• Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: k - 4
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 1
    Student Enrollment: 300
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0.7%
    White/Caucasian: 51.9%
    Hispanic: 43.7%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 1.7%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 2%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:13
    % Reduced Lunch: 76%
    % ELL Learners: 22%
    Founded: 1912
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Jenni Phomsithi
  • CONTACT:
    304 E 9th St
    Danville, AR 72833
    479-495-4822
    phomsithij@dps-littlejohns.net
S.C. Tucker Elementary School
Danville, AR
The shift in understanding data created a culture of promoting engagement among staff, and the shift to students owning and understanding their data.
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
S.C. Tucker Elementary is a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. We're an A-rated school and were recognized for being in the top 5% of schools in Arkansas in by the growth and high achievement categories by the University of Arkansas' Office for Education Policy (OEP). Additionally, we received awards for Beating the Odds from the OEP in both math and ELA, as well as the overall category.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
We attribute our success to engagement, culture, and having students take ownership of their data, beginning in kindergarten. This reliance on data is valuable not only for guiding independent and small group instruction, but also in allowing students to feel rewarded intrinsically.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
Supplemental funding allows teachers to have a say in what will guide students to achievement and understanding. We place high value on reading, and funding is regularly spent on books, among other materials.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
Many of our professional development activities center around data and planning based on the data. Additionally, teachers who need help with engagement, behavior, curriculum development, and a host of other specific needs are allowed time to further develop their skills by either attending in-person or online PDs and through embedded professional development.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
The shift in understanding data created a culture of promoting engagement among staff, and the shift to students owning and understanding their data further developed a positive culture of help and celebration among staff and students alike.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Our community is rural, and we are thankful for community members and business who help when called. They are quick to volunteer in classrooms and at special events, and they often make donations of clothing, funding, food, and more.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: k - 4
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 1
    Student Enrollment: 300
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0.7%
    White/Caucasian: 51.9%
    Hispanic: 43.7%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 1.7%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 2%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:13
    % Reduced Lunch: 76%
    % ELL Learners: 22%
    Founded: 1912
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Jenni Phomsithi
  • CONTACT:
    304 E 9th St
    Danville, AR 72833
    479-495-4822
    phomsithij@dps-littlejohns.net