Congratulations to Bentonville West High School Senior Ava Sophia Palacios! She recently won the Distinguished Young Women scholarship competition in Arkansas. The last young woman selected from the Bentonville area was in 2010. Ava Sophia is fluent in three languages and hopes to study public policy after graduation. She'll compete for the national title in June! Congratulations, Ava Sophia! #whereexcellencelives
So we meet again. #whereexcellencelives
Our November Extra Mile Award was a “Blank Space” until we received a nomination from a Bright Field Middle School mom about Coach Shawn Holland. She wrote that her daughter is fortunate enough to have Coach Holland as her daughter's PE teacher and bus driver.
She shared Coach Holland pauses on his bus route to point out the sunrise and hosts Swifty Fridays when his kids belt out Taylor's greatest hits on the bus and in his classes.
Shawn told us, “During our running warm-ups, I turn on the music, and we sing it together. It’s funny to see the students' behavior change when we are all enjoying something together.”
He added, “Even the boys have given in and let loose of their anti-Swifty ways. It’s created an open and engaging classroom environment for me and my students.”
It’s an open environment that promotes encouragement, forgiveness and second chances–ideas he values. Shawn mentioned teachers who had impacted him earlier in life by forgiving and encouraging him to keep going.
“Tough times often teach us more than the good ones,” Shawn said.
Coach Holland, thank you for making the tough times bearable and adding joy to the everyday! #whereexcellencelives
Executive Chef David Thornton is in holiday mode! He's sharing a recipe for cranberry relish just in time for Thanksgiving break! #whereexcellencelives
Music to our ears! Six consecutive Arkansas State Championships for the Bentonville Pride! Congratulations, Pride! Your commitment and discipline are unmatched! #whereexcellencelives
Eight consecutive Arkansas State Championships for the Bentonville High Men's Cross Country Team. This isn't another win. This is a dynasty. #whereexcellencelives
We're grateful for our military members, past and present, and we express our gratitude to their families on the home front. It's our honor to recognize you today across our classrooms and community! Thank you, U.S. Veterans. #whereexcellencelives
Every school system deserves a parent teacher organization as committed as the Bentonville PTO! These families hosted our Tailgate Together celebration tonight before our cross-town football matchup. Drum lines, corn hole and good food made for the best Friday Night Lights pre-game. Thank you to the hundreds of families who joined us! #whereexcellencelives
Witching you and yours a happy Halloween! #whereexcellencelives
Autumn is our love language! #whereexcellencelives
Our Parent's Night Out hosted by the Benton County Sheriff's Office is one week from today. Register to attend at the BCSO Facebook page for this adult conversation and learn how to better protect your child when he or she is online. #whereexcellencelives
Two weeks from today! Make plans now to Tailgate Together! #whereexcellencelives
Dean Hacker and Jerry Guillory went the Extra Mile and up a ladder, warming hearts in October. Apple Glen Elementary mom Samantha Belhumeur nominated the two gentlemen from the facilities division after they rescued a bear from the school building’s roof. Samantha’s son, a first grader at Apple Glen, joined his class at a pancake pajama party where they were invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal. Kayden’s lovie, a stuffed bear, was extra special because it once belonged to his dad. The little bear, a climber, somehow made his way onto the Apple Glen roof. Mom Samantha emailed, asking for help, and it arrived in the way of Jerry and Dean. Jerry connected with Dean, who was scheduled to do some HVAC work on the Apple Glen roof, and the search crew was on its way.
The bear was found and returned to his family.
Dean and Jerry boast 57 years of combined service in Bentonville Schools. Dean says, “I care for the buildings as if they were on my own.”
They care for our families the same.
Please join us in congratulating Dean and Jerry for making Bentonville Schools #whereexcellencelives
Enjoy the break, students! We'll see you on Wednesday! #whereexcellencelives
Mission accomplished. The Bentonville High School ladies' tennis team went to the state capital to win it all, and they're coming home with the hardware. Congratulate these ladies for another Arkansas State Championship. The team is led by Head Coach Josh Bashaw and Assistant Coaches April French and Richie Roberts. #whereexcellencelives
October is National Principals Month, but we could celebrate this group year-round! Our principals do it all with grace, dignity and wisdom. We couldn't do it without them! #whereexcellencelives
We celebrated Bike to School over the last five days with hundreds of students on two wheels! Deputy Superintendent Dr. Janet Schwanhausser also welcomed the community to the ribbon-cutting of the Southwest Bentonville Trail extension. This extension connects the Bentonville Community Center to Willowbrook Elementary and Bright Field Middle School. Ride on, Bentonville! #whereexcellencelives
Tailgate Together is one month from today! #whereexcellencelives
Is there an aspiring doctor in the house? Cooper Elementary first graders were recently accepted to med school, learning about the human brain, spinal column and skeletal system. They also joined a real medical student, the sister of one of our teachers, via Zoom to learn more about her chosen field. #whereexcellencelives
Bentonville West High School is the Friday vibe we been waitin' on all week! Their students know how to do a Homecoming parade! Claws up! #whereexcellencelives
