🌟 Big News for Eureka Springs Schools! 🌟
Eureka Springs Schools has been selected as an **Innovative District** at the prestigious 2026 Model Schools Conference at the Orlando World Center! Hosted by the Center for Model Schools, this national conference recognizes forward-thinking districts that drive transformation, inspire change, and implement innovative strategies to improve student outcomes.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as an Innovative District at MSC 2026,” said Rachal Hyatt, Director of Programs. “This recognition reflects the heart of our district — creating meaningful, engaging opportunities where every student feels connected, valued, and excited to come to school each day.”
As part of this distinction, our team — Rachal Hyatt (Director of Programs), Trina Bonham (Middle School Principal), Amber Jester (Special Education Teacher), Tara Scott (Elementary Teacher), and Jerry Wells (G/T, Chess, and EAST Facilitator) — will present **Beyond the Bell: Making School the Place to Be!**
They’ll join more than 5,000 educators from across the nation to share practical, student-centered strategies that help schools become places kids genuinely want to be part of. Our session will spotlight:
✨ Creative clubs and extracurriculars
✨ Interest-based learning opportunities
✨ CTE pathways
✨ Special education inclusion
✨ Engaging electives across K–12
✨ Real-world learning experiences
✨ Replicable strategies for improving student achievement
We are proud to showcase the incredible work happening in Eureka Springs and to represent Arkansas on a national stage!
@ModelSchoolsHMH @HMHCo @ArkansasEd #MSC2026
Eureka Springs Schools has been selected as an **Innovative District** at the prestigious 2026 Model Schools Conference at the Orlando World Center! Hosted by the Center for Model Schools, this national conference recognizes forward-thinking districts that drive transformation, inspire change, and implement innovative strategies to improve student outcomes.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as an Innovative District at MSC 2026,” said Rachal Hyatt, Director of Programs. “This recognition reflects the heart of our district — creating meaningful, engaging opportunities where every student feels connected, valued, and excited to come to school each day.”
As part of this distinction, our team — Rachal Hyatt (Director of Programs), Trina Bonham (Middle School Principal), Amber Jester (Special Education Teacher), Tara Scott (Elementary Teacher), and Jerry Wells (G/T, Chess, and EAST Facilitator) — will present **Beyond the Bell: Making School the Place to Be!**
They’ll join more than 5,000 educators from across the nation to share practical, student-centered strategies that help schools become places kids genuinely want to be part of. Our session will spotlight:
✨ Creative clubs and extracurriculars
✨ Interest-based learning opportunities
✨ CTE pathways
✨ Special education inclusion
✨ Engaging electives across K–12
✨ Real-world learning experiences
✨ Replicable strategies for improving student achievement
We are proud to showcase the incredible work happening in Eureka Springs and to represent Arkansas on a national stage!
@ModelSchoolsHMH @HMHCo @ArkansasEd #MSC2026
The Arts Across Arkansas program "encourages, enhances, and expands student's original thoughts, processes, personal experiences and artistic abilities. The goal of Arts Across Arkansas is to give high school students the opportunity to be rewarded for their original creative works."
Here are the benefits of the program:
-The opportunity to create original work and receive feedback from an Arkansas Arts in Education professional
-Mentorship with a professional artist in their chosen medium
-Presenting their original work in the state finals event (March 28th)
-Cash prizes for top three submissions of each medium
Last Friday afternoon, Mr. Louderback submitted a beautiful watercolor piece by senior, Celeste Fountain, and a formidable work of art by junior, Fiona Durkin.
Here are the benefits of the program:
-The opportunity to create original work and receive feedback from an Arkansas Arts in Education professional
-Mentorship with a professional artist in their chosen medium
-Presenting their original work in the state finals event (March 28th)
-Cash prizes for top three submissions of each medium
Last Friday afternoon, Mr. Louderback submitted a beautiful watercolor piece by senior, Celeste Fountain, and a formidable work of art by junior, Fiona Durkin.
🎬✨ February is CTE Month! ✨🎬
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on our A/V Technology & Film pathway!
Students begin their journey with Media Communications, the foundational course that builds essential skills in storytelling, production, and digital media. Under the direction of Mr. Louderback, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for careers in film, broadcasting, photography, and beyond.
🎥 What they’ve been working on:
Hands-on 3-point lighting exercises
Learning the basics of editing with Adobe Premiere Pro
Completing a Silent Film Project—telling a full story without recorded dialogue, using only sound effects, ambient noise, and music
Navigating teamwork and tight deadlines just like industry professionals
Next up? Producing news stories for an upcoming student news broadcast!
💬 Student Spotlight:
"Media Communications is helping to shape my future by providing key skills and aspects that I need to photograph and record. These skills help me to make a film or take photos without appearing to be an amateur in the film community."
— Cael Dempsie, 9th Grade
We are so proud of the creativity, collaboration, and career-ready skills our students are developing. CTE opens doors—and this pathway is bringing stories to life! 🎞️👏
This week, we’re shining the spotlight on our A/V Technology & Film pathway!
Students begin their journey with Media Communications, the foundational course that builds essential skills in storytelling, production, and digital media. Under the direction of Mr. Louderback, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for careers in film, broadcasting, photography, and beyond.
🎥 What they’ve been working on:
Hands-on 3-point lighting exercises
Learning the basics of editing with Adobe Premiere Pro
Completing a Silent Film Project—telling a full story without recorded dialogue, using only sound effects, ambient noise, and music
Navigating teamwork and tight deadlines just like industry professionals
Next up? Producing news stories for an upcoming student news broadcast!
💬 Student Spotlight:
"Media Communications is helping to shape my future by providing key skills and aspects that I need to photograph and record. These skills help me to make a film or take photos without appearing to be an amateur in the film community."
— Cael Dempsie, 9th Grade
We are so proud of the creativity, collaboration, and career-ready skills our students are developing. CTE opens doors—and this pathway is bringing stories to life! 🎞️👏
We’re proud to recognize Chase Linder for his decision to join the Army National Guard!
Chase has chosen to serve his state and country while continuing to pursue his goals beyond high school. The National Guard is known for stepping up during emergencies, natural disasters, and national missions, and Chase is answering that call.
Congratulations, Chase!
Chase has chosen to serve his state and country while continuing to pursue his goals beyond high school. The National Guard is known for stepping up during emergencies, natural disasters, and national missions, and Chase is answering that call.
Congratulations, Chase!
The Mardi Gras parade has been canceled.
We’re so proud of our ESHS Band for all the hard work they put into preparing. Thank you to our students and families for your flexibility and support — we’ll be ready for the next time to shine! 🎺💜💛💚
🩷Happy Valentine's Day weekend! ❤️
We sure love 'love' around here!!
See everybody on Tuesday.
Our 7th grade science students are digging into learning—literally! ⛏️🍪
As part of their unit on minerals and mineral resources, students explored how we obtain valuable, nonrenewable resources through a hands-on mining simulation.
On Thursday, teams created their own mining companies, purchased equipment, and “mined” chocolate chips from cookie ore. The challenge? Avoid costly EPA fines while carefully reclaiming the land by restoring their cookie back into a grid after mining.
Each company tracked expenses and profits to determine whether their operation was truly successful after equipment costs and chip sales.
And yes… after all that hard work, they enjoyed the sweet rewards of their cookie ore!
As part of their unit on minerals and mineral resources, students explored how we obtain valuable, nonrenewable resources through a hands-on mining simulation.
On Thursday, teams created their own mining companies, purchased equipment, and “mined” chocolate chips from cookie ore. The challenge? Avoid costly EPA fines while carefully reclaiming the land by restoring their cookie back into a grid after mining.
Each company tracked expenses and profits to determine whether their operation was truly successful after equipment costs and chip sales.
And yes… after all that hard work, they enjoyed the sweet rewards of their cookie ore!
Congratulations to our 1st and 2nd Quarter Holiday Island Elk’s Lodge Students of the Quarter. 1st Quarter Tener Schabacker and Madeline Fisher. 2nd Quarter Kameron Agresto and Anna Vaverka. Way to go, Highlanders!
⚽️ Spring Soccer Sign-Ups Are Here! ⚽️
It’s time to lace up those cleats and get ready for another great season!
📍 Location: ES Middle School – OLD Cafeteria
🗓 Sign-Up Dates & Times:
• Wednesday, 02/18 | 3:15–5:00 PM
• Saturday, 02/21 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
• Wednesday, 02/25 | 3:15–5:00 PM
• Saturday, 02/28 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
💲 Cost (Cash or Check Only):
• 4U / 6U – $35 ($25 if jersey not needed)
• 8U, 10U, 12U, 15U – $45 ($10 discount if jersey not needed)
📅 First Practice:
Tuesday, 03/03 at L’wood Ballfields (weather permitting)
15U will practice at the Track Field.
On-field registration will continue through March as team space allows.
Let’s play! ⚽️
We are proud to announce that Junior Cayson Henson has committed to serve in the Army National Guard! 🇺🇸
Cayson has selected the MOS 91D – Tactical Power Generator Specialist, a critical role responsible for maintaining and repairing power generation equipment, including diesel generators and internal combustion engines. These specialists ensure that power systems are operational and reliable — a vital component in sustaining field operations and mission success.
Congratulations, Cayson! Your future is bright, and we thank you!
🏀🔥 Hustlin’ Highlander of the Week- Sponsored by Island Airco 🔥🏀
Congratulations to Addison Blackwelder – Girls Basketball!
Coach Bower shares, “Addie has worked very hard to improve her game and the results have shown on the court. She is always given the toughest defensive assignment, and she has expanded her role on offense this season as well, leading our team in 3-point makes and free-throw percentage.”
Addie’s grit on defense and confidence on offense make her a huge asset to this team. We are proud of the hard work she puts in every single day! 💪🏽🏀
Keep hustlin’, Addie!
There will be no school on Monday, February 16th.
Join us for Senior Night at Highlander Arena! 🏀🎉
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 5:00 PM
We’ll be celebrating our amazing senior athletes and club participants for their dedication, leadership, and Highlander pride. Come cheer them on and help us recognize all they’ve accomplished!
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 5:00 PM
We’ll be celebrating our amazing senior athletes and club participants for their dedication, leadership, and Highlander pride. Come cheer them on and help us recognize all they’ve accomplished!
🔨 CTE Month Spotlight: Construction Technology 🔨
From Mr. Eckman
This week, we’re proud to feature our Construction Technology program and the incredible hands-on work our students are doing.
Right now, students are:
-Building bluebird houses and aquarium/display stands for Arkansas Game & Fish
-Completing OSHA 10 certifications in our Intro classes
Earlier this year, they:
-Built picnic tables for our new cafeteria
-Helped spread mulch on the elementary playground
This program is about real skills, real impact, and real futures. As student Drew Farrar shares:
“Participating in this program in high school has opened doors for me to continue my education in this area, as I’ve been accepted to Ozarks Technical College for Construction Technology.”
We’re proud of our students for building more than projects—they’re building their futures. 💪🏽🛠️
From Mr. Eckman
This week, we’re proud to feature our Construction Technology program and the incredible hands-on work our students are doing.
Right now, students are:
-Building bluebird houses and aquarium/display stands for Arkansas Game & Fish
-Completing OSHA 10 certifications in our Intro classes
Earlier this year, they:
-Built picnic tables for our new cafeteria
-Helped spread mulch on the elementary playground
This program is about real skills, real impact, and real futures. As student Drew Farrar shares:
“Participating in this program in high school has opened doors for me to continue my education in this area, as I’ve been accepted to Ozarks Technical College for Construction Technology.”
We’re proud of our students for building more than projects—they’re building their futures. 💪🏽🛠️
Here is the state required testing schedule for February! Please be sure students come prepared and well rested.
ESMS hosted the AGQBA Junior High Quiz Bowl Conference Tournament today (formerly known as Regionals), and our team showed up big! Despite several absences due to illness, they battled through to earn 2nd place, led by an All-Tournament performance from team captain Cael. Huge clutch moments from Christian and scorekeeper-turned-emergency-player Chase sealed the deal when it mattered most.
Next stop: Regional Tournament (formerly State) next Saturday! Let’s go, ESMS! 🧠🏆👏
!!!Middle School!!!
Update on School Pictures:
Due to sports pictures taking longer than anticipated, Middle School class pictures will now be taken on Friday, February 13th, along with Spring Pictures.
The QR code is still active and can be used to pre-order class pictures.
Our Scotties are leveling up! 📚🎉
Students at Eureka Springs Elementary are making big gains in Lexia, and their reading skills are growing every single day. We are so proud of the hard work they’re putting in!
As they "level up", students earn a token to visit our book vending machine—where they get to choose a brand-new book of their own. We love seeing the excitement, the thoughtful book choices, and of course… ringing the bell! 🔔📖
Way to go, Scotties! Keep reading and keep shining ❤️🖤
It's Career and Technical Ed Month! Today, we want to feature a senior in our Business Program!
🌟 CTE Spotlight: Holley Wood 🌟
The Academics 📚
By the end of her senior year, Holley will have completed three full CTE programs of study:
Retail Management
Digital Marketing
Hospitality & Tourism
The Leadership 🗣️
Holley isn’t just a participant; she is a leader. She has served as an FBLA officer since her freshman year, rising through the ranks from Secretary (9th grade) to Vice President (10th & 11th grade), and now leads the chapter as FBLA President.
Skills in Action: The Inaugural Pickleball Tournament 🥒🏓
Holley is currently putting her CTE skills to the ultimate test by organizing the Inaugural Pickleball Tournament.
-Digital Marketing: She designed a custom website for information and registration.
-Community Partnership: She partnered with the Eureka Springs Community Center.
-Philanthropy: The event supports FBLA initiatives, while a special donation jar will raise funds for Arkansas Alzheimer's to support caregivers of family members with Alzheimer's.
In Her Own Words:
"I highly recommend CTE for students who are looking to expand their abilities and knowledge in a real way that will stick with them for life. Practicing professional relationships, communication, and leadership are some of the most important skills to learn and they are the heart of Business CTE."
Congratulations, Holley (pictured with the camera), on a stellar high school career and best of luck in college studying Business and Accounting!
#CTEWeek #StudentLeader #FBLA #EurekaSprings #DigitalMarketing #PickleballTournament #FutureAccountant
🌟 CTE Spotlight: Holley Wood 🌟
The Academics 📚
By the end of her senior year, Holley will have completed three full CTE programs of study:
Retail Management
Digital Marketing
Hospitality & Tourism
The Leadership 🗣️
Holley isn’t just a participant; she is a leader. She has served as an FBLA officer since her freshman year, rising through the ranks from Secretary (9th grade) to Vice President (10th & 11th grade), and now leads the chapter as FBLA President.
Skills in Action: The Inaugural Pickleball Tournament 🥒🏓
Holley is currently putting her CTE skills to the ultimate test by organizing the Inaugural Pickleball Tournament.
-Digital Marketing: She designed a custom website for information and registration.
-Community Partnership: She partnered with the Eureka Springs Community Center.
-Philanthropy: The event supports FBLA initiatives, while a special donation jar will raise funds for Arkansas Alzheimer's to support caregivers of family members with Alzheimer's.
In Her Own Words:
"I highly recommend CTE for students who are looking to expand their abilities and knowledge in a real way that will stick with them for life. Practicing professional relationships, communication, and leadership are some of the most important skills to learn and they are the heart of Business CTE."
Congratulations, Holley (pictured with the camera), on a stellar high school career and best of luck in college studying Business and Accounting!
#CTEWeek #StudentLeader #FBLA #EurekaSprings #DigitalMarketing #PickleballTournament #FutureAccountant
📸 Photo Days Are Coming Up! 📸
Lots of photos will be taken later this week! Here’s what to know:
🏀 Thursday Morning:
Jr. High & Sr. High sports teams will have team and individual photos taken at the high school. (Forms will be sent home by coaches.)
📚 Thursday Afternoon:
Middle School classroom group pictures will be taken.
➡️ Middle School Individual Spring photos are scheduled for 2/13 — more details coming soon!
🌼 Friday:
Elementary classroom group pictures and individual Spring portraits will be taken.
Scan the code to order online!
Smile big! 😊
Lots of photos will be taken later this week! Here’s what to know:
🏀 Thursday Morning:
Jr. High & Sr. High sports teams will have team and individual photos taken at the high school. (Forms will be sent home by coaches.)
📚 Thursday Afternoon:
Middle School classroom group pictures will be taken.
➡️ Middle School Individual Spring photos are scheduled for 2/13 — more details coming soon!
🌼 Friday:
Elementary classroom group pictures and individual Spring portraits will be taken.
Scan the code to order online!
Smile big! 😊
