Greenwood School District will implement mask requirements for the upcoming school year. This policy will require masks indoors when social distancing is not possible on school campuses or in school vehicles or school buses by students, staff, and visitors.
New quarantine guidelines released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Health on Tuesday, August 10th stated that if a person is COVID positive, those identified as close contacts would not have to quarantine if both the infected individual and the close contact were properly wearing masks.
In an effort to reduce quarantines and to ensure students remain in a positive learning environment on campus, the mask policy was approved.
The Board of Education voted that the mask policy would be in effect unless further legal action prohibits a mask policy or the ACHI data map shows the Greenwood School District in “green status”( indicating a low level of cases within our community).
Masks are required:
In Classrooms and Hallways when social distancing (6 ft) is not possible
While on a school bus
Masks are not required:
When a student is outdoors
In a classroom where social distancing is possible
During meal time when students are eating or drinking
During activities such as PE and recess
When a teacher needs to see a student’s mouth - Ex. reading instruction
If a student is exempt because of a medical reason
OPEN HOUSE for Bulldog Online Learning
Information regarding free meals and al a carte items.
The following is a statement from John Ciesla, Superintendent of Greenwood Schools:
On Friday, August 5, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Tim Fox heard a case brought by the Little Rock School District, Marion School District, and parents challenging the state law that prohibits school districts from requiring masks/face coverings. Judge Fox granted a restraining order that temporarily blocks the state from enforcing the mask mandate ban. As Arkansas’s highest court, the Arkansas Supreme Court may have the final word on this issue. Further legal proceedings are expected.
The Arkansas School Board Association and the Arkansas Association of Educational Educators also released statements to state administrators on Friday, August 5th in reference to the preliminary injunction of Act 1002 issued by Judge Fox. Administrators were encouraged to seek legal counsel regarding any further board policies or changes on this matter.
Assistant Commissioner of Education, Dr. Ivy Pfeffer stated “the department is updating the 2021-22 Arkansas Department of Education Guidance for Schools today and should have updates to release tomorrow.”
Greenwood Public Schools will continue to closely monitor the legal proceedings in this case and will communicate updates to our local Board of Education and community stakeholders.
Important Information from the Transportation Department
Bulldog Online Learning Deadline to enroll is August 13th
If you are interested in applying, please click the link below:
https://bit.ly/2S1WHgr
If you have any questions, please email Mr. Mark Shumate at: onlinelearning@greenwoodk12.com
Congratulations to Mrs. Leslie Wolfe, Assistant Principal at East Pointe Elementary!
#GSDexcellence
Best of the Best - Voting Begins!
https://swtimes.gannettcontests.com/2021-Best-of-the-Best---Fort-Smith/
Bulldog Online Learning
If you are interested in applying, please click the link below:
https://bit.ly/2S1WHgr
If you have any questions, please email Mr. Mark Shumate at: onlinelearning@greenwoodk12.com
2021-22 Guidance for Schools - Arkansas Ready for Learning Plan
can be found here:
https://5il.co/we7t
Help Fill the Bus
- United Way of Fort Smith
Parent/Coaches Meeting for 7th-12th grades.
Starts in the Performing Art Center at 6:00.
Fill the Bus Virtual
Volunteers Needed --
if interested, please call the Athletic Department
Survey: American Rescue Plan Funds
https://bit.ly/3kI861r
Please take the time to complete this survey. Thank you.
The deadline to apply for Bulldog Online Learning is Friday, AUGUST 6th
If you are interested in applying, please click the link below:
https://bit.ly/2S1WHgr
If you have any questions, please email Mr. Mark Shumate onlinelearning@greenwoodk12.com
AAA Statement regarding COVID-19 Vaccinations
FREE Covid-19 Vaccine for Greenwood Staff and Students.
Students must be over the age of 12.
July 28th - 10 - 12 Noon
Dr. Josh Ray named Principal of Greenwood High School
The Greenwood Board of Education approved Superintendent John Ciesla’s recommendation in Thursday’s board meeting to move Dr. Josh Ray from the East Pointe Elementary principal’s position to principal of Greenwood High School.
Dr. Josh Ray is beginning his 16th year in education. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education, Master of Education and Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University, as well as a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Ray was a national board certified band director at Southside High School before coming to Greenwood Junior High as assistant principal. During the last four years, Ray has been blessed to serve as principal at East Pointe Elementary. Josh and his wife, Sarah, have two boys, Hudson and Harrison, who are both students at East Pointe.
Dr. Ray shared the following about the opportunity to come to Greenwood High School.
“Every blessing my family has experienced as part of the Greenwood community and schools began with my instant friendship with Aaron Gamble. No one could possibly fill the shoes of Mr. Gamble, but I am humbled to get to lead and learn with the incredible faculty at GHS. Our school will honor Aaron and Landry by pouring every ounce of our effort into continuing the tradition of excellence that meant so much to both of them.”
Faith Short promoted to Principal at East Pointe Elementary
The Greenwood Board of Education voted to promote Mrs. Faith Short to Principal at East Pointe Elementary during their monthly July board meeting.
Mrs. Short is beginning her 25th year in education. Mrs. Short holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. She has been a part of the Greenwood School District for 16 years, serving at East Hills Middle School in the roles of classroom teacher and instructional facilitator. She has served beside Dr. Josh Ray at East Pointe Elementary the past four years as the assistant principal and is excited to begin serving her school in this new capacity.
Faith and her husband, Brett, have two children, Peyton and Abby, who are both Greenwood graduates.
