UA Cossatot Adult Education Honors Spring GED® Graduates

UA Cossatot’s Adult Education students have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic like all public schools. During this time, students are not able to complete their GED® testing requirements to earn their high school equivalency diploma. Some students were only one test away from earning their credential. Nine students, however, did finish all of their test requirements and have earned their diploma.

Students who have passed their GED® tests and earned their diploma this spring semester include: Andrew Shelton, Gillham; Keith Perkins, Murfreesboro; Jeffery Scott Kimmel, Gillham; Dalton Saxour, De Queen; Brittany Kaylor, Murfreesboro; James Sellers, Gillham; Hector Barreto, De Queen; Brandon Gonzalez, Murfreesboro; and Memphis Jackson, Murfreesboro.

Adult Education offers many services other than GED® test preparation. Services offered include literacy, basic skills remediation, English as a Second Language, citizenship, digital literacy, employability skills, financial literacy, Accelerating Opportunities, and college preparation.

“Adult Education is a valuable part of community services,” says Jennifer Black, Director. “We help individuals to make a positive impact on their life. Students often come to adult education to earn their diploma to get a job, earn a job promotion, or go to college. It is so rewarding to be a part of students’ successes. They are often so grateful when they accomplish their goals, and that is what we are here to do, help each one succeed!”

For more information, please call UA Cossatot’s Adult Education department at 870-584-1467 or 870-584-1114.

Cossatot Community College

The Adult Education Department of Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas is committed in providing students with an opportunity to reach their educational goals and instilling in each student a dedication of "Learning for Life". If you need a copy of your GED transcript, please click on the the link below: Call 870-584-1114 and ask for Jennifer Black or Cathy Billingsley.

From the Superintendent of De Queen Public Schools

Below are several important updates from De Queen Public Schools:

Grab and Go Meal Program Ending
De Queen School District will regretfully cancel the Grab and Go Meal Program after Friday April 10th. The rise of positive Covid-19 cases in our county along with our concern for the health of our students, employees, and their families has caused us to make this difficult decision. The district is currently working with community stakeholders to create options of serving students and families who need assistance with meal services. Any family needing assistance is encourage to contact the De Queen School District Administration Office by phone at 870-584-4312 or by email at jsanders@dequeenleopards.org.

AMI Information
Under the direction of Governor Asa Hutchinson, all schools in the state will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year to in-school instruction. Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) will continue until Friday, May 8th, 2020. Teachers will continue to provide AMI packets which can be picked up in front of each school or found on the school’s website. Starting Monday, April 13th, there will be containers placed in front of each school for completed AMI work that needs to be turned in. AMI work should be focused on core subject areas and curriculum that has already been taught. We ask our students, staff, parents and community to continue the excellence you have displayed in the previous weeks of AMI and for students and parents to contact teachers if there are any questions or concerns.

Graduation
Graduation for the Class of 2020 has been postponed until a later date. There has been no date set as of yet and we will proceed with large public events at the direction of the AR Department of Health. We are committed to honoring our seniors and are looking at a possible summer commencement ceremony as well as other options.

AAA Dead Period
We remind the community that the Arkansas Activities Association has extended the “Covid-19 Dead Period for all AAA member schools through May 30, 2020. During this time all school athletic facilities will be closed. This includes the track, football field, practice fields, etc.

School Office Hours
Beginning Monday, April 13th, the administration office and school offices will move to a summer working schedule. Office hours will be Monday through Thursday from 8am to 3pm. We understand that many of our community members and stakeholders may need to contact the school to acquire information and conduct business. The district offices will be staffed in compliance with social distancing guidelines and directives by the Governor and the Department of Health regarding work requirements. For everyone’s safety, we ask the public to reach us by phone.
Administration Office: 870-584-4312 De Queen Primary: 870-642-3100
De Queen Elementary: 870-584-4311 De Queen Middle School: 870-642-2428
De Queen Junior High 870-642-3077 De Queen High School: 870-642-2426

Samaritan Fields is Taking Shape in De Queen

For the complete story, visit:

https://www.dequeenbee.com

Samaritan Fields is taking shape east of the Sportsplex

A decade long dream of two De Queen men is coming ever closer to fruition. Samaritan Fields is taking shape on the north side of Collin Raye Drive, just east of the Sportsplex. De Queen High School alums Esteban Ochoa and Franklin Bahena have worked for years to create a local soccer facility.

UA Cossatot Alumnus Finds Rewarding Career in Education

Victor Rojas was raised and currently resides in De Queen, Arkansas. After graduating from De Queen High School in 2014, Victor became an education major at UA Cossatot. Today, Victor works for the Texarkana Independent School District as a teacher at Westlawn Elementary and credits UA Cossatot as being a big part of his journey.

In high school, Victor took college credit classes and decided to pursue a degree in education at UA Cossatot.

Victor said, "I chose to attend UA Cossatot because of affordability and location. My experience at UAC was overwhelmingly positive. UA Cossatot gave me, a first-generation college student, a first-rate education for which I am immensely grateful. My instructors were there to help when I needed it, and our Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, was – and still is- approachable and resourceful."

For two years, Victor took classes at the UA Cossatot De Queen Campus and online. In 2016, he graduated from UA Cossatot with an Associate of Science in Education K-6 degree.

Shortly after graduating, Victor was accepted into Southern Arkansas University's off-campus teacher education program. This program allowed him to stay in his hometown and work at his former high school as a substitute teacher and as a paraprofessional for the high school's alternative learning environment.

Victor graduated from SAU with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree, graduating magna cum laude, in May of 2018. In addition to being licensed in the area of elementary education, he also received authorization by the state of Arkansas to teach middle school social studies and 4th-12th grade business technology classes.

In the fall of 2018, Victor began teaching Adult Education courses at UA Cossatot. For a full year, Victor taught beginning ESL and Citizenship 101 classes. In 2020, Victor returned to UA Cossatot to teach Citizenship 101, which prepares adult learners for the U.S. Naturalization exam.

Teaching this course is a rewarding experience for Victor. Victor Rojas said, "As the son of naturalized U.S. citizens, teaching this class is a special and meaningful way for me to help others.”

Since August of 2019, Mr. Rojas has worked for Westlawn Elementary in Texarkana, where he teaches 4th-grade math and science. Victor says that he enjoys preparing students for middle school and teaching them certain leadership habits – such as being proactive and synergizing. He also says his favorite part about being a teacher is forming relationships in the classroom.

Victor is currently considering attending the University of Arkansas School of Law this fall. He was recently granted admission, and he has a desire to further his education. He also plans to teach upper-level courses in the future.

Victor enjoys helping others learn, encouraging his students to reach their goals, and is very proud of his sister, America Rojas, who is a UA Cossatot Student Ambassador. He also urges those pursuing higher education to consider UA Cossatot.

"UA Cossatot is a great place to get a top-notch education. It is welcoming, affordable, and you will find support i

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Thursday (04.09.20) 1:30PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, will provide an update to media this afternoon, Thursday, April 9, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. (Press play button above.)

Sevier & Howard Counties Cooperative Extension Services Still on the Job

In Sevier and Howard County, the Cooperative Extension Service is still on the job
Fast Facts:
Agents with the Cooperative Extension Service continue to serve Arkansans during pandemic
Agents available through phone, email and Internet communication platforms
Many resources available online for farms, families and communities at www.uaex.edu and www.uaex.edu/covid19

De Queen, Ark. — The Cooperative Extension Service has been serving the people of Arkansas, from agricultural communities in rural areas to school children in the cities, for more than 100 years, through good times and bad. Our current era, in which we all face serious health risks from the COVID-19 virus, is no different.
Minimizing the effects of this virus, which is unusually contagious and particularly lethal to members of our community who are elderly or immunosuppressed, depends largely on “social distancing” and otherwise limiting close contact. But that doesn’t mean we, as cooperative extension employees, aren’t still here to support our communities in all the ways we always have been.
Whether your needs are agricultural, financial, dietary or educational, our office staff are still here to offer the best in unbiased, research-based knowledge. We are still fundamentally engaged in supporting community and economic development, helping farmers make the best choices for their crops and helping families make the best use of their resources.
Our staff are as available and ready to work as they’ve always been. Our office is still open, just come to the side door and knock or call. While public health recommendations may limit in-person contact, we are also increasingly available through online venues, including webinars and internet-based teleconferencing. And of course, we’re still ready to answer questions and make recommendations by phone.
If you haven’t visited our website in a while, we recommend you take a look. Whether you need to locate your local agent, download one of our invaluable publications, or read the latest in agricultural reporting, www.uaex.edu is a vast resource for Arkansans. We also have a wealth of resources related to coping with COVID-19 at www.uaex.edu/covid19.
The bottom line is, we’re still on the job. And we want to help you be, too.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact the Sevier County Cooperative Extension Service office at (870) 584-3013 or Howard County Extension Office at 870-845-7517. Visit the website www.uaex.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Protect you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak by practicing proper hand washing techniques. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

De Queen Valedictorian Luis Verdin-Gomez Awarded $69,000 in Grants and Scholarships

2020 De Queen Valedictorian Luis Verdin-Gomez has been awarded approximately $69,000 renewable grants and scholarships at Rice University.

Luis is the son of Florencio and Maria Verdin. He will attend Rice University in the fall and double major in math and statistics.

Luis is a member of gifted and talented, history bowl, science bowl and quiz bowl. His educational accomplishments include graduating as the 2020 DHS Valedictorian as well as earning a 35 on the ACT (Superscore of 36).

Amber Morris Awarded Arkansas Tech Academic and State Fair Premium Scholarships

Amber Morris, daughter of Ronald and Kimberly Morris, has been awarded an Arkansas Tech Academic Scholarship valued at $4,000. She has also been awarded a $750 State Fair Premium Scholarship.

Amber is a 2020 De Queen High School senior. She is a member of 4-H and FFA and is involved in archery and trap shooting.

Amber will attend Arkansas Tech University and major in Agricultural Education.

Jalissa Crow Awarded the Arkansas Tech Leadership Scholarship

De Queen senior Jalissa Crow has been awarded the Arkansas Tech Leadership Scholarship valued at $8000. Jalissa plans are to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.
She is the daughter of Ricardo and Tevita Martinez.

Jalissa is a member of FCCLA, FBLA, FCS, Leopard Vision, President of Arkansas Hispanic Youth Leaders of Arkansas. She is also a member of the Lady Leopard Soccer team.

Governor Hutchinson Delivers State of the State Address to the 92nd General Assembly

“We will do all that is necessary to protect life and to come out of this pandemic with our face looking into the bright days of our future.”

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today delivered his State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor delivered the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House watched the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center. 

In his speech, the Governor addressed the importance of state resources to assist the people of Arkansas in the wake of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Governor also reaffirmed his belief in the historical resilience of Arkansans and committed to stand in the gap for Arkansans who have great need in this difficult time. 

“We have learned through this public health emergency about how fragile life can be, but we have also seen courage and compassion of Arkansans in action,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Our nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and EMTs are on the front lines, risking their lives every day. … We see neighbors checking on neighbors, making grocery runs for those who can’t leave their house. Truckers are driving long hours to ensure the supply chain isn’t broken. Others are providing meals on the road so cross-country drivers can have an option to eat. Cafeteria workers are making sandwiches for the kids who count on school meals, and bus drivers are taking the meals to them.

“We may make mistakes, but make no mistake – our eyes are fixed on our next opportunity, our next challenge, and our next future victories. We will do what Americans and Arkansans have always done. We will be strong, and we will prevail.”

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Wednesday (04.08.20) 1:30PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson will deliver the State of the State address to the 92nd General Assembly ahead of the fiscal session on Wednesday. In order to allow room for sufficient social distancing, the Governor will deliver the State of the State address from the Senate Chamber in the State Capitol. Members of the House will watch the address virtually from their assembly at the Jack Stephens Center. (Press play button above.)

Little River 4-H Annual Rabies Clinic will be a Drive Through Clinic

De Queen School District Canceling Grab and Go Meals

De Queen School district will regretfully cancel the grab and go meal program after this Friday April 10th. The rise of positive covid 19 cases in our county along with our concern for the health of our employees and their families has caused us to make this difficult decision. The district is looking into a possible food backpack program for those families with the most need. Please contact the District Administration office if you are interested in the backpack program.

Report: COVID-19’s Impact on Arkansas Economy includes Ag Labor, Supply Chain Disruptions

As Arkansas grapples with the impacts of #COVID19, our Division of Agriculture economists are #StillOnTheJob breaking down how agriculture, government, and tourism are being affected in Arkansas throughout this crisis. The first impact report of our economy’s vital sectors has been released. Learn about the report: https://bit.ly/Ark-CV-Impact1. (Click on link below)

Report: COVID-19's impact on Arkansas economy includes ag labor, supply chain disruptions

April 7, 2020 By Mary HightowerU of A System Division of Agriculture Fast facts: Both functional food supply chains, Arkansas ag are essential to the state Risk, uncertainty in agriculture are greatly increased by COVID-19 CARES Act may give short-term relief amid losses of local tax revenue In a recession, consumers expected to migrate to less expensive proteins Crop outlook mixed Report available: https://www.uaex.edu/COVID-Ark-Economy (1,038 words)(Download this story in MS Word format here.)(Newsrooms: With additional accompanying graphics at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmMrft75) FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Tuesday (04.07.20) 1:30PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, will provide an update to media this afternoon, Tuesday, April 7, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. Press play button above.

COVID-19: A Census Call to Action

Virus reaffirms need for accurate and representative count in Arkansas

By Kara Wilkins

In the last few weeks, Americans have experienced unprecedented change in their daily lives. For some of us, this rapid shift in routine and lack of contact with our family, friends and colleagues has left us feeling discombobulated and, in certain cases, helpless. Many of us have expressed a desire to help those in need—even if it’s a small act from the comfort of our homes. During this time of anxiety for our state, and our nation, there is one thing we can all do to support our neighbors: complete the 2020 U.S. Census.

Right now, we are seeing our state grapple with the rapid spread of COVID-19. Under the strong leadership of Governor Asa Hutchinson and other elected officials, Arkansas has implemented extraordinary measures to help residents, companies, nonprofits and other organizations weather this national emergency. The state has expedited unemployment benefits, freed up working capital to provide small businesses with bridge loans and suspended SNAP work requirements to get food into the hands of the hungry. These actions, among the many others Arkansas has taken, will help many survive in a time of uncertainty. But they will require significant, and sustained, financial resources.

COVID-19 or not, Arkansas depends on funding from the federal government to succeed. That’s why participation in the U.S. Census is of upmost importance. The information gathered in the census determines the amount of funding we receive for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other essential services. Without these federal dollars, our state would not have the resources it needs to operate efficiently, in the height of crises or during times of normalcy. Even a one percent undercount of our state’s population, or approximately 30,000 people, could result in a loss of nearly $1 billion in funding.

To date, 140 million American households have received their first invitations in the mail to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. While we are all at home over the next few weeks, we should visit My2020Census.Gov to complete these forms. Once we’re done, I challenge all of us to tell 20 friends, family members and fellow Arkansans to do it, too. With only 10 questions, it is simple and quick. And, in a time when we’re all practicing social distancing, it requires no human-to-human interaction. In fact, as the U.S. Census Bureau recently noted, “It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker.”

COVID-19 may have temporarily limited our abilities to go about our daily lives. But we cannot allow it to stunt our state’s participation in the 2020 U.S. Census. Now more than ever, this virus reminds us of how important it is to ensure an accurate and representative count. By answering a few simple questions, we can help Arkansas receive the federal funding it needs to thrive, now and in the future.

Census 2020

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Governor Asa Hutchinson Announces All Schools To Remain Closed for Remainder of Academic Year

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has extended the mandatory closure of all Arkansas public schools through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, he announced at a news conference today. Arkansas educators will continue to provide alternative methods of instruction (AMI) for students to continue learning at home.

“The continued spread of COVID-19 throughout the nation does not give me confidence that our educators, parents, and, most importantly, our students would be safe if schools were to resume on-site instruction in April,” Governor Hutchinson said. “Although on-site instruction has been discontinued until the 2020-2021 school year, it is critical that our students continue to learn at home.”

Governor Hutchinson made the decision to extend his directive for school closures in consultation with Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Secretary Johnny Key and on the recommendation of Dr. Nathaniel Smith, secretary of the Department of Health (ADH).

“ADE is working closely with Arkansas educators, including members of local school boards, administrators, and teachers, to ensure that school districts have adequate support to continue AMI delivery through the remainder of the school year,” Secretary Key said.

Arkansas PBS will continue to broadcast streamlined, curriculum-based programming for the state’s pre-K through 8th grade students in partnership with ADE Division of Elementary and Secondary Education through May 1, 2020. After May 1, districts using Arkansas AMI resources will continue to provide education through their local AMI plans until the end of the academic year.

School districts may continue child nutrition services through meal delivery or meals-to-go methods in congruence with the ADH and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for precautionary measures, hand washing, and social distancing.

LIVE VIDEO: Governor Hutchinson Provides COVID-19 Update to Media Monday (04.06.20) 1:30PM

Governor Asa Hutchinson and Dr. Nathaniel Smith, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Health, will provide an update to media this afternoon, Monday, April 6, regarding Arkansas’s COVID-19 response. Governor Hutchinson will provide a COVID-19 update on live video at 1:30 Monday afternoon, 04/06. Press play button above.

Domtar News Release 04.06.20

Advisory for Travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Orleans and All International Locations

The Arkansas Department of Health has recommended Self Home Quarantine for 14 days for all travelers from the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as those returning from New Orleans and all international locations. This is due to high rates of COVID-19 in those places as well as in a growing number of international locations. In the interest of the public health, all travelers who return from one of these locations are advised to quarantine at home for 14 days, starting from the date they left that location. If you develop fever, cough, or other symptom of COVID-19, you should contact your doctor for advice on where to be evaluated.

You can find details of home quarantine here: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/covid-19-guidance-for-self-home-quarantine

Arkansas Department of Health

We want to keep you informed regarding the novel coronavirus and inform you about how to self home quarantine. If you have had close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 or traveled from New York state or any international location within the last 14 days, your medical provider will recommend that you home quarantine.

Briefly, home quarantine includes these steps:
* Remain at home and avoid all public activities. This means do not go to work, church, school, stores (including grocery stores), nor any public events or places.
* Do not have visitors in your home.
* If you live in a home with other people, stay in a separate room. If that is not possible, wear a face mask when you are in the same room and stay at least 6 feet away from them.
* Wash your hands and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Do not share personal items such as dishes, cups, forks, spoons, towels, etc.
* Do not leave your home except to get medical care. If you need to see a doctor for reasons other than a medical emergency, please call your medical provider to discuss the care you need.
* In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. Tell them that you are in self home quarantine for novel coronavirus exposure. Keep a face mask on until a health care provider asks you to remove it.
* Do not use any public transportation (buses, taxis, ride share services, or airplane).
* Check yourself for fever twice a day. This means taking your temperature in the morning and before bed at night. Write it down in a log or piece of paper.

For other COVID-19 questions, visit https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programsservices/topics/novel-coronavirus .

Arkansas Department of Health

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.