In his final State of the Schools address Thursday night, Blytheville Superintendent Richard Atwill encouraged parents to get involved in their child's schools so that they will be well-informed.
He asked parents and patrons of the district to voice their concerns and opinions on all aspects of the school district.
"We need your suggestions on what you expect from your school," Atwill said. "We need your input."
It is very important for parents of students who are moving to a different campus to provide up-to-date information to their child's new school.
"Don't assume that the information will be upgraded, because it won't be if you don't do it," Atwill said. Parents must also register their children for the next grade level. "It won't happen automatically."
The district is working on new ways to help keep parents and guardians of students informed. A standardized system will be used for students in grades K-6 and in grades 7-12 to make it easier for parents. The registration process has also been aligned for those grades to make it easier to enroll or transition in the district, Atwill said.
Several building projects are under way in the district, including new playground and equipment at Central, new roofs and air conditioning units at the Charter and Intermediate schools. Canopies have been added to sidewalks at the Primary and Kindergarten Center and more security cameras have been added to Blytheville Middle School and High School.
The district has also partnered with the Blytheville Police Department to get more officers trained in DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) so that the officers can help students avoid common pitfalls.
The district is also pleased to partner with Tenaris, which is funding a new after-school program for 150 students this fall.
"It will be beneficial for students who need extra help," Atwill said. The program will also provide extra enrichment programs for students who wish to learn even more.
"It's a very serious long term financial commitment" the company is making to the school district, Atwill said. Tenaris is funding the program, along with the salaries for a director and 20 teachers for the program. "They are really concerned about Blytheville and its future."
Atwill said he was also pleased that local donors made the district's first-ever athletic banquet happen recently.
"It's very refreshing to see things that build pride and tradition in our schools," he said.
The district's Positive Behavior and Intervention System (PBIS) will be expanded to all grades next year, Atwill said. The program, which rewards students for positive behavior, has been wildly successful in select schools so far.
Teachers in all schools are now receiving training in the program.
Several activities are scheduled for the last few weeks of school. They include the High School Awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, graduation ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. Friday and a parade at the Primary School on June 1.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com