We are excited to announce J Dorsey as our new Biology Teacher at the High School. J Dorsey brings several years of experience in science education, most recently serving in an Alternate Learning Environment. Before entering education, he worked as a plumber, serving the Northwest Arkansas community.

Education is a family passion, as both his wife and oldest son are educators. He is excited to join the Gentry School District and contribute to its commitment to student success. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and cheering on his son at football games.

🚌 School Buses Are Back on the Road – Help Keep Our Students Safe!

As the new school year begins, thousands of Arkansas students will be riding school buses each day. Every stop matters, and every driver plays an important role in keeping our children safe.

When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, Arkansas law requires all drivers to stop from both directions, even on most four-lane roads. Drivers must remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus begins moving again.

Please remember:
🛑 Never pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.
📏 Stop at least 30 feet from the bus.
🚸 Watch carefully for students crossing the street or walking near the roadway.
📵 Put your phone down and stay focused, especially in school zones.

These laws exist because a child's life depends on them. A few extra moments of patience can make all the difference in helping every student arrive safely at school and return home each afternoon.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our Pioneer students—and all Arkansas students—safe. ❤️🚌

#GoPioneers #SchoolBusSafety #DriveSafely

We are excited to announce Kristen Chappell as a new Special Education Paraprofessional at the Primary School. Kristen Chappell is a military veteran who previously spent 10 years working in financial crimes for the Walmart Home Office before taking time away from her career to focus on raising her children.

After joining the school district as a substitute, she quickly discovered a passion for working with students. Outside of school, Kristen teaches dance at Studio B, enjoys photography, reading, and serving in her church, and loves spending time with her family and their four pets. She looks forward to supporting students, staff, and families in her new role.

📣 HAC Grade Access Update

HAC is now available for middle and high school families to access student grades. Access codes have been emailed to new families, and returning families should use their existing HAC login credentials. If you have questions or need help accessing your account, please contact your child's school for assistance. You can find an information page in the comments.

We are excited to announce Janetta Kindle as a new Custodian. Janetta Kindle has spent the past four years serving in the Siloam Springs School District. She takes great pride in maintaining a clean, welcoming environment for students and staff and enjoys embracing new experiences and challenges. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and gardening.

🚗 Traffic Alert

As we kick off the new school year, we wanted to give families a friendly heads up that traffic is typically a little slower during the first week of school.

With hundreds of new students and families joining Gentry Public Schools this year, and as one of Arkansas' fastest growing school districts, many drivers will be learning our campuses and traffic patterns for the first time.

Please plan to leave a few minutes early, allow for a little extra travel time, and extend patience and grace to one another. This is a normal part of the first week, and traffic flow usually improves quickly as everyone settles into their routines.

You can also find campus traffic flow maps in our Back-to-School Guide to help make your arrival as smooth as possible. Thank you for helping us make the start of the school year safe and successful for everyone.

Go Pioneers! ❤️

❤️ Middle School on Main Street!

What a great day on Main Street Gentry! Our second annual Middle School on Main Street gave our amazing Gentry Middle School teachers the opportunity to get out of the classroom and into the heart of the community they serve.

Part scavenger hunt, part community tour, and all about building connections, teachers explored downtown Gentry, met local leaders and business owners, learned fun facts about our city, and discovered even more about the community our students call home.

There were plenty of memorable moments along the way: From seeing Mayor Kevin Johnston proudly sporting his Pioneer cap, to receiving a fresh rose from Falyn Cordero at Falyn's Flowers & Gifts, enjoying homemade cookies at Honeywheat, receiving thoughtful gifts from Pioneer Pizza and other stops, visiting the amazing Gentry History Room and exhibits at the Public Library, learning the latest about our business community at the Chamber of Commerce, and getting an up-close look at Gentry's historic 1954 fire truck alongside the modern fire engines that proudly display the Pioneer logo as they protect our community every day.

A special thank you to everyone who made this event so special:
❤️ Mayor Kevin Johnston
📚 Library Director Jaymey Boston
🤝 Chamber of Commerce Director Janie Parks
🚒 Fire Chief Vester Cripps
🌹 Falyn Cordero and Falyn's Flowers & Gifts
🍕 Tammy and the team at Pioneer Pizza
🍪 The wonderful staff at Honeywheat

Thank you for opening your doors, sharing your stories, and reminding our teachers what makes Gentry such a special place. Our Middle School Principal Dr. Elizabeth Wieneke says it best: When our educators know the community, they're even better equipped to serve the students and families who make it home.

Here's to another great year of learning, connecting, and serving both inside and outside the classroom!

❤️🤍 #GoPioneers #PioneerFamily #GentryPublicSchools #CommunityConnections #MiddleSchoolOnMainStreet

✨ Celebrating Excellence at Gentry Public Schools! ✨

This week, we had the privilege of publicly recognizing several outstanding educators and staff members whose dedication, compassion, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of our students every day.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 District Teacher of the Year, Amy Gil, and our 2026 Classified Employee of the Year, Angie Newsom!

We also proudly recognized our 2026 Building Teachers of the Year:

🍎 Gentry High School: Loren Babcock
🍎 Gentry Middle School: Cliff Smith
🍎 Gentry Intermediate School: Amy Gil
🍎 Gentry Primary School: Halee Tennison

These individuals represent the very best of Gentry Public Schools. They inspire students, support their colleagues, and help fulfill our mission of being a place where all students connect, learn, and succeed.

To each of these remarkable educators and staff members: thank you for your passion, your servant leadership, and the countless ways you make our schools stronger. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and our students are better because of you.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! ❤️🤍

#GoPioneers #PioneerFamily #TeacherOfTheYear #ClassifiedEmployeeOfTheYear #GentryPublicSchools #ThankATeacher #NWArkansas

🎉 Honoring Service to Students!

One of the greatest strengths of Gentry Public Schools is our people. In fact, as Dr. Broyles says, our people are our culture -- and we have the best!

Every school year, dedicated teachers, administrators, support staff, and employees invest their time, talent, and hearts into helping our students connect, learn, and succeed. On Tuesday, we had the privilege of recognizing employees who have reached significant milestones in their careers serving students and families.

🍎 5 Years
Alecia Arnold
Amanda Dobbs
Doel Frazier
Anthony Herbaugh
Coleman Jarvis
Natasha Hagood
Johnna Baggett
Courtney Barnett
Taylor Ervin
Rhonda Nelson
Angela Newsom
Megan Smith
Destiny Knight

🍎 10 Years
James Clelland
Hannah Davis
Janae Fairchild
Nicholas Goodman
Erica Jones
Scott McCollum
Walter Austin Millsap
Courtney Millsap Place
Chris Thompson
Brittany Ellison
Wendy Jackson
Joanna Jones-Beck

🍎 15 Years
Christina Jones
Agnes Bailey
Tahmara Coones
Michelle Jech
Mark Hawbaker
Lissa Hillis
Jamie Johnson
Justin Rasnick
Clifford Smith
Elizabeth Wieneke
Laura Neville
Misty Curran

🍎 20 Years
Devon Conrad
Nellia Philopott
Lindsay Wilks
Jennifer Pierce
Justin Blanchard
Jason Barrett
Allison Blanchard
Tonya Sweeten
Leanna Floyd
Robert Savage
Jacque Smith

🍎 25 Years
Melissa Bond
Christine Bunce
Andrea Folger
Jennifer Hinterhuer
Kristen Smartt
Tracey Barnes
Angela Evans
Amy Davis
Melinda Ramsey

🍎 30 Years
Richard Davies
Jennifer Lundholm

🍎 35 Years
Joni Wilson

🍎 40 Years
Linda Johnson
Roger Davis

Collectively, these remarkable employees represent hundreds of years of service to Gentry Public Schools and Education in general. Their dedication has impacted generations of students, strengthened our schools, and helped make Gentry a place where all students connect, learn, and succeed.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding members of the Pioneer family and thanking them for their commitment to our students and community!

❤️🤍 #GoPioneers #PioneerFamily #GentryPublicSchools #ThankATeacher #ThankYouStaff

🚍 It doesn't happen very often!

Our Gentry Public Schools Transportation Team is usually spread across hundreds of miles each day, safely transporting students to and from school. But before the first day of school, we had the opportunity to gather all of our incredible bus drivers together for training and a team photo.

Our bus drivers are often the first school employee a student sees each morning and the last one they see each afternoon. They do so much more than drive a bus: They greet students with a smile, build relationships, provide a safe ride, and help set the tone for a successful school day.

As we prepare to welcome students back on Wednesday, August 12, we're grateful for this outstanding team and their commitment to keeping our students safe every single day.

Please join us in thanking our Gentry Public Schools Transportation Team for everything they do!

Need information about bus schedules or anything else to do with the beginning of the school year? Check out our Back to School Guide here: https://www.gentrypioneers.com/page/back-to-school

❤️🚌 #GoPioneers #SchoolBus #BusDrivers #GentryAR

We are excited to announce CJ Sims as a newly contracted bus driver. Clarence has been a sub bus driver for our district for many years. CJ Sims brings more than 40 years of experience as a professional bus driver, including many years transporting passengers on tour buses. Throughout his career, he has been committed to providing safe, reliable transportation while building positive relationships with those he serves.

CJ is excited to be part of Gentry Public Schools and appreciates the warm welcome and kindness he has received from the staff. He values working alongside respectful, caring people who are dedicated to serving students and the community.

Outside of work, CJ is passionate about ministry, which is an important part of his life. He enjoys encouraging and serving others through his faith and looks forward to making a positive impact both on and off the bus.

✏️ School starts next week, and we've got you covered!

Thanks to our Ready Day One program established by our School Board, every Gentry Public Schools student will receive the school supplies they need AT NO COST this school year! That means no shopping lists and no out-of-pocket cost for classroom supplies.

Students will receive teacher-approved, high-quality supplies featuring trusted brands like Ticonderoga, Crayola, and Elmer's, because our students deserve the very best! And don't forget, breakfast and lunch are provided this school year at no cost as well.

📍 Here's when students will receive their supplies:

🏫 Gentry Primary School
📅 Open House: Friday, Aug. 7
🕔 5:–7 p.m.

🏫 Gentry Intermediate School
📅 Open House: Monday, Aug. 10
🕔 5–7 p.m.

🏫 Gentry Middle School & Gentry High School
🎒 Supplies will be distributed on the first day of school, Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Ready Day One is all about making sure every Pioneer walks into the classroom prepared to learn from Day One while helping make back-to-school a little easier for ALL Gentry families.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back next week! ❤️

Questions: Contact your child's school directly or you can reach out to Mark Scott, Director of Community Engagement, at mscott@gentrypioneers.com.

#ReadyDayOne #GentryPioneers #BackToSchool #GentryAR #NWArkansas

We are excited to announce Haley Howard as a new Kindergarten Teacher. Haley Howard is entering her third year of teaching after spending the past two years teaching kindergarten and first grade at Clarksville Primary School. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from the University of the Ozarks in 2024, where she was also a member of the swim team and later served as a volunteer assistant coach.

Originally from Lamar, Arkansas, Haley is excited to join Gentry Public Schools because its close-knit community reminds her of home. She recently became engaged to her fiancé, Carson, and relocated to the area to begin this new chapter. Outside of school, she enjoys shopping and spending time with family and friends, and she looks forward to building relationships with her students and the Gentry community.

We are excited to announce Gina Bell as one of our new English Teachers at the Middle School. Gina Bell is an experienced educator with 21 years of teaching across every grade level, from Pre-K through 12th grade. She is a reading specialist and has served as an interventionist and instructional facilitator, giving her a well-rounded perspective on education.

Gina is excited to join Gentry Public Schools because of its welcoming, small-town community and friendly atmosphere. She and her husband, who is also a teacher, have four grown daughters, two sons-in-law, and a Maltipoo named Ruby. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, reading, writing, singing, playing the piano, and serving through her church's women's and hospitality ministries. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with students and their families.

🩺 Now Hiring: Primary School Nurse ❤️

Looking for a nursing career that offers purpose, meaningful relationships, and a schedule designed to support a healthy work-life balance?

School nursing provides a unique combination of professional fulfillment and a predictable schedule that allows you to make a difference each day while maintaining time for the people and priorities that matter most.

At Gentry Public Schools, you'll care for our youngest students while enjoying benefits that many professionals value throughout every stage of life.

✅ Monday through Friday daytime schedule with evenings and weekends free
✅ 185-day contract with summers off
✅ School holidays and scheduled breaks, including one week at Thanksgiving, two weeks at Christmas, one week for Spring Break, and additional holidays throughout the year
✅ A schedule that often aligns with your children's school calendar or simply provides more time outside of work
✅ Leave work at work with a consistent, predictable schedule and healthy work-life balance
✅ Arkansas Teacher Retirement benefits
✅ Comprehensive health insurance, plus dental, vision, and additional voluntary insurance options available through payroll deduction
✅ Build lasting relationships with students, families, and staff while making a meaningful difference every day

If you're looking for a rewarding nursing career in a supportive school community with a schedule that allows you to thrive both professionally and personally, we'd love to hear from you.

📍 Apply today at GentryPioneers.com or contact:

Mary Bailey, District Nurse
📞 479-736-2254 (Option 6)
📧 mbailey@gentrypioneers.com

Come make a difference with Gentry Public Schools. Go Pioneers! ❤️

We are excited to announce Preston Cash as our new assistant Football Coach and Middle School Science Teacher. Preston Cash brings experience from the past three years as Head Junior High Football Coach and Varsity Assistant Coach at Pea Ridge High School. Prior to that, he coached football and baseball at Har-Ber High School. He and his wife, Paige, have been married for eight years and are the proud parents of three young children.

Preston is excited to join Gentry Public Schools and become part of its growing community. He looks forward to contributing to the district's success and building relationships with students, families, and staff. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, spending time outdoors, and making memories with his family.

🚗 New This Year for GHS Student Drivers!

Students who plan to drive to school this year must obtain a parking permit before parking on campus. Permits are free and help us maintain a safe parking environment by ensuring student drivers are licensed and insured while allowing us to identify vehicles on campus if needed.

📧 A Google Form to apply for a parking permit has been sent to GHS family email addresses. We'll also have tables set up during GHS Open House where students can complete the application and receive their parking decal.

Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our campus safe.

Go Pioneers! ❤️

⛳ Gentry Golf is Back!

The season is underway, and we can't wait to cheer on our Pioneer golfers! Be sure to follow the Gentry Golf Facebook page and stay tuned for updates, highlights, and results throughout the season.

Go Pioneers! ❤️