Arkansas Arts Academy -

@Artsk12.org starts the 2023-2024 with our brand new K-12 Gifted and Talented Program named CHARIS! The acronym CHARIS is based on six core guiding principles for AAA student excellence: Creative Honest Artistic Responsible Innovative Scholarly The symbolism for CHARIS originates with the Graces (also known as Charities, singular Charis), who were goddesses from Greek mythology personifying charm, grace, and beauty. Most commonly, the Graces (or Charities) are referenced in art and literature in a grouping of three. These minor goddesses are associated with Aphrodite and spring flowers, in particular, and were thought to bestow beauty in all its forms, from physical to intellectual, artistic to moral. The Graces are described as masters of dancing, singing, and poetry, and associated with beauty, nature, and human creativity. Charis can be translated from Greek to mean grace, kindness, and life. Our program aspires to instill the qualities represented by the Graces through an arts-integrated, differentiated experience. CHARIS is designed to develop life-long learning and inquiry, promote intrinsic desire for excellence, and foster a determination to work toward personal fulfillment and meaningful contribution to society. Our K-12 program includes in class enrichment, pull-out programs, advanced coursework, and Honors/Pre-AP/AP offerings. K-2 enrichment will begin once school is back in session. Placement screenings for all students grades 3-6 will take place during the 1st quarter. More details to come on this exciting new program at Arkansas Arts Academy! For more information reach out to our CHARIS Coordinator, Lainie Adams ladams@artsk12.org

2022-2023 AAA High School Yearbooks Have Arrived! We only have 3 copies left for purchase at $40 each. Contact Dr. Langley at elangley@artsk12.org if you wish to purchase.

Arkansas Arts Academy is proud to announce the creation and implementation of our NEW HONORS AND ACCELERATED CLASSES FOR 6-12: AAA is laying the groundwork to broaden our AP and concurrent math options for all students through the introduction of accelerated and honors math programs. Classes will be offered to all students starting in the 6th grade. NEW AND UPCOMING ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES: Beginning this school year, we will be offering College Board’s newest AP Math course, AP PreCalculus. This course prepares students for higher level college mathematics and science courses, foundational for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health science, social science, and data science. Plans to expand our AP Math offerings are forthcoming. CONCURRENT MATH COURSES THROUGH NWACC: Beginning this school year, we will be partnering with Northwest Arkansas Community College to offer Math 1313, Quantitative Reasoning, and Math 1203, College Algebra, on our AAA high school campus. Quantitative Reasoning cultivates critical reasoning abilities through quantitative data analysis and the proficient use of mathematical tools and models, building a mathematical foundation for careers in the fine arts. College Algebra is an overview of the fundamental concepts of algebra, building a foundation for higher level math and science courses. HIGHLY QUALIFIED DISTRICT MATH COACHES: As part of the new math initiative, the district has enlisted the expertise of two exceptionally qualified mathematics academic coaches to support and empower teachers and students in their learning and progress. ONE-ON-ONE AND SMALL GROUP REMEDIAL SUPPORT AND ENRICHMENT: Students will have the opportunity for personalized support in mathematics during our school day.

AAA K-6 Welcomes Ms. Cameron Suchy! This will be Ms. Suchy's second year in education. She most recently taught in Kansas City, MO. "I am most looking forward to experiencing the fun and creativity that is so present at AAA. It’s inspiring how different forms of learning are encouraged, and that AAA fosters creativity in order to support the many types of learners in the classroom. I can’t wait to meet the 4th graders and start the year!" Ms. Suchy grew up in NWA and recently moved back to be close to family and friends who are still here. In her free time, she enjoys playing fetch with her dog Ollie, reading books, and exploring new places around NWA. Welcome, Ms. Suchy!

Arkansas Arts Academy High School is excited to share that our students made significant gains across the board on the ACT Aspire summative assessments for the 2022-2023 school year. AAA High School students outperformed state averages in English, Reading and Science! Students and teachers, we are unable to express how proud and excited we are for the hard work you put in this year. We are excited to see continued growth in the upcoming school year as well. Way to go students and teachers!

AAA K-6 Welcomes Mr. Rob Plant! Mr. Plant has been in education for 10 years, and all of those years were at Mineral Springs School District. He has always taught EAST but also robotics, computer science, and one year of business and world history. He also coached baseball. Mr. Plant has 3 kids: Tez (21), a farmer who became a father to Kalani in January; Ridley (20), a student at John Brown who plans to go to grad school and study forensic psychology; and Tristyn (18) who is finishing up HS and taking some college classes. Mr. Plant's hobbies are gardening and raising a few farm animals. Welcome, Mr. Plant!

AAA Welcomes Dr. McGarrah Dr. Erin McGarrah is the incoming Arkansas Arts Academy Elementary School assistant principal. “It is such an honor to be chosen to serve the staff, students, and families of AAA,” Dr. McGarrah said. “I want to thank Dr. Roberts, the AAA School Board, and Mrs. Carethers for this incredible opportunity.” Dr. McGarrah has been an educator for 15 years. Most recently, she served as an instructional facilitator in the Springdale School District. Dr. McGarrah has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle-Level Education from the University of Arkansas, as well as a Master of Education, Educational Specialist, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Harding University. Dr. McGarrah is excited to join the AAA community. “I look forward to partnering with Mrs. Carethers to continue the work toward creating a culture that inspires students to express themselves and showcase their talents and gifts through the arts while also focusing on academic excellence. I can’t wait to meet everyone and to begin this journey,” Dr. McGarrah said. In her free time, Dr. McGarrah loves to travel with her husband, Chase, and their three children. They love cheering on the Hogs, spending time with friends and family, and loving life! Please join us in Welcoming Dr. McGarrah to AAA!

Meet the AAA High School Administration Team! https://www.smore.com/83bqr

Introducing Mrs. Melody Morgan as the new AAA High School Principal. Mrs. Morgan comes to us with a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Secondary Business, a Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership and a Specialist in Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Mrs. Morgan brings a wealth of best practices and experience as a result of her extensive career in education in Arkansas. She began her career at Highland High School as a secondary business teacher and technology coordinator, moving up to assistant principal and state reporting coordinator for the district. Over the course of her career, she has also served as Director of State Student Assessment for the Arkansas Department of Education and Assistant Director for the National Office for Research on Measurement and Evaluation Systems for the University of Arkansas. Most recently she served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for the Arkansas Public School Resource Center following six years at Springdale School District where she served as the Director of Accountability and Assessment. Each of these roles provided Mrs. Morgan with valuable insight in leading systematic change while ensuring the focus remains on the students. Melody lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband and has a daughter and son-in-law in Colorado Springs. When not at work, Melody enjoys attending Razorback games with her family and friends and exploring all the wonderful opportunities available in Northwest Arkansas. Mrs. Morgan's expertise in education, education systems and leadership is equally matched by her passion for the arts, her welcoming personality and her incredible love for students. We are thrilled to have her onboard and a part of our AAA community. Welcome to AAA Mrs. Morgan!

Honoring Mrs. Carethers. Arkansas Arts Academy's New Elementary Principal! Rachel Carethers, Principal at Arkansas Arts Academy Elementary School, is beginning her 16th year in education and her second year at Arkansas Arts Academy. "I am honored to begin my new role as principal at AAA Elementary and would like to thank the AAA school board and Dr. Roberts for trusting me to lead this incredible school," Mrs. Carethers said. "I hope to bring positivity, excitement, and high academic expectations as I continue leading our staff and students and I look forward to helping AAA Elementary transform through arts-infused learning and teaching." Mrs. Carethers has a Bachelor of Arts in Pure Mathematics from the University of Central Arkansas, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Mathematics from the University of Arkansas, and a Master of Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University. She also earned National Board Certification in adolescent mathematics. "As a student, my favorite subjects were math and art. AAA is the school I would have chosen for myself, so when the opportunity to join AAA arose, I jumped at it," said Mrs. Carethers. Mrs. Carethers and her husband, John, have two children who attend AAA, Maggie an upcoming 4th grader, and William an upcoming 2nd grader. They live in Rogers with their 3 goofy dogs, Pepper, Jack, and Blue. When not at school, Mrs. Carethers volunteers, learns new crafts and spends time with her family.

@Artsk12.org thanks @OfficeDepot Store #662 for donation to Arkansas Arts Academy High School. Presenting the check is #662 Store Manager, Sean Griffin to HS Administration, Principal Melody Morgan and Assistant Principals Jamie Dale and Ellen Langley. Thank you @OfficeDepot!

A New Application is Required Every Year!

Our Board Meeting on July 11, 2023 has been cancelled. We will resume on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Have a wonderful summer! Be safe and Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

@Arkansas Arts Academy 2023-2024 School Calendar

Save the Date for 2023-2024 Back to School Events at Arkansas Arts Academy

K6 parents: Here are our lost and found glasses. They will be in the front office for you to pick up. Glasses not picked up by July 1 will be donated to the local Lions Club.

AAA Earns Arts Schools Network Exemplary School Designation! Recognized for providing student learning formed through the exploration & development of students' talents . For more information on AAA go to https://www.artsk12.org/

Arkansas Arts Academy High School Graduation Commencement Class of 2023 Friday, June 2, 2023 Performing Arts Center (PAC) Doors open at 6:00pm Procession begins promptly at 6:30pm Each graduating senior will be given a maximum of 10 tickets. Tickets allow entrance to the PAC or the Commons area for live streaming of the ceremony. Seating is first come, first served. Reach out to Amber Foster at afoster@artsk12.org with any questions or concerns. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFj2g6-t0Q/TnzG_E4_KrI-3wzw5LmA5w/view?utm_content=DAFj2g6-t0Q&utm_campaign=share_your_design&utm_medium=link&utm_source=shareyourdesignpanel

K6 tiny treasure lost and found: please email Nurse Katie at kmilligan@artsk12.org if you recognize and item that belongs to your student.