Panther Pulse — Episode 2 Recap
Panther Nation is officially underway! In Episode 2 of Panther Pulse, we kicked off the 2026–27 school year by highlighting the people, partnerships, and priorities shaping the year ahead.
We started with a look back at our annual Back to School Breakfast, centered around this year’s theme, “Work That Matters.” Staff had the opportunity to reconnect and prepare for the year ahead, with keynote speaker Dr. C.J. Huffreminding us of the lasting impact educators have on students and families.
We also celebrated the incredible community support that made the event possible. A special thank-you goes to our presenting sponsors, Hight Jackson and Sam’s Furniture, Breakfast Sponsor Simmons, Gold Sponsor Kinco Constructors, Staff Bag Sponsor Generations Bank, and our Silver and Bronze Sponsors. We also appreciate ARVESTfor sponsoring staff T-shirts, along with Little Debbie and Starbucks for their in-kind donations.
We’re especially grateful to the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce for helping bring our business community together in support of our staff. Their partnership continues to create meaningful connections between Siloam Springs Schools and our community.
The episode also provided an update on the Siloam Springs School District App. While the rollout has included some challenges with notifications, account information, and connectivity, our team is actively working with Apptegy to address those issues. Nearly 40% of our families are now connected, and we encourage everyone to download the app, make sure their information is current, and reach out to their school or Central Office if they need assistance.
We also discussed our ongoing transition to neighborhood schools and what that means for transportation. As students attend schools closer to home, we anticipate a more efficient transportation system. We know new routes, stops, and routines can take time to adjust, and our transportation team continues to work through those challenges. Families can use the StopFinder app to access bus information and are encouraged to contact the District Transportation Office with questions or concerns.
Superintendent Shane Patrick also joined us to talk about his experience at the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators meeting, including conversations about growing leaders, the transition to neighborhood schools, the future of public education in Arkansas, and what it means to do Work That Matters as we begin a new school year.
And, of course, we wrapped up with a look at Panther athletics, highlighting upcoming schedules and giving families plenty of opportunities to get out and support our teams.
Episode 2 is all about starting strong, staying connected, and remembering why the work we do matters.
Thank you to our staff, families, community partners, and everyone who continues to support Siloam Springs Schools. We’re excited for everything ahead in the 2026–27 school year.
Have a question or an idea for a future episode? We want to hear from you at [email protected].
Stay connected. Stay proud. Keep doing Work That Matters.
Thanks for listening to Panther Pulse!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit siloamspringsschooldistrict.substack.com
