Heber Springs Schools

Good afternoon Panthers! We are loving the pictures that are being sent in and found under #panthersnow21. Be sure to keep them coming, because Heber Springs Schools will continue with Virtual Learning for Tuesday, February 16th AND Wednesday, February 17th. We hope you all are staying warm but also making memories in the snow.

So, how was your afternoon? Plenty of pictures of kids were emailed and texted in to Mrs. Pruitt and we want to see more! Tomorrow, take some great pictures of your family, kids playing in the snow, snow angels, whatever you want and be sure to use the hashtag #panthersnow21 when posting to Facebook and Instagram. Have a great time making memories!

Hello Panther Nation! If you haven't looked outside...it's definitely the start of a Winter Wonderland! Heber Springs Schools will be closed for on-site learning on Monday, February 15th and will continue with virtual learning. We will make a decision about future dates at a later time. Elementary: parents please check your email for your child's assignment. Middle & High School: assignments will be posted to Google Classroom. We would LOVE to see your snow pictures! Please send them in to Bahar Pruitt at bahar.pruitt@hssd.k12.ar.us and we will feature them in Dr. Ashley's weekly video! Stay safe and stay warm...and go have fun in the snow!

Still plenty of food bags available up at Heber Springs High School Cafeteria. We are here until 2!!!

Heber Springs Schools will be distributing food bags between 12 -2 today at the High School Cafeteria. A limited number of hot spots will be available for individuals needing internet access.

With the possibility of winter weather hitting our area this week, the staff of Heber Springs Schools will be passing out food bags on Sunday, February 14th from 12pm - 2pm (or until supplies run out) at the High School Cafeteria for any family in need. The High School Cafeteria is located just behind the High School across from the PE building. We have placed a map on the Heber Springs Schools Facebook page in regards to this post. If you are in need of internet access you may also pick up a hot spot during this time. Please remember supplies are limited. If the weather moves in sooner than expected we will send out a notice of changing to an earlier time.

Due to impending weather, we are postponing the Sr High Football Banquet. We are looking at another date very soon and will be in touch.

It’s time for another weekly recap with Dr. Andy Ashley. So, there may not be TOO much to recap this week. Why do we do Virtual Day? Will we go to school in June? What’s the plan for next week? Be sure to watch the video for answers to those questions. https://youtu.be/Hg0ulN-CAGQ

Heber Springs Schools will continue with Virtual Learning for Friday, February 12th. Although the roads in town seem okay at this moment, we know that many of our families live in locations where the roads are icy and their safety is a priority. Please stay warm and stay safe.

Heber Springs Schools will continue with Virtual Learning for Thursday, February 11th based on weather forecast and a caution for safety. A decision about Friday will be made at a later time. Please stay safe and stay warm.

Heber Springs Schools will pivot to virtual learning on Wednesday, February 10th based on weather forecast and a caution for safety. A decision about future dates will be announced later.

We are aware of the potential winter weather in our area over the next few days and we are working with other officials to make sure we make a well-informed decision. We know that not having a definite answer today is frustrating, but please know that we are not only concerned for your safety but also for your personal circumstances. Having a Virtual Day may cause many of our parents/guardians to miss work to care for their children. We are hesitant to pivot to a Virtual Day on Wednesday because we are unsure if and when the inclement weather may arrive. We do not want to cause our parents/guardians to miss out on work (paycheck), and we want students in school whenever possible. Because of this, we have asked teachers to send home any items students will need in case school pivots to virtual. As soon as the decision is finalized we will post to our mobile app, website, social media, contact the news stations, the local radio station, and push out a text to our parents. If you are in need of a hot spot to complete this virtual work, Bahar Pruitt will be at Central Office (located underneath the Panther Den) until 5:30pm TODAY. We know that during inclement weather there can be connectivity issues and power outages, please try not to stress about school work as we understand the circumstances and there will be time to make-up the work. Thank you for being patient with us during this time. We will inform you all as soon as we have more information.

February 8, 2021 Panther Nation- On Monday, February 8th, the Administration of Heber Springs Schools was made aware of a positive Covid-19 cases in Heber Springs Elementary and Heber Springs High School. The Administration has contacted the Arkansas Department of Health for further guidance, and through contact tracing by the ADH and HSSD, the individuals who were at risk for primary exposure have already been contacted. The Administration will continue to closely monitor this situation moving forward. I want to thank the families of those impacted for their patience and understanding as we worked through this situation. Dr. Andy Ashley

It's time once again for the weekly review with Dr. Andy Ashley. This week Heber Springs Schools received a huge grant, students explored the workforce workshop, and a Panther will soon become a Warrior. https://youtu.be/2EQpMr8kNC8

Basketball is winding down for our Panthers...be sure to catch the action before it is all over.

The Heber Springs Panther Trap Team recently received the Arkansas Game and Fish Wildlife Conservation Education Grant in the amount of $17,820.52! This grant will help our students on the Junior High and Senior High Trap Teams purchase the needed supplies for their program. If you are interested in joining this team, please be sure to fill out an application located in the Middle School and High School office. Registration is due March 1st.

Heber Springs Schools is honored and thankful to have the support of the great citizens and businesses in our tremendous community. Beginning with February, we will recognize a business that has enhanced our school through volunteer work, financial contributions, or simply going above and beyond to support our schools as the Business of the Month. The business will be recognized and presented with a Business of the Month banner, news release, social media spotlight, and website publication. Our first Business of the Month selection goes to an organization that was the first to provide financial contributions for Heber Springs Elementary student supplies, financially matched student contributions to Fight Like A Kid, and purchased a new Utility Terrain Vehicle for our Panther Athletic Department. We are very excited to announce that Cowboy Chevrolet Buick GMC has been selected as the first Business of the Month for Heber Springs Schools. Congratulations and thank you for your continued support of the students at Heber Springs Schools.

It's time once again to crown the new Mr. Valentine! Mask up and come on out to the Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 13th at 6pm to support the Junior Class as they host the 2021 Mr. Valentine Pageant. Cost is $5 per person. This is a fun evening to help support the Junior Class and the After Prom festivities. You don't want to miss out on the funny antics!

We are excited for the @BeProBeProud Tour to be stopping at Heber Springs High School for our kids to learn about their career options in the state of Arkansas! 9th and 10th grade students will have the opportunity to tour this awesome mobile unit and learn about the different workforce areas in our state.

February 1, 2021 Panther Nation- On Monday, February 1st, the Administration of Heber Springs Schools was made aware of a positive Covid-19 case in Heber Springs Elementary. The Administration has contacted the Arkansas Department of Health for further guidance, and through contact tracing by the ADH and HSSD, the individuals who were at risk for primary exposure have already been contacted. The Administration will continue to closely monitor this situation moving forward. I want to thank the families of those impacted for their patience and understanding as we worked through this situation. Dr. Andy Ashley