Mills Middle School

Please help us welcome a new educator to the Mills Middle School "Comet Nation!" Welcome, Ms. LaShaun Gordon! -------- My name is LaShaun Gordon and I am from Camden Arkansas. I have two daughters Taymahnee and Ta'Kynzia and one granddaughter A'Lani. My daughter Tay is also a CTE teacher at Marian K. Lacey Academy in the LR school district. My daughter Kynzi works for Quest Laboratories. I have 4 Yorkies Izzy, Smokey, Summer, and Stormi. I am the second born of four to my parents who have been married 54 years. I am a member of Otter Creek Community Church. During my down time I like to play around with my silhouette cameo 4 and customize plates. cups and other items. I took American Sign Language for 3 years and I have the ability to sign a little bit and can communicate with the deaf community. I just have to tell them to sign slowly so I can understand what they are saying. I also enjoy fishing and traveling. I graduated from UALR in 2013 with a BA in Criminal Justice. I am currently in year one of ArPep which is an alternative pathway to teaching. #millsmiddleschoolcomets #pcssdproud #letsgo #lashaungordon

Please help us welcome a new educator to the Mills Middle School "Comet Nation!" Welcome, Ms. Naoma Riordan! ---------- Hello Comets! My name is Naoma Riordan. I have thirteen years of experience in education, including 2.5 years at the university level as an academic coach with the Arkansas Academy for Educational Equity. I have a Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Education from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University-Portland, and a Master of Science in Educational Equity from the University of Arkansas. I am now enrolled once again at Arkansas State University for a Doctor of Education degree. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to fostering a dynamic learning environment, empowering students with critical thinking skills and a passion for lifelong learning. I am so excited to begin my fourteenth year in education at Mills Middle School as an 8th Grade Social Studies teacher! "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" -John Quincy Adams #millsmiddleschoolcomets #pcssdproud #letsgo #naomariordan

Say Goodbye to Summer Slide with this tip from Michele Pickett of ROBINSON ELEMENTARY: "While traveling, play games. Finding the letters of the alphabet from signs and license plates helps students practice reading and learn about the world around them!"  #pcssdproud #serveall

The CITY OF WRIGHTSVILLE presents the 42ND ANNUAL WRIGHTSVILLE DAY Saturday, August 31, 2024 Parade 11:00 am Festival 1:00 pm - Sunset

Please help us welcome a new educator to the Mills Middle School "Comet Nation!" Welcome, Ms. Krystal Deanes! ---------- My name is Krystal Deanes. I am a graduate of Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan. I have a Bachelor of Science degree and am certified to teach English, Social Studies, Special education as well as Health education. I have enjoyed teaching all subjects throughout the years. I am ready and excited to join Mills Middle School. This will be my 22nd year of teaching. I have taught in various states including Michigan, Nevada, Mississippi and Arkansas. The best part of teaching is helping young people reach their goals. One of my favorite quotes is " An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." #millsmiddleschoolcomets #pcssdproud #letsgo #krystaldeanes

Please help us welcome a new educator to the Mills Middle School "Comet Nation!" Welcome, Ms. Verlancia Tucker! ------ Verlancia Tucker is the 6th grade Reading teacher at Mills Middle School. She holds a Master's in Secondary Education degree and two Bachelor's degrees: Business Administration with majors in Advertising-Public Relations and Marketing from UA-Little Rock. She has 10 years of experience in education, and is also the founder and Executive Director of BOHEMIA Cares, a nonprofit organization. Additionally, Verlancia is a member of the Jacksonville Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Arkansas Chapter. She is passionate about helping others improve themselves and finds fulfillment in her roles as a mental health wellness advocate and personal development coach. #millsmiddleschoolcomets #pcssdproud #letsgo #verlanciatucker

Please help us welcome a new educator to the Mills Middle School "Comet Nation!" Welcome, Ms. Jaylin Ealy! ------ My name is Jaylin Ealy and I am so excited to be joining Mills Middle School as the Library Media Specialist. This will be my seventh year in education and my first year as a media specialist. I spent the first six years of my career as a secondary science teacher, teaching both 8th and 9th graders. I hold a BS in General Science, a MSE in Advanced Studies in Teacher Leadership, a MS in Library and Information Technology, and an Ed.S in Reading. I look forward to encouraging a love of reading in the scholars that cross my path this year and assisting educators to the best of my ability. “The whole world opened up to me when I learned to read.” -Mary McCleod Bethune

Today is the official opening of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. You can watch the opening ceremony this afternoon at 12:30pm (TV: https://trst.in/r8pyc7). There are at least 24 Olympians with ties to Arkansas representing 8 different countries in this year's Games. https://trst.in/MbPyna #pcssdproud #serveall

Please help us welcome a new educator to the Mills Middle School "Comet Nation!" Welcome Ms. Brittany Obi! ----- I am thrilled to be joining the counseling department this year. I am passionate about supporting students' social and emotional well-being and I'm dedicated to creating a positive learning environment for all. This will be my first year as a school counselor, but I bring nine years of experience in the mental health field. I look forward to promoting student readiness and success. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Services, and a Master of Education in School Counseling.

Please help us welcome a new educator to the Mills Middle School "Comet Nation!" ----- My name is Terry West, a graduate of Randall University (formerly Hillsdale Freewill Baptist College) where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Physical Education and Health. Throughout my four years at Randall, I actively participated in basketball and softball, contributing to our team's success as ACCA (Association of Christian College Athletes) champions in 2007-2008. During this memorable season, we achieved second place in the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) tournament. In the 2012-2013 season, I had the honor of serving as a graduate assistant coach, guiding our team to another ACCA championship and participation in the NCCAA tournament. Following my tenure at Randall, I have dedicated myself to coaching and providing private lessons in softball, baseball, and basketball to children aged 5 to 15. Over the past five years, I have expanded my role to include teaching as a paraprofessional and preschool educator. I am eager to bring my extensive experience and passion for athletics and health education to Mills Middle School. It is a privilege to join the Mills family and contribute to its vibrant community.

Our Comet Family Back 2 School GEAR UP Family Night is just over two weeks away! We can't wait to see you and your families. We'll have great food, family enrichment activities, games and a whole lot of fun! Come on out Thursday, August 8th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Mills Middle School! #millsmiddleschoolcomets #back2schoolfamilynight #gearup

It's National Make a Difference to Children Month. Here's how Lisa Smith of CRYSTAL HILL makes an impact: "I recognize that childhood trauma exists & work to make trauma-informed decisions that promote safety, transparency & increased time in the classroom." #pcssdproud #serveall

SAVE THE DATE! Our back to school orientation will take place on Saturday, August 17 at Mills Middle. This is our annual back to school bash packed with fun and loads of information for our scholars. Join us from 9am - 12:30pm. We look forward to seeing you on Aug. 17 to kick off the new school year! Note: we'll have a separate open house event on August 27 from 5:30 - 6:30pm after the school year begins.

Say Goodbye to Summer Slide with this tip from Stephanie Franklin of SYLVAN HILLS JUNIOR HIGH: "Engage students in activities that use math in everyday activities like helping with the household budget, measuring ingredients or calculating gas mileage."  #pcssdproud #serveall

Taking cues from the calendar emoji, World Emoji Day is celebrated on 📅 July 17 📅. This fun holiday is the perfect time to send an emoji-filled message to your friends and family. Drop your 3 most recent emojis in the comments! #pcssdproud #serveall 

It's National Make a Difference to Children Month. Here's how Morgan Dickerson of MAUMELLE HIGH works to make an impact: "I always try to give scholars the tools to be better. ... When I see an opportunity to offer help and suggestions to them, I do." #pcssdproud #serveall

GET READY COMET FAMILY FOR OUR BACK 2 SCHOOL GEAR UP FAMILY NIGHT! SAVE THIS DATE AND TIME 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, THURSDAY, AUGUST 8th @millsmiddleschool FREE FOOD | Eat My Catfish, Big Baby's Barbecue, and more FREE GAMES/ACTIVITIES | AR AIMS, Little Rock Zoo, CALS, Mid-America Science Museum, AR Regional Innovation Hub, and more... YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! WE ARE GOING TO START THE 2024/2025 SCHOOL YEAR WITH A COMET BLAST! SEE YA'LL 8/8/24! #millsmiddleschoolcomets #back2school #familynight #pcssdproud

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE MILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS 2024-2025 SUMMER WORKOUT SCHEDULE? Click or Copy/Paste this link (see: https://5il.co/2r8km) for the schedule. We are currently in Week 8 (July 14-20). #summerreading, #summerpractice, #summerfamilytime, #summerfun is how we do it over here at Comet nation! Let's Go! #millsmiddleschoolcomets #thebestisyettocome

Say Goodbye to Summer Slide with this tip from Michelle Camp of ROBINSON HIGH: "A summer job for high school students provides valuable real-world experience, teaching them responsibility, time management and the importance of a strong work ethic. Summer jobs can enhance college applications by demonstrating initiative and experience." #pcssdproud #serveall

Here’s a fun holiday to celebrate: Global Hug Your Kids Day! This day helps remind parents and caregivers to hug their kids daily. Bonus: hugs can help reduce stress and improve emotional connections.  #pcssdproud #serveall