🎓 Throwback Thursday: Career Clubs at CPSD 🎓
We’re flashing back to the 2011-2012 school year to highlight some of our amazing Career Clubs! From FCCLA, FBLA, and FFA to HOSA, Skills USA, FCS, and Model UN, these clubs offered students opportunities to develop leadership, technical skills, and hands-on experiences that shaped their future careers. 🚀🌟
Were you involved in any of these clubs? Share your favorite memories and how your club experiences impacted you!
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #ThrowbackThursday #CareerClubs #Leadership #FCCLA #HOSA #FFA #SkillsUSA #ModelUN #FBLA #FCS
🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟
This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Thomas Robertson, Class of 2018!
Thomas pursued his passion for the culinary arts, attending culinary school and securing a job at Chenal Country Club. Starting as a sauté cook, he quickly worked his way up to Sous Chef at just 21 years old. While in school, Thomas won two bronze medals in American Culinary Federation (ACF) team competitions and a bronze medal in the ACF Central Arkansas Student Chef of the Year competition. Recently, he earned a silver medal in the ACF Central Arkansas Chef of the Year competition and finished third in the Delta Diamond Chef competition.
School Memories:
Thomas cherishes the lifelong friendships he built with classmates he’s known since childhood.
Favorite Teachers:
Jennifer Park and Trish Bowers.
Advice for Students:
“Always be a sponge. Absorb as much knowledge as you can and never stop learning.”
Join us in celebrating Thomas’s culinary achievements and his exciting journey from CPSD to the kitchen! 💙🤍
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow
It was a great CPSD School Board meeting tonight with many recognitions and highlights! Check out our December School Board Meeting recap! https://conwaypublicschools.edurooms.com/engage/conway-public-schools/newsletters/december-2024-school-board-recap
🎄✨ Throwback Thursday: Christmas Spirit Week at CHS! 🎄✨
We’re throwing it back to a festive Christmas Spirit Week at CHS, when students showed off their holiday cheer with fun themes like Kindergarten Day, Senior Citizen Day, Proud to Be an American, Keep It Classy, and Blue/White Day! 🎅🎉
This year, CHS is keeping the tradition alive with the Angel Paws Spirit Week to spread joy and support students and families in need. Get ready for some fun with Christmas PJs, Crazy Christmas Socks, Conway Blue, Ugly Christmas Sweater, and Santa Hat & Caring Cats Shirt! 🎁
Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive this season! ❤️🎄
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #ThrowbackThursday #ChristmasSpiritWeek #AngelPaws #HolidayCheer
🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟
This week, we’re excited to feature Gracyn Sanders, Class of 2014!
Gracyn graduated with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from UCA in 2019. She’s worked in hospital settings but is now transitioning into private practice at In Sync Counseling in Conway, focusing on grief and loss therapy.
Gracyn has fond memories of CPSD, where she met her husband. A pivotal moment in her journey was taking her first psychology course, which sparked her passion for becoming a therapist.
Favorite Teacher:
Mrs. Heather Tharp, who taught Gracyn in both 1st and 2nd grade, left a lasting impact.
Advice for Students:
"Don’t be afraid to ask for help."
Join us in celebrating Gracyn’s dedication to mental health and her journey from CPSD! 💙🤍
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow
🎉 This week, our incredible ESOL Specialists and ESOL Instructional Facilitator represented CPSD at ARKTESOL! 🌟
Kait Smith (CHS), Sherry Washington (CJHS), Tali Nelle-Davis (CLE, WCE, TJ), Lisa Ortega (ES, JLM, IB), Alison Evans (JSE, PFME), and Melinda Fraser (ESOL Instructional Facilitator) spent time learning and collaborating to enhance the support for our English learners. 💡📚
Thank you for your dedication to helping our students thrive! #WeAreWampusCats #CPSDascends #AscendToExcellence #Ascend
🏌️♂️⛳️ Throwback Thursday: 2012 State Champions Edition ⛳️🏌️♀️
In 2012, both our Boys and Girls Golf Teams brought home the state championship titles! 🏆🎉 A special shoutout to Parker Rice for winning the individual state title for the boys, and Summar Roachell for claiming the individual state title for the girls!
An unforgettable year for Wampus Cat golf, and a legacy of excellence that continues today. Who remembers this incredible season?
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #ThrowbackThursday #StateChamps #WampusCatGolf
🦃🍂 Thanksgiving Break is almost here! 🍂🦃
Conway Public Schools will be closed from November 25-29, 2024 for students and staff. Take this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. We look forward to seeing everyone back in school on Monday, December 2nd!
Have a safe and happy holiday! 🧡 #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #Thankful #Grateful
🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟
This week, we’re excited to feature Rhonda Lasker Holloway, Class of 1988!
Rhonda has remained in Conway, earning a Bachelor’s in Accounting from UCA and a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State. After working in accounting for 10 years, she transitioned into teaching, where she’s spent the last 13 years teaching middle school PE/health and coaching girls’ volleyball, basketball, and track. Rhonda loves teaching life skills through sports and the joy of teaching students of her former classmates.
Personal Highlights:
One of Rhonda’s favorite memories was coaching her own daughter in middle school and mentoring special groups of girls who are now successful adults.
Favorite Teacher:
Bill Clements.
Advice for Students:
“Every day is a new day to be great! Start each day with hope and expectancy for good things.”
“Conway has some of the best teachers and families. Stay connected to the great things happening here.”
Join us in celebrating Rhonda’s incredible journey in education and sports! 💙🤍
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow
🌟 Our Elementary Instructional Facilitator Team has been hard at work with the Arkansas Leadership Academy’s School Empowerment cohort! With guidance from national expert Dr. Peter DeWitt, they’ve been collaborating to align goals and develop a results-based action plan focused on measurable improvements. We can’t wait to see the positive impact on student learning! 🙌📚 #WeAreWampusCats #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends
📣 Throwback Thursday: BCMS Pep Squad 2000-2001 📣
We’re throwing it back to the 2000-2001 BCMS Pep Squad, where school spirit was in full swing! 💙🎉 Can you spot the current Courtway teacher in this photo? 👀🧐 Let’s see who can guess right!
Share your memories and shout out your favorite Pep Squad moments!
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #ThrowbackThursday #BCMSPepSquad #SchoolSpirit
🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟
This week, we’re excited to spotlight Chris Holt, Class of 1984!
Chris has enjoyed a vibrant career as a band director for 25 years and served as the bugler at Oaklawn race track for 8 years. Now retired from both, he’s working in the golf industry and living in Conway, happily married for 18 years.
School Memories:
Chris began playing trumpet and was part of the CPSD golf team, where his team was state runner-up twice. Making All-State band was another major highlight of his time at CPSD.
Personal Highlights:
Serving as Oaklawn's bugler stands out as a unique achievement beyond high school.
Favorite Teachers:
Chris fondly remembers Hickey Siler, Jim Owen, and Virginia Brown for their lasting influence.
Advice for Students:
“Be true to yourself and trust in God.”
Join us in celebrating Chris’s incredible journey from CPSD to a career full of music and golf! 💙🤍
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow
It was a great CPSD School Board meeting tonight with many recognitions and highlights! Check out our November 12, 2024 School Board Meeting recap!
https://conwaypublicschools.edurooms.com/engage/conway-public-schools/newsletters/november-2024-school-board-recap
It’s National School Psychology Week (Nov. 11-15), and we want to give a huge shoutout to our incredible school psychologists! 🎉💙
Allison Bowsman, April Reed, Elizabeth Spann, Jessica McClure, Lakyn Beard, Makayla Ellison, Paula Turner, and Sarah Washington work tirelessly to support the well-being and success of our students. Their expertise and dedication make a huge impact every day. Let’s show them some love and appreciation in the comments below! 🙌💙
#NationalSchoolPsychologyWeek #ThankYou #WeAreWampusCats #CPSDascends #AscendToExcellence
🇺🇸 Honoring Our Veteran Staff and Community Members 🇺🇸
This Veteran's Day, we proudly recognize and thank the brave men and women among our Conway Public Schools staff and Community who have served our country. Your dedication and service, both in the military and in our schools, are truly inspiring. To our veteran staff members, thank you for your commitment to protecting our freedom and for continuing to serve our community with the same dedication. We are honored to have you as part of our CPSD family. Happy Veteran's Day!
🎉 Throwback Thursday: Honoring Paula McKee's 35 Years with CPSD 🎉
Today, we’re throwing it back to Paula McKee’s days at CHS with this classic yearbook photo! 📚✨ Paula has been an invaluable member of the CPSD family for an incredible 35 years—her dedication and passion have left a lasting impact on countless students and staff.
Join us in celebrating Paula’s legacy of service and excellence! 💙🙌
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #ThrowbackThursday #DedicatedStaff #Legacy #35YearsStrong
🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟
This week, we’re excited to feature Maegan Langley, Class of 2015!
Maegan now lives in Austin, TX, and is working in the tech industry. She married her high school sweetheart, whom she met at Conway High, and he’s finishing up his computer science degree.
Favorite CPSD Memories:
Maegan loved her time in band and varsity tennis, both of which taught her teamwork and discipline. One personal highlight? Meeting her now-husband at Conway High!
Favorite Teacher:
Mrs. Francis left a lasting impression on Maegan during her school years.
Advice for Students:
“Focus in class and soak up what you can. Don’t grow up too fast!”
Let’s celebrate Maegan’s journey from CPSD to Austin! 💙🤍
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow
🌱🎉 Exciting News! We’re thrilled to announce that Ellen Smith Elementary and Conway High School have been recognized with the 2025 Arkansas Best Education-Based School Garden Awards by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture! 🌿
A huge congratulations to Ryan Raup, fourth-grade teacher at Ellen Smith Elementary, for leading the way and being awarded 2025 Arkansas Best Education-Based School Garden. 🥇🌱
And a special shout-out to Leslee Tell and the team at Conway High School for earning Best Overall School Garden! 🌻🏆
Thank you to our incredible teachers, students, and community partners who have put in so much heart and effort to make these gardens a success. These green spaces are teaching students the value of nature, sustainability, and hands-on learning! 🌍💚 #CPSDproud #SchoolGarden #GreenThumb
🎉 Throwback Thursday: Red Ribbon Week Edition 🎉
In honor of Red Ribbon Week, we’re throwing it back to when actor Hart Denton visited Courtway Middle School as the guest speaker for the Red Ribbon Assembly! 🎤✨ Hart inspired our students to make healthy choices and shared powerful messages about staying drug-free.
Who remembers this awesome day? Drop your memories in the comments!
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #ThrowbackThursday #RedRibbonWeek #DrugFree
🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟
This week, we’re excited to spotlight Shanarra Goldman, Class of 2018!
Shanarra currently works at Pediatrics Plus, helping empower children through occupational, physical, speech, and ABA therapy. She’s passionate about making a positive impact on kids with developmental delays.
Reflecting on her time at CPSD, Shanarra appreciates the real-world skills she gained, which were unique compared to other schools. A highlight for her was making lifelong friends and learning skills that set her up for success.
Favorite Teacher:
Mrs. Cindy Brown was Shanarra’s favorite, leaving a lasting impression.
Advice for Students:
“Make the most out of your education—try a new club, gain new skills, and volunteer. Remember to be kind, and be the light in a dark world.”
Join us in celebrating Shanarra’s journey and her dedication to helping others! 💙🤍
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow