By Jamie Miller
Seventy seventh grade students from Bethel and Bryant Middle Schools have qualified as academically talented “Duke University Scholars,” which was determined by the most recent standardized test scores.
In order to qualify[more] for the “Duke University Talent Identification Program,” students must score in the 95th percentile or higher in math, problem solving, reading comprehension and/or language. Students are then invited to take either the SAT or the ACT college entrance exams to help them determine their strengths academically.
Twenty-one students at Bryant High School have earned “AP Scholar Awards” in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the AP Exams that were taken in May of 2010. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Programs provide motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take college-level courses and receive credit at the end of the course by performing well on the AP exams.
The recognized students qualified by taking three or more of the AP exams that were offered and scoring a three or higher. Three of these students, Houston Garner, Devon Norris and Tyler Salminen also qualified for the “AP Scholar with Honors Awards” by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 or higher on all AP exams taken, and a three of higher on five or more of these exams. In Bryant, 366 students took 624 exams and 34 percent, 210 exams, scored a three, four or five. The “AP Scholar with Distinction” recipients are William Chandler, Amanda Coppock and Willie Rice.
The “AP Scholar Award” recipients are Bradley Aldridge, Spencer Arendt, Dylan Ball, Nicholas Bell, Haley Burton, Lukas Chupp, Chloe Goodrich, Lindsey Hillman, Jennifer Hubbard, Meghan Hutto, Nicholas Lindsley, Kyle Martin, Jonathan Medel, Jennifer Moulton, Brodie Nixon, Kate Patrick, Van Phan, Nathan Shelby, Stephanie Svetz and Madison Verser.
Jessica Bollen, Communication Director for the school district, also recognized the Bryant Marching Band for their recent success in the competition season with the 2010 show “Blues in the Night.” The BHS Band, The Legacy of Bryant, earned 15 awards this season including several First Division ratings.
Bryant High School teachers Tara Seale and Patsy Bonds were also recognized as receiving the “Measures of Academic Progress Growth Awards” from the Arkansas Public School Resource Center (APSRC). They each received $1,000 cash prizes in conjunction with the award.
According the APSRC, Seale’s Spring MAP reports placed her in the top two percent of high school teachers nationwide in reading skills. In addition, Bonds’ MAP results placed her in the top one percent of high school teachers in accelerated skill development.
Brittany Jones, Student Senate President, was in attendance at the meeting and presented the board with an update on the Senate’s progress. According to Jones, the Senate will be making two teacher appreciation baskets and distributing them, an inspirational banner is being hung in Building 2 at BHS and the Senate will be visiting the “Heifer Project” as their community service. With basketball season starting, the Senate will be presenting spirit bags to all participants.
Mark Scarlett, Salem Elementary principal and Karen Metcalf, Springhill Elementary principal were present to give the board updates of their school progress this year. According to Scarlett, a nature trail has recently been renovated at Salem Elementary. The trail originated in 1993, but after years of overgrowth, Salem received $10,000 in grants to rebuild the trail. The trail has been cleared as well as benches rebuilt for an outdoor classroom. Students are now able to have an interactive, hands-on science laboratory.
Salem Elementary also received a letter from U.S. Senator Mark Prior, informing them that they were the recipients of a Physical Fitness Testing State Championship.
Metcalf followed up by informing the board that Springhill’s number one goal as a school, is to make learning exciting for all students. According to Metcalf, parent involvement is up this school year, their library has been updated and refurbished and a “Watchdog Dad” program has been started.
Three amendments were then presented to the board on the Bryant High School Building Project. Amendments seven, eight and nine were approved and include furnishing and installing junction boxes between halves of portable buildings, all work for the fiber optic ring and the relocating of water lines.
Randy Rutherford, Superintendant, concluded the meeting by announcing the BHS Dance Team State Championship win and inviting all to attend the Bentonville and Bryant High School football playoff game that is taking place this Friday, Nov. 19. Four spirit buses will be making the trip at the cost of $10 per person which includes admission to the game.
