Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Third graders "locked up"

Third and fourth grade students at Prescott Elementary were locked up on April 29.

Dont worry, this isnt what it seems like. The students were locked in to have a good time at PES, with about 50 children participating. This was a reward for good behavior and the work they put in on after school tutoring for the Benchmark exams.

The lock-in was held in the PES activity room, with games played most of the night. The games included a hula hoop contest, relay races using beach balls, ping pong balls and balloons. David Kassos, minister at the First United Methodist Church, was in charge of the games.

Other volunteers and chaperons were Tony Hamilton and Kevin Fitzgerald, with the Church of Christ, Carol Ridling, Tommy James, Ben Barras and Kathie Janes. Janes is the assistant principal at PES.

The students had fun, with the girls going to sleep around 12:30 a.m. and the boys staying awake until after 3 oclock.

The Parents and Teachers as Partners (PTP) hosted a salad luncheon for Teacher Appreciation Week. Hyacinth Deon, superintendent, presented teachers with a pin and card. The instructors enjoyed cake, candy, nachos and animal crackers as treats during the week.

Lori Arnette, school nurse, was presented with a gift on National School Nurses Day.

According to a report by Janes, Susie Meeks, Parent Center Coordinator, honored volunteers with a luncheon on May 16. She presented them with a pin and card each. Julia Ingram, PES counselor, and her ambassadors served the meal. Volunteers at the lunch were given a plant by Ingram.

Fourth graders got to tour McRae Middle School and visit with teachers and administrators. This is where they will be attending school next year and the visit provided them with a glimpse of what to expect.

Field trips were taken to Logoly State Park, Old Washington State Park and Texarkana.

Agnes Morrow gave the report for the Prescott District Education Association (PDEA), saying everyone is looking forward to some time off during the summer.

The PDEA, she said, met in early May, worked on its constitution and elected new officers. The constitution is now in compliance with Arkansas Education Association and National Education Association guidelines. According to Morrow, the districts constitution hadnt been amended since the 1960s.

The officers are as follows: President, Agnes Morrow; Immediate Past President, Pearl Bailey; Vice President, Terri Vandiver; Secretary, Patricia Roberts; Treasurer, Pearl Bailey; and Reporter, Mildred Scott.

Bailey and Ruby Hart were honored at the meeting. Bailey was recognized for her years of service as PDEA president, while Hart was honored in her role as a leader for the group. Both were given a piece of crystal from the PDEA.

Morrow said several members will be attending the Summer Work Conference in Hot Springs July 13-15. She added, Nicole Stuart was presented the Dorothy Odom Scholarship for $250. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior planning to pursue a career in education.