Watson Chapel School District

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff, I am writing to provide an important update regarding the earlier safety situation near our high school campus. Local law enforcement agencies have completed their sweep of the area, and the high school has been cleared. Based on guidance from authorities, we have resumed normal school operations and schedules. While the situation occurred off campus and there were no injuries reported, we will continue to maintain precautionary safety measures throughout the day out of an abundance of caution. Our administrative team will remain in close communication with local law enforcement and will monitor the situation closely. Please know: -All students and staff remain safe and accounted for. -The campus has been officially cleared by law enforcement. -Instruction has resumed on a normal schedule. -Additional safety precautions will remain in place. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and support as we worked to ensure the safety of everyone in our school community. As always, the safety and well- being of our students and staff is our highest priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff, I am writing to inform you of a situation that occurred near ourr high school campus today. Reports were received of shots being heard in the surrounding neighborhood. I want to be clear that this incident did not occur on school grounds, and at this time, there are no reported injuries connected to our school community. Out of an abundance of caution, we immediately implemented our active shooter safety protocols. All students and staff were secured safely inside the building, and we are working closely with local law enforcement, who are actively investigating the situation and monitoring the area. At this time: -All students and staff are safe and accounted for -The incident remains off campus -Law enforcement is present and providing guidance -We will maintain heightened safety procedures until authorities advise otherwise. We understand that situations like this can cause concern, and we are committed to keeping you informed. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. Thank you for your continued trust and support. Sincerely, Dr. Keith McGee Superintendent of Schools

Tomorrow is Family Night at Coleman Elementary! Join us for an evening of fun, learning, and family engagement. We look forward to seeing you there!

It is with great pride and appreciation that we recognize and celebrate our 2025–2026 Classified Employees of the Year. These outstanding individuals exemplify excellence, dedication, and a deep commitment to serving our students, staff, and community every day.

Each of these individuals plays a vital role in the success of our district. Their daily contributions, often behind the scenes, ensure that our schools run smoothly and that our students are supported, safe, and ready to learn.

We thank them for their unwavering commitment and for representing the very best of Watson Chapel School District.

Please join in congratulating this year's honorees!

Thank you to our wonderful assistant principals at Watson Chapel! We appreciate all you do each and every day!

Join Coleman Elementary for an evening of fun, learning, and community!

Coleman Elementary March Scholars of the Month!

We are proud to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding effort, leadership, and academic excellence. Keep up the great work!

Coleman Elementary Supports Autism Awareness!

We are beyond excited to announce that WCSD Child Nutrition Director Paula Bailey has been selected for the Chef Ann Foundation’s 2026 Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship! This program is dedicated to one of her biggest passions: bringing more fresh, scratch-cooked meals to our schools. Over the next 13 months, she will be deepening her knowledge of scratch-cooking, sustainable food systems, and equitable school food reform alongside 22 other changemakers from across the country.

We are honored for her to be part of this important movement, and can’t wait to see her bring these transformative ideas back to Watson Chapel. To learn more about the program and the cohort of Fellows, check out: https://www.chefannfoundation.org/what-we-do/healthy-school-food-pathway/fellowship/

Together, they are working to create a more delicious and nourishing future for our nation’s students. Let’s get cooking!

Attention Coleman parents and guardians,

Please read the following information carefully. After reading, please use the link below to upload your message of encouragement for our scholars as they prepare for the ATLAS test. Your positive words and support can help motivate our students to do their very best!

Upload your encouragement video here:
https://forms.gle/XmSHwA8pzTvNoGgS9

Thank you for supporting our scholars and helping them stay confident and focused!

Join us as we honor Employees of the Year for the Watson Chapel School District! Tickets are $25 and available for purchase April 1. More information coming soon!

Congratulations to the newest members of the cheer and stepper teams!

Announcing the principals for the 2026-2027 school year!

Watson Chapel School District is conducting a survey to evaluate our community's interest in summer meals. The summer meals would be 5-day meal packs of both breakfast and lunch. There would be no charge for these meals for children 18-years and younger.

Below is a link to the survey. Your response matters as the information we collect will help determine whether the district provides meals during the summer.

The survey is brief and should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by Tuesday, March 31st.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGN8fVDPFoYPHj0iFnSXyncgZcZG-LtgvYP1RP6HAocRVvcg/viewform

Reminder: Friday, March 13, 2026 is a professional development day for staff. Students will not be in attendance.

We are pleased and honored to announce that the Watson Chapel School District has 2 award-winning art students in the Arkansas Art Educators 2026 Southeast Arkansas Regional Art Exhibit.

Shayla Gardner of 8th grade is the first place winner for all Southeast Arkansas. Her work will also go forward on to the Arkansas state art show and contest through the Arkansas Art Educators.

James Belle, of 6th grade, is the third place winner for all Southeast Arkansas. His work is on display to be viewed as well as the other 8 students representing Watson Chapel Junior High School art program.

The awards reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. on March 29th at the Spencer Gallery of the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Please see the attached images for information about junior high cheer tryouts.

Watson Chapel Food Service is looking at summer feeding. If you have not completed our survey, please do so we can estimate the need for our community.

https://forms.gle/Wxsv6QPpvVuMvhQj6

Congratulations to our February Scholars of the Month at Coleman Elementary!
Your hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence have truly stood out.

Keep showing your ROAR Expectations every day. We are proud of you!