Blytheville Parents and Community Letter
State of the District
April 2026
Greetings from Superintendent Hopkins,
We are in the middle of state testing in Blytheville School Districts. 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 inter-disciplinary 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