.

Each students asked friends and family to sponsor them as a jumper.

The students jumped for about an hour raising $1,689.79 for the American Heart Association. Reagan Berryman ( left) and Rachel Shirey raised the most money for the event.

The Drew Central S.O.D.A. Club (students opposed to drugs and alcohol)attended the Pride Youth Conference in Hot Springs.

The group attended workshops on tobacco and alcohol awareness, safe dating and the dangers of prescription drug abuse. The students are in grades 9th – 12th, and serve as drug and tobacco free role models for the Drew Central Middle School children.

Those that attended the conference were (not in order): Derek Herman, Amiee Garcia, Gregoria Garcia, Courtney Brown, Lena Randle, Jake Lee, Jay Byers, Aaron Jones, Kyle Kunkle, Martin Garcia, Amanda Moore, Tabitha Jenkins, Bradlee Rodgers, Jessica Martin, Haley Crista, Nikol Kulbeth and sponsor, Anna Jones.

SOFTBALL CLINIC HOSTED BY: THE DREW CENTRAL SOFTBALL TEAM

 DATE: MARCH 20, 2010

LOCATION: THE CLINC WILL BE HELD AT THE DREW CENTRAL SOFTBALL FILED LOCATED BEHIND THE DREW CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL LOCATED ON 440 HWY 83 SOUTH, MONTICELLO. SIGNS WILL BE POSTED WHEN ENTERING THE CAMPUS.

TIME: REGISTRATION WILL BE FROM 8:00 A.M8:30 A.M. THE CAMP WILL BEGIN AT 8:30 AND LAST UNTIL 12:00 P.M. THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE FED FROM 12:00-1:00 P.M. THEY SHOULD BE PICKED UP PROMPTLY AT 1:00 P.M. Read the rest of this entry »

Mrs. Lou Arnold’s second grade class from Drew Central Elementary was on TV, presenting the THV Schoolcast on Wednesday, giving the weather report and the lunch menu.

Although all students participated in writing of the script and background scenery and filming, only a few could actually be filmed.

Students that are actually in the video are as follows:, Trenton Eubanks–weatherman, Dakota Stanfill—weatherman, Olivia Young—Live Reporter, Darbonee Forte—Pirate, Zy Chavis—Pirate Lane Berryman—Pirate, Elijah Trantham—Pirate, Emaleigh Forrest—Pirate

The kids are super excited about being on TV!

Drew Central Elementary was recently recognized by the National Center for Educational Achievement as part of its 2009 “Just for the Kids Campaign” for Higher Performing Schools in Arkansas. The event, held at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock., included a recognition ceremony for NCEA’s Just for the Kids Higher Performing Schools and featured keynote speakers, including Governor Mike Beebe, Dr. Jim Purcell (Director of Arkansas Department of Education), Dr. Tom Kimbrell (Commissioner of Arkansas Department of Education), and Mr. Ed. Drilling (President of AT&T Arkansas and Vice Chair of Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce); panel discussions from leading superintendents and principals of Higher Performing Schools; and presentations discussing the importance of CCR for all Arkansas students.

Drew Central Elementary was one of 138 schools receiving the NCEA “School of Excellence” award during the day-long ceremony. 

Picture from left to right are Wayne Fawcett, Superintendent, Drew Central School District, Angela Hall Watkins, Managing Director NCEA, Dr. Tom Kimbrell, Commissioner of Education, Arkansas Department of Education and Mike Johnston, Principal

Second Grade Star Student for January
(Front Row, L to R) Jessaca Shepherd, Deaunna Baker, Shawn Wylie, Kevin Stain
(Back Row, L to R) Vincent Steppes, Lilly McKee, Armon Youngblood, Michaela Binns, Christian Clingan
Not pictured is Paul Miller

Third Grade Star Student for January
(Front Row, L to R) Raymond Veasey, Caitlin Dupwe, Rowyn Fradsham, Elizabeth Donaldson, Brittany Thompson, Jamie Martin
(Back Row, L to R) Joey Holland, DJ Knight, Javion Taylor, Skyla Newton, RJ Pharr

Fourth Grade Star Student for January
(Front Row, L to R) Jayme Ratliff, Levi Simpson, Josh Forrest
(Middle Row, L to R) Brooklynn Santucci, Mercedes McGhee, Grace Gavin, Nicole Knowles, Drew Frasure
(Back Row, L to R) Ian Taylor, Marico Rhodes, Bradley Krueger, Montiel Daniels, Chauncey Shepherd, Zayne Hale, Elizabeth Curtis
Absent: Alana McManus

Read the rest of this entry »

The Drew Central school board received an ARRA update on stimulus money for the school. There is currently a hold on money distribution by the Federal Government, but the final word is still pending. If cuts do occur, then some areas of spending will be scaled back, but technology spending will remain unaffected. To date, Drew Central has spent roughly 40% of money received through deliberate spending practices.

The Board passed a motion to seek the Wellness Center Grant. This grant will provide the school system with money to add Registered Nurses, expand into Mental Health, and ultimately provide an opportunity to have a Licensed Practical Nurse. This five-year grant would increase the care a school can give to students and faculty.

Drew Central recently underwent a Standards Review update and is meeting most requirements. A few policy wording issues came up, but Wayne Fawcett, Superintendent, noted that there are “no major problems.”

The District Tournament begins February 16 and games will be played through February 19. The Regional games will be played in Prescott and State games will take place in Jessiville.

Katy Taylor is one of two Arkansas students to receive a thousand dollar check and an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C.. She received this Volunteerism award for her work with her autistic cousin, as reported in an earlier MLive article.

Charity: Water has been working nonstop to raise $5000 to help bring clean water to those in need. Charity: Water is a nonprofit foundation that builds water wells in third world countries. People die every day due to water related diseases. Drew Central EAST and Senior Project are teaming up to allow student Stephanie Eubanks to help the people who do not have access to clean drinking water. Read the rest of this entry »

Katie Taylor, age 13, was named one of Arkansas’ top two youth volunteers for 2010 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. Read the rest of this entry »

It is time for Drew Central Schools to begin taking nominations for the Hall of Fame and Distinguished Service Awards

The qualifications are:

Hall of Fame
1)      Drew Central graduate, or is eligible for a DC diploma, or a person who left before graduating and did not receive a diploma from another school.
2)      Readily known for outstanding accomplishments in the wider community.
3)      Person of high character and integrity.
4)      Considered an excellent role model. 

Distinguished Service
1)      All of the above with the exception of #1.  The person may or may not be a DC graduate but should have contributed to the success of Drew Central Schools.

A committee will convene to make selections in February.  Nominations can be sent to me at 250 University Dr., Monticello, AR 71655  c/o  Hall of Fame-Distinguished Service Nomination.  We will accept nominations until  February 12, 2010.  Those selected will be recognized at the All-School Reunion held on campus Saturday, May 1, 2010.

Kindergarten Star Student for December
(Front Row, L to R) Jacob East, Tristan Berryman, Garrin Gray, Adrianea Johnson, Madison Harris, James Dodson
(Back Row, L to R) Bekah Brown, Cobey Bray, Tristan Butler, Sierra Parks, Darveon Rayford
Absent: Austin Cruce 

First Grade Star Student for December
(Front Row, L to R)Jasmine Harris, Clarisa Octavo, Braxton Carter, Barry Harmon Jr.
(Middle Row, L to R) Aven Fradsham, Lauren Tumey, Domaniq Winders, Timber Simpson
(Back Row, L to R) Jacob Chapman, Ja’Cari Oglesby, Rochelle Polite, Haley Quillen

Second Grade Star Student for December
(Front Row, L to R) Randall Carpenter, Zachariah Trantham, Dakota Sturgis, Daysha Strickland, Laniah Anderson, Kelli Jo Stain
(Back Row, L to R) Rodney Williams, Elijah Trantham, JaMarious Chavis, Matthew Williams, Destinee Williams, Jaci Forrest

Third Grade Star Student for December
(Front Row, L to R) Tristan Foreman, Gage Hawkins, Codi Rodriguez, Savannah Evans
(Back Row, L to R) Will Rodgers, Javion Taylor, Skylar Lemley, Julia Lytle
Absent: Rodricka Wigfall

Fourth Grade Star Student for December
(Front Row, L to R) Kenneth Rodriguez, Reagan Gregory, Jake Harris, Brandi Jiles, Chandler Holley, Cannon Fradsham
(Back Row, L to R) Marlon Gonder, Marshall Gonder, Barrett Hunnicutt, Ania Washington, Tyshi Green, Charlie Lytle

Here are December 2009, Students of the Month for Middle School
(Not in order) April Vincent, John Armstrong, Max McKeown, Sarah Sivils, , Kaytlin Hudgens, Tiarra Nelms, Latiya Davis, Payton Boykin

January 2010, Students of the Month for Middle School
(not in order) Karlo Gober, Caiya Robinson, Mariah Deshazer, Cody Walls, Lacey Rae, Meghan Cook, Migeal Strong, Alyssa Lloyd.

The Drew Central Jr. High Quiz Bowl Team came in first place against twelve teams from Southeast Arkansas in the SEARK Cooperative Competition on January 12th.

Pictured are:

First row : Bethany Hayden, Aaron Hood, Tyler Harper, and Eamon Borse. Middle row: Ruth Rivera, Annalee Knight, Jazmine Rivera, Jessica Wishard (captain), Alannah Hensley, and Ashlin Stewart. Back row: Sheila Borse (coach), Morgan Nall, and Eddie Barnett.

Congratulations to Katie Taylor who was recognized by the Drew Central school board for scoring a 23 composite score on her ACT. 

Katie is in the seventh grade.

The principals discussed their plans for the Benchmark and how to help students score proficient or above during the Drew Central monthly meeting. DC High School has implemented a new tutoring program through Sylvan Learning and have hired tutors from UAM to help work with the students.

The school board recognized Cindy Flemister who was voted as Drew Central Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010.

The board approved the resolution adopting the 10 year Master Facilities Plan, the resolution approving the purchase of pipe for student bridges, the remediation procedures, the Parental Involvement Plan, and the make-up day.

The new last day for students will be June 3, 2010, and the last day for teachers will be June 4, 2010.

The boardl also decided to hire Erica Herman to teach one art class a day for the remainder of the school year.

Drew Central held a public meeting, Thursday evening, to discuss their 10 year Master Facilities Plan which covered plans for renovations, new buildings, demolitions, life cycles and end-of-life cycles for facilities.

Here is a list of the items discussed: Read the rest of this entry »

Congratulations to these Drew Central Pirates, who have been named to the 7AAA Football All Conference Team:

Matt McKeown,
David Bell,
Mike Williams.

Honorable Mention:
Landon Owens,
Brian Mills,
Pat Gutierrez.

Congratulations to these young men on their achievements!

Drew Central will hold a public meeting at 5:00 PM, Thursday, January 14, 2009 to discuss our Ten Year Master Facility Plan.

This will be before our regular Board meeting at 6:00 PM.

Drew Central School District has opened a new workout facility. Now DC employees are able to work out whenever they desire. 

The new workout room offers two elliptical machines, two tread mills, weights and weight benches, a punching bag and speed ball. It also has a television, which will have satellite, and also a DVD player and boom box. It will also have more equipment added as more people use it. All Drew Central employees are welcome to use it.

For more Information Contact Laura Fawcett Coordinated School Health Director.

Arkansas author Dave Sargent, Jr, along with the characters from his books, made an appearance at Drew Central Elementary School, just before they went on Christmas break.

Mr. Sargent told students he comes up with the ideas for his books with a lot of help from his dogs. The students were entertained by Mr. Sargent and his dogs who performed a number of fascinating tricks. The students were given the opportunity to purchase books and get Mr. Sargent’s autograph.

Drew Central School Board voted to grant every employee an additional personal day for the spring semester.  It is a reward for their hard work, budget tightening, etc. and a way to show appreciation for all that our faculty and staff do for our students.

Superintendant Wayne Fawcett explained that the extra day off will only be available until June 30, 2010, can not be saved for next year, and is subject to approval from the principal or supervisor (just to make sure that we don’t have too many out on any given day). It will not affect their attendance bonuses that some receive.

The Drew Central Middle School students in Ms. Simpson’s seventh-grade literacy class read the book, The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. The author was a fifteen year-old girl who wrote about the lifestyle teenagers experienced in 1967.

After reading this book, the students wrote non-fiction essays about the lifestyle of the sixties: cars, clothes, drive-in movie theaters, music, and etc.

As a culminating activity, the students and teachers enjoyed looking at a few of the “tuff” antique cars that were mentioned in the book: 1963 Ford Falcon, 1965 Ford Mustang, and a 1956 Ford Pick-up.

The students and teachers would like to thank Mr. Bill Burt, Lt. Steven Stain, and Mr. Dewayne Bonds for sharing their antique cars with us. It really started our holiday off great!

Read the rest of this entry »

Drew Central schools has counselors available today, to assist students in coping with the loss Monday night of a classmate, Jesse Cash, who died as the result a automobile accident.

Landon Satterlee and Kaleb Love were two of the Drew Central Kindergarten students, who went to visit Santa at Commerical Bank Thursday morning, and sang Christmas carols to several of the businesses on the Square.

Read the rest of this entry »

Here are some pictures from the Drew Central High School Senior Choir musical Wonderland!

Kathleen Waddle portraying Hatta

Micah Lane portraying Humpty Dumpty

Derrick Herman portraying White Knight and Ashley Reed portraying Alice

Cheyenne Tucker portraying Red Queen

The choir is under the direction of Mrs. Cara Akin

All photos by Peg-Leg News photographer Paris Johnson Read the rest of this entry »

Winners in the Drew Central PTO Basket Drawings are:
Kitchen Basket: Mary Ann Goslin
Twilight Basket: Katy Cruce
Tailgate Basket: Dr. Joe Miles
Movie Basket: May Goad
Ladies’ Day Out Basket: Joe Sullivan
Christmas Basket : Marion Bowden