Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Public Meeting Held At PHS

The instruction being provided for students in grade 9-12 is teacher controlled and student centered, geared to bring about group and individual thinking, responsibilities, work and discussion.

The goals for PHS for the 1999-2000 school year are:

1. To implement strategies and interventions to improve standardized test scores, math scores and reading scores;
2. To implement strategies and interventions to improve student behavior and responsibility;
3. To continue monitoring and improving our school's Crisis Plan;
4. To continue offering workshop and other professional growth opportunities for our faculty and staff to improve our methodology based upon latest research and best practices;
5. To continue and improve the Career Action Plan (CAP) for our student's future; and
6. To serve as adult representatives of self-control and problem solving in a meaningful manner.

This will allow each student the best opportunity to be responsible for their learning and to achieve their educational goals and objectives. Both teacher and student accountability for success in learning is being stressed.

PHS is a fully accredited institution with no deficiencies.

School policies, rules and regulations have been provided for students and parents in the form of the student handbook. The handbook serves as a guide to students in matters relating to grading, students' rights, and discipline.

Students were also given a syllabus for each course in which they are enrolled. An explanation of the partnership of the high school with the local law enforcement and juvenile court system was given demonstrating a positive and proactive stance for the benefit of the students.

"Project Wisdom" is a series of daily announcements made throughout the school each morning concentrating on moral and ethical decision making skills.

To better prepare for the use of technology our faculty has continued to make part in technology workshops under the tutelage of Ms. Laura Ward and Ms. Kendra Haynie of the Business Department.

New updates on technology will allow for broader student usage of the computer labs. One of the labs will be available throughout the school day for faculty to schedule their classes into.

The high school will be utilizing an Accelerated Math Program' this year and will be entering its second year with the Accelerated Reader Program.'

William Souder, district technology specialist is conducting a technology class through the Volunteer Community Credit program whereby high school students learn more about computers from physical parts to programming.

The district is also beginning its second year of calculus via Distance Learning' in conjunction with the Arkansas School for Math and Science.

Special attention is being given to the students concerning standardized test scores. We have completed the Stanford-9 testing this past week. The faculty, through the C.O.E. process, has developed plans for increasing student awareness of the importance of the testing. Daily snacks of fruit were provided for the students each day.

The high school had implemented a Career Action Plan (CAP) for students so they and their parents can explore educational and occupational possibilities. Also, to make appropriate career decisions based on a solid foundation of information concerning the new Minimum Core Curriculum' and the Career Focus' as mandated by the Arkansas Department of Education.