Northside News
April 2020
A Note From Dr. Rathbun
As I type this I am praying that each of you are safe and healthy. I will try to give you the best information that I have at this time. You may have more questions then I have answers, but I will do my best to communicate information as I receive it.
One thing I do ask is that you continue to reach out to me and our staff. My cell phone number is 479-414-3085. I want to be as accessible as possible for you and your student. Do not hesitate to text or call if you have questions or even if your student just wants to talk. Social distancing does not mean social isolation. You will not be bothering me, so feel free to reach out.
Again, as always, I am so thankful for you and that you are part of #GrizzlyNation.
Keri
Northside is a PLC Model School!
We are the FIRST High school in the state of Arkansas to receive this designation and the ONLY model school in the nation with our demographics! We are so proud of our teachers and students for their hardwork and dedication.
Below is the press release from Solution Tree:
One of About 200 Schools and Districts in the US and Canada to Receive This Honor
Northside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas was recently recognized by Solution Tree for its sustained success in raising student achievement. Northside's successful implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work™ process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students.
PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize the key to improved learning for students is on-going, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:
1. Focus on learning.
2. Build a collaborative culture.
3. Create a results orientation.
Schools are recognized based on strict criteria, including demonstration of a commitment to PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least three years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.
According to the Champions of PLC at Work™, educators in the schools and districts selected for this recognition have shown “a sustained commitment to helping all of their students achieve at high levels. They have been willing to alter the structure and culture of the organization to reflect their commitment. We applaud them and congratulate them for achieving this very significant milestone on the never-ending PLC journey.”
Recognized model PLC schools are listed on allthingsplc.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools. Tools for team collaboration, articles and research about PLCs, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student performance. For more than 20 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.
Schoology and Online Learning
Senior Information
I also encourage you to read the memo below and take the survey asking for suggestions. We want to be able to celebrate your senior, but in these circumstances we may have to think outside the box and we want your input.
Also, if your student ordered their cap and gown, they have been delivered and are at school. We are working on a plan for delivery and will send information out as soon as we can.
If you have questions or concerns, feel free to email me, Mrs Ray or Mrs Vicens and we will do our best to assist.
Internet Access
Grades
Last Thoughts
Helpful Information
- Keri Rathbun krathbun@fortsmithschools.org
Assistant Principals
- Jared Meyers jmeyers@fortsmithschools.org
- Brad Ray bray@fortsmithschools.org
- Jennifer Steele jsteele@fortsmithschools.org
Counselors
- Heather Brown hbrown@fortsmithschools.org
- Ana Martinez amartine@fortsmithschools.org
- Sarah Ray sray@fortsmithschools.org
- Eva Smith esmith1@fortsmithschools.org
- James Schneider jschneid@fortsmithschools.org
Graduation Coach
- Karen Vicens kvicens@fortsmithschools.org