This past week has been full of learning, growth, and connection—for our district leaders, directors, principals, assistant principals, and our new teachers! With the first day of school just a few weeks away, the excitement in the air is hard to miss. 🥳 Throughout the many trainings and sessions, one thing stood out: LAUGHTER. Yes, there were serious conversations, powerful moments of learning, and important planning—but there was also joy. There was lightness in the room. People were smiling, joking with one another, and genuinely enjoying being together. That feeling of camaraderie and shared purpose has us walking away thinking: “This is going to be a GREAT year.”

Let’s go, Panther Nation! 🐾✨

Don’t forget! Our first Guest Teacher training has already come and gone—but there’s still one more opportunity to join us! Whether you’re between careers, a stay-at-home parent, or a retiree looking to make a difference (or earn a little extra income), we’d love to welcome you as a Guest Teacher—our term for substitute teachers. You’ll have the flexibility to choose when you work, all while making a meaningful impact in our schools and community. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Panther Nation!

🐾 Panther Daycare is looking better than ever! 🐾One of the biggest perks of working for the Siloam Springs School District? Access to the Panther Daycare—our on-site daycare offering a significant discount compared to other local providers.

🎨 Bright classrooms
🧸 Loving staff
📚 Early learning opportunities
❤️ And peace of mind knowing your little one is just around the corner while you work!

This is more than just childcare—it's a huge benefit for SSSD staff members. If you're considering a career in education (or are already part of our Panther Nation), this is just one of the many reasons Siloam is the place to be!

📍 Come for the career.
💼 Stay for the benefits.
👶 Bring your little one with you.

☀️ Summer hours are coming to a close, and we're getting back to our regular schedule! Starting this week, all school offices and our district administration office will be open Monday through Friday during normal business hours. We’re excited to welcome everyone back and help you get ready for the new school year! 🐾📚 #PantherNation

Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, under the new Arkansas Law ( Act 122), students will not be permitted to possess or use personal electronic devices during the school day—from the time students are required to be at school until the time students are dismissed from school. This is to ensure a productive, respectful, and safe learning environment. To learn more and see the most frequently asked questions, click here: https://www.siloamschools.com/page/belltobellnocell

Prohibited devices under this law include (but are not limited to):
-Cell phones
-Smart watches
-Pagers and beepers
-Mobile phones with internet/computing features
-Digital media players
-Portable game consoles
-Tablets, notebooks, and laptops
-Digital cameras
-Audio/video recorders
-Earbuds, AirPods
-Any Bluetooth-enabled device capable of data transmission

🚨 We're Hiring in Special Education! 🚨 Passionate about making a difference? Join the Special Education team at Siloam Springs School District! 🌟 Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, we’re looking for dedicated individuals who believe in the power of inclusion, support, and student success.

🏡 Live in Oklahoma? No problem!
We’re closer than you think:
📍 11 minutes from Watts, OK
📍 20 minutes from Colcord & Kansas, OK
📍 37 minutes from Jay, OK
📍 60 minutes from Sallisaw, OK

Make a short drive for a big impact. Come join the Panther Nation! 📲 Apply today: https://siloamschools.schoolspring.com/

Happy 4th of July from the SSSD Administration Office! Wishing all our Panther students, families, and staff a safe and joyful Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙 #PantherNation

REMINDER ❗ The School Board meeting will be NEXT Thursday, July 10th, at 5:30 pm inside the admin building board room (3050 Cheri Whitlock Dr). 🟢Click here to watch live: https://www.youtube.com/@siloamspringspublicschools8802/streams

Are you between careers, a stay-at-home parent, or a retiree looking to make a difference—or even earn a little extra income on the side? We’d love to welcome you as one of our Guest Teachers (our term for substitute teachers)! With two training sessions available this summer, now is the perfect time to get involved. As a Guest Teacher, you’ll have the flexibility to choose when you work, while making a meaningful impact in our schools and community. Join us and become a valued part of Panther Nation! 🐾

2025–2026 School Supplies Update 📚 This year, things look a little different when it comes to school supplies! We are excited to announce that the majority of school supplies for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade will be provided by the district! That means families only need to purchase the few specific items listed for their child’s grade level—nothing more. We understand that “back-to-school shopping” is a special tradition for many families, and we still want you to enjoy that experience. But we also recognize that times are tough, and even with the district supplying the majority of items, it can still be a financial strain. 🎒 Need a little extra support? We encourage families to register for the Bright Futures Backpack Distribution, happening Saturday, August 2nd from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. NOTE: Registration is required by July 21st to participate. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenEWQvvVJIjmd2YTSFiYenPV-j5oraQ4gaHhSuM4Ii_Wv1_g/viewform) We’re proud to support our Panther families and help every student start the school year strong! 🐾

We are thrilled to introduce the newest Siloam Springs School District team members! 👏👏👏 Please join us in welcoming them to the Panther Nation.

📣 We are actively seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our Special Education department. These roles are vital—and we truly need team members who are ready to make a difference in the lives of our students. 🐾 In addition to a competitive salary, Special Education teachers also receive a .10 compensation on our newly revised index scale. 🙌 Come be part of a team that values support, inclusion, and student success. #PantherNation 👉 Click here to apply and explore all open opportunities: https://siloamschools.schoolspring.com/

At last night’s board meeting, the Siloam Springs School Board of Education reorganized. This process allows the board to update leadership roles and responsibilities as they continue their commitment to serving the students, staff, and families of our district. We appreciate the dedication and service of each board member and look forward to another year of thoughtful leadership and teamwork as we move the Panther Nation forward! 🐾

At tonight’s board meeting, Dr. Joe McClung was officially approved as the new Assistant Superintendent of Operations for the Siloam Springs School District! 🐾 Over the past year, Dr. McClung has served as our Director of Assessment and Accountability, bringing a strong commitment to student success and operational excellence. We’re excited for the leadership and dedication he’ll continue to bring in this new role! #PantherNation

Mark your calendars for our Bright Futures annual Backpack Distribution ‼ Students enrolled in the SSSD who need assistance with backpack/school supplies can register to receive one at this event. Online registration deadline: JULY 21ST. Click here to register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenEWQvvVJIjmd2YTSFiYenPV-j5oraQ4gaHhSuM4Ii_Wv1_g/viewform

Partnership alert ‼ The After School Program is thrilled to announce that they will be offering after-school care at the following locations in the Siloam Springs School District for the upcoming school year: ⭐Allen Elementary ⭐Northside Elementary ⭐Southside Elementary They are so excited to welcome these new schools into our program and look forward to serving even more families in our community! Enrollment and more information can be found on their website at www.afterschoolprog.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to call their office at 479-756-5077 or email us at info@afterschoolprog.com

Over the past two days, building and district leadership worked with NIET (National Institute for Excellence in Teaching) to improve instructional outcomes for students! Each team worked to build collective effectiveness at their schools—meaning they collaborated to make sure teachers have the tools, strategies, and support they need to help every student succeed. #PantherNation

REMINDER ❗ The School Board meeting will be NEXT Tuesday, Jun. 17th at 5:30 pm inside the admin building board room (3050 Cheri Whitlock Dr). 🟢Click here to watch live: https://www.youtube.com/@siloamspringspublicschools8802/streams

📣 Welcome to the Siloam Springs School Board, Mary Ann Spears! 📣 We are thrilled to welcome Mary Ann Spears to the Siloam Springs School District Board of Education! With a lifelong passion for education and a deep commitment to student success, Mary Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to our PantherNation. 📚 Education & Experience: BSBA – University of Arkansas Master’s in Educational Administration – University of Arkansas Specialist & Doctorate – Arkansas Tech University Mary Ann has served in public education for over 30 years. Her teaching career includes time in the Fayetteville School District (teaching Algebra and 8th Grade Math) and Farmington School District (teaching Secondary Math and Business Education). She went on to serve in the Lincoln School District as Assistant High School Principal (3 years), High School Principal (4 years), and Superintendent (12 years). 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Life: Mary Ann and her husband, Danny Spears, have been married for 39 years. They have three children—Justin Spears, Hailey Robinson, and Madison Lowrimore—two sons-in-law—Aaron Robinson and Logan Lowrimore—and are proud grandparents to six grandchildren: Collin, Hudson, Scarlett, Eva-Grey, Shepherd, and Sunday. 💬 In her own words: “I am excited to join the Siloam Springs School Board with a commitment to empower students, inspire growth, and shape our community through education.” Please help us give a warm Panther welcome to Mary Ann Spears! 🐾