The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock
Catholic students throughout Arkansas have returned to school for the 2021-2022 academic year. In this section you'll read about safety measures schools have enacted to protect students and staff from gun violence, meet the new principals, a new shuttle service from the River Valley to Ozark Catholic High School and much more. Let us all pray for the safety and health of students, parents, teachers and staff.
It’s common for parents to post on social media about their child’s first day of school or post a question to GroupMe messaging about the time for the next football practice.
But when a parent posts a criticism, or even an attack, on a teacher or administrator, it stings, said Elizabeth Hudgens, a fifth-grade language arts teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Fort Smith.
“When I see a parent posting something negative about their child’s teacher, their More... 
Catholic schools in Arkansas received $8.5 million in federal money this year to help meet the unprecedented demands of educating students during a pandemic.
Twenty-three of the 28 schools applied for funds through the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) program, part of the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund. The fund was one component of the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSA Act), which provided $2.7 billion toward EANS. According to More...
Before coming to Harding University in Searcy, Julio Montenegro of Nicaragua spoke with his parents and pastor about the Catholic campus ministry. His pastor sent a letter to Father Polycarp Ssebbowa, pastor of St. James Church in Searcy.
“They were waiting for me and once I arrived at St. James, they introduced to me all that has to do with the campus ministry,” Montenegro said, adding that it was important for him to stay connected to More...
Conway
St. Joseph Middle School
Hannah Belew
Hometown: Beebe
Education: Arkansas State University, bachelor’s degree in mid-level education, 2015; Arkansas State University, master’s degree in education curriculum and instruction, anticipated spring 2022.
Experience: Des Arc Elementary, sixth-grade teacher, one year; Beebe Middle School, sixth-grade teacher, five years
What is your educational philosophy? I believe that all students are unique and can learn through meaningful experiences that prepare them with the skills they need to reach their full potential.
What do you believe More...
As a child did you ever “play school” and take on the role of the teacher? Recently, my 3-year-old granddaughter wanted to read me a bedtime story instead of me reading it to her. So I followed her directions when she said “criss cross applesauce,” which meant I was sitting on the floor with my legs crossed and my hands in my lap.
After a few minutes she was able to flip the book over so More...
The 2021-2022 calendar for Catholic schools in Arkansas was released by the Office of Catholic Schools.
Aug. 16: First day of school
Sept. 6: Labor Day, school closed*
Sept. 24: Professional Day for teachers, school closed*
Nov. 22-26: Thanksgiving break, school closed
Dec. 20-31: Christmas break, school closed
Jan. 17: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, school closed*
Feb. 21: Presidents Day, school closed*
March 21-25: Spring break, school closed*
April 15: Good Friday, school closed*
May 27: Last day of school
The calendar includes no snow More...
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