APCS Will Open LATE on December 17, 2008

Due to road conditions Academics Plus Charter School will open at 9:00 AM on December 17, 2008

Students please report to your 2^nd period class.

Please be safe!

 

APCS Administration

APCS Closed Due To Weather

Academics Plus Charter School will be closed Tuesday December 16, 2008 due to deteriorating road conditions.

Please be safe!!

APCS Administration

!!SCHOOL CLOSING!!

APCS will CLOSE at 3:00 PM today due to road conditions.

Please pick up your student by 3:00 pm

Watch the news for more info on the status of Tuesday December 16, 2008.

 

When more information is available it will be posted here on this site.

Thank you,

APCS Administration

From the Principal's Office

From the Principal's Office

I wanted to remind you that Friday Decemember 19, 2008 School will be dismissed at Noon.

Winter break starts Dec. 19 2008 and school resumes on January 5,2009.

I hope you have a safe and warm holiday season.

Take time to read a book with you children over the holiday break.

Happy Holidays

Dr. Lackey

FROM THE COUNSELOR' OFFICE

FROM THE COUNSELOR'S OFFICE
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) is pleased to announce the application process for the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program for the 2009-2010 award year. Although the funding for this year's awards is not complete, it appears that a minimum of sixty-two (62) scholarships will be offered in the amount of $1,500 each to Arkansas public and private school students graduating in 2009. Scholarship recipients will be selected on a competitive application basis within each of the four congressional districts in the state. To qualify for a scholarship, the following criteria must be met: 1. Be a 2009 graduate of a public or private school or receive a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma 2. Be a resident of the State of Arkansas 3. Be admitted to an institution of higher education 4. Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic achievement Screening of applications will be based on the following: 1. Superior academic proficiency as demonstrated by standardized test scores on the SAT and/or ACT or National Merit Scholarship 2. High school grades with emphasis given to Honors, Advanced Placement, and concurrent college courses 3. Leadership ability 4. Involvement in school and community activities including acquired skills and achievement outside the realm of the usual high school activities 5. High goals and aspirations that reflect the promise of continued academic achievement Program guidelines now require coordination of awards with other scholarships, grants, and loans that may be received by the student. No recipient may collectively receive scholarship awards, grants, and loans in excess of the total cost of a year's attendance. Prior to funding of the scholarship award, the program administrator will coordinate with the Financial Aid Office at the recipient's college or university. Students who already have full scholarship awards or will be attending military academies may not receive a Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. Application and Program Guidelines are attached but may also be found on the

ADE Web site at the following address: http://arkansased.org/students/scholarships.html. Submit completed applications (with official seven semester grade transcript and verification of test scores) postmarked and mailed to the address below no later than Friday, February 13, 2009. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE AND/OR POSTMARKED AFTER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2009, WILL NOT BE REVIEWED BY THE SELECTION COMMITTEE. Scholarship recipients will be notified by mail no later than June 1, 2009.

Christopher Barnes Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program Coordinator Arkansas Department of Education
Four Capitol Mall - Room 107-A
Little Rock, AR 72201

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

The following students have qualified for the Academics Plus 2008-09 Quiz Bowl team:

1. Josh Wheeler
2. Frankie Alford
3. David Anderson
4. Tim Werner
5. Dylan Johnson
6. Teddy Nguyen
7. Kaitlyn Dela Cruz
8. Cheyenne Dela Cruz

Mrs. Amanda Tanner, Faculty Sponsor

Watch for more information on the teams competitions.

Doing It The Charter Way!
Dr. Lackey

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

FROM THE PRINICPAL'S OFFICE

RE: FALCON BASETBALL

WHAT: FIRST HOME GAME OF THE SEASON TONIGHT!

WHERE: MAUMELLE MIDDLLE SCHOOL GYM

TIME: FIRST GAME STARTS 5:00 pm

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED! WE NEED PARENTS TO HELP SELL TICKETS AT THE DOOR.

APCS Seeks Policy Subcommittee Applications

TO: Students, Teachers, Parents and District Stakeholders

FROM: Luke Ribich; Treasurer – PCS, Inc. Board of Trustees

RE: DISTRICT POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE APPLICATIONS

Dear Constituents of APCS,

The Board of Trustees of Pulaski Charter Schools, Inc., d/b/a Academics Plus Charter School, is seeking applications from parties interested in serving on the District Policy Subcommittee. The Policy Subcommittee reviews, maintains, recommends and drafts policies of governance for the Pulaski Charter Schools, Inc. Board of Trustees. The Chairman of the Policy Subcommittee, Mr. Luke Ribich – Board of Trustees, seeks a 7 member body including 2 trustees and is seeking representatives of the following groups:

• Student Government (1 position vacancy)
  
• PTO (2 position vacancies)
  
• Teachers (1 position vacancy)
  
• Support Staff (1 position vacancy)
  

Please email your name, email, telephone number and a statement of your interest to policy_cmte@academicsplus.org, attn: Luke Ribich. All applicants should have their information submitted NLT COB, Monday, 1 DEC 2008. The Policy Subcommittee is tentatively planning a kick-off meeting for 0800-0900 on Saturday, 6 DEC 2008. Applicants will be selected from the candidate pool prior to Friday, 5 DEC 2008.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

Our 6th grade boys basketball team WON 3rd place in the 39th annual Rev. Rochester Rodgers Sr. 2008 Pre-Holiday Basketball Tournament this weekend.

Tonight our 3rd grade boys will be playing for 1st or 2nd place depending on if they win or lose.


Let’s give them a BIG FALCON pat on the back!


GO 3rd grade Falcons!


Keep up the good work!
Dr. Lackey

MauMag

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

From The English Department
Mrs. A. Tanner:

I recently received the latest copies of the MauMag. Our students submitted short stories for publication earlier this year, and Shelbie Reed's story was chosen for publication. The editor, Mr. Roger Frangieh dropped off copies for me yesterday if anyone would like to see. You can view the magazine at www.maumag.com. Along with Shelbie's story, Mr. Frangieh also published an essay I wrote as well - so A+ is fully represented in MauMag!

Eventually, stories from Michael Silva-Nash, Tailour Rowan, and Nicole Matthews are supposed to be available on the Maumag website.

From The Counselor

From the Counselor’s Office ~

Date: November 18, 2008

From: Lori Lackey
Director of Counseling Center

To: Parents
RE: Caught You Caring Campaign!

FALCONS
Caught You Caring Campaign!
2008-2009

It’s simple, but we think will be a very effective idea that will recognize our students, who are helping to make APCS and their community a safer and more caring place to live, learn and play.
How it works: Teachers, administration, coaches, staff, parent volunteers, etc. will randomly “catch students caring” and give them a prize voucher. The adult nominators will fill out and sign the voucher. The youth nominees will take it to the counselor’s office where they will drop it into the Caring Kids box. Students’ names will be drawn and announced regularly. All student vouchers not drawn will stay in the Caring Kids box until the end of semester. To be eligible to win the week of the drawing,

APCS Jazz News

Dear…. EVERYONE!

 

I hope that you are all staying super warm this cold morning.  I have great news to report!!  Last night we had several APCS Jazz Band members audition for the (Region VI) All-Region Jazz Band.   They did VERY WELL!!  I'm so proud of them!! 

 

Dylan Johnson (guitar) received 2^nd chair and will go on to represent our school and the region at All-State auditions in February. 

 

I am proud of him and ALL OF OUR AUDITIONEERS!!  Most of them placed 4^th which means they were right behind the alternate (remember they take only 2 on most instruments). That's completely AWESOME especially since they were competing students who have been playing for 3—5 years. They really held their own last night and I'm bursting with pride for them!! 

 

 

 

Just FYI about Jazz Band auditions:

 

Unlike what most of us remember during our years in junior high and high school band, Jazz Band auditions are a LOT different.  Not only do they need to have their prepared pieces, some scales and sight reading, (only needed for concert all-region band auditions---what most band students do) but with jazz band auditions, they also have to know additional scales and modes (not just major and minor BUT ALSO Dorian, Mixolydian and Blues) AND they have to IMPROV ON THE SPOT!!  Our students have met these challenges head on. I'm more than pleased with their success.    

 

 

Please send a "congratulations" to Dylan and to ALL of the APCS Jazz Band members.  THEY have worked SO HARD in this program; they deserve a major pat on the back. 

 

APCS JAZZ BAND MEMBERS:

 

Christina Loken

Aaron Eller

Devon Ford-Love

Timothy Fluharty

Paige Allen

Dave Sweere

Rumer Ribich

Teddy Nguyen

David Anderson

Timothy Werner

Dylan Johnson

Dustin Eddins

 

(others who are not in the class but meet with me at lunch so they may perform with us):

Jacqueline Sheesley

Victoria Crockett

Blake Branham

Chandler Belew

News From APCS PTO

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know if you hadn't rec'd an email yet that we have decided to cancel the Nov. 18th PTO meeting.  We'd really like to see our families instead plug into the Sharefest which is happening on Sat. the 22nd.  There will be a meeting on Dec. 16th so please mark your calendars for that.  A flyer was hopefully sent home last week that explained the Sharefest a little and mentioned the "Boxes of Love" program that we'd like to participate in.  We'll have the empty boxes there so if you'd like to help out all you'd need to bring is the contents which is:
   2 - 14.5 oz cans Green Beans or Peas
   2- 15.25 oz cans Corn or Mixed Veggies
   1 - 2lb bag of Rice
   1 - 29oz can Yams or Sweet Potatoes
   1 - 16oz Box of Brownie mix or 1 Cake Mix & prepared frosting
   2 - 8oz boxes of Corn Muffin Mix
   1 - 30oz can of Fruit Cocktail
   1 - 19oz container of Drink Mix (Just add water)
Fellowship Church will be adding a roasting hen & New Testament Bible.  These boxes help feed the needy in Central Arkansas.  We'd really appreciate any help you can give.  If you can't make it on the 22nd, please drop off your items in the marked bin in the Teacher's Break Room (Bldg A) anytime between now and then. 

Thanks so much and have a great week.

Your PTO

No PTO Meeting in November

The APCS PTO has canceled the Nov. 18th PTO meeting in hopes that more people will be willing to plug in to the upcoming Sharefest on the 22nd. For more information please contact Lisa Drogo at tldrogo@hotmail.com.

APCS Starts 9-12 grade Soccer

FROM THE PRINICPAL'S OFFICE

9-12 grade boys and girls soccer starts December 1, 2008

Sign up now!

November 18, 2008 a Scocer Mom

will be in the Falcons Nest from 12:10-12:55 answering questions.

Any questions or to sign up to play soccer contact Dr. Lackey

851-3333

buster.lackey@academicsplus.org

Watch for a soccer parents meeting in December

FROM THE COUNSELOR'S OFFICE

FROM THE COUNSELOR'S OFFICE

~LYON College in Batesville, Arkansas~

Seniors that have a 3.25 cumulative GPA or a 24 or higher on their ACT automatically qualify for LYON College Honors Days Scholarship competitions. The great news is that students will receive no less than $6,500 per year for four years (that's $26,000)and have a chance to win full tuition,room,board,fees and books (that's $104,096 over four years).

Students wishing to attend must submit freshman application along with High School transcript and ACT or SAT scores and must be accepted for admission to LYON College. Students can apply on-line at www.lyon.edu

Honor Days scholarship competitions scheduled days are
Saturday, November 22 ... RSVP by November 15, 2008
Saturday, December 6... RSVP by November 30, 2008

This is a chance for you to visit the campus, speak with faculty members and get free money for college!


Doing It The Charter Way!

Lori Lackey
School Counselor
851-3333

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE

GREAT NEWS!

Academics Plus Junior Girls Varsity Team beat Rose City 38 -18 last night.

Way to go girls!

Thank You – Coach Sanders and girls. Your commitment and dedication to the team has paid off and your hard work is reaping the benefits!

GO FALCONS GO!!!!!!

Don't Forget the games tonight:

JG, SG, and JB at Abundant Life in Sherwood.

Game time starts at 5:30PM.

APCS Ranks High Compared to Area Schools

Click here for complete report

APCS Announces Progress Report

Click here for the complete report

APCS Announces First Nine Weeks Honor Roll

Numerous students on APCS First Nine Weeks Honor Roll.

Click here for complete listing.

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRINCIPAL:

Over the summer I had the awesome opportunity to attend Harvard University’s Charter School Leadership Institute.
Through my association with Harvard University Academics Plus Charter School Juniors and Seniors have been included in a
Evening with the Harvard, Princeton and UVA admission and financial aid representatives.

YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS EVENT!

To register go to:
http://www.harvardprincetonuva.com/

The meeting will be held at:
The Double Tree
424 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201

Sunday November 9, 2008 at 7:30PM
Plan on 1 and ½ hour presentation

If you have any questions please call or email me.

Dr. Buster Lackey
Academics Plus Charter School
Principal
501-851-3333

FROM THE PRINCIPALS OFFICE:

On Saturday, November 1, 2008 several of our choir members auditioned individually for the Central All-Region Honor choirs.  We had 12 audition and 8 of them made it! 

 

Sarah Yates                  (soprano 1) (ranked high enough to proceed to All-State auditions)

Breanna Waynes          (soprano 2)

Victoria Crockett            (alto 1)

Hannah Cleveland         (alto 1)

Megan Matthews           (alto 1)

Teddy Nguyen              (tenor 1)     (ranked high enough to proceed to All-State auditions)

Aaron Brown                 (tenor 1)     (ranked high enough to proceed to All-State auditions)

Devon Ford-Love         (tenor 2)     (ranked high enough to proceed to All-State auditions)

 

We are very proud of our choir students! Please make sure you tell Mrs. Pool how much we appreciate all she does for out students.

 

Now! That's Doing It The Charter Way!

Dr. Lackey

Saturday Detention

Saturday Detention has been rescheduled to November 22, 2008. The rules are that it is academic and uniforms will be worn. The time will be 8 AM to 12PM. The doors will close at 8:00 AM sharp.

Practical Jokes Gets Local Authorities Attention

At approximately 10:30 AM a student at APCS Elementary School reported finding a written message indicating a bomb would detonate at 1:00 PM in the elementary building today. After a detailed investigation involving Maumelle Police School Resource Officer, Shea Smith and Dr. Lackey, Principal; it was determined that this apparent threat was meant as a practical joke.

As a precautionary measure Maumelle Police Department provided extra patrol. In addition Maumelle Fire Department was on standby while students were called to an assembly to discuss the ramifications and seriousness of such practical jokes. While students were attending the assembly the Maumelle Police Department cleared the building and consequently students were returned to their classes without incident.


For questions please contact Dr. Lackey at 501-851-3333 or buster.lackey@cademicsplus.org.

Substitute Teaching Opportunities at APCS

Parents, Family & Friends,

In order to ensure that our students are provided first rate instruction in Mathematics, the Math Dept. has scheduled in-service training meetings with Arkansas Department of Education curriculum and instruction improvement facilitators. Due to the availability of State employees, the administration is looking for 7 individual substitute teachers/parents to be available to help cover the 3-12th grade math classes on the following dates:

Date	Substitutes Needed
September 18, 2008	4 ea. (all day)
October 8, 2008	7 ea. (all day)
November 12, 2008	7 ea. (all day)
December 10, 2008	7 ea. (all day)
January 14, 2009	7 ea. (all day)
February 11, 2009	7 ea. (all day)
March 11, 2009	7 ea. (all day)
May 13, 2008	7 ea. (all day)

Substitute teachers receive substitute teacher pay and are left with easily followed lesson plans and course syllabuses. This is an excellent opportunity for our wonderful parents to get active in the school and meet/interact with our beloved staff. If you are interested, can help or need additional information, please contact Mrs. Simmons at 851-3333.

Thank you in advance for dedication and support in meeting this need.

Sincerely,

APCS Admin.

Looking for a volunteer opportunity?

Academics Plus Charter School is looking for several individuals that would be interested in coaching boys and girls after school basketball for grades 3-6. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Buster Lackey (Principal) for more information at (501)851-3333 or buster.lackey@academicsplus.org.