🎸 Principal Month Spotlight 🎣
Meet Matt Kelly, Principal at Ruth Doyle Middle School!
Matt married his high school sweetheart, and both are proud Conway graduates. Together, they have five awesome kids, and in his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar. 🎶
While teaching, he co-sponsored the Conway High School Fishing Team, which competed in the Arkansas high school fishing championships—a unique achievement! 🎣🏅
Favorite Quote:
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." – Carl Sagan 🌌
Mr. Kelly leads with humor and passion, inspiring students and staff alike. Thank you, Mr. Kelly, for your fun and engaging leadership! 💙
#PrincipalMonth #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #ThankAPrincipal
📣Lori Cole - Special Education Teacher
Preston & Florence Mattison Elementary School
Is a CPSD CORE VALUE CHAMPION!!🏆🚾🐾
Mrs. Cole is an extraordinary elementary special education teacher, known for her unwavering advocacy for her students. With a heart full of compassion, she tirelessly seeks to understand each child's unique needs, creating a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Always eager to learn and adapt, Mrs. Cole attends workshops and collaborates with specialists, continuously enhancing her skills to better serve her students. Her classroom is a beacon of support, and fellow teachers often turn to her for advice and insights about their own students. Through her dedication and resourcefulness, Mrs. Cole fosters a community of understanding and inclusion, empowering her students to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you Mrs. Cole for being a #ChampionsForKids and helping students and our district #AscendtoExcellence!!
#Ascend #CPSDascends #WampusCats
🏈 Throwback Thursday: Greg Hughes 🏈
In honor of National Coaches Day on October 6th, we’re throwing it back to Greg Hughes’ early days at CHS! Over the years, Greg has worn many hats in Conway Public Schools, including teacher, coach, Assistant Athletic Director, Dean of Students, and now leading the charge as our Athletic Director. His dedication to our students and athletes has left a lasting mark on our community!
Were you ever in one of Coach Hughes' classes or on a team he coached? Share your memories below! 📚🏆
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #ThrowbackThursday #NationalCoachesDay
🌟 Principal Month Spotlight 🌟
Meet Shanda New, Principal at Marguerite Vann Elementary!
Favorite Quote:
"The joy of leadership comes from seeing others achieve more than they thought they were capable of." – Simon Sinek 🌱
Shanda is known for being compassionate and generous, always leading with a kind heart and a clever mind. Her dedication inspires both students and staff to reach new heights.
Thank you, Mrs. New, for your thoughtful and determined leadership! 💙
#PrincipalMonth #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #ThankAPrincipal
🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟
This week, we're excited to feature Austin Smith, CPSD Class of 2013!
After graduating, Austin attended UCA, earning his degree in Business Marketing and an MBA. He has since established himself in the insurance industry as a personal and commercial lines agent at NRG Insurance in Conway.
Austin’s time at CPSD was marked by a unique experience—his class was the only one to attend both the old high school pods during junior year and the new high school building for senior year. A highlight of his school years was playing on the golf team, traveling for matches, and winning state championships!
Austin’s advice to current CPSD students? "Enjoy it! Before you know it, graduation is here, and you're onto the next chapter!"
Let’s celebrate Austin's accomplishments and his journey from CPSD to a successful career! 💙🤍
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow
It was a great CPSD School Board meeting tonight with many recognitions and highlights! Check out our October 8, 2024 School Board Meeting recap!
https://conwaypublicschools.edurooms.com/engage/conway-public-schools/newsletters/october-2024-school-board-recap
👩🏫 Principal Month Spotlight 👩🏫
Meet Dr. Kate Worley, Principal at Conway High School!
Fun Fact: "I am the first female principal of Conway High School." 🎓💪
Favorite Quote:
"It is not the critic who counts... The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly... who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly." – Theodore Roosevelt 🏛️
Dr. Worley leads with compassion and understanding, setting an example for others through her unwavering dedication. Thank you, Dr. Worley, for your trailblazing leadership! 🌟
#PrincipalMonth #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #ThankAPrincipal
🌟Principal Month Spotlight 🌟
Meet Shannon Riner, Principal at Ellen Smith Elementary!
Fun Fact: "I grew up on a dairy farm!" 🥛🐮
Favorite Quote:
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind." 💛
Thank you, Mrs. Riner, for being an inspiring leader and champion for kindness! #PrincipalMonth #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #ThankAPrincipal
🏆 Happy National Coaches Day! 🏆
Today, we celebrate and appreciate the dedication and guidance of our amazing coaches. Thank you for inspiring us to reach our full potential, both on and off the field.
"Coaching is unlocking a person's potential to maximize their own performance." - Sir John Whitmore
#NationalCoachesDay #ThankYouCoaches #ASCEND #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends 🙌👏
🎉 Congratulations to Gavin Law, one of Conway High School's National Merit Scholars! 🎉
Gavin has been a dedicated student in the Conway School District from K-12 and has taken piano lessons at UCA for the past 12 years. In addition to being a member and employee at Conway Regional Fitness Center, Gavin stays busy with school clubs like NHS, Key Club, HOSA, and Model UN, where he enjoys the connections and opportunities for community service.
Gavin plans to attend college on the pre-med track, with aspirations of becoming a surgical resident. He hopes to obtain his EMT license by the time he graduates high school, allowing him to work on an ambulance while pursuing his education. His dream schools are Duke and Vanderbilt, with U of A as his safety school.
Gavin is the son of Janet and Lucas Law, and brother to Gage and Grayson.
Fun Fact: Gavin’s favorite holiday, after Thanksgiving, is Halloween, and he loves the fall season! 🍂🎃
We are so proud of you, Gavin! Keep reaching for the stars! ✨ #WampusCatPride #NationalMeritScholars #ConwayHigh #Ascend #AscendtoExcellence
🌟 Principal Month Spotlight 🌟
Meet Marquis Rogers, Principal at Phyllis and Ray Simon Middle School!
Fun Fact: "I have a twin sister, and she also works in the district at Sallie Cone Preschool."
Favorite Quote:
"Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope."
– Maya Angelou 💖🕊️
Thank you, Mr. Rogers, for leading with heart and vision!
#PrincipalMonth #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #ThankAPrincipal
🚀 Launch Conway Career Expo! 🚀
On Wednesday, our Conway Junior High School ninth graders had an amazing opportunity to attend the Launch Conway Career Expo at the Conway Expo Center! 🎉 Over 700 students explored potential careers in construction, health care, manufacturing, professional services, public service, and transportation through interactive exhibits and programming. 👷♀️👩⚕️👨🏭👩💼🚓
We want to extend a HUGE thank you to the over 50 businesses and colleges who joined us and invested in our students' futures! Your support helps open doors to new possibilities for our Wampus Cats! 🌟
Special thanks to the Conway Chamber of Commerce for putting on this incredible event!🙌
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends
🐶 Archie!! Archibald Ford is an emotional support specialist from our Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative and is visiting central office today! He often visits schools to bring a smiling face to all! He is loving leading Mrs. Paula Harris around the office visiting everyone! Shout out to Arch Ford for helping with training our Novice Teachers today and for bringing Archie!!
🎉 Congratulations to Reese Taylor, one of Conway High School's National Merit Scholar Semifinalists! 🎉
Reese has been a proud student of Conway School District for 13 years. #6legs4Life. She’s an accomplished musician, playing violin in the orchestra and percussion in the band. Reese is also highly involved in leadership and service, as a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, and president of Key Club.
After high school, Reese plans to attend Hendrix College and is considering a future in the medical field. She is the daughter of Michael and Tanya Taylor.
Fun Fact: Reese has met John Cena! 💪
We are so proud of you, Reese! Keep shining bright! ✨ #WampusCatPride #NationalMeritScholars #ConwayHigh #Ascend #AscendtoExcellence
🎉 Principal Month Spotlight 🎉
Meet David Yates, Principal at Bob Courtway Middle School!
Fun Fact: "I used to have long hair and sang/played rhythm guitar in a praise band called The Branches." 🎸
Favorite Quote: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott 🏒
Thank you, Mr. Yates, for leading with passion and creativity!
#PrincipalMonth #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #ThankAPrincipal
🎉 Throwback Thursday: Honoring Tradition 🎉
This week, CHS proudly announced their 2024 Homecoming Court, and we’re throwing it back to 1969 to honor Homecoming Queen Laura Burford! 👑💖 As we celebrate this year’s court, we invite everyone to join us in recognizing the maids and crowning the 2024 queen on October 18th at 6:30 PM at John McConnell Stadium.
Are you excited for this year’s Homecoming festivities? Let’s keep the tradition alive! 💬✨
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #ThrowbackThursday #HomecomingQueen #CPSDTraditions #Homecoming2024
🎉 Congratulations to Timothy Garrison, one of Conway High School's National Merit Scholar Semifinalists! 🎉
Although Timothy is homeschooled, he has taken classes at CHS and has been an integral part of the soccer team for the past four years. He is actively involved in soccer and robotics, showcasing his passion for teamwork and innovation.
Timothy plans to pursue college and grad school, aiming for a bright future ahead. He is the son of Kevin and Wendy Garrison and the brother of Suzanna and Andrew.
Fun Fact: Timothy enjoys playing piano for his dog, who howls along! 🎹🐶
We’re proud of you, Timothy! Keep up the great work! ✨ #WampusCatPride #NationalMeritScholars #ConwayHigh #Ascend #AscendtoExcellence
✨ Principal Month Spotlight ✨
Meet Carise Echols, Principal at Theodore Jones Elementary!
Fun Fact: "I sleep with my eyes slightly open." 👀
Favorite Quotes:
"Every storm runs out of rain." 🌧️
"Well done is better than well said." 🗣️
Mrs. Echols leads with love, fun, and compassion, creating a nurturing environment for both students and staff. Thank you, Mrs. Echols, for your dedication to our school community!
#PrincipalMonth #WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #CPSDascends #ThankAPrincipal
🧹✨ Happy Custodian Appreciation Day! ✨🧹
Today, we give a huge shoutout to our amazing custodial staff at Conway Public Schools. Their hard work, dedication, and attention to detail keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. From early mornings to late nights, they ensure our learning environment is at its best.
Thank you, custodians, for all that you do! We appreciate you! 🙌💙
#CustodianAppreciationDay #CPSD #ThankYouCustodians #UnsungHeroes #ASCEND #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends
🌟 Wampus Cat Wednesday: Where Are They Now? 🌟
This week, we're proud to spotlight Cindy Beckham, a distinguished alumna from the Class of 1980!
After a remarkable 30-year career teaching high school history and economics at Conway High, Cindy transitioned into a new role as a ghostwriter, crafting memoirs for multimillionaires. She also serves on the Faulkner County Museum Board and the Faulkner County Historical Society board. An accomplished author, Cindy has published several books and edits the FCHS journal.
Reflecting on her time at CPSD, Cindy fondly remembers the lively pep rallies in the gym and having classes in the iconic "pods." A true scholar, she graduated 4th in her class of 290 and went on to earn two degrees from UCA, plus 48 more graduate hours, all with honors. Cindy's dedication to education extended beyond her own learning—she taught Junior Achievement Economics/Student Company for 20 years.
Her favorite teacher? Sherry Henderson. Cindy's advice to current CPSD students? "Soak up all the education you can."
Let’s celebrate Cindy's incredible journey from CPSD to a fulfilling career and her continued contributions to our community! 💙🤍
#WeAreWampusCats #Ascend #AscendToExcellence #CPSDascends #WampusCatWednesday #WhereAreTheyNow