FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS : Activities bustling in shadow of millage vote

— Believe it or else. There are things happening in theFayetteville Public Schools other than the recent millage election, though they aren't getting nearly thesame amount of ink or airtime. The sun did rise last Wednesday morning, and we're still here.

Disappointed? Sure.

Disheartened? Not in the slightest!

Fayetteville is still one of the best places to live in this galaxy, and while the Fayetteville Public Schools may not be in a class by themselves, to borrow a line from Bum Phillips, it doesn't take long to call the roll in that class.

Our preparations for dealing with the flu are continuing. We greatly appreciate the hand sanitizer dispensers that were donated by Washington Regional Medical Center for every classroom in the district. All students and staff members are constantly being reminded to wash their hands, cough into their sleeves or a tissue, and to stay home if they are sick. We have seen isolated cases of influenza, and we know that more are on the way.

The district will also offer flu shots to students and staff members, beginning in late November, according to information we have received from the Arkansas Department of Health. The state of Arkansas is paying the cost for the shots, and students must have parental permission to receive the shot. Permission forms will go home with students prior to the shots being given.

We have also kicked off our 2009 United Way campaign in the district. We are longtime, very proud supporters of United Way, since we directly see the benefit our students receive from agencies funded by United Way. Now, more than ever, the United Way needs our support. The United Way of Northwest Arkansas has a great new video on its Web site that visually details just how many of us in the area are in need. Check it out at unitedwaynwa. org and fill out your pledge form today.

Vandergriff Elementary School got some great news last week when they were named one of the 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The application process for the Blue Ribbon Schools program is arduous, and the competition is stout. Congratulations to Principal Dr. Bert Stark and the great staff and students at Vandergriff for this well-deserved honor. Stark and a staff member will travel to Washington in November to receive their award and meet President Obama.

Today is also the deadline to RSVP for the 13th annual Fayetteville Schools Hall of Honor ceremonies that will be held at the Fayetteville Town Center on Thursday, Oct. 1. Dr. Mary Ann Greenwood, Greg Lee and Frank Sharp are the 2009 honorees, and I strongly encourage you to attend, particularly if you have never attended. The good will and community spirit that flow at this event each year is inspiring. You will be reminded again why you chose to live here and why Fayetteville is such a unique and wonderful city. It is not to be missed.

Yes, it can be loud and boisterous at times, but do you really want to live anywhere else?

Alan T. Wilbourn is public information officer for Fayetteville Public Schools. He can be reached at alan.[email protected].

Academics, Pages 6 on 09/22/2009

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