Blytheville Parents and Community Letter
State of the District
April 2026
Greetings from Superintendent Hopkins,
We are in the middle of state testing in the Blytheville School District. Across all campuses, our scholars are working hard to achieve proficient and advanced levels. We are thinking good thoughts and praying that their brilliance shows up on the end-of-course tests.
When visiting campuses, please be mindful of the testing environment as well as demonstrating respect for our learning space. This is the time of the year that we are planning for a successful end by creating interdisciplinary projects that are designed to engage students. The last day of learning is the last day of school. Students need to enter buildings and classrooms with the mindset that they are there to learn. Parents, please help us message to children that the expectations are the same: learning is paramount!
End of the year activities are in full swing at all campuses. Please like and follow the school pages for your scholar and read the newsletter published by each campus to stay informed of the activity schedule. For example: BHS Prom will take place this weekend, April 25, 2026 at the ANC Ballroom. Festivities will begin at 7 pm. We don’t want any student to miss out.
Students get excited around this time of the year. Message to them that behavior expectations are still enforced on all campuses. We also understand that getting calls concerning your child may slightly increase. We understand your frustration, as partners in the success of our students we need your support. Please make sure you are treating staff with respect, including following the visitor protocols of the district.
Parents, please let your child(ren) know that if there are behavioral issues, consequences can follow them into next school year.
We have been highlighting course choice on our website and social media. Please reach out to your child’s school counselor to learn more.
Middle & High School Students:
“The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has launched the Course Choice program for the 2026–2027 school year, allowing students in grades 6–12 to take courses not offered by their resident school, with a special focus on expanding options for schools rated "D" or "F". The program offers personalized learning pathways in preparation for enrollment, employment, or enlistment.” The Course Choice Enrollment window is open until August 31st. There are some restrictions:
The course prerequisites must be completed before registration.
The academic calendar may look different by each provider. You must follow the academic calendar of that provider.
Transportation is not funded for non-virtual courses. Travel time must also be taken into consideration. Most courses are virtual. Students are challenged to be organized and self-sufficient to successfully excel in that setting.
There may be unavoidable scheduling conflicts with the local school’s master schedule. Class times can not be adjusted on either end. Class policies are determined by the provider.
Grades are submitted by the provider and not under the supervision of the local school.
The Course Choice Catalog: Course Catalog
ON THE MOVE:
5th grade is moving to Blytheville Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year.
Third Grade:
Parents, once we receive the scores from Atlas, we will be having parent-school conferences to discuss your child’s path forward, regardless of their school. We expect all students to grow but the growth may not move their level. Our goal is to support students with high-impact support until the end of the year and through Summer school. Students that did not move to level 2 will be required to attend Summer school to move to the next grade level. They will retake the assessment before June 30, 2026.
We are considering uniforms for next year for all three campuses. Be on the lookout for that communication this Summer.
We have implemented a clear book bag policy for the district next school year. It is currently required at BHS. When you buy supplies for next school year, remember to purchase a couple of clear book bags.
Important Information & Upcoming Dates:
The BSD attendance goal is 95%. We need Every Student, All Day, Everyday!
High School: Seat-time Law state that you should be in class 350 of the 360 minutes of your school day, including limiting tardies. This is a graduation requirement. Be in Class On-time, All the Time!
Snow Make-Up Days: March 20, 2026 and June 3-5, 2026 (Tentative: more days may be added)
The last day of school for students is June 5, 2026.
Parents and Guardians: Please update your home address, email, and phone number with your child(ren)’s school. Custodial parents are the first contact.
Stay in the know: Follow Blytheville School District (BSD, BES, BMS, BHS) on FaceBook and bookmark the website.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Hopkins, Superintendent
Blytheville School District
State of the District
April 2026
Greetings from Superintendent Hopkins,
We are in the middle of state testing in the Blytheville School District. Across all campuses, our scholars are working hard to achieve proficient and advanced levels. We are thinking good thoughts and praying that their brilliance shows up on the end-of-course tests.
When visiting campuses, please be mindful of the testing environment as well as demonstrating respect for our learning space. This is the time of the year that we are planning for a successful end by creating interdisciplinary projects that are designed to engage students. The last day of learning is the last day of school. Students need to enter buildings and classrooms with the mindset that they are there to learn. Parents, please help us message to children that the expectations are the same: learning is paramount!
End of the year activities are in full swing at all campuses. Please like and follow the school pages for your scholar and read the newsletter published by each campus to stay informed of the activity schedule. For example: BHS Prom will take place this weekend, April 25, 2026 at the ANC Ballroom. Festivities will begin at 7 pm. We don’t want any student to miss out.
Students get excited around this time of the year. Message to them that behavior expectations are still enforced on all campuses. We also understand that getting calls concerning your child may slightly increase. We understand your frustration, as partners in the success of our students we need your support. Please make sure you are treating staff with respect, including following the visitor protocols of the district.
Parents, please let your child(ren) know that if there are behavioral issues, consequences can follow them into next school year.
We have been highlighting course choice on our website and social media. Please reach out to your child’s school counselor to learn more.
Middle & High School Students:
“The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has launched the Course Choice program for the 2026–2027 school year, allowing students in grades 6–12 to take courses not offered by their resident school, with a special focus on expanding options for schools rated "D" or "F". The program offers personalized learning pathways in preparation for enrollment, employment, or enlistment.” The Course Choice Enrollment window is open until August 31st. There are some restrictions:
The course prerequisites must be completed before registration.
The academic calendar may look different by each provider. You must follow the academic calendar of that provider.
Transportation is not funded for non-virtual courses. Travel time must also be taken into consideration. Most courses are virtual. Students are challenged to be organized and self-sufficient to successfully excel in that setting.
There may be unavoidable scheduling conflicts with the local school’s master schedule. Class times can not be adjusted on either end. Class policies are determined by the provider.
Grades are submitted by the provider and not under the supervision of the local school.
The Course Choice Catalog: Course Catalog
ON THE MOVE:
5th grade is moving to Blytheville Elementary School for the 2026-2027 school year.
Third Grade:
Parents, once we receive the scores from Atlas, we will be having parent-school conferences to discuss your child’s path forward, regardless of their school. We expect all students to grow but the growth may not move their level. Our goal is to support students with high-impact support until the end of the year and through Summer school. Students that did not move to level 2 will be required to attend Summer school to move to the next grade level. They will retake the assessment before June 30, 2026.
We are considering uniforms for next year for all three campuses. Be on the lookout for that communication this Summer.
We have implemented a clear book bag policy for the district next school year. It is currently required at BHS. When you buy supplies for next school year, remember to purchase a couple of clear book bags.
Important Information & Upcoming Dates:
The BSD attendance goal is 95%. We need Every Student, All Day, Everyday!
High School: Seat-time Law state that you should be in class 350 of the 360 minutes of your school day, including limiting tardies. This is a graduation requirement. Be in Class On-time, All the Time!
Snow Make-Up Days: March 20, 2026 and June 3-5, 2026 (Tentative: more days may be added)
The last day of school for students is June 5, 2026.
Parents and Guardians: Please update your home address, email, and phone number with your child(ren)’s school. Custodial parents are the first contact.
Stay in the know: Follow Blytheville School District (BSD, BES, BMS, BHS) on FaceBook and bookmark the website.
Sincerely,
Vanessa Hopkins, Superintendent
Blytheville School District
Parents of current 5th–11th graders: Join us Tuesday, April 21, at 5:30 PM at the BHS Auditorium for Course Choice Night! Please view the flyer that your child received from school. The date has been changed to next week, April 21 . Click the survey link to help us prepare. https://forms.gle/qWKKcVXSWXjMJ8qR8
The Blytheville School District will be applying for the Nita M.
Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant.
Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant.
Greetings, Blytheville Parents and Guardians:
Testing begins on some of our campuses next week, April 13, 2026. Each campus will share its testing schedule on their Facebook pages. Please review the following important information:
• Arkansas’s “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” (Act 122 of 2025) bans student use of personal electronic devices — including cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds — during the entire school day.
• Cell phones will be collected and tagged in the buildings. NO CELL PHONES, SMARTWATCHES, OR EARBUDS ARE ALLOWED IN THE TESTING ENVIRONMENT, even if turned off.
• Violations may result in consequences, including invalidating your student’s test scores.
• Behavioral disruptions can interrupt testing for peers. Please remind students to remain calm, focused, and respectful during testing.
Car Riders: Please drop students off on time. We want all students to eat breakfast and begin testing with their peers.
Book Bags are not allowed in the testing room. Staff will designate areas for storage. Please review this expectation with your student.
Encourage your students to do their best by:
• Starting their day on time
• Speaking positively and offering encouragement
• Using available tools (such as calculators in Atlas)
• Reading passages multiple times:
a. First cold read
b. Highlight main ideas and details
c. Reread after reviewing the question to find the best answer
Make sure students get 7–8 hours of sleep each night. Being well-rested helps students perform their best. Students are not allowed to sleep during testing.
Go Chickasaw! Let’s show everyone how BRILLIANT we truly are!
Testing begins on some of our campuses next week, April 13, 2026. Each campus will share its testing schedule on their Facebook pages. Please review the following important information:
• Arkansas’s “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” (Act 122 of 2025) bans student use of personal electronic devices — including cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds — during the entire school day.
• Cell phones will be collected and tagged in the buildings. NO CELL PHONES, SMARTWATCHES, OR EARBUDS ARE ALLOWED IN THE TESTING ENVIRONMENT, even if turned off.
• Violations may result in consequences, including invalidating your student’s test scores.
• Behavioral disruptions can interrupt testing for peers. Please remind students to remain calm, focused, and respectful during testing.
Car Riders: Please drop students off on time. We want all students to eat breakfast and begin testing with their peers.
Book Bags are not allowed in the testing room. Staff will designate areas for storage. Please review this expectation with your student.
Encourage your students to do their best by:
• Starting their day on time
• Speaking positively and offering encouragement
• Using available tools (such as calculators in Atlas)
• Reading passages multiple times:
a. First cold read
b. Highlight main ideas and details
c. Reread after reviewing the question to find the best answer
Make sure students get 7–8 hours of sleep each night. Being well-rested helps students perform their best. Students are not allowed to sleep during testing.
Go Chickasaw! Let’s show everyone how BRILLIANT we truly are!
Blytheville School District Notification
The Blytheville School District will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026.
All staff and students will return on Monday, April 6, 2026.
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Thank you,
Blytheville School District
The Blytheville School District will be closed on Friday, April 3, 2026.
All staff and students will return on Monday, April 6, 2026.
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Thank you,
Blytheville School District
We are Hiring! Apply Today
We have seen an increase in illnesses this week at school. 🤧 Help us keep everyone healthy and reduce the spread of germs, by keeping your child home if they are sick.
Keeping sick children at home allows them time to rest and recover while also helping protect other students, families, and staff. Thank you for working with us to keep our school community safe and healthy! 🤍🇱🇻
Keeping sick children at home allows them time to rest and recover while also helping protect other students, families, and staff. Thank you for working with us to keep our school community safe and healthy! 🤍🇱🇻
National Love the Bus Month – Blytheville School District
February is National Love the Bus Month, and we want to take a moment to recognize the amazing men and women who safely transport our students every single day!
Our bus drivers and transportation staff are the first smiling faces our students see in the morning and the last caring adults they see in the afternoon. Rain or shine, they are committed to safety, reliability, and service to our families.
Community, please help us say THANK YOU to our outstanding bus drivers and staff!
If you see one of our drivers this week, take a moment to share your appreciation. A simple “thank you” goes a long way!
February is National Love the Bus Month, and we want to take a moment to recognize the amazing men and women who safely transport our students every single day!
Our bus drivers and transportation staff are the first smiling faces our students see in the morning and the last caring adults they see in the afternoon. Rain or shine, they are committed to safety, reliability, and service to our families.
Community, please help us say THANK YOU to our outstanding bus drivers and staff!
If you see one of our drivers this week, take a moment to share your appreciation. A simple “thank you” goes a long way!
Blytheville School District is currently seeking Substitute Bus Drivers to join our Transportation Team!
Starting Pay: $21.00 per hour
Flexible Schedule
Opportunities to drive daily routes, field trips, activity trips, and special events
Make a difference in the lives of our students by ensuring they arrive safely to and from school and school activities.
If you have a CDL (or are willing to obtain one) and are committed to student safety, we encourage you to apply!
Call 870-762-2053 or 870-762-0161 for more information
Apply online at www.blythevilleschools.net
Drive the Future. Support Our Students. Join the Chickasaw Family!
Starting Pay: $21.00 per hour
Flexible Schedule
Opportunities to drive daily routes, field trips, activity trips, and special events
Make a difference in the lives of our students by ensuring they arrive safely to and from school and school activities.
If you have a CDL (or are willing to obtain one) and are committed to student safety, we encourage you to apply!
Call 870-762-2053 or 870-762-0161 for more information
Apply online at www.blythevilleschools.net
Drive the Future. Support Our Students. Join the Chickasaw Family!
Blytheville School District is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for every student and staff member. We are currently seeking dedicated, dependable individuals to join our Security Team.
If you are passionate about protecting our schools, building positive relationships with students, and serving our community, we encourage you to apply.
This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to make a difference every single day.
For more information, please contact:
Larrie Bell
Security Coordinator
lbell@blythevilleschools.net
Join us in keeping Blytheville Schools safe and strong!
If you are passionate about protecting our schools, building positive relationships with students, and serving our community, we encourage you to apply.
This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to make a difference every single day.
For more information, please contact:
Larrie Bell
Security Coordinator
lbell@blythevilleschools.net
Join us in keeping Blytheville Schools safe and strong!
Blytheville School District – Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parents and guardians, we would love to see you come out and hear about the great work your student is doing in school!
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on:
February 17 and February 19, 2026
3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers, ask questions, and support your child’s learning and success. We look forward to seeing you there!
Parents and guardians, we would love to see you come out and hear about the great work your student is doing in school!
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on:
February 17 and February 19, 2026
3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to connect with teachers, ask questions, and support your child’s learning and success. We look forward to seeing you there!
Blytheville School District Alert:
Due to seven inclement-weather days and five make-up days already built into the school calendar, the district will review the remaining days and inform families if additional make-up days are required.
Scheduled Make-Up Days:
• MD1 – February 16, 2026
• MD2 – March 20, 2026
• MD3 – June 3, 2026
• MD4 – June 4, 2026
• MD5 – June 5, 2026
Due to seven inclement-weather days and five make-up days already built into the school calendar, the district will review the remaining days and inform families if additional make-up days are required.
Scheduled Make-Up Days:
• MD1 – February 16, 2026
• MD2 – March 20, 2026
• MD3 – June 3, 2026
• MD4 – June 4, 2026
• MD5 – June 5, 2026
Thank you for always working together to support our students and schools.
Together, we will make sure every student gets home safely.
Blytheville School District Update:
Good afternoon! Our transportation buses are running today. Please note that some students may arrive home a little later than usual due to adjustments to schedules.
Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding as we work hard to safely get every student home. We truly appreciate our Blytheville families!
Good afternoon! Our transportation buses are running today. Please note that some students may arrive home a little later than usual due to adjustments to schedules.
Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding as we work hard to safely get every student home. We truly appreciate our Blytheville families!
Blytheville School District families, student safety remains our top priority. Due to road conditions, the following bus routes will not drop off students this afternoon on February 4, 2026: Bus 56, 64, 63, and 60.
All other routes, including 62, 59, 66, 61, 41, and 65, will operate as scheduled.
Parents and guardians of students who ride the affected buses are asked to provide transportation if possible. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and continued support.
All other routes, including 62, 59, 66, 61, 41, and 65, will operate as scheduled.
Parents and guardians of students who ride the affected buses are asked to provide transportation if possible. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and continued support.
Blytheville School District Update
Blytheville School District will open on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Student safety remains our top priority, especially when it comes to bus routes and transportation. Our transportation team will continue to use caution, and routes will be adjusted as needed based on current road conditions. We will not travel on unsafe roads.
Families may experience delays, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure a safe return for all students.
Thank you for your continued support of Blytheville School District.
Blytheville School District will open on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Student safety remains our top priority, especially when it comes to bus routes and transportation. Our transportation team will continue to use caution, and routes will be adjusted as needed based on current road conditions. We will not travel on unsafe roads.
Families may experience delays, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure a safe return for all students.
Thank you for your continued support of Blytheville School District.
Blytheville School District
Due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions, there will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions, there will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Blytheville School District will be closed on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Blytheville School District will be closed on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Please continue to monitor district communications for updates. Stay safe.
Please continue to monitor district communications for updates. Stay safe.
Blytheville School District Closure
Due to inclement weather and hazardous conditions, Blytheville School District will be closed on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Due to inclement weather and hazardous conditions, Blytheville School District will be closed on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
