The Dardanelle School District’s 2019-2020 school year has ended, and those of us at the central office want to commend the community for working together during what some would say has been the most challenging time in our lives. Even though this has been difficult, it is obvious that everyone in Dardanelle can do hard things. In fact, we can do them to meet and to exceed expectations.

We, as a community, have taken our circumstances and forged some of the most unique and enjoyable experiences, one of which was celebrating our high school seniors through a graduation parade. While we were not able to perform our usual graduation ceremony, the Dardanelle community in the form of students, parents, school board members, school staff, local officials, businesses, and loved ones came together to provide a fun-filled day and what we hope is a new tradition for our future graduating seniors.

When speaking of exceeding expectations, it is also important to recognize our dedicated staff. In mere hours, Dardanelle educators developed a paper and digital curriculum that was differentiated to meet the needs of students while continuing to stay in constant contact with their students over an entire nine weeks period. Our maintenance and transportation department bolted into action and began sanitizing our buildings and buses to ensure that
essential workers and volunteers were safe at school. The child nutrition staff and delivery volunteers did not miss a beat and continued (and will continue through June) to serve breakfast and lunch to students of Yell County. It is safe to say that these are just a few of the countless acts of leadership from the school community, and we believe that these are reasons why Dardanelle is the best and will continue to be the best.

With all this being said, we know that everyone is anxious about what the fall may bring; however, please know that we are diligently working on a re-entry plan for the 2020-2021 school year that will be safe and will focus on traditional face-to-face learning while incorporating blended learning opportunities. This information will become available at some point in July as we are waiting on guidance from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Governor of Arkansas to fully complete our plans. Please, do not fear as we strive to do what is best for ALL students.

In closing, we wish everyone a relaxing and healthy summer. Please take this time to reflect on the good in our lives and to think of those who need healing. If you can, help others in the community or simply lend an encouraging word. As always, if you need anything, please call us at 479.229.4111.

Dardanelle strong,
Central Office Staff

To ensure students continue to receive healthy meals during the summer, the Dardanelle School District will extend serving meals May 27th through June 30th. Meals are free to all children 18 and under. The meals can be picked at Dardanelle High School via a drive-thru service from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Dardanelle School District is now providing filtered internet access through outdoor Wifi to students and community members. The outdoor Wifi system is up and running in the back Dardanelle High School parking lots.

To connect to the Wifi, you will need to join the “Dardanelle Open” SSID. No password is required.

Please remember to practice social distancing while accessing the WiFi.

Governor Hutchinson announced that Arkansas schools will remain closed for onsite instruction for the remainder of the school year, and AMI work will continue. Students should have work through April 17th. Each principal will have more information regarding additional AMI material in the coming days.

To contact your principal please call or email:
Primary 479-229-4185 or email: sa.jernigan@dardanellelizards.com
Intermediate 479-229-3707 or email: josh.bright@dardanellelizards.com
Middle School 479-229-4550 or email jd.keeling@dardanellelizards.com
High School 479-229-4655 or email: jamie.burris@dardanellelizards.com

MEAL SERVICES: As of April 1, 2020, the district will offer on-site breakfast and lunch meals on a drive through basis only. This will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Dardanelle High School. Meals are available for children ages 1-18 at no cost and children do not have to be students in the Dardanelle School District. In the best interests of students, staff and community, the district will no longer be delivering meals via buses. If you have a need or concern, please do not hesitate to call your child's school or our central office at 479-229-4111.

CORONAVIRUS SAFETY GUIDELINES: Please take steps to protect yourself.
The ADH recommends:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Practice social distancing. Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your health care provider. Your physician will decide if testing is necessary based on your symptoms and known exposures.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.

Thank you for taking the time to complete our DIS School Climate Survey! We want to continually improve, so the information you have provided is greatly appreciated and important.