Dear Bauxite Families and Community,
I’m excited to share some great news about the progress happening across our district. Our recent school letter grades from the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, show real growth, and it’s all thanks to the hard work of our teachers, staff, students, and families.
Pine Haven Elementary grew almost 31 points, moving from a “C” to a “B” school.
Bauxite Middle School had an outstanding 56-point increase, also moving from a “C” to a “B” school.
Bauxite High School remains a “C” school, and we’re focusing on strategies to boost growth and give students even more opportunities to succeed.
These results reflect the dedication of our teachers and staff, the determination of our students, and the support of our families and community. I am proud of the progress our students have made, and we remain committed to giving every student the opportunity to keep growing and improving.
We’ve been taking steps across all of our campuses to strengthen teaching and learning for students. That includes expanding iXL for intervention and enrichment for all students K–12, providing PLC (Professional Learning Communities) time so teachers can collaborate and plan more effectively, and giving teachers direct coaching and support to help them succeed in the classroom.
Here’s a small sample of what each campus is doing to improve student outcomes.
Pine Haven Elementary: Implemented last year, teachers have uninterrupted PLC/planning time, vertical alignment has been strengthened to help fill gaps, and a more targeted focus on each student’s learning growth and achievement. PHE has adopted the Eureka Math curriculum, uses data-driven intervention groups, and celebrates student growth through ongoing goal-setting and parent engagement.
Bauxite Middle School: Students and teachers are using data trackers this year to monitor progress, have adopted a new curriculum for ELA called StudySync, and are using iXL in all core subjects. Dedicated PLC time continues to help teachers plan, assess, and adjust instruction to meet students’ needs.
Bauxite High School: CAP time has been enhanced this year to include intentional Response to Intervention (RTI) for both intervention and enrichment. The school is also expanding Advanced Placement (AP) courses, providing focused ACT preparation, and supporting many students who attend the Saline County Career Center to help them prepare for life after high school.
While we’re celebrating these accomplishments, we know our work isn’t done. The Bauxite School District is committed to continuing this growth and making sure every student we serve has a strong foundation for the future.
Thank you to our families and community for your partnership and support. Together, we’re building stronger schools and brighter futures for every student!
With sincere appreciation,
Matt Donaghy
Superintendent of Schools
Bauxite School District

