Our OTA students worked with the MASH program for the day. The OTA students taught the MASH students about ADLs (self care and mobility) and IADLs (living independently) with a given diagnosis. They then ended the day with a wheelchair obstacle course.
There are now more than 460,000 students enrolled in Arkansas public schools. And an additional 18,000 attend an open enrollment charter school.
School districts range in size from less than 300 students to nearly 22,000 students. Charter schools range from about 60 students to more than 3,000.
How we fund education in our ever growing schools and provide for changing needs is through a process that begins in Education Committee meetings.
The House and Senate Education Committee met this week to begin that process for the next biennium.
Arkansas schools received many different types of funding totaling nearly 5.9 billion in 2017-18. Generally speaking, about half of school district/charter school operating revenue comes from state sources, about 40% is generated locally and about 10% comes from the federal government.
Foundation Funding primarily consists of local property tax revenues and the state aid portion of foundation funding. To determine the amount of foundation funding, Arkansas uses a specific formula, known as the matrix. The matrix calculates the per-student funding based on the cost of personnel and other resources needed to operate a prototypical school of 500 students.
Legislators involved in the biennial Adequacy Study determine the resources included in each line of the matrix and the dollar amount needed to fund it.
In the most recent legislative session, we increased the per-student funding from $6,713 to $6,899 per student for the 2019-2020 school year. It increases funding to $7,018 per student the following school year.
The committee was also presented with information on student outcome measures. In 2016, the state began administering the ACT Aspire assessment. The 2018 ACT Aspire scores show a decrease in 4th grade students scoring ready or above in math and an increase in the 8th grade math scores.
Arkansas’s high school graduation rate has increased since 2011 to 88% of high school students. While the overall increase mirrors the national trend, Arkansas has consistently achieved higher 4-year graduation rates than the national rates.
The committee is scheduled to meet again on August 19. You can watch all Joint Education Committee meetings online atwww.arkleg.state.ar.us.
2019 Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference Registration
When: Thursday, July 11th, 2019, 8:30 am - 2 pm Where: Skilled Trades Building, UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832 Contact us at (501) 747-2968 or tlmays16@gmail.com
“Retooling Rural Arkansas: Getting Rural Arkansas Back into the Game”
Providing rural residents with the skills and tools needed to create and expand small businesses and engage in job creation activities are the goals of an upcoming regional business conference to be held in De Queen, Arkansas. Funded by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services (ADWS), Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), and the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA, RD), the 2019 Southwest Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference, with a theme of “Retooling Rural Arkansas: Getting Rural Arkansas Back into the Game” will bring together approximately 20 private, state, federal and nonprofit organizations with a singular mission of equipping small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and resources to start and expand their businesses.
Hosted by the AHDC, Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (APTAC), Henderson State University-Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), De Queen Chamber of Commerce, Sevier County, UA Cossatot and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the conference will be held Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm at the Skilled Trades Building, which is located on the campus of UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, AR 71832. Topics will include but are not limited to, building effective business relationships, securing the right kind of capital, how to sell goods and services to the government, and how to use the many services of the ASBTDC to develop and/or expand your business.
Join us at 8:30 am for a “Breakfast with the Lenders Roundtable,” where participants will network with local, regional and statewide lenders. Lenders invited to participate include Arkansas Capital Corporation Group, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arvest, BancorpSouth, Communities Unlimited, Diamond, First State, Farm Credit of Western Arkansas, Horatio State and Bank of Lockesburg, along with USDA, Rural Development. A breakout session devoted to SBA regulations will be led by SBA Region 6 Advocate Mr. Rhett Davis and Mr. Joe Knilans SBA Rural Affairs Advocate.
Current business owners and those just getting started, youth entrepreneurs, business and technical school students, apprentices, veterans, faith-based leaders and community and economic development professionals, are invited to attend. You will engage with other business owners, receive help with research and business planning, learn how to increase your networking results and learn to do more business with government and private industry. Mr. Edward Haddock, District Director for the Arkansas office of the SBA, will deliver the luncheon address. He will discuss the strategic focus and programs administered by the SBA as well as partnerships with other federal and private agencies.
Don’t miss the opportunity to help your community create needed JOBS by learning valuable tools to help your small business GROW! And, INNOVATE!
AN INVESTMENT OF TIME IS THE COST TO ATTEND BUT REGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED.
You may register by calling Arkansas Human Development Corporation toll free at (800) 482-7641
or (501) 374-1103, ext. 10 or online at https://bit.ly/2I2iFs7
Sevier County Arkansas Sheriff's Department Deputy Chris Wolcott was in the Ed 88 studio today to talk about Good Grid coming to Sevier County!
Keisha Pittman McKinney of the Sevier County Tourism Committee visited Friday on the Morning Show to talk about the many archeologists who are digging around Sevier County this month.Arkansas Archeological Survey Arkansas Archeological Society Lisa Taylor, Sevier County - AR - Economic Development Director
Dustin Roberts of the UA Cossatot Foundation reminded folks Friday of the upcoming Colt Bolt GLOW run 5k run on Saturday, June 22 in Lockesburg.
Arkansas Archeological Society presentation in Lockesburg Thursday evening
UA Cossatot has a Diesel Technology program at its De Queen Campus for students who would like to pursue a career as a Diesel Technician or Diesel Mechanic. This program is new to UA Cossatot and will begin this fall.
The Diesel Technology program is a one year (two-semester program) that provides training in diesel engines, brakes, electrical components, and steering and suspension. After completing the 35 credit hour program, students can graduate with a technical certificate in Diesel Technology and receive four certificates of proficiency.
After receiving the technical certificate for Diesel Technology, students can continue their education by choosing to get an associate’s degree in General Technology at UA Cossatot for more opportunities.
Mark Kutak will be the Diesel Technology program, instructor at UA Cossatot. Mr. Kutak brings years of work experience in diesel technology, including both military and civilian. Combined with his years of teaching experience at UA Cossatot, he will be prepared to deliver quality instruction to both high school students enrolled in the Secondary Career Center as well as college, post-secondary, students.
Diesel technician students in Mr. Kutak’s classes can expect quality one-on-one instruction and hands-on training with all new equipment.
The median pay in the United States for a diesel service technician and diesel mechanic is $46, 360 a year. Employment of diesel service technicians and mechanics is projected to increase due to more freight
being shipped across the country and the popularity of diesel engines being used. Starting pay can be as high as $39,000 a year or more with the opportunity to make more money with time and experience.
Scholarships are also available for students specifically in this program. To learn about financial aid opportunities at UA Cossatot, please speak with someone in financial aid at 870-584-1112.
To learn more about UA Cossatot’s Diesel Technology program or to sign up for classes, please contact Student Services in person or by calling 870-584-4471.
To learn how you can take college credit classes in high school for Diesel Technology, please contact High School Programs Director, Julie Rhodes at jrhodes@cccua.edu.
The Sevier County Quorum Court will meet at 2 pm today to hear from the legal team representing the the group that is leading an effort to establish a new hospital in the county. The meeting is open to the public, but only questions from the JP's to the lawyers will be heard. The meeting will take place in the second floor court room and will be live streamed on the Ed 88 Facebook page and on this ed88radio.com web page.
Special guest on the Thursday Ed-ition of The Morning Show was Melissa Zabecki of the Arkansas Archeological Survey. Mel talked about the AAS digs going on right now in Sevier County and invites everyone to her presentation at the historic Bank of Lockesburg / UA Cossatot gym at 6:30 Thursday night, 06/13.
Thank you for being a blood donor! The community relies on volunteer donors, like you, to provide this lifesaving resource for everyday medical needs and in times of emergency or disaster.
Plan to donate at one of these blood drives, or another location near you.
Keith Wester
Friday, June 14
Tractor Supply
708A E Collin Raye
De Queen, AR 71832
1pm - 6pm
Walmart - DeQueen Community
Saturday, June 15
926 East Collin Raye Drive
De Queen, AR 71832
2pm - 7pm
Special guest speaker Tuesday at the De Queen Lions Club Meeting was Emily White who is currently working as the District Court Judge for the 4th Congressional District in Arkansas - Hot Spring and Grant counties. Emily talked about her previous law experience as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, in the private sector, and as Deputy Executive Director in the Little Rock area.
State of Arkansas District Court Judge Emily White and De Queen Lions Club President Jeff Brown
CALLING ALL LOVERS OF ART, ARTISTS, CRAFTERS, AND MASTERS OF CREATIVITY!
Sevier County Farmers Market is joining with the Cossatot Arts and Crafts Association (CACA) this Saturday, June 15, to host our First Annual Art in the Park event near the Pavilion in Herman Dierks Park from 10-3 pm. It is FREE to both the public and the artists!
We invite everyone to come out and support the arts! Come see artists in action, view their creations, and maybe take a few pieces home with you.
The kids will enjoy seeing creations from our younger artists, Chalk the Walk, and perhaps become a walking work of art with some face painting at the CACA booth.
We invite our local and regional artists and crafters to show off your creativity in a relaxing outdoor venue. Consider your space your personal mini show! Bring your business cards, display your work, work your craft, sell your art, share your passion!
People enjoy seeing the creative process. Watching artists in action is a great way to share our love for the arts and bring a bit of culture to our community!
Artists, bring a table and chair, canopy or big umbrella, and whatever you need to get creative: Your palette, canvases, photos, tools, brushes, pencils, quilts, wood, clay, paper, embroidery...
If your craft is a more involved process such as metal forging or ceramics, bring some representational pieces to show and maybe some to sell. Perhaps a portfolio of your work.
If you would like to become more involved with your artistic community and other artists, consider joining CACA. Visit their booth at our event and their page on Facebook to learn more about this local association and how they develop artistic awareness through direct interaction with local, regional, and state artists and their craft.
You’ll also want to take a stroll through our Fresh Farmers Market under the Pavilion for some amazing snacks, baked goods, home canned preserves you will never find in a grocery store, an assortment of beautiful handmade crafts by our vendors, locally raised eggs and grass fed meat, and, of course, plenty of fresh picked , locally grown vegetables to grace your dinner table.
The Market will forego normal hours this Saturday. We will open at 7 am and vendors will remain through 3 pm or until sold out.
5th-8th grade campers show off their door prizes provided by RJ Sports
Leopard Sophmore Devin Boyles works with Keegan McCoy on tee drills.
Sixty area baseball players showed up for the 2019 Leopard Baseball Camps which were held June 5th and June 7th at Leopard Field. Campers took part in drills covering all aspects of the game and were instructed by current players and coaches of the Leopard Baseball Program.
Leopard Junior Gage Woods works with John Maturino on tee drills.
Campers cooled off by doing sliding drills on a large slip and slide.
Greetings!
I spent the first half of the week in Washington, D.C. It was a quick three days, but exciting nonetheless. One of the highlights was leading a tour of the Capitol for the De Queen Quiz Bowl Team. These students travelled to D.C. to compete in the National Quiz Bowl Championship. I could not be more proud of the team and the hard work they put into this competition. I also welcomed three new interns to my D.C. office. These interns will answer phones, lead Capitol tours and assist my staff with legislative correspondence.
While I was in Washington D.C., my heart and mind were back in Arkansas with all of those who have been affected by the record-level flooding. Because legislative business was only scheduled for three days this week, I was able to visit with local officials in impacted communities in the Fourth District. I have been impressed with the coordination between the local communities, state officials, the National Guard and the Governor's office who have utilized an all-hands-on-deck approach to flood relief. I’ve seen communities rallying together in their time of need, and that’s what makes me proud to be an Arkansan. We will emerge from this stronger than ever before.
I know many of you were evacuated, lost your homes and crops, or watched floodwaters devastate your community. I encourage you to call my main district office at (501) 609-9796 to see how I or my staff can help you.
Until next week,
Bruce Westerman
Arkansas' Fourth District
(Pictured L-R): Zebbie Launius, Sharon Shelton, Holly Jones, Angel Hamilton, Deniyah Hemphill, Ariyonna Trotter, Alicia Hale, Madison Johnson, Taneka Hamilton, and Destinee Robinson, (not pictured: Jasmine Richard)
For the first time during the 2018-2019 academic school year, UA Cossatot offered a nursing assistant training program to Ashdown High School seniors. A pinning ceremony took place at Ashdown High School on Thursday, May 16, 2019, where nine Ashdown students received a training certificate and a pin for completing the training program.
The college's Continuing Education department and Ashdown High School partnered together to offer Ashdown High School seniors the chance to receive nursing assistant training in high school, to prepare for the certified nursing assistant training exam after graduation. After passing this exam, these students can earn a license to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Students who participated in the training program received one hundred hours of training, with sixteen hours being in a clinical setting at Pleasant Manor Nursing Home in Ashdown.
The ceremony began at 6:00 PM with a welcome by Ashdown High School Superintendent, Casey Nichols. UA Cossatot's Director of Public Services and Workforce Development, Tammy Coleman gave an overview of the program and also recognized individuals who made this partnership and program possible. The students were then presented with certificates by their instructor Sharon Shelton and then received a pin from UA Cossatot's Continuing Education Coordinator, Zebbie Launius.
The nine students who completed the nursing assistant training program included Alicia Hale, Angel Hamilton, Ta'Neka Hamilton, Deniyah Hemphill, Madison Johnson, Holly Jones, Jasmine Richard, Destinee Robinson, and Ariyonna Trotter.
Ashdown High School is the first high school to partner with UA Cossatot to offer a nursing assistant training program to high school seniors. The college does plan to partner with other area high schools in the future to provide this opportunity to more seniors in high school.
Job prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants are bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for Certified Nursing Assistants will rise at a rate of eleven percent through 2026, which is much faster than the average job growth. As the population ages, demand for round-the-clock nursing services will continue to be needed.
To learn more about nursing assistant training programs through UA Cossatot, please speak with someone in Continuing Education at UA Cossatot at 870-584-4471.
UA Cossatot broke a record at its spring graduation ceremony in Lockesburg on May 11, 2019. The Office of the Registrar at UA Cossatot announces that the college’s spring 2019 semester hit its highest record of graduates and awards in the college’s history.
This spring semester, UA Cossatot had 241 students graduate with 332 awards. These awards include associate degrees, technical certificates, and certificates of proficiency. UA Cossatot’s 2018-2019 school year has also seen more graduates across an academic school year than ever before. The academic school year will end in August and as of June 2019, the total number of credentials awarded to graduates stands at 724.
UA Cossatot’s Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole said, “We are proud to have the third highest graduation rate in Arkansas, but for us to increase our number of credentials awarded by 58% in just four years, that is just great students coupled with great employees all working towards one goal. In Governor Hutchinson’s Closing the Gap Educational Plan, it mentions wanting to increase credentials by 40% by the year 2020. We certainly wanted to do our part…and we did, and then some. These record numbers also mean that when students come to UA Cossatot, they are more likely to graduate on time, and with one or more certificates or certifications.”
UA Cossatot offers many certificates and degrees to help people achieve their educational goals and find employment. Associate-level degrees offered at UA Cossatot involve two years of study (60-65 credit hours) and are intended to provide graduates the ability to go straight to work in their chosen field or prepare students for junior and senior level courses at a four-year institution. Technical certificates and certificates of proficiency also prepare students for careers. Technical certificates generally take less than two years to complete, and certificates of proficiency take one to two semesters and assist students in acquiring or improving work based skills.
Since August of 2018, 167 students have graduated with an Associate’s degree, 269 students have graduated with a technical certificate, and 288 students have graduated with a certificate of proficiency. The college has also awarded 4,458 certificates and degrees to UA Cossatot students over the past ten years.
Check out the SW AR Tourism Attractions Page here on the Ed 88 Website. Southwest Arkansas has a lot to offer!
LITTLE ROCK, AR (June 5, 2019) – Summertime is fun time in Arkansas, and our state is open for business and waiting to welcome you to The Natural State.
From our majestic mountains to our sparkling blue recreational waters, Arkansas is ready to help families make new vacation memories.
“The flooding in our state has been challenging for those impacted,” said Jim Shamburger, chairman of the State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. “However, it is isolated and confined to areas along the Arkansas River. The rest of the state is in great shape and our interstate system, including Interstates 30 and 40, are clear for travel.”
Only Pinnacle Mountain State Park in central Arkansas is currently closed.
Arkansas public and private lodging accommodations, federal recreation areas, and outdoor sporting venues are open and ready for your business.
“No matter the activity – water sports, fishing, biking or road trips – our tourism industry is ready to make this a summer to remember with the outstanding hospitality for which Arkansas is known,” Shamburger said.
Tourism is the second largest industry in Arkansas with an annual economic impact of approximately $7.5 billion and employing more than 116,000 Arkansans.
For more information, go to Arkansas.com andArkansasStateParks.com.
