Stories by Mary Jordan

Springdale students build playground at shelter LITTLE FLOCK -- Kids living at a local shelter have a new playground thanks to the efforts of some Shiloh Christian School students. "It's going to change lives," said Kristopher Adams, Restoration V... May 16, 2021

Thaden School celebrates first graduating class BENTONVILLE -- Thaden School marked its first graduating class Friday with a commencement at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Twenty-eight graduates celebrated the school's milestone, said Cla... May 15, 2021

Thousands of dollars poured into Northwest Arkansas school board races The four candidates for two seats on the Fayetteville School Board have combined to spend more than $11,000 on their campaigns this spring, with the two challengers accounting for the bulk of that spe... May 15, 2021

Bentonville School District officials discuss proposed zones at community forum CENTERTON -- Bentonville's School District featured a community forum Wednesday at West High School to discuss potential new school zones. Four people attended in person and 20 attended online, said ... May 13, 2021

Fayetteville School Board candidate has a history of unpaid taxes FAYETTEVILLE -- A candidate for the School Board's at-large Position 1 seat failed to pay property taxes for four years, according to Washington County tax records. The property belonging to Elisabet... May 13, 2021

Plans commence for in-person graduations in Northwest Arkansas Northwest Arkansas' largest school districts are proceeding with plans for in-person graduation ceremonies this year, administrators said. "I am so happy that our seniors get to have an in-person cer... May 9, 2021

Walmart offers vaccine clinics at schools FARMINGTON -- Walmart is offering Northwest Arkansas schools the opportunity to have on-campus covid-19 vaccination clinics. Mallory Hudgens, Walmart representative, shared the offer with district su... May 7, 2021

Rogers teens create organization to combat e-waste ROGERS -- E-waste is a problem Jackson Guthrie and Abigail Fleming want to solve. "There are so many ways for kids to get involved with big world issues like this," said Fleming, a Rogers High School... May 3, 2021

Northwest Arkansas Community College discusses proposed budget BENTONVILLE -- Northwest Arkansas Community College is proposing a budget of about $42 million for fiscal 2021, with no plans to raise tuition or fees, administrators said. The college's trustees hel... May 1, 2021

Two compete for Fayetteville School Board seat FAYETTEVILLE -- A hair dresser is challenging the incumbent for the School Board's at-large Position 1 seat. Megan Hurley, 42, is running for her second term. She's a former public high school Englis... May 1, 2021

Haas Hall schools top rankings Northwest Arkansas is home to seven of the state's top 10 public high schools, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Haas Hall Academy led the state's high schools in the ... April 30, 2021

Rogers high school career fair emphasizes internships ROGERS -- New Technology High School on Wednesday hosted its second Careers and Internships Job Fair. All 620 students at the school attended, rotating through in groups of about 50 throughout the fi... April 29, 2021

Haas Hall repeats nabbing top spots for state schools Northwest Arkansas is home to seven of the state's top 10 public high schools, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Haas Hall Academy led the state's high schools in the ... April 28, 2021

Former teacher challenges incumbent on Fayetteville School Board FAYETTEVILLE -- A former high school teacher is challenging the incumbent for the School Board's Zone 1 seat. Nika Waitsman, 54, is seeking her second term. She's in her second year as board presiden... April 24, 2021

Fayetteville school board approves bonuses for all employees FAYETTEVILLE -- The School Board on Thursday approved bonuses for all staff members for their service during the covid-19 pandemic. The board voted 7-0 in support of the bonuses at its monthly meetin... April 23, 2021

Bentonville discusses proposed school zone adjustments BENTONVILLE -- The School Board discussed proposed zone changes Tuesday as it develops its newest elementary school. The district's 13th elementary school will be constructed on 30 acres at S.W. Barr... April 21, 2021

Fayetteville forum to educate community on candidates, engaging with school board FAYETTEVILLE -- The Northwest Arkansas branch of the NAACP will host an online forum Tuesday to encourage the community to engage with candidates in the Fayetteville School Board election. The forum ... April 19, 2021

Northwest Technical Institute plans for in-person graduation SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Technical Institute plans to have commencement after being unable to do so last year because of the covid-19 pandemic. "We're super excited," said Robin Eason, vice president ... April 16, 2021

Springdale school district changes policies on masks, specific classes SPRINGDALE -- The School Board on Tuesday unanimously approved changes to the district's face mask policy. Gov. Asa Hutchinson's statewide mask mandate expired March 31, and Springdale no longer has ... April 14, 2021

Bentonville 1st grader's letter to Old Navy garners response, gift of jeans BENTONVILLE -- Kamryn Gardner said she just wanted to be able to put her hands in her pockets to keep them warm. Being able to carry candy or money in them would be convenient, too. "If I'm hungry, ... April 12, 2021

District campaign encourages Springdale students, staff to finish strong SPRINGDALE -- The School District is working to keep students and staff motivated through the end of the school year. The Finish Strong campaign is a mixed media effort to invigorate morale and learn... April 11, 2021

Face masks still required by many Northwest Arkansas businesses Some local businesses are maintaining mask policies, regardless of city and state mandates. Gov. Asa Hutchinson's statewide mask mandate expired Wednesday, but Rogers' and Fayetteville's mayors say c... April 4, 2021

Springdale district serves largest migrant student population in the state The Springdale School District serves more migrant students than any other district in Arkansas and is working to make sure their education isn't hindered by their parents' pursuit of employment, acco... April 4, 2021

Northwest Arkansas education cooperative approves staff bonuses, extends wearing masks FARMINGTON -- The Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative board on Thursday unanimously approved a $900 bonus for staff members. About 84 employees will receive the bonus at a total cost of ... April 3, 2021

Video led to Springdale teacher's resignation SPRINGDALE -- A Central Junior High teacher resigned Wednesday in connection with a video that didn't align with district values, said Kendra Clay, general counsel. The district shared a post on its ... April 1, 2021

Police investigate death of woman SPRINGDALE -- Police are investigating the death of a woman found Friday off the Razorback Greenway. The body of an unidentified woman was discovered about 5:45 p.m. by a segment of the trail off U.S... March 29, 2021

Provider of hospice care receives $3M gift SPRINGDALE — The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has donated $3 million to hospice provider Circle of Life. Circle of Life is the largest nonprofit hospice provider in Northwest Arkansas... March 26, 2021

Foundation gives $3 million gift to Northwest Arkansas hospice provider SPRINGDALE — The Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation has donated $3 million to hospice provider Circle of Life. Circle of Life announced the gift Tuesday in a news release. Circle of Life i... March 25, 2021

Rogers students learn about the chain reaction of giving ROGERS -- Students experienced a lesson in community service Friday at Bellview Elementary School. About 300 students participated in the Domino Effect Cereal Drive Challenge in partnership with Sama... March 20, 2021

Fayetteville district set to celebrate 150 years of educating FAYETTEVILLE -- Mayor Lioneld Jordan proclaimed Thursday to be Fayetteville Public Schools' 150th birthday. Jordan read the proclamation at the district's monthly School Board meeting. The board hel... March 19, 2021

Rogers school board approves building purchase to headquarter digital learning ROGERS -- The School Board approved buying a former office building to headquarter the district's online learning programs. The board voted 7-0 to purchase 605 Dyke Road for $575,000. The location w... March 17, 2021

Rogers college readiness program helps makes higher education attainable ROGERS -- A college readiness program is showing early signs of success in helping students afford and get into their school of choice, said Carla Fontaine, academy director. Rogers Honors Academy wo... March 14, 2021

Springdale technical institute creates nonprofit foundation SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Technical Institute has established a nonprofit foundation to help pay for a proposed $10 million medical building. The Northwest Technical Institute Education Foundation is ex... March 13, 2021

Springdale school board approves next year's learning models, extending district's debt SPRINGDALE -- The School Board on Tuesday approved learning models for the 2021-22 school year. The board voted 7-0 in support of the models, which include in-person and online learning options for g... March 11, 2021

Fledgling orchestra program sets stage for Springdale district SPRINGDALE -- The orchestra program at the Tyson School of Innovation is serving as a model for the district. "Once we see what works and what doesn't work, we plan to have conversations about starti... March 8, 2021

Springdale board discusses extending millage, graduation and learning models SPRINGDALE -- The School Board on Thursday discussed the potential for extending the maturation date of the district's more than $265 million in debt. The board held a work session to discuss several... March 5, 2021

Fayetteville Hall of Honor inducts 2020 members FAYETTEVILLE -- The Fayetteville Public Education Foundation on Thursday inducted the newest members of the Hall of Honor. The 2020 inductees are J. Larry Shackelford, Washington Regional Medical Sys... March 5, 2021

Fayetteville wants seat belts on every school bus Fayetteville is the only school district in Arkansas working to make safety restraints standard on its large buses, an initiative that's cost about $160,000, said Mike McClure, transportation director... March 1, 2021

Springdale institute explores potential for $10 million medical education building SPRINGDALE -- Northwest Technical Institute officials are exploring building a $10 million medical facility on campus to address local demand for health care workers. The board Thursday held a work s... February 28, 2021

Fayetteville school board approves more than $13 million in projects FAYETTEVILLE -- The School Board on Thursday approved more than $13.8 million in building repairs and upgrades for district buildings. The board voted 6-0 in support of the work. Keaton Smith, board... February 26, 2021

Bentonville school board talks pandemic learning, graduation planning BENTONVILLE -- The School Board held a work session Tuesday to discuss student learning during the pandemic and the 2021 commencement. Leandra Cleveland, assessment and data manager director, shared ... February 24, 2021

Arkansas arts agency sponsors artist development workshops The Arkansas Arts Council is the first state agency to sponsor statewide virtual workshops to help artists develop business skills. Artist Inc. Express will be offered online March 5-7, with priority... February 22, 2021

Jackknifed semi brings Highway 340 to a halt UPDATE: All lanes of Highway 340 are now open, according to the Bella Vista Police Department. A wrecker cleared the semi from the roadway at about noon, according to the department. EARLIER: BELL... February 20, 2021

Fayetteville school district to adjust plan due to pandemic FAYETTEVILLE -- The School Board approved resetting the goals for student success in the district's strategic plan because the pandemic has limited the data collected this year. The board participate... February 20, 2021

Jackknifed semi brings Highway 340 to a halt in Bella Vista BELLA VISTA -- A jackknifed semi truck on Sunday closed all lanes of Highway 340 for more than an hour. The crash occurred at about 10:52 a.m. about one mile west of Highway 94, according to the Arkan... February 20, 2021

Bentonville School Board approves $1.5 million remodeling project BENTONVILLE -- The School Board on Tuesday approved $1.5 million in remodeling projects at Washington Junior High School. The board voted 7-0 in favor of the guaranteed maximum price for phase two of... February 17, 2021

Pact in works for school yearbook’s spread on LGBTQ ROGERS -- The Rogers High School principal said last week that he's willing to work with yearbook students on their proposal to publish content about LGBTQ+ pride after initially rejecting the idea. ... February 14, 2021

Rogers yearbook students push for publication of LGBTQ spread ROGERS -- The Rogers High School principal said this week he's willing to work with yearbook students on their proposal to publish content about LGBTQ+ pride after initially rejecting the idea. Princ... February 11, 2021