recieved FEB 9 1995 Office of Desegregation monitoring . w I MRS. Dana Duncan at Romine Interdistrict Elementary School You are invited to a reception forsr THE FflCULTV AND STRFF OF ROMINE INTEROISTRICT SCHOOL COROIRLLV INUITES VOU TO RUENO R RECEPTION HONORING LiniE ROCK SCHOOL OISTRICT TERCHER OF THE VERR '/ MRS. DRNR DUNCAN FRIDRV, FEBRURRV 25, 1996 2:45 - 4:00 p.m. MEDin CENTER RSUP: 228-5086 Renee Smith or Karen Greenlee K I Little Rock School District "Windows On the Future is Romine Interdistrict School The Little Rock School District and Pulaski County Special School District offer an innovative alternative to your neighborhood school. Its an interdistrict school with a focus on providing students with the highest possible competence in academic skills and concepts. And its uniquely enriched and enhanced with computerand satellite technology. Romine Computer Science & Basic Skills Interdistrict School is an elementary school conveniently located in west Little Rock near Baptist Medical Center and Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School. It is open to students who live in the attendance zone for Romine and primarily PCSSD students who are eligible for an M-to-M transfer. The school offers a special emphasis on basic concepts and skills such as reading, writing, speaking, spelling, mathematics, science, social studies, problem solving, art, music and physical education. Integrated learning activities link all curricular areas to the "real world" to give your child a realistic understanding of their importance to the childs future. We offer a clear and consistent instructional philosophy which includes developing and nurturing each child's maximum potential and promoting learning for its own sake. We stress order, respect, pride and responsibility, also. o 73 O o 3 2 O :s3 o Oo 73 o g z m n O c m 73 C/) n m z o m 3 22 n zn (Z) z m c cz 2 n znn z o a o fnDT O 73 O n NJ O 73 O 3 5 fl) 73 O CL Romine Computer Science & Basic Skills Interdistrict School I o inV OQ Q o 0) 3 n' QJ o' 3 z o o - - a- -- First Class Schools For World Class Kids Unique Features Of Instructional Programs Give Students Learning Advantage Teaching techniques at Romine are combined with computerand satellite technology to teach basic skills and expand the curriculum. Language Arts. The language arts program includes instructional television correlated to basic skills, such as journal writing on the computer. These opportunities enable students to develop basic skills and to apply them in reading and research. Science. The science curriculum provides instruction using a technological approach to teaching and learning. "Windows on Science" is a comprehensive science program on interactive videos that brings scientific phenomena to life by using pictures, video clips and extensive hands-on experiments to capture students' imagination and create an early interest and understanding of science. This program enables students to see the relevance of science to everyday life and to develop critical thinking and collaborative-learning skills. Reading and Mathematics. The computer program for reading and mathematics enables students to visit the computer lab at least twice a week. An additional visit by all students is used for keyboard skills and writing activities. Advanced math students receive "Gifted Math" programming (pre-algebra and/ or algebra I). Physical Fitness, Music, & Art. Physical education, music, and art are also an integral part of the educational program and include a variety of forms and concepts to be studied, such as physical fitness, muscle coordination, and fine motor skills in physical education
the concepts of rhythm, melody, and harmony in music
and drawing, painting, weaving and pottery art forms. Unique Characteristics Of Romine Interdistrict School a Strongly anchored with a traditional basic skills curriculum (social studies, science, math, reading and language arts).  The only elementary school in Pulaski County with a computer science theme.  Hour for hour, your child will experience more hands-on time on computers and satellite technology which enrich learning opportunities.  One of only two schools in the district offering the exciting "Windows on Science," state-of-the-art learning experiences combining interactive video and computertechnology to teach science.  Gifted math taught by a certified math specialist using computer-based programs developed by university educators which offers pre-algebra and algebra I to advanced math students in grade six and mathematics to students (grades 3-6) enrolled in the special gifted program.  Multi-components of acceleration, enrichment and micro-computers offered in the gifted math program.  One of three elementary schools west of University Avenue offering a free four-year-old program.  Full-time certified gifted and talented specialists for identified students in all grade levels.  Full-time school nurse.  Before and after school C.A.R.E. Program, 7 a.m. to 5
3O p.m.  Easy access to the west Little Rock campus which is located in close proximity to Interstate 630, Kanis Road and other major transportation arteries in the city.  Focus on developing strong research skills via computer-based research activities interwoven through all subject areas.  More than 100 seats reserved to meet desegregation requirements. For Additional Information, Call (501) 228-3086 Lionel Ward, Principal If you live in the Pulaski County Special School District, Call 490-2000 about a Majority-to-Minority transfer to Romine School. RECOMMENDATION FOR SPECIAL MEETING FOLLOWING COMMITTEE MEETING ON APRIL 16, 1992 LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT 810 WEST MARKHAM STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS RECE5V iPR 2 0 To: Board of Directors April 6, 1992  Oftice ol Desegregation Moniiorif'9 From: Through: Tony Wood, Deputy Superintendent Ruth S. Steele, Superintendent Subject: Personnel Changes I recommend the approval of the following employment of new staff at the indicated position, salary and classificati on. NAME POSITION OR SCHOOL EFFECTIVE DATE SALARY CLASS SALARY Anderson, Barbara Asst Principal Romine 4-17-92 2-07 10.50 $8,417.76 pro-ratedRESUME' Barbara Anderson EDUCATION 1976 Garland County Community College, Hot Springs Associate Degree - General Education 1977 Henderson State University, Arkadelphia B.S.E. 1987 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville M.S.E. - Administration 1988 Henderson State University, Arkadelphia Additional Graduate Study PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 1990-91 Clinton Public Schools, Clinton Elementary Principal 1989-90 Arkansas Department of Education, Little Rock Program Administrator, Chapter II, ESEA 1985-89 Lake Hamilton Public Schools Third Grade Teacher 1978-85 Paron Public Schools, Paron First/Second Grade TeacherOffice of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court  Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown, Federal Monitor 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 (501)376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100 Date: September 9, 1993 To: Lionel Ward From: Connie Hickman Tanner Subject: Request for Romine Recruitment Information Thank you for sharing your ideas, plans, and concerns regarding Romines ability to recruit white students. As promised, I pulled together copies of relevant motions, briefs, and court orders regarding "magnet" designation for schools and programs. I will mail those to you, since the information is too lengthy to fax. The following is a list of the data I requested at our meeting on September 8,1993:  The school plan you received when you came to Romine  A copy of your board proposal on satellite technology  Copies of all the business cases you submitted to the LRSD  The Romine Recruitment Plan you referred to in our meeting and copies of any recruitment materials that you use  Recruitment committee and/or planning meeting(s) documentation, including a committee roster by race, gender, and position, agenda, minutes, and a list of recommended recruitment strategies developed and implemented  Speakers Bureau data, including a bureau roster by race, gender, and position and a list of speaking engagements including the time, location, and parent sign-in sheets. Please forward this information to me by Wednesday, September 15,1993. If you have any questions and/ or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at 376-6200.OCT 05 '93 l
57 P.l Holmes  Davis  HoLlrnann Q R MM RECEIVED -? 2 9 1333 MEMORANDUM TO: Dr. Ruth Simmons Herts FROM: Carol Davis 2? DATE: September 28. 1993 Attached please find ray written report from our meeting Thursday. September 23, I feel the meeting was extremely productive. I'm looking forward to seeing you October 7 at Romine. Please call me if I can be of further help before then. 121 .-ecmJ street 71 I # o( pages a >2 , Post-lt' brand fax transmittal memo 7671 o p9es ,2 Frm^ Co. Ca Dept. Fax # Phono# Pax# .'uite ZOl  \K 72.201.  150l) .S7+-l7,-il  I.\X (50L) .372.4440OCT 05 '93 12 P.2 Conference Report Inter-District Desegregation Student Recruitment Planning Meeting September 23, 1993 Pulaski County Special School District ^llSiian Representing the Pulaski County Special School District: Dr. Ruth Simmons Herts, Bobby Lester, Billy Bowles, Dennis Fitzgerald. Ed Hogan, Sarah Womble and Rodney Standridge. Representing the Little Rock School District: Sterling Ingram, Margaret Gremillion and Becky Rather. Representing Holmes Davis Hoffmann, Inc.: Carol Davis The purpose of this meeting was to discuss planning for an inter-district majority to minority student recruitment campaign in an effort to attract PCSSD's white students to LRSD's predominantly black schools, and to attract LRSD's black students to PCSSD's predominantly white schools. The group elected to begin discussion and planning efforts by first targeting a specific LRSD elementary school and three PCSSD elementary schools. The initial recruitment efforts will serve as a pilot project, but Included in the final plan will be additional schools that do not meet desegregation compliance, along with new magnet schools in both districts. Romine Elementary was selected as the school with majority black students, and Lawson, Baker and Pine Forest as the schools with majority white students. As an exercise to determine marketing positioning, the group listed and discussed the following perceived or re^ strengths and weaknesses of each school:OCT 05 '93 12=53 P.3 Planning Meeting Page 2 Romine Strengths Weaknesses computer science curriculum computer equlpment/lab access to computers in all grades Windows in Science software Inter-active classrooms gifted math program full-time gifted teacher algebra/advanced math Care program location (West LR/easily accessible for parents) Pre-K program (4-year-olds) parent/teacher speakers bureau positive involvement by teaching staff large enrollment of black students predominantly black neighborhood distance from attendance zone school community perception about safety of neighborhood Lawson Strengths Weaknesses rural/country setting safe environment community pride stable, experienced staff small school traditional school distance from attendance zone school rural/country setting small school no major programmatic differences traditional school Baker Strengths Weaknesses economic education theme new economic education facility full-time economic ed. specialist before/after school care LEAP program (grade 1 & 2 "at risk" students) Chapter I small school location/distance from attendance zone school perception of all-white neighborhoodOCT 05 '93 12=59 P.4 Planning Meeting Page 3 Pine Forest Strengths Weaknesses proximity to fastest growing industrial area in county perception of safe neighborhood planned community concept newness of facility twice recipient of state recognition as outstanding school strong parent Involvement perception that black students are not wanted no major programmatic differences limited access to advanced technology for all grades The group was asked to discuss why black students select an M-to-M transfer. These reasons were given: 1) 2) 3) Dissatisfaction with school or district. The parents want their child in a more desegregated school or neighborhood. Lack of space In attendance zone school. The following M-to-M recruitment successes and failures were discussed
Successes advertising in community newspapers direct mail personalized letters to targeted parents newspaper inserts by geographic zones one-on-one marketing by district with new parents/students using satisfied parents as recruiters radio public service announcements Failures mall recruitment recruiting to more than one school in a large meeting elementary students "dog & pony" shows sending information home with students Members of the group make several suggestions for new ideas and strategy
1) 2) 3) Making sure everyone key to making this work understands why the districts are recruiting and what the benefits or "pay-off' are. ^ucating all staff (making sure everyone knows about the other schools Involved). Asking for a commitment to make the recruitment efforts a success.OCT 05 '93 12:59 P.5 Planning Meeting Page 4 The group recommended the following recruitment marketing tools: exchange visits with school staff recruitment packets to include: brochure fact sheet video scrapbook and photo album offer of tours and transportation to targeted parents newspaper ads in community newspapers radio public service announcements direct mail personalized letters to parents using satisfied parents as recruiters direct mall tabloid or special issue of PCSSD's publication. Communique developing a "Pen Pal" student program with "sister schools" Representatives from the Little Rock School District shared printed materials the district has developed in its recruitment efforts. The group scheduled the next meeting for 9 a.m. Thursday, October 7, at Romine. The agenda for this meeting will be to develop a plan of action, establish a timetable and assign tasks.PCSSD PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 925 East Dixon Road/P.O. Box 8601 Little Rock, Arkansas 72216 (501) 490-2000 October 4, 1993 Mr. Sterling Ingram Little Rock School District Director of Planning, Evaluation and Research 810 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 OCT 5 I993 Office of D'is^sgregatfon Monitoring Dear Sterling: A follow-up meeting with Carol Davis of the Holmes Davis Hoffmann, Inc. will be Thursday, October?, 1993, 1 p.m. at Romine Elementary, 2400 Romine Road. We will continue our planning regarding the interdistrict desegregation recruitment efforts. Sincerely, Billy J. Bowles Assistant Superintendent for Desegregation c Mr. Bobby Lester Ms. Estelle Matthis Ms. Ann Brown iu/20/aa 13:17 '0501 32.J 2032 L R School Dlst ODM 002.004 RECEIVED OCT 2 6 1993 9ffic& of C.ssegreg
iiic n Mo fl: to f i fl Q LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT PLANNING, RESEARCH AN1>.,EVALUATION DEPARTMENT Date: October 26, 1993 To: From: Connie Tanner, Associate Monitor Office of Desegregation Monitoring Sterling Tngrai^^'i rector Planning, Research and Evaluation Re: Interdistrict Transfers - 1992-93 School Year Attached you will find information for the 1992-93 school year student transfers to Crystal Hill Magnet School, Baker Interdistrict School and Romine Interdistrict School., Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information. 533 giu ao- a J io
i i Q5Ui j
4 L K scnooi UlSt ODa 1^003.0(j4 LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT ASSIOIMENT OFFICE 501 SHERMAN STREET LITTIZ ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201 19 9 2-93 URSD STnPBNTS ASSIGNED TO CRYSTAI. ffTT.T. SENDING SCHOOL
NUMBER OF STUDENTS Badgett. Bale Baseline Brady Chicot Cloverdale Dodd Fair Park Forest Park Frajiklin Fulbright Garland Geyer Springs Ish Jefferson Mabelvale McDermott Meadowcliff Mitchell Pulaski Heights Rightsell Rockefeller Romine Stephens Terry Wakefield Washington Watson Western Hills Wilson Woodruff TOTAL 1 13 10 11 16 9 IS 8 3 18 16 10 5 3 3 9 12 8 11 3 8 6 18 2 9 5 17 18 4 28 5 305Xu* u / 9,J X U . X > U o U X
uj- L K ^CXXQOX uisr uva l<I 004/004 i mSP STTOBSTS aSSIGKED TO BAlCgR I i SENPHTG SCHOOL: NUMBER OF STUDENTS Badgett Bale Baseline Brady Chicot Cloverdale Dodd Franklin Fulbright Geyer Springs Jefferson Meadowcliff Otter Creek Rightsell Roinine Terry Washington Wilson I 1 i  's I ,5 5 1 3 2 2 3 2 3 14 TOTAL j 65 INTRA-DISTRICT TRANSFERS TO ROMTNS I SENDING SCHOOL: NUMBER OF STUDENTS BLACK NON-BLACK Bale Baseline Brady Cloverdale Dodd Fair Park Forest Park Franklin Fulbright Garland Ish Jefferson McDermott Meadowcliff Mitchell Rightsell Stephens Terry Wakefield Washington Watson Western Hills Wilson Woodruff TOTAL 10 5 IS 2 23 5 3 '3 22 2 3 14 8 1 3 1 3 9 311 i i 175 I 2 4 IS 2 11 5 3 3 21 2 3 11 3 1 1 3 1 1 4 2 3 6 8 1 8 1 0 0 12 0 0 0 1 0 3 5 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 23 0 11$ 59 I I7. LmE Rock School District OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT November 4, 1993 Mrs. Ann Brown, Federal Monitor Office of Desegregation Monitoring 201 East Markham, Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock, AR 72201 Dear Mrs. Brown
T t:. j.u.iyimd.-c.ion requested rreellaattiivvee to Garland Incentive School as well as the Romine Interdistrict This document represents the best '  ' involved at the school level as to what to the recruitment and retention of facilities. School. as well as the thinking of those programs might be helpful students at each of the I, and I am sure that you would agree, that we must power to increase the viability and visibilitv of you would agree we must do all in our attractive to parents and students. Popul^ion"lnd\S?thL^^^^ more of Whether or not the acquisition J ^^tecimology equipment will meet their intended purpose, that sici?i achievement, the inclusion of this technology dols signa_ to parents and the community that we are se>-ious about our comm^^nt to these schools and are willing to sumport i^^iS tSS instructional nseda of studfnts enrolled at needs of students enrolled' at I would also like to . . -- ----------a-----s--s ur We. you tWh4Ua.U.tk- XiVt xias lniUoUt tI he intent or desire to xgnore the practice of submitting business expenditures are necessary. In the requested in your 10-19-93 letter, i that business cases for these three necessary. we cases when progr^Tn case of those that you were under the impression znese tnree projects were noh because tdiey were approved and had funds allocated to them implementation in the previous year's budget. 5 assure you that you w^ll recewe all documents on a timely basis as they relate to financial considerations so that they might be used in the budget decision making process. Finally, in your letter you also requested business cases for new positions sinno i n-oc . , -  that we append other T __ _ , ---- ---- positions since 10-23-93. I would suggest to you that , , Ln this regard, we created only one new position, whifb little later in4 thXii.s 4 l et_t 1 et r .bu t * rthhpe "rrtefXsfrpxMo-nies--*i >b1i^ Tl i4 ty of _p_e_ ople these instructional and we have adjusted currently on staff to meet some of support services that are required by the 810 West Markham Styyrt  Little Kock. Arkansas 72201 R O-UUUi uvm UUO/ UU4 Mrs. Ann Brown November 4, 1953 Page 2 District and the Superintendent to superintendent to meet our day to dav operation
:*! needs and to help us focus more clearly on meetLg tS%oa5 ofSi Those changes that have been made and others to Dositinnd V s^sting funds that have been allocated that have not been filled or oos-ticin<? ths+- =.-,-eK V changes have allowed us to free up funds to support What ever changes that are made,  maximum efficiency. Desegregation Plan. ' that will follow will mr, u . filled or positions that These changes have allowed as we reorganize for With regard to the position that I suggest to you that I, referred to earlier, I would 1 as a new Superintendent who is n-: existing personnel and the needs of the 5ho S^'canSlo?? / require other.people in this organization, 2! specific responsibilities and who are able to take on duties that current sta: to perform, or be accountable for. have not been trained Therefore, l will propose to the Board allowed to o^anize with the addition of of Directors that i be addition of one new position to be I iill position can be advertised. 5eSgii??g /  review our organization with the mind-set of rsorgan_2_ng for maximum efficiency, and perhans make otheu- recommendations in the future. pernaps make other I will continue to The following programs did not have business provided are the reasons for such decisions. Truancy Piek-up Program cases developed
presented to the Board of August ^5,bS regularlY-scheduled to implement this program. The Board suspended the rules and voted Funds were available in this year's budcret ---------~ avaxxcuDie in rnis year's of the district and the citv of SJci non? iaiplemented since we were unabS^ tc place police resource officers in all of our schools Mrs Pat moved to suspend the rulp! w-r am ars. pat Gee. J J Bill Hamilton seconded thta motion It unanimon=ix, -p^,. _________j__,, luuvian, . and it carried RiotTQ unanimously for suspension of the rules. 2t?S implementation of the program, Dr. Mitchell seconded the motion,  Mr. John- . program, Dr. Katherine and It carried unanimously. Romine Interdistrict School Conmuaicatjan Station 1993-94 budget for the financing IS project. The district staff, after a determined that, the Communication Station was needed tu encouraged tn omH ^he Future," and that we had' encouraged to enhance this site through TAnnva+J CMC project. after of a Romine's theme, been site through renovations and programs as a means for reducing some neg^^^e"school h^g^. We11-'O4.'93 10
0 5 0301 324 2032 L R School Dlsr ODM @004/004 Jrs. Ann Brown November 4, 1993 Page 3 were led to believe that. ^at would allow . ^f^ificationrio?, u-?. *^H^_E<^ucational Ifanaceinpn+-Purchase and will highly pubT-feize th-
to develop puo._cize this communication tec - develop a technology to the tool that fflarksting tool community. we Will begin garland Research Incentive School KultimedTa 2xarketing technology, TeehnoioQY and Bunds have be- We did Edneational xs allocated to noi. believe that , _ budgeted. , - _fund the first pi a business needed to infuse ^2? school Dtoo- It was cs<
o T-ti  pease of this proiect case
,as needed for r- oxir are required by rFrt_ and support the i Programs do not opinion that an item that luegration of themes required by means of thT r business r-- them. The princiSl Incentive School  ---- projected a cost Garland Incentive s-'hooi' ^plement two million 211.? i' Brown, agreed to fund conference to disc^sZ Pnojeext, Budget. funds could be frit /.  natter, we so that te^^could^oS^iS?-^ fte Budeet^SSnS^ ^^cisting IBis proposal could to fully document Budgeting process. ?? ^y the Board P^Posal. therefore, we requested the process.  of uheir proposal. It was also some of the Tnr-  Z  ^B.ocl Plan Incentive cases, as we curriculum Bom during Should call. as they develop you require further explanation, please co not hesitate to Sincerely,"^ HPW:nr Encl. Henry P./Williams Superintendent of SchoolsLITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT ASSIGNMENT OFFICE 501 SHERMAN STREET LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72202 December 6, 1993 TO: Ann Drown, Melissa Guldin, Sob Morgan, Margie Powell, Horace Smith, and Connie Hickman Tanner Office of Desegregation Monitoring FROM: C. Russell Mayo, Associate Superintendent for Desegregation SUBJECT: Intradistrict Transfers to Romine and Washington Schoo.l -s for" the 1989" 90 and 1990-91 school years As a follow-up to my memorandum of November 19, information listed below is provided regarding 1993, the int radist ri Ct. transfers to Romine and Washington School 1990-91 school years. for the .1 99 9-90 and 1) The number of intradistrict transfers to Romine. 1989-90 Sending School Number Male Black Female Male Nonblack Female Badgett Bale Baseline Brady Chicot Cloverdale Dodd Fair Park Forest Park Franklin Fulbright Garland Geyer Springs Jefferson King Mabelvale McDermott Meadowcliff M.i tchell Otter Creek 3 6 10 19 6 9 30 3 5 4 27 1 1 2 6 6 14 5 4 1 2 4 4 5 1 12 1 2 1 10 1 ,1 3 7 5 5 12 2 2 2 11 1 2 4 1 3 3 1 1 3 .3 .3 1 1 3 1 2 4 3 6 2 2 2 1 3 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 3TEL: Dec 08,93 9:26 No .001 P.02 Pulaski Heights Rightsell Rockefeller Stephens Terry Washington Watson Western Hills Wilson Woodruff 2 2 1 2 11 3 2 10 26 4 2 1 1 2 3 2 2 9 2 1 1 3 5 TOTAL 225 84 1990-91 Senaino' School Number Male .5 8 2 3 .5 1 4 1 81 30 30 Black FemaJ-g Nonblack Male Female Badgett Bale Baseline Brady Chicot Dodd Pair Park Forest Park Franklin Fulbright Garland Geyer Spring.*? Jefferson King Mabelvale McDermott Meadcwcliff Mitchell Pulaski Heights Rj ghtacll Stephens Terry Wakefield Washington Watson Western Hills Wilson 2 6 6 19 6 19 3 4 6 21 3. 1 2 5 7 12 5 4 2 2 1 11 3 3 3 14 21 1 5 4 7 2 9 2 3 7 1 2 2 3 g 3 3 2 1 5 2 2 3 9 TOTAL 189 84 1 1 2 8 4 6 3 2 3 10 1 3 3 4 2 1 2 1 2 5 7 71 2 2 1 3 2 2 1 3 1 1 3 .5 2 19 1 1 2 1 3 15ODM Visits to LRSD Schools, Opening Days 1994 Romine Interdistrict School We were pleased to note that:  Romine now has a program specialist to coordinate the technology theme.  All hallways featured colorful and creative bulletin board displays.  Floors throughout the building were freshly waxed. We also noted some areas needing attention:  The cable hook-up between classrooms and the technology lab was not complete at the time of we visited.  The program specialist, though highly qualified and knowledgeable, was not hired until just before teachers returned to school, limiting the amount of advanced preparation possible for effective theme implementation.  Classroom doors and interior trim were unsightly.  Carpet in the early childhood wing was in poor condition.  The cafeteria light fixtures contained several bumed-out florescent tubes.  In one classroom, we noted the alphabet chart with "I is for Indian." As we have noted in numerous monitoring reports, this chart treats a person as an object and portrays Native Americans in a stereotypical and offensive manner.Office of Desegregation Monitoring United States District Court  Eastern District of Arkansas Ann S. Brown. Federal Monitor Date: February 2, 1994 201 East Markham. Suite 510 Heritage West Building Little Rock. Arkansas 72201 (501) 376-6200 Fax (501) 371-0100 To: Interdistrict School Principals From: ODM Monitoring Team Subject: Request for documentation On October 26, 1993 we requested that copies of certain documents be available at our scheduled monitoring visit. To date, the following list of items have not been provided. In order to complete our report we ask you send these documents to us no later than Tuesday, February 8, 1994 by 5:00 p.m. Failure to provide copies of these documents by that time will result in a notation in the final report that your school failed to provide monitors with requested documentation. This report will be filed with the federal district court. Crystal Hill  1993-94 PTA total membership by race and gender  Total number of conferences each teacher held with parents (by race and gender) during the first semester for the 1993-94 school year. Romine  1993-94 PTA total membership by race and gender Washington  Documentation of 1993-94 school committees that includes parent or community representatives by committee name, a brief description of the committees mission, a membership roster (including race, gender,and position) agenda, and minutes  1993-94 PTA total membership by race and gender  1993-94 school/community partnership agreements  1993-94 volunteer program documentation including the number of volunteers by race and gender and the total number of hours served by month  1993-94 classroom enrollment  Discipline Report (first nine weeks) and the definition for SIPSLITTLE AOCK SCHOOL DISTRICT B Romine Interdistrict School Theme: Computer Science and Basic Skills 3400 Romine Road Phone 228-3086 Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 February 4, 1994 - SENT BY FAX - TO: ODM Monitoring Team FROM: Lionel Ward, Principal SUBJECT: Requested Information Please find enclosed the information requested
1993-94 PTA TOTAL MEMBERSHIP BY RACE AND GENDER RACE/GENDER * X white male 35 .111 black male 62 .198 other male 1 .003 white female 65 .207 black female 142 .453 other female 8 .025 TOTAL 313 .997 If I can be of any further help, please contact me. LW/lw Points to f/ IT U-J COfJ \ 2 2 1994 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF ARKANSAS?
CSSics oi Desegregate' WESTERN DIVISION 2 0 1994 LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT I2S
'.J r. RLSINTIFF By: V.
rk LR-C-82-866 PULASKI COUNTY SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 1, ET AL DEFENDANTS MRS. LORENE JOSHUA, ET AL INTERVENORS KATHERINE KNIGHT, ET AL INTERVENORS MOTION FOR MODIFICATION OF DESEGREGATION PLAN For its motion, plaintiff. Little Rock School District (LRSD) states: 1. The LRSD and Interdistrict Desegregation Plans require the establishment within LRSD of three interdistrict schools Romine, King and Stephens. The plans require that two of those schools, King and Stephens, be located in the downtown Little Rock area. Romine and King schools have been established as interdistrict schools. 2. Since the parties agreed that LRSD would establish the King and Stephens Interdistrict Schools in the downtown Little Rock area. there have been significant changes in factual conditions which warrant modification of that agreement. First, Washington Elementary School, which the parties agreed would be an incentive school. presently operates as an interdistrict school in the f 1 i^o.'
:W!'''3
jiio .v downtown Little Rock area. Second, there has been a significant movement of population out of the area in which the parties planned12/06'93 10:2! 501 324 2023 LRSD COMMIAICATT ODM 002 002 I -ossas. wimirv Little Rock School Distkict Media Advisory Technology Donation for School December 6, 1995 For more uitormation
liMna EmfingeL 324-2020 )?'  >? ' fl L , [.ITTLE ROCiK - The Association of Black Engineers in ..Arkansas will present computer software worth more than $550.00 to their Partner in Education, Romine Computer Science & Basic Skills Interdistrict Elementart School, today at 12:00 noon in the iibrart of the school. ABE A hopes their gift will promote development of math, science, and technology skills in female and minority students and will encourage them to . pursue related careers.  "'1 1 mA  '?C' lt i/ 810 West Markham Street  Little Rock, Arkansas 73801  (501)884-2000 .JMUWUUIURB RJHKHSJH! Al Si. i' I I .9^ 1 05, 21 /96 17:43 501 324 2023 LRSD COMMIAICATI ODM @002/002 LinxE Rock School District Press Conference to Lnveil Development Plan (2- 0 r A s /"a May 21, 1996 For more information: Suelien Vann, ,324-2020 Plans for a ncighborhocd revitalization project will be unveiled during a press conference Wednesday, May 22,1996. The unveiling will be at 1C
00 a.m. at Romine Computer Science and Basic Skills Interdistrict Elementary School, 3400 Ror ^-e ad. Ihe project represents a service learning venture between Romine .ficuentary, the City of Little Rock, the Universit)' of .Arkansas at Little Rock, the Pulaski Countv E.Ktension Service, John Barrow Neighborhood Alert Center, Pinnacle State Park. Dunbar Magnet junior High School, and Hall PEgh School. Paiticipating partners will develop and implement a land use plan for a tract of land on tne southeast comer of Romine Elementary School. Ihe plan will provide a nature trail, walk path, flower and herb gardens, a mini-park with a playground aiea for young children, and an outdoor classroom.. Ihe project is tunded through a SI2,000 Learn and Serve America grant awarded by the .Arkansas Department of Education. 810 West Markham Street  Little Rock, Arkansas 72201  (501)824-2000 BUSINESS CASE ROMINE INTERDISTRICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COMMUNICATION STATION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Information Age of today and the future requires new approaches to education and classroom environment. The amount of factual information available to us increases at a more rapid rate than we can possibly learn and retain by using traditional educational methods. Students today need to know where and how to obtain information, evaluate which pieces of information are relevant to the problem they are trying to solve, and be able to apply the problem-solving processes necessary to guide their group to a successful conclusion. The Communication Station proposal seeks to create opportunities for teachers and students that are aimed at bringing information and technology together. A. Background The success of Romine Interdistrict School hinges upon student opportunities and staff competence and preparation. The Communication Station proposal that engages in new ideas and approaches actually provides profitable learning experiences for students, teachers, and administrators of Romine. In a very unique way, the Communication Station allows video and audio capabilities in the classroom via satellite technology. The importance of keeping up with the latest technological advances benefits all, but also allows us to applaud the efforts of the Little Rock School District, especially Romine Interdistrict Elementary School. The effectiveness of this proposal will certainly help parents of the greater Little Rock metropolitan area to realize just how attractive Romine is. This is definitely the answer to one aspect of interdistrict schools in the Little Rock School District. It simply has to lead to more success. B. Analysis of Alternatives The present and future benefits of a program rich in staff development opportunities and authentic student achievement experiences cannot be served by traditional educational methods. We are convinced that we must sustain and improve upon the difference that is now the perception of our work with students. The chance of doing so only happens through a willingness to totally and completely ready our students for the 21st century. This is virtually impossible without this significant change.C. Objective The objective of the preceding recommendations is to adequately support and enhance the critical aspects of the Communication Station and make other curricula efforts easier for students, teachers, and administrators of Romine. D. Expected Benefits The positive effects of the Communication Station fit the goals and objectives of our school theme: "Computer Science and Basic Skills."  Problem solving processes tied to familiar skills in math, language arts, science, and social studies
 Regular opportunities for childrens optimum learning (higher-order thinking skills, communication, leadership, and study skills)
 Interactive instructional software/hardware technology (satellite communications)
 Cooperative learning ventures/projects
 Staff development and training
and  Technical support for students, teachers, and administrators E. Impact Analysis The Communication Station is designed to provide the instructional staff with tools to enhance their positions as instructional leaders. Teachers will use a state-of-the-art delivery system to conference with field experts, to participate in thematic instruction, and to share materials and ideas with each other. Teachers are likely to explore many more opportunities for students because of credible leadership coining from on-site specialists, field experts, and other teachers across the nation. The proposal also allows the technology to become a tool for students, as well. Finally, it should be noted that the promise of Romine Interdistrict Elementary School can be significantly increased by this effort. 2I J, I I I I I I * I I F. Resources Analysis ^Ki^2^^2i2ZrL:iL2S Existing staff members with an understanding of the schools theme, curricula expectations, computer technology, and the principles of the Communication Station are willing to take on the challenges basic to new staff positions. G. Force Field Analysis Support for the Communication Station and other recommendations will be nothing less than great. Clearly, anticipated excitement will be widespread, enabling all teachers, students, parents, district administrative staff, school board members, and members of the community to support and share in what will be accomplished by full participation in this proposal. Again, we are convinced that this is the best professional decision to be made on behalf of the students of the 21st century
fortunately, we are talking about the students of Romine. Educational researchers all over the country acknowledge that such programs are highly valued. For this reason, school districts are sufficiently applying and devoting dollars to this kind of refinement and development. We do not want to bypass this opportunity. 3 BHArkansas Democrat W" (gazette WEDNESDAY, DECEMBEA 2, 19S2 B Southwestern Bell honors 3 pupils Democrat-Gazette State Desk Southwestern Bell presented more checks to public school pupils Tuesday as part of its My Southwestern Bell Yellow- Pages Wish'' program. Three pupils whose entry forms were drawn in the program received S150 each, to be applied toward products and services for their classrooms, according to a news release from Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages Inc. Pupils presented checks at their respective schools Tuesday were:  Maquinta Davis, a sixthgrader at Romine Elementary School. 2400 Romine Road, Little Rock School District.  Dawn Stafford, a third- grader at Park Hill Elementary- School. 3801 John F. Kennedy Blvd.. North Little Roc,k School District.  Beverly Dawson, a second- grader at Cato Elementary', 2901 Cato Road, Pulaski County School District, Pupils with winning entries also get a S50 savings bond. The project is aimed at encouraging use of the Yellow Pages directory as a learning tool in grades two through six. 4Arkansas Democrat W (gazelle FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1992 B 10 hurt as day-care van hits school bus BY OLIVIER UY1TEBROUCK Democrai-Gazene Police Reporter onieials said luck was riding with 2,3 adults and children who avoided serious injury 3'hursday when a van en route to a day care center collided with a bus carrying 14 elementary school ptiptls in tattle Hock. .Seven children and three adult.s w('re treated al Little Hock hospitals and released 'I'hursday altera Little Hock School District bus driver ran a stop sign al 22nd and (edar streets, officials said. Calvin Clark Weatherall. 40, of Alexander (Pulaski County) was cited by police following the 7 a.m accirleiit for failure to slop al a stop sign. Diaiiiie Woodrurr. spokesman for (he Little Hock School Hist riel, s.'ud district ofli cuds mmh' no df'cisiou Thursday (111 whether Weatherall would be disciplined as a result of (he ac-cifleiit. The bus was en route to Honiine Llementary School al 3400 Komine Hoad, she said. Weatherall told police he was dri-ving west on 22ud Street, walch ing children in the rearview mir for and t(lling them to sit down, when the bus ran the slop sign. 3 lie bus moved into (he path of a southbound 198!) Dodge van oc copied by thi' children and three stall inendu'is d the Woodlawn Therapeutic Chi Id ren's Center at 2.500 Aldersgale Hoad. \('r.v lucky." said Becky Kossover. (Iirect<r of resource de-velopitienl al (Ik* da.v care c('iil('r. "II could have been a r<al c:da strophe. 'fwo occupants of the bus and all eight occupant.s of the van were transported to Little Hock hospitals, police said. Cornelius Harris. 9. of 2326 Izard St. and Marquila Smith. 9. of 1814 Llm St. were treated al Baptist Medical (toiler in Little Hock and released. a hospital spokesman said. They were on the bus. The five children in (he van were treated at Chiklreifs Hospital and released. They includ BUS CBASII Dak? Iopo (hnnnnlh bus al lull) flisconuncis Iho (hive shall ol a Lilllo Hock School UlskicI bus that was involved in a Iwo vehicle accident al 22nd and Cedar streets in Little Rock on Thursday morning. Pope, a Aikansns Dpoioctal-GazpIlp-'Jobn Syke? -I' wrecker rIriver lor Biolhers Inc. ol Notih I illle Hock, was ptepaiing Io lew Ihe bus away. Seven children and ihtee adults were treated al Lillie Hock hospitals and released alter the crash. ed: Terriance Howard. 4, and Teronda Howard, 3, both of 2607 Brown St., and Shanaka Perkins, 4. and Dezzree Perkins, 22 months, address unavailable. The name of the other child was unavailable at press time. A woman who lives at the intersection where (he accidentoc curred said she let about 15 frightened children into her home to warm up after the accident. You could tell they were scared, said Norina Woods of 2201 Cedar St. The bus was struck in the right fender and traveled 116 feet in a broad arc through a front yard, police said. The bus, which sirs tained an estimated $.3.(MK) worth of damage in the accident, came to rest facing east acros.s Cedar Street. The collision crushed the front of the van. The driver of the van, Everette 1). Bolden, 34, of Little Rock, had just started his route and had made only three stops before the accident. Bolden was treated at University Hospital in Little Rock and released Tliursday aRenioon. a hospital spokesman said. T'he most seriou.s injury Thursday involved a da.v care staff member, Crystal Carpenter, 23, of 1812 Reservoir Road. She re ceived 12 stilches to her head. She and another day-care staff member,Carol Anne Purifoy. 38, of 1.52.3 S. Elm St., were treated al Baptist Medical Center and released, the spokesman said. All occupants of the van were wearing seat belts or were riding in child restraint scats. Kossover said. Utile Hock school hoses aren't ei|iiipped with seal belts City engineer Bill Anderson said Thursdays accident brings the total number of accidents at the intersection since 1987 to 18. MONDAY. AUGUST 16, 1993 Copynght 9 Little Rock Newspapers. Inc. Parents invited to learn about schools Pulaski County Special School District parents who are interested in learning about two Little Rock School District schools may attend a special school has a high intensity learning theme while Romine has a specially in computer science and basic skills. meeting Tuesday. The principals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary , , School and Romine Elementary I School will attend the meeting designed to recruit white students from the Pulaski County Special district. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and will be held at Crystal Hill Elementary School, 5001 Doyle Venable Drive, North Little Rock. Both schools have special academic themes. The new KingArkansas Democrai (gazette WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13,1994 r BY JIM KORDSMEIER ~ Democrat-Gazette Polics Reporter Driver hits boy, 7, on Base Line Road A 7-year-old boy was hit by a carearly Tuesday morning when he^-ran into traffic on a busy Sbiithwest Little Rock road, police said. -zMichael Broadway, 7, of 8211 Base Line Road, a first-grader at Romine Elementary School, was hitabout 6:45 a.m. and taken to SQUthwest Hospital. Michael was tKeji taken to Arkansas Chil- 4i&ns Hospital, where police said he was in critical condition tiirith head injuries, several bro- ribs, an unresponsive lung anjl two broken legs, police said. A'Carla Mills, 29, the driver of the'car that hit Michael, told poll^ she was driving west on Base Line in the outside lane when the child ran in front of her car. Police' said two other witnesses confirmed that account.Arkansas Demcx:rat (i^azctte , MONDAY, OCTOBER 31. 1994 Sunday at school shows Romine vandals right path BY JULIAN E. BARNES Democrat-Gazette Staff Writer Two Little Rock families set out Sunday to teach their sons right from wrong  and to reduce a big cleaning bill. Police say the boys, 12 and 13, broke into Romine Interdistrict Elementary about 4:30 p,m, Saturday, sprayed fire extinguishers, wrecked a ciassing brooms and dust rags, trying to right some of the damage to the school at 2400 Romine Road in the John Barrow neighborhood, They really are working. (The parents) are making the kids assume full responsibility, and thats good, said Depu^ Superintendent Estelle Matthis, who helped oversee the and knocked over a cleanup, oiiinpa Dis case. Police estimated the boys .Siindav morning, it was a gi- had caused about $1,000 dam- room Sunday morning, it was a gi-  -------- . gantic mess. sge. But school officials said reSunday afternoon, the boys pairs could cost several thou- and their families were wield- See BOYS, Page 2A Boys sponsibility. Although the computer room clean up the mess, they are trying to reform the youths. We have to have interven- J mav turn out to be the most ex- - . f p aA oensive the damage to Janet tion and teach them they have doUar noUng that the Powelfl fourt^rade classroom  'Vcan cleaning. , . _____, poHar phins classes will not be disrupted. But the computer lab will like- . an individual floor in little rainbows. Brown cardboard cutouts mixed on the ground with red cedar chips Under a law passed in the g.------ -- special legislative and green board-game Pece^ ChpnLt'nf use for several days tTextbooks were overturned ly be out 01 use lor seveiai uays. from shelves in a purple wave. Matthis said. _ .. j Oranee counting blocks swirled L- , on the floor. The teachers desk the fourth-grade class s summers session on juvenile crime, par- were ents and guardians can be required to pay up to $10,000 in restitution for damage done by ILUlllO jOlu. I Still missing was Brownie,  their children. The bill will likely go to the was ae noor. iiic vcavuci  uton.  a---------- j thrown over, mixing lesson pig. Its cage was found on the i parents, school officials said, Wa oi-ck Innlrincf intn nassil We are looking into passing plans with work sheets and as- signments from a students desk, tie spilled. The corridor outside the floor, split open, its water bot- the cost on to the parents and guardians, said Bobby Jones, Romine s director of safety and security. I think it is only fair. This costs the school. It is obvious what it cost Chicot. Teacher Powell, who was out of town and had not seen the classroom and the computer lab bad tne were still dusty from the damage, hoped toat Brownie residue of the fire extinguishers, had remained in the classrooim Relatives trying to clean the chairs and desks coughed as the and filled the hiding place. perhaps retreating to the hole under the bookcase, a favorite An 11-year-old and an 8-year- old are suspected of breaking - - into Chicot Elementary earlier Sunday best, refused to answer this month and setting a fire questions and refused to^ 1^ that destroyed most of the school. Saturdays vandals, both former Romine students, broke vivc laLci ... into the schools main building They would not Permit televi- through a window. They tripped sion cameramen to photograph an alarm that alerted police. It was the first vandalism this ------ . . i year at Romine, where the duce the restitution the parents school pledge is tacked to the could be asked to pay.Matthis wall just down the hall from the said Superintendent wrecked classroom
I will be Williams and the school board ! responsible/ And act responsibly/ I will treat others with re- dust rose up niaing piace. classroom "Its been in the classroom a Two women, dressed in their year. The kids were prettjf we, 1 attached to it, said Powell, auesuons auu iciuacu vu who has taught in the school for their children talk, urging them six years. 'Tm sure they will be instead to work faster, so they angry that people messed up could all make their church ser- their things. vice later in the afternoon.--------- Sion their children s faces. The cleanup will probably rewill have to decide how much the boys parents should be charged. I Matthis stressed that by hold-  spcct.* Sunday morning, the three ----- touched by the vandals mg parents financially respon- * , . _ J 1. J _ i.nnziolc rooms stood as a monument to irre- sible and making the vandalsTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1995  5B 10 acres to bring Romine pupils closer to nature
: Ten acres of wooded property adjoining Romine Elementary School will soon become an extension of the campus as pupils, staff and residents create an outdoor classroom complete with a greenhouse, gardens and a playground. Wednesday, Romine Elementary, in cooperation with the Little Rock School District and Forest Heights Junior and Hall High schools, celebrated a three-year $8,000 National Service Act grant for the project. The National Service Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in 1993 to encourage citizens to unMost of the park, which will dertake community projects. be accessible to people with Jo Evelyn Elston, district di- handicaps, should be completed rector of guidance services, said plans call for pupils to use the district-owned land to plant flower, vegetable and herb gardens. Pupils will cultivate the plants and may eventually sell produce to support upkeep of the park. Flowers from the garden may be distributed to senior citizens in the Romine neighborhood. Felicia Hobbs, a counselor at Romine, said construction of a 14-by-32-foot greenhouse should begin within two weeks. A master plan for the park will call for playground equipment neighborhood children. for by October. Students at all three schools will help work on the park and will use it to further their studies, particularly in the sciences. ! Organizations assisting in the ! project include the Cattlemens
Association, the state Depart- | ment of Health, Arkansas Coop- erative Hunter Extension United Service, Methodist Church, Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department, Little Rock Visitors and Convention Bureau, State Farm Insurance and Kensington Place Nei^- borhood Association. ? Romine is at 3400 Romine Road. The undeveloped property lies southeast of the campus at Romine and 36th Street <^ArkansasDemocrat^(i^azcttc [ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1995 Kinkos a partner of Romine school Kinkos Copies has adopted Romine Elementary School in Little Rock as its partner in educa-  tion. This is the first time Kinkos has sponsored a school. 'The move is part of the companys nationwide effort to become involved in the community, according to a Kinkos news release. The copying center is also adopting Wilson Elementary and a third school that hasnt been named. Kinkos will give the schools some free and discounted services, including $50 in free printing services each month. Debbie Milam, coordinator of Volunteers in Public Schools, said 140 small and large businesses are partners with schools in the Little Rock School DistrictAikansas Democrat  SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1996  15 pupils possibly stuck Students by schoolmates syringes one sixth-grader may have been / O oricked either inside the school Continued from Page 1A First-grader, 2 fifth-graders face expulsion pricked or-outside during recess. IGwen Efird. district coordina- BY CYNTHIA HOWELL Democrat-Gazette Education Writer three boys  a first-grader, age tor of health services, said par-  Given a tetanus booster shot if he has not had a booster within the past five years.  Injected with hepatitis B immune globulin, which would work to neutralize any hepatitis infection.  Started on a series of three hepatitis vaccines that would be unavailable. and two fifth- .As many as 15 pupils at Little graders, ages 11 and 12  as pos- ents of pupils who may have administered over the course of .... six months. Rock's Mitchell Incentive Ele- mentarj School may have been Vann said. sibly responsible for the jabbings. been jabbed should take their children as soon as possible to their personal physicians or to  Tested for HIV. An initial test would be administered im- pricked this week by classmates The three will be recommend- canying hypodermic needles or ed for disciplinary action, which .Arkansas Childrens Hospital for mediately, with a follow-up test in si.x months. Smith said. straight pins or both. could include e.xpulsion. Vann The stabbings Wednesday and said. Using weapons at a school is Thursday went unreported until about noon Thursday when a student told a supervision aide dur- an expellable olTense. The stabbings were reported to Little Rock police Friday, but no ing recess, district spokesman legal action had been taken treatment. Medical treatment could include shots to prevent tetanus and hepatitis, and periodic tests for the human immunodeficiencyvirus. which causes AIDS. Children's Hospital will not If any inflammation sur- Suellen Vann said Friday, District officials, who confiscated two syringes with needles. . , ... . charge to test and treat the against the children as of late af-  mtchell School pupils, said Dr, romnAn linnnr A rl-oTtco c lour ... ... rounds the area where the child was pricked, a doctor would likely want the child to take antibiotics to guard against bacterial infection. i Like Efird. Smith recommended Friday that parents seek are urging parents to seek prompt arrested, even as juveniles, medical attention for children who ma5 have been stuck. School officials identified temoon. Under .Arkansas law. j Smith a physician at the treatment as soon as possible. .iju ,.I  in-------- i,_ . . . ... Vann said parents who have concerns about the costs of medical treatment should contact Bobby Jones in the districts children under age 10 cannot be  hospital and the school districts atQn oe nnonilai' ... . ------- consulting physician. Three first-graders, one sec- i Tiie parents should contact ond-grader. 10 fifth-graders and
tiie hospitals General Pediatric See SniDEffTS, Page 9A j Center at 320-1202, The center is safety and security office. Because of the childrens open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Smith yoW ages, there was some con- said. fusion Friday about who may It was not clear Friday how have been pricked with the nee- the three students got the sy- dies Md pins. ringes, Vann said. Initially, staff Efird encouraged the parents to talk to their children about members thought the syringes were found on school grounds, "'hether they had been stuck. Al- but they later suspected that one though teachers were told to ask of the fifth-graders brought them oach child about being jabbed, < from home, ^ome children may be more com-  One of the fifth-graders appar- fortable talking to their parents ently gave the first-grader a sy- about it ringe.  If there is any chance that a Thursday afternoon. Principal child has been pricked by an ob- Dr, Marjorie Bassa called the ject  be it a needle or a pin or parents of children who may anything else that stuck someone have been stabbed. She sent cer- ^se first  there is a danger of tified letters to those parents blood contamination and the Friday, reminding them to take transmission of disease, Efird their children to doctors. said. Letters, detailing what had oc-  Parents should teach children curred, also were sent to parents never to touch syringes, needles of all 262 Mitchell School pupils, and pins that they find, and Smith said Friday that differ- adults should be careful in han- ent doctors might provide slight- dling them, she said. ly dilTerent treatment to chil-
Once a prick occurs, the atten- dren who were jabbed. But a tion should immediately be on parent might expect a child to taking care of the child and be: promptly seeking medical attention, Efird said. Deal with any discipline issues and prevention lessens later, she said.Alfcmsas Democrat azettc SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1996  Playing good work for teacher Teacher  Continued from Page 1S dream came true.
Romine needed a ..   music teacher and Duncan filled the bill. can stays active in communitj service through her church, the Parent-Teacher Association and her college sorority. Delta Sigma Theta. Educator honored I for musical career B BY SANDRA COX H DemocraKaazene Start Writer U When Dana Duncan was 3 II years old. she was picking out II popular tunes on the piano from II looking at a "Hit Parade song  book.  Her mother took notice. H "She could see that I had the H ability to be a musician, Dun- - W can said. Duncan would devote her life g to teaching children the "Three M B's  Bach, Beethoven and  Brahms. And she would be hon-  ored for it. fl Duncan, 57, a music teacher at k Romine Interdistrict Elementary H School, recently was named Lit- fl tie Rock School District 1996 fl Teacher of the Year. A party was fl held in her honor Feb. 22 at  Romine. I Several silver party balloons H from the reception were still fl aloft in her den. fl I have just enjoyed my work fl so that, finally, Im getting ac- fl She also makes music, sometimes into the early mornin^ hours, with her husband of eight years. AI Duncan, a trombonist ...T.  ___  and band director at Forest ^?.^[o^3ble doing Heights Junior High School in what I m doing, she said. Little Rock. She s happy and has no immediate plans to call it quits. E.xcepi for one small thing:  Sometimes its hard getting up in the morning." Duncan confessed. When she isnt teaching. Dun- Dana Duncan also judges sic contests. mu- . "Somebody thinks I'm an e.x- pert." she said. "But Im just Dana." knowledged, said Duncan, a teacher for 36 years. Its like a Christmas gift. For 14 years, Duncan has supervised the music program at Romine, a school that specializes in computer science. Every day she devises ways for children to have a deeper appreciation of music. "What it all adds up to is listening, she said, sitting on her couch. And if you cant listen to music, then youre in bad shape. The Little Rock native teaches the children to sing and often takes them to shopping malls, hospitals and other public places to perform. Musk teacher Dana Duncan conducts a dapping exercise Tuesday with first- graders at Romine interdistrict Elementary School in Little Rock. The pupils are Artansas Democrat-Gazetta/RICK McFABLa (from left, back row) Albert Ratliff. Michael McJoy and David Polston and (fr row) Marvious Barton, Mittney Coldough and Michael Seine. Older children get to leara basic music skills by learning to play a recorder, a simple wind instrument similar to a flute. Duncan said it was her dream to teach children music, but it took her years to get there. Duncan, the dau^ter of a teacher, began taking piano lessons at the age of 5 from Hazel S. Hynson of Little Rock, who is now the pianist at Mount Zion Baptist Church. Duncan recalled dressing up in a white gown, giving recitals for family and friends. As she got older, she participated in piano recitals at Robinson Center Music Hall that involved as many as 12 pianos playing at once. After graduating from Dunbar High School, Duncan went to Arkansas AM&N, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, to earn a music degree. There she participated in the choir and was its student director. She later earned a masters degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas. Fresh out of college, she got her first elementary-school teaching job at Eudora, teaching a variety of subjects, including music. She then taught at J.C. Cook Elementary School in Wri^tsville before moving to the Little Rock School District, teaching at Carver and Rightseil elementary schools. She was one of the first black teachers to be moved to Williams Element! School after Little Rock scho- were integrated. But her career wasnt allc ing her to focus on music, s said. To fulfill that need, she gt piano lessons. She also play the organ at her church. Mod Zion Baptist, and played at wi dings and funerals. After more than 20 years as elementary-school teacher, 1 See 7IMHER, PageArkansas Democrat ^(l^azcttc THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 1996 r J CnntivIffM* I *** OA*b Arkansas DGmocrat-GazetTa-STEVE KcHSEE McDermott Bementary Principal Michael Oliver holds one of three liahtning ssliu, dJent.s .we_ re injured in the tali of 1994 when lightning struck a tree on the detectors the Little Rock School District has bought. Several McDermott playground. 3 LR schools install lightning detectors BY CHRIS REINOLDS Democrat-Gazette Staff Writer The Little Rock School District installed lightning detectors in three schools Wednesday, becoming the first district in the state to use the new technology. Nine students were injured Sept. 1,1994. when lightning blew apart a tree on the McDermott Elementary School playground. Tlie lightning bolt struck when about Hit) students were on the playground. It split a tall oak tree about 1(X) feet from the schools southeast comer. McDermott Principal Michael Oliver now has the Sln'Scan light-ning/ stonn detector, which can track liglitning bolts up to 40 miles away. Fulbri^t Elementary and Romine Interdistrict Elementary also received the detectors. The deiice  mdely used by the U.S. militap. Secret Service and school districts outside .Arkansas  was introduced in July 1995. Samuel B. Clubb, president of Sky- Scan Technologies, said his company has sold 5,000 to 6.000 detectors at $200 each. Robert Jones, safety and security director, said the district will evaluate the detectors at the end of Ulis scliool year to decide whether to install more. Jilts give,s the principals a real tool. Jones said. The device is not meant to replace National Weather Service reports, but to serve as a first warning. The detector is slightly bigger than a cellular phone and can be held or mounted on a wall. Tlie machine beep.s when it detects lightning. A light array indicates the distance of the liglitning on a scale of zero to three miles, three to eight miles, eight to 20 miles and 20 to 40 miles. The average liglitning stroke is 6 miles long and most thunderstorms move at 25 mph, Clubb said. "Once a Uiunderstorra is within 10 miles, youre in imminent danger, Clubb said. And once you hear it. you've already been at risk for some time. Since 1990, lightning has killed six people and injured 59 in /Arkansas, said Renee Fair, National Weather Service warning coordination meteorologist. Fair declined to comment on tlie effectiveness of the new lightning detector. Teachers and students were not allowed to comment on the device at McDermott because two families whose children were hospitalized have sued the district Four McDermott pupils were hospitalized in the 1994 liglitning strike: five other students were treated at the hospital and released. Oliver and teacher .Nancy Downing were named as defendants in Ihc lawsuit, filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court last year. Five unnamed teachers and aides, the Little Rock School District, the school board and the United National Insurance Co. also are defendants. Tlie lawsuit alleges that more than 20 minutes prior to the lightning strike, Rashes of lightning and sounds of thunder were ob-setved in the McDennott Elemen-taiy Scliool area. Arkansas Democrat ^(gazette THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1996  3B Romine students, faculty unveil plan to develop 10-acre park BY CYNTHIA HOWELL Democrat-Gazette Education Writer Faculty and pupils at Romine Interdistrict Elementary School gardens for herbs, vegetables, wildflowers and butterflies. announced a master plan Wednesday to develop a park on 10 acres of woodland adjacent to the school. Plans call for the Magnum Opus Park to feature nature trails, a bird sanctuary, picnic areas, an outdoor classroom and will take several years to fully ly stages of the development develop the park, but she is op- ' Romine pupils took the timistic it can be done with help name of the park from the clas- from business partners and sic childrens book, Charlotte's community organizations y-t nnd maintaining plants. And the entrance to the school, Maii- with a three-year Serve .America students have begun cleaning Act grant. and clearing the park property _ The school got $12,000 from Sixth-graders have done some non said. The park property, directly south of the school on the cor- Web bv E B White In the sto weH as narentV--------------  measuring ana grapning of tne ner of Romine Road and 36th weo oytn. wnite. tntnesto- wen as parents. $8,000 this year and is expecting parkland. Street is owned bv the schnnl ry, Charlotte, a spider, de- Mark Robertson of Merlin E. a similar amount next year, said In the 1996-97 school vear di^rt ' M,.no
. Komin,. 'tT. Effiol  1. SS ----- .t The school IS funding the ear- house last spring for planting chair accessible garden near row Addition neighborhoods.  as her magnum opus, or her great work. curriculum specialist, said it as well as parents. Mark Robertson of Merlin E. the federal grant last year, measuring and graphing of the e.xpecting a similar amount next year, said In the 1996-97 school year Jo Evelyn Elston, director of students will focus on creating The school got a large green house last spring for planting chair accessible gardenI 8E  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1. 1998  
Arkansas Democrat (Gazette Paper Trails By Carrie Rangers I Nell Frost has enough stories for her own book P am Hogue was honored when guest reader Nell Frost visited her sixth- grade class at McDermott Elementary School, but she did have one concern. Would a reading by a 100- year-old woman keep the attention of a fidgeting group of preteens? Frost could have left her book at home. The class wanted to hear her stories. Frost, who taught sixth grade for 40 years, is one of more than 675 volunteers who visited classrooms at Little Rock elementary schools to read to pupils in celebration of National Childrens Book Week Nov. 16-20. supported various causes financially, but it has only been in retirement that the 82-year-old Pfeifer has been able to devote as much time as he wants in person to those causes. So, in addition to reading for Book Week, Pfeifer reads to kindergarten pupils at Romine Elementary School in Little Rock once or twice a week. Honestly, I have never done anything so fulfilling as this, Pfeifer says. I just love it So do the kids. During Book Week, he brought each of them a brightly colored Slinky. The pupils like their Slinkj's, but its Pfeifer they really appreciate. Of the pupils, he says. I haven't met one yet that I havent fallen for. Pam Hogue (standing, back row) had no reason to worry that her pupils might be inattentive when 100- year-old Nell Frost visited her classroom during National Children's Book Week. pg
A representative with Volunteers in Public Schools, which organized the readings, drove Frost to McDermott, but she did the rest It was a very simple little stoiy, Frost says of Shel Silversteins The Giv-  ing Tree, which she chose to read. The discussion, though, was quite involved. We had so much to talk about Frost says. We wondered what she had to live through, what inventions she had to live throu^ and live without says pupil Sam Rabaduex. Frost told them of the first time she saw an automobile. She and a cousin were on a horse returning from the store with eggs. "The car frightened the horse, who threw off the girls and galloped away. The girls. lost the eggs, which broke and smeared all over the street but the horse returned home and stood waiting for them in front of his stable. She knows a lot about history, saj's pupil Abdias Montoya. She was alive when the Titanic [sankl Frost told of how people in her hometown of Dardanelle got updates on the St
?-- Els Even if he had not brought each pupil a Slinky, James Pfeifer would have been a hit with this group of kindergarten pupils at Romine Elementary School. Titanic, not from radio or TV but by
heading to the river each day to get  newspapers that came by boat Shed be good for social studies. Sam says. It was neat actually being in the room with somebody who lived at the time of the Titanic. And you can understand it better from her than, like, a book. Pupil Savannah Couca says she was surprised that she wasnt boring, that she had a lot to say. The pupils surprised Frost, too, when she quizzed them on current events. I was amazed they were so smart, she says. I was so proud of them, And shes not througL Theyre going to let me come back and tell them some more things, Frost says. The pupils are already planning a birthday party for her. She turns 101 two days after Christmas. I just love it F I or years, James Pfeifer was busy at work at Little Rocks One Source Home and Building Centers. He
This project was supported in part by a Digitizing Hidden Special Collections and Archives project grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Council on Library and Information Resoources.