Teachers have strong ties to school

Two new teachers at Northside don't want to be anywhere but Rogers. First-grade teacher Lacey Anderson and kindergarten teacher Lisa McNulty have strong ties to their new school, although both are brand new to teaching.

Elementary counselor has many roles

Elementary school counselors and special-education teachers have some things in common. Kelly Pohl taught special education for 10 years before she became a school counselor at Northside. But even during her college years, her interest was on children with emotional and behavioral difficulties so counseling was her logical next step.

Rogers students recognized as AP Scholars

An outstanding group of 112 Rogers students in the Rogers School District have earned the distinction of AP Scholar for their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program Exams, up from 97 Rogers students in 2008.

Spotlight on Education Teachers use collaborative data analysis to improve student achievement

"Data, data everywhere. Too much to let us think!"

Heritage seniors recognize responsibility

They hope to set an example for future students

Every student in the Class of 2010 at Rogers Heritage High School is a leader, whether they are in charge of an organization or not.

Teaching teachers to be better teachers

Two teachers at Reagan Elementary School have taken on the task of helping every teacher at the school become a better teacher.

Cheering on students

Reagan teacher Jeanie Schneider is also a cheerleader. Although some students are assigned to her, she's ready to help any student in the school - especially if the subject is reading.

Gardeners are environmentally conscious students

What started as a collection of pots last year has turned into a full-fledged garden this year, and Jones teacher Liz Smith uses it daily with her second graders.

Realizing a dream

After graduating from Rogers High School, Analisa Padilla knew she wanted to earn a degree in fine arts.

Spotlight on Education Exercise boosts learning capacity

Should you visit Elza R. Tucker School on a Thursday during the school year, you will have the opportunity to engage in Action-Based Learning in Brain Gym. Tucker's Brain Gym was launched at the beginning of the 2008-2009 academic school year. While working out class schedules for music, physical education, art and library, we discussed the benefits of Action-Based Learning. Our intent was to implement a program that boosts student achievement. Research indicates we may have done just that!

Rogers school numbers decline slightly

After years of rapid growth, the Rogers School District has seen a decline in the number of students this year.

SCHOOL NOTE

Baylor University Law School confers degrees Lindsey Philpott of Rogers was among students at Baylor University Law School conferred juris doctor degrees during summer commencement exercises Aug. 1 in Jones Concert Hall at the Glennis McCrary Music Building on the Baylor campus.

Spotlight on Education What's being left behind?

When No Child Left Behind was introduced in 2001, most of the discussion about it was focused on the accountability piece. Accountability is measured differently in each state, and, in my opinion, Arkansas has a more rigorous method to assess student academic achievement than many of the surrounding states. While I do believe assessment is a very important factor in assuring all students are academically successful, I think we should focus just as much on the social, emotional and physical needs of all students in order to ensure their success as a human beings and members of our community.

SCHOOL NOTES

Local student named to dean's list Stephanie A. Miller of Rogers has been named to the dean's list at Missouri State University for the summer semester.

Spotlight on Education Schools use cooperative learning as a best practice for all students

Today's schools are rising to the challenge of helping all students learn with the help of research-based strategies. Cooperative learning is one such effective strategy. Cooperative learning is where students work together to learn material. The Grace Hill staff will be involved this year with ongoing training called Kagan Cooperative Learning and delving into Dr. Spencer Kagan's book, Cooperative Learning.