Gentry High School

Pioneer Community,

We are excited to share an update on our two major capital projects, the Middle School Classroom Addition and the new Pioneer Arena!

Over the past several months, our district team, stakeholder design committee, preconstruction managers, and architectural and engineering partners have been working together to finalize the design details and prepare for the next steps. We are happy to share that the building plans have now been submitted to state agencies for final review and approval, a process that typically takes 4–6 weeks.

Once final approvals are received, the projects are expected to move into the bid phase in mid-Spring, with the goal of breaking ground in late Spring. While current estimates suggest that construction may take approximately a year, a number of factors, including weather, market conditions on bid day, and State review outcomes can impact not only the final timeline but also the scope of the project and may result in adjustments along the way.

We are grateful for the continued support of our families, staff, and community. These projects represent an exciting investment in our students and programs, and we look forward to sharing updates as progress continues.

🚨 School Closure – Friday, the 30th 🚨

After careful consideration, school will be closed tomorrow, Friday the 30th.

As weeks like this progress, closure decisions often become less obvious and more challenging, especially later in the week. Conditions can vary widely from one area to another, which is why decisions between districts may differ. Each district must weigh many variables and make the best decision based on what is being seen across its own roads and communities.

Administrators spent several hours today driving district roads to inform this decision. Two-wheel drive was used in many areas, similar to how most cars and buses operate, and we experienced sliding and stalling on hills. Even when switching to four-wheel drive, there were still areas where stopping, starting, and maintaining traction was difficult. Photos are attached for reference and were taken after most of today’s melting had already occurred, reflecting the conditions expected tomorrow morning with likely refreezing.

While limited bus routes are available, those routes are optional for families who may not feel safe traveling, which is another factor considered in the decision-making process. So ultimately, when balancing all of these variables together, we did not feel the potential benefit of being in session outweighed the safety concerns.

These decisions require constant evaluation and balance, and when that balance shifts toward increased risk, our philosophy is to err on the side of caution when student and staff safety is involved.

🏀 Athletics Update
Decisions regarding athletic events and practices will be communicated directly by coaches. Please wait for an official announcement from your coach before assuming practices or events are on or off.

If a practice or event does move forward, students will not be penalized for missing due to weather or road conditions. Safety comes first. Families should communicate directly with coaches if travel is not safe in their area, and flexibility will be provided.

🍎 Snack Pack Pickup
For families who already receive weekly snack packs, schools will be open tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for pickup for those who are able to come. Due to limited supplies, this is available only to families who currently receive snack packs. If your family is experiencing a hardship related to this closure, please reach out and we will do our best to help or connect you with someone who can.

A detailed explanation about make up days will come later but you can view the District calendar by visiting www.gentrypioneers.com.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to keep everyone safe.

Good afternoon Gentry families and staff,

After closely monitoring conditions, Gentry Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 28.

District administrators continued to evaluate roads throughout Monday and Tuesday, and due to lingering ice and extreme cold temperatures, many rural roads and bus routes remain unsafe for travel at this time.

Our maintenance crews are continuing work on school parking lots and sidewalks to prepare for a safe return as soon as conditions allow. We will continue to monitor road conditions and will communicate promptly if additional closures are necessary, so please stay tuned.

Monday, January 26; Tuesday, January 27; and Wednesday, January 28 are the first three inclement weather days missed this school year. In accordance with the district calendar, the first two days will be made up on Friday, February 20 and Friday, April 17, and the third day will be made up on Tuesday, May 26.

Visit our school website for the full District calendar:
www.gentrypioneers.com

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

Good afternoon Gentry families and staff,

After closely monitoring conditions, Gentry Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 27.

District administrators drove roads on both Sunday and Monday, and due to extreme cold temperatures, many rural roads and bus routes remain not safely passable at this time.

Our maintenance crews are spending today working on school parking lots and sidewalks to prepare for a safe return as soon as conditions allow. We will continue to monitor road conditions and will communicate promptly if additional closures are necessary, so please stay tuned.

Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27 are the first two inclement weather days missed this school year. In accordance with the district calendar, these days will be made up on Friday, February 20 and Friday, April 17. Additional inclement weather makeup days are also built into the school calendar should further winter weather occur.

👉 Click here to view the school calendar.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.

Our Annual Toy toss game is TOMORROW evening. Bring a toy to toss at the first made basket of the GIRLS game. 6:00 Friday! All toys will be donated to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Students can receive 1 hour of community service per toy.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pYH-lE-Ue2Rfp5v9UVtiNJVysmdiEm-v/view?usp=sharing