Sylvan Hills Junior High

PCSSD is proud to announce our 25-26 Teachers and Support Staff of the Year! We will celebrate all these employees and announce the overall district-level winners on Thursday. See the full list at https://www.pcssd.org/article/2920185.

4 days ago, PCSSD

A blue recognition graphic with faint school‑themed icons. Center photo shows Latoya Hampton smiling. Text reads: “Sylvan Hills Junior High School,” “Latoya Hampton — Bookkeeper,” “Support Staff of the Year,” and “2026,” with a bear mascot.

School may be out – but school meals are still in! Children in the PCSSD community won't go hungry this summer and will have the opportunity to eat for free, thanks to PCSSD and its foodservice partner, Chartwells K12. This summer, we will be preparing meal packs for breakfast & lunch for anyone 18 years or younger in the community. The PCCSD summer meal program does not require registration or identification, and children do not have to attend PCSSD schools to receive the meals. Just show up at the pickup sites on distribution days from 7:00-10:00 a.m., and the meals will be loaded into your vehicle. For more details, see the attached image. #ServeAll #PCSSDproud

6 days ago, PCSSD

A colorful flyer titled “Summer Meals” announces free breakfast and lunch meal packs for children under 18. It lists two pickup locations—Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School and Cato Elementary School—and states that meals are distributed on Thursdays from June 4 to July 30 between 7:00–10:00am, with one Wednesday distribution due to a holiday. The flyer notes that each pack includes 10 meals, no registration or ID is required, and children do not have to attend PCSSD. The design includes bright summer graphics such as sunglasses, fruit slices, flip‑flops, and a sun, along with the Chartwells and PCSSD logos.

Summer EBT is back. Eligible families can receive $120 per student to help with groceries this summer. Some students qualify automatically, and others may need to apply. Check eligibility at ar.gov/SummerEBT and apply at access.arkansas.gov.

El programa Summer EBT ha regresado. Las familias que califican pueden recibir $120 por estudiante para ayudar con los comestibles este verano. Algunos estudiantes califican automáticamente y otros deberán presentar una solicitud. Verifica tu elegibilidad en ar.gov/SummerEBT y solicita en access.arkansas.gov.

6 days ago, PCSSD

English‑language flyer titled “Summer EBT is back!” explaining that eligible families can receive $120 in grocery benefits per school‑aged child during the summer. It notes that many students qualify automatically through SNAP, TEA, or Medicaid and that others may need to apply. The page includes steps to check eligibility at ar.gov/SummerEBT and instructions to apply through access.arkansas.gov. Logos for No Kid Hungry and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance appear at the top, with simple food‑themed graphics throughout.

Spanish‑language flyer titled “¡Vuelve Summer EBT!” explaining that eligible families can receive $120 in grocery benefits per school‑aged child during the summer. It states that many students qualify automatically through SNAP, TEA, or Medicaid and that others may need to apply. The page includes steps to check eligibility at ar.gov/SummerEBT and instructions to apply through access.arkansas.gov. Logos for No Kid Hungry and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance appear at the top, with matching food‑themed graphics.

REMINDER: Tryouts for Tennis will be next Tuesday and Wednesday, May 12 & 13, at the Sherwood Tennis Center from 4:30-5:30. All interested athletes, grades 9-12, need to wear tennis shoes and shorts for tryouts. Rackets will be provided. No experience required. #Go Bears

13 days ago, PCSSD

This morning, the #ClassOf2029 pledged to graduate at the Sylvan Hills High School Performing Arts Center, marking the next step in their journey. Thank you to the Academy students, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Gary Burton JR., KARK 4 News anchor and PCSSD graduate, who encouraged students to stay focused on their goals and the opportunities ahead. #PCSSDproud #ServeAll #GoBears

13 days ago, PCSSD

A speaker stands at a podium in front of three Sylvan Hills High School academy banners representing Engineering, Medicine, and Business.

Graduates in black gowns sit in rows of blue auditorium seats, clapping toward the stage during a ceremony.

A speaker in a maroon suit stands onstage at the Sylvan Hills High School Performing Arts Center, addressing students seated in blue auditorium chairs. Two academy banners hang behind the speaker.

A large audience stands in an auditorium with blue seats, many raising their hands or clapping during an event.

Two students stand near the front of the auditorium, facing the stage where a presenter speaks at a podium. Several colorful academy banners hang behind the speaker, and a projection screen is visible to the right.

A group of students and educators stand together onstage in front of three Sylvan Hills High School academy banners and a large “I Am Committed to Graduate” pledge poster.

A presenter wearing a blue textured garment and a Sylvan Hills High School lanyard speaks at a podium. Behind them is a large “I Am Committed to Graduate” banner lit with purple stage lighting.

A person in full academic regalia—black doctoral gown, velvet panels, and a tam with a gold tassel—stands onstage during a ceremony, with seated attendees and purple lighting in the background.

A student wearing a white Nike “Just Do It” hoodie and a blue lanyard raises a hand in a wave while standing among a group of people in a dimly lit auditorium.

A presenter stands behind a podium with plants in front, speaking in front of a Sylvan Hills Bears backdrop and an Academy of Business banner.

🎓 Give your student a head start — while still in high school!
🏫 PCSSD students can earn college credit through Arkansas State University (A‑State) and UA‑Pulaski Tech (UA‑PTC) Career Institute programs. These opportunities help students explore career pathways, experience college‑level coursework, and build confidence for life after graduation. 💪

📅 Deadlines for 2026–2027
🔷 UA‑Pulaski Tech: June 3
🐺 A‑State: July 15

🔗 Learn more and access application links at PCSSD.org/Concurrent‑Courses

16 days ago, PCSSD

Tryouts for Tennis will beTuesday and Wednesday, May 12 & 13, at the Sherwood Tennis Center from 4:30-5:30 pm. All interested athletes, grades 9-12, need to wear tennis shoes and shorts for tryouts. Rackets will be provided. No experience required. #Go Bears

17 days ago, PCSSD

The Multilingual Student Association took a field trip to Petit Jean State Park yesterday. Students participated in hikes exploring nature and learned about the first visitors to the area over 1,000 years ago, including the pictographs they left behind. In addition to contemplating the value of nature, students also explored the benefits of multilingualism, including stronger cognitive skills and increased mental flexibility that can support them throughout life. #PCSSDproud #Bilingual

17 days ago, PCSSD

A group of students walks across a broad, textured rock surface surrounded by trees while a park ranger leads them along the trail. Several students carry papers or notebooks as they explore the area.

A group of students stands on a wooden observation deck overlooking a wide river that curves through green fields and forested hills under an overcast sky.

Five students stand on a wooden platform in front of the “Cedar Falls Overlook Trail” sign at Petit Jean State Park, posing for a group photo among tall trees.

A student dressed in black sits on a built‑in stone ledge, looking out toward a wooded area with grass and trees beyond the rock wall.

Students gather inside a large rock shelter with a wide opening and scattered boulders while trees and greenery frame the entrance.

Two students stand on a paved path in a wooded park area; one wears a Sylvan Hills Bears shirt and the other makes a peace sign gesture. A green water fountain stands behind them.

A park ranger in uniform speaks to a group of students standing at the entrance of a large rock cave surrounded by dense forest.

A park ranger addresses students standing on a rocky outcrop bordered by trees, with the group listening during an outdoor lesson.

Nurse Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize our wonderful school nurses. From caring for students on campus to promoting a healthy school environment, your hard work is invaluable! Thank you for the support, the expertise, and the heart you bring! #PCSSDproud #ServeAll #NursesAppreciationWeek

18 days ago, PCSSD

👩‍🏫 This week, we celebrate the teachers who impact so much of what PCSSD is. 🍎
Thank you for your creativity, consistency, and commitment that shape students’ futures — not by accident, but because of the intention and care you bring to your work every single day. #TeacherAppreciationWeek

18 days ago, PCSSD

🍽️ It’s National School Lunch Hero Day! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️
Today we’re celebrating our Champions of the Tray — the incredible nutrition professionals who prepare and serve meals to students across PCSSD. From early mornings to busy lunch lines, these heroes deliver more than food. They bring care, kindness, and community to every campus.

Their work supports student success far beyond the cafeteria, helping learners stay focused, energized, and ready to thrive in the classroom.

Join us in saying THANK YOU to your favorite lunch hero by sharing a message of appreciation below! #SchoolLunchHeroDay #PCSSDproud #ServeAll

24 days ago, PCSSD

A cafeteria worker wearing glasses and a “Champion” cap holds a small box labeled “School Nutrition Hero Day” in a school cafeteria.

Three cafeteria staff members stand together behind a serving counter, wearing aprons and hair coverings, smiling with their arms around each other.

Five cafeteria staff members pose in a commercial kitchen; one holds a small white box with a colorful label.

Three cafeteria workers wearing aprons and “Champion” caps stand in a decorated cafeteria with colorful hanging ribbons and banners.

Five cafeteria staff members wearing matching navy Student Nutrition shirts and “Champion” caps stand against a tiled wall.

A navy cap embroidered with “Champion of the Tray” sits in front of a box displaying a colorful School Lunch Hero Day sign.

Four cafeteria staff members wearing “Champion” caps pose together; one holds a small box with a School Lunch Hero message.

Two cafeteria staff members stand side by side in a stainless‑steel commercial kitchen with ovens and equipment behind them.

A colorful cartoon illustration of five characters in yellow aprons and gloves posing heroically under the text “School Lunch Hero Day.”

College Board AP Exams are scheduled for May 4–8 and May 11–15.
Use the link below to view the full exam calendar and help your student prepare.
🔗 pcssd.org/page/talented-gifted-programs-scholarships
#PCSSDproud #ServeAll

27 days ago, PCSSD

Graphic announcing upcoming AP Exams. The center panel reads ‘Coming Soon – AP Exams – Advanced Placement Exams.’ Below it are the testing dates: Week 1, May 4–8, and Week 2, May 11–15. A link to the AP Exam Calendar is included. The background features paper and pencil icons, and district logos appear along the bottom.

Come by and see us today at the PCSSSD Showcase & Career Expo! Until 12 this morning, we are inviting people to learn more about joining our team! It is located in the Mills High School Galaxy Arena at 708 E Dixon Rd, Little Rock, AR. #PCSSDproud #ServeAll https://www.pcssd.org/page/careers

29 days ago, PCSSD

William Jefferson Clinton Elementary School table

Hemphill is among 100 teacher delegates selected from all 50 states to attend the Congress of Educators.
"I look forward to learning, growing, and bringing back meaningful experiences that will inspire my students, strengthen my classroom, my school, and my state,” said Hemphill.
➡️ Read More: https://www.pcssd.org/article/2832019 #PCSSDproud #ServeAll

about 1 month ago, PCSSD

A Sylvan Hills Middle School educator stands in a hallway lined with student artwork and lockers. She is smiling at the camera and wearing a denim shirt. Text on the image announces that she has been selected as one of 100 delegates for the “We the Teachers” national fellowship, identifying her as Lillian M. Hemphill, a 6th grade ELA teacher.

➡️ Read more: https://www.pcssd.org/article/2822042
PCSSD is officially a Purple Star School District! Last night, district and school leaders accepted the banner recognizing that every PCSSD school now meets the state’s highest standard for supporting military‑connected students. #PCSSDproud #ServeAll

about 1 month ago, PCSSD

A group of PCSSD leaders and school liaisons stand together indoors holding a large purple banner that reads “Purple Star School District.” Behind them is a wall with the Pulaski County Special School District seal. A quote from Terri Williams appears on the image, along with a button labeled “Find Out More.”

🌡️ Help Us Keep Students Healthy! 🤧
As we head into Spring Break, please review these guidelines on when to keep your child home from school.

According to the latest Viral Respiratory Diseases Report from the Arkansas Department of Health, public schools saw an average absenteeism rate of 8.2% last week. Following these guidelines helps keep our classrooms healthy and learning strong.

2 months ago, PCSSD

Informational poster from PCSSD titled “When Should I Keep My Child Home from School?” Lists symptoms and conditions that warrant keeping a child home, including fever, vomiting, persistent cough, sore throat, rash, pink eye, and contagious illnesses like flu or COVID-19. Also outlines criteria for returning to school, such as being symptom-free for 24 hours and feeling well enough to participate. Includes a reminder to notify the school of any contagious diagnoses and references page 52 of the PCSSD Student Handbook for more details. Poster features bold headings, icons, and a clean layout for clarity.

The Pulaski County Special School District Health Center is open and ready to serve you with unmatched convenience. Mainline Health partners offer comprehensive care for both students and staff:
🩺 Primary Care: Quick, easy access for physicals, sick visits, chronic care management, immunizations, and general wellness.
🧠 Behavioral Health: Confidential, on-site support for your mental health needs.
👇 Watch this video to see hours, services, and book your visit today using the link in the video description:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgcFuUsvj5M
#PCSSDproud #ServeAll

2 months ago, PCSSD

For winning the 9th-grade championship, our Sylvan Hills Junior High Basketball Team was recognized at the PCSSD Board of Education meeting on Tuesday. Coach “Tapp” Kaylon Tappin said, “These are good young men. They have great character, and they take their academics seriously. That’s the standout thing for me.”

2 months ago, PCSSD

Sylvan Hills Jr. High Basketball team at the PCSSD board meeting

Sylvan Hills Jr. High Basketball team at the PCSSD board meeting in a wide shot that shows the whole room.

Sylvan Hills Jr. High Basketball team at the PCSSD board meeting sitting down.

Sylvan Hills Jr. High Basketball team at on a basketball court

Sylvan Hills Jr. High Basketball team at the PCSSD Central Office in front of a branded backdrop

Sylvan Hills Jr. High Basketball team clapping at the PCSSD board meeting

🎓 AVID Wednesday Spotlight: WICOR in Action! ✏️📚

The foundation of AVID techniques is the WICOR framework — Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading — and it was on full display at Sylvan Hills High School.

In Mrs. Bridges’ history class, students explored industrialization and its impact on countries worldwide. After reading about the topic in class, they dug deeper through research, organized their findings into visual models, collaborated on large‑scale posters, and used inquiry to understand how global events shaped the modern world.

👕 Don’t forget to wear your college or career shirt tomorrow and celebrate the strategies that help our scholars think critically and dream big.

#AVID #WICOR #PCSSDproud #ServeAll

3 months ago, PCSSD

Student writing on a piece of paper on the ground

Student writing on a piece of paper on the ground as she researches from a laptop. Other students are researching behind her.

Students putting their desks together to research on laptops and write on a large paper.

Student writing on a piece of paper on the ground as she researches from a laptop. Another students is researching beside her.

3 months ago, PCSSD