M.D. Williams Middle School

February Parental Involvement Newsletter

Redskin Academy Calendar🗓️

Our second-quarter academic awards have been rescheduled for Friday, February 6th, at the following times. 6th Grade----8:30 am 5th Grade----9:30 am 4th Grade---10:15 am

🎉 National School Counseling Week 🎉 This week, we’re celebrating the incredible school counselors who support our students every single day — academically, socially, and emotionally. Please join us in thanking Bridget Phelps, Cynthia Oaks, Kalob Welch, Lindsay Stewart, and Charla Jones for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping our students succeed.

Good news! Our maintenance and custodial crews have worked diligently to clear ice from roofs, overhangs, parking lots, and walkways. The campus is safe and ready to welcome students back. School will be in session tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3. We are incredibly grateful to our maintenance and custodial team for their dedication and hard work in ensuring our buildings are safe for students and staff. Their commitment to our school community does not go unnoticed. We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

While travel conditions have improved, ice remains on parts of our parking lots and school buildings, including roofs and overhangs. With temperatures expected to rise tomorrow, falling ice poses a risk to students and staff during arrival, dismissal, and outdoor transitions. Out of an abundance of caution, school will be closed tomorrow while custodial & maintenance crews continue to address these conditions. Student safety is always our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding as we take the necessary steps to ensure a safe return.

Pocahontas School District will be closed on Friday, January 30. Friday’s Highland basketball games and Saturday’s Brookland games have been postponed, as well. Updates will be shared when available.

❄️ School is out, Redskins! ❄️ Stay safe and warm. K–12 learning ideas: read, write, solve problems, and explore.

Pocahontas School District will be closed on Thursday, January 29 due to road conditions.

Pocahontas School District will be closed on Wednesday, January 28 due to road conditions.

Pocahontas School District will be closed on Tuesday, January 27 due to road conditions.

Pocahontas School District will be closed on Monday, January 26 due to road conditions.

❄️ Warming Center Locations & Information ❄️

For those needing a warm place during this time, the following warming centers are available:

📍 Pocahontas
Location: Community Center
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Need a ride?
📞 870-892-1171
📞 870-892-3295

📍 Ravenden, Maynard & O’Kean
Location: Fire Departments

📍 Biggers Reyno
Location: Community Center

Please share this information with anyone who may need it. Stay safe and stay warm. ❤️

Our second-quarter academic awards will be on Friday, January 30th, at the following times.

6th Grade----8:30 am
5th Grade----9:30 am
4th Grade---10:15 am

📊📚 Understanding i-Ready Assessments 📚📊
Pocahontas School District uses i-Ready to better understand where each student is academically and to support their individual growth in math and reading.

Our goal is simple: help every student grow, gain confidence, and reach their full potential.
📌 Please review the graphic for more details, including home access and contact information if you have questions.

❄️ Winter Weather Planning Information ❄️

As we enter the winter weather season, Pocahontas School District wants to share how weather-related decisions are made and how families will receive important updates.

🌨 How decisions are made
District leaders closely monitor weather forecasts, road conditions, and guidance from local and state officials to determine the safest plan for students and staff.

⏰ When decisions are shared
Whenever possible, decisions regarding delays, early dismissals, or school closures will be communicated as early as conditions allow.

📢 Where updates will be posted
All official updates will be shared through:
• District social media outlets
• District website
• Text alert system
• School app
• Local media (including K8 and other outlets)

Please ensure your contact information is up to date with your child’s building office and that you have downloaded the school app by searching “Pocahontas Public Schools, AR” in your Apple or Android app store.

At this time, no schedule changes are being made, except that Friday’s basketball games have been moved to Thursday. We encourage families to stay informed, as winter weather conditions may change.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

Don't forget that we are out of school tomorrow (1-19-26) for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

📣❄️Little Redskin Winter Jam Cheer Clinic❄️📣

It’s about more than a meal.🥗 Our M.D. Williams cafeteria staff go above and beyond to care for our students each and every day. From nutritious options to thoughtful touches like positive messages on salads, they help create a school environment where students feel encouraged and supported. We are grateful for the heart they bring to our school community.❤️