Gentry Public Schools
Ensuring all Students Connect, Learn, and Succeed
🌐 NEED SOMETHING? START WITH US!
Need a calendar? A staff contact? Back-to-school information? Traffic information? Have a question or concern and aren't sure who to ask?
Our website is here to help—and apparently, a LOT of you already know that! 👏 Over just the last 28 days:
👥 5,800 people used our website
🆕 5,100 were new users
🏠 Our homepage was viewed 6,700 times
👩🏫 Our Staff page was viewed 5,600 times
🎒 Back-to-School information had 2,100 views
📅 Our District Calendar had 1,100 views
That's thousands of people using our website to find information, get connected, and find the right person to help. And that's exactly what we want!
As we head into our second full week, a friendly reminder: Questions? Ask us. Concerns? Tell us. Need information? Let us help. ❤️
Social media is a great way to share, celebrate, and stay connected with our schools and community. When you have a question, concern, suggestion, or simply need information, we encourage you to start with us directly. It gives our staff the opportunity to hear from you, provide accurate information, offer any helpful context, and assist as quickly as possible.
Starting with us also helps keep information clear and accurate and prevents misunderstandings or secondhand information from creating unnecessary confusion or division within our great community. We absolutely want our families and community to have a voice; we just want to make sure we hear from you directly so we have the opportunity to help. We are a growing community and school district in part because we are united, we support one another, and we work together. That doesn’t happen by accident—it takes all of us. Thank you so much for being such an important part of what makes Gentry special!
And if you’re willing, we’d appreciate your help, too. If you come across a question or concern about our schools through an outside channel, please feel free to kindly point them toward the school or district so we have the opportunity to help directly. It takes a team, and our families and community are a huge part of ours. A simple, friendly reminder to “reach out to the school—they’ll be happy to help” can go a long way in connecting someone with accurate information and the right person to assist.
Our website makes it easy to find information and connect with the right person. So, join the thousands already putting it to work! 💻 We strive to respond within 24–48 business hours. If you haven’t heard back within that time, please feel free to follow up so we can make sure we connect with you.
Explore our website. Find what you need. Find who to contact. And if you still aren't sure—reach out. We're here to help! Thank you for choosing Gentry! It is an honor to serve our families!❤️
View this week's Pioneer Reminder here or click the link to view: https://canva.link/mmes3a2eocjxu7n.
Looking for an event that isn’t listed yet? Feel free to reach out to the teacher, coach, or sponsor associated with the activity. They can help make sure the event information gets where it needs to go so our calendar stays current.
Looking for an event that isn’t listed yet? Feel free to reach out to the teacher, coach, or sponsor associated with the activity. They can help make sure the event information gets where it needs to go so our calendar stays current.
AP SUCCESS IN ACTION! 🎓
Gentry Pioneers are earning college credit before they even graduate — and this year's results are worth celebrating!
👏 89 passing AP scores this year, up more than 40% from last year
🎓 267 estimated college course hours earned
💰 $320,400 in estimated college costs saved for our students and families
And two Gentry AP courses achieved 100% passing rates!
⭐ Our inaugural AP Seminar, taught by Kari Cantrell
🎨 AP 2-D Art and Design, taught by Stephanie Hoyle
These results represent more than numbers. They reflect students willing to challenge themselves, teachers who go above and beyond, and a school district committed to giving students opportunities to be successful at the next level.
Advanced Placement courses help students experience college-level work while they're still in high school — building academic confidence and skills while potentially earning college credit and saving families money along the way.
We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to the teachers who helped make these achievements possible!
Great students. Dedicated teachers. Strong futures. ❤️🖤
#GentryPioneers #APSuccess #CollegeReady #PioneerPride
Gentry Pioneers are earning college credit before they even graduate — and this year's results are worth celebrating!
👏 89 passing AP scores this year, up more than 40% from last year
🎓 267 estimated college course hours earned
💰 $320,400 in estimated college costs saved for our students and families
And two Gentry AP courses achieved 100% passing rates!
⭐ Our inaugural AP Seminar, taught by Kari Cantrell
🎨 AP 2-D Art and Design, taught by Stephanie Hoyle
These results represent more than numbers. They reflect students willing to challenge themselves, teachers who go above and beyond, and a school district committed to giving students opportunities to be successful at the next level.
Advanced Placement courses help students experience college-level work while they're still in high school — building academic confidence and skills while potentially earning college credit and saving families money along the way.
We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to the teachers who helped make these achievements possible!
Great students. Dedicated teachers. Strong futures. ❤️🖤
#GentryPioneers #APSuccess #CollegeReady #PioneerPride
August’s School Board meeting was 8/17/26. See the recap here. For more information on our School Board and meetings, upcoming events, exciting news, and all things PIONEER, please visit our district website at www.gentrypioneers.com.
BIG NEWS FOR PIONEER STUDENTS! 🎉
Beginning this year, currently enrolled Gentry Public Schools students in grades K–12 can receive complimentary admission to regular-season HOME athletic events!
We want more Pioneers in the stands—supporting classmates, strengthening our student sections, building school spirit, and giving students and families another way to connect with our schools.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
To receive complimentary admission, students must be currently enrolled at Gentry Public Schools and wear:
• Gentry Pioneer apparel; or
• Maroon and white; or
• For GHS students, the announced student-section theme
We want every Gentry student to have the opportunity to participate. Students who need assistance with an appropriate Pioneer spirit item for admission may contact their building administration. Students receiving complimentary admission must still go through the ticket line at each event. Ticket staff will be able to verify current Gentry student enrollment as needed, and each student will receive a ticket so we can accurately track attendance. Attire alone does not qualify someone for complimentary admission—this opportunity is only for currently enrolled Gentry Public Schools students.
GRADES K–5:
Students in Grade 5 and below are strongly encouraged to attend with a parent or responsible adult who remains available throughout the event.
WITH THIS OPPORTUNITY COME EXPECTATIONS:
The success of this opportunity depends on all of us working together to make it work well. We appreciate families keeping appropriate supervision in mind and students helping by demonstrating good behavior, sportsmanship, and respect throughout each event.
Students are expected to remain on the home side and in designated spectator/common areas, follow school and event staff directions, and represent Gentry well. Complimentary admission may be denied or revoked when expectations are not followed. Our shared commitment to these expectations will help make this an opportunity we can continue to offer.
Increased family attendance and concession activity may also help offset some of the reduction in student admission revenue. Participation, operations, supervision needs, and overall financial impact will be monitored throughout the year as we evaluate the program and its continuation in future years.
ALREADY PURCHASED A SEASON PASS?
Purchased an individual student season pass? Contact Catherine Clark regarding a refund. We are also lowering the price of our family season pass to reflect complimentary student admission. Families who already purchased one may contact Catherine for a refund of the difference in price.
📞 479-736-2667
✉️ cclark@gentrypioneers.com
LOCAL BUSINESSES — WANT TO HELP?
Businesses can help support student attendance by sponsoring a single game, a sport for a season, multiple sports/events, or the entire school year. Contact Athletic Director Brent Hester to explore options that can include recognition through banners/signage, announcements, and other athletic sponsorship opportunities.
A FEW FINAL DETAILS:
Complimentary student admission applies to regular-season home athletic events only and does not include postseason contests, reserved seating, fundraisers, or other special events with separate admission requirements.
We’re excited for more Pioneers in the stands, more families connected to our schools, and an even stronger home atmosphere! Thank you for helping us make this opportunity a success for our students and schools.
Questions about complimentary student admission may be directed to Athletic Director Brent Hester by phone or email. Wear the maroon. Bring the energy. Support your Pioneers. ❤️🤍
🏛️ From Colonial Williamsburg to the Gentry Classroom!
This summer, Gentry Intermediate third-grade teacher Danna Borntrager took her learning beyond the classroom — all the way to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia!
Mrs. Borntrager was invited to participate in the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute’s Summer Teacher Residency Program, "Revolutionary Roots: Teaching Civic Engagement to 250." During the week-long experience, she toured historic sites in Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, worked with historians, analyzed primary documents and learned about the ongoing archaeological and conservation work happening at these historic locations.
As an ELA teacher, Mrs. Borntrager returned to Gentry with an “arsenal of primary sources” she can use to help her students explore our nation’s origins, the American Revolution and the diverse people and perspectives that shaped our country.
“We’re excited to see her use these resources to help our students connect what they are learning in the classroom to the people, ideas and events that shaped our nation,” Gentry Intermediate Principal Kristen Smartt said.
We love seeing our teachers continue to learn, grow and bring new experiences back to our students. What an incredible opportunity, Danna!
#GentryPioneers #GentryAR #GentryIntermediate #PioneerPride #TeacherSpotlight #ProfessionalLearning #ColonialWilliamsburg #AmericanHistory #TeachingHistory #ELA #NeverStopLearning
This summer, Gentry Intermediate third-grade teacher Danna Borntrager took her learning beyond the classroom — all the way to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia!
Mrs. Borntrager was invited to participate in the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute’s Summer Teacher Residency Program, "Revolutionary Roots: Teaching Civic Engagement to 250." During the week-long experience, she toured historic sites in Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg, worked with historians, analyzed primary documents and learned about the ongoing archaeological and conservation work happening at these historic locations.
As an ELA teacher, Mrs. Borntrager returned to Gentry with an “arsenal of primary sources” she can use to help her students explore our nation’s origins, the American Revolution and the diverse people and perspectives that shaped our country.
“We’re excited to see her use these resources to help our students connect what they are learning in the classroom to the people, ideas and events that shaped our nation,” Gentry Intermediate Principal Kristen Smartt said.
We love seeing our teachers continue to learn, grow and bring new experiences back to our students. What an incredible opportunity, Danna!
#GentryPioneers #GentryAR #GentryIntermediate #PioneerPride #TeacherSpotlight #ProfessionalLearning #ColonialWilliamsburg #AmericanHistory #TeachingHistory #ELA #NeverStopLearning
REMINDER: Gentry Middle School and Gentry High School will host a School Handbook Review Night on Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the GHS Auditorium. We’ll review important policies and topics including attendance, communication, student expectations, safety procedures, anti-bullying information, and other school processes. While some information will be specific to GMS/GHS, all K–12 parents and guardians are welcome!
❤️ PIONEER FAMILIES: IMPORTANT REMINDERS!
What a great first week! As everyone settles into the school routine, here are a few quick reminders to help keep things running smoothly:
🚌 Flashing Red, Kids Ahead! — Please stop for school buses with flashing red lights, slow down in school zones, and stay alert for students and staff in crosswalks.
🚗 Traffic & Car Lines — Thank you for your patience! The first few weeks are always a little slower as drivers, staff, and students settle into routines and first-day traffic eases. It gets smoother each day, and we appreciate everyone working together!
📋 School Forms — Please complete and return any forms sent home so we can keep important student and family information current.
⏰ Morning Drop-Off — Please keep your campus drop-off times in mind. Staff supervision begins at the established time for each school.
💬 Stay Connected with Rooms — Use Rooms in the Gentry Pioneers App to stay connected with teachers, coaches, sponsors, and activities.
📵 Bell-to-Bell, No Cell — Arkansas law requires restrictions on student cell phone and covered personal device use during the school day. Please help us reinforce these expectations with students.
🤝 Bullying Prevention & Reporting — We are committed to a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment. If you have a concern, please contact your child’s school directly so we can help.
✅ Attendance Pro — Our new attendance system makes it easier for families to report absences and provide documentation when needed.
📅 GMS/GHS Handbook Review Night — Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the GHS Auditorium. All K–12 parents and guardians are welcome!
📖 Back-to-School Guide — Bus routes, traffic flow, drop-off/pickup procedures, contact information, and other helpful resources are available on our website.
☎️ Questions or Concerns? We’re Here to Help! — Reaching out directly to the staff member closest to the situation is often the quickest way to receive accurate, timely information. Our website and "Who to Call" page can help you find the right person.
🤖 Can’t Find What You Need? — Try the AI Chatbot on our district website to quickly find information and answers to common questions.
📧 More detailed information, including helpful links, has also been emailed to families.
Thank you for a great first week and for partnering with us! We are thankful you chose Gentry Public Schools and excited for the year ahead.
Have a wonderful weekend, and Go Pioneers! ❤️🤍
The Pioneer Reminder is back. View it here or click the link to view: https://canva.link/n9a5rfdcp5qp8ke.
Looking for an event that isn’t listed yet? Feel free to reach out to the teacher, coach, or sponsor associated with the activity. They can help make sure the event information gets where it needs to go so our calendar stays current.
Looking for an event that isn’t listed yet? Feel free to reach out to the teacher, coach, or sponsor associated with the activity. They can help make sure the event information gets where it needs to go so our calendar stays current.
What a great start to the school year! ❤️🤍
With Day 1 in the books and Day 2 underway, we simply want to say thank you! We are incredibly grateful for our students, staff, families, and the entire Gentry community. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, encouragement, and support as everyone settles back into the school routine.
From our families and staff to local businesses, organizations, and community members, so many people play a part in making Gentry a great place to live, work, learn, and grow. We are thankful for each of you and especially thankful that you have chosen Gentry!
As we close out the first week, be watching for additional communication with a few important reminders and helpful resources for the year ahead. We know the beginning of school comes with a lot of information, and we want to make it as easy as possible to find what you need.
And remember—we’re here to help! Our website makes it easy to find the right person, get connected, and find answers. If you reach out and do not receive a response within 24–48 business hours, please kindly follow up as needed. We want to make sure your questions or concerns reach the right person and are addressed.
We are grateful beyond words and excited for what’s ahead. We’re off to a great start, Pioneers! ❤️
📣 Meet the Pioneers Update
Meet the Pioneers will be held inside the gym tomorrow night.
With the anticipated heat, we are making this adjustment in advance to avoid potential heat-related delays or cancellations and help keep the evening on schedule.
🌭 Hot dog meals will still be available from the gym concession stand.
Please note that while we will do our best to stay on schedule, times are tentative, so arrive early to be safe and make sure you don't miss the event or group you're coming to see.
Click the link in the comments for the updated schedule.
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night! Go Pioneers!
Meet the Pioneers will be held inside the gym tomorrow night.
With the anticipated heat, we are making this adjustment in advance to avoid potential heat-related delays or cancellations and help keep the evening on schedule.
🌭 Hot dog meals will still be available from the gym concession stand.
Please note that while we will do our best to stay on schedule, times are tentative, so arrive early to be safe and make sure you don't miss the event or group you're coming to see.
Click the link in the comments for the updated schedule.
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night! Go Pioneers!
It’s not too late to join the Pioneer team!
We’re still looking for great people to join our school community. Take the next step and apply today at https://bit.ly/3DWI4DG.
We’re still looking for great people to join our school community. Take the next step and apply today at https://bit.ly/3DWI4DG.
Gentry Public Schools officially opened its doors for the 2026-27 school year Wednesday, bringing more than 1,800 students back to classrooms across the district for a day filled with familiar traditions, reunions and new beginnings. Read more here: https://www.gentrypioneers.com/article/3071900
Welcome to another exciting year at Gentry Public Schools! Whether you're returning or joining the Pioneer family for the first time, thank you for trusting us with your child's education. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you.
Gentry continues to grow because of the strong relationships, positive culture, and partnership between our schools and community. That success is built every day through communication, trust, teamwork, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for students.
As we begin the school year, questions or concerns may occasionally arise. When they do, we encourage families to start with the person closest to the situation, such as your child's teacher, coach, or school office. Most questions can be resolved quickly at that level. This helps ensure everyone has accurate information, allows us the opportunity to understand the situation firsthand, and gives us the chance to work together toward a solution. If you don't receive a response within 24–48 business hours, please follow up with the appropriate building administrator or supervisor.
We've worked hard to make it easy to find information and connect with our team. Visit GentryPioneers.com and select Contact Us to find staff contact information, use the search feature to quickly locate information, or ask our AI Chat Bot for assistance.
To our returning families, thank you for continuing to make Gentry such a special place. To our new families, welcome to a community that values strong relationships, positivity, and working together to support our students, schools, and community.
Thank you for your partnership and support. We look forward to another outstanding year together. Go Pioneers! ❤️
🚌 School Safety Reminder!
Please slow down and stay alert around our schools, buses, and crosswalks. Flashing red lights mean STOP and always watch carefully for students crossing the road or using crosswalks. A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference. Thank you for helping keep our Pioneers safe! ❤️
Please slow down and stay alert around our schools, buses, and crosswalks. Flashing red lights mean STOP and always watch carefully for students crossing the road or using crosswalks. A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference. Thank you for helping keep our Pioneers safe! ❤️
☀️ Back-to-School Reminder!
With the August heat, please encourage students to bring a water bottle to school and stay hydrated throughout the day. Clear water bottles are encouraged, but if your student has a different type, no worries! If a student does not have a water bottle, we will make sure they have access to water. 💧 We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
With the August heat, please encourage students to bring a water bottle to school and stay hydrated throughout the day. Clear water bottles are encouraged, but if your student has a different type, no worries! If a student does not have a water bottle, we will make sure they have access to water. 💧 We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!
📸 Gentry Athletics Sideline Media Passes
As Gentry Athletics continues to grow and our programs receive more attention from local and regional media, we are implementing a simple sideline media credential process for home football games.
Sideline access will be reserved for approved media members and photographers covering Gentry Athletics for a legitimate media purpose. This is a common practice that helps us safely manage an increasingly busy sideline while protecting our student-athletes, coaches, officials, media members, and the overall game environment.
Media members and photographers interested in sideline access should apply through the Gentry Athletic Department. Contact information and the Media Pass Application can be found on the Gentry Athletics webpage linked in the comments. Credentials are limited based on available space and event needs, and all approved media are expected to follow Gentry Athletics and Arkansas Activities Association guidelines.
We appreciate the growing interest in our student-athletes and programs and look forward to continuing to share the great things happening in Gentry Athletics!
Go Pioneers!
As Gentry Athletics continues to grow and our programs receive more attention from local and regional media, we are implementing a simple sideline media credential process for home football games.
Sideline access will be reserved for approved media members and photographers covering Gentry Athletics for a legitimate media purpose. This is a common practice that helps us safely manage an increasingly busy sideline while protecting our student-athletes, coaches, officials, media members, and the overall game environment.
Media members and photographers interested in sideline access should apply through the Gentry Athletic Department. Contact information and the Media Pass Application can be found on the Gentry Athletics webpage linked in the comments. Credentials are limited based on available space and event needs, and all approved media are expected to follow Gentry Athletics and Arkansas Activities Association guidelines.
We appreciate the growing interest in our student-athletes and programs and look forward to continuing to share the great things happening in Gentry Athletics!
Go Pioneers!
🛡️ Continuing to Invest in Safety
Today, Gentry Public Schools staff participated in districtwide safety and emergency preparedness training as part of our continued commitment to student and staff safety.
The training was provided by Strategos International, an organization with approximately 25 years of experience providing safety and security training and more than 600,000 people trained across 1,500+ organizations. Today’s training focused on general awareness, preparedness, communication, and response strategies for school staff. Trainers included retired educators and law enforcement professionals from Arkansas and Missouri, bringing experience from both school and public safety settings.
We were also grateful to have our School Resource Officers participate alongside our staff throughout the training. Their involvement and continued partnership are an important part of our approach to school safety. Today’s training was designed to supplement the knowledge, planning, and coordination already in place with our local law enforcement partners who serve our schools and community.
We believe in continually investing in every part of the student and staff experience, and that includes providing our employees with opportunities to learn, prepare, and work alongside the professionals who help keep our schools and community safe.
Thank you to our staff, trainers, School Resource Officers, and local law enforcement partners for investing the day in our schools and students.
Go Pioneers!
Today, Gentry Public Schools staff participated in districtwide safety and emergency preparedness training as part of our continued commitment to student and staff safety.
The training was provided by Strategos International, an organization with approximately 25 years of experience providing safety and security training and more than 600,000 people trained across 1,500+ organizations. Today’s training focused on general awareness, preparedness, communication, and response strategies for school staff. Trainers included retired educators and law enforcement professionals from Arkansas and Missouri, bringing experience from both school and public safety settings.
We were also grateful to have our School Resource Officers participate alongside our staff throughout the training. Their involvement and continued partnership are an important part of our approach to school safety. Today’s training was designed to supplement the knowledge, planning, and coordination already in place with our local law enforcement partners who serve our schools and community.
We believe in continually investing in every part of the student and staff experience, and that includes providing our employees with opportunities to learn, prepare, and work alongside the professionals who help keep our schools and community safe.
Thank you to our staff, trainers, School Resource Officers, and local law enforcement partners for investing the day in our schools and students.
Go Pioneers!
We are excited to announce Werner Gil as a new Paraprofessional at the Primary School. Werner Gil brings more than 37 years of full-time ministry experience, serving people of all ages and backgrounds. His passion for supporting children and youth has most recently been reflected in his work with children in foster care and other vulnerable youth.
Inspired by his daughter's dedication to the Gentry School District, Werner is excited to give back to the community his family now calls home. Outside of work, he enjoys music, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, three children, and three grandchildren.
