Monticello Live

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The Monticello School District held their new teacher orientation last week, and welcomed MonticelloLive to introduce the new staff to our readers.

New MHS teachers include (left to right):

Sammy Grimes, will teach physical science, physics, and chemistry, attended Hendrix College and U of A.

Amanda Cook, UAM graduate, will teach math.

Sarah Stratton, literacy facilitator, Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA, and and Elmira College.

Kristy Mitchell, UAM graduate, and MHS EAST lab.

Kelly Griffin, Drew Central and UAM graduate, will teach physical science and environmental

and LaDeena Kincade-Ellis,  MHS and UAM graduate, will teach biology and environmental science.

The Monticello School District held their new teacher orientation Monday, and welcomed MonticelloLive to introduce the new staff to our readers.

New MMS teachers include (left to right):

Rebecca Tipton, UAM graduate, will teach health and P.E.,  Ms. Tipton played college softball for 4 years.

Bennie Vincent, MHS class of 1975, graduated from UAM with a BA in music education. Ms. Vincent taught 27 years in Hampton. 

Blake Abbott, UAM graduate, will teach math, science, and social studies at MMS.

Rhea Ann Brewer, graduated from Dumas High School and U of A, Ft. Smith.  Ms. Brewer will teach 7th grade science.

The Monticello School District held their new teacher orientation Monday, and welcomed MonticelloLive to introduce the new staff to our readers.

New MIS teachers include (left to right):

Shelly Wolfe, UAM and Woodlawn High School graduate, 4th grade literacy and social studies.  Shie is married to John Wolfe, and has to children; Cole, age 10, and Leah, age 6.

Misty Lyle, UAM and Drew Central graduate, 4th grade literacy and social studies.  Ms. Misty is married to James Lyle, and has 2 daughters; Alaina, age 3, and Olivia, age 2. 

Erin Engelkes, UAM graduate, 3rd grade teacher.  Ms. Erin is returning to Monticello Schools, where she taught Kindergarten, previously, before moving to NLR, where she taught K-1 for 5 years.

Cristal Hill,  UAM graduate, Ms. Cristal will be working as a special education teacher at MIS.

Andrea Shrum, graduated from Kent State University in Ohio, in 1999 with a masters in speech/language pathology.  Ms. Andrea moved to Monticello last year.

The Monticello School District held their new teacher orientation Monday, and welcomed MonticelloLive to introduce the new staff to our readers.

New MES teachers include, (left to right)

Janet Lane, 1st grade teacher, MHS & UAM graduate.  Ms. Janet’s degree is in Pre-k through 4th grade education.

Susan Starks, Kindergarten teacher, UAM graduate, Ms. Susan’s degree is in Pre-k through 4th grade education.  She grew up in the North Little Rock/Sherwood area, and graduated from Cabot High School.  She moved to Monticello 13 years ago, when her husband went to work for Potlatch. Ms. Susan has 3 married children and 5 grandchildren.

Cindy Hilburn, Pre-k director.  UAM graduatewith a BA in Elementary Ed.  Ms. Cindy is currently working on her Masters degree from ASU in eductional leadership.  Her 28 years of experience are in early childhood special ed., kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade , K-3 literacy coach, and professioanl development associate at the Southeast Co-op.  Ms. Cindy previously worked in the Monticello School District for 8 years.

To: Monticello Community Churches, Civic Groups, Concerned Citizens

From: Keith E. Wells – Board Member, Monticello School District

Greetings,

This is the time of year that the students in our district are enjoying the last weeks of their summer vacation. For many thoughts of returning to class and preparing to begin the school year are on the back burner. This is a reminder that before the students know it the school year will be upon them, and we as parents, citizens, and leaders of our community must make sure that our children are focused and prepared to do their best when the school year starts.

We are fortunate to have teachers who put their hearts, minds, and spirits into giving all children the support they need to reach their educational goals. Many work tirelessly without any special acknowledgment or appreciation other than the satisfaction of knowing they made a difference in the life of a young person so that each child can fulfill their brightest dreams.

Teachers can only do so much without the support of parents and the community. I am asking everyone to step up to the plate and make sure the children of our community receive the best education possible by participating in our efforts to provide the highest quality of education for the future leaders of our community. If you do not have children in school or if your children have graduated, you are still needed to make sure that the next generation of children succeed, and that Monticello stays a strong vibrant community. (more…)

The safety of the stadium light poles was readdressed as new claims of concern over the poles’ anchor systems surface. Apparently, the poles should be rated to withstand 90mph winds for 3 seconds and the current poles are rated to withstand 70mph winds.

“It puts us in the position to have to clear the stadium if a big storm comes up [during a game.]” – Harper

Harper also stated that “UAM has 100ft poles and more lights on theirs… they’re in the same position. Their engineer is saying to just inspect them annually.”

The current light poles were done according to specs, and therefore Harper said, “I can’t make a recommendation to do anything yet. I’d like to give them more time to do research on it.” (more…)

It was a mixture of emotions as the Monticello School District said goodbye to five of its most experienced teachers. There was excitement for the new phase of life, and sadness at the closing of the current chapter.

Superintendent Bobby Harper addressed each retiree individually, taking the time to pass out plaques and speak words of praise, thanks, and encouragement over them. He stated that “we’re certainly losing some valuable experience and expertise.” (more…)

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Monticello School Board continued work updating and approving policies for the coming school year. MHS, MMS, MIS and MES also received handbook revisions to reflect the change in policies, their most recent meeting. (more…)

Due to a large demand for purchase of extra yearbooks, Monticello High School is reprinting the 2009-2010 yearbook. This offer will only be available for a very limited time.

Please provide in the information below. All information must be filled out in order for your yearbook to be ordered. Full payment of $50 is due when order is placed. All orders must be turned in to the Monticello High School by Thursday, June 17. No order will be accepted after Thursday, June 17, 2010

Name: ____________________________

Grade:_____________________________

Address: ___________________________

Phone Number: _____________________

Date: _________ Paid by _____Check ____ Cash

Return to:
MHS Yearbook
Attn: Amy Brunson
39 Clyde Ross Drive
Monticello, AR 71655

MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Several proposed policy changes were approved by the Monticello School board during discussions on Tuesday night, including topics such as when to pay teacher license renewal fees and how to properly handle reimbursements to teachers for college credits. (more…)

From MonticelloLive on Vimeo.

Fifteen seniors were awarded National Forensic League Honor Cords at the Monticello High School Speech and Drama Club End of the Year Awards Banquet. Front: Jackie Cargile, Brittany Halley, Kelsy Bryant, Emily Hilton, and Parrish Hicks; standing – Devin West, Zachary Chambliss, Rebecka Bennett, Alexis Pulido, Brice Pace, Derrick Banks, Quinn Ranahan, Jarron “JJ” Smith, and Thomas Lafever. Not pictured- Olivia Vaughn.

Along with the honor cords, other students were recognized for their efforts this year: (more…)

Cody Jaggers, Tikko Austin, and Daniel Gipson

CareerSafe is a program being offered to students of the Monticello OEC. CareerSafe is an interactive, youth to youth online program that addresses the high priority safety training needs of young workers. The Career Safe philosophy is “StartSafe. StaySafe.” To StartSafe and StaySafe students will learn about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace and gain valuable knowledge about how they can protect themselves and others. Throughout the program, students explore a wide range of topics including laws, guidelines, behaviors, and equipment, all intended to help them StartSafe and StaySafe.

John Newton, Garrett McAnally, Shaydren Williams, and Mitchell Ashcraft

CareerSafe’s 10-hour OSHA General Industry training program consists of 20 interactive modules discussing various safety tips and procedures one should follow while in the workplace. Ease module contains a brief assessment, which must be successfully completed before the student can move on to the next module. Once all modules have been viewed and the corresponding assessments are passed, there is a comprehensive final assessment. Once the student successfully completes the course, they receive a certificate and their OSHA 10-Hour General Industry card.

Congratulatiuon to these students.  The Monticello OEC instructor is Darrell McDaniel

Zach, the Drew County Sheriff’s Dept. canine officer, is shown here with DCHS principal Frank Ferguson, Deputy Rex Davis, and Sheriff Mark Gober, last week, during one of the random drug patrols that take place several times during the year.   On this trip, as usual, multiple buildings and parking lots were checked.

Both Monticello and Drew Central School participate in this random program, as another way of protecting their students from drugs.

With school almost at an end for this year, Monticello High School EAST lab took the opportunity at the Monticello School Board regular meeting to brag on its students and their many accomplishments this year. (more…)

The Monticello High School Cheerleaders for the 2010-2011 have been announced:

Captain Meredith Dickson, Co-Captain Kelsea Jackson, Julie Blagg, Taylor Snider, Madelynn Gates, Kelsey Watts, Samantha Wilkerson, Parker Palsa, Shelby Tiner, Amy James, Peyton Fletcher, Kelsie Adcock, Annsley Davis, Emily Leonard, Kinsley Akin, Chris Smith, Chelsea Burton, Anna Beth Atwell, and Anna St. John. Their sponsor is Tommie Palsa.

The Monticello High School 2010-2011 Pom Squad has been announced:

Raya Clay-Captain, Katelyn Campagna-Co-Captain, Brianna Gardner, MyChelle Thompson, Ashlee Johnson, Hannah Wilkerson, Morgan Singleton, Abby Phillips, Azhane Butler, Whitney Hicks, Alexis Blagg, Aly Ryburn, Jacey Jones, and Carol Anne Scoggins.

Congratulation to the MHS Choir and Ensembles for receiving superior ratings at the State Choral Festival in Conway Thursday.

All of the groups sang before of panel of three judges on the UCA Campus. The Madrigals received a 1st Division Rating and a 1st Division State Plaque. The Male Ensemble received a 1st Division Rating, and a 1st Division Plaque. The Concert Choir received a 2nd Division Rating and a 2nd Division Certificate.

Director of Admissions for UCA gave the choir royal treatment due to two of his friends that are in the MHS Choir. These two friends are Curtis Lagrone and brother Toby Lagrone. All Choir Students were given 45 free meals passes to eat in the very pristine UCA Cafeteria, and were given 45 UCA tee shirts. Congratulations to the Choirs, Ensembles and Mr. Binns for a job well done.

The Monticello Junior Billies Cheerleaders for the 2010-2011 season, include; 
Back row from left to right: MaryKate Jones, Summer Chase, Hope Higginbotham, Morgan Hopper, Anna Dickson, Anna Norris
Middle row from left to right: Alex Jones, Caroline Atwell, MaryBeth Wigley, Breanna Smith, Ashlen McRae, Charlee Carter
Front row from left to right: Elizabeth Echols-Captain and Courtney Bordeaux-Co-Captain

Members of the Monticello Pom Squad for 2010/2011 are:

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The Monticello Middle School student council received the Defibrillator  that they purchased, and the vendor provided a demo for the council.

The students heard stories about other Defibrillator that have saved lives in other schools and also got to see first hand how it is used. The company, as well as parents and teachers, expressed their appreciation to the students and their sponsor for their hard work and dedication to getting this done for MMS. As one teacher expressed, “we hope we never have to use it, but if we do thankfully we will have it.”

The MMS Student Council is pictured here with their sponsor Mrs. Cindy Hudgens.

The Arkansas Tobacco Settlement Commission (ATSC) is proud to announce the awards for its 2010 Child Wellness Intervention Project (CWIP) Grant Program.

In a ceremony in the Governor’s Conference Room at the Arkansas State Capitol a $9,962.71 grant was awarded to Monticello Elementary School by the Honorable Mike Beebe, Governor of Arkansas; Ginger Beebe, First Lady of Arkansas; and Annika Sorenstam, the most dominant player in women’s golf

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The Monticello Concert Choir, Male Ensemble, and the Madrigals attended the South East Regional Choir Festival in Star City last Friday, March 12. The groups sang before a panel of three judges. Each group received a 1st Division rating and a plaque. The Rubric below is used for awarding a rating to choirs.

Rubric for scoring choirs, 90-100 = I, 80-89 = II, 70-79 = III, 60-69 = IV, 50-59 = V

Monticello Senior High Concert Choir, 9I-1, 90-I, 95-I
Monticello Senior High Madrigals, 90-I, 92-I, 92-I
Monticello Senior High Male Ensemble, 88-II, 90-I, 91-I

Congratulations to Mr. Binns and the Monticello High School Choral Groups. These groups will now attend the state level of competition in Conway on the UCA Campus.

The Monticello School District had a lot of good news to share with the school board during the regular monthly meeting, and several plaques were given to various student organizations and teachers.

The Monticello Middle School Special Olympics team, with teachers Angela Jackson and Brandy Lloyd, competed and won a silver medal and were awarded a plaque by the board. Gaynell Jamison, director of Reading Recover, and Karen Dabney, Reading Recovery teacher, were given a plaque in appreciation of their outstanding accomplishments. Jamison was also given another plaque to celebrate her winning a writing contest and having two books published. She said writing children’s books was a long-term dream of hers and she was happy to have reached her dream. The MJH Gymnastics Team, with coach Amanda Terry, received a plaque for winning a gymnastics competition. Lastly, both the MHS choir and MHS band received awards in a regional competition. (more…)

Recently, Monticello School’s EAST programs showcased projects at the National EAST Conference in Hot Springs.

Monticello Intermediate, Middle, and High School students represented their respective schools at the conference and displayed how they use high-end technology to implement community service projects. Each school is required to set up a booth which tells their program’s “story” and students must make a 10-minute presentation that discusses how they exhibit Teamwork, Collaboration, Community Involvement, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, and Resource Integration. Judges then rate the program’s overall effectiveness. All three Monticello schools were rated Superior Schools (the highest possible rating).

Monticello High School EAST also won several conference competitions. The winners were as follows: Filiberto Escamilla and Ashlee Johnson (Make a Difference Award), Kelsie Adcock, Zach Berryman, and Joseph Greenway (Make Me Care Video competition), and Jake Curry (First Place-Alumni “Live” Video Competition. MIS students who represented at conference were: Tyler Vance, Jeff Carmical, Kevin Davidson, Bliss Jaggers, Kristen Daniel, Ashley Forrest, Samia Lindsey, and Grace West. MMS students included Mckenzie Zieman, Elizabeth Echols, Mary Kate Jones, Mallory Jones, Savannah Reynolds, Maggie Hand, Summer Chase, and Alex Jones. MHS students included: TJ Sanders, Meredith Dickson, Jake Curry, Bentley Brodnax, Filiberto Escamilla, Kelsie Adcock, and Ashlee Johnson.

Several Monticello High School students attended the ACTM Regional Math competition held at UAM on Saturday, March 7. Among the winners were Jordan Hopper (1st place – Calculus), Kelsey Bryant (2nd place – Calculus), Kelsey Luper (3rd place – Calculus), and Laura Swain (2nd place – Geometry). Receiving honorable mention were Sam Cason (Calculus), Zach Robinson (Calculus), Hollis Scriber (Calculus), Logan Bone (Geometry) and Kayla Fenton (Geometry).

Pictured from left to right are: Jordan Hopper, Kelsey Luper and Laura Swain