GREENWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Congratulations to the Lady Bulldogs on their win over Sheridan! 🏐🏐They advance to the 2nd round vs.Marion.

🚌Join Our Team: School Bus Drivers Wanted! 🚌 We need dedicated individuals to join our team as School Bus Drivers! Join our team and make a positive impact. Start the process at bit.ly/45Tubi6, or our website at greenwoodk12.com -Join Our Team.

Red Ribbon Week Campaign Oct. 23-31 Join us in taking a stand against substance abuse and promoting a drug-free life during Red Ribbon Week. Spread the message, raise awareness, and be part of the change! 💪🏻💖

🌟 The Greenwood Education Foundation hosted a pre-game reception to honor the 2023 Hall of Honor inductees. 🏈✨ GEF foundation members proudly handed them their well-deserved induction plaques on the football field! 🙌 Cinda Bell presented by Tonia Hobbs Stan Escalante presented by Dr. Aaron White Accepting for Hortense Stafford was Nancy Clay Brown, one of her many former students, presented by Dr. Kelli Henning Ann and Don Williams presented by Dr. Jim Henry Congratulations to all the 2023 Hall of Honor recipients!

Please join the Greenwood Education Foundation in commemorating the induction of the 2023 Hall of Honor inductees! Reception in the Student Union (high school cafeteria) at 5:30 The Induction Ceremony will be held at the football field during the pregame festivities following the Homecoming Coronation Ceremony, which begins at 6:30

FALL BREAK 🍁🍁🍁🍂----ENJOY Students return on Tuesday.

Greenwood Education Foundation 2023 Hall of Honor Inductees: Ann and Don Williams If you were to look in the dictionary under the word “volunteer” or “service”, a picture of Ann and Don Williams would be there. Giving back to their church, their community, and to Greenwood Schools was their mantra in life. Ann and Don met in 1950. Don was in the military and stationed in California. Courtship through the mail between California and Washburn was quite difficult but love overcame the distance. During that time Don was sent to fight in the Korean War. Upon his return, they were married in 1952 and lived in California. After a five-year California stay, the couple returned to Arkansas, Don went to college at the University of Arkansas and Ann went to Beauticians’ School. While work assignments sent the couple to Michigan and Little Rock, the Williams made it back to Sebastian County and settled in Greenwood to raise their family of three children, Nick, Sherry (Corbin), and Ronnie. They set a prime example of giving back to their children and seven grandchildren, as service was a major element in their sixty-one years of marriage. Don served as a Boy Scout leader for over twenty years and was an integral part of the Backpack Ministry (filling and distributing) which provided weekend food for students who experienced food insecurity. Besides being there to unlock the church doors every time a service or event was held, he would pick up children after school for Children’s Team Christ before the Wednesday night services and served as a faithful Sunday School teacher. For ten years he greeted students each morning and delivered them back to their parents each afternoon as their bus driver. Ann was in charge of the kitchen for twenty years as the cafeteria manager at Greenwood High School and at her church. As a matter of welcoming new members to their church, Ann would bake a loaf of fresh bread for them and Don would deliver it with a firm handshake and smile. They continued this delivery for 25 years. Ann continues to be a devoted member of the women’s ministry at her church. The Williams never missed a football game or basketball game for their children or grandchildren and could regularly be seen on the north side of the H. B. Stewart Bulldog Arena when it opened. Ann and Don have provided a lifetime of extraordinary and essential service. They have served in ways most never choose to exemplify. The countless hours and days spent serving others far exceeds the normal call of duty. They CHOSE to help and serve others on a daily basis. They served in their church, school, and community …. always striving to give back. Ann and Don will definitely hear the words “well done thy good and faithful servant”. For their service to Greenwood Schools, their church, and the Greenwood community, the Greenwood Education Foundation is proud to present Ann and Don Williams as new members of the GEF Hall of Honor.

Congratulations to the East Hills Robotics Team! 👏🏻👏🏻 East Hills went to Little Rock today for their first competition. They won skills championship, teamwork championship, and excellence award! These kiddos crushed it! 💪🏻💪🏻 Way to go EH!

Greenwood Education Foundation Hall of Honor 2023 Inductee: Hortense Stafford was a beloved elementary teacher in the Greenwood school district for 33 years. She began her teaching career in Hackett before moving to Greenwood Elementary in 1953 and retired in 1986. While she taught second and sixth grades during her career, she is best remembered for her many years as a fourth-grade teacher. Finding her passion with that age group, her students remember her as an outstanding teacher. She was born Hortense Carroll on her family’s farm near Charleston in August 1921 to Herman and Thelma Carroll. While she speaks fondly of her childhood, it was during an era when there were no cars, indoor plumbing, air conditioning, appliances or modern healthcare. Though not an easy life, her childhood shaped her character and no doubt contributed to her success with students from all walks of life. After graduating from Charleston High School, she attended ASTC (now UCA) for two years and later completed her degree by attending summer school in Conway over a five-year period. She became Hortense Stafford when she married Willard Stafford in 1941. He was a former coal miner, as many were at that time, but is best remembered as the owner/operator of Greenwood’s dry cleaners and laundry. Willard was also the Fire Chief and was active in many of Greenwood’s activities. Hortense and Willard had two sons, Will “Sonny” and Joe, who are both now retired. She has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Hortense loved to travel so once she retired, she traveled extensively throughout the U.S. as well as to many countries around the world and she loves to talk about her various trips. She continues to be an avid reader and has literally read hundreds and hundreds of books in her lifetime including many of the classics. If she really likes a book, she may read it several times. Years ago, she taught herself to “speed read” so keeping her in books has been a challenge. Her fourth-grade students loved the way she would arrange their chairs in a semi-circle around her following recess so that she could read to them. She said it had a calming effect after they had just come in from the playground and her students really enjoyed their quiet time. Her many years living in Greenwood and her career as an elementary teacher are very special to her and refers to that time period as “the best years of my life”. She cherishes the memories of her association with her many students as well as her fellow teachers and the school administration. She currently resides at Methodist Village Senior Living in Fort Smith and recently celebrated birthday number 102. For her educational and character influence on hundreds of children in her educational career the Greenwood Education Foundation is proud to add Mrs. Hortense Stafford to their Hall of Honor Class of 2023.

Just a reminder 🙂🙂 Parent-Teacher conferences are on Thursday. No school on Friday and Monday Enjoy the Fall Break🍁🍂🍂🍁

School Principal Month🏫🚌📚

Greenwood Education Foundation 2023 Hall of Honor Inductee: Stan Escalante, a humble and low-key individual, has dedicated his life to the service of others, driven by a deep-seated belief in the principles of justice, mercy, and humility. His guiding verse, Micah 6:8, has been the compass directing his path: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Stan's journey unfolds as a tale of love, commitment, and unwavering dedication to the community he holds dear. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Stan's formative years were spent in the Greenwood School District, leaving an indelible mark on his character. Following a brief departure due to his father's pastoral duties, Stan returned to Greenwood after 35 years, fulfilling a promise he made to himself. His life took a momentous turn at Oklahoma State University, where he not only pursued a degree in Wildlife Ecology but also found his lifelong companion, Cindie Halford. Their enduring marriage of 44 years has been a testament to love and shared values. Stan and Cindie are proud parents to two daughters, Brandi and Lyndi, both of whom have carved their paths in diverse professions and locations. The Escalante family extends across the United States, with nine grandchildren adding a new dimension to their rich tapestry of life. Stan's career commenced in forestry in southern Arkansas, but it was his innate ability to counsel and support others that became increasingly evident. A Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Henderson State University marked a pivotal transition, leading Stan to direct a Math and Science Upward Bound program for 16 years. His influence extended beyond the confines of Arkansas, involving collaborations at the national level. Stan's commitment to education garnered recognition from the Arkansas Association of Assistance Programs, honoring him for his substantial contributions. His return to Greenwood in 2007 heralded a new chapter, where his impact resonated deeply within the school district. In Greenwood, Stan's role transcended conventional expectations. As a school-based mental health therapist, he provided crucial emotional support to countless students. His involvement with the juvenile court, special education initiatives, and the alternative learning education classroom underscored his dedication to inclusivity and support for all students. The creation of the Shoe Fund, assisting up to 150 students annually, became one of Stan's cherished initiatives. Beyond professional duties, Stan volunteered as a Life Coach for the Greenwood Bulldog football team for 15 seasons, serving as counselor and chaplain for numerous young men. His commitment to athletes went far beyond the field, extending to personal challenges and triumphs. Stan's open-door policy, a 24/7 commitment to players and coaches, exemplified his selflessness. Players facing diverse life issues found solace in his guidance, showcasing a breadth of challenges ranging from personal struggles to family crises. Stan and Cindie even opened their home to players facing difficult family situations, reflecting their unwavering support. In addition to his school-based role, Stan provided private counseling at The Forging Place Counseling Center in Greenwood for five years. His efforts facilitated a safe haven for individuals from all walks of life, showcasing the positive impact of counseling, particularly among men. The culmination of Stan's illustrious career occurred at the end of the 2022-2023 school year, marking his retirement from the Greenwood School District and The Forging Place. Reflecting on his years of service, Stan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside his wife, Cindie. Both daughters and their families beckon, offering in-law living areas in Arkansas and Hawaii. The couple plans to savor their retirement with road trips to national parks and monuments. Stan's story is one of selflessness, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to community. Whether in school hallways, counseling sessions, or on the football field, his influence has left an indelible mark on the lives of students and families in the Greenwood area. As a member of the Hall of Honor Class of 2023, Stan Escalante stands as a testament to the transformative power of a life devoted to love, mercy, and humble service. His parting message echoes a simple yet profound truth: God always opens and closes doors. If He opens a door, walk through it; if He closes a door, don't keep pushing on it. The Greenwood Education Foundation is proud to introduce Stan Escalante as a member of the Hall of Honor Class of 2023.

School Principal Month 📚🏫🚌

Congratulations to the Greenwood Preschool Center for achieving the Best of the Best River Valley award! Great things happening in Greenwood Schools!

Greenwood Education Foundation 2023 Hall of Honor inductee, Ms. Cinda Bell. Cinda Bell is an inspirational individual who, following in the example of her family’s footsteps, has truly been loyal to her Greenwood roots her entire life. Cinda attended Greenwood Schools from first grade through senior year and graduated in the Class of 1964. After attending Hendrix College in 1969 she returned to Greenwood and joined the family business, Osborn Insurance Agency, in 1969. From the beginning of her business career, Bell began her second career of giving back to the Greenwood Community as a businesswoman, corporate citizen, inspirational leader, friend, and philanthropist. She has served as a Partner in Education representative, a member of Friends of the Library, President of the Fort Smith Little Theatre, Treasurer of the South Sebastian County Historical Society, and served on the Board of Vache Grasse Country Club and on the Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier Tourism Board. She served several terms on the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has served as past Chair of the Greenwood Parks Commission. She founded the Bell Park Foundation to help continue the growth and development of the beautiful Bell Park. In recognition of outstanding service, Bell was recognized with several distinguished awards. In 2008 she was selected as the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and in 2014 she was the recipient of the Independent Insurance Agents Charlotte Patterson Memorial Award. One of Bell’s passions is serving on the Greenwood Parks Commission as she has worked tirelessly on the revitalization of Bell Park, property that was donated by her family. Adding a playground, picnic pavilions, and the Ed Wilkinson Community Center are some of the projects that have kept her busy for the past few years. Her latest goal is bringing a new splash pad to Bell Park. Bell’s commitment to the continued enhancement of community resources and the preservation of its history guarantees that her legacy will touch future generations of Greenwood citizens. For supporting the community of Greenwood with generosity and fidelity, the Greenwood Education Foundation is proud to induct Cinda Bell into the 2023 Hall of Honor Class. A reception in honor of the inductees will take place at the Student Union, starting at 5:30 PM on Friday, October 20th. We extend a warm invitation to all members of our community to attend.

The 8th grade game with Pea Ridge has been canceled for tonight.

School Principal Month 🏫🏫

The Greenwood Education Foundation will be inducting four new members into the GEF Hall of Honor. A reception honoring the inductees will be held in the Student Union beginning at 5:30 on Friday, October 20th. Everyone is invited to attend the reception to recognize these individuals. The 2023 Class of Hall of Honor inductees are: Cinda Bell Stan Escalante Hortense Stafford Ann and Don Williams Come join us in celebrating their exceptional contributions to our community and education.

Mark Your Calendars for Parent Teacher Conferences and Fall Break Days!🍁🍂🍁 No School For Students on Friday, Oct. 20th and Monday, Oct. 23rd

Congratulations to GHS Junior Payton Scantling! Payton achieved a PERFECT score on the ACT! 🎉📚 and was recognized for this achievement by the Greenwood School board at last night's meeting.👏🏻👏🏻 #GSDexcellence