Notice of Special School Election🗳
Pocahontas School District
Early Voting: Nov. 12–14 & Nov. 17, 2025
🕗 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
📍 First Baptist Church on Thomasville
Election Day: Nov. 18, 2025
🕢 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Black River Technical College – Randolph County Development Center
Pocahontas School District
Early Voting: Nov. 12–14 & Nov. 17, 2025
🕗 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
📍 First Baptist Church on Thomasville
Election Day: Nov. 18, 2025
🕢 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Black River Technical College – Randolph County Development Center
Parents please be advised the Camel bus is being double routed and will run 30 minutes later this afternoon.
🎳Striking Up Fun and Friendship🎳
Several of our students participated in Special Olympics Bowling this week — showing incredible effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship on and off the lanes!
We’re so proud of these athletes for representing Pocahontas with big smiles, determination, and Redskin pride. A huge thank-you to the staff and volunteers who made this memorable day possible!❤️🖤
Several of our students participated in Special Olympics Bowling this week — showing incredible effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship on and off the lanes!
We’re so proud of these athletes for representing Pocahontas with big smiles, determination, and Redskin pride. A huge thank-you to the staff and volunteers who made this memorable day possible!❤️🖤
Understanding the Ballot
We want to take a moment to clarify what voters will see on the ballot for the upcoming Pocahontas School District Millage Election.
The only change being proposed is a 2.95 mill increase to fund the new Pocahontas High School campus and competition gym/safe room.
Current millage rate: 32.81 mills
Proposed increase: 2.95 mills
New proposed total: 35.76 mills
While the ballot lists several millage numbers, those additional figures are not new proposals — they represent existing debt service mills that the district is already paying on previously approved bonds.
In short — this election is about one single proposal:
➡️ A 2.95 mill increase to fund the construction of new Pocahontas High School projects.
We remain committed to being transparent and clear about what’s being proposed. If you have any questions, please visit www.pocahontaspsd.com or email psdmillage@pocahontaspsd.com.
🇺🇸 M.D. Williams Veterans Day Program 🇺🇸
Our school community is proud to come together once again to honor those who have served. This student-led program features our own students, the PHS Band, and special guest speakers Mr. Kevin Rhodes and Sergeant Leslie Barnett Sr., who will also share a special display for guests and students to enjoy.
We’re grateful to the VFW 4556 Color Guard, Gold Star Families, and the Five Rivers Daughters of the American Revolution for joining us in this meaningful event.
📅 Tuesday, November 11 | 8:30 a.m.
📍 M.D. Williams School
A reception will follow the ceremony to honor our veterans.
Our goal each year is simple: that every veteran leaves knowing how deeply we appreciate them. ❤️🤍💙
Our school community is proud to come together once again to honor those who have served. This student-led program features our own students, the PHS Band, and special guest speakers Mr. Kevin Rhodes and Sergeant Leslie Barnett Sr., who will also share a special display for guests and students to enjoy.
We’re grateful to the VFW 4556 Color Guard, Gold Star Families, and the Five Rivers Daughters of the American Revolution for joining us in this meaningful event.
📅 Tuesday, November 11 | 8:30 a.m.
📍 M.D. Williams School
A reception will follow the ceremony to honor our veterans.
Our goal each year is simple: that every veteran leaves knowing how deeply we appreciate them. ❤️🤍💙
Partnership in Action!
We are excited to continue our sixth-year partnership with Williams Baptist University and welcome their Introduction to Education students into our schools.
These future educators observed English Language Development (ELD) classes taught by Mrs. McCallister (K-6) and Mrs. Washburn (7-12). ELD provides our multilingual learners with direct instruction in the language skills they might not acquire through everyday interactions, helping them succeed academically and beyond.
We're proud to support the next generation of teachers while showcasing Mrs. McCallister's and Mrs. Washburn's effective instructional practices that help our multilingual learners thrive!
We are excited to continue our sixth-year partnership with Williams Baptist University and welcome their Introduction to Education students into our schools.
These future educators observed English Language Development (ELD) classes taught by Mrs. McCallister (K-6) and Mrs. Washburn (7-12). ELD provides our multilingual learners with direct instruction in the language skills they might not acquire through everyday interactions, helping them succeed academically and beyond.
We're proud to support the next generation of teachers while showcasing Mrs. McCallister's and Mrs. Washburn's effective instructional practices that help our multilingual learners thrive!
We are aware of the issue and working to get it resolved. Thank you for your patience.
Pocahontas School District is looking for dedicated and compassionate substitute school nurses to join our team! If you're a licensed nurse who loves working with children and wants a flexible schedule, we’d love to hear from you.
Requirements:
🩺 Current RN or LPN license
🗓️ Availability during school hours (as needed)
❤️CPR certification
Whether you're retired, semi-retired, or just looking for extra hours, this is a great way to make a difference in your community!
Requirements:
🩺 Current RN or LPN license
🗓️ Availability during school hours (as needed)
❤️CPR certification
Whether you're retired, semi-retired, or just looking for extra hours, this is a great way to make a difference in your community!
Pocahontas Junior High School students are reaching new heights!
Students who score at or above grade level on their i-Ready assessments are being recognized and celebrated for their hard work and progress this year!
Our teachers are proud of the effort students are putting into their lessons and assessments — and there are special incentives in place to keep the motivation growing all year long.
Every skill mastered and every goal reached represents a step toward success. Way to go, PJHS! Keep aiming high!
💙💛 Pocahontas FFA at National Convention! 🌾
Members of the Pocahontas FFA Chapter recently attended the National FFA Convention — an incredible opportunity to connect with other chapters from across the country, explore agricultural careers, and celebrate student success! Several of our students were also recognized with awards and honors for their hard work, leadership, and dedication to agriculture. 🏅
We’re so proud of these students and their advisors for representing Pocahontas School District with excellence and Redskin pride on a national stage!
Members of the Pocahontas FFA Chapter recently attended the National FFA Convention — an incredible opportunity to connect with other chapters from across the country, explore agricultural careers, and celebrate student success! Several of our students were also recognized with awards and honors for their hard work, leadership, and dedication to agriculture. 🏅
We’re so proud of these students and their advisors for representing Pocahontas School District with excellence and Redskin pride on a national stage!
How School Construction Funding Really Works
Community members have asked important questions about how school construction is funded and why districts don’t simply “save up” for large projects.
These informational pieces outline the basic structure of school facility funding — including how local building funds, state partnership funds, and long-term bonds work together — and why rising construction costs make long-term saving alone challenging.
Our goal is to help the community understand how the facility funding mechanism works, not to advocate for or against any specific millage change. We appreciate your engagement and welcome your questions as we continue planning responsibly for the future of our schools.
Community members have asked important questions about how school construction is funded and why districts don’t simply “save up” for large projects.
These informational pieces outline the basic structure of school facility funding — including how local building funds, state partnership funds, and long-term bonds work together — and why rising construction costs make long-term saving alone challenging.
Our goal is to help the community understand how the facility funding mechanism works, not to advocate for or against any specific millage change. We appreciate your engagement and welcome your questions as we continue planning responsibly for the future of our schools.
Our EAST program has designed something truly special — introducing Car Line Reading Moments! 🚗✨
So, what is it?
It’s a radio frequency program (98.1 FM) that plays short, family-friendly literacy prompts while you wait in the car line! Each week features different focuses and fun, easy-to-do activities that help families build reading, listening, and communication skills together.
The goal is simple but powerful — to create supportive, engaging moments that make literacy a natural part of everyday family life. ❤️
We’re so proud of our EAST students for bringing innovation, technology, and learning together to benefit our entire district community!
So, what is it?
It’s a radio frequency program (98.1 FM) that plays short, family-friendly literacy prompts while you wait in the car line! Each week features different focuses and fun, easy-to-do activities that help families build reading, listening, and communication skills together.
The goal is simple but powerful — to create supportive, engaging moments that make literacy a natural part of everyday family life. ❤️
We’re so proud of our EAST students for bringing innovation, technology, and learning together to benefit our entire district community!
🎉 Little Redskin Cheer Clinic Starts Today! 🎉
Our PHS Cheerleaders are excited to welcome all participants for the Little Redskin Cheer Clinic this afternoon at the PJHS Gym! The clinic will run after school until 5:00 PM today and again on Wednesday.
We can’t wait to see all the Redskin spirit shining bright as our young cheerleaders learn, practice, and prepare to perform at Thursday night’s home football game! ❤️🤍
Our PHS Cheerleaders are excited to welcome all participants for the Little Redskin Cheer Clinic this afternoon at the PJHS Gym! The clinic will run after school until 5:00 PM today and again on Wednesday.
We can’t wait to see all the Redskin spirit shining bright as our young cheerleaders learn, practice, and prepare to perform at Thursday night’s home football game! ❤️🤍
❤️ Pocahontas Elementary School Food Drive ❤️
With the holidays approaching—and with the recent government shutdown affecting SNAP benefits—some families in our community may be facing extra challenges. To help, Pocahontas Elementary School will be hosting a building-wide food drive to collect nonperishable food items for families in need.
🗓 Collection Dates: November 3–15
📦 Distribution Dates: November 18–20
How It Works:
Each classroom is invited to participate by collecting items from the approved list below. Students can bring donations to their classroom each morning or drop them off in the office. All collected items will be gathered in the hallway by the nurse’s office for distribution to local families.
Approved Food Items:
🥜 Peanut butter
🥣 Oatmeal packets or canisters
🍜 Ramen noodles
🍫 Granola bars
🥕 Canned vegetables
🍎 Canned fruit
🍲 Canned soup
🍗 Canned meats (chicken, tuna, Vienna sausage)
🍝 Boxed pasta or rice meals
📊 Classroom Competition:
Teachers will tally items brought to their classroom. The office will tally items dropped there and keep a total for each room.
Even one small donation can make a big difference. Thank you for helping our Redskin family spread kindness and generosity this holiday season!
With the holidays approaching—and with the recent government shutdown affecting SNAP benefits—some families in our community may be facing extra challenges. To help, Pocahontas Elementary School will be hosting a building-wide food drive to collect nonperishable food items for families in need.
🗓 Collection Dates: November 3–15
📦 Distribution Dates: November 18–20
How It Works:
Each classroom is invited to participate by collecting items from the approved list below. Students can bring donations to their classroom each morning or drop them off in the office. All collected items will be gathered in the hallway by the nurse’s office for distribution to local families.
Approved Food Items:
🥜 Peanut butter
🥣 Oatmeal packets or canisters
🍜 Ramen noodles
🍫 Granola bars
🥕 Canned vegetables
🍎 Canned fruit
🍲 Canned soup
🍗 Canned meats (chicken, tuna, Vienna sausage)
🍝 Boxed pasta or rice meals
📊 Classroom Competition:
Teachers will tally items brought to their classroom. The office will tally items dropped there and keep a total for each room.
Even one small donation can make a big difference. Thank you for helping our Redskin family spread kindness and generosity this holiday season!
A huge congratulations to our Pocahontas Junior High Redskins and 7th Grade Redskins — both teams finished their seasons UNDEFEATED and are CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS! 🙌🔥
We are so proud of our players, coaches, and everyone who supported them along the way. What a season to remember!
PHS Redskin Football heads to Blytheville tonight! ❤️🏈
A few reminders for fans:
🎟️ The gate is cashless — tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate using this link: https://gofan.co/app/school/AR19314
👜 Blytheville has a clear bag policy in place.
🍔 Concessions are cash only, so plan ahead!
Let’s pack the stands and show our Redskin Pride on the road!
A few reminders for fans:
🎟️ The gate is cashless — tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate using this link: https://gofan.co/app/school/AR19314
👜 Blytheville has a clear bag policy in place.
🍔 Concessions are cash only, so plan ahead!
Let’s pack the stands and show our Redskin Pride on the road!
🏈 Jr High Redskin Football at home against Blytheville tonight!
🎟️ Cash is accepted at the gate
🍔 Concession stand is up and going. Grab a Redskin Burger and a drink!
Let’s pack the stands and show our Redskin pride!
🎉 Reminder! Redskin Academy will have Fantastic Friday tomorrow (Oct. 31)!
Parents are invited to join the fun at 4:30 PM. Students will bring home a reminder note today. ❤️
Students will go to Redskin Academy as usual unless a transportation change is sent to the office.
Parents are invited to join the fun at 4:30 PM. Students will bring home a reminder note today. ❤️
Students will go to Redskin Academy as usual unless a transportation change is sent to the office.
Attention Home School & Private School parents in Pocahontas School District
Please be advised that the Special Education Department will hold a consultation meeting with parents and private school officials regarding students who meet the following criteria:
· live within district boundaries
· has or had an IEP in a public school setting
· has or had a service plan as a private school or homeschool student and
· are currently homeschooling and/or attending a private school
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 5th from 1:00 pm-1:30 pm in the administration building.
If you have questions or are interested in attending, please contact Courtney Throesch, Special Education Coordinator at (870) 892-4573 ext. 5011
Please be advised that the Special Education Department will hold a consultation meeting with parents and private school officials regarding students who meet the following criteria:
· live within district boundaries
· has or had an IEP in a public school setting
· has or had a service plan as a private school or homeschool student and
· are currently homeschooling and/or attending a private school
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 5th from 1:00 pm-1:30 pm in the administration building.
If you have questions or are interested in attending, please contact Courtney Throesch, Special Education Coordinator at (870) 892-4573 ext. 5011
Calling All Career Day Speakers!
Pocahontas Junior High is looking for community members who would like to speak at our Career Day on Thursday, November 21, from 9:00 AM–12:00 PM!
We’re seeking individuals from a variety of professions who can share their career experiences with our 7th–9th grade students. Each speaker will present for about 15–20 minutes to three rotating groups of students.
Hands-on activities, demonstrations, or visuals are encouraged — our students love to see careers in action!
If you’re interested in participating or learning more, please email Allison Swann or Bridget Phelps.
allison.swann@pocahontaspsd.com
bridget.phelps@pocahontaspsd.com
Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of leaders, innovators, and professionals!
