Russellville School District

📣 Meet & Greet with Dr. Luke Lovins!
Come join us as we welcome Dr. Luke Lovins, RSD’s new Superintendent! 🎉

📅 Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 Location: The Center for the Arts
2209 South Knoxville Ave., Russellville, AR 72802

We hope to see you there!

✨ Keri Letson | 2025 Oakland Heights Elementary Teacher of the Year✨ "Having several family members who have and are still in the educational field, I also was drawn to becoming a teacher. I wasn't sure when I took the Kindergarten position here at Oakland Heights if that is where I would stay for long. But now after 24 years, I hope that I never have to leave. I love the fact that a student's educational experience begins with me and to walk away at the end of the year knowing that they will always hold a place in my heart. " ❤️ Thank you, Mrs. Letson! #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

🌪️ RSD STORM Award 24-25 Recipient Spotlight | Ms. Rhonda Harris! 🎉 Ms. Harris serves as a Nurse at Crawford Elementary . Here is what her colleagues had to say: 📌 "Rhonda is a pillar of support for both students and staff. She is always quick to lend a helping hand, provide thoughtful advice, and deliver just the right amount of care and compassion when it’s needed most.” 📌 "Nurse Rhonda inspires improvement in all of us. She reminds us that the decisions we make today shape our tomorrow, motivating everyone around her to strive for their best.” Congratulations, Ms. Harris! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. ❤️ #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

📌 Time to Get Back-to-School Ready!
Make sure your student is up to date on required immunizations before school starts!💉
Read more about the free vaccine clinics at the Pope County Health Unit here: https://www.rsdk12.net/article/2293760

#OneRSD❤️🌪️🖤

✨ Jill Fields | 2025 Crawford Elementary Teacher of the Year✨ "As a school librarian, my mission is to make every student feel seen, safe, and supported. I work to create a space where curiosity thrives, books become bridges, and children fall in love with reading and learning, not just for school but for life. I want every student to know they are part of something bigger, connected to their school, their community, and their future. I'm here for them and their families as a resource, a partner, and a lifelong advocate for literacy, learning, and belonging." ❤️ Thank you, Mrs. Fields! #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

Elementary educators from across the district were at Oakland Heights for a R.I.S.E. Refresher and implementation training! 📚✨ Even during the summer, our teachers are committed to growing their skills and strengthening instruction in the classroom.

#OneRSD ❤🖤

✨ Megan Ramsey | 2025 RMS Teacher of the Year✨ "The reason I became a teacher was simple, to make a difference. I wanted to be the kind of person who could inspire, support, and believe in others the way great teachers once did for me. Every student deserves someone who sees their potential, and I’m honored to be that someone." ❤️ Thank you, Ms. Ramsey! #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

🌪️ RSD STORM Award 23-24 Recipient Spotlight | Mr. Terry Cobb 🎉 Mr. Cobb serves as the RSD Safety Director. Here is what his colleagues had to say: 📌 "Terry Cobb supports and motivates others by consistently showing up with professionalism and passion, offering guidance and assistance to employees and students at every level.” 📌 "His servant-hearted leadership and deep knowledge inspire confidence, as he proactively ensures safety while always being willing to lend support when others need it most.” Congratulations, Mr. Cobb! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. ❤️ #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

✨ Megan Moore | 2025 Dwight Elementary Teacher of the Year✨ "Growing up with two educator parents, I saw early on what it means to guide, support and inspire others. Their example -and my own experience spending nearly a decade in environmental education - inspired me to step into the classroom. Teaching allows me to invest in our local community and help shape a future I believe in. I'm incredibly thankful for the students and staff who make this work so rewarding every day. " ❤️ Thank you, Ms. Moore! #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

All RSD offices will be closed on July 4, 2025, in observance of the holiday. Happy Independence Day! #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🖤

🌪️ RSD STORM Award 24-25 Recipient Spotlight | Ms. Skye Mitchell! 🎉 Ms. Mitchell serves as an RSD Homeless Liaison. Here is what her colleagues had to say: 📌 "Skye has the ability to speak and relate to anyone she meets. Her job takes her into all types of situations and she is always up for any task given to her.” 📌 "There is no doubt that she cares deeply for the students, parents and staff at RSD. No job or request is too big for her and she does it all with a smile.” Congratulations, Ms. Mitchell! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. ❤️ #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

✨ Kimberly Nettles | 2025 Center Valley Elementary Teacher of the Year✨ "I believe the key to my success in the classroom has always been a focus on student learning. Even though that sounds simple, it is what takes the most effort. My lessons, whether they are whole groups or small groups, have to be very intentional on a daily basis. I dedicate a lot of time to looking at data and determining instructional next steps for students. I track student growth and reflect on my teaching often." ❤️ Thank you, Mrs. Nettles! #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

📄 Free and reduced meals applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now open!
📌 All meals applications completed before July 1, 2025 will expire by September 24th, 2025
📣 Thanks to ACT 656, all students with approved 2025-2026 Free and Reduced applications will receive FREE meals for the 2025- 2026 School Year!
➡️ Apply online here: https://linqconnect.com/public/meal-application/new
➡️ Or download the application from the RSD website here: https://www.rsdk12.net/documents/free-and-reduced-meals-application/828510

Contact the RSD Child Nutrition Office at 479-498-8836 for more information.

#OneRSD

🌪️ RSD STORM Award 24-25 Recipient Spotlight | Ms. Shirley Trude! 🎉 Ms. Trude serves as a Paraprofessional from London Elementary. Here is what her colleagues had to say: 📌 "Ms. Shirley consistently supports both students and teachers by stepping in wherever needed and adapting to any situation with a positive attitude.” 📌 "She motivates students by recognizing and celebrating those who demonstrate outstanding behavior, ensuring they feel seen and appreciated.” Congratulations, Ms. Trude! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. ❤️ #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

🔧 Connecting Educators to Industry
RSD, in partnership with the Russellville Chamber and Economics Arkansas, hosted a professional development event linking educators with local industry leaders.

✅ Tours: Americold & Bridgestone/Firestone
🎤 Panelists: Joe Wilson (Conagra), Chuck Stout (Taber), Brandon Shipley (Americold)
🗣️ Moderator: Ryan Mikles (ATU Ozark)
📚 Presenters: Josh Edgin (RSD CTE) & Dr. Tina Moore (ADE)

Registration is now open for new students and incoming kindergarteners for the 2025-2026 school year! 🎉 Secure your spot and become part of the Cyclone family today! 🌪️📚 ➡️ Find information here: https://www.rsdk12.net/page/enroll #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

🌪️ RSD STORM Award 24-25 Recipient Spotlight | Mrs. Anna Williams! 🎉 Mrs. Williams serves as a Sequoyah Elementary Teacher. Here is what her colleagues had to say: 📌 "Ms. Anna Williams is an outstanding educator who exemplifies the values of the RSD STORM Award in every aspect of her work. As a dedicated teacher, she creates a classroom environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and empowered to reach their full potential.” 📌 "Ms. Williams is also a phenomenal team lead, known for her collaborative spirit and ability to bring out the best in her colleagues.” Congratulations, Mrs. Williams! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. ❤️ #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

🍽️ FREE Summer Meal Distributions 2025 📅 Every Tuesday & Thursday This Summer! 🚨 Exception: Week of July 4th — Pickup will be on Wednesday, July 3rd instead of Thursday. 🔴 For more pick-up information Visit: https://www.rsdk12.net/article/2211950 ⚫ Please sign up in advance: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd7BpAis4mIUYXSQQjeLLu5ZH_rWlelORxbJsTqMsuftEoFg/viewform #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🖤

✨Jenny Wallace | 2025 RJHS Teacher of the Year✨ "I am truly honored to be named RJHS Teacher of the Year! Working at RJHS, surrounded by incredible teachers, administrators, and staff, is a daily privilege. As a math teacher, I strive each day to help my students grow—academically, socially, and responsibly. I want every student to experience success and, hopefully, discover a love for math along the way. Thank you to my amazing school community for this meaningful recognition!" ❤️ Thank you, Ms. Wallace! #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓

🌪️ RSD STORM Award 24-25 Recipient Spotlight | Mr. Gary Pitts 🎉 Mr. Pitts serves as a Custodian at Center Valley Elementary. Here is what his colleagues had to say: 📌 "Mr. Gary celebrates student successes with enthusiasm, uplifts staff with positivity, and embodies the STORM Award through his dedication, heart, and daily impact.” 📌 "Mr. Gary constantly goes above and beyond his duties — always helping, stepping in, or taking initiative. He leads by example with a strong work ethic, integrity, and kindness.” 📌 "Mr. Gary is more than a custodian — he's an essential part of the Center Valley Elementary community.” Congratulations, Mr. Pitts! Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated. ❤️ #OneRSD ❤️🌪️🎓