Entries for May 2012

Our last day of spring classes was Wednesday, May 23. Our office will be open May 29-31 from 8:00am to 3:30pm. Summer classes and hours begin June 4th. See "Schedules" for details.

After 20 years at the Fort Smith Adult Education Center, instructor Mela Dee Gillespie is retiring this month.  Since 1992 Mela Dee has taught thousands of adults in adult basic education classes. She taught almost every subject we offer!  She pioneered a blended reading program that combined computer instruction and class group instruction to great success.  She presented on her research at several conferences. Mela Dee is well-loved by her students and colleagues.  

Mela Dee says she plans to spend her new-found free time doing yoga and organic gardening.  She will continue to camp, hike, canoe, and travel.  

We will miss you, Ms. Gillespie!

Over 50 of our adult English as a Second Language students went on a field trip to the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville with their teachers. It was a perfect day to visit that amazing museum. Thanks to ESL instructors Vicki Long, Beth Cooper, Jason Garvey, and bilingual paraprofessional Adriana Diaz for organizing!

Congratulations to our co-valedictorians Ashley and Joslyn and the preschool Class of 2012!  Thanks to the hard work of our childcare director Donna Anderson and her staff: Ms. Sue, Ms. Rebecca, Ms. Marinela, Ms. Marlene, and Ms. Karen.  Thanks also to the Fort Smith Junior League for sponsoring our graduation!

The Fort Smith Adult Education Center received a $12,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The grant will be used to fund additional English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education evening classes.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports initiatives that help others improve their lives through literacy and education. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $71.2 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 4.1 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy, a general education diploma or English proficiency. To learn more about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, visit