Hope Public Schools

BOBCAT FOOTBALL... Hope v. Fouke/Dierks benefit game moved to Hammons Stadium, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.

Holt/Crossley welcome reception, Sunday, Aug. 15, Hempstead Hall, 2-4 p.m. (See invitation below)

Rosie is visiting CPS! @waterford.org

PreK teachers learning about @waterford.org SmartStart program

A MESSAGE FROM SUPT. DR. JONATHAN CROSSLEY Good Morning Bobcat Family! As we start this school year, I am very proud of you. You have shown continual resilience and a heart for service. Thank you! Today, I would like to offer an important update regarding masks and the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. Effectively immediately, masks, or other appropriate face coverings, will be required for all persons present on school campuses or in school vehicles or buses, including staff, students, visitors, and others. This is a timely and important update because open houses are this week. We will have masks available at all campuses. Please ensure that we are all taking the proper precautions regarding masks and face coverings. Safety will be our priority. Rationale: The Hope School Board met this morning in a special called session at 10 am to discuss mask requirements. Last week Judge Fox, Pulaski County Circuit Judge, ruled that the ban on mask requirements from Act 1002 was unconstitutional. This allows for school districts to make their own determinations about masks and face coverings. Please see the attachment for the signed resolution from the HPS Board. To be clear, HPS will comply with any and all future orders of the Pulaski County Circuit Court, the Arkansas Court of Appeals, and the Arkansas Supreme Court regarding Act 1002. Since we have the ability to require masks, the HPS Board voted to do so. If that ability is taken away in the future, you will be notified. Again, we will ensure that we are abiding by the law. There are many reasons for such a requirement. However, I will outline just a few: Keep students, parents, and employees safe. This is my chief charge as superintendent. I care for all of you, even if I haven't met you yet. I want to do everything that I can to keep you safe. As our 2,300+ students and 350+ employees come back to school, we must do everything we can to ensure a safe environment. Avoid unnecessary quarantines and additional learning loss. Masks, in addition to vaccinations, have been proven to reduce the incidences of quarantines. As you know, this greatly impacts teaching and learning. Parents, students, and staff need clarity as open houses begin. Again, as the court system may debate this in the future, we will follow the law. However, this decision for mask requirements will give parents, students, and staff enough time to acclimate to the change. Open houses begin tomorrow, and school starts a week from today. This was a timely decision. In addition to requiring masks, we are highly recommending that all of our eligible students, their families, and our employees get vaccinated and follow CDC guidelines to protect themselves and others. Recent Numbers: Arkansas is on high alert for COVID-19 based on the number of cases in the state and the percentage of individuals vaccinated. Hempstead County has a 23.8% COVID-19 vaccination rate. This is among the lowest in the entire state. In that vein, active COVID-19 numbers in Hempstead County are on the rise. We had 64 active cases last Monday. As of yesterday, we have 102 active cases. Medical experts are advising us that this upward trend in cases will continue before it levels out. Side Notes: If you are vaccinated and do not show symptoms then quarantine is not necessary. Per CDC guidelines, individuals self-monitor in this situation. Vaccination is encouraged. We will follow all Arkansas Activities Association guidelines for COVID-19. Sporting events will continue as scheduled. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Gretchen Carlton, HPS Point of Contact and Renee Sells, HPS Lead Nurse, will be great resources as well. Let's have a great, and SAFE, school year!

The Hope Public Schools Board of Education will meet in called session Monday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m. in the board conference room of the HPS Administration Building, 117 E. Second Street. The agenda will involve consideration of the district policy regarding the use of face masks.

Hope Public Schools is happy to welcome Dr. Charlotte Parham! We have enjoyed Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion, and Equity Training. #bobcatcorevalues #bobcatstrong

Hello Families! Back to school is right around the corner and we are looking forward to an amazing year. We have extended the Virtual Learning Application due date until August 19th. If you would like to apply for the Hope Virtual Learning Academy, please complete the application. You can locate the application on the district's website by choosing District Information: then click Hope Virtual Academy. Please return the application to your child's campus. Thank you.

CPR Certification Course, Tuesday, July 20, Hope High MAC Building. Cost is $20 per participant, 6 hours PD (does not substitute). Trainer Renee Sells, RN. Register at https://forms.gle/sk7YY5WxC99Awhd47 online.

The Hope Public School District is seeking critical feedback from various stakeholders who have significant insight into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning. Feedback will be used to plan for the use of funds received. The Hope Public School District values and appreciates your feedback to support our school community. Spanish - https://forms.gle/To6MtLSNfsb8nrbo9 English - https://forms.gle/kFdJjBgbrTob9tdg9

The Hope Public School District is seeking critical feedback from various stakeholders who have significant insight into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning. Feedback will be used to plan for the use of funds received. The Hope Public School District values and appreciates your feedback to support our school community. https://forms.gle/kFdJjBgbrTob9tdg9

Hey students and families: Check out the upcoming event at William Jefferson Clinton's Birthplace.

Athletics physicals for grades 7-12 will be available free of charge Wednesday, July 14, for Hope Public Schools student athletes. Contact Susan Powers at 870-331-0058 for appointment and forms.

The Hope Public Schools Administration Building will be closed through July 5 for summer cleaning and observance of the annual Independence Day holiday. All HPS campuses will be closed July 5. Administration offices will reopen July 6.

The Hope Public Schools Board of Education will meet in called session Thursday, June 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the board conference room at the HPS Administration Building, 117 E. Second St. The meeting is open to the public.

HOPE – The Hope Public Schools Board of Education will meet in a called session Tuesday, June 1, at 9 a.m. in the board conference room at the HPS Administration Building, 117 E. Second St. The agenda will involve consideration of candidates for superintendent of schools.

The Application for the Virtual Academy is available here: https://www.hpsdistrict.org/page/hope-virtual-academy The DEADLINE for Submission is July 16, 2021

HOPE – The Hope Public Schools Board will meet in a called session May 20 at 5 p.m. in the board conference room of the HPS Administration Building, 117 E. Second St. The agenda will involve a superintendent search working session with consultants.

Students at HHS received books of their choice today. #SOARgrant. #ReadersAreLeaders

Congratulations to the following students for completing all levels within the Waterford Reading Academy program! Rockstar Readers, Arizabeth, N'Kyrion, and Daniel! #Waterford. #RISE. #ReadersAreLeaders