Sylvan Hills Middle School

💙🐻 IT’S NATIONAL CUSTODIAN DAY, AND WE’RE CELEBRATING SOME OF THE REAL MVPs OF SHMS! 🐻💙 Our custodial team is truly the crew that keeps this place going! 👏👏👏 They’re here taking care of our building, our students, and our staff day after day, and they do WAY more than most people ever see. They clean it, fix it, move it, find it, set it up, take it down, and handle the messes nobody wants to claim. 😂 And somehow, when we need help, they’re always there! They work incredibly hard, take pride in our school, and make SHMS a better place for ALL of us. We could not do what we do every day without them. Period. So today, we’re making some NOISE for our custodial crew! 🥳👏🧹 THANK YOU for everything you do for SHMS! We see you, we appreciate you, and we are SO lucky to have you! Y’all help us show our custodians some BIG SHMS LOVE in the comments! ⬇️👏💙 #NationalCustodianDay #SHMSBears #BearPride #ExpectBelieveSucceed

about 3 hours ago, Janna Gibson

They may work behind the scenes, but their efforts are always visible. A huge thank you to the entire district custodial staff as we recognize and celebrate National Custodian Day. Thank you for the work you do to keep our schools, officies, and facilities clean and well maintained.

about 11 hours ago, PCSSD

If you still need to purchase Chromebook insurance, the deadline is Tuesday, October 6. Go to this link for further information on coverage and ways to enroll online, by mail, or over the phone: https://www.pcssd.org/page/chromebook-insurance

about 14 hours ago, PCSSD

English-language SmartTech Chromebook insurance flyer for PCSSD. The graphic outlines coverage for accidental damage, liquid damage, and loss or theft, compares costs without coverage, and includes instructions for signing up online, by phone, text message, or mail. Coverage costs $25 through June 30, 2027.

Spanish-language SmartTech Chromebook insurance flyer for PCSSD. The graphic explains coverage for accidental damage, liquid damage, and loss or theft, shows repair/replacement costs without coverage, and provides enrollment options online, by phone, text message, or mail. Coverage costs $25 through June 30, 2027.

In October, we're celebrating National Principals Month!

This morning, principals from across PCSSD gathered at Central Office for their regular monthly meeting and were surprised with a special "PCSSD Principal Fuel Station" featuring encouraging messages and healthy snacks to kick off the month-long celebration.

Throughout October, we'll be highlighting the outstanding leaders who serve our schools each day. Join us in thanking our hardworking principals for their dedication to students, staff, and the broader PCSSD community.

#ExpectBelieveSucceed

1 day ago, PCSSD

A tabletop display for the "PCSSD Principal Fuel Station." It includes a framed green sign reading "Fill a Grab Bag," a large ceramic red apple, black treat bags, and a poster featuring a retro gas pump labeled "PCSSD Principal Fuel Station."

A close-up view of fresh yellow bananas stacked in a wire basket, with encouraging handwritten messages written on their peels in black marker, including "Awesome!", "You Rock", and "Way to Grow!"

Two male principals sitting next to each other at a table, smiling at the camera. The principal on the left wears a maroon vest, plaid tie, striped shirt, and dark-rimmed glasses. The principal on the right wears a blue plaid button-down shirt with a name badge.

A principal wearing a black blazer and a Maumelle Middle shirt smiling as she reaches into a basket to grab a banana marked with an encouraging message. Other colleagues stand in the background near a table filled with breakfast items and snacks.

Two female school leaders smiling together at the fuel station. One holds a small green snack pack, while beverage tubs filled with ice, canned drinks, and water bottles sit in the background.

A group of school leaders browsing snacks at the fuel station table. In the foreground, a woman in a red sequined blazer grabs a snack bag, while another person wears a t-shirt that says "This MEETING is brought to you by the letter B." Baskets of snacks and fresh bananas sit on the table nearby.

Two female principals smiling together indoors in front of a presentation screen reading "Principal's Meeting". The woman on the left wears black-framed glasses, large gold earrings, and a black-and-white patterned top with a name badge. The woman on the right wears glasses and a light blue top.

A woman in a bright pink dress smiling as she reaches into a snack basket at a decorated table. In the foreground sits a small red toy wagon filled with wrapped treats alongside a basket of bananas.

A principal with gray hair and glasses smiling as he picks out snacks from a table display. In the foreground, woven baskets are filled with fresh oranges and bagged snacks, with an AVID banner hanging in the background.

Get ready to celebrate AVID Wednesday by wearing your AVID shirt, college gear, or career wear tomorrow!

AVID builds college- and career-ready students at every grade level. Take some time to read how some PCSSD students say AVID is making a difference in their education. #ExpectBelieveSucceed

3 days ago, PCSSD

A large group of students stands together in a classroom holding completed "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheets. The students display a variety of responses describing how AVID has helped them develop academic skills, ask questions, improve note-taking, set goals, and build confidence. The photo showcases student participation in the school's AVID reflection activity.

A collection of "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheets is arranged on a tabletop. The handwritten responses from students and staff describe how AVID has helped with note-taking, goal setting, academic achievement, confidence, organization, and staying focused on grades. Each sheet features the #MyAVIDWhy message and reflects personal growth through AVID.

Four elementary students and one staff member pose in a school hallway in front of a display of student work. The wall features vocabulary posters, space-themed decorations, and motivational star signs with encouraging messages. The group stands together beneath the student work showcase, highlighting a positive learning environment and student achievement.

A student stands beside an AVID mission poster while holding a "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheet. The handwritten response shares that AVID has helped the student earn good grades and stay focused on schoolwork. Surrounding wall displays include AVID materials and school information posters that reinforce college and career readiness.

Three staff members stand together in a school hallway near an elevator, holding clipboards, folders, and other materials. The group is participating in an AVID activity and is surrounded by school safety equipment and hallway displays. The photo highlights staff engagement and support for schoolwide AVID initiatives.

A student stands in front of an AVID mission poster and holds a "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheet. The handwritten response reads, "Communicate better with people." Additional school posters about student readiness and school policies are displayed on the wall behind the student.

Catch up on what’s happening at SHMS in this week’s family newsletter! 💙🐻

#SHMSBears #BearPride #ExpectBelieveSucceed

5 days ago, Mike Hudgeons, Principal

🎉💙 Help us celebrate Ms. McBride! 💙🎉 We couldn’t let the weekend go by without giving Ms. McBride some BIG birthday love! 🥳 She does so much for SHMS and is always there to help our students, staff, and families. We appreciate her more than she knows and hope she had the BEST birthday yesterday! 💐🎂 Drop some birthday love for Ms. McBride in the comments! 🥳🎈💙 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MS. McBRIDE!! 🎉💙🎉

6 days ago, Janna Gibson

🎵 More than 150 PCSSD students sharpened their skills together at a districtwide All‑Region preparatory workshop this past weekend! 🎶

Sylvan Hills Junior High’s choir hosted singers from Mills Middle, Robinson High, Robinson Middle, and Sylvan Hills Middle schools. The extra reps built confidence ahead of All‑Region auditions on October 3. Good luck!
#ExpectBelieveSucceed

7 days ago, PCSSD

A choir stands in rows holding music folders while an instructor with beaded hair conducts at the front; colorful posters and photos cover the back wall.

A group of students sit in a large circle of chairs in a band room while an instructor stands and leads discussion; percussion instruments and “The Pride of the Hillside Band” mural are visible in the background.

Students sit on tiered risers holding music folders while a conductor stands in front with a baton; plaques and windows showing school buses line the back wall.

Students stand among rows of black chairs holding papers or folders in a music rehearsal room with blue acoustic panels and a drum set in the back.

Students sit in a large circle of chairs while one student stands in the center reading from a tablet; the room has beige walls, acoustic panels, and pink tape X marks on the carpet.

A large group of high school choir students stand closely together in a music room, smiling for a group photo; blue acoustic panels and chairs surround them.

“C” US DIFFERENTLY

Our overall district letter grade has improved from a D to a C, and schools across the district have experienced some big progress.

Here’s what we mean:
🚀 4 schools jumped multiple grade levels
🏅 11 schools improved by at least one letter grade
📈 19 schools increased their overall accountability scores

We are proud of these achievements, and we are C-ing even greater things ahead!

#seeusdifferently #ExpectBelieveSucceed

9 days ago, PCSSD

A structured graphic graphic titled "School and District Letter Grades" displaying letter grade performance comparisons for Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) between 2025 and 2026. District Grade: Pulaski County Special School District: Improved from D in 2025 to C in 2026. Secondary Schools (2025 Grade → 2026 Grade): Joe T. Robinson Middle School: B → C Maumelle Middle School: F → F Mills Middle School: D → D Sylvan Hills Middle School: D → C Sylvan Hills Junior High: F → C Joe T. Robinson High School: F → C Maumelle High School: D → C Mills University Studies High: D → F Sylvan Hills High School: C → C Elementary Schools (2025 Grade → 2026 Grade): Cato Elementary: D → C Chenal Elementary: A → C Baker Elementary: B → B College Station Elementary: F → B Crystal Hill Elementary: C → C Daisy Bates Elementary: D → C Joe T. Robinson Elementary: C → D Landmark Elementary: C → B Lawson Elementary: D → C Oak Grove Elementary: F → C Oakbrooke Elementary: C → C Pine Forest Elementary: C → C Sherwood Elementary: B → B Sylvan Hills Elementary: C → C William J. Clinton Elementary: F → D

It is already more than halfway through the first quarter, which means it is a good time to check in on student progress! Log in to the Home Access Center anytime at hac23.esp.k12.ar.us to view grades, attendance, and more. #ExpectBelieveSucceed

11 days ago, PCSSD

Week 7 is here! Check out this week’s family newsletter for important updates and reminders. 💙🐻

#SHMSBears #BearPride #ExpectBelieveSucceed

12 days ago, Mike Hudgeons, Principal

🎉💙 IT’S MS. KENDRICK’S BIRTHDAY!! 💙🎉 Help us show some BIG birthday love to the one and only Ms. Kendrick! 🥳 She brings so much to SHMS, and today we’re celebrating HER! Drop a 🎂, 💙, or birthday shoutout in the comments and help us make her day extra special! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MS. KENDRICK! 🎈🎉🥳 #SHMSBears #PCSSD

12 days ago, Janna Gibson

💎🐻 SHMS IS A GEM SCHOOL! 🐻💎 We are so proud of our students, staff, and families! Sylvan Hills Middle School has been recognized as a Gem School by the state of Arkansas! A lot of hard work happens inside SHMS every single day, and we are proud to see our school recognized. Thank you to our teachers and staff for all you do, our students for continuing to work hard, and our families for always supporting SHMS. Proud to be a Bear! 💙🤍🐻 Expect. Believe. Succeed.

14 days ago, Janna Gibson

These PCSSD Department of Safety and Security officers watch over the Sylvan Hills High School feeder pattern of schools.

Please join in celebrating these security officers for National Security Officer Appreciation Week. #ExpectBelieveSucceed

15 days ago, PCSSD

Sylvan feeder pattern safety and security department personnel

We are so proud of the growth happening at SHMS! 💙🐻 This progress is truly a team effort. Thank you to our administrators for their leadership, our teachers and staff for the work they put in every day, and our students for continuing to learn, grow, and push themselves. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’re excited to keep climbing together! Expect. Believe. Succeed. 💙

15 days ago, Janna Gibson

This Friday, we will celebrate AVID Day, joining schools across the country in recognizing the impact of educators and students working together to expand access and opportunity. At Pulaski County Special School District, AVID strengthens skills like critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and self-advocacy, helping students prepare for college, careers, and beyond. We are proud of the growth we see every day and grateful for the shared commitment that makes it possible. #MyAVIDWhy #ExpectBelieveSucceed

16 days ago, PCSSD

🎉 Happy Birthday, Officer Askew! 🎉 We hope you have a great day! Thank you for all you do for our students and staff each day. We appreciate you and hope you enjoy your birthday! 💙💛 Help us wish Officer Askew a very Happy Birthday! 🎂🎈🥳

19 days ago, Janna Gibson

Week 6 is here! Check out this week’s family newsletter for important updates and reminders. 💙🐻

#SHMSBears #BearPride #ExpectBelieveSucceed

19 days ago, Mike Hudgeons, Principal

Happy Birthday, Mr. Stanley! 🥳🎉 We hope you have an awesome day and get to enjoy every minute of it! Help us show Mr. Stanley some birthday love today! 🎂🎈🥳 💙 Your SHMS Family

22 days ago, Janna Gibson

Week 5 is here! Check out this week’s family newsletter for important updates and reminders. 💙🐻

#SHMSBears #BearPride #ExpectBelieveSucceed

25 days ago, Mike Hudgeons, Principal