Every organization needs a Jeri Schulz. We find ourselves on the other side of her desk in the best and worst of times. Maybe one has just been hired or is getting married or caring for a sick child. Jeri is the go-to for everything pertaining to benefits in Bentonville Schools. She celebrates and laments with each employee, but, more than that, she is a fiercely loyal colleague. Jeri is known for her relentless pursuit to care for any Bentonville Schools employee. She was nominated for this award by a Ruth Barker Middle teacher who inadvertently made an error in some of her insurance benefits documents. Not only did Jeri catch the mistake, but she also called the insurance provider to advocate on behalf of the employee. She’s done the same for teammates injured while working. Actually, the list of people who have benefitted from Jeri taking up their cause is a lengthy one. She could hide out behind her desk amongst the intense load of paperwork, but she says it’s those human connections that keep her going. The stories about the first baby on the way, the need for braces for the oldest child or glasses for the colleague approaching 40. The reality is all of that paperwork is tied back to a human, a teammate in the district. We applaud Jeri for her commitment to the people who make up Bentonville Schools. #whereexcellencelives
We started off this week with a few hundred friends in celebration of Superintendent Dr. Debbie Jones. She's the recipient of the 2023 Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce R.E. "Ed" Buck award. The recognition is shared with an individual who personifies servant-leadership. Dr. Jones was presented with the honor at today's State of the Chamber event. Congratulations, Dr. Jones! #whereexcellencelives
Have you registered for Camp Explore? No better time than now! We're offering more than 80 fun and different camps for students K-6. Harry Potter, American Girl, fashion, business, space exploration..there's something for every child. Check it out today at https://www.bentonvillek12.org/page/camp-explore! #whereexcellencelives
Paving a new path. Bentonville High School junior Mackenzie Graves is the first girl from Bentonville to win an Arkansas State Wrestling Championship. With older brothers in the house, wrestling was nothing new to Mackenzie, but she actually fell in love with the training. She told us she loves the self-discipline the sport requires. By the way, Mackenzie's younger brother, Xander, also won a state championship on the men's team. Well done, Graves Family! #whereexcellencelives
Make plans to attend our March Lunch & Learn called Mental Health Matters. You’ll hear from a local mental health professional about what your kids might be experiencing in today’s world and how to help them successfully navigate their emotions. We look forward to seeing you this Wednesday. #whereexcellencelives
It's Bus Driver Appreciation Week in Bentonville! Make sure to reach out to your child's bus driver and share the love! #whereexcellencelives
It's a clean sweep for the Bentonville High School ladies' and men's swim and dive teams. Both groups recently won the Arkansas 6A State Championship. By the way, this is the fifth consecutive championship for the ladies. Head Coach Liz Taylor leads both groups. #whereexcellencelives
Back to back to back. Bentonville High School Senior Connor Cowart is the top jazz pianist and French horn student in the state of Arkansas for three consecutive years. Connor recently cemented the three-peat with first-chair rankings for both instruments in the Arkansas All-State selection process. Congratulations, Connor. #whereexcellencelives
Opportunities like this don't come along often. What an honor to host Lieutenant General Steven Gilland today. Lt. Gen. Gilland is the superintendent at West Point Academy. He spoke with about 100 students at Bentonville West High on what it means to be a leader wherever you are in life. We'd be remiss if we didn't extend our gratitude to Congressman Steve Womack for arranging today's visit with Lt. Gen. Gilland. Go Army! #whereexcellencelives
Have you checked out our new summer program called Camp Explore? Registration is now live! This summer camp was created to serve rising kindergarteners up to sixth grade. Check out the more than 80 unique camps at https://www.bentonvillek12.org/page/camp-explore
#whereexcellencelives
This is the feel-good Friday moment we all need today! R.E. Baker Elementary School students were asked to dress like their favorite superhero to end the week. Second grader Caroline Carlson dressed like her teacher, Jaime Deigh. Forget the cape. Throw on a jean jacket and change the world wherever you are today, Bentonville! #whereexcellencelives
Congratulations to the Lincoln Jr. High eighth-grade band! The group was named Arkansas Jr High Honor Band and recently performed at the 2023 All-State Music Conference in Hot Springs.
Before returning home, our students were fortunate enough to tour the Central High School Museum, the Arkansas Capitol and the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.
We're proud of these talented kids and their director, Chris Moore. #whereexcellencelives
The February Extra Mile Award belongs to our facilities team. These 22 folks literally keep the lights, heat and water on every day. Last year, they fulfilled more than 10,000 work orders. Most recently, they worked long days in low temperatures to clear the ice from our parking lots and sidewalks to get students back to school safely. Big thanks to the Bentonville Schools' Facilities Team. We couldn't do it without you! #whereexcellencelives
Tomorrow is the day! We look forward to meeting you at our Educators' Career Fair! If you're interested in a role in education whether that be teachers, school nurses, bus drivers, facilities, paraprofessionals or administrators, we'd love for you to drop-in at Bentonville High School from 9:30 - 2:30. #whereexcellencelives
Bentonville High School Senior John David Sharp is one of only 100 students from across the country selected to perform with the National Youth Orchestra this summer. NYO accepts only the best of the best to tour North America beginning with a performance at Carnegie Hall. John David plays viola and has previously been ranked as the top viola student in the state of Arkansas. Play on, John David! You make Bentonville Schools #whereexcellencelives
Earlier this week, our students at Centerton Gamble Elementary School officially opened their Kindness Rocks Garden. The rocks contain personalized messages of hope and inspiration for anyone who chooses to take one or leave one. We saved these pictures for today because this is actually Random Acts of Kindness Day! Let's follow our students' lead and write an encouraging note, give a compliment or share a smile. #whereexcellencelives
The Bentonville High School Golden Tamers recently competed at the National Dance Team Championship in Orlando. The team finished seventh in the nation with their jazz routine! Congratulations, ladies! #whereexcellencelives
f you've ever considered a career in education, we would love to meet you! We're hosting an educator's career fair Saturday, February 25. This drop-in event is for anyone interested in working for Bentonville Schools. School nurses, paraprofessionals, administrators, teachers, transportation and facilities employees are encouraged to bring a resume and say hello. Bentonville Schools is where life works! #whereexcellencelives
More than a dozen Gatorade Players of the Year have come from Bentonville Schools. Haley Loewe is the latest! Haley is a junior at Bentonville High and is your 2022-23 Gatorade Arkansas Girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year!
Haley started running just before sixth grade when her middle school coach challenged her class to run 100 miles that summer. She says she fell in love with the challenge, the outdoors and that high runners know so well.
Congratulations, Haley! Keep making us proud! #whereexcellencelives
Winner. W-I-N-N-E-R. Here it is in a sentence. Ardis Ann Middle School student Sam Barney is the winner of the Benton County Spelling Bee! We're proud of this sixth grader who was the last man standing when kiddos from across the area competed for the title. Sam will compete in the Arkansas State Spelling Bee in Little Rock next month! Way to go, Sam! #whereexcellencelives
