FCJHS selected as model school for state program
District considering summer activities to keep students engaged in education
The junior high school campus in the Forrest City School District has been recognized as a model school for the Opportunity Culture program in the state.
"Two schools in the state were chosen as a model school for this program," Dr. Tiffany Hardrick, Forrest City School District Superintendent, told board members during their meeting Thursday.
"Because of their efforts to improve student access to a high quality education, by extending the reach of excellent teachers to more students, the Department of Education recently recognized the Forrest City Junior High School as an Opportunity Culture model school," said Hardrick. "The Opportunity Culture school model gives teachers the opportunity to grow professionally and to earn more pay without leaving the classroom."
Hardrick told the board that several of the state's highranking educational officials visit the junior high recently to recognize teachers participating in the program.
"Based on the implementation of their model, two schools were chosen as model schools so if any other schools want to implement the program, and there are hundreds of schools that will be doing this across the nation. Forrest City Schools will be considered model schools to visit for the program," said Hardrick.
Hardrick thanked the board for approving additional pay for teachers participating in the program.
"In talking with them, this is something that Dr. Hardrick has been working with them on for three years," board president Sandra Taylor said. "So, it wasn't something that came up overnight."
Hardrick also told the board the school should be getting a banner to hang in the school recognizing the achievement.
"This was based on improvement," said Hardrick of the recognition. "The board should be thanked for the approval and salary part of the model. The salary you chose to approve for the teachers is a big part of it."
Hardrick told the board that by allowing teachers to make more money through the program, it allows good teachers to stay in the classroom and help co-workers become better teachers.
In other business, the board approved the signing of intent to implement the annual special education funds for IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Part B funds.
"We sign them every year and
(Continued from Page 1) they are standard and required," said Hardrick.
The board also approved the new cycle for community eligibility provision funds that allows students to eat at no charge in schools.
"This way, any kid in the district can eat for free," said Hardrick.
Hardrick also told the board that the district is working on an extensive summer program with leaders in the community to further the education of students in areas.
"We are trying to figure out how we can all work with one program," said Hardrick. "We are hoping to do a couple of things with Judge (Kathie) Hess, the literacy program, Freedom Schools and even teaching children how to swim.
"We want something where the kids will be served all day," said Hardrick.
She told the board the district would provide lunch, transportation, Internet and other items and all they would need is for parents to say children could participate.
The program will also include two, one-week ACT training sessions where students will have an opportunity to learn from their peers who've scored 30 or above in certain areas of the ACT.
"Forrest City has amazing kids," Hardrick said. "We've had several kids score over 32 on the ACT and we are looking to build on that."
The board also approved a list of new hires including Antoine Willington, math teacher/assistant football coach; Maia Henderson, English teacher; Jordan Alkaabi, business teacher; Michael Regidor, English teacher; India Blansett, elementary English; Margot Cooper, Pre-K teacher and Tachocka Burgess, Pre-K instructional aide.
The board also approved the transfer for one eight-year old student to the PalestineWheatley School District.