FACULTY CELEBRATIONS:

Nanette Barnett- Competency Certificate in Basic Assistive Technology Services 2000

Missy Bramlett- National Board Certified 05-06, NEED (National Energy Education Development) Project award in 2005. Cook School was the 2005 School of the Year at the State Level in the 25th Annual Youth Awards for Energy Achievement.

Betty Brinker- 20 year service pin 05-06 school year

Gayle Clutts- National Board Certified in Music Education 05-06

Susan Hannan- Distinguished Teacher Leader Award from the Teacher Institute 2004. Who’s Who Among American Teachers 04-05

Karen Napier- Arkansas A+ Fellow

Bill Spicer- Arkansas PTA Administrator of the Year 05-06

Joyce Taylor- Wal-Mart city and state Teacher of the Year 05-06

Cami Stancil- Arkansas PTA Teacher of the Year 2001-02, Outstanding Young Educator Award FS Jaycees

SCHOOL CELEBRATIONS:

T.R.E.E.S. NATURE AREA- The development of the Cook School nature area has been an exciting time. The support of grants from the Arkansas Forestry Commission, Fort Smith Public School Foundation, Fort Smith Community Foundation, the United Way of Fort Smith Area, Inc. and the Mayor's Youth Volunteer Council's Allocation Committee have greatly helped to make this possible. Through grant funding and financial support from students, parents, community members, and the Cook P.T.A., we have been able to develop a walking trail, plant 80 trees and shrubs, install four bluebird houses, acquire an irrigation system, construct a rock garden, create seven raised flower beds, and purchase 21 tree identification signs. The fact that we were able to accomplish more than we planned speaks volumes for the generosity of many people. Students, parents, and community participants donated time, machinery, plants, and technical advice.
The Cook Nature Area has its focus on student-centered learning and activity. Through the development of this special project, students have learned how to plant and water trees and design and plant theme gardens. A bluebird expert taught students about these birds and placed four bluebird houses in the nature area to attract them to the new habitat. Sixth grade students planted columbine seeds from Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, and developed a "healing" garden. The Cook School Student Council planned and built a butterfly-friendly rock garden. In addition, they also purchased and planted 25 historical trees with marble markers. The lessons from this area are too numerous to name. The look of joy on students' faces while they work on this ongoing project speaks for itself.

This School is accredited by the North Central Association and the Arkansas Department of Education.