J.O. Kelly Middle School

Welcome to the team, Dixie Lopez! My name is Dixie Lopez and I recently graduated from the University of Arkansas as part of Project REACH, a partnership between Springdale Schools and the U of A to promote bicultural and bilingual teachers within the district. I am thrilled to be joining the JO Kelly Knights in a full-time capacity. Some of you may know me from the after school program, Knight Time, or from Knapp Elementary where I previously worked. I am excited to continue being a part of Springdale Public Schools and to keep seeing students I’ve had in the past as well as meet new smiling faces. More importantly, I am committed to Springdale Schools’ mission to teach and empower all of our students. Mi nombre es Dixie Lopez y recientemente me gradué de la Universidad de Arkansas como parte del Proyecto REACH, una asociación entre springdale Schools y la U of A para promover maestros biculturales y bilingües dentro del distrito. Estoy encantado de unirme a los JO Kelly Knights a tiempo completo. Algunos de ustedes me reconocen del programa después de la escuela, Knight Time, o de Knapp Elementary donde trabajé anteriormente. Estoy emocionado de continuar siendo parte de las Escuelas Públicas de Springdale y de seguir viendo a los estudiantes que he tenido en el pasado, así como conocer nuevas caras sonrientes. Más importante aún, estoy comprometido con la misión de Springdale Schools de enseñar y empoderar a todos nuestros estudiantes.

Welcome to the team Mr. Paul Walker! Mr. Walker grew up in Los Angeles County, CA, and graduated with a master's from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ. He then spent the next 30 years as a police officer in Orange County, CA. Paul and his wife, Anissa, moved to NWA last year, they have 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family and barbecuing in the backyard.

Welcome to the team, Destini Wages. Destini is coming to JO Kelly from George Elementary, where she was a special education instructional assistant. She's married with 3 amazing kids. In her spare time, Destini loves being with her family and in the outdoors!

Look who is back at it: Mrs. Hope and Mrs. Patrick, our all-star counselors. These two are working hard to get student schedules ready for August 15th! #SpringdaleFamily

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Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Raabe, and Mr. Buchanan are back at work-learning and planning for the upcoming school year. Only 3 weeks until students are back! They’re excited to see everyone on August 15th! #SpringdaleFamily

Welcome to the team, Joe Deifel! Mr. Deifel grew up in Lexington, KY. He played college football at Marshall University in WV, and has been a teacher/coach for 10 years. Mr. Deifel came to JO Kelly last year as the ISI supervisor, and he is excited to be back this year as a Social Studies teacher. When he's not at school, Mr. Deifel loves spending time with his wife, Courtney, and their boys, Trip (7) and Walt (5). You can usually find them cheering on the Razorbacks or at the lake.

Official welcome to Jenny Sihapanya to J.O. Kelly Middle School. Ms. Sihapanya filled a long term substitute position at J.O. Kelly last spring, and we are excited to welcome her as a full time science teacher! Jenny grew up in Bentonville and graduated from the University of Central Arkansas. She loves biology, but she loves teaching even more!

No school supply list has been published, because students at JO Kelly will receive what they need at school! We are asking for monetary donations of $20 per student to help off-set the cost. We will be taking donations and Chromebook insurance enrollment at our Block Party on Wednesday, August 10th. Links to pay online will be posted in August as well. Only a month left of summer vacation: ENJOY and READ! 😉

Several outstanding KMS teachers are in Little Rock this week at the PLCS at Work Institute. They freely give of their summer vacation to learn, prepare, and provide leadership for Kelly Middle School in the fall.

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Welcome to the team, our new choir director, Rebeca Adler! Ms. Adler has 18 years of experience as a choir director for grades 7-12, and she brings creativity and enthusiasm for our choral program.

Join the #SpringdaleFamily Become a bus driver today!

"Delta Dental of Arkansas presents Toothapalooza, a children’s oral health event, at the Amazeum on Saturday, June 18th, 2022 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Museum admission is free for the first 500 kids and their families who mention Toothapalooza upon entry. Four guests per family, please. Dental health-related activities will be available during the day!"

Investing in our #SpringdaleFamily | Board votes to increase pay https://www.smore.com/waxyk

Investing in our #SpringdaleFamily | Board votes to increase pay https://www.smore.com/waxyk

Work for Springdale Schools! Apply today Starting pay of $19.45* per hour. *includes daily attendance bonus

Feed Your Brain at Walker- ALL Springdale Families are invited https://www.smore.com/0t3hw

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7th grade Olympians authored, illustrated, and shared their work with Knapp 2nd graders. We have some great neighbors at the elementary school!