Today concludes the Magnolia READS financial literacy project for East Side and Central Elementary Schools. In today’s video, Mr. Ward, Mrs. Rader, and Mrs. Waters share some final thoughts and words of appreciation.
Click the link below to view the final Magnolia READS video.
https://youtu.be/t_lhy1K7F9k
MAGNOLIA JUNIOR CHARITY LEAGUE AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP
Magnolia High School senior, Dorian Pressley, was recently awarded a scholarship from members of the Magnolia Junior Charity League (MJCL). Dorian received a $1,000 award that may be used to attend Southern Arkansas University or SAU-Tech.
The members of the MJCL organization volunteer to promote projects that improve Columbia County by assisting the needs of the children of the community.
WILSON WINS WOODMEN OF THE WORLD AMERICAN HISTORY AWARD
Magnolia High School senior, George Tully Wilson, was named the 2021 recipient of the American History Award presented by the Woodmen of the World. Woodmen of the World is one of the largest fraternal orders in America today. The student selected for the honor must have a proficiency in American History. The Woodmen of the World organization encourages the study of our country’s history by challenging students to make their best grades and demonstrate outstanding performance in American history.
Hunter Fowler, Wilson’s Advanced Placement U.S. History teacher based the nomination on his demonstrated love of both country and community as a student at Magnolia High School.
Dadgar Receives Mary Brown Florence Scholarship
Magnolia High School senior, Leila Dadgar, is the recipient of the 2021 Mary Brown Florence Scholarship. Mrs. Florence’s son, W.P. Florence, established the scholarship in 1998. The amount of the award is $1,500, which will be sent to the school of choice.
The criteria to be considered for the scholarship includes cumulative GPA, number of AP courses taken, ACT score, extracurricular activities, and participation in athletics or band.
MHS TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDENTS WIN ASU AWARDS
Magnolia High School Television Production instructor, Alix Tiegs, was recently notified that students in the MHS Television Production course had received awards in the 2021 A-State Creative Media Competition. Arkansas State University hosts the competition. The MHS team won first place in the Live Production category and eleventh-grade student, Jaden Bush, won an individual Honorable Mention award in the Long-Form video category. Bush’s video is entitled, “Smashing into E-sports at SAU.” All winners received certificates and were recognized at a live-streamed award ceremony on April 9, 2021 through the A-State Creative Media Production page. The ceremony was archived at http://www.facebook.com/AStateCMP for future viewing.
Jaden Bush’s story, along with other stories from the television production students will be included in the year-end news broadcast. The release date for that broadcast is May 20, 2021 and can be seen on the PanthersTV YouTube page at www.youtube.com/PanthersTV.
The last PanthersTV live broadcast of the year will be Magnolia High School’s graduation ceremony. The date is set for May 20, 2021 with the ceremony beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The members of the MHS Television Production team that participated in the competition are:
Front (LtoR): Malaya Wincher, Riley Hall, Ja’Kayah Hill-Fields, Neiya Howell, Makala Leslie, Ke’Nia Land
Middle: (LtoR): Sha’Lanyce Jones, Ja’Shaun Hartsfield, Nicolas Green, Kah’Mijah Taylor, Morgan Holly, Romero Frazier, Devonte Dennis, Jaden Bush
Back (LtoR): Jackson Boyd, Alix Tiegs, Gabriel Garcia, Ja’Quarius Easter, Carson Bridges, A’Darius Franks, Jarod Tatom, Dalton Claiborne
Teacher Appreciation Week
The Magnolia School District celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7.
Thanks to all the dedicated teachers and staff members for all you do for the District!
Magnolia District Art Show
May 5-8
BAND BOOSTERS TO HOLD MEETING
The Magnolia Band boosters will be hosting an interest meeting on Monday, May 3 at 6 PM in the MHS Band Hall. All parents of band students are encouraged to attend. The support that our boosters provide is absolutely critical to the success of the band program. Whether your child is just starting band, or is getting ready to graduate, we would love to involve you! If you are unable to attend, use the zoom link below to participate in the meeting virtually.
>
> Chris Sanders is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
>
> Join Zoom Meeting
> https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74958788499?pwd=WW5WY3FNdGYyUVg4Y1QvclR3Q2gzQT09
>
> Meeting ID: 749 5878 8499
> Passcode: panthers
>
> Band booster meeting
> Monday, May 3rd
> Magnolia High School Band Hall”
The final student entrepreneur video for Magnolia READS comes from Maggie McDonald, a sophomore at Magnolia High School. Maggie shares her journey to becoming the owner of M² Genetics and Testing.
Click the link below to hear Maggie’s story of becoming a business owner at the age of fifteen.
https://youtu.be/08mADMPXGuU
The Magnolia School District appreciates Farmers Bank and Trust for being a partner for the second year in the Magnolia READS project. Jason Ray, a 1997 graduate of Magnolia High School and Vice President of Commercial Lending at Farmers Bank and Trust, shares his thoughts on the importance of Magnolia READS and students learning financial literacy at a young age.
Click the link below to watch Jason’s video.
https://youtu.be/VW7q1GLIA10
The Magnolia School District appreciates Marsha Masters, the Associate Director of Economics Arkansas, for sending a video sharing her thoughts on the Magnolia READS financial literacy project. Economics Arkansas is one of the sponsors of Magnolia READS.
Click below to hear Marsha Masters.
https://youtu.be/2Jda5LCiIEM
MHS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM BANQUET
Magnolia High School’s Internship Program held its annual Employer Appreciation Banquet at the Magnolia High School Auxiliary Gym on April 6. Students in the program worked together to show each employer how grateful they are to work with such inspiring individuals.
The theme for the evening was A Night in Paris! The Internship students were responsible for planning and implementing every step of the banquet. The guest speaker for the evening was Mr. Darnell Ford, Magnolia High School. Mr. Ford shared encouraging thoughts with the students.
Presiding over the program were Internship president, Keshunti Brantley; vice-president, Makayla Bradford; secretary, Chloe Lambert; treasurer, A.J. Williams; reporter, Mynasia Crockett; and historian, Denasia Hardin. Students, Doria Beasley with the MHS OWLS Program, Keshunti Brantley with Magnolia School District Registrars office, Zoie Dixon with Story’s on the Square, Imanol Guzman with Dairy Queen, and Megan Reyome who works for MHS – Art Department spoke on their positive experiences with the program. Magnolia High School Principal, Chris Carter challenged the seniors to strive for greatness.
Students and businesses participating in the 2020-2021 Internship Program are Doria Beasley, OWLS, Magnolia High School; Keshunti Brantley, MSD Registrar, India Burton, Taco Bell; A’Darius Franks, Kindergarten Food Service; Imanol Guzman, Dairy Queen, Ja”shaun Hartsfield, MHS Food Service; Dennis Jones, City of Magnolia; Emma Rich, Magnolia Veterinary Services; A.J. Williams, Magnolia Middle School; Qua’najah Willis, MHS Media Center; Marley Bismark, Kindergarten; Makayla Bradford, MHS Band; Demarian Carter, Mac’s Fresh Market; Mynasia Crockett, Eastside; Zoie Dixon, Story’s on the Square, Patrick Graham, Graham Law Firm; Denasia Hardin, Wee Care; Chloee Lambert, Chicken Express; Todd Metcalf, Brookshire’s; Dallas Nalls, Brookshire’s; Cammie Neill, Dairy Treet; Megan Reyome, MHS Art Department; and Tyrese Wilson, KFC.
During the school year, Internship students worked 12,534 hours and earned $122,422. Any employer interested in employing a part-time worker for the 2021-2022 school year is encouraged to call Internship Coordinator, Jodi Waters at 901-2542 to arrange for interviews with prospective students.
2021 GOVERNOR’S SCHOLASTIC HONORS DAY
Magnolia High School seniors, Sierra Putney and Angie Saldana were recently recognized as 2021 Governor’s Scholastic Honors students. The girls both have the same grade point average, which ranks them as the top two students in the MHS senior class.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Directive on Indoor Venues, the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced on behalf of Governor Asa Hutchinson and First Lady Susan Hutchinson that the 2021 Governor's Scholastic Honors Day would be celebrated virtually this year. Governor Hutchinson expressed his admiration of the achievements Arkansas’ most outstanding high school seniors have made, especially during these trying times. The Governor's Scholastic Honors Day is an annual event that highlights academic achievement throughout the state.
Ayana Patel: Junior Division Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge Winner
Magnolia Middle School (MMS) student, Ayana Patel, was notified on March 5 that she was selected as the Junior Division Research winner of the Arkansas Soybean Science Challenge. The sixth-grade student had spent months developing her local science fair project, GOT OXYGEN? In this plant-based experiment, Ayana wanted to see which type of leaf released the most oxygen in 2 hours. The judges of the science fair were so impressed with Ayana’s work that they recommended it be entered into the Soybean Science Challenge. The Challenge is directed by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension in connection with the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board.
Ayana soon heard that she had been chosen as the Junior Division Research winner and would receive a box of gifts and a 200-dollar cash prize upon the completion of a soybean course though the college. Ayana did complete the course, which covered all things soybeans and included many sections and exams.
Ayana’s MMS science teacher, Ryland Ochs, was also recognized with a Junior Division Teacher Mentor Award. Ayana is the daughter of Hetal and Kal Patel.
The Soybean Challenge is a farmer-funded, statewide, high school education program that seeks to increase student knowledge about the value of Arkansas soybeans to the Arkansas economy, to the labor force, and ultimately to feed and fuel the world.
The Challenge has reached thousands of students and teachers through real-time and on-line education, in-service training, Virtual Field Trips, classroom lab instruction, Arkansas-based educational publications, mentoring, and awards for independent student research.
Tristan Malone, a senior at Magnolia High School, opened his business, Sub-Zero New Orleans Style Shaved Ice, at the end of his freshman year. Using the advice provided from his business-owner dad, and the skills he learned in his eighth grade Career Development class, Tristan set out to be a business owner at the age of fifteen. In his video, Tristan shares what he has learned on his path to being an entrepreneur.
Click the link below to hear Tristan’s story.
https://youtu.be/9a71qLm1pI4
Panther Plaza, Magnolia High School’s Panther merchandise store, opened in October 2018. In today’s Magnolia READS video, MHS teacher, Wendy Love, and students in her Marketing and Small Business Operations classes share the history behind Panther Plaza, the hands-on knowledge, experience, and certification gained by being a student working in the store, and the daily process of maintaining a successful business.
Click the link below to hear about Panther Plaza’s journey to being a campus business.
https://youtu.be/lImChyXQdEY
MHS HONORS STUDENTS WITH ADVANCED PLACEMENT RECEPTION
Magnolia High School hosted an Advanced Placement (AP) Reception April 16 in the Magnolia High Cafeteria and honored a number of students for their academic accomplishments.
The awards included cash, yard signs, honor cords, and medals. Farmers Bank and Trust, who provided cake for the attendees, sponsored the event. Magnolia High principal Chris Carter announced this year’s awards recipients.
In May 2020, 151 students who were enrolled in AP courses took 227 AP exams. From that test administration, 49 students, some of whom graduated last spring, passed 64 tests. AP tests are scored 1-5 and all scores of 3, 4, or 5 are considered passing.
At the banquet, students who passed an AP exam last May were awarded a $100 cash incentive for each passing score and a yard sign that reads, “An MHS AP Scholar Lives Here.”
The checks and signs went to Cage Arnold, Eli Barnett, Maggie Cassidy, Lindsey Cornwell, Peyton Creech, Leila Dadgar, Chris Dai, Olivia Ferguson, Ethan Franks, Troi Kacsir, Emily Kelley, Cade Key, Kade Kuykendall, Tristan Malone, Hallie May, Seth McKamie, Thomas McWilliams, Emmi Miller, Heather Millican, Sierra Putney, Megan Reyome, Jadelyn Snider, Clara Souter, Reagan Sweeney, Samuel Trout, Rachel Ward, Zaria Whitaker, Elizabeth Wilson, and George Wilson.
Students who passed AP tests but graduated in May are also getting the cash incentives. They are Azaria Broomfield, Gabrielle Bulliard, Elizabeth Burgess, Lauren Chambliss, Joseph Goza, Megan Green, Haley Huffman, Haley Johnson, Hunter McLaughlin, Bethany Morgan, Raegan Nix, Adam Pieratt, Terrianna Robinson, Jordan Sigala, Victoria West, Parker Williams, Amy Wooldridge, Abigail Young, Kateijah Young, and Kevin Zhao.
Students who have passed multiple tests are designated for higher honors by College Board, the governing organization for Advanced Placement nationwide.
AP Scholar status is granted by College Board to students who pass three or more AP exams. These students were presented black and silver cords to wear at graduation: Leila Dadgar and Emmi Miller.
Others named AP Scholars were members of the Class of 2020: Elizabeth Burgess, Megan Green, Haley Johnson, Jordan Sigala, Amy Woolridge, and Abigail Young.
AP Scholar with Honor status is granted to students who pass four or more AP exams with an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken. The student who achieved this status – Sierra Putney – was presented with an engraved medal to wear at graduation.
¬
AP Scholar with Distinction status is granted by College Board to students who pass at least five AP exams and earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams. The 2020 graduates who earned this status are Gabrielle Bulliard, Adam Pieratt, Parker Williams, and Kevin Zhao.
Also recognized at the event were the AP and Pre-AP teachers: Amanda McMahan, Katherine Long, Melanie Ladner, Laurie Hicks, Hunter Fowler, Melissa Chandler, Shauna Jackson, Kaci Myers, Julie Carter, Katie Herren, Connie Hinton, and Morgan Smith.
The next video in the Magnolia READS series comes from Randy Reed, a 1976 graduate of Magnolia High School. Randy, the owner of R.L. Reed Funeral Home, shares the career experiences that led him to becoming a business owner in 2016 after working in the funeral home business for thirty-six years.
Click the link below to watch Randy’s video.
https://youtu.be/0cBtbGRCtcY
To Parents/Guardians:
There will be a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for eligible students at
Magnolia High School on April 29th beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Panther
Arena.
Eligible students will receive Dose 1 of the Pfizer vaccine.
Students must be 16 or older by April 29th to receive the vaccine.
Students who received Dose 1 on April 8th will receive Dose 2 at this
time.
The consent form (front and back) must be completed and signed by a
parent or guardian and returned to the campus nurse by Monday,
April 26th. Consent forms are required for Dose 1 and Dose 2.
Forms are also available at the high school front office and on the
district website.
For your convenience, click the following link to download a PDF of the consent form so you can print it off, sign, and turn in:
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1218099/MRMC_-_COVID-19_Vaccine_Consent_for_Public_-_Generic-_ENGLISH.pdf
If you have any questions, please call 870 901-2547.
Billy Sure Kid Entrepreneur is a twelve-year-old inventor and CEO of his own business. In today's video for Magnolia READS, Magnolia High School senior, Tanner Neilsen, shares how he began his landscaping and lawn care business at nine years old and what he has learned from running his own business.
Click the link below to view Tanner’s video.
https://youtu.be/wdBNPg4L_rI
Just as it takes a village to help Billy Sure run his business, it also takes a village to run Panthers’ Pet Spa, the newly established grooming business at Magnolia High School. Mrs. Elam, MHS agriculture teacher, and students in her Advanced Animal Science and Agriculture Business classes talk about the hands-on experience they are getting in what it takes to start a business, market a business, and keep the business running smoothly and successfully.
Click the link below to hear about Panthers’ Pet Spa.
https://youtu.be/x3YNYFBZ1BY
MAGGIE GRACE CASSIDY AWARDED ARKANSAS GOVERNOR’S DISTINQUISHED SCHOLARSHIP
Magnolia High School senior, Maggie Grace Cassidy has been awarded the 2021 Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship. Maggie Grace is the daughter of Tommie and Mitch Cassidy.
Students meeting the minimum eligibility criteria are eligible to be named Governor’s Distinguished Scholars. The student must earn either a 32 composite score on a single ACT or 1410 combined math and critical reasoning score on a single SAT and either a 3.50 academic grade point average or be selected as a National Achievement Finalist or National Merit Finalist. Financial need of the student is not a factor in the award of the scholarship; therefore, no financial information is required. The Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship pays up to $10,000 per year for tuition, mandatory fees, room and board. The scholarship is disbursed by the institution the student is attending and apportioned according to that institution’s academic terms. The student must be enrolled in at least 15 semester credit hours (12 semester credit hours the fall term of the freshman year) to receive funds for that term.
MHS Students Host EAST Night Out
MHS STUDENTS ATTEND EAST CONFERECE 2021
Each spring, more than 3,500 students, teachers, parents, and community and business leaders attend the largest EAST event of the year, EAST Conference. This year’s theme, Homecoming, is about celebrating 25 years of students from various talents coming together to network with other students, share stories and ideas, and showcase projects that inspire change within their communities. Due to Covid-19 guidelines, this year’s conference was held virtually. Brister Baptist Church was gracious enough to allow the students to use their fellowship hall to set up their conference booth and provided wi-fi for the team to attend classes/sessions virtually.
PITTMAN SELECTED MHS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Magnolia High School Spanish instructor, Mercedes Pittman, was selected as the campus 2021 Teacher of the Year. As a young woman born in Chillán, Chile, Mercedes Pittman learned to value education and to this day considers it a privilege. In 1991, with limited English language skills, family friends offered to sponsor her, and Mercedes came to the United States on an adventure that would last a lifetime.
Early on, Mercedes sat in classes at Southern Arkansas University just to become a better English speaker. She also worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Magnolia Hospital while volunteering in the Magnolia Hispanic community to translate for medical and legal appointments. Through determination and hard work, she later entered Southern Arkansas University on an academic scholarship, eventually graduating with a Spanish major and Social Work minor. She later went through the naturalization process and became a citizen of the United States.
Mercedes taught in El Dorado and Camden before coming to Magnolia High School in 2006. She continues to tutor university and high school students in Spanish and helps Hispanic parents who cannot speak English in school-related meetings. At Magnolia High School, Mercedes teaches with passion and loves students as her own, even those who are not in her classes. She tries to motivate students to take advantage of every opportunity to learn things and better themselves. Mercedes frequently says, “Kick-it baby,” and the phrase has become a school-wide euphemism for “do your best!” She shares the culture of Chile and the Spanish-speaking countries of the world in a way she hopes fosters understanding and tolerance of diversity. Mercedes serves as the MHS Foreign Language Department Chair and is an active fan of school sports.
She is the Panther Band “mom” to hundreds of musicians and can be seen at every football game, both home and away, holding instruments or pinning up girls’ hair. She also sponsors a student-led Christian group, Chosen Generation Youth Fellowship. Mercedes meets with the group twice a week after school to prepare music and messages for their meetings on Wednesdays at 7:15 a.m.
Mercedes is married to Jay Pittman, and together they have two grown children. Both children are graduates of Magnolia High School. Their son Jay has a PhD in biochemistry and molecular biophysics, and their daughter Pristine is currently in medical school. Mercedes is a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Magnolia and serves as a choir member. She is also a member of the Arkansas Foreign Language Teacher’s Association. In her spare time, Mercedes enjoys cooking, singing, entertaining, and ping-pong.
WALKER PRE-K CENTER SELECTS CYNTHIA CATER AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Cynthia Cater was recently selected as the Walker Pre-K Center’s 2021 Teacher of the Year. Cynthia is originally from Cotton Valley, Louisiana and graduated high school from there in 1975. She then attended Louisiana Tech and McNeese State University and received her degree in Elementary Education. Her first teaching job was in Vinton, Louisiana. After a few years teaching there, she decided to start a family and be a stay at home mom. She did this for eleven years until all of her children were in school. During that time, Cynthia returned to school to work on her Early Childhood certification. Upon completion of her certification, she began teaching pre-kindergarten students in Springhill, Louisiana. After working twenty years in Springhill, she decided to retire because she and her husband had adopted a baby. After six years of retirement, with some substitute teaching, she felt the pull to go back into education.
Cynthia states, “It’s very hard for a teacher’s heart to truly retire. The opportunity to come back and teach at Walker Pre-Kindergarten Center was an answered prayer and an awesome blessing. I truly love to come to work every day. This is my second year teaching at Walker and I can say that the staff here is second to none. I am blessed!”
Cynthia is married to Doug Cater and together they have seven children and seven grandchildren. She and her family live in Shongaloo where she enjoys country living and having plenty of room for the grands to play and explore. She attends New Sarepta Baptist Church where she teaches two and three year-old children and sings in the choir.
CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SELECTS GINGER PAYNE AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Central Elementary School teacher, Ginger Payne, was recently selected as the campus 2021 Teacher of the Year. She is a 1981 graduate of Emerson High School and a 1990 graduate of Southern Arkansas University with a BSE degree in Elementary Education followed by a MEd Reading Specialist degree in 1995.
Ginger has spent her entire 30-year career teaching in Magnolia School District. In 1991, she began teaching Title 1 Math at Central with one section of seventh grade math at the Junior High. The next year, she moved to fourth grade, where she has taught since 1992. She has served as grade-level chair and fourth grade literacy chair. Over the years, Ginger has mentored more than a dozen SAU student teachers serving as their supervising classroom teacher. She is proud that many of them are now colleagues successfully teaching in the Magnolia School District. Ginger is also a member of the Arkansas Education Association and the National Education Association. She currently serves on the sick-leave bank committee for Central.
Ginger has been married to her husband, Barry, for thirty-nine years. They have two daughters, Brittany Ayers and Bethany Ashford. Brittany is married to Mark Ayers and works for Dr. Daniel Beene as a dental assistant. Bethany is married to Michael Ashford and works in the engineering department at JCM Industries in Texarkana. Barry and Ginger have just recently become “Pops and Gigi” to their two grandchildren, MaKinlie and Grayson. The Paynes are members of Antioch Church of Christ in Shongaloo, Louisiana.
Ginger thinks fourth grade is the best grade to teach because 9- and 10-year-olds have a great sense of humor and love to learn. Apart from teaching, Ginger enjoys cooking, gardening, and decorating at home. She always looks forward to her two annual shopping trips to First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas, and her yearly beach trips with the girls.
Next in the series of videos for Magnolia READS is Jessica Weldon Waller, a 2006 graduate of Magnolia High School. Jessica, owner of Southern Roots Hair Salon in Emerson shares her journey to becoming a stylist, cosmetologist, and owner of her business.
Click the link below to view Jessica’s story.
https://youtu.be/1Ms4Qb8PX24
Magnolia School District will host its annual District-wide art show in the Panther Arena May 5-8. This year’s theme is “An Appetite for ART” and the community is cordially invited to attend the exhibition. Art will be included from all district campuses. You do not want to miss it! Come and support the visual arts of Magnolia School District!
Students will be visiting May 5-6 during school hours. The art show will be open to the public May 5 and May 6 from 3:30-5 pm, May 7 from 10 am-5 PM, and May 8 from 10 am-2 pm.
This year, 2021 Magnolia District Art Show T-shirts will also be sold. Money raised from the T-shirt sales will help support the art students and will go towards the cost of putting on this year’s art show. Anyone wishing to order a T-shirt should print and fill out the order form, then turn it in to a campus art teacher along with cash or check. All orders need to be turned in by April 21. Checks should be made out to Magnolia Art Club.
Click below for a T-shirt order form
https://5il.co/rfqk
In the book Billy Sure Kid Entrepreneur, the main character is a twelve-year-old boy who is an inventor and CEO of his own business. Tatum Carter, a sixth grader at Magnolia Middle School, is also twelve years old and began her business, Tatum’s Tasty Treats, in the spring of 2020.
Click on the link below to watch Tatum share her adventures as a baker and business owner.
https://youtu.be/-mF5mmBq1dc
TALLEY CHOSEN AS EAST SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR
East Side Elementary School teacher, Jessica Talley, was recently selected as the campus 2021 Teacher of the Year. Talley is a 2003 graduate of Magnolia High School and a 2007 graduate of Southern Arkansas University with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Jessica has taught in the Magnolia School District for 14 years. She began her career teaching first grade, taught 10 years in second, and has been the technology lab teacher for the past three years.
Talley represents East Side as an ambassador for many educational technology platforms and early coding robots. She has also transformed her old second grade classroom into a Makerspace using East Side’s technology. Her students have learned how to make green screen videos, do stop motion animation, and create posters and cards using educational photo collage apps. She loves helping her K-2 students find new ways to use technology besides just gaming and hopes that some of the projects she has done with them will spark further curiosity as they grow up in this digital age.
Talley is married to Zachary Talley and has three children: Brin, age 10; Sebastian, 5; and Barrett, 1. She enjoys decorating, watching movies and doing crafts with her children, and cheering on the Muleriders with her family.
ZACKERY RECEIVES SAU TRACK SCHOLARSHIP
Magnolia High School senior, Jakamron Zackery, recently signed a letter of intent from the Southern Arkansas University track program and will be throwing the shot and discus for the Muleriders next school year.
Jakamron has earned many accolades while competing for the MHS Panther track team. In 2019, he placed second in the discus at the 4A State Track Meet and placed seventh in the Meet of Champs.
During the 2020 season, he placed first in the discus at the SAU Relays, Hog Relays, and Wolf Relays and placed third in the shot put at the Hog Relays. Jakamron was also a member of the 2020 4A state champion team.
This year, Jakamron has placed first in the discus at the Hog Relays, Wolf Relays, Oil Belt Relays, and Panther Relays. At the Oil Belt Relays, Jakamron set a personal record in the discus with a throw of 160’ 6”. He also placed second in the shot put at the Oil Belt Relays and Panther Relays and placed third at the Hog Relays.
Kory Waller, a 1994 Magnolia High School graduate and owner of Waller Wealth Management, talks about his path to becoming a business owner and entrepreneur.
Click the link below to view Kory's video.
https://youtu.be/OO6oa7nHUAg
HEATHER CREECH SELECTED AS MMS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Magnolia Middle School English teacher, Heather Creech, was recently selected as the campus 2021 Teacher of the Year. Heather still resides in her hometown, where she graduated in 1993 from Stamps High School. She received her Bachelors of Arts degree in English and certification in secondary education from Southern Arkansas University. After earning her degree from SAU, Heather began her teaching career at Lafayette County High School; during her time there she taught 10th, 11th, and 12th grade English; AP Language and Composition; Creative Writing; and Mythology. Since joining the faculty of Magnolia School District in 2018, she has taught 8th grade English – both regular and Pre-AP. This year, she is serving as the MMS English department chair.
Heather has been married to her husband, Ronnie, for eighteen years. They have four children: Amber and Cory, both in the work force; Nate, a junior Meteorological Science student at the University of Missouri; and Peyton, a junior at Magnolia High School. They are also blessed to be “Heddie and Poppie” to two grandchildren, Rayney and Dakota. She is an active member of Stamps Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as music director and church clerk.
In addition to teaching English to her students here in the U.S., she enjoys getting up each day before coming to campus and teaching English as a second language to students in China, who range in age from five to fifteen. Outside of teaching, she enjoys cheering Peyton on at Panther football games, reading, singing, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Shermar Easter, a 2019 Magnolia High School graduate and owner of Hot Shots Magnolia Delivery Service, talks about his journey as a business owner and entrepreneur.
Click the link below to view Shermar's interview!
https://youtu.be/bzG8wMAyNQM
MHS PLANS COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC
Magnolia High School is planning a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for eligible students at Magnolia High School on April 8, 2021 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Panther Arena. Students must be 16 or older by April 8, 2021 to receive the vaccine.
Eligible students will receive DOSE 1 of the Pfizer vaccine. The second dose will be given at the appropriate time in a future clinic.
Consent forms will be sent home with students and must be completed (front and back) and signed by a parent or guardian. The completed forms must be returned to the campus nurse by Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
Forms are also available at the high school front office and on the district website.
For questions, please call 870 901-2547.
Magnolia READS Kick-off
On Monday, April 5, students at East Side and Central Elementary Schools will once again embark on a special project, an all-school book club and financial literacy project. For the past three years, this enterprise has been called One District, One Book. The theme for this year’s event is Magnolia READS. The acronym READS stands for Reading Empowers All District Students.
While students at the elementary schools will read the book, middle and high school students will also be involved in this project.
Each kindergarten through fifth grade family will receive a copy of the same book—Billy
Sure, Kid Entrepreneur by Luke Sharpe.
Families are encouraged to make time to participate in this fun and worthwhile family activity. Reading aloud at home with your children is a valuable experience that better prepares your child to be an effective reader.
For the second year, Farmers Bank & Trust Co. is collaborating with the District on the Magnolia READS project. Farmers purchased the book Billy Sure Kid Entrepreneur for all the students and staff in grades K-5. Economics Arkansas also partnered in the project. They helped supply the students and staff with resources to use while reading Billy Sure.
Angie Saldana, a senior at Magnolia High School, designed the Magnolia READS logo. Angie is a student in Advanced Placement 2D Art. She is the daughter of Irma and Damian Saldana.
The District extends our deepest appreciation to Farmers Bank & Trust for the donation to purchase the Magnolia READS books and materials, Economics Arkansas for supplying the supplemental resources, and Angie Saldana for designing the Magnolia READS logo.
MALONE SELECTED AS SHAPE ARKANSAS ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The Arkansas Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) recently selected East Side Elementary School’s Shelly Malone as the 2020-2021 SHAPE Arkansas Elementary Teacher of the Year. This award recognizes PE teachers who promote and support quality physical education in Arkansas and a physical education curriculum that supports the highest quality for excellence in teaching. Award winners demonstrate high moral character and personal integrity who by their leadership and industry have made outstanding and noteworthy contributions to the advancement of teaching health, dance, or physical education in the state. This award qualifies Coach Malone to enter the SHAPE America Southern District Teacher of the Year competition. SHAPE Arkansas is an affiliation of the national organization, Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America. Coach Malone serves as the K-2 PE/Health teacher at East Side Elementary School and the head tennis coach at Magnolia High School. Shelly was nominated by the South Central Service Cooperative in Camden.
Mr. Ward introduces the 2021 Magnolia READS financial literacy project.
https://youtu.be/CbRQ7f-bOrs
All power back on. All campuses will be open. We apologize for inconvenience.
All power back on. All campuses will be open. We apologize for inconvenience.
Due to large power outage, Central Elementary school and Magnolia Middle school will be closed today.
Magnolia High school, East side, kindergarten and Walker will remain open.
BAND DEPARTMENT TO HOLD PARENT MEETING
BRANTLEY RECEIVES SOUTHARK BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP
Magnolia High School senior, Keshunti Brantley, recently received and signed a letter-of-intent to play basketball for South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado. The power forward will begin playing for the Southark Stars during the 2021-22 academic year.
During Keshunti’s career with the Lady Panthers, she earned All-Conference honors three years and was selected as an All-State player one year. She was the leading scorer and rebounder for two years while at MHS and was voted the MVP Offensive Player during the 2019-20 basketball season.
It’s GAME DAY Panther fans
Magnolia goes up against Morrilton today at 1:00pm in the semi-finals of the State Basketball Championship!
#BRINGEMOUT
Watch LIVE on PanthersTV!
https://youtu.be/VxSrgByTRmE
Our Panthers are headed to the State Tournament Semi-Finals! The game will be Saturday, March 13th @1:00pm in Morrilton, AR
To purchase tickets for Thursday’s game click the link below:
https://gofan.co/app/events/248341#
Due to COVID tickets are limited, so order today. There are 575 tickets allotted for Magnolia at the above link. Unsold tickets will be available to the public around 3PM the day before the game.
If you're planning on going, I'd go ahead and get tickets NOW as they are likely to sell fast!
#PANTHERNATION
Magnolia Public Schools
2021-2022 School Calendar
MHS FRESHMAN ACADEMY HOLDS 9TH GRADE SCIENCE FAIR
The first annual Magnolia High School Freshman Academy Science Fair was held on March 3, 2021. Prior to grade reconfiguration, this 9th grade science fair was held for decades on the campus of Magnolia Junior High School. The 2021 Overall Winner was Chloe Kelley with her project, “Clean Environment“. Chloe is the daughter of Tracey and Andrew Woolfley.
The Overall Runner-up Winner was Landon Chandler with his project, “Covid Vaccine Side Effects“. Landon is the son of Anna and Brandon Chandler.
All category-winning students will be eligible for the Regional Science Fair held at Southern Arkansas University on March 12.
Category Winners Include
Biology
1st – Jacqueline Padron
2nd – Brianna Cottrell
3rd – Jaleigh Wylie
Medicine and Health
1st – Landon Chandler
2nd – Tiffany Lopez
3rd – Kenysiah Lambert
Physical Science
1st – Zoe Taylor
2nd – Kelsey McKamie
3rd – Cameron Click
3rd – Stacie Pate
Math and Engineering
1st – Landry Carter
2nd – Shakyria Thompson
3rd – Elaina Reeves
Earth and Environmental
1st – Chloe Kelley
2nd – Connor McWilliams
3rd – Ja’Quavious Ross
Team
1st – Ashley Sanner and Angela Baxley
2nd – Carlie Dixon and Ava McWilliams
3rd – Jer’Miracle Joiner and Samya Williams
Our Panthers are headed to the State Tournament! Our first game is March 11th @1:00 pm in Morrilton, AR
To purchase tickets for Thursday’s game click the link below:
https://gofan.co/app/events/248333
Due to COVID tickets are limited, so order today. There are 575 tickets allotted for Magnolia at the above link. Unsold tickets will be available to the public around 3PM the day before the game.
If you're planning on going, I'd go ahead and get tickets NOW as they are likely to sell fast!
#PANTHERNATION
Our Panthers have advanced and will battle for the Regional Championship in Star City, AR tomorrow!
To purchase tickets for tomorrow night’s game click the link below:
https://gofan.co/app/events/247891
Due to COVID tickets are limited, so order today. General admission is $5.
MAGNOLIA MIDDLE SCHOOL HOLDS 6TH GRADE SCIENCE FAIR
The Magnolia Middle School recently held its first annual 6th grade Science Fair on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. The students competed in five categories:
• Environment Science
• Engineering
• Physical Science
• Biology
• Medicine and Health
Judges selected winners from each category and chose an Overall Winner and an Overall Runner-up. The 2021 Overall Winner went to Baylee Kinnaird with her project “Cowabunga.” The Overall Runner-up award went to Ansley Stultz with her project, “What the Fizz.”
Environmental Science
1st: Kloey Basinger - “Does Wind Affect the Evaporation of Water?”
2nd: Griffin Wiggins – “Down and Dirty”
3rd: Ayana Patel – “Got Oxygen??”
3rd: Jackson Teutsch – “When Ya Hot Ya Hot”
Engineering
1st: Jackson Woolfley – “Wifi”
2nd: Isabelle Ocfemia – “Wind-Powered Car”
3rd: Casidee Stringer – “Thermal: Relationship of Insulation to Heat Loss”
Physical Science
1st: Ansley Stultz – “What the Fizz”
2nd: Kyler Anderson – “Calibrating PSI in Composite Baseball Bats”
3rd: Tucker Venable – “Shock it to Me”
Biology
1st: Baylee Kinnaird – “Cowabunga”
2nd: Weston Faulk – “Artificial Energy”
3rd: Kennedy Davis – “Light Sight Reading”
3rd: Lillian Harrison – “Does Colored Light Affect Plant Growth”
Medicine and Health
1st: Sade Barker – “Sick Shopping Carts”
2nd: Mason Browning – “Sweet Tooth”
3rd: Mohammed Alroobi – “Comparing Several Substances Used in Teeth Cleaning”
Panthers fans, the District Basketball tournament continues TOMORROW NIGHT in Star City, AR!
To purchase tickets for tomorrow night’s game click the link below:
https://gofan.co/app/events/247887
Due to COVID tickets are limited, so order today. General admission is $5.
MHS FRESHMAN ACADEMY RECEIVES HEARING/VISION DONATION
The Magnolia Lions Club and Magnolia Rotary Club are working together to serve the needs of our community. The two clubs recently made donations to purchase sight and hearing screening machines for the Magnolia High School Freshman Academy building. The Magnolia Lions Club donated $2000 and the Magnolia Rotary donated $2300 to fund the machines that are a critical need to enable students to learn, grow, and achieve.
Panthers fans, the District Basketball tournament starts TOMORROW NIGHT in Star City, AR!
To purchase tickets for tomorrow night’s game click the link below:
https://gofan.co/app/events/247879
Due to COVID tickets are limited, so order today. General admission is $5.
Magnolia Panthers and Lady Panthers SWIM and DIVE teams are your new STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!!
JURNEE LOWE RECIEVES SAU CHEERLEADING SCHOLARSHIP
Magnolia High School senior, Jurnee Lowe, recently signed a letter of intent to cheer for Southern Arkansas University on February 12 surrounded by family, friends, and coaches. Jurnee, a cheer head-captain this year is a 4-year letterman and 3-year All-American cheerleader. She is also a member of several other activities on campus such as Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Panther track team, and is the treasurer of Student Council.
Jurnee also has several awards such as being an MHS scholar, being on the honor roll, and has been awarded Choir Director’s Choice & Leadership Award as a member of the MHS Chamber Choir. After graduating in May, Jurnee plans to pursue a degree in business at SAU.
Coach Hannah Hurley says, “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jurnee since she was a little girl, and being her teacher and coach. She is a natural leader with her positive attitude and work ethic in and out of the classroom. We look forward to continuing to see Jurnee achieve great things as she continues her education and cheerleading career here in Magnolia.”
Magnolia Schools will resume all regular class schedules and bus routes tomorrow (2/24)
Magnolia Panthers varsity boys basketball will continue in the District Tournament and will play Camden Fairview Wednesday at Panther Arena starting at 5:30pm.
Tickets are on sale now at www.magnoliapanthers.net
Tickets will NOT be available for purchase at the gate.
Transportation Update:
Assume that most routes will be partial as buses WILL NOT travel on icy roads. The following routes will not run 2/23:
Leaf
Donkey
MPS will resume onsite instruction 2/23 with a one hour delayed start. Buses will run one hour later than normal. Buses WILL NOT travel down icy roads. Stayed tuned for a list of routes that will not run.
Due to icy road conditions, todays game determining the 4th seed in the district tournament for the Lady Panthers against Camden Fairview has been moved to MONDAY AT 4:00pm.
Tickets will be sold at the gate: $5 each.
MHS TO HOST MUSIC THEORY ZOOM MEETING WITH HALL OF FAME SONGWRITERS
Magnolia High School music theory students will soon have a special opportunity to learn from two of the best songwriters in the music industry. On Monday, February 22, songwriters Kye Fleming and Mark Cawley, will conduct a mini seminar via Zoom to discuss constructing, analyzing, creating and overall design of songs/music and the stages or processes of song writing from beginning to end.
Kye Fleming is a three time BMI Songwriter of the Year and Country Music Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee. She has been nominated for several Grammy awards and has won countless Dove awards. Fleming has written several successful songs including: I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool, Smokey Mountain Rain, The Way You Love Me, Crackers, Roll on Mississippi, Sleeping Single in a Double Bed, and Nobody.
Mark Cawley has been nominated for countless awards and is one of the most sought after songwriting coaches in the world. His book, Song Journey, is a number one bestselling book on Amazon and has written hits for numerous artists including the Spice Girls, Tina Turner, and Joe Cocker.
The seminar will be held in Larry Dunn’s classroom in the Freshman Academy and is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am.
With more winter precipitation moving into our area the MPS will be closed for on-site instruction Thu., Feb. 18 and Fri., Feb. 19. Students and staff will continue with remote learning and instruction. All buildings will be closed. Be safe, stay warm and have fun.
Weather permitting the Lady Panthers will play Camden Fairview at 3:00pm Saturday to determine the 4th seed in the district tournament. If we are unable play Saturday, the game will be moved to Monday (time yet to be determined).
Tickets will be sold at the gate: $5 each.
MPS will pivot to Remote Learning through Wed., Feb. 17. While we realize the chances are high that conditions will not improve, we will continue to assess weather and roads and announce plans for remainder of the week on Wednesday.
Please be safe and enjoy the snow!
MHS Swim & Dive
MHS swim & dive defended their conference championship title Thursday February 11. 2021 at THS Aquatic Center. In Texarkana. The Lady Panthers swept the meet taking first in every event. The Panthers took first in all but one individual event. This is the 3rd year in a row both teams were conference champs. The final meet of the season is the state meet on March 1, 2021 also at the THS Aquatic Center. The meet will be livestream by MHS Panther TV.
WATERS RECOGNIZED AT MAGNOLIA SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Magnolia School Board President, Mike Waters was recently recognized at the regular school board meeting held on February 8, 2021. Superintendent, John Ward, presented Waters with a plaque from the Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA). The ASBA recognized Mike for his service and dedication as he recently served as director on the ASBA Board of Directors.
Attention #PANTHERNATION
Tickets are available to purchase for the Magnolia Vs Camden game tomorrow night. The game is @Camden.
Tickets can be purchased at the HS Athletic Director’s office (high school annex) today until 4:00pm and tomorrow from 8:00am until they’re sold out. Only 30 tickets are available, first come first serve! Tickets are $5 each. CASH ONLY
JV starts at 5. Varsity girls start around 6, and Varsity boys will follow.
**Please note** Tickets will not be able to purchase at the gate
MIKE JONES RECEIVES SAU FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP
Magnolia High School senior, Mike Jones, recently signed a letter-of-intent to play football for Southern Arkansas University. The future Mulerider was a standout lineman for the MHS Panther football team during 2020 season. Mike was named to the 5A South All-Conference team and was selected as the 5A South Lineman of the Year.
Master Track Schedule 2021
National School Counselor Week in Arkansas
Governor Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed the week of February 1-5, 2021 as National School Counselor Week in Arkansas to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the U.S. school system and how students are different because of what they do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students meet their college and career aspirations.
The Magnolia School District recognizes the contributions of nine school counselors employed by the District. Each day these counselors make significant contributions to lives of our children. The District greatly appreciates the remarkable work these counselors do to provide a positive influence on the future of all students. The Magnolia School District counselors include:
Judy Barham – Kindergarten Center at East Side
Anissa Franks – East Side Elementary School
Kerri Ochs – Central Elementary School
Karnesia George – Central Elementary School
Brandi Lewis – Magnolia Middle School
Kelly Ribble – Magnolia Middle School
Tracy Card – Magnolia High School Freshman Academy
Mary Heinze – Magnolia High School
Jill Callicott – Magnolia High School
Free VITA Site
Columbia County Commodities Distribution
Varsity Basketball Update:
Boys and girls varsity Panther basketball games tomorrow night (vs Warren), Friday (vs Watson Chapel), and next Tuesday (vs Crossett) have been cancelled due to COVID.
Please note:
The Lady Panthers Game tomorrow night has been cancelled due to COVID.
The Varsity Panthers game is still on and will start at 6pm.
Tuesday’s away game @ Warren: Lady Panthers game is cancelled due to COVID.
The Varsity Panthers game will start at 6pm
Magnolia Junior Charity League Receives Partnership Donation from Farmers Bank & Trust Co.
HELP THE MAGNOLIA JUNIOR CHARITY LEAGUE "SPREAD THE LOVE" TO BENEFIT THE MAGNOLIA BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB
There are 40 vouchers available in the Athletic Director’s office at the HS annex for Tuesday’s Varsity Panther Basketball game @ Monticello. ONLY the boys will play, and the game starts at 6pm.
Boys & Girls Club of Magnolia
Baseball - Softball Registration Dates
Attention Panther Basketball Fans:
The Basketball games tomorrow night in Crossett will NOT be televised live on PanthersTV. We apologize greatly for the inconvenience and will be back up and running as soon as possible!
Next Tuesday’s (1/12) Varsity girls game has been cancelled.
Varsity boys will start at 6:00 in Monticello.
Magnolia School’s very own amazing bus driver Mrs. Penny Cook and her husband Don took the Grand Prize in the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce’s “Let it Glow” lighting contest! Great job!
In order to follow CDC and AAA guidelines, and to allow for social distancing in the arena, we have clearly marked with blue tape the seats that are unavailable. We are fortunate to be able to play basketball during this time, and following this very simple request is for the safety of our players and our fans. PLEASE do your part by not sitting in the marked seats. In addition, mask are required to be worn while in the arena.
Reminder: Students return back to school tomorrow, January 4, 2021.
Happy New Year!
First, we wish to thank you all for being flexible as we've navigated teaching in a pandemic this past semester! We've had to adapt and adjust, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to teach and connect with students.
Second, we'd like to begin this second semester with clear expectations for students, parents, and teachers so that all our students can be successful.
Please review the linked document below and know that deadlines for assignments will be enforced and students are responsible for getting work completed on time and communicating with teachers. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1061161/MMS_Quarantine_Expectations.pdf
ATTENTION : Tonight’s JV game has been cancelled.
Varsity girls will start at 6:00pm
MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTINUES REMOTE LEARNING FRIDAY
The Magnolia School District will continue Remote Learning Friday during the spring semester for students in grades K-12. The first Remote Learning Friday of the semester will be January 8, 2021.
The purpose of Remote Learning Friday is to allow teachers time to work specifically with virtual students and to plan and prepare lessons for virtual and on-site students. This will benefit all students because it will improve the quality of instruction for both options.
Parents are reminded that buses will not run morning or evening routes. Breakfast and lunch will be served on each campus for students in attendance and for those who just come on campus for meals.
Walker Pre-K will remain open on its regular schedule; however, buses will not run. Parents will need to bring students to Walker Pre-K in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.
For Remote Learning Plans for each school, please visit www.magnoliaschools.net.
Want tickets for Saturday’s game against El Dorado?
Check out our new way to purchase online! (Ticket sales don’t start for Saturday’s game until tomorrow morning @8:00am!)
Two ways:
1. Go to www.magnoliapanthers.net Click the menu bar at the top Click tickets, and you’re set!
2. Download the new Magnolia Panthers Athletics App! Simply search for Magnolia Panthers Athletics on the App Store/Google Store, download the free app, enjoy! We will be working hard to implement this exciting new addition into our existing site, so stay tuned!
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets go on sale for Saturday’s game vs El Dorado tomorrow morning at 8am!
A HUGE thank you to Farmers Bank & Trust for sponsoring this!
#PANTHERNATION
Unable to travel to see Magnolia Panthers play Lake Hamilton?
Watch it LIVE on Lake Hamilton’s Live YouTube channel!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdnSy7CjzFDN2vo0f4DKnjQ
Game starts at 6:00pm
(JV starts at 5pm)
For tickets to the Magnolia VS Lake Hamilton Basketball Game tomorrow night (12/8), visit the link below:
https://lhwolves.ticketleap.com/?fbclid=IwAR14a4HE8G2P0qbB1Y1J0IqxWdx2xSf1vct4tmcu2gRxYCc90gtqIAoF0vU
The 8th & 9th Grade Boys home basketball games have been canceled tomorrow (12.7) due to Covid 19.
PLEASE NOTE: 8th & 9th Grade Girls games will continue as scheduled.
Magnolia Junior Charity League would like to recognize Bodcaw Bank as a Platinum Presenting Partner for the 2020-2021 Backpack program sponsored by MJCL. These funds will be used to purchase food sacks for students enrolled in the Backpack food program in Columbia County schools and for the new Food Pantries for Middle & High school students. Last year, over 250 students were enrolled in the backpack program and over 1,000 bags were distributed in the summer program throughout the county at various pickup locations.
“We are so thankful for Bodcaw Bank joining us this year as a Presenting Platinum partner for our Backpack food program. We are looking forward to partnering with them in the future and are thankful for their support of MJCL this year.” -Anna Smith, MJCL 2020-2021 President
Each Friday, children in grades K-6 who are enrolled in the Backpack program receive easy to open food placed in their bag to take home for the weekend. This fall, MJCL has made an expansion of the Backpack program to include the new Food Pantry, after meeting with local school administrators. They expressed their concern for the older children in middle and high schools that face hunger every day. Each pantry is stocked with various snacks and meal options for students who administrators, teachers, coaches, and counselors feel need extra nutritional support.
Every year, MJCL partners with local churches to raise funds to support the Backpack program. This year, MJCL has been seeking additional local partnerships, such as the partnership with Bodcaw Bank, throughout the county to support the expansion of services for our children. MJCL looks forward to the opportunity of growing the Backpack and Pantry programs in the future to combat hunger in Columbia County.
For more information on how you can donate to this need, please contact mjcltreasurer@gmail.com
Tickets for Friday night’s games (Boys9th JV and Varsity) vs Ashdown will be available to purchase starting Wednesday morning at 8:00am in the ANNEX building. CASH ONLY All tickets are $5. You can only purchase a max of 6 tickets. Due to COVID 19 attendance will be limited
Can’t make it to the playoff game tonight?
You can tune in to the Pulaski Academy stream at this link:
https://youtu.be/Mh13i5ebfDU
(the stream starts at 6:45pm)
MMS ANNOUNCES DROP OFF SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER 19
The intersection of Dudney and East North streets is currently being blocked to work on a broken gas line. The gas line has been fixed but the intersection will be blocked until further notice.
To help alleviate congestion when dropping off students at MMS, parents are asked to use the following arrival times on Thursday 11-19-20.
All drops off will be in the MMS parking lot. Please do not drop students off on McNeil street behind MMS.
8th grade 7:30
7th grade 7:45
6th grade 8:00
MMS EARLY DISMISSAL
Due to a gas leak near the MMS campus, pick-up students will be dismissed at 2:45 to the following locations.
8th grade will be picked up at the 8th grade drop off point in the Middle school parking lot
7th grade will be picked up in the First Baptist new edition parking lot across from Central Elementary.
6th grade will be picked-up behind the new gym on McNeil Street
Due to a gas leak that is NOT on MMS campus, we will release car riders at 2:45 at the following locations:
8th grade will be picked up at the 8th grade drop off point in the Middle School parking lot.
7th grade will be picked up in the First Baptist new edition parking lot across from Central Elementary.
6th grade will be picked up behind the new gym on McNeil Street.
This is for car riders only! Buses will run at their normal times.
MAGNOLIA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE CHANGES
Due to conflicts with the state football playoffs, the Magnolia Athletic Department has announced two changes in the basketball schedule.
The senior high boys and girls basketball games scheduled on Friday, November 20 against El Dorado have been rescheduled for Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 pm in Panther Arena.
The junior high boys and girls basketball games scheduled on Thursday November 19 against Parkers Chapel have been cancelled.
If you are interested in ordering prints from the 2020 MHS Homecoming Court, please see the link below!
http://apps.jrowephotography.com/2020HomecomingPrints/
If you have any questions, visit http://www.Facebook.com/JRowePhoto and contact for details.
Thank you!
REMINDER: ALL students are required to wear a face covering when riding the bus. Without one, they will not be allowed on the bus.
The Donkey bus will run its regular route tomorrow.
Due to a shortage of bus drivers, we are unable to run the Donkey bus route Monday morning and afternoon. We are working to continue the route on Tuesday. We apologize for the late notice and appreciate your understanding and patience.
Due to a shortage of bus drivers available tomorrow morning, the Leaf bus will run about 40 minutes later than usual. If possible, you may want to bring your kids to school. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding.
SMACTalk (English)
https://5il.co/mniq
NATIONAL PRINCIPALS MONTH
From our friends at Southern Arkansas University:
It is so hard to believe that Halloween is this weekend! TODAY is the last day to sign up to BOO your friends, family, co-workers, or a child at Magnolia Specialized Services.
Please visit https://web.saumag.edu/boo/ for more information and to register. All proceeds will go to Magnolia Specialized Services.
We appreciate all of your support and wish you the Happiest of Halloweens!
Go Muleriders!
Magnolia School District
Master Basketball Schedule
2020-21
Magnolia Public Schools would like to congratulate Meghan Lindsey on finishing in 4th place in last weeks state overalls!
Meghan had an outstanding career as a Panther golfer! In her 4 years she won 3 conference championships, 2 as an individual and 1 team! Meghan also won 2 state championships and finished in the top 3 in another!
Help us in congratulating Meghan on an incredible high school career!
MHS SETS HOMECOMING DATE
From our great friends at Southern Arkansas University:
Good Afternoon!
As we near Halloween, we know that it is important to retain some bit of normalcy in a year that has challenged every bit of normal. We know that some have reservations about Trick or Treating and others want to make every occasion extra special because of all that has been lost this year. Either way, the Southern Arkansas University Athletic Department and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee has you covered! All proceeds from this event, will be donated to Magnolia Specialized Services!
BOO MY YARD!
We will bring Halloween, and Trick or Treating, to you!
We are offering several different options, along with delivery within a 15 mile radius of SAU.
The last day to sign up is October 27, 2020
Please visit https://web.saumag.edu/boo/, or contact Sage Woodham (nswoodham@saumag.edu), for more information!
Happy Halloween!
Flu Shot Clinic consent forms are still being accepted for students at Eastside Elementary School, Central Elementary School, and Magnolia High School. Completed forms should be returned to the student's school by the day before their scheduled clinic date.
East Side Elementary: October 20
Central Elementary: October 21
Magnolia High School: October 22
The 8th grade football game tomorrow night (October 15th) has been cancelled due to COVID.
The 9th grade game will start at 6:00pm.
Magnolia Schools will be selling tickets for this Friday’s SR high football AWAY game in Hot Springs from the AD’s office until Friday at noon.
No tickets will be sold at the game. All tickets are $5 and cash only.
The Middle school football game is HOME this Thursday, and tickets will be sold at the gate.
Columbia County Health Department and Magnolia School District to host DRIVE THROUGH FLU SHOT CLINIC
MAGNOLIA SCHOOLS REPORT CARD UPDATE
The Magnolia School District announces that due to the change to Virtual Learning Friday, report cards for the first nine-weeks grading period will be sent home on Thursday, October 22 instead of Friday, October 23. Report cards for full-time virtual students will be mailed. Any other changes to report card distribution will be announced at a later date.
REMOTE LEARNING FRIDAY
Beginning Friday, October 9, 2020, students in grades K-12 will pivot to a Remote Learning Day. Remote Learning Friday will continue through December 18, 2020. The purpose of Remote Learning Friday is to allow teachers time to work specifically with virtual students and to plan and prepare lessons for virtual and on-site students. This will benefit all students because it will improve the quality of instruction for both options.
The District realizes this could cause an inconvenience for parents; therefore, students have the option to attend in person. However, buses will not run morning or evening routes. Breakfast and lunch will be served on each campus for students in attendance and for those who just come on campus for meals.
Walker Pre-K will remain open on its regular schedule. As a reminder, buses will not run; therefore, parents will need to bring students to Walker Pre-K in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.
For Remote Learning Plans for each school, please visit www.magnoliaschools.net. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO HOLD FLU CLINIC
The Magnolia School District will hold its annual Flu Immunization Clinic on the following dates.
Walker Campus: Tuesday, October 13
Middle School: Wednesday, October 14
Kindergarten/East Side: Tuesday, October 20
Central: Wednesday, October 21
9Th Grade Academy/High School: Thursday, October 22
Information packets with consent forms will be sent home with students next week. Completed forms should be returned campus offices no later than Tuesday, October 6. Only flu shots will be available this year. Flu mist will not be available.
An online registration option is available through the Arkansas Department of Health website: https://adhschoolfluprereg.arkansas.gov/WebsiteContent/Show-WebsiteContent-HomePage.aspx
Questions regarding the Flu Clinic should be directed to the nurse on the student’s campus.
MAGNOLIA ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES COVID-19 UPDATES
The Magnolia School District athletic department has announced the following updates due to the COVID-19 virus.
Students on the 8th and 9th grade volleyball and football teams and on the Magnolia High School volleyball team have been quarantined at this time. These students will receive instruction at home through virtual/online methods while being quarantined.
Members of the MHS volleyball team are scheduled to return to school on Monday, October 5. Members of the 8th/9th volleyball and football teams are scheduled to return on Wednesday, October 7.
Games scheduled during this quarantine period have been canceled. Future game dates will be determined and announced at a later time..
Any student becoming COVID-19 symptomatic while being quarantined should call the school office of their campus. The District will then arrange testing for that student. The phone number for Magnolia High School is 870-234-2610. The Magnolia Middle School phone number is 870-234-2206.
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
A special thanks goes out to Cathy McMahen and Chicken Express for delivering cookies and Teacher Reward cards to all employees of the Magnolia School District this morning. We appreciate the support you give to everyone involved in our District.
MHS Students in Grades 10-12 to Transition to Virtual Learning For Remainder of the Week
Beginning Wednesday, September 23, through Friday, September 25, Magnolia High School students in grades 10-12 only will switch to virtual instruction. Students should follow the Digital Learning Guide that has been emailed to them. The guide is also available on the school website.
This is a measure of extreme caution in response to three positive Covid-19 cases. Several students have also been quarantined due to close contact to positive cases or for exhibiting symptoms. During this closure, all classrooms will be disinfected in preparation for students to return to school on Monday, Sept. 28.
MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL HOMCOMING GAME CANCELED
Due to COVID-19, the homecoming game between the Magnolia Panthers and the Arkansas High Razorbacks on September 25 has been canceled. The game has been ruled a “no contest.” All homecoming activities will be rescheduled at a date to be determined.
The status of the game between the Panthers and Hot Springs Lakeside on October 2 will also be determined at a later date.
MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES LITERACY GRANT
The Magnolia School District was recently informed by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) that East Side and Central Elementary Schools, and Magnolia Middle and High Schools were awarded the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant from the US Department of Education. The total amount of the grant is $290,000, which will be divided over a two-year period.
The purpose of the CLSD is to award sub-grants that advance literacy skills and development. These skills include pre-literacy skills, reading, and writing for all children from birth through grade 12. The grant promotes the following objectives: to sharpen the focus and strengthen instruction, to create community collaboration, and to build a culture of reading.
MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM GRANT
The Magnolia School District was recently informed by the Arkansas Department of Education Child Nutrition Unit that East Side and Central Elementary Schools received the United States Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant for the 2020-2021 school year. East Side received $40,250.00 and Central received $33,250.00. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a federally assisted program providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to children at eligible elementary schools during the school day. The goal of the FFVP is to introduce children to fresh fruits and vegetables, to include new and different varieties, and to increase overall acceptance and consumption of fresh, unprocessed produce among children. The FFVP also encourages healthier school environments by promoting nutrition education.
The fresh fruits and vegetables are served to students twice per week in addition to daily breakfast and lunch.
Magnolia Public School District requests that students commit to either the virtual or on-campus option by Friday, September 25, 2020, to allow schools to finalize rosters. After that date, students will only be allowed to make changes at the end of a grading period.
Virtual students that wish to return to on-campus learning should notify the school counselor by September 25th. Students should not return to school without speaking with a counselor first.
Grading Periods:
End of 1st Quarter- October 16th
End of 2nd Quarter- December 18th
End of 3rd Quarter- March 12th
School Contact Information:
Kindergarten Center- 234-3511 (Judy Barham)
East Side Elementary- 234-5611 (Anissa Franks)
Central Elementary- 234-4911 (Kerri Ochs or Karnesia George)
Magnolia Middle School- 234-2206 (Kelly Ribble or Brandi Lewis)
Freshman Academy- 901-2595 (Tracy Card)
Magnolia High School- 234-2610 (Mary Heinze or Jill Callicott)
We would like to congratulate Brealyn Beasley and Carlin Whaley on being selected as the 2019-2020 Male and Female Athlete of the Year!
We look forward to seeing them play at the next level. The Panther family is very proud of them!
MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CONTINUES SEAMLESS SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the extension of the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) through December 31, 2020. The SSO allows school districts to provide meals at no cost to children 18 and younger. The purpose of the extension is to assure that children have access to nutritious meals while the nation recovers from COVID-19. During the pandemic, USDA has continued to provide flexibilities for the purpose of assisting families and assuring that children are fed whether they attend school in a classroom environment or as virtual students.
The Magnolia School District will continue this program starting Tuesday, September 8. This program allows the District to provide meals at no cost regardless of the student’s eligibility status and outside the typically-required group settings and meal times.
Parents and guardians may pick up meals at the East Side Elementary cafeteria from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. starting September 8.
Although students will receive meals at no charge through December 31, 2020, it is imperative that parents continue to work with the Magnolia Food Service Department in completing and submitting free and reduced meal applications. Families who have not completed a meal application are strongly encouraged to do so. Families are also encouraged to check their email regularly for updates and announcements from the food service department.
For questions, please call 870-234-2677.
UPDATE: Walker Pre-K will be open tomorrow.
At this time Magnolia Public Schools will be open tomorrow with the exception of Walker Pre-K. We will provide updates on Walker Pre-K as they are available and will announce when power is restored.
Currently, the transportation garage is without power. This could cause a few delays if this remains the case through Friday.
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for our area. Hurricane Laura is expected to bring rain and high winds to Magnolia tomorrow. Out of caution, the Magnolia School District will not hold fact-to-face classes tomorrow, Thursday, August 27, 2020. All classes will be virtual. We are aware that some of our onsite students do not yet have a device at home.
Any student who does not have access to a device, or the internet, will not be penalized and will have opportunities to complete their assignments. Decisions about Friday will be announced tomorrow. We realize this is a late announcement and apologize for any inconvenience.
Boys and Girls Club Fall Sports Registration is underway!
Please see schedule below!
Attention MHS Virtual Students and Parents
The final day to pick up laptops for virtual learning will be tomorrow, August 25th, at 9:00a.m. in the MHS cafeteria for grades 9-12. If you missed the previous scheduled meetings please make sure you attend this make up day.
Thank you!
Tickets for the AWAY football game Vs Harrison Friday, August 28, can be bought in the athletic director’s office at the high school for all all ages at $5 each.
Tickets will be on sale until Friday August 28 until 12:00 noon. You will NOT be able to purchase a ticket at the gate. Thanks
-Coach Long
It is good to see kids back on our campuses!
Please see the photo which shows the Fall High School Campus Traffic Flow. We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
Students/Parents:
Please help us mitigate the spread of infectious disease by using the self-screening health questionnaire prior to coming to school each day. If a student shows unexplained symptoms (i.e. cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell) or has a fever of 100.4 or higher, they should not come to school. Completing this screening prior to coming to school is more effective and efficient than screening upon arrival to school and will allow our teachers and staff to focus time on instruction and provide a more normalized educational experience.
It will take all of us doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19. This survey can easily be saved to your home screen on your phone and will take only a few seconds to complete each morning. We appreciate your willingness to help.
The link for the screener is as follows:
https://bit.ly/34iSqta
For those planning on going to the scrimmage game Friday night in Gurdon at 7PM:
You will need to go by Coach Long’s office in the annex building at the high school to pick up a voucher. This will allow you to buy a ticket at the game. You can not buy a ticket without a voucher per Gurdon rules. We have two hundred available on first come first serve basis.
Below is the link for students grades 9-12 to request schedule changes. Please complete the form and the appropriate counselor will contact you.
Again, this is for grades 9-12 of Freshman Academy and High School campuses.
Schedule Change Form:
https://bit.ly/2DLei5b
Please see the link below for updated information regarding this year’s Magnolia Schools Virtual learning option. The enrollment deadline has been extended until August 9th at midnight.
**Note** If you have already applied for the Magnolia Schools virtual option, please do not sign up again. We simply are extending the deadline after posting updates information.
https://www.magnoliaschools.net/o/msd/page/district-re-entry-plan
All items with updates are as follows:
Virtual Options Revised and Updated
2020-2021 School Calendar Updated
MMS Arrival-Dismissal/Breakfast-Lunch Updated
Eastside Arrival-Dismissal/Breakfast-Lunch Updated
Congratulations, Mrs. Coburn! Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalist!!
There have been some additions and updates to the re-entry plan added on the Magnolia School District website and Campus-specific sites.
They include:
ACDA Guidelines Added
AAA Guidelines Added
Face Coverings Guidelines Added
MSD Blended Learning FAQs Removed/Replaced by Blended Learning Guidelines
Virtual Option FAQs Added
T-Chart Comparing Blended Learning/Virtual Option Added
General FAQs Added
MSD Health & Safety Guidelines Updated
MSD Transportation Health & Safety Guidelines Updated
Walker Pre-K Arrival-Dismissal Updated
Walker Pre-K Breakfast-Lunch Updated
Deleting browser history/cookies may be required if Updated documents won’t load.
The magnolia schools website address can be easily viewed by clicking this link:
www.magnoliaschools.net
Thank you!
MJCL Sets "Cram the Bus" Date
School Supply List for 2020-21
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Students and families,
We appreciate the patience you have shown while waiting on our plan for returning to school. Our teachers, administrators, and numerous other stakeholders have worked countless hours to develop a plan for a safe environment for our students and staff. Their work and dedication to Magnolia Public Schools is sincerely appreciated. The documents are located on our district website, www.magnoliaschools.net, under the tab “Re-Entry Plan”. At the top of each school’s page, there will be a tab where more specific plans for that campus can be found. Please understand this document could change from day to day as we continue to receive guidance from DESE and ADH. Our initial plan is to begin school on a regular schedule, but that could change throughout the year as needed. We have developed plans for complete on-site instruction, a modified schedule, and remote learning. In addition, we realize that some parents may choose for their child to receive a complete virtual option for instructional delivery. That option is available, and the document for enrollment is located under the “Re-Entry” tab on the district website. We realize that this plan is not perfect; there is nothing perfect about this pandemic. We all want to return to normal. In order to effectively limit the spread of any communicable disease, we need your help in screening your child before sending him/her to school. We realize this is an inconvenience for many parents, but it is impractical and ineffective to screen students after they are at school or already on the bus. We will be providing an easily accessible screening document on our district app and ask that you screen your child daily before sending him/her to school. Most importantly, please do not send your child to school if they are sick. Again, we will continue to update this document. However, we hope this answers many of your questions about how we plan for a safe return to school for our students and staff.
John Ward
Superintendent
Magnolia School District Website:
www.magnoliaschools.net
Campus website administrators working to release our plans to return to school. Plans will be released on Thursday.
Dear Athletic Parents & Guardians:
The Arkansas Activities Association will begin using DragonFly MAX for all sports and activities. DragonFly makes sports and activities more organized with an easy-to-use platform for digital forms, health records, and team communication tools. Each athlete will be REQUIRED to have an account for sports participation. Please use the link below for step by step instructions on creating your account. Thanks!
https://5il.co/i8ea
Parents: if you have not already, please take a moment to fill out this quick survey to give your input on the upcoming 2020-2021 School Startup by clicking the link below:
https://rb.gy/3jkhif
Deadline to submit is today, and we’ve had over 750 entries so far. For all that have submitted, THANK YOU!
It only takes a few minutes, and we appreciate each and every entry.
Thank you so much!
#PANTHERPROUD
Governor Hutchinson is live now providing COVID-19 Updates
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rrzU1zVtuc
Important information : the start date for the 2020-21 school year has been delayed and set as August 24th. Additional clarification and information will follow soon.
MJCL Receives King Foundation Grant to Support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Magnolia Junior Charity League has been awarded a $1,000 grant from Arkansas Imagination Library and the Carl B. and Florence E. King Foundation in Dallas, TX. Grant funds will be used to purchase Imagination Library books in Columbia County, which is one of 28 counties in east and south Arkansas where the King Foundation focuses its grant making.
“We are very appreciative for the $1,000 grant from the King Foundation to the Magnolia Junior Charity League. Their support allows us to continue providing the children in our community the opportunity to participate in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and receive books month after month. Currently, 437 children receive books and that would not be possible without supporters and donors like the King Foundation.” -Anna Smith, MJCL 2020-2021 President
Every child enrolled in the Imagination Library program receives high quality, age-appropriate books in the mail – one book per month until a child’s fifth birthday – at no cost to families.
Parents or guardians of children under age five in Columbia County can enroll their child in
Imagination Library by going to https://imaginationlibrary.com/usa/find-my-program/
Currently, almost 40,000 books are mailed to Arkansas children each month through independent Imagination Library affiliates operating in all 75 counties in Arkansas.
Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the world’s preeminent early childhood book gifting program. The Imagination Library mails more than 1.5 million high quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five.
The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has mailed well over 100 million free books in Australia, Canada, The Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and the United States. The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood metrics. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
For more information, visit https://imaginationlibrary.com/.
MHS Cross Country Athletes & Parents/Guardians:
Cross Country workouts will begin next Tuesday, July 14th @ 8 AM. Athletes will report to the Central Gym on McNeil St. behind the Junior High. Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time for COVID questionnaire screening and temperature checks. All athletes will be responsible for their own water so please plan accordingly.
The day has come, THEIR day!
The Panther Class of 2020!
Rehearsal for tonight is underway!
Graduation Ceremony is tonight at 7pm at Panther Arena. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, each graduate has received 3 tickets for entry. Tickets will be taken at the door.
Congratulations to the Panther Class of 2020!
Middle School Volleyball Parents and Athletes
The following are the Middle School Volleyball Workout Schedules for the summer:
JR High Volleyball
July 13th-16th:
9th grade @ MHS Auxiliary Gym, 8:30-10:00
8th grade @ Central Gym, 10:30-12:00 (Enter off McNeil Street)
Thank you!
JR High Athletic Parents & Guardians:
8th and 9th grade boys and girls football and basketball workouts will begin next Monday, July 13th. The following schedule details the time frame and location for each sport. Please arrive at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled start time in order for COVID questionnaire screening and temperature checks. All athletes will be responsible for their own water, so please plan accordingly.
All athletes will report to the breezeway door in the parking lot beside the JR high cafeteria for check-in and pick-up after workouts.
Monday July 13-Thursday July 16:
8th grade Football
9-10 AM
9th grade Football
10:30-11:30 AM
Tuesday July 14-Thursday July 16:
8th grade Boys Basketball
10:30-11:30 AM
9th grade Boys Basketball
9-10 AM
JR High Girls Basketball
Monday, July 13th
12-1:30 PM @ Panther Arena
Tuesday, July 14/Thursday, July 16
12-1:30 PM @ MHS Auxiliary Gym
Dear Athletic Parents & Guardians:
Due to COVID 19, we will be unable to have our yearly mass physical exam on campus. Each athlete will need to schedule an appointment with their primary care physician, and turn in the physical paperwork directly to Coach Caston or their head coach. If you attended our mass physical in May 2019, your physical will expire on May 21, 2020. If you do not already have the updated physical form, it is available to print via the link below.
Please schedule your appointment ASAP! Thank you!
Click here for the the updated physical form:
https://5il.co/i344
Dear Parents:
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this pandemic. We realize you have many questions, and we are trying to put together a plan for starting school back in August that is safe for our kids, follows guidance from Arkansas Department of Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and still provides our kids with some sense of normalcy.
We have had over 60 teachers, parents, healthcare workers and other stakeholders developing this plan, and we are close to completing a document for release. There are a few questions we would like your input on prior to finalizing our plan and releasing the documents. We ask that you take a minute to complete the survey by Sunday, July 12, 2020.
https://rb.gy/3jkhif
Thank you!
MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL SETS GRADUATION DATE AND PLANS
Magnolia High School announced that graduation exercises for the 2020 senior class would be held on Thursday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m. in Panther Arena. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony will follow guidelines from Governor Asa Hutchinson, the Arkansas Department of Education, and the Arkansas Department of Health.
Guidelines require six-feet of social distancing in all areas in and around Panther Arena. The maximum occupancy of the arena will also be reduced. Each senior will receive three tickets to be used by family, friends, or other guests. Tickets must be presented at the door prior to entry. Facemasks will also be required by everyone attending or participating in the graduation exercises. Family and guests will be required to bring their own facemask. The Magnolia School District will not provide facemasks to those attending the ceremony. Hand sanitizing stations will be set up in the arena.
Arena doors will open at 6:15 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to remain in their cars until school officials direct them to enter. For those unable to attend the 2020 graduation, Magnolia High School will provide live-streaming of the event on the Magnolia High School Facebook page.
Magnolia Junior Charity League Sponsors Summer Backpack Program
BAILEY COBURN RECOGNIZED AS DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR The Magnolia School Board recognized East Side Elementary School music teacher, Bailey Coburn as the 2020 District Teacher of the Year at their regular meeting on June 15. Superintendent, John Ward read Mrs. Coburn’s biography and then presented her with a plaque of recognition. Bailey will now represent the Magnolia School District in the Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY) competition. Arkansas regional finalists will be announced the week of July 3-8. Regional finalists will also attend a reception ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock on July 31, where the four ATOY finalists will be announced. During the fall of 2020, the ATOY selection panel will visit the finalists’ schools for classroom observation and interviews. The 2021 Arkansas Teacher of the Year will then be announced sometime prior to December 20, 2020.
Congratulations Kathleen Dingman!!!
Arkansas Activities Association
2020 Girls Swimming
Coach-of-the-Year
MAGNOLIA JUNIOR CHARITY LEAGUE SPONSORS SUMMER BACKPACK PROGRAM
BAILEY COBURN SELECTED MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Magnolia School District personnel recently selected Bailey Coburn as the 2020 District Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Coburn is the music teacher at East Side Elementary School where she instructs approximately six hundred students in grades 1-3.
Bailey is a graduate of Ashdown High School and Henderson State University. She began her career in Magnolia when she did her student teaching in the fall of 2014. She assisted with the band program and with East Side’s music program. After earning her Bachelors of Music in Education, Bailey taught in the El Dorado and Spring Hill school districts. However, she was always drawn back to Magnolia, working as the high school receptionist and finally returning to East Side as the elementary music teacher. At East Side, Bailey teaches approximately 600 students per week. She incorporates music from many cultures and time periods. She leads five music programs each year, including last year’s first-ever East Side Veterans Day program. She also includes self-regulation exercises in music class and began a weekly yoga program for students with behavioral and/or sensory issues.
Bailey is married to Russell Coburn, a former Magnolia band director. They have one son, Henry, who will be three in June. They also have their rescue dog, Molly. Bailey’s hobbies include playing piano and ukulele, learning new technology, and taking naps. She loves to uplift her coworkers and come up with innovative ideas for the classroom. She can often be found with a to-do list in one hand and a Dr. Pepper in the other. Bailey is also an advocate for mental health and pushes her students to do their best.
Mrs. Bailey is now eligible for the 2020 Arkansas Teacher of the Year competition.
Magnolia Junior Charity League Sponsors Summer Backpack Program
MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE GRADUATION DATE
Magnolia High School has announced a revised graduation date for the 2020 senior class. The tentative date will be Thursday, July 9 at 7:00 pm in Panther Arena. This preliminary date is pending Governor Asa Hutchinson’s announcement that will allow high schools to resume regular graduation exercises. The Governor’s announcement is expected to be middle to late June. Though the commencement ceremony may occur on this date, certain restrictions may be administered for the safety of the students and the public. Restrictions may include a limited occupancy number in the arena and/or a limited number of tickets available for family members and guests. Other restrictions may also apply.
Magnolia School District has been approved to join forces with Baylor University to offer the Meals-To-You program.
What does this mean? It means that meals for your student(s) will be delivered to your home!
Each household, with children ages 1-18 who qualify for free or reduced school meals, will need to go to the website www.mealstoyou.org and sign up by Monday, May 11th.
PLEASE help share this to get the word out.
This program will be replacing the food service delivery we have been doing since mid-March. Magnolia School District will not deliver meals after this Friday, 05/08.
This is a great opportunity for our community!
ACT Test Online at Home Coming Fall/Winter
In response to uncertainty and school cancellations due to COVID-19, ACT announced it will offer a flexible schedule for summer 2020 test dates and test-at-home options for fall/winter 2020.
As CDC and local guidelines for safety allow, ACT will offer its June and July national test dates as scheduled and will additionally provide makeup test dates for June and July. The makeup test date for the June 13 national test date will be June 20, and the makeup test date for the July 18 test date will be July 25. ACT will work with individual national test centers should they need to reschedule to the makeup test date and students will be notified in advance. Students may also make free test date changes from the June to the July national test date.
In addition to the three previously planned fall test dates on September 12, October 24 and December 12, ACT will also offer a remote proctoring option for the ACT® test in late fall/early winter 2020, allowing students to take the test at their home on a computer. ACT will launch the test-at-home option as part of its national testing program. The fee waivers ACT provides to students from low-income homes will apply to the at-home testing option, and ACT is considering other ways to address access and equity issues.
Last call for Basketball State Final ticket refund. Friday, May 8, is the last day to refund tickets.
Congratulations to our own Mrs. Rose Biley for being featured in HER Magazine!
We hope our students are enjoying the Arkansas PBS AMI activities!
The week 5 schedule can be found at https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/ArkansasAMI.
Shape our future…complete the 2020 Census…
It is so important for all of us to complete the 2020 census.
We need to make sure everyone is counted.
We need an accurate count to make sure we get our share of the billions of dollars that are
turned back to our community.
Visit 2020census.gov to count you and your family.
The 2020 Census is here…I count, you count..
Please respond
We have great news to share!
Arkansas PBS announced they will continue to support at-home learning, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education's Division of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE), by providing Arkansas AMI until May 22.
Learn more from the Arkansas PBS press release at https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/engage/pressroom/arkansas_pbs_to_continue_ami_broadcasts_for_remainder_of_school_year.
The new Arkansas PBS AMI activities and resources are ready!
Week 3 can be found on the following websites:
https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/ArkansasAMI-
AND
http://www.dese.ade.arkansas.gov/divisions/learning-services/alternative-methods-of-instruction-.
KINDERGARTEN PRE-REGISTRATION
Due to the circumstances surrounding the effects of the Corona virus, the annual Kindergarten Pre-Registration Clinic has been canceled. However, parents are encouraged to get a head start and begin the pre-registration process using PowerSchool Online Registration. Parents with the resources to upload all the required forms electronically can complete the entire registration process in PowerSchool. If parents are unable to get any/all of the forms into an electronic format, then paper versions will be available once the school district has reopened.
To access the PowerSchool, parents should go to the Magnolia School District website at www.magnoliaschools.net. >>> Click EXPLORE at the top of the page >>> Click the REGISTRATION down arrow >>> Click PowerSchool Online Registration
Parents will start a PowerSchool account and then proceed to the registration process. Parents using this PowerSchool account will also be able to update information for any of their other children who attend the Magnolia School District.
If a student is pre-registered prior to June 25, 2020, the following documents should be uploaded through the PowerSchool Registration process. Paper copies may also be brought to the District Registrar’s office or the Kindergarten Center once the District reopens.
1. One (1) Proof of Residence
2. Proof of Age (Birth certificate or other state approved document)
3. Social Security Number
4. Immunization Record
5. Proof of Physical Examination **PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY**
6. Home Language Survey
7. Health History Form
Students currently enrolled at Walker Pre-Kindergarten Center during the 2019-2020 school year will not pre-register through PowerSchool. Parents will be asked to update registration information at a later date.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Food Service Department for their dedication and hard work to continue to provide meals for our kids during this time. In addition, we are also very appreciative to those who have delivered these meals.
Beginning Monday, April 13, we are altering our meal delivery to Monday, Wednesday and Friday. All times and locations will remain the same.
Please see this release we received from AT&T. Magnolia Schools can not offer any support, but just relaying this as a service to our community of students and parents.
We have no further information than this, so if you are interested please see the info below and reach out if interested.
————————————————————-
From AT&T
Our Commitment to Helping Families and Schools Stay Connected
Now more than ever, it's important to have access to the Internet to stay in‑touch with family, friends, work, and school. That's why AT&T will continue to offer affordable ways to connect. Households with at least one resident who participates in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), and in California only, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, may qualify.
There is NO annual commitment, NO deposit, NO installation fee and NO charge for an in‑home Wi‑Fi ® capable modem.
Additionally, in response to the public health crisis1, Access from AT&T is temporarily:
• Offering two months of free service, $5/mo. or $10/mo. plus taxes and fees thereafter, depending on your speed, for new Access customers who order by April 30, 2020.
• Expanding eligibility based on income2 and to households participating in National School Lunch Program/Head Start
• Waiving all home internet data overage fees
Feel free to share our updated program information with students and their families. Please consider:
• Including a flyer from our partner portal in communications to school families
• Adding a mention of Access from AT&T and the link (att.com/access) on your school or district website or in emails sent to parents encouraging them to apply online
• Ordering free copies of our updated preprinted flyers from the printing portal, attaccess.rrd.com, and distributing at grab‑and‑go locations
Go to att.com/access to learn more about Access from AT&T. Please also sign into our partner portal, accesspartners.att.com, to browse our COVID-19 specific promotional and communications materials. For assistance beyond our online resources, please call 1‑855‑220‑5211.
In a united effort, thank you for choosing us,
AT&T
Per Gov. Hutchinson, all schools will remain closed to on-site instruction for the remainder of this school year. We will continue instructional delivery through AMI. Please watch for announcements regarding the delivery of AMI through the end of the year for each campus. We realize this generates a lot of questions; please be patient as we work our way through all of the uncertainties. Arkansas Activities Association will soon release information regarding all extracurricular activities.
John Ward
Magnolia School District Supports April as Month of the Military Child
Parents and Students in Pre-K-Grade 8:
Don’t forget the extra educational resources and activities on Arkansas PBS.
Week 2 of Arkansas AMI activities and resources can be found at:
https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/ArkansasAMI
And
https://www.dese.ade.arkansas.gov/divisions/learning-services/alternative-methods-of-instruction
Magnolia Schools will continue to provide meals for children ages 0-18 years at the following designated stops Monday – Friday from 11:00am – 1:00pm:
Central Elementary
Columbia County Annex
Old Calhoun School
Old Village School
Old McNeil School
Waldo Fire Department
We miss our students! We wanted to send you all a few words to show we care.
A special thank you goes out to Mr. Tiegs from the PantherTV Production class for putting this together!
https://youtu.be/EJRlwZXRJyY
Magnolia Schools Superintendent Mr. John Ward gives an update on COVID-19 and our District.
Click the link below to view the update video:
https://youtu.be/moEmPtyDNis
MAGNOLIA SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL CONTINUE AMI PACKET DISTRIBUTION
The Magnolia School District will continue to provide Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) packets to the students of the District. These packets will include assignments and activities for the days missed from March 30- April 17 as directed by Governor Hutchison. The packets will include assignments for AMI days 6-20. AMI assignments for students in grades K-12 will be mailed to students for these days. AMI packets for Walker Pre-Kindergarten Center students will continue to be delivered at designated lunch pick-up locations.
AMI assignments are also available online on the District website at magnoliaschools.net. The website provides links for each campus website and each campus has teacher pages that provide resources to assist students. As other resources become available, they will be posted on the website and social media.
Gov. Hutchinson announced today that schools will remain closed until April 17, 2020. Next week is scheduled Spring Break. We will be working hard the next few days to make decisions on how to best deliver effective instruction throughout the mandated closure. All school events are postponed until further notice. Thank you for your continued patience during this time.
All campus offices will be closed for the remainder of this week. The District Administration Building will remain open from 8-12. State final tickets can be refunded at the District Administration Building. Meals will remain at scheduled times and locations.
ACT RESCHEDULES TESTING DATES
The safety of students and test center staff is ACT’s top priority. ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date.
Some clarification on AMI Information for this week:
AMI assignments are made available online at www.magnoliaschools.net under the News section. Links to each campus are provided.
AMI assignment packets may also be picked up on the individual campuses from 1:00-3:00 today.
For anyone who is unable to access the online assignments or pick them up on the campuses, the AMI assignment packets will be available at the following lunch pick-up locations Tuesday-Friday, March 17-20:
o Central Elementary Cafeteria Drive Through- 11:00-1:00
o West Side Park-12:00-12:30
o South Side Park-12:00-12:30
o McNeil Old School-12:00-12:30
o Waldo Old Fire Station-12:00-12:30
o Village Old School-12:00-12:30
For parents and students needing information about the SAU Regional Science Fair, please see link below:
https://web.saumag.edu/science/stem/science-fair/
State Representative, David Fielding, presents a proclamation of appreciation to members of the Magnolia School Board.
The adult 4A State Championship pre-sale tickets in the HS Annex are sold out. Student tickets are still available.
To order adult tickets online, visit the link below:
https://gofan.co/app/events/83640
(Panthers are Session 4)
The Magnolia School District will close all campuses and office buildings on Friday, March 13, 2020 in order that faculty, staff, and students may attend the State 4A Basketball Tournament in Hot Springs. The Magnolia High School Panthers will be defending their state championship title when they take on the Mills University Studies Comets at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Game time is set for 7:45 pm. A make-up day will be determined and announced on a later date.
PANTHERS WIN 63-55 IN DOUBLE OVERTIME!!!!
Your Magnolia Panthers are heading to the State Championship in Hot Springs next Friday!
Great job Panthers!!!
The chase continues!
The Panthers go up against Brookland in the semi-finals tonight at 7:30pm at Farmington High School basketball arena!
#RINGCHASING
#BRINGEMOUT
#PANTHERPROUD
#MAGNOLIAPROUD
Panther fans, fill your car up and head to Farmington!! The Panthers are in the semi!! 69-55 win over Blytheville
Magnolia Panthers Basketball
Tonight Vs. Blytheville
Quarter-Finals 4A State Tournament
Panther Basketball guys are on their way to Farmington! Help us in wishing them safe travels and good luck as they continue to represent Magnolia very well!
#PANTHERPROUD
#MAGNOLIAPROUD
#RINGCHASING
The Magnolia School District would like to remind families that registration opened today for Mulerider Kids College and Mulerider Teen College!
Thank you Jon Ed Rowe for capturing this image of the Performing Arts Center under construction. We can’t wait for this building to be finished!
It’s just another GREAT DAY to be a PANTHER!
Lady Panther Swim - STATE CHAMPION
Panther Swim - State Runner-up
Panther Basketball - Regional Champions! 3-0
Regional Champions!! Congratulations, Panthers!
4A South Regional is underway! Let’s go Panthers!
More to come—-Lady Panthers Win, Lady Panthers Win, Lady Panthers Win!! Congratulations. State Champions!!!
The future is bright for Panther basketball! These kids understand how to play at an early age.
The Magnolia Panthers progress by beating Nashville 70-45 !
#ALLWEDOISWIN
The Magnolia Panthers go up against Nashville in the 2nd Round of the 4A Regional Tournament at Crossett High Arena tonight at 5:30pm! Let’s go Panthers!!!
#BRINGEMOUT
#ALLWEDOISWIN
Lady Panthers go up against Mena in Round 1 of the 4A Regional Tournament at Crossett High Arena today at 4pm! Let’s go Ladies!!!!
Panthers win 70-36 in the first round over Bauxite!
#ALLWEDOISWIN
Panthers Basketball goes up against Bauxite @ 5:30pm tonight in round 1 of the 4A Regional Tournament @ Crossett High School Arena!
0-0, it’s a new season Panther fans!!!
#BRINGEMOUT
#ALLWEDOISWIN
Public Schools Week - February 24-28
Support Public Schools Week
Congratulations!
#allstate2020
Panthers finish regular season play 21-0!! Congratulations!!
We got one of our new buses in for all this rain...kids, you coming to school! No days out! Happy Friday!
Congratulations to all third grade students and teachers! You provided an amazing Science Fair!
Our kids are amazing!
The MHS Television Production class will be live streaming the full girls and boys basketball games tonight from the MHS Facebook Fanpage located at http://www.facebook.com/MHSMagnoliaAR on Facebook!
It’s also Senior Night!
Girls tip at 6:00
Guys tip at 7:30
Mr. Ward and Jon Ed using Thrillshare
Everyone's talking about the new Magnolia Schools Mobile App. Are you wondering what it's all about? Check out this video! It will answer any questions you may have, and then some!
https://youtu.be/YJ25s03oPUs
Download the free app using the links below using the link that's right for your device!
Android: http://bit.ly/3aO03J4
or
iPhone: https://apple.co/2tRYTeO.
BRAELYN BEASLEY SIGNS FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP WITH HSU
Magnolia High School senior, Braelyn Beasley, recently signed a letter-of-intent to play football for the Henderson State University Reddies next fall.
Beasley was a two-way starter for the Panthers during 2019 season. As a quarterback, Braelyn threw for 533 yards with seven touchdown passes. He also had 800 yards rushing with eight touchdowns and two 2-point conversions. As a defensive back, Beasley led the conference with six interceptions. He also had fourteen pass deflections and thirty-eight tackles with three tackles for loss.
Braelyn was the quarterback and defensive back of the year as an All-Conference player this year. He was also named to the All-State team as a defensive back. Braelyn has been selected to play in two All-Star games this summer. He will play in the Arkansas High School All-Star game and the FCA All-Star game between Arkansas and Texas All-Stars.
Beasley is projected to play either defensive back or receiver for the Reddies next season.
We are loving our new app! Access sports, cafeteria menus, news updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket.
Download the app on Android: http://bit.ly/3aO03J4 or iPhone: https://apple.co/2tRYTeO.
Watch this short, informative video for details!
Central Elementary Has Heart for Arkansas Children’s Hospital!
Students at Central Elementary School are collaborating with the local chapter of Circle of Friends to support the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Students are collecting specific travel size toiletry items.
Once the toiletry items have been collected, the items will be donated to Arkansas Children’s Hospital to help fill individual toiletry bags. These bags will be given to families who have children staying in the hospital.
Students will be collecting these items through February 28, 2020. Anyone interested in making a donation to this effort may bring items to the school office at 456 East North Street during regular school hours.
The following list includes very specific items that are being accepted. All products should be new and unopened. Travel size bottles are required for individual use.
• Face Wipes
• Mouth Wash
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush Combo Sets
Magnolia School District would like to thank the sponsors listed below for their $600 donation to the Magnolia Quarterback Club. The sponsors have been supplying sports banners for the high school sports teams, featuring the full teams and their seniors.
This donation comes from print sales sold to parents and fans of these images of the MHS and MJHS Football teams.
The sponsors involved are:
Farmers Bank & Trust
Gary Don Farrar Shelter Insurance Agency
Mule Kick
Kathy's Dance Arts Studio
Physiques, Inc.
Murphy's Jewelers ONLY in Magnolia
Greg Payne D.D.S.
and JRowe Photography, LLC
Pictured are representatives from these businesses, Magnolia Quarterback Club Representative Jason Ray, High School Head Coach Mark King, Junior High head coach John Rich, and Athletic Director Dyun Long.
This money will go directly to this amazing organization and the students of the MHS and MJHS football teams!
Many thanks to these sponsors and most importantly all parents who purchased prints making it possible!
Magnolia School District would like to wish our Superintendent Mr. John “Skipper” Ward a very happy birthday!
Magnolia Arts Presents - Ralph Breaks the Internet
Saturday, February 8th
Doors open at 6:30
Details below!
Magnolia Vs Smackover 45-14
40 seconds left in the 1st half
#ALLWEDOISWIN
#BRINGEMOUT
(Photo Credit JRowe Photography, LLC)
The MHS Teacher Cadets were able to observe in 4th grade math classes today at Central Elementary.
Thank you to Ms. Metcalf, Mrs. Plunkett, Mrs. Bynum and their students for allowing us to visit and learn with you!
FYI 6th Grade Parents: Science fair project abstract sheets will be coming home with sixth graders this week, and are due back Friday.
