Arkansas Public Schools Week, which has been celebrated during the first week of October over the past four years, will become Arkansas Public Schools Month this year. The membership of the Arkansas Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (ArkaNSPRA), sponsor of the annual event, recently voted to extend the observance to include the entire month. This was done in an effort to allow more schools and communities to participate without the time constraints of one week. By extending the event, more schools can plan events and activities that are convenient to their schedules.
The annual event was started as a way to help local schools throughout the state highlight their accomplishments and increase community and parental support. "There are great things going on in schools all across our state," said ArkaNSPRA President Suellen Vann of Little Rock. "The whole idea of the event is for schools to showcase the good things happening every day. We want to help raise the consciousness about the fine programs going on in Arkansas public schools."
The theme for this year's celebration is "The Future Is Here." As a part of the event, ArkaNSPRA is sponsoring an art contest for the logo for Arkansas Public Schools Month. The contest is open to all Arkansas public high school students. Please find attached the contest guidelines. The deadline to submit entries is Monday, April 26, 1999.