Recognitions 2008-09

The tradition of excellence is more than 130 years old in the Fort Smith Public School District. Students compete favorably in academic challenges, athletic contests and tests of musical skill. Since its birth in 1875, the District has evolved to meet the expectations of parents and students by providing many opportunities to develop the diverse talents exhibited by students. The District supports a strong sense of accomplishment within its staff too. Educators and support personnel are recognized for their achievements and excellence throughout the region, state and nation. Within these pages you will find congratulations to students and staff who have won state and national awards; statements recognizing gifts to the district, grant winners, elected association positions, etc. and points of interest.

Congratulations:

Students
The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) has named Northside and Southside High Schools as co-winners of the 2008 AAA-McDonald's Sportsmanship Award. This award recognizes superior sportsmanship and citizenship displayed by students, players, coaches and the community during the 2007-2008 school year. Dr. Benny Gooden said, "A tie for this award is unusual and a tie in the same community is remarkable. The fact that Northside and Southside rise to the top is not a surprise, but a validation of the good work and example that our students, teachers, and community set for each other."

The Chaffin Junior High School Robotics Team won the River Valley BEST Robotics Competition sponsored by the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. The Chaffin team earned the top score of 14 team entered in the competition and they won the “BEST” Award which represents the best overall of several topical divisions. Additionally the team won the “Spirit and Sportsmanship” Award. Chaffin Robotic Team Coaches are Sandy Aaron and Amy Adams. Team members are Diana Abrajan, Rima Bhakta, Garet Bolton, Tyler Brown, Brandon Campbell, Kendra Carter, Thy Dai, Langdon Emms, Cameron Farrell,  Brianna Gant, Marrissa Garr, Kendall Goodhue, Sre Gorukanti, Caitlin Hoffman, Clara Hubbard, Emily Langham, Daniel Martin, Drew McCarty, Aaron McCormick, Sarah McDaniel, Alan Pinter, Luis Ruano, Emily Scott, Tyler Scott, Sami Sexton, Saben Sundara, Preston Talbott, Allison Thompson, J’Lisa Thompson, Linda Tran, Lyly Tran, Chase Williams and Robby Wuthrich.

Staff
Art Teacher Stacy Glover, Euper Lane Elementary School, was selected as the Arkansas Art Educator’s Association’s 2008-2009 Middle-Level Art Teacher of the Year. She was recognized for her excellence as an art instructor and for her expertise in promoting and service toward enhancing the quality of art education in Arkansas. Her student art was featured on the cover of the FSPS District 2008-2009 Calendar.

Jeff Mosby, Ramsey Junior High School Science Teacher, has been selected as the Fort Smith Public School District’s 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. He will compete in the regional component of the Arkansas Teacher of the Year program.

Jo Anne Elsken, Southside High School drama teacher, was selected by the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Zero Street as their 2008 Teacher of the Year. Sean Carrier, Southside High School assistant band director, was selected by the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Rogers Avenue as the store’s 2008 Teacher of the Year.

Elizabeth Parker, Cavanaugh Elementary School Second-Grade Teacher was honored by the Milken Family Foundation, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Dr. Ken James, Fort Smith Public School District Board Members and Superintendent Dr. Benny Gooden when she was named as the 2008 Arkansas Milken Award Winner. The $25,000 award is presented to one teacher in each state annually in recognition of teaching excellence. Parker has taught in the Fort Smith Public Schools since 1995 serving at Euper Lane, Howard and Tilles Elementary Schools. She began teaching at Cavanaugh Elementary School in the 2003-2004 school year. She is certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
Parker is one of two teachers in the Fort Smith Public School District to receive the Milken Award. Fort Smith Mayor and retired Southside High School Social Studies Teacher C. Ray Baker was selected to receive the award in 1995.


Schools
Congratulations to Northside and Southside High Schools as recipients of the McDonald’s Sportsmanship Award presented by the Arkansas Activities Association. These schools tied for this distinction in Class 7A. The annual award is based on overall conduct of players, coaches, spirit groups and fans at AAA sanctioned events.

Recognizing:

Students
FSPS Marching Bands Boast Superior Rankings
Northside and Southside High Schools, Chaffin, Darby, Kimmons and Ramsey Junior High Schools Marching Bands presented "Superior" marching programs at the Region II Marching Contest hosted at Northside High School. Each of the District's secondary school bands earned a "I" or Superior from the contest judges. More than 20 Region II bands participate in the annual event. Fort Smith band consistently offer entertaining and superior performances.

Northside High School

Southside High School

Chaffin Junior High School

Darby Junior High School

Kimmons Junior High School

Ramsey Junior High School

Staff
Cavanaugh Elementary School Teachers Meghan Estep (left) and Kimberly Stanfill (right) were recognized by students, staff and their community when each were recognized with a top teaching award from Walton Family organizations. Estep, a kindergarten teacher, was selected as the Wal Mart Distribution Center’s 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. Kimberly Stanfill, a first-grade teacher, was selected as the Sam’s Club 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. Linda Fielder, Morrison Elementary School fifth-grade teacher, was recognized as the 2008-2009 Kelly Highway Wal Mart Teacher of the Year.

Points Of Interest: