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.
After closely monitoring conditions, Gentry Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 29.
District administrators continued to evaluate road conditions today. While we are seeing noticeable improvement, many rural roads and bus routes are still not safely passable at this time.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Gentry Public Schools Maintenance Department, ARDOT, the City of Gentry, the City of Highfill, and the Benton County Road Department. Their hard work over the past several days is evident in how much road conditions have improved.
With temperatures improving, we are hopeful to return to school on Friday. We will continue monitoring conditions and will communicate as soon as possible tomorrow regarding Friday’s status. Photos of road conditions on some of our rural routes are attached to help illustrate current travel concerns.
Monday, January 26; Tuesday, January 27; Wednesday, January 28; and Thursday, January 29 are the first four 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, the third day will be made up on Tuesday, May 26, and the fourth day will be made up on Wednesday, May 27. Additional inclement weather makeup days are built into the district calendar if needed.
Visit our school website for the full District calendar:
www.gentrypioneers.com
Thank you for your continued 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 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.
Gentry Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026 due to inclement weather. Stay safe and warm! ❄️
GMS Newsletter Link: http://bit.ly/4oiFSb6
🚍 Flashing Red. Kids Ahead. — Bus Safety Reminder 🛑
As the school year starts, Arkansas motorists are reminded of a critical safety rule:
According to Arkansas law, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus whenever its red lights are flashing, meaning children are boarding or exiting the bus.
📋 What Every Driver Should Know:
You must stop in both directions on 2‑lane roads and 4‑lane highways with or without a center turn lane, unless there's a median 20 feet or wider.
Outstanding penalties under Arkansas’ Isaac’s Law can include fines up to $1,000 or more, plus potential jail time—highlighting how serious this violation is .
👫 What Students & Pedestrians Should Do:
Be visible and alert near bus stops and crosswalks.
Stay clear of the road until the bus has pulled away.
Avoid distractions—keep phones down and eyes focused when walking.
🔁 Community Safety Is a Shared Responsibility
Every driver and pedestrian contributes to keeping our students safe. Let’s commit to obeying the law, being patient, and slowing down as a bus approaches or departs. Click the link below for traffic flow and drop-off/pick-up information:
🔗 https://www.gentrypioneers.com/page/traffic-flow-student-pick-up-drop-off
Remember: Flashing Red Means Kids Ahead. Together, we can make sure Arkansas children arrive safely at school. 💛🚌✨
📣 REMINDER: Open House Dates for All Grades!
Open House is a great way for families to meet teachers, drop off supplies, and get excited for the school year! All students and families are welcome. If your child is entering a new building (a transition grade), Open House is a great supplement to Orientation and can help make the transition even smoother.
🏫 Open House Schedule (All Grades Welcome):
📍 Middle & High School – Wednesday, August 6 | 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Primary School – Thursday, August 7 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Intermediate School – Thursday, August 7 | 5:00–7:00 PM
🎒 First Day of School: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Visit our Back to School Hub: https://www.gentrypioneers.com/page/back-to-school. We’re looking forward to seeing you there! 💙✏️
📣 REMINDER: Orientation & Open House Dates!
Here’s a quick look at some important upcoming events as we prepare for the new school year! Families of students in transition grades (moving to a new building) are invited to attend Orientation for a chance to learn more and explore their new school environment. While optional, Orientation is a great opportunity to ease the transition.
Students in any grade are welcome to attend Open House, where families can meet teachers, drop off supplies, and get ready for the year ahead. Transition grade students may benefit from attending both events!
🧭 Orientation for Transition Grades
➡️ 3rd Grade (Intermediate): Aug. 7 | 4:00–5:00 PM
➡️ 6th Grade (Middle): July 31 | 5:00–7:30 PM
➡️ 9th Grade (High): July 31 | 5:00–7:30 PM
🏫 Open House (All Grades Welcome)
📍 Middle & High School: Aug. 6 | 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Primary School: Aug. 7 | 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Intermediate School: Aug. 7 | 5:00–7:00 PM
🎒 First Day of School: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Visit our Back to School Hub: https://www.gentrypioneers.com/page/back-to-school. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back! 💙📚✏️
As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we want to kindly remind you that the Bell-to-Bell No Cell Phone Policy will apply to all Gentry campuses this year—Primary, Intermediate, Middle, and High School. While we started early with this at the middle and high school levels last year, the policy is now required by state law and must be followed by all schools in Arkansas.
This means all Gentry students will now follow the same expectations: personal electronic devices—such as phones, smartwatches, and tablets—must be off and out of sight during the school day unless specifically allowed under the policy (such as in emergencies, for health accommodations, or district-issued devices for learning).
To help you review the details, including what’s allowed and how violations are handled, please visit our website to read the full policy: https://www.gentrypioneers.com/page/bell-to-bell-no-cell-policy
We appreciate your support as we work to maintain a focused and safe learning environment for all students.
Warm regards,
Dr. Tyler Broyles
Superintendent
Gentry Public Schools
Happy Friday, GMS Parents! Next week is state ATLAS testing. We are so excited to see the amazing academic growth that our students have made this year! All students need to be at school by 8:00 to ensure they are ready for testing to begin. Thank you for encouraging them to show their best skills on the ATLAS! Please check the newsletter for the exciting upcoming events! Have a great weekend! Go Pioneers!
