They may work behind the scenes, but their efforts are always visible. A huge thank you to the entire district custodial staff as we recognize and celebrate National Custodian Day. Thank you for the work you do to keep our schools, officies, and facilities clean and well maintained.
1 day ago, PCSSD
Grpahic for National Custodian Day
If you still need to purchase Chromebook insurance, the deadline is Tuesday, October 6. Go to this link for further information on coverage and ways to enroll online, by mail, or over the phone: https://www.pcssd.org/page/chromebook-insurance
1 day ago, PCSSD
Graphic promoting Chromebook insurance enrollment. A student is shown working on a Chromebook inside a large laptop illustration with the message, “Chromebook Insurance: Sign Up by Tuesday, October 6!” displayed above.
English-language SmartTech Chromebook insurance flyer for PCSSD. The graphic outlines coverage for accidental damage, liquid damage, and loss or theft, compares costs without coverage, and includes instructions for signing up online, by phone, text message, or mail. Coverage costs $25 through June 30, 2027.
Spanish-language SmartTech Chromebook insurance flyer for PCSSD. The graphic explains coverage for accidental damage, liquid damage, and loss or theft, shows repair/replacement costs without coverage, and provides enrollment options online, by phone, text message, or mail. Coverage costs $25 through June 30, 2027.
Check out this month's newsletter!
2 days ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
Oct Newsletter
In October, we're celebrating National Principals Month!

This morning, principals from across PCSSD gathered at Central Office for their regular monthly meeting and were surprised with a special "PCSSD Principal Fuel Station" featuring encouraging messages and healthy snacks to kick off the month-long celebration.

Throughout October, we'll be highlighting the outstanding leaders who serve our schools each day. Join us in thanking our hardworking principals for their dedication to students, staff, and the broader PCSSD community.

#ExpectBelieveSucceed
2 days ago, PCSSD
A tabletop display for the "PCSSD Principal Fuel Station." It includes a framed green sign reading "Fill a Grab Bag," a large ceramic red apple, black treat bags, and a poster featuring a retro gas pump labeled "PCSSD Principal Fuel Station."
A close-up view of fresh yellow bananas stacked in a wire basket, with encouraging handwritten messages written on their peels in black marker, including "Awesome!", "You Rock", and "Way to Grow!"
Two male principals sitting next to each other at a table, smiling at the camera. The principal on the left wears a maroon vest, plaid tie, striped shirt, and dark-rimmed glasses. The principal on the right wears a blue plaid button-down shirt with a name badge.
A principal wearing a black blazer and a Maumelle Middle shirt smiling as she reaches into a basket to grab a banana marked with an encouraging message. Other colleagues stand in the background near a table filled with breakfast items and snacks.
Two female school leaders smiling together at the fuel station. One holds a small green snack pack, while beverage tubs filled with ice, canned drinks, and water bottles sit in the background.
A group of school leaders browsing snacks at the fuel station table. In the foreground, a woman in a red sequined blazer grabs a snack bag, while another person wears a t-shirt that says "This MEETING is brought to you by the letter B." Baskets of snacks and fresh bananas sit on the table nearby.
Two female principals smiling together indoors in front of a presentation screen reading "Principal's Meeting". The woman on the left wears black-framed glasses, large gold earrings, and a black-and-white patterned top with a name badge. The woman on the right wears glasses and a light blue top.
A woman in a bright pink dress smiling as she reaches into a snack basket at a decorated table. In the foreground sits a small red toy wagon filled with wrapped treats alongside a basket of bananas.
A principal with gray hair and glasses smiling as he picks out snacks from a table display. In the foreground, woven baskets are filled with fresh oranges and bagged snacks, with an AVID banner hanging in the background.
Get ready to celebrate AVID Wednesday by wearing your AVID shirt, college gear, or career wear tomorrow!

AVID builds college- and career-ready students at every grade level. Take some time to read how some PCSSD students say AVID is making a difference in their education. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
4 days ago, PCSSD
A large group of students stands together in a classroom holding completed "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheets. The students display a variety of responses describing how AVID has helped them develop academic skills, ask questions, improve note-taking, set goals, and build confidence. The photo showcases student participation in the school's AVID reflection activity.
A collection of "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheets is arranged on a tabletop. The handwritten responses from students and staff describe how AVID has helped with note-taking, goal setting, academic achievement, confidence, organization, and staying focused on grades. Each sheet features the #MyAVIDWhy message and reflects personal growth through AVID.
Four elementary students and one staff member pose in a school hallway in front of a display of student work. The wall features vocabulary posters, space-themed decorations, and motivational star signs with encouraging messages. The group stands together beneath the student work showcase, highlighting a positive learning environment and student achievement.
A student stands beside an AVID mission poster while holding a "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheet. The handwritten response shares that AVID has helped the student earn good grades and stay focused on schoolwork. Surrounding wall displays include AVID materials and school information posters that reinforce college and career readiness.
Three staff members stand together in a school hallway near an elevator, holding clipboards, folders, and other materials. The group is participating in an AVID activity and is surrounded by school safety equipment and hallway displays. The photo highlights staff engagement and support for schoolwide AVID initiatives.
A student stands in front of an AVID mission poster and holds a "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheet. The handwritten response reads, "Communicate better with people." Additional school posters about student readiness and school policies are displayed on the wall behind the student.
“C” US DIFFERENTLY

Our overall district letter grade has improved from a D to a C, and schools across the district have experienced some big progress.

Here’s what we mean:
🚀 4 schools jumped multiple grade levels
🏅 11 schools improved by at least one letter grade
📈 19 schools increased their overall accountability scores

We are proud of these achievements, and we are C-ing even greater things ahead!

#seeusdifferently #ExpectBelieveSucceed
10 days ago, PCSSD
A structured graphic graphic titled "School and District Letter Grades" displaying letter grade performance comparisons for Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) between 2025 and 2026. District Grade: Pulaski County Special School District: Improved from D in 2025 to C in 2026. Secondary Schools (2025 Grade → 2026 Grade): Joe T. Robinson Middle School: B → C Maumelle Middle School: F → F Mills Middle School: D → D Sylvan Hills Middle School: D → C Sylvan Hills Junior High: F → C Joe T. Robinson High School: F → C Maumelle High School: D → C Mills University Studies High: D → F Sylvan Hills High School: C → C Elementary Schools (2025 Grade → 2026 Grade): Cato Elementary: D → C Chenal Elementary: A → C Baker Elementary: B → B College Station Elementary: F → B Crystal Hill Elementary: C → C Daisy Bates Elementary: D → C Joe T. Robinson Elementary: C → D Landmark Elementary: C → B Lawson Elementary: D → C Oak Grove Elementary: F → C Oakbrooke Elementary: C → C Pine Forest Elementary: C → C Sherwood Elementary: B → B Sylvan Hills Elementary: C → C William J. Clinton Elementary: F → D

It is already more than halfway through the first quarter, which means it is a good time to check in on student progress! Log in to the Home Access Center anytime at hac23.esp.k12.ar.us to view grades, attendance, and more. #ExpectBelieveSucceed

12 days ago, PCSSD
Graphic taped to a background of blue school lockers titled "Time to Check Grades! Already half way through the first quarter!" PCSSD logo appears in the top left. The main text reads: "As a district, we are no longer printing interim grade reports. But you can access your student's grades 24 hours a day all year long!" A numbered list follows: 1. Go to HAC (Home Access Center) - hac23.esp.k12.ar.us 2. Select PCSSD. 3. Log in and check grades, attendance, and more! Bottom text adds: "If you have any questions or need assistance, call your school and ask for the registrar."
These PCSSD Department of Safety and Security officers watch over the Sylvan Hills High School feeder pattern of schools.

Please join in celebrating these security officers for National Security Officer Appreciation Week. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
15 days ago, PCSSD
Sylvan feeder pattern safety and security department personnel

We’re proud of our progress (46 point increase!) and even more excited for what’s ahead! We are also recognized as an Arkansas GEM School. Way to go, Sherwood Bears!

16 days ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
Letter grade
This Friday, we will celebrate AVID Day, joining schools across the country in recognizing the impact of educators and students working together to expand access and opportunity. At Pulaski County Special School District, AVID strengthens skills like critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and self-advocacy, helping students prepare for college, careers, and beyond. We are proud of the growth we see every day and grateful for the shared commitment that makes it possible. #MyAVIDWhy #ExpectBelieveSucceed
17 days ago, PCSSD
AVID DAY
Save the Date!
22 days ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
Fall Fest
We are so excited to welcome everyone for lunch tomorrow!
23 days ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
9/11
Schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Students will return to school on Tuesday, September 8, and all district offices will also be open.
29 days ago, PCSSD
A cartoon sign says "no school for students Monday, September 7" with the PCSSD logo
A cartoon sign says, "district offices will be closed Monday, September 7"
Check out this month's newsletter!
29 days ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
newsletter
Strong schools rely on strong leadership. PCSSD principals spent their morning at Central Office to collaborate, connect, and continue preparing for a successful year across our schools. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
30 days ago, PCSSD
a man in a bow tie speaking to a room of principals
three principals collaborating
three principals talking and laughing
a room ful of principals and administrators learning
Principals listening in a meeting
Principals smiling in a meeting

Take Out Tuesday at Papa John's

Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Order from Papa John’s • Use Code: DOUGH • Support Sherwood!

about 1 month ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
Papa John's
Grandparents' Day Lunch is Friday, September 11, 2026
about 1 month ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
Grandparents' Day

Family Night is Coming!

Join us September 3, 2026, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. to learn more about how we can partner together for a successful school year! We hope to see you there!

about 1 month ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
Family Night
Sylvan Hills Middle School is offering free volleyball training every Friday from 4:00 - 6:00, beginning August 21st.
about 2 months ago, Denetha Lawrence-Hall
Volleyball
👕 AVID Wednesday returns each week!
AVID builds a college‑ready mindset where students plan ahead, stay organized, and set goals with intention. These habits show up in AVID strategies across classrooms, from focused note‑taking to inquiry and collaboration.

Lay out your favorite college or career shirt tonight and sport it proudly Wednesday #ExpectBelieveSucceed
🔗 Learn more about AVID: https://www.pcssd.org/page/avid
about 2 months ago, PCSSD
Two people wearing AVID shirts
A person wearing an AVID shirt.
A person wearing an AVID shirt and Texaco hat while holding a ladder.
Two people wearing college shirts
A person wearing an HBCU shirt.
Two people wearing college shirts
Two people wearing college shirts
Three people wearing AVID shirts.
A person wearing a college shirt.
Four people wearing college shirts in a classroom.