Sylvan Hills Junior High

COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING is a GRADUATION REQUIREMENT for the CLASS OF 2027 AND BEYOND. Students must complete 75 HOURS of documented service between grades 9–12. Learn more at pcssd.org/page/community-service.

about 2 months ago, PCSSD

Staff from across the district gathered Monday for convocation and the start of Back to School Week, reconnecting and setting a shared focus for the year ahead!

Superintendent Jeff Senn reiterated PCSSD's new motto, #ExpectBelieveSucceed. He also encouraged educators to reflect on their PLC (Power, Legacy, and Completion) and the lasting difference they can make for students.

about 2 months ago, PCSSD

A person stands on a stage in front of a full auditorium, speaking to staff seated in rows.

A person standing with people around him

two principals speaking with one another

a row of focused people in matching blue

people clapping for standing new teachers

🎉 Ashley Washam has been selected as one of the Top 15 Finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, a statewide honor recognizing exceptional teaching and leadership across Arkansas.

Washam will be recognized alongside other finalists on August 6 at the Governor’s Mansion. Each finalist receives a certificate and a $1,000 award provided by the Walton Family Foundation.

Earlier this year, Washam was named PCSSD’s District Teacher of the Year after being selected at the school level. She spent the last year serving Maumelle Middle School and will begin a new role as Dean of Students at Pine Forest Elementary for 2026–2027.

Congratulations on this well‑deserved recognition! Read more about her recognition here: https://www.pcssd.org/article/3046865 #ExpectBeliveSucceed

about 2 months ago, PCSSD

Get ready! Open House is scheduled for August 5 and 6. Students will pick up their schedules, pay their student fee, and 8th graders will have an opportunity to tour the building.
8th grade will meet Wednesday, August 5, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
9th grade will meet Thursday, August 6, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The schedule for each PCSSD Open House can be found here: https://www.pcssd.org/article/3015595

2 months ago, PCSSD

A stylized sticky note says, "Save the Date" for Sylvan Hills Junior High School's Open House on August 5 and 6.

Chartwells is hiring for our cafeterias in the 2026–2027 school year. Apply now:
Kitchen Manager: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=70e14cbc4cf408d1
Foodservice Worker: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=18a2714574f2a137

4 months ago, PCSSD

Recruitment flyer for Chartwells announcing open kitchen manager and foodservice worker positions for PCSSD schools. The flyer lists benefits such as no nights or weekends, paid sick days and holidays, flexible shifts, career growth, and free shift meals. It includes photos of foodservice staff preparing meals and serving food, plus QR codes linking to job applications.

🚗Don’t forget — PCSSD’s summer meal program kicks off tomorrow morning. 🍱
We’re providing free breakfast and lunch packs for all children 18 years and younger in our community. No registration or ID is required, and children do not have to attend PCSSD to receive meals.

Each pack includes 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches. Families can pick up meals from 7:00–10:00 a.m. at the designated distribution sites, and staff will load the packs directly into your vehicle.

Full details are available on the attached flyer.
#ServeAll #PCSSDproud

4 months ago, PCSSD

A colorful summer‑themed flyer titled “Summer Meals” announcing free breakfast and lunch for all children under 18. It lists two service locations: Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School at 708 E. Dixon Road in Little Rock and Cato Elementary School at 9906 Jacksonville‑Cato Road in Sherwood. Meals are distributed Thursdays from June 4 to July 30, 7:00–10:00 a.m., with one Wednesday distribution on June 17. Details note that each child receives one pack with five breakfasts and five lunches, and children do not need to attend PCSSD to participate. Chartwells and PCSSD logos appear at the bottom.

Un volante colorido con tema veraniego titulado “Comidas de Verano” anuncia desayunos y almuerzos gratuitos para todos los niños menores de 18 años. Incluye dos lugares de servicio: Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School en 708 E. Dixon Road en Little Rock y Cato Elementary School en 9906 Jacksonville‑Cato Road en Sherwood. Las comidas se distribuyen los jueves del 4 de junio al 30 de julio, de 7:00 a 10:00 a. m., con una distribución especial el miércoles 17 de junio. El volante indica que cada niño recibe un paquete con cinco desayunos y cinco almuerzos, y que no es necesario asistir a escuelas de PCSSD para participar. Los logotipos de Chartwells y PCSSD aparecen en la parte inferior.

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 months 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

4 months 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.

4 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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

5 months 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.