Luncheon for West retired teachers

Photo by Billy Woods

West honors retired teachers

West Junior High recently honored its retired teachers with a Christmas luncheon in the school's library. They were also accompanied by many of their former students who are now on faculty at West.

New little library at West

Photo by Billy Woods

Little library at West

Shop students at West Junior High combined to construct a Little Free Library in front of the school building. Students are free to pick out any book in the box. Shop students Mitchell Ramsey and Matthew Christensen constructed the box and art club students who painted the box are Adrienne Lewis, Haley Hardy, Cayla Sanders, Chloe Marriott, Trinittee Hampton, Emma Fraley and Jackson Tilley. Teachers include Michelle Wren, Cleo Lane, Ashley Lipe and principal Charlie Tyler.

By Billy Woods

WM School District

In an effort to promote reading on the West Junior High campus, students built a Little Free Library located on the school's front lawn.

"We'd heard Ken Stamatis, our literacy lab consultant, talk about the Little Free Libraries and we thought it would be a great addition to our campus," said West literacy coach Ashley Lipe. "Our goal at West is to create life-long readers and, in turn, lifelong learners. This is just one more step in that direction."

Students, parents, teachers and members of the neighborhood community can access the Little Free Library whenever they want. They can leave a book for someone to read, they can take a book to read or they can leave one and take one.
The West librarian is Amber Heigle.

West's shop teacher, Cleo Lane, and two of his students, Mitchell Ramsey and Matthew Christensen, built the Little Free Library. The school's art teacher, Michelle Wren, and her art students painted it.

The art students painting were Chloe Marriott, Adrienne Lewis, Haley Hardy, Cayla Sanders, Trinidee Hampton, Jackson Tilley and Emma Fraley.

You can find more information about how the Little Free Library was started on https://littlefreelibrary.org/start/.

West students earn all-region band honors

Photo by Billy Woods

West all-region band

Eighteen students at West Junior High were recently named to the all-region band. Front row, from left, are alternate Bailey Merritt, first band Annabelle Pulliam, second band Serenity Lewis, alternate Trevor Trevino, first band Joylyn Kumpati, and first band Cameron Dale. Back row includes second band Amelia Walker, first band Andrea Tennison, second band Kaitlyn Jackson, first band Josey Leverette, second band Brandon Curtis, first band Demarius Davison, second band Arial Kyles, alternate Antonique Miller and second band Kaelyn Albers. Not pictured is Rondarrius Howard. Band director is Lisa Alford.

AWM star Quiz Bowler heading to Vandy

By Billy Woods

WM School District

West Memphis' latest Division 1 college recruit from a Power 5 Conference had a tough decision to make, but he said he feels a peace about the final choice.

Academies of West Memphis senior Jason Scott nixed an earlier decision to take a scholarship to Baylor University and instead chose Vanderbilt.

Scott won't be blocking or tackling on the gridiron at Vandy.

But he will be tackling neuroscience and saxaphone performance.

Scott, the captain of the AWM Quiz Bowl team turned down a $78,000 scholarship offer to Baylor and will head to Nashville on a Questbridge National College Match Scholarship Program.

"Being on the Quiz Bowl team I've learned to think on my feet," said Scott. "And I've learned a lot of things in the broad spectrum of education. Being captain of the team I've also learned a lot about leadership."

Judging from her comments, Scott is a favorite of Quiz Bowl sponsor Dee Kirkland.

"Jason has one of the biggest hearts of any student I've ever taught," she said. "He's always willing to help anybody. And he never has a bad day. He's also really, really intelligent."

Scott's list of accomplishments at AWM is too lengthy to mention, but the highlights include first place in the state foreign language contest last year at Harding University, two-time all-state tenor saxaphonist, bronze medalist at the state Skills USA Health Knowledge Bowl competition, a part of the University of Central Arkansas wind ensemble for two years and two-time captain of the Dixie Band Camp.

Scott says his two biggest heroes are both teachers at AWM: Kirkland and math department chair Joanne Smith.

Scott attributes his academic prowess to "my love for challenges."

"Whenever something is challenging for me it motivates me instead of degrading me," Scott added.

Richland receives 'healthy' grant

By Billy Woods

WM School District

Richland Elementary will benefit from a $75,000 grant to build a walking track as well as additional fitness equipment.

West Memphis School District physical education coordinator Jody Fenter wrote the grant that was accepted by the Blue and You Foundation. Richland is only one of 31 programs and 215 applicants to receive the grant.

"(The walking trail) is going to be beautiful, and adding that on top of all the other new construction going on at our school it's going to be a sight to behold," said Richland principal Gwen Looney.

The Blue and You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is a charitable foundation established and funded by the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote better health in the state.

"Richland students have, in the past 10 years, averaged about 15,000 miles per year walking at the school," said Fenter. "The entire school is dedicated to the success of this Walking Club that promotes a healthy lifestyle."

Fenter said the surrounding neighborhood will also benefit from the walking trail because the school is located in the center of a residential neighborhood.

"I feel confident that the entire city of West Memphis would use this trail because it is in a very safe location," Fenter added. "I have the same feeling as the movie 'Field of Dreams.' If you build it, they will come."

The project will also call for fitness equipment that includes a pull-up bar, sit-up station, fitness ropes and a stationary bike.

"My students can't wait," said Richland P.E. instructor Candy Eubanks. "With the construction currently going on at our school they haven't been able to do any walking. They are going to be more than excited to have that pavement to walk on when it's finished."

AWM seniors offered by ASU

By Billy Woods

WM School District

Fifteen Academies of West Memphis seniors were rendered surprised last week when Arkansas State University rep LaTasha Pye informed them her school has offered them all scholarship money.

Four levels of scholarships were handed out, including the Promise Scholarship, which is worth $8,000 for four years; The Pride One Scholarship, which is worth $26,880 over four years; The Pride Three Scholarship, which is worth $28,880 over four years and the Excellence Scholarship, which is worth $36,880.

"These scholarships are great accomplishments because it means the students have done four years of work to get them," said Pye, a recruitment adviser at A-State. "It is based on the ACT scores and GPA their last four years."

The Promise Scholars at AWM included Rileigh Smith, Luci Blankenship, Amari Turner, Zakiah Smith, Takiya Warren, Taylor Gore, Merrie Lancaster and Kyrus Rodgers.

Pride One Scholars include Hayden Spears, John David Kemp, Tristan Banks and Kentarious Stewart.

The Pride Three Scholarship went to Rylee Elmore.

The Excellence Scholarship went to Joshua Foster and Austin Sudbury.

"We're so thankful that ASU comes and recognizes these kids with a type of ceremony," said AWM senior guidance counselor Latarsha Johnson. "A lot of colleges will just send a letter or email, but ASU comes down here personally to congratulate the kids and surprise them with the announcement. I look forward to this every year."

Bosch donates to L.R. Jackson Elementary

By Billy Woods

WM School District

L.R. Jackson Elementary got a huge lift recently when a major West Memphis business donated a large sum for Science, Technology, English and Math.

The Bosch Power Tool Corporation donated $10,000 toward STEM for L.R. Jackson. Bosch is a major player in the West Memphis School District's Partners In Education program for the last four years.

"Bosch is a big supporter of the STEM programs," said Scott Wallace, director physical logistics for North America. "Coming from a company with a lot of engineering, that's what we like to support. This also gets our name out there to the community because we want to be linked to this area. We just want to be a good community member."

Accompanying Wallace in presenting L.R. Jackson with the check were HR manager Marion Littlejohn and director of physical distribution Virgil Roberson.

Food drive at Wonder

Photo by Billy Woods

Wonder food drive

Wonder Junior High will donate 1,800 food items for their annual Food Drive for 15 families during Thanksgiving. Front row, from left, are Amarreon Johnson, Rakyah Munford, Ashionnah Henderson, Patrick Sims and Kaiesha McGruder. Back row includes principal Dr. Palmer Quarrels and Jessie McGruder. The drive was coordinated by the Houses program at the school.

Classified Staff Personnel Policy Meeting Tues. 11/29/2016

CLASSIFIED Personnel Policy Meeting at the WMSD Board Room on Tuesday 11/29/2016 at 3pm.

If you are interested in representing your campus, please attend.  

Method for determining representation (election, appointment, etc.) will be determined during this meeting based on volunteers in attendance.

Please contact Jim Robb at 870-735-1915 or jrobb@wmsd.net if you have any questions regarding the meeting.

West students earn all-region band

Photo by Billy Woods

West Junior High all-regional band

Six students from West Junior High were recently named to the Region 4 jazz band. They include (from left) Alex Speak, Demarus Davison, Brandon Curtis, Joylyn Kumpati, Andrea Tennison and first-alternate Logan Richardson

Faulk Career Day has purpose

By Billy Woods

WM School District

Nine representatives from various professional backgrounds recently spoke at Faulk Elementary's annual Career Day.

The event was coordinated by guidance counselors Annie Ester and Julia Killmar.

The professional reps included WREG-TV weatherman Jim Jaggers, Heather Parsons of Mid-South Health Systems, Braxton Stokes, Murphy Smith of Fidelity National Bank, Phil Hoard of the U.S. Air Force, Cortez Washington of ASU-Mid-South, Latrice McLin of Shoemaker Financial and the West Memphis Fire Department.

"With our sixth-graders this year we are working on college and career ready," said Ester. "We want to instill in them once you finish high school you have to do something else, whether it's a two-year degree, a technical certificate or going to a four-year college. This is all in line with the Academies of West Memphis' charter program.

"We always make sure ASU-Mid-South is involved. Plus, we get our community involved as stakeholders. All of it is done to make our students better."

AWM band earns awards at UAM contest

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The Academies of West Memphis band has completed another successful marching season.

The Blue Devil band, directed by Cathy Williamss and Kaitlin Roll, along with guard instructor Meghan Langley, recently were named the 2016 University of Arkansas Grand Champions at the UAM Marching Contest. Along with Grand Champions they were named Best in Class 5A, outstanding percussion, outstanding flag line as well as First Division Band, drum majors.

The band received a score of 97 out of 100 from three judges.

"It was pretty incredible," said Williams. "It was a musical, magical performance of the music from the Lion King. The kids really came together for that night's performance, highlighting a successful year of performances."

soloists this year included Ervin Jeffries, Joshua Foster, Elijah Robinson, Melanie Blakely, Lakendra Bradley, Tyson Covington and Jacob Armstrong.

The band also competed in the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Region Marching assessment in Searcy where the band received the top rating of Superior First Division for their performance.

Also, 12 Blue Devils made the all-region jazz band and five more made alternate, which means 17 of 19 made it to the clinics in Marion, meaning they get to audition for the all-state jazz band.

The all-regional students include Dumaurier Looney, Jeffries, Covington, Lee Pouncey, Anthony Perkins, Zakia Brown, Tyler Steele, Jason Scott, Cody Wordlaw, Ethan Griffin, Tyshawn Campbell and Elijah Robinson.

East Special Olympians earn first places

Photos by Billy Woods

Special Olympic champions

East Junior High Special Olympians recently earned first-place finishes at regional competitions. Above, the volleyball team included Kishon Fuqua, Terrell Young, Jalen Smith, Galon Smith, Brandon Long, Mimi Barrett, John Morris, Marcus Anderson, Patricia Brown, Jamar Brown,, Noah Balti, Braylon Rushing, Dr. Michael Allison, coach Vicki Bowers, Annette Washington and Berleria Prackett. Also pictured, Mimi Barrett won first place in the regional bowling competition at Gosnell by rolling a 70. Barrett will compete in the state tournament Dec. 7 in Little Rock.

Houses program transforms Wonder Jr. High

 

 

 

By Billy Woods

WM School District

In the fall of 2015, Wonder Junior High principal Dr. Palmer Quarrels and her leadership team made up of 15 faculty members attended an "out-of-the-box" education methods conference in Atlanta that has already made a huge difference at their school.

The Ron Clark Academy was recommended to Dr. Quarrels not long before that, and it stoked her interest enough to gather her cohorts for the three-day event.

The RCA is a highly-acclaimed, non-profit middle school in Atlanta that is noted for educating students with academic rigor, passion and creativity balanced by a strict code of discipline.

As soon as Dr. Quarrels walked through the door on Day One "I was absolutely sold on it."

"The very first person that shook my hand was a young man in the fourth grade and I was so struck by his firm handshake, the eye contact and his overall genuineness," Quarrels said. "He started asking me where I was from, what brought me here and what I wanted to gain from this visit. It was like a conversation with a senior in high school. I've never seen anything like it."

The methods the folks from Wonder learned at the RCA were all geared toward students taking ownership of their own learning. The methods were molded into some of the things Wonder was already doing as a priority school.

The name of the program at the junior high came from the history department. It's called The Houses Program  with students and teachers poured into six houses, basing all of the names from the school's mascot, the Lions.

The House names include Amani, which means peace; Aminci, which means brave; Amore', which means love; Maniwala, which means believe; Kuamua, which means determination; and Isibindi, which means courage.

After the first two months of the 2016-17 school year, Quarrels said she's seen a huge change in the school's culture.

"The halls are a lot quieter, the campus is a lot cleaner and the students often thank the cafeteria workers for what they do," Quarrels said. "There's been a lot more respect shown to teachers and administrators. The difference has been huge."

Much of the reason for that, according to Quarrels, is a key factor the Ron Clark program is based on.

Each team, or house, is in competition with each other in a point-based system. Points are earned from good behavior, random acts of kindness, participation in the classroom, community service, leadership and academic improvement.

Every nine weeks final-point totals are recognized and the winners are rewarded with things like a pizza party, field trips or no waiting in the cafeteria lunch line.

"It's amazing what the concept of competition has done in this program," Quarrels stated. "The students really want to win. And it's created a much stronger school spirit."

The program has also strengthened parental involvement.

"We focus in on the academic part, but academics are stronger when the culture is stronger," said Quarrels. "It has challenged the students, but it's also challenged the adults, both the teachers and the parents. Our main goal with this was to change our school's culture. It's done that."

Students aren't shy about candid personal assessments before the Houses program and after. Nicholas Hunter said, "Last year I wasn't proud of myself, behavior-wise. This year my grades have improved and gaining more respect for my own self."

Eighth-grader Jacoby White was even more outspoken.

"Leadership among the student body is the biggest difference I see," White stated. "We don't see near as many fights and the academic records are improving. It's a friendly competition, but no one wants to lose."

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WMSD's health and wellness program stands out

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The West Memphis elementary schools have continued to thrive in the areas of health and wellness.

The schools have qualified for the bronze membership for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, funded by the Clinton Foundation, for physical education and nutrition.

And they adhere and follow all federal and state rules and regulations in accordance to the nutritional and physical activity standards.

"We are trying to sponsor activities that will benefit a healthy and more productive adult life style," said Jody Fenter, physical education coordinator for the West Memphis School District. "Each elementary campus has a walking trail for the students and teachers. We have walked several thousand miles per year. Each elementary also has their own jump rope club and at the end of each year we have a sixth-grade track meet held at the high school."

Fenter has also set up a local wellness committee, which is required by the state. It includes representatives from the WMSD administrative office, the board of education, the district's director of food service and all district school nurses.

The committee includes Jim Robb, Jodie Walls, Amber Madison, D'James Rogers, Darrin McCollum, Patricia Weaver, Carol Gean, Madison Walls, Meredith Perry, Pam Capps and Connie Woods.

Other programs the health and wellness covers include a hand-washing/personal hygiene program, personal trainer fitness, tobacco awareness, dental and yoga routines.

In the near future, all seven West Memphis elementarys will have gymnasiums.

"Our goal is that the physical education program will make an impact on our students for the rest of their lives," Fenter added.

Richland robotics team thriving

By Billy Woods

WM School District

The Richland Elementary robotics team adopted Animal Allies as its theme for the First Lego League Challenge.

The Animal Allies Challenge is comprised of: The project, The Robot Game and Core Values. In The Project, students research an identify a problem that occurs when animals and people interact.

The Richland team recently invited local resident Kyler Reschke, who lost his eyesight when he was three and surgery due to cancer in his eyes. His dog, Beau, is now his eyes. His father, Paul, brought him to meet with the team during a meeting at the Academies of West Memphis.

Teams then identify a possible solution that improves that interaction in some way for the people, animals or both.

The team then shares its process and solution with a professional in the field.

The Robot Game is a field with 15 missions to be completed by a student-built autonomous robot. It is a smart robot that can be programmed through a computer. Some missions include transporting a shark to a destination without the shark touching the sides of its tank, bringing a pig without back legs back to a base where prosthetic legs are attached and then sending the pig to live in the farm.

Teams receive points for each mission successfully completed. Points accumulated  from the project, the robot game and core values displayed by the team determine which teams move from local to regional to national competitions.

Coaches are Suzanne Elmore, Mary Beth Gunter and Amanda Webb.

"This is our rookie year and we are learning something new with each practice," said Webb. "We want the students to be exposed to more engineering-based opportunities and have a little fun along the way."

The Richland robotics team members include Emily Thorne, Meredith Grafton, Hannah Dory, Isabella Hinze, Ella Grace Murphree, Hannah Grace Rose, Matthew Collins, Alex Webb, Nicholas King and Carter Henson.

HOUSE of WONDER

Photos by Billy Woods

Brunch at Wonder Jr.

Wonder Junior High recently held at brunch involving parents and West Memphis School administrators at the school's library. Above, Wonder's parent coordinator Theresa Bowe (left) greets parent Tiffany Franklin. Also, principal Dr. Palmer Quarrels was on hand to coordinate and greet the visitors.

AWM band hosts Marching Classic

Photos by Billy Woods

The annual Academies of West Memphis Marching Band Classic was held recently at Hamilton-Shultz Field. AWM hosted 11 bands from the Mid-South and trophies were presented to bands for outstanding drum majors, flag/auxiliary units and percussion. Trophies were also given to the top three bands in each size. Outstanding soloists included players from the Little Rock Central and Highland bands. The grand champion in the big band division was Munford (Tenn.) High while the small division prize went to Highland.

VOICEPLAY Acapella Group to Perform at aWM - Get Tickets NOW!

AWM Vocal Arts is sponsoring a GREAT concert on Tuesday, October 18.  Voiceplay, a professional acapella group will be singing that evening at 7 p.m.

Voiceplay is the premier entertainment for Disneyworld and Disney Cruises.  You can find them on YOUTUBE.

Voiceplay is only performing at two high schools this year.  We are very luck to have them.

Tickets are $10.  Email me at dconwill@wmsd and we will be glad to hold your tickets at will call that evening. 

Any questions?  Call me at 732-8558.

Doug Conwill

Vocal Music Supervisor

AWM Vocal Arts

HEALTH INSURANCE - WMSD Employees - TIME SENSITIVE

UPDATE and REMINDER for all WMSD Staff regarding Health Insurance. 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ATTACHED. 

OPEN ENROLLMENT October 1-12, 2016.  All employees need to visit with Connie Overall at the Central Office during this time to renew, modify, or decline coverage.  Those who choose not to receive Health Insurance through WMSD and EBD must sign a form and submit to Mrs. Overall.   

If you are not enrolled or do not plan to enroll in the insurance offered through WMSD this October 1-12, 2016, please complete, print, and return this form via school mail.  Forms must be received at the WMSD Central Administration Office by 4pm on October 12, 2016.

Letters with forms are also being distributed today to employees not currently enrolled via school mail.  You can wait for letter or print the form in link above, complete, and return via school mail.

Enrollment can be completed online via www.arbenefits.org as late as October 15, 2016.  If you miss deadline to meet with Mrs. Overall, you can enroll online, but you must notify coverall@wmsd.net of your enrollment details to ensure proper payroll deductions.

If you need assistance enrolling online use contact information below.

ARBenefits
Employee Benefits Division
501 Woodlane St., Suite 500
Little Rock, AR 72201
(877) 815-1017 [Toll Free]
501-682-9656

EBD Alert – September 15, 2016
Updated PSE Open Enrollment Guide – General Distribution
Health Insurance Representatives (HIR), attached is an updated Open Enrollment Guide. We made some corrections to the Schedule of Benefits listed in the guide. Please distribute this to your employees and inform them to use the attached guide.
- EBD Communications
LINK TO GUIDE: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1UhM8CrKkWRV0NXXzFnYkVhd3M

WELLNESS DISCOUNT INFORMATION  
(ALL visits and surveys MUST be complete by 10/31/2016 to receive discount)

WELLNESS SURVEY:

Health Assessment
The HA can be accessed at www.guidanceresources.com.  Returning employees and spouses need to login with their username and password.  New users must register using the Organization Web ID “ARBEN” when prompted.  Please remember that both the employee and spouse must create separate accounts using different email addresses when registering. Instructions for logging in can be accessed at the link below.  Anyone needing assistance logging into GuidanceResources® or completing the HA can contact GuidanceResources® at 1-877-247-4621. 
 
Instructions for logging into GuidanceResources®: http://portal.arbenefits.org/newsDocuments/20150313News_HealthAssessment.pdf 

Health Insurance - DECLINE Forms

October 4, 2016

WMSD Employees:

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires the district to have decline forms on file for each employee who does not enroll within the health care insurance offered through West Memphis School District.  If you are not enrolled or do not plan to enroll in the insurance offered through WMSD this October 1-12, 2016, please complete, print, and return this form via school mail.  Forms must be received at the WMSD Central Administration Office by 4pm on October 12, 2016.

Letters with forms are also being distributed today to employees not currently enrolled via school mail.  You can wait for letter or print the form in link above, complete, and return via school mail.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Connie Overall
870-735-1915
coverall@wmsd.net

WMSD/FORD Fundraiser MAX SUCCESS

BIG BLUE DEVIL THANK YOU to 337 supporters who test drove a FORD at the Academies of West Memphis today!  We EXCEEDED our goal of 300 drivers.  For meeting our goal, FORD will donate $8000 to WMSD Athletics!

 

 

 

ACT stars at AWM

Photos by Billy Woods
The Academies of West Memphis honored over 75 students who scored 19 or above composite on the ACT's science or math portions of the test. Tommy Coy of the State Department of Education was guest of honor.

AWM homecoming court

Photo by Billy Woods

The Academies of West Memphis named its 2016 homecoming court. They are (from left) sophomore maid Mikyah Donnerson, junior maid Paris Taylor, senior maid Luci Blankenship, Queen Anquanette Higgs, senior maid Tierra Dent, junior maid Emily Birdno and sophomore maid Keely Elmore.

AWM's Minnis nets regional teacher award

By Billy Woods WM School District As Academies of West Memphis English teacher Cherilyn Minnis gathers with 13 other teachers around Arkansas on Wednesday at the state Capitol, it'll be like a renewal. Minnis is one of 14 teachers who have been recognized as both regional teachers of the year and nominees for the state's top teacher award. It's Minnis' second time to be honored, but this time she said she'll be more appreciative. Three years ago, her house burned down and with it the plaque that honored her for regional teacher of the year. "For some reason (in 2009) I didn't think it was that big a deal," Minnis said of winning the regional award. "When I was told I had won this year I was much more excited. Because for me it'll be like a renewal. I'll get that plaque back." Governor Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Department of Education commisioner Johnny Key will recognize the regional finalists at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Old Supreme Court room at the Capitol. Minnis has been teaching since the fall of 1967 and she's been teaching at West Memphis' high school since the fall of 1970. She said she has plenty of motivation to continue teaching. "I take a sincere interest in students," said Minnnis. "I've seen numerous changes in teaching techniques in the last 40-something years. I'm still driven by individualizing the students. I try my best to try and find the essence of every child. I'm always looking for the uniqueness in every child." Minnis noted that most people start slowing down and are less productive or effective in their later years. But this award proves she's just as strong now as she ever has been as a teacher. "In the physical sense, I walk briskly," Minnis said with a laugh. "Mentally, I'm still stimulated by academic pursuits of the kids. The teaching process has changed a lot and I've had to adapt to all of the changes. That has also kept me sharp and it keeps me alert." Minnis, who has won the West Memphis School District Teacher of the Year award four times in her career, keeps the line moving with West Memphis teachers being named regional teacher of the year. The WMSD has had state teacher of the year nominees in eight of the last nine years. Other nominees for state teacher and regional teacher of the year award winners include Susan Waggener (who was the state's teacher of the year) in 2008-09, her daughter Rebecca Waggener-Vaughn in 2010-11, Kisa Morman in 2011-12, Asha Foster in 2012-13, Tifanie King in 2014-15, Audrey Craven in 2015-16. Click here to Reply, Reply to all, or Forward Using 12.47 GB Manage Program Policies Powered by Google Last account activity: 1 hour ago Details

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By Billy Woods

WM School District

The West Memphis Blue Devils may have found their identity after last Friday night's 22-10 victory at Marion.

While it appears the offense lacks big-play ability, instead relying on a grind-it-out mentality, the Blue Devils may rely more heavily on a defense that controls the opposing run game.

West Memphis' defense allowed only 19 second-half rushing yards, and only 52 for the game.

The game-turning sequence focused strongly on defensive coordinator Butch Gray's unit.

Marion (1-3 overall, 0-1 in the 6A-East Conference) had just taken a 10-6 lead over West Memphis with 9 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Then the Patriots put the Blue Devils (3-1, 1-0) into a further hole when they recovered an onside kick at the West Memphis 32.

Faced with a fourth and four, the Patriots rolled the dice instead of giving strong-legged kicker Bradford Doherty, who had already kicked a 45-yard field goal with plenty of distance to spare in the first half, an opportunity from approximately the same distance.

However, senior running back Tom Young was stopped inches short, giving the Blue Devils the ball, whereupon they used a patient, disciplined approach for the go-ahead touchdown.

"Coach Gray's defenses have an amazing ability to stop the other team on third and short or fourth and short," said West Memphis head coach Billy Elmore. "I can't give him enough credit."

A week earlier, the Blue Devils stuffed the run on a similar gamble by Little Rock Central head coach Ellis Register that nearly cost his team the game when he gambled on fourth and 1 from his own 37.

"It wasn't really anything we did as coaches," Gray said in deflecting the praise. "The kids just decided to stick it in and play. We worked real hard all week on stopping (Marion's) play-makers. Young and (Collin) Chambers are outstanding and other than one play I thought we did a good job."

For the most part, the Blue Devil defense has eliminated the run.

It allowed only 103 yards rushing in the opening game against Forrest City before giving up 196 on the ground against Blytheville, which is a deceiving total.

Blytheville's star back, Demekko Clark, was held to only 77 yards on the grouind.

A week later, the Blue Devil D gave up only 48 yards on the ground in the first half against Little Rock Central before the final total ballooned to 187.

But it would appear the defensive front has done its job better than any other one area of the team.

The Blue Devils rushed out to a 6-0 lead against Marion thanks to the defense forcing a turnover, which was an interception by linebacker Jerry Edwards.

It turned into a quick 16-yard touchdown by Devonte Dean with 9:12 left in the first quarter.

Marion took its only lead against West Memphis since 2006 when quarterback Peyton Walker connected with Young for a 26-yard touchdown pass.

Dean's second TD of the night put West Memphis ahead for good and then the visitors gained some cushion on the first play of the fourth quarter on a 1-yard TD from Martavious Thomas.

"I think by that point in the game our offensive line had worn (Marion) down," said Elmore. "And I think that defensive stop gave us a shot of energy."

The Blue Devils added the final two points when Walker was tackled in the end zone for a safety with 1:35 to play in the game.

"We just persevered," Elmore stated. "It wasn't pretty. We made some mistakes, but we'll take it and move on to next week."

Anthem stars

Photo by Billy Woods

Academies of West Memphis choral director Doug Conwill leads his Southern Exposure choir in the National Anthem, which it sang Tuesday night at Auto Zone Park before the Triple A National Championship game between Scranton Wilkes-Barre and El Paso.

Still time to VOTE TODAY - 9/20 School Board Elections

Board Elections 9/20/2016

The polls will open at 7:30 a.m. and will close at 7:30 p.m. at the following polling places:

ZONE 1:     Wonder Junior High

ZONE 2:     East Junior High

ZONE 3:     West Junior High

ZONE 4:     Richland Elementary 

ZONE 5:     Hughes Community Center 

                   Bonds Grocery

                   Wedlock School Learning Center

Ford promotion set for Blue Devil fans Sept. 30

By Billy Woods

WM School District

Ford of West Memphis will team up with the West Memphis Athletic Booster Club for a unique promotion on Friday, Sept. 30.

Ford representatives will be at the parking lot at Lehr Arena for free test drives of Ford vehicles. Ford will donate $8,000 to the booster club for 300 test drives.

Drive times are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers must be 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Ford will bring 10 to 12 vehicles to the parking lot. Ford personnel will ride with the drivers.

Ford emphasizes it is not trying to sell cars or trucks. They are trying to promote Ford Corporate's philanthropic outreach.

In addition, the West Memphis athletic department will give a free ticket to each test driver for that night's football game.

The Blue Devils will host Searcy that night (Sept. 30) for homecoming.

LR Central trips up Blue Devils

By Billy Woods

WM School District

A number of factors weighed heavily in West Memphis' 17-12 loss to Little Rock Central last Friday night at Hamilton-Shultz Field.

First, the Blue Devil coaching staff saw it on video all week and prepared for it, but Central's defense loaded up the box and brought five and sometimes six rushers and the West Memphis offense just couldn't pick it up.

The result?

Eight Blue Devil offensive plays went for lost yardage.

"We couldn't handle the pressure they were bringing on us," said Blue Devil head coach Billy Elmore. "Obviously we'll see that again this season. We'll have to make adjustments on it. We knew they did that. We just couldn't pick it up."

Second, the Blue Devil aerial game, which could have forced the Tigers to abandon the onslaught of rushers, was too inaccurate all night.

So much so that Elmore played three quarterbacks. Between starter Amaurius Stinnett, junior Michael Troxler and senior David Kohl, the quarterbacks combined to complete only 9 of 27 passes for 186 yards with two interceptions.

"Offensively, we just didn't do a good job of execution all night," Elmore added.

Finally, the game actually boiled down to a 14-point swing in the first quarter.

After Central's cannon-legged placekicker Jason Ronnel gave his team a 3-0 lead with a 42-yard field goal, the Blue Devils came charging back and were poised to take not only the lead, but control of the game.

Stinnett hit junior Steven Stone for a 66-yard pass that put the Blue Devils in business at the Tigers' 2.

But on the first play, senior running back Martavious Thomas and Stinnett couldn't make connection and Central's Marvin Ashford scooped up the fumble and ran 95 yards for a touchdown.

Instead of being up 7-3 at halftime, the Blue Devils (2-1) trailed 7-3.

"That's how it goes," Elmore said. "Obviously, we didn't execute that the way we wanted to. You'd think with the ball on the (2-yard line) first and goal we score a touchdown. But that was a 14-point swing. That was what really did us in."

All the while, however, the Blue Devil defense dug in deep and shut out the the Tiger offense. It allowed a mere 48 yards rushing at halftime and limited junior transfer quarterback Jacob Howard to only 74 passing yards.

"The defense played well," Elmore stated. "I liked the way we attacked and hit all night."

Adding further to the hole the Blue Devils found themselves in was an 80-yard touchdown drive by the Tigers to open the second half. It increased their margin to 17-0.

The Blue Devil defense, however, bailed out the offense when safety Anthony Hite intercepted a Howard pass and returned it 35 yards for a pick six with 1:23 left in the third quarter.

The PAT was blocked.

Central (3-0) and head coach Ellis "Scooter" Register gave the WM a gift in the fourth quarter when he gambled on fourth and one from his own 37 and 7:04 still to play.

Oscar Adaway was stopped at the line of scrimmage and the Blue Devils had themselves a short field, not to mention gained momentum.

"That was a bone-head call by the coach on fourth down," Register said. "That could have lost the game for us. (Blue Devil defensive coordinator) Butch Gray, who was my defensive coordinator when I was coach at El Dorado, knew what we were going to do. We should have punted."

Troxler found some rhythm with his throws on the most important possession of the night and he found Stone in the corner of the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown pass with 5:25 to play.

Again, though, the Blue Devils were unsuccessful on the conversion, this time on a two-point attempt.

Hite, without a doubt the Blue Devils' MVP on defense, picked up a Central fumble and the hosts had one last shot at the Tigers with 44 seconds to play.

But on fourth down from near mid-field, Troxler lofted a pass, hoping for Jonathan Craig to run under it, but Central's Avont Harris intercepted to dash all West Memphis hopes.

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HEALTH INSURANCE - WMSD STAFF

UPDATE and REMINDER for all WMSD Staff regarding Health Insurance. 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ATTACHED. 

OPEN ENROLLMENT October 1-12, 2016.  All employees need to visit with Connie Overall at the Central Office during this time to renew, modify, or decline coverage.  Those who choose not to receive Health Insurance through WMSD and EBD must sign a form and submit to Mrs. Overall.   

If you are not enrolled or do not plan to enroll in the insurance offered through WMSD this October 1-12, 2016, please complete, print, and return this form via school mail.  Forms must be received at the WMSD Central Administration Office by 4pm on October 12, 2016.

Letters with forms are also being distributed today to employees not currently enrolled via school mail.  You can wait for letter or print the form in link above, complete, and return via school mail.

Enrollment can be completed online via www.arbenefits.org as late as October 15, 2016.  If you miss deadline to meet with Mrs. Overall, you can enroll online, but you must notify coverall@wmsd.net of your enrollment details to ensure proper deductions.

If you need assistance enrolling online use contact information below.
ARBenefits
Employee Benefits Division
501 Woodlane St., Suite 500
Little Rock, AR 72201
(877) 815-1017 [Toll Free]
501-682-9656

EBD Alert – September 15, 2016
Updated PSE Open Enrollment Guide – General Distribution
Health Insurance Representatives (HIR), attached is an updated Open Enrollment Guide. We made some corrections to the Schedule of Benefits listed in the guide. Please distribute this to your employees and inform them to use the attached guide.
- EBD Communications
LINK TO GUIDE: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1UhM8CrKkWRV0NXXzFnYkVhd3M

WELLNESS DISCOUNT INFORMATION  
(ALL visits and surveys MUST be complete by 10/31/2016 to receive discount)

WELLNESS SURVEY:

Health Assessment
The HA can be accessed at www.guidanceresources.com.  Returning employees and spouses need to login with their username and password.  New users must register using the Organization Web ID “ARBEN” when prompted.  Please remember that both the employee and spouse must create separate accounts using different email addresses when registering. Instructions for logging in can be accessed at the link below.  Anyone needing assistance logging into GuidanceResources® or completing the HA can contact GuidanceResources® at 1-877-247-4621. 
 
Instructions for logging into GuidanceResources®: http://portal.arbenefits.org/newsDocuments/20150313News_HealthAssessment.pdf 

By Billy Woods

WM School District

In the early days of preseason football practice in August of 1987, Grafton Moore ended practice as he always did with a speech and assessment of that day's work.

The West Memphis Blue Devil head coach dismissed the team and then grabbed senior Russell Johnson by the shoulders and walked him a few hundred yards away from the rest of the squad.

I knew exactly what the conversation was about. I was covering the team as sports editor of this publication and I knew the Blue Devils and Moore had a quandary to deal with.

That season saw Moore welcome in a very talented group of sophomores, studs from each of the three West Memphis junior highs. All three schools fed Moore four and five-star players.

The biggest question coming into the season?

Starting quarterback.

Johnson, a strong, rugged and competitive all-around athlete, had been counting on being the starting signal caller his senior year.

And he was certainly qualified.

Problem was sophomore Nat Haston had some unusual skills, not the least of which was a strong, accurate throwing arm.

After some deliberation, Moore determined that he could help the team in two areas by moving Johnson to defense and starting Haston right away.

So, Moore took the time that dreadfully scorching day to gently draw up that scenario to Johnson. Among the many assets Moore brought to the Blue Devil football program, the greatest in my opinion was his ability to connect to the youngsters.

Johnson bought into Moore's plan.

Haston blossomed into a star QB at West Memphis, earning all-state honors two straight years and Johnson thrived as a leader on defensive coordinator Joe Nooner's unit, playing mostly as a linebacker, but also lining up as a stand-up defensive end and flattening the opposing quarterbacks with some vicious sacks.

Johnson earned all-state honors that season as the Blue Devils went 6-4 in the regular season and lost to Little Rock Catholic in the first round of the state playoffs.

However, the biggest payoff of that move was next year with a year of seasoning, Haston led the Blue Devil offense as a wildly talented squad won its first 12 games of the season before losing in the state semifinals at Fort Smith Northside.

Moore performed that type of reasoning to some of his players a few other times in his 23-year career as head coach at his home town.

Thursday night he will be inducted twice into the West Memphis Sports Hall of Fame, individually for his exploits as head coach and again as a member of the 1963 football team that will be the first squad to be inducted into the HOF.

Moore was also noted for creating a winning atmosphere that would shape the program for years to come.

Moore could motivate.

He could get his guys to play for him. To this day, his former players will tell you they would have run through the proverbial brick wall for him because they had that much love and respect for him.

He was also the personification of class, above all else. Everything connected to the program Moore did with class as his motivating factor.

The Hall of Fame begins Thursday with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at Southland Gaming and Racing's Crittenden Room. The banquet/induction ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

Other inductees will include the legendary Bill Kessinger and Lady Devils basketball star Jocelyn Love.

Tickets are $25 apiece and $250 for a table of 10. Tickets can still be purchased at the West Memphis School District's Administrative Office on South Avalon.

Sports (theeveningtimes.com)

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Show details By Billy Woods WM School District In the early days of preseason football practice in August of 1987, Grafton Moore ended practice as he always did with a speech and assessment of that day's work. The West Memphis Blue Devil head coach dismissed the team and then grabbed senior Russell Johnson by the shoulders and walked him a few hundred yards away from the rest of the squad. I knew exactly what the conversation was about. I was covering the team as sports editor of this publication and I knew the Blue Devils and Moore had a quandary to deal with. That season saw Moore welcome in a very talented group of sophomores, studs from each of the three West Memphis junior highs. All three schools fed Moore four and five-star players. The biggest question coming into the season? Starting quarterback. Johnson, a strong, rugged and competitive all-around athlete, had been counting on being the starting signal caller his senior year. And he was certainly qualified. Problem was sophomore Nat Haston had some unusual skills, not the least of which was a strong, accurate throwing arm. After some deliberation, Moore determined that he could help the team in two areas by moving Johnson to defense and starting Haston right away. So, Moore took the time that dreadfully scorching day to gently draw up that scenario to Johnson. Among the many assets Moore brought to the Blue Devil football program, the greatest in my opinion was his ability to connect to the youngsters. Johnson bought into Moore's plan. Haston blossomed into a star QB at West Memphis, earning all-state honors two straight years and Johnson thrived as a leader on defensive coordinator Joe Nooner's unit, playing mostly as a linebacker, but also lining up as a stand-up defensive end and flattening the opposing quarterbacks with some vicious sacks. Johnson earned all-state honors that season as the Blue Devils went 6-4 in the regular season and lost to Little Rock Catholic in the first round of the state playoffs. However, the biggest payoff of that move was next year with a year of seasoning, Haston led the Blue Devil offense as a wildly talented squad won its first 12 games of the season before losing in the state semifinals at Fort Smith Northside. Moore performed that type of reasoning to some of his players a few other times in his 23-year career as head coach at his home town. Thursday night he will be inducted twice into the West Memphis Sports Hall of Fame, individually for his exploits as head coach and again as a member of the 1963 football team that will be the first squad to be inducted into the HOF. Moore was also noted for creating a winning atmosphere that would shape the program for years to come. Moore could motivate. He could get his guys to play for him. To this day, his former players will tell you they would have run through the proverbial brick wall for him because they had that much love and respect for him. He was also the personification of class, above all else. Everything connected to the program Moore did with class as his motivating factor. The Hall of Fame begins Thursday with a reception at 5:30 p.m. at Southland Gaming and Racing's Crittenden Room. The banquet/induction ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Other inductees will include the legendary Bill Kessinger and Lady Devils basketball star Jocelyn Love. Tickets are $25 apiece and $250 for a table of 10. Tickets can still be purchased at the West Memphis School District's Admi