The Bobcat Buzz

Dr. Tammi Davis

District Mission: Ensuring high levels of learning for everyone, every day!

As a long time educator, the negativity that surrounds public education is frustrating to me at times. Too often we hear more about what’s going wrong, than what’s going right. Too many times we allow criticism to overpower the positive and we lose sight of how well students are actually performing in our schools.  Berryville is a prime example of “what’s going right” in public education because our students (and staff)  continue to show up and shine bright! 

So, let’s start with celebrating some Bobcat students.  Ben Cleaver, a fourth grader at the intermediate school, was the winner of the Carroll County Spelling Bee. We are very proud of Ben! 

Your basketball junior high Lady Bobcats brought home the hardware recently as they were both conference and district champions.  Congratulations girls! Both senior high basketball teams begin postseason play this week in Huntsville, weather permitting.  (See the website and social media for schedules.)

Berryville Middle School will be represented by three teams at this year’s Youth Entrepreneur Showcase (Y.E.S.) in Little Rock, February 28, 2025, sponsored by Arkansas Capital and Economics Arkansas. Only the top 25 teams in the state have the opportunity  to compete for cash prizes in business plan writing, marketing concept, retail booth and innovation of product or service. 

The Middle School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)  organization has 18 students that are advancing to state competitions, including district champion Eduardo Pineda. Let’s not forget that FBLA is new to the middle school this year and has only been up and running for a few months. Shout out to Mrs. Glisson and Mr. Williams for sponsoring this program and creating more opportunities for kids at Berryville. The future of  FBLA sure is bright at BMS! 

Faith McKinney and Oliver Bemis were named the Elks Students of the second quarter. Forty high school students were recognized and awarded for having perfect attendance the entire first semester. Additionally, the Quiz Bowl team placed second in competitions held in Melbourne. This is very exciting as this team has 11 new players with only two returning from last year. MVPs were AC Calvillo, Colton Franklin, and Wyatt Butler. The team captain is Luke Dignan. 

 A huge congratulations to the BHS band students who tried out for the All-State band in Jonesboro. Those students are Israel Merida Noriega (flute) Maynor Valiente Cruz (french horn)

Andrew Griesenaue (tuba), and Karson Casey (bassoon). “We have been in a drought for quite a while when it comes to All State,  and now to have four sophomores achieve this honor is incredible!” stated band director, Doug Blevins. 

February is Career Technical Education (CTE)  month in Arkansas and we offer a variety of career pathways and courses for students. A few of those include Business Education classes, Family and Consumer Science courses, Aviation, Pre-Educator courses, Agriculture, and many more options through the county C4 facility directed by James Knight. If you have a student interested in a career in any CTE field and need more information, reach out to us today! It is never too early to start planning and exploring career options. 

Finally, I want to acknowledge our staff members and the work they’re doing for students each day. The district recently received additional data from the last state assessment (Spring 2024) and to say we have a lot to celebrate is an understatement. Most of the grade levels not only exceeded student growth expectations, they are near the top in comparison to the state in many areas. This is exciting news and a testament to the dedication of the teachers and staff members who call Bobcat Nation home. We truly have the best! 

Parents and guardians, keep a watchful eye on school closings and/or early dismissals this week in case the weather forecast holds. Take care and stay warm folks!