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El Dorado School Board Considers Service Animal Initiative

El Dorado School Board Considers ‘Pawsitive Impacts’ Initiative
El Dorado, AR – The El Dorado School Board meeting on Monday night focused on an innovative new initiative called “Pawsitive Impacts,” a program designed to introduce service animals into the school district to support students academically and socially. The program, which has been successfully implemented in the Cabot, AR, school district, has received praise from educators and staff for its positive effects on students, particularly those with learning disabilities.
Mr. Jim Tucker, who recently visited schools in Cabot, spoke before the board and passionately advocated for the program’s implementation in El Dorado. “I am a believer,” Tucker stated, recounting several instances where he witnessed service animals transform students’ attitudes, fostering engagement and emotional support. According to Tucker, the presence of these trained animals in classrooms helped students with learning disabilities perform better, both academically and socially, by reducing anxiety and creating a more inclusive learning environment.
Inspired by Cabot’s success, Tucker recommended that the El Dorado School Board consider piloting the “Pawsitive Impacts” program at Washington Middle School during the 2025-2026 academic year. The board expressed interest in the proposal and agreed to further evaluate the logistics and funding requirements before making a final decision.
In addition to discussing the “Pawsitive Impacts” initiative, the board also recognized outstanding student achievements. Several El Dorado students were honored as recipients of the College Board National Recognition Program Awards, a prestigious distinction given to students who demonstrate academic excellence and high achievement in College Board assessments. The awardees were commended for their dedication to academic success and their representation of excellence within the district.
College Board National Recognition Program Awardees:
The College Board National Recognition Program Awards are designed to celebrate students from underrepresented communities who have excelled in academics and College Board assessments, such as the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP exams. These awards provide recipients with national recognition, enhancing their college applications and scholarship opportunities. Students are selected based on their strong academic records and high performance in eligible assessments.
- Scarlett Langley, NFGRA, NRSTRA
- Matthew Langston, NFGRA
- Michelle Marlett, NRSTRA
- Andres Marquez, NFGRA, NRSTRA, NHRA
- Caden Meadows, NRSTRA
- William Obiozo, NAARA, NRSTRA
- Samuel Odom, NRSTRA
- Sara Robbins, NRSTRA
- Isaac Stell, NRSTRA
- Chloe Tubbs, NAARA
Award Key:
- National African American Recognition Award (NAARA)
- National First Generation Recognition Award (NFGRA)
- National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA)
- National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award (NRSTRA)
El Dorado High School:
Student of the Month – Sara Robbins
“Sara is truly an embodiment of the Wildcat Way. She is kind and considerate of everyone. She is hardworking and always helps those around her,” explained EHS English Teacher Clair Antoon-Newton.
“She is the perfect example of what EHS strives for our students to be,” explained EHS Principal John Jameson.
Classified Employee of the Month – Joann Willis
“Mrs. Joann puts the students at EHS as one of her top priorities. She looks forward to seeing them every day and acknowledges each student with a smile. She is a wonderful coworker who will always keep a conversation going. She makes the workday pass by quickly and is willing to help anyone,” said Child Nutrition Director Kim Newman.
Teacher of the Month – Mario Moore
“Mr. Moore is one of those special people that connects with everyone. He is also one of those people that it is evident he is answering his higher calling when he walks on campus each day. He truly has a servant’s heart,” said EHS Principal John Jameson.
Murmil Education Center:
Student of the Month – Destiny Glinsey
“Destiny is a ray of sunshine and a joy to have in our building. Her accomplishments are exceptional and her determination is unparalleled. I know Destiny will be successful wherever she goes,” said MEC Principal Kasey Porchia.
Student of the Month – Ke’Asia Mayweather
“Over the last two or three years, Ke’Asia has come a long way with her studies and her behavior. She is proactive in staying on top of her classes and aims to complete her courses not only on time but with solid grades,” said Chris Davis.
Classified Employee of the Month – Ashley Robinson (not pictured, she will be recognized at next month’s board meeting)
Teacher of the Month – Carrie Smith
“Mrs. Smith is dependable, trustworthy, and works well with her students. She implores different techniques and various methods that are very beneficial to ensure our students are learning and placed in a successful situation. She is a team player who goes above and beyond not only for her students but for the staff as well,” stated MEC Principal Kasey Porchia.
News
Chamber Cash Mob Heads To Gabe’s Cave Saturday

EL DORADO – Residents are encouraged to show their support for local business at the upcoming Cash Mob event happening this Saturday, April 19, at Gabe’s Cave, located at 2101 N College Avenue in El Dorado. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., giving shoppers a chance to rally around one of the city’s most unique and community-driven small businesses.
A “Cash Mob” is a grassroots event aimed at boosting small businesses by encouraging residents to spend locally. Shoppers are asked to commit to spending at least $25 at Gabe’s Cave during the event—and in return, they’ll be eligible for door prizes just for showing up.
This event is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a community celebration. Attendees will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny between 10 a.m. and noon, making it a perfect stop for families with young children. The store will also have plenty of Easter basket fillers, collectibles, and pop culture merchandise available for purchase.
Organizers hope the event will provide a strong show of support for Gabe’s Cave, a local favorite known for its comics, collectibles, and welcoming atmosphere.
“Whether you’re a comic book fan, a collector, or just someone who loves to shop local, this is your chance to help a small business thrive,” said event organizers. “It’s easy, it’s fun, and it truly makes a difference.”
Mark your calendars and come be part of something that directly impacts the El Dorado community. Support small business. Shop local. Make a difference.
For more information, visit the Gabe’s Cave Facebook page.
News
Severe Weather Expected In Easter Forecast

EL DORADO – The National Weather Service in Little Rock is warning residents across South Arkansas to stay weather-aware this Sunday, April 20, as a powerful storm system moves across the region. Forecasters say the system could bring large hail, damaging winds, and even isolated tornadoes during the afternoon and evening hours.
According to the NWS’s latest Severe Weather Outlook map, much of Arkansas—including El Dorado, Camden, Magnolia, and surrounding communities—falls under a Level 2 (Slight Risk) for severe weather. The risk is part of a broader area of concern stretching across central and northern Arkansas, where the chances for significant weather activity are even higher due to the proximity of an upper-level disturbance and frontal boundary.
“While the more organized severe weather threat is expected across northern Arkansas, South Arkansas is still under the gun for severe thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service stated. “This system has the potential to produce hail up to one inch in diameter, wind gusts up to 60 mph, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.”
The storm system, described by meteorologists as “compact but powerful,” will pass to the north and west of the state on Sunday, dragging with it a trailing cold front. This front will interact with warm and unstable air across Arkansas, helping to trigger storm development throughout the afternoon and into the nighttime hours.
Residents are encouraged to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially as storms are expected to linger into the evening. Outdoor events or church services planned for Sunday afternoon could be affected by rapidly changing conditions.
Emergency officials are urging residents to review their severe weather safety plans, secure outdoor items, and stay tuned to South Arkansas Now throughout the weekend.
News
Grand Opening Scheduled For 7Brew Coffee

EL DORADO – The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the city’s newest coffee destination, 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee, on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the new location at 2100 N. West Avenue and is open to the public.
Founded in Rogers, Arkansas, in 2017, 7 Brew has quickly become one of the fastest-growing drive-thru coffee chains in the nation. Known for its energetic service and expansive menu of over 20,000 customizable drink combinations, 7 Brew offers a unique coffee experience designed for speed, friendliness, and flavor.
The company was launched with a mission to “cultivate kindness” through both customer service and community involvement. With locations now spread across multiple states, 7 Brew continues to grow through a combination of franchising and corporate stores, all built around its signature double-lane drive-thru model.
The grand opening will feature a formal ribbon cutting, and local officials and community members are encouraged to attend and support the launch. The event will highlight 7 Brew’s arrival as part of El Dorado’s ongoing commercial growth.
For more information on the event, contact the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce.
News
El Dorado Schools Conducting Needs Assessment Survey

EL DORADO — The El Dorado School District is asking parents, students, and community members to participate in a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Survey as part of an effort to shape the future of local education.
The survey is designed to gather feedback on the district’s strengths, priorities, and areas for improvement. Responses will help inform decisions on programs, resources, and planning for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
District officials say the input collected from the community will be vital in identifying key areas for academic and operational growth. The survey is open now and will remain available through Friday, May 9, 2025.
“We want to ensure every voice is heard,” the district shared in a public message. “Your feedback plays an essential role in helping us improve and build a stronger educational environment for all students.”
The survey is available online and can be accessed by clicking here.
Community members are encouraged to complete the survey as soon as possible to ensure their voices are included in the district’s planning process.
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