The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock
Catholic students from around the state are back in their classrooms, ready to build a foundation of knowledge and spiritual growth. In this section, you’ll learn about how many hats small school principals have to wear, high school students earning college credit, new principals and commentary about the importance of family time during a busy school year.
For a real-world taste of college courses within the confines of a high school, many students opt for concurrent courses.
All Catholic high schools in Arkansas offer general education concurrent courses that count toward college credit. The classes are taught by high school teachers that hold a master’s degree with 18 or more hours in the subject they’re teaching and are taught within the student’s normal high school schedule.
“The idea is that the students experience a More... 
Courtney Pope
St. Joseph Elementary, Conway
Hometown: Bigelow
Education: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, University of Central Arkansas; master’s degree in reading; educational specialist
Educational experience: Mayflower Elementary, one year; Ida Burns Elementary, Conway, four years; St. Joseph Elementary, 10 years
Educational philosophy: I believe in educating the whole child socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Benefits of Catholic education: The benefits are eternal. A Catholic education gives kids the best foundation for life.
Favorite saint: Mary, as a mother and educator I More...
Three new principals and two teachers in the Diocese of Little Rock are beginning their paths toward earning master’s degree in Catholic school leadership through St. Louis University.
The special opportunity will allow four of the educators to take the courses virtually, similar to Skype, using the facilities and technology already installed at the House of Formation in Little Rock. Those participating along with eight educators from dioceses in Oklahoma City and Dallas are Mary Kay More...
As I began to think about my column for the back-to-school issue for the Catholic Schools Herald section, I thought I would investigate what research is saying about family time together. With school beginning and the family getting settled into the routine of a schedule, it is important for families to carve out quality time for family.
The first place a family might start is to develop a monthly calendar and list everyone’s schedules for after-school More...
Denise Troutman wakes up at 4:15 a.m. each school day, pours herself a cup of coffee and prays the rosary.
“I have to pray before I come,” she said with a laugh, knowing that with each “Hail Mary” she’s asking God to help her give all she can to the almost 200 students at North Little Rock Catholic Academy, where she’s served 57 years, 22 as principal.
Troutman and the handful of other small school Catholic principals More...
Studio 3:16 offers new approach to teaching religion
After three decades, NLR principal plans to retire
CHS athlete overcomes odds to reach collegiate goal
John Calipari: UA basketball coach and devout Catholic
'Cabrini' film tells story of saint with great faith