The addition of bank branches to Pine Bluff School District campuses marked the students’ introduction to solid saving practices.
More than two months after the first branch opened at the soon-to-be Forrest Park/Greenville Kinder Academy, students across the district were honored at a board meeting earlier this week for being the first to open bank accounts. Another on-site bank is open at James Matthews Elementary School.
Honored students included Hunter Wright, Zarriah Higgins, Zaniyah Higgins, Bryson Cross, Markenzie Bell, Travis Martin Jr., Ainsley Allen, Zaria Allen, Xion Brazell and Kova Williams. LaTasha Randle of FBT Bank was recognized for her partnership with the operation of the on-site branches.
The student banking concept was the brainchild of Assistant Superintendent Phillip Carlock, who started a similar program in the Little Rock School District.
Seven teachers also received Showing Your Stripes awards along with the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund. The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education honors teachers who demonstrate a positive impact on student growth and have an “effective” or higher annual rating in the educator effectiveness system.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Merit teachers may receive $3,000 for ranking in the top 25% among growth scores based on statewide summative assessments in English/language arts, math or science, and up to $10,000 for ranking in the top 0.5%. Teachers can also receive bonuses for teaching in a critical shortage area or mentoring future teachers.
PBSD teachers honored include Kendria Jones, Tammie Russell, Kim Mixon, Shiwanda Perry, Chianti Evans, Glinda Foots and Crystal Swiney.
Each student received a Showing Your Stripes certificate from Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree.
COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR
Evette Johnson of Pine Bluff Junior High School was named the Arkansas School Counselor Association Middle Level Regional Counselor of the Year, Barbaree announced on a social media post Wednesday. Jefferson County is in the association’s southeast region.
“Her dedication to our students is unmatched – she consistently goes above and beyond to keep them engaged, supported and on a path to success,” Barbaree stated. “She truly exemplifies what it means to care for the whole child, always playing their academic, emotional and personal well-being at the forefront of her work. Her innovative approach to counseling has made a lasting impact on our school community, and we are honored to have her as part of our team. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”
PERSONNEL MOVES
The PBSD approved hires of:
Special education — Tanya Smith as assistant local education agency director, Ella Sergeant, Tiffany Facen, Faith Achina, Courage Monyo, Benjamin Anim, Loretta Akrofi and Danyell Rattler;
Classroom teachers — Kelanda Williams, Robert Mingo, John Tate, Tironeka Brown, Risie Howard, Shequil Jones, Tamara Harvey and Tamica Fletcher;
Instructional facilitators — Cache Rayford, Elizabeth Hardin and Jessica Holmes;
Media specialist — Paulette Bell;
Elementary musicv — Loren Rayford;
Special education paraprofessionals — Vannessa Thomas, April Turner, Carolyn Adams, Rhonda Johnson, Jocelyn Prichet, Felecia Kimble, Carolyn Goldsmith, Freddie Riley, Louis Moss, Donna Bradley, Joyce Hawthorne, Lisa Swift, Jennifer Smith, Rose Ayers, Carolyn Barnett, Kandra King, Lorain Reams, Mary Johnson, Cassandra Logan, Latasha Williams, Nikisha Kemp, Tamara Murphy, Henry Jackson, Aisha Denton and Maggie Abram;
Instructional paraprofessionals — Barbara Braxton, Bernice Brown-Adams, Tresha James, Sarah Gray, Daquaron Dale, Shoronda Logan, Alneta Whimper, Caroline Marks and Dorothy Henley;
UAPB residents as paraprofessionals — Stephen DeJarnette, Meosha Spraggins, Forgavai Horn, Jayla Newburn, Da’Niea Crutchfield, Jordan Green Lee, Benjamin Dixon, Diamond Ellis, Cinia Boyd and Jennifer Jackson;
Office staff — Secretaries Latasha Williams (bookkeeper), Kim Culclager, Nikita Reynolds (bookkeeper), Jacqueline Hamilton, Angienei Haywood-Walton, Tarrah Elerby (bookkeeper), Rebecca Stone, Reneece Norman-Shaw, Brianna Bradley (bookkeeper), Rhonda Doby, Shirley Barnes, Tia Hunt, Kimberly Culclager, Veronica Avery (bookkeeper), Amy Moore, Goldie Whitaker (bookkeeper) and Catrina Childress; Jhemiyah McNeal, Jennifer White, Kianna Smith and Jessica Scott;
Security — Carmen Fletcher replacing Dalton Rankins (certified safety and security officer), Rayshun Reed replacing Jonah Israel (CSSO) and Shaza Brooks replacing Shatal Johnson (regular).
Retirement letters were accepted from Rikki Sandress, Lorine Diggins and Donna Coleman.