Last week, author Emily Soderberg, writer of How to Talk to Your Dog About Murder, visited Ms. Foote’s AP Literature class at Mills University Studies High School!
Soderberg shared with students about her writing process, the work behind getting a book published, and the very real challenge of making time to write while still keeping your day job. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, hear firsthand from a working author, and each received their own copy of the book to take home!
This experience—and the books for our students—was made possible through the WITS (Writers in the Schools) program, CALS, and the Six Bridges Book Festival. We’re grateful for community partnerships that bring writers, books, and experiences like this directly to Mills students.
#ReadingMatters
#LearningIsUrgent
Soderberg shared with students about her writing process, the work behind getting a book published, and the very real challenge of making time to write while still keeping your day job. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, hear firsthand from a working author, and each received their own copy of the book to take home!
This experience—and the books for our students—was made possible through the WITS (Writers in the Schools) program, CALS, and the Six Bridges Book Festival. We’re grateful for community partnerships that bring writers, books, and experiences like this directly to Mills students.
#ReadingMatters
#LearningIsUrgent
They may work behind the scenes, but their efforts are always visible. A huge thank you to the entire district custodial staff as we recognize and celebrate National Custodian Day. Thank you for the work you do to keep our schools, officies, and facilities clean and well maintained.
If you still need to purchase Chromebook insurance, the deadline is Tuesday, October 6. Go to this link for further information on coverage and ways to enroll online, by mail, or over the phone: https://www.pcssd.org/page/chromebook-insurance
Please join us on October 8th for our Title I Parent Night and Tailgate! We will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium and food trucks will be set up in the back parking lot. We can't wait to see you there!
In October, we're celebrating National Principals Month!
This morning, principals from across PCSSD gathered at Central Office for their regular monthly meeting and were surprised with a special "PCSSD Principal Fuel Station" featuring encouraging messages and healthy snacks to kick off the month-long celebration.
Throughout October, we'll be highlighting the outstanding leaders who serve our schools each day. Join us in thanking our hardworking principals for their dedication to students, staff, and the broader PCSSD community.
#ExpectBelieveSucceed
This morning, principals from across PCSSD gathered at Central Office for their regular monthly meeting and were surprised with a special "PCSSD Principal Fuel Station" featuring encouraging messages and healthy snacks to kick off the month-long celebration.
Throughout October, we'll be highlighting the outstanding leaders who serve our schools each day. Join us in thanking our hardworking principals for their dedication to students, staff, and the broader PCSSD community.
#ExpectBelieveSucceed
🔩 Steel Day 2026 gave Mills students a closer look at where their welding skills can take them.
🔰 Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School juniors and seniors in the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing & Construction Welding Pathway got an inside look at the steel industry during Lexicon’s annual Steel Day, hosted with the American Welding Society (AWS) and the American Institute of Steel Construction.
👨🏭 Students toured Lexicon’s Little Rock River Port headquarters and put their welding skills to the test in a virtual welding competition for the opportunity to earn a $1,000 AWS welding scholarship.
⚙️Steel Day gives students a chance to connect their classroom experiences with real-world careers in welding, manufacturing and construction. Mills junior Mason Raggio interviewed with KARK & FOX16 News about the day, and the report airs tonight. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
School picture day is TOMORROW at Mills High! All students in grades 9-11 will have their pictures taken for the yearbook. So, bring those big smiles!
We need your help! Please be on the look out for a letter coming home with your student regarding access to Launch. What is Launch?
Here's a summary!
LAUNCH for Students (LFS)
• Purpose: This program houses digital Student Success Plans (SSPs) for grades 8–12 as mandated by Arkansas Code § 6-15-2911.
• Core Features: It helps manage graduation pathways, career exploration, work-based learning, community service tracking, and college readiness assessments.
• Guardian Access: Parents and guardians log in using access tokens from eSchool/HAC (Home Access Center), and sign off on plans.
The letter coming home to you will give you the Launch Guardian Link Code. Please review this SSP with your student and sign off electronically.
So, ask your student about this letter so that you can access this guardian account in Launch.
Here is some additional information if you need it: Help Video and Guardian Access Information.
We appreciate you!
🔰🏈 The first-ever Lexicon Academy Night honored outstanding students and educators while showcasing the impact of career-focused partnerships at Mills University Studies High School. ⚙️🔥
It was a night of celebration, school spirit, and excellence under the Friday Night Lights during the Comets' football game against Maumelle High School. The evening celebrated the outstanding achievements of both educators and students in the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction, highlighting the power of industry and education working together to prepare students for future careers.
The first Lexicon Academy Night was a memorable celebration of the partnership between Lexicon Inc. and Mills University Studies High School. Through meaningful industry partnerships, student recognition, and career exploration opportunities, Lexicon continues to help create pathways to student success. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
It was a night of celebration, school spirit, and excellence under the Friday Night Lights during the Comets' football game against Maumelle High School. The evening celebrated the outstanding achievements of both educators and students in the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction, highlighting the power of industry and education working together to prepare students for future careers.
The first Lexicon Academy Night was a memorable celebration of the partnership between Lexicon Inc. and Mills University Studies High School. Through meaningful industry partnerships, student recognition, and career exploration opportunities, Lexicon continues to help create pathways to student success. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
Get ready to celebrate AVID Wednesday by wearing your AVID shirt, college gear, or career wear tomorrow!
AVID builds college- and career-ready students at every grade level. Take some time to read how some PCSSD students say AVID is making a difference in their education. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
AVID builds college- and career-ready students at every grade level. Take some time to read how some PCSSD students say AVID is making a difference in their education. #ExpectBelieveSucceed
🎓 Arkansas Virtual Financial Aid Night: Oct. 8 🎓
Securing funding for a college, university, or technical school is a crucial step in planning for further education after high school. PCSSD is sharing information regarding the upcoming Arkansas Virtual Financial Aid Night, hosted by the Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
📌 Event Details
🗓️ Date: Thursday, October 8
⏰ Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)
💡 Resources & What Will Be Covered
💻 FAFSA Application Guidance → Overview for studentaid.gov
🎓 State Grants & ADHE Scholarships → Application steps via sams.adhe.edu
🎁 ASLA Scholarship Drawing → Attendees can enter for a chance to win a scholarship!
🗓️ 1-on-1 FAFSA Assistance → Links to schedule dedicated help sessions
🚀 How to Participate
📘 Free Pay-for-College Guidebook → Download for students and order forms for counselors
👉 To register or ask questions, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBdrCf8M6EkIhAca_SbvGCQNZ6hHKEcYdWATzV1Migb-SSow/viewform
#ExpectBelieveSucceed
Securing funding for a college, university, or technical school is a crucial step in planning for further education after high school. PCSSD is sharing information regarding the upcoming Arkansas Virtual Financial Aid Night, hosted by the Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
📌 Event Details
🗓️ Date: Thursday, October 8
⏰ Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)
💡 Resources & What Will Be Covered
💻 FAFSA Application Guidance → Overview for studentaid.gov
🎓 State Grants & ADHE Scholarships → Application steps via sams.adhe.edu
🎁 ASLA Scholarship Drawing → Attendees can enter for a chance to win a scholarship!
🗓️ 1-on-1 FAFSA Assistance → Links to schedule dedicated help sessions
🚀 How to Participate
📘 Free Pay-for-College Guidebook → Download for students and order forms for counselors
👉 To register or ask questions, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBdrCf8M6EkIhAca_SbvGCQNZ6hHKEcYdWATzV1Migb-SSow/viewform
#ExpectBelieveSucceed
Senior parent/guardian information night is coming up soon! Please join us on October 6th at 6:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria for an informational meeting where we will answer all things related to the class of 2027. We can't wait to see you and help with this momentous year! If you have any questions, please call us at the school and ask for the counseling center.
After school tutoring begins today! Mills University Studies High School is ready to see your students for this free program. This is a great opportunity for students to get extra help, catch up on assignments, prepare for upcoming assessments, or simply get a little more support with their classes.
Tutoring is available Monday–Thursday 4:00–6:00 PM. Transportation is offered through the district at 6:00 pm if your student lives in our school zone.
We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity and make tutoring part of their student’s routine when additional support is needed. We look forward to seeing our students after school because LEARNING IS URGENT!
Tutoring is available Monday–Thursday 4:00–6:00 PM. Transportation is offered through the district at 6:00 pm if your student lives in our school zone.
We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity and make tutoring part of their student’s routine when additional support is needed. We look forward to seeing our students after school because LEARNING IS URGENT!
Mills University Studies High School's JROTC Program recently received its Certificate for earning the prestigious Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) award for the 2025/2026 school year for demonstrating exceptional performance in all areas of the JROTC Program. This recognition is proof that the JROTC program is effective in motivating young people to be better citizens.
#ExpectBelieveSucceed
#ExpectBelieveSucceed
Next week, Mills University Studies High School will be administering the fall ATLAS Interim assessment to students in 9th grade, 10th, grade, Algebra I, geometry, and biology.
Students who do not take these tests will still need to be at school each day for other activities including student success plan work, college day field trip, school picture day, and more.
Please be sure your testing students have their Chromebooks and chargers and that they are ready to go on Monday morning. We also need students to be at school on time as we move to testing location at 8 :30 each day.
Thank you for helping us have students prepared to show what they know!
Students who do not take these tests will still need to be at school each day for other activities including student success plan work, college day field trip, school picture day, and more.
Please be sure your testing students have their Chromebooks and chargers and that they are ready to go on Monday morning. We also need students to be at school on time as we move to testing location at 8 :30 each day.
Thank you for helping us have students prepared to show what they know!
Congratulations to these current students recognized as College Board AP Scholars!
Each year, the College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP) recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams
During the May 2026 testing period, these students showed mastery on three or more exams.
🔗https://www.pcssd.org/article/3148884
#ExpectBelieveSucced
Each year, the College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP) recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams
During the May 2026 testing period, these students showed mastery on three or more exams.
🔗https://www.pcssd.org/article/3148884
#ExpectBelieveSucced
From classroom to career! 🩻🔬
Our Introduction to Healthcare scholars at Mills University Studies High School stepped into the world of healthcare during an incredible industry tour at CARTI Cancer Center!
Scholars had the opportunity to explore laboratories, imaging, radiology, and surgical services while seeing firsthand how healthcare professionals work together to provide exceptional patient care.
Most importantly, our scholars experienced the compassion, expertise, and dedication of CARTI’s healthcare professionals, who generously shared their knowledge and inspired the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Today’s experience was more than a field trip—it was a glimpse into their future! 🌟
The classroom prepares them. Industry inspires them. The future needs them.
Our Introduction to Healthcare scholars at Mills University Studies High School stepped into the world of healthcare during an incredible industry tour at CARTI Cancer Center!
Scholars had the opportunity to explore laboratories, imaging, radiology, and surgical services while seeing firsthand how healthcare professionals work together to provide exceptional patient care.
Most importantly, our scholars experienced the compassion, expertise, and dedication of CARTI’s healthcare professionals, who generously shared their knowledge and inspired the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Today’s experience was more than a field trip—it was a glimpse into their future! 🌟
The classroom prepares them. Industry inspires them. The future needs them.
“C” US DIFFERENTLY
Our overall district letter grade has improved from a D to a C, and schools across the district have experienced some big progress.
Here’s what we mean:
🚀 4 schools jumped multiple grade levels
🏅 11 schools improved by at least one letter grade
📈 19 schools increased their overall accountability scores
We are proud of these achievements, and we are C-ing even greater things ahead!
#seeusdifferently #ExpectBelieveSucceed
Our overall district letter grade has improved from a D to a C, and schools across the district have experienced some big progress.
Here’s what we mean:
🚀 4 schools jumped multiple grade levels
🏅 11 schools improved by at least one letter grade
📈 19 schools increased their overall accountability scores
We are proud of these achievements, and we are C-ing even greater things ahead!
#seeusdifferently #ExpectBelieveSucceed
Learning Beyond the Classroom!
Our Mills University Studies High School Food Safety & Nutrition Scholars took their learning to Petit Jean Mountain for an incredible industry tour at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute this week.
From touring the Institute to learning alongside the Executive Chef, Director of Food Services, and Conference Director, scholars saw firsthand how the skills they’re learning in class come to life in real-world culinary, hospitality, and food-service careers.
Beautiful views. Meaningful connections. Real-world learning. This is what career-connected learning looks like at Mills!
#LearningIsUrgent
#AcademiesOfCentralArkansas
Our Mills University Studies High School Food Safety & Nutrition Scholars took their learning to Petit Jean Mountain for an incredible industry tour at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute this week.
From touring the Institute to learning alongside the Executive Chef, Director of Food Services, and Conference Director, scholars saw firsthand how the skills they’re learning in class come to life in real-world culinary, hospitality, and food-service careers.
Beautiful views. Meaningful connections. Real-world learning. This is what career-connected learning looks like at Mills!
#LearningIsUrgent
#AcademiesOfCentralArkansas
It is already more than halfway through the first quarter, which means it is a good time to check in on student progress! Log in to the Home Access Center anytime at hac23.esp.k12.ar.us to view grades, attendance, and more. #ExpectBelieveSucceed