“C” US DIFFERENTLY

Our overall district letter grade has improved from a D to a C, and schools across the district have experienced some big progress.

Here’s what we mean:
🚀 4 schools jumped multiple grade levels
🏅 11 schools improved by at least one letter grade
📈 19 schools increased their overall accountability scores

We are proud of these achievements, and we are C-ing even greater things ahead!

#seeusdifferently #ExpectBelieveSucceed
1 day ago, PCSSD
A structured graphic graphic titled "School and District Letter Grades" displaying letter grade performance comparisons for Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) between 2025 and 2026.  District Grade:  Pulaski County Special School District: Improved from D in 2025 to C in 2026.  Secondary Schools (2025 Grade → 2026 Grade):  Joe T. Robinson Middle School: B → C  Maumelle Middle School: F → F  Mills Middle School: D → D  Sylvan Hills Middle School: D → C  Sylvan Hills Junior High: F → C  Joe T. Robinson High School: F → C  Maumelle High School: D → C  Mills University Studies High: D → F  Sylvan Hills High School: C → C  Elementary Schools (2025 Grade → 2026 Grade):  Cato Elementary: D → C  Chenal Elementary: A → C  Baker Elementary: B → B  College Station Elementary: F → B  Crystal Hill Elementary: C → C  Daisy Bates Elementary: D → C  Joe T. Robinson Elementary: C → D  Landmark Elementary: C → B  Lawson Elementary: D → C  Oak Grove Elementary: F → C  Oakbrooke Elementary: C → C  Pine Forest Elementary: C → C  Sherwood Elementary: B → B  Sylvan Hills Elementary: C → C  William J. Clinton Elementary: F → D

It is already more than halfway through the first quarter, which means it is a good time to check in on student progress! Log in to the Home Access Center anytime at hac23.esp.k12.ar.us to view grades, attendance, and more. #ExpectBelieveSucceed

4 days ago, PCSSD
Graphic taped to a background of blue school lockers titled "Time to Check Grades! Already half way through the first quarter!" PCSSD logo appears in the top left. The main text reads: "As a district, we are no longer printing interim grade reports. But you can access your student's grades 24 hours a day all year long!" A numbered list follows: 1. Go to HAC (Home Access Center) - hac23.esp.k12.ar.us 2. Select PCSSD. 3. Log in and check grades, attendance, and more! Bottom text adds: "If you have any questions or need assistance, call your school and ask for the registrar."

Students in the CLASS OF 2027 AND BEYOND must earn 75 COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING (CSL) HOURS to graduate. Students can earn hours in four approved ways, beginning the summer after 8th grade.

1. SCHOOL‑SPONSORED OPPORTUNITIES
Students may earn hours through PCSSD-SPONSORED EVENTS, teacher-approved projects, campus clean-ups, family nights, and other school-based service activities. These opportunities are supervised, structured, and easy for students to access.

2. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Students may volunteer with FOOD BANKS, ANIMAL SHELTERS, NURSING HOMES, HOSPITALS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, and other nonprofit organizations. Families must vet all sites for safety and transportation.

3. WORK‑BASED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Students may earn hours through volunteer experiences connected to CAREER PATHWAYS, including job shadowing, workplace‑based service, and community events hosted by employers.

4. QUALIFYING EMPLOYMENT FOR WORKING STUDENTS
Students who work may count PAID EMPLOYMENT HOURS toward CSL when documentation meets state requirements. This option supports students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities.

Learn more at pcssd.org/page/community-service.

7 days ago, PCSSD
Volunteer hours flyer with PCSSD logo
These PCSSD Department of Safety and Security officers watch over the Sylvan Hills High School feeder pattern of schools.

Please join in celebrating these security officers for National Security Officer Appreciation Week. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
7 days ago, PCSSD
Sylvan feeder pattern safety and security department personnel
This Friday, we will celebrate AVID Day, joining schools across the country in recognizing the impact of educators and students working together to expand access and opportunity. At Pulaski County Special School District, AVID strengthens skills like critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and self-advocacy, helping students prepare for college, careers, and beyond. We are proud of the growth we see every day and grateful for the shared commitment that makes it possible. #MyAVIDWhy #ExpectBelieveSucceed
9 days ago, PCSSD
AVID DAY
Schools and district offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Students will return to school on Tuesday, September 8, and all district offices will also be open.
21 days ago, PCSSD
A cartoon sign says "no school for students Monday, September 7" with the PCSSD logo
A cartoon sign says, "district offices will be closed Monday, September 7"
Strong schools rely on strong leadership. PCSSD principals spent their morning at Central Office to collaborate, connect, and continue preparing for a successful year across our schools. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
22 days ago, PCSSD
a man in a bow tie speaking to a room of principals
three principals collaborating
three principals talking and laughing
a room ful of principals and administrators learning
Principals listening in a meeting
Principals smiling in a meeting

PCSSD is partnering with the Academies of Central Arkansas and the Arkansas National Guard to connect students at each high school with more opportunities to enroll, enlist or be employed after graduation.

As part of the partnership, the Arkansas National Guard will:
🎓 Provide a Military Career Coach at each campus in the Academies of Central Arkansas network.
📚 Offer ASVAB testing and preparation to all 11th- and 12th-grade students.
🪖 Provide military pathway awareness programming highlighting educational benefits, leadership development and career opportunities.
🤝 Participate in the Academies Annual Career Expo, host tours of Camp Robinson and other partners, and coordinate Veterans Day and Military Recognition Day activities at each campus.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.pcssd.org/article/3094122 #ExpectBelieveSucceed

30 days ago, PCSSD
Graphic featuring Mills University Studies High School senior Cadet Lt. Col. Christian Mason standing with Arkansas National Guard Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges. A quote from Mason reads, “This partnership represents much more than an opportunity for our students to learn more about military service. It opens the door to limitless possibilities.”
👕 AVID Wednesday returns each week!
AVID builds a college‑ready mindset where students plan ahead, stay organized, and set goals with intention. These habits show up in AVID strategies across classrooms, from focused note‑taking to inquiry and collaboration.

Lay out your favorite college or career shirt tonight and sport it proudly Wednesday #ExpectBelieveSucceed
🔗 Learn more about AVID: https://www.pcssd.org/page/avid
about 1 month ago, PCSSD
Two people wearing AVID shirts
A person wearing an AVID shirt.
A person wearing an AVID shirt and Texaco hat while holding a ladder.
Two people wearing college shirts
A person wearing an HBCU shirt.
Two people wearing college shirts
Two people wearing college shirts
Three people wearing AVID shirts.
A person wearing a college shirt.
Four people wearing college shirts in a classroom.
Each week during the school year, we participate in AVID Wednesday. Staff and students wear their favorite college or career shirt to show where their goals can take them. 🎓👕💼 #ExpectBelieveSucceed

🔗 Learn more about AVID in our schools with this link: https://www.pcssd.org/page/avid
about 1 month ago, PCSSD
A photo of a crowd of educators looking upward and smiling with their college and career shirts on.
We had a wonderful first day of school! Superintendent Jeff Senn and other PCSSD Central Office administrators checked in on the entire Sylvan Hills Feeder system today, so they also started off the new school year strong! #ExpectBelieveSucceed #GoBears
about 2 months ago, PCSSD
Three people standing in a hallway: a man in green uniform, a woman in a light sweater, and a man in a dark suit.
Several people standing and conversing in a hallway.
Two men in uniform standing in a hallway, with a view of the outdoors visible through the window.

Thank you, Sherwood Chamber of Commerce and every other sponsor, for showing your appreciation to all the Sylvan Hills feeder schools! #ExpectBelieveSucceed

about 2 months ago, PCSSD
A view down a table of people smiling and eating
a group of people smiling at a table with food
A crowd at a table cheering with pom poms
Four people posing for a picture
A large crowd shot of a gathering
A picture of a food service line.
A very excited woman waving pom poms
A woman walking past some people smiling
A crowd cheering with pom poms.

Please take a moment to review the district dress code and clear/mesh backpack policy so your student is ready for August 10: https://www.pcssd.org/page/back-to-school

about 2 months ago, PCSSD
"DRESS CODE" written on a clip art t-shirt with clip art hangers behind it.
The Smart Tech Chromebook insurance portal is now open for the 2026–27 school year. Families can purchase coverage anytime between now and October 6, 2026.

Coverage includes accidental damage, liquid damage, loss, and theft, with $0 deductible and unlimited claims (police report required for loss/theft claims).
Policy cost: $25, valid through June 30, 2027.

English & Spanish portals:
www.smarttechins.com/pulaski
www.smarttechins.com/pulaskistaff
about 2 months ago, PCSSD
"Chromebook Insurance" on a clip art laptop screen
PCSSD Smart Tech device coverage flyer. Shows coverage for accidental damage, liquid damage, loss, and theft with no deductible and unlimited claims. Repair prices without coverage: keyboard or touchpad $50, broken screen $90, total loss $300. States policy cost is $25 and expires June 30, 2027. Includes sign‑up methods: text PULASKI to 1‑888‑414‑8007, call 877‑307‑6777, register online at smarttechins.com/pulaski, or mail the printed form to Smart Tech Insurance in Lake Mary, Florida.
PCSSD Smart Tech device coverage flyer. Shows coverage for accidental damage, liquid damage, loss, and theft with no deductible and unlimited claims. Repair prices without coverage: keyboard or touchpad $50, broken screen $90, total loss $300. States policy cost is $25 and expires June 30, 2027. Includes sign‑up methods: text PULASKI to 1‑888‑414‑8007, call 877‑307‑6777, register online at smarttechins.com/pulaski, or mail the printed form to Smart Tech Insurance in Lake Mary, Florida.
🚌 Check bus numbers, stop locations, and times on our Back to School page: https://www.pcssd.org/page/back-to-school
about 2 months ago, PCSSD
"BUS ROUTES" on a clip art sign on a clip art road

Sylvan Hills Junior High School is excited to welcome our incoming or returning 9th-grade students and families!

When: Thursday, August 6
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

During Open House, families will have the opportunity to:

Pick up student schedules
Complete any required fees or paperwork: 2026-2027 student fees are $20 and can only be paid for via cash or check. No cards will be accepted.
Become familiar with the campus before the first day of school

Please Note: Teachers will not be available during this time, as they will be participating in professional development sessions in preparation for an outstanding school year. We look forward to welcoming our Bear families and helping you get ready for an amazing year at Sylvan Hills Junior High School. Graduation Starts Here!

about 2 months ago, Tony Howard
👕 Not sure what to wear in the first week of school? Each Wednesday is easy! Pick a college or career shirt to join in on AVID Wednesday! 🩺
What is AVID? AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. It is an academic support program that prepares students for college eligibility and success. Last year, PCSSD AVID seniors earned $9M in scholarships! #ExpectBelieveSucceed
about 2 months ago, PCSSD
AVID College & Career Wednesdays Wear a college or career shirt with decorated shirts and logos for AVID and PCSSD
Teachers and students in a hallway smiling with college shirts on
upper classmen smiling with college shirts on
Students in Carti garb giving care to baby doll mannequins
🏫 Meet the school leaders who will help our students expect, believe and succeed this year!

Welcome these new and returning principals and assistant principals, as well as deans of students, for 2026-2027.

🔗 View the complete list: https://www.pcssd.org/article/3059037
#ExpectBelieveSucceed #BackToSchool
about 2 months ago, PCSSD
UPDATE: 2026-2027 student fees are $20 and can only be paid for via cash or check. No cards will be accepted.
about 2 months ago, Tony Howard

Sylvan Hills Junior High School is excited to welcome our incoming 8th-grade students and families!

When: Wednesday, August 5
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

During Open House, families will have the opportunity to:

Pick up student schedules
Complete any required fees or paperwork
Become familiar with the campus before the first day of school

Please Note: Teachers will not be available during this time, as they will be participating in professional development sessions in preparation for an outstanding school year. We look forward to welcoming our Bear families and helping you get ready for an amazing year at Sylvan Hills Junior High School. Graduation Starts Here!

about 2 months ago, Tony Howard