It's Red Ribbon Week! Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. In 1988, National Family Partnership (NFP) sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
Red Ribbon Week takes place each year from October 23 through 31. For assistance in planning events or activities, check out the resources on the DESE website https://bit.ly/3jsCriK. For information on local events, please check with your school district.
WDMESC would like to recognize Representative Brian Evans and Dr. Tony Thurman of Cabot for their hard work and collaboration with health officials in Arkansas to allow more students to stay on campus for in-person learning.
Drone training at Bald Knob School District today!
WDMESC's Mr. Horn and Ms. Rooks train district teams in Crisis Prevention.
Wilbur Mills Co-op hosted the DESE Regional PLC meeting this week. Thanks to all who attended! #PLC4AR
Congratulations to Ms. Jessica Saum, a special education teacher at Stagecoach Elementary in Cabot, on being named the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year! Read more about Ms. Saum here. https://bit.ly/3lF089q
Paraprofessional Advertisement
Wilbur D Mills Education Service Cooperative, in Beebe, AR., is in search of two paraprofessionals to work in our early childhood special education department. This department provides educational services to children age 3-5 that qualify for early intervention educational support services. These positions will be responsible for working with this age group, classroom teachers, parents/guardians, administrators, community members, and other.
Preferred applicants will possess a degree in special education, four year college degree in early childhood education, or a related field, and 3-5 years working with 3-5 year old children with special needs.
Minimum requirements to apply: Completed two years of study at an institution of higher education in Arkansas, 60 semester credit hours at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, obtained an associate’s (or higher) degree, or possess a passing score of the Parapro Assessment for Arkansas.
All interested applicants, please contact Dr. Suzanne Bailey at 501-882-3852 for more information and details as and how to apply for this position.
Congratulations to Mr. Dean Stanley for being named Best Superintendent for the Daily Citizen's Reader's Choice Award for 2021!
WDMESC has Fun & Fitness Playscapes stencils available for our member districts to check out. We have the following available:
Nature Motor Sensory Path
Fitness Activity Circuit
Physical Education Spot and Arrow Set
Yoga Poses
To check out a stencil contact Angie Quinn at 501-882-8614 ext. 3221
Here are some examples of the great ways teachers are using them.
Hope everyone has a great 1st day!
WDMESC has an immediate opening for an Early Childhood Special Education Paraprofessional. Click here for more information and to apply. https://wilburmillscoop.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=1135
WDMESC will be requiring the wearing of a mask for all Cooperative employees and professional development attendees effective Monday, August 16, 2021. This decision is based on several reasons, the most important being the safety of our guests and staff members. In addition, over one-half of our member districts have approved a policy that mandates a mask to some degree. I feel that it is important to honor their wishes and assist them in keeping their employees and students safe.
Please join me in protecting our work family, home families, and those educators and students we serve.
The WDM Early Childhood Special Education Program is seeking to hire a paraprofessional at the Magness Creek ABC Program in Cabot. Click here for more information and to apply. https://bit.ly/3CuqSQh
A special "thank you" to Mr. Brian Harris from the Pangburn School District for hosting a workshop for our local teachers about the importance and impacts of utilizing a greenhouse for learning in public schools!
Dr. Ivy Pfeffer, Ross White, and Tim Cain present during the WDM Superintendents Work Session this week in Hot Springs.
WDMESC Board of Directors work session in Hot Springs this week.
Congratulations to Southside Elementary School in Cabot for being one of 6 schools to receive R.I.S.E. School Awards for Efforts to Build Robust Reading Program!
Dr. Mary Dahlgren working with WDMESC teachers on implementing Sounds Walls.
Great turnout yesterday for Dr. Steven Layne and his session on Igniting a Passion for Reading. We received great ideas to help reluctant readers.
Congratulations to Wilbur D Mills Coop Master Principal Phase 1 completers!
