You can drop off the toys at Drew Central E.A.S.T. lab from 9:00am to 11am, Monday through Friday until October 29th.

UAM’s Scott Kuttenkuller told the group that classes were back in session, and enrollment had slightly increased.

Monticello Superintendent Bobby Harper reported that Monticello school enrollment was up by 35.

Wayne Fawcett, Drew Central Superintendent, also reported an increase for his district, with Drew Central having an increase of 5 students.

Both districts reported that the school year was off to a good start.

Both administrators also expressed their appreciation to UAM for the quality of teachers that are produced by the UAM Teacher education program

Please email Jessica at dcalumni2000@yahoo.com for information.

What is a Peer Mentor? A Peer Mentor is a trusted guide, friend, and peer counselor who assists the freshman student with areas of adjustment and transition into high school life. Through active listening and sharing of personal experience, the Mentor guides and advises the Mentee so that a smooth transition can transpire. The “First Mates” Peer Mentoring Program is based on two basic premises:

1. Students are uniquely qualified to help other students succeed;

2. Students learn best in an environment of friendship, warmth, and encouragement.

First Mates can assist freshman students with study skills, time management, stress management, and adjustment to high school. The Peer Mentors also form an important link between students, teachers and the administration, helping students utilize the many resources available from other campus programs. Finally, a good Mentor should be familiar with school rules and procedures, or be able to direct the student to someone who can properly address their concerns.

Our inaugural group of First Mates is: Seniors – Matt McKeown, Landon Grimes, LaJada Lyles,

Week of  Labor day

Monticello-Tues—cheese pizza

Drew Central-Tues—sausage pizza

Monticello-Wed—hot dogs

Drew Central-Wed—mini corn dogs

Monticello-Thurs—turkey & cheese on bun

Drew Central-Thurs—sloppy joes

Monticello Fri —ham & cheese sandwich

Drew Central Fri — baked ham,  mac & cheese

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The first is asking voters to approve the refinancing of two current bond issues. School districts routinely issue bonds to pay for major capitol improvement projects such as our recent elementary school addition. Currently the Qualified School Construction Bond program allows school districts to sell bonds to investors who receive a tax credit for buying the bonds instead of the normal interest received. This translates into an effective interest rate of ZERO for the Drew Central School District. This is very much like refinancing your house but at an interest rate of zero percent. The money raised by the sale of bonds allows projects in the district such as putting a new roof on the Earl Willis Auditorium, construction of a new high school library, replacing heating and air conditioning at our schools, and improving technology needs at all of our schools. The other benefit is that the immediate capital raised will NOT increase the yearly debt payment of the district. The money received by the refinance must be dedicated for use on capital improvement projects.

Drew Central is like many smaller school districts in Arkansas that encompass a large geographic area (553 sq miles) with little or no industry located within the boundary of the school district. Schools are funded on enrollment figures from taxes on real and personal property. As part of the Lakeview decision, the first twenty-five mills collected is sent to the state and redistributed. Anything above the first twenty-five mills, which is currently 10.6 mills, is used by the districts for operating expenses and other debt service. The amount of funding per student for 2010-2011 is $6023. In the Drew Central School District $4554 is received from the state and $1459 is received locally. In January 2011 the Arkansas Legislature will convene. The conventional wisdom is that any increase in funding from the state for schools is highly unlikely for the next biennium.

On June 30, 2008 the Drew Central School District ended the fiscal year with a balance of $278,606. This balance was dangerously close to being placed in fiscal distress. On June 30, 2010 we ended with $558,829, an increase of $280,223 or a 100% increase in balance. These savings came from the unfortunate elimination of jobs, consolidating bus routes, trimming expenses, and delaying needed maintenance projects. We feel that we have been very good stewards of the money received from the patrons of Drew Central. There is never a good time to ask for more millage. NEVER. But, during my two years as superintendent one thing is evident: our patrons love and support this district.

The second issue on the ballot is a request for a millage rate of 39.9. Drew Central has not asked for a millage increase since 1995. In 1995 diesel fuel cost $1.10/gallon. Today we buy it at $2.60/gallon. Everyday we travel 1572 miles bringing students to school and returning them home. Diesel fuel alone costs $583.88/day or $103,931/year IF prices do not increase. This does not include any extra trips or transportation to the Occupational Education Center. This is only one example of the increased costs incurred by the district over the course of the last 15 years. A 4.3 increase on $100,000 property represents $7.17/month, or 24 cents per day. No one likes to pay more than is needed, including me. Drew County enjoys two excellent school districts that each offer excellent opportunities for students. Maintenance of those two districts requires commitment from the patrons.

Rarely do schools have the opportunity to raise funds at zero percent interest and to support their school district in their efforts to provide for students who will contribute to improvement and growth in Drew County. Additionally, voters in Zone 3 will be electing their representative to the Board. This person will help make those decisions for the benefit of Drew Central Schools. I encourage everyone within the Drew Central School District to vote FOR the two issues and to select their choice for Board position #3.

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Editor’s note: Mrs. Davis did not choose to have her letter posted on MonticelloLive.com

“Thank you for putting your trust in me; I don’t take it lightly.” – Noble

Principal Noble expressed both his concern, and his confidence in Drew Central’s staff, children, and parents. He stated that there will be a major stress on academics and stress on discipline, and also on parental support.

Principal Joy Graham stated that the AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) reports showed the school to be on “alert” status.

“It takes two years to get into school improvement and two years go get out. If we make AYP this spring, then we don’t have to worry about this.”

By spring, the school must have 73.41% of students proficient or advanced in math and 75.70% of students proficient or advanced in literacy to make the target goals. It was reported that new AYP scores may be higher than previously reported due to 6 students that scored low on the tests moving from the district.

Due to heating and air repairs, many teachers are still working hard to get their classrooms ready. They were delayed from beginning any classroom work until August 9, which is much later usual.

With the repairs complete, the systems in the buildings all meet the new clean air standards.

“They will be breathing the cleanest air possible in that building.” – Superintendant Wayne Fawcett

The transportation report showed that older busses that have been out of service should be on the road in a month. It was stated that Tom Bailey of Monticello Diesel has been very helpful to Drew Central’s transportation department. Due to them now having a certified mechanic helping, they are being graded much harder on standards.

Of the 17 busses inspected, five have less than 100,000 miles, 12 have over 100,000 miles, and have 255,000 miles. The lowest mileage was reported to be 61,000.

“When you run as many miles as we do everyday, carrying kids to all points of the county… we’re going to need buses soon. We’re going to need buses very soon.” – Fawcett

Changes for the cheerleading policy for the 2010-2011 year were approved. This includes items such as Sr. High having tryouts before Jr. High, having closed practices, and keeping the current 25 demerit system.

The cheerleaders were praised by the board for the amazing job they did over the summer at camps, winning many awards. The coaches were applauded for the hard work and dedication they have put into the team.

The 2010-2011 salary schedules were approved. The salaries are the same as the previous year. No raises or bonuses have been given in two years due to the current financial status.

An executive session resulted in the approved hiring of the following:

1. Shawn Curtis – Cross Country
2. Ben Wilson – Middle School Science
3. Brittney Wells – MS Math
4. Becky Pace-Summer Library
5. Sheila Gardner – Summer Library
6. Judy Webb – Summer Library

Front: Anna Meyers, Alex Morrison (Captain), Crystal Cundiff (Co-Captain), Autumn Robbins. Middle: Danielle Miles, DesaRay Rojas, Leeza Goudy, Lyndsi Chapman, Jerica Binns. Back: Katie Trantham, Savannah Horn, Coleman Herman, Grace Borse, Kellie Moore

The Drew Central High School Cheerleaders attended a Universal Cheerleader Association camp at the University of Arkansas, July 24th-27th.

The team received instruction from collegiate cheerleaders and participated with several squads from Arkansas.

They were named Cheer Camp Champions and received a 2nd place trophy in the Xtreme Dance Routine Camp Championship. They also received a Camp Superior Trophy for receiving all blue ribbons for the week in Evaluations of Cheer and Xtreme Dance Routine. The squad received 4 blue superior ribbons and 1 gold superior ribbon, which was earned on the Final Cheer Evaluation.

The 2010-2011 team consists of Alex Morrison, captain; Crystal Cundiff, co-captain; Anna Myers, Autumn Robbins, Danielle Miles, DesaRay Rojas, Leeza Goudy, Lyndsi Chapman, Kellie Moore, Jerica Binns, Katie Trantham, Savannah Horn, Coleman Herman, and Grace Borse. The team is coached by Whitney Howard.

Alex Morrison and Jerica Binns selected as All American

Morrison, senior, and Binns, junior, were chosen as All-American Cheerleaders, earning them the opportunity to cheer at the Houston Day Parade and the Pre-Game performance at the Capitol One Bowl in Orlando, FL.

Herman, freshman; Goudy, junior; and Binns received the American Cheerleader pin award for demonstrating leadership and good sportsmanship at camp. Binns received an individual award for Outstanding Performance in the Xtreme Dance Routine. Several members of the squad were finalists in various competitions throughout the camp, as well.

“The girls worked extremely hard through an intense four days of camp. I am so proud of how well they worked together as a team and how determined they were to bring home awards,” said Howard. “This is a great group of girls and it’s going to be a fun year with them.”

The squad is anticipating the upcoming football season and invites the public to come watch their performances and help cheer the Drew Central Pirates to a successful football season.

 All American Awards are presented to athletes displaying outstanding skills, leadership, and cooperation.

The girls qualified to participate in the half-time of the Orange Bowl in Florida.

Bottom Row: Captain Kari Lane Sturgis Leadership, Co captain Brooke Rekow Dance Diva, Caroline Adair Cheer leadership, Next Row-Malorie Allison Best voice Projection, Christain Greer cheer Diva, Candolyn Watson Mighty Motions, Next Row Claudia Morrison Never Negative Award, Katie Taylor Most dedicated, Alexis Phillips Showing your colors awards, Lizzie Fawcett Best Flyer, Kaitlynn Harris Best stunter, Ashley Berryman Up and Coming

Back Row Coach Jacob, Paxton Miller Get up and Go Award, Sean Kaminickie Most Out going, Coach Melanie Brotherton