Hot Springs School District

Diverse. Dedicated. Unified. A place for everyone.

Park Magnet, an IB World School, has been named a National Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. To receive a national merit award, schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme. “Our dedicated staff work so hard to go above and beyond in providing the opportunity for academic excellence, and in helping to develop well-rounded, globally minded students. We deeply appreciate this recognition,” says Park Principal Dr. Sarah Oatsvall.

In August of 2019, the new Langston Elementary Leadership Academy will open doors for pre-K - 6th grade students on Silver Street. A new, state-of-the-art campus is nearing completion, and a change of name and school theme will complete the full identify shift for this historic Hot Springs school. The current building on Chestnut Street is the Langston Aerospace and Environmental Magnet School, and has 356 students enrolled in pre-K-4th grade classes. HSSD and Langston leadership hopes the new campus and brand will connect closely with the history and residents of east Hot Springs, and provide a renewed spirit of growth, commitment to public service, and inspiration for learning for students and staff. “Langston staff has worked hard to create a new theme that we believe reflects the needs and interests of families in this community,” says Langston Principal Eileen Ellars.

The Hot Springs Public Schools Education Foundation (HSPSEF) has worked for two years to build a structure, membership base, and funds to assist and serve students and staff at the Hot Springs School District (HSSD), HSSD alumni and partners, and the greater Hot Springs community. The foundation has funded a student-led EAST project, initiated a partnership between the HSSD and the local Project Hope Food Bank, and is co-sponsoring an upcoming HSSD Staff Alumni Reception. HSSD alumni who wish to be part of engaging with or donating to the foundation should send an email to HSFoundation17@gmail.com.

This week’s shout out goes to our Hot Springs School District as a business and community dedicated to our students. As most of you know, the HSSD was nominated for Large Business of the Year. Our leadership staff and other nominees for Woman of the Year (Mrs. Hughley) and Rising Star (Mr. Webb) attended the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet last night on behalf of these nominations. In my heart and mind, we are the winner every year of the most distinguished group that does nothing but give back to this community every single day, and I’m so proud of every one of you. I also want to shout out to our HSSD leadership team. On Monday, principals and administrative staff participated in small groups to develop specific, short vision statements about priorities for the educational experience that we offer students. The work we ask of you in focusing on the planning and implementation of Professional Learning Communities also takes places within your district leadership team.