Pine Bluff School District

PBSD welcomes input from students, families, staff, and community partners as we work collaboratively to build a stronger educational future for every learner in our district. Please take a brief moment to complete our Needs Assessment
https://forms.gle/AJ8ywFMFer9AdG7A9

The Cardinals Lounge is officially OPEN, and it represents who we are at James Matthews Elementary School,intentional, student-centered, and committed to the whole child.
This isn’t just about a space; it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and showing our students that they matter.
We’re On Time, On Task, and On a Mission, and this is what that looks like!

The PBHS “Zebras Got Talent” Show was on FIRE! 🔥🎤 Our students showed OUT and proved just how much talent lives at Pine Bluff High! Huge shoutout to our hosts and all participants who made the day unforgettable 👏🏽 🏆 Winners: 🥇 Da’Arrion Spencer 🥈 Lamarcus Morris & Cerenity Nelson 🥉Joven Hamlet Talent. Confidence. Zebra Pride.

PBSD will observe Easter Break

FINAL MAKE-UP DAY from INCLEMENT WEATHER BREAK

PBSD Spring Break

On behalf of the Pine Bluff High School art students, I would like to cordially invite you to the opening reception of “This Is Us.” The event will take place at the Arts & Science Center (701 S. Main St.) on Thursday, March 19 from 5–7 p.m. “This Is Us” is a collection of portraits created by the young artists of Pine Bluff High School that explore identity, connection, and influence. Through images of themselves, loved ones, and individuals they admire, students express who they are and who has shaped them. Each portrait reflects the artist’s unique style, creative choices, and personal perspective. Together, these portraits celebrate our differences, our connections, and the community we share. The following students will have work featured in the exhibition: Abram, Aelya Armon, Branden Bass, Alayja Brown, Deashia Burgess, Justin Calhoun, Taylor Crosby, Jayla Freeman, Antonio Gragg, Damarion Grant, Kaitlynn Green, Felicia Hamlet, Joven Hardwell, Chelsea Haynes, Tyreyshia Huante, Christopher Hunter, Nasir Isom, Alyssia Johnson, Janessa Marshall, Kadence Newton, Promise Nugent, London Owens, Kam'Ron Reyes-Charcas, Lucia Smith, Madison Smith, Markus Swiney, Spirit Thomas, Parker Watson, Catriece Whitfield, Shamiya Williams, Jordan We hope you will join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of our students.

✨ A Powerful Night of Literacy at Pine Bluff High School! ✨ On Tuesday, March 10, the Pine Bluff High School Language Department hosted LITerally Speaking: Literacy Night in the Little Gym. Students and families enjoyed an inspiring evening filled with poetry, art, and creative expression, showcasing the many ways literacy allows us to tell our stories and share our voices. One of the highlights of the evening was a featured space led by our Career Coaches titled “From Classroom to Career: The Power of Literacy.” This interactive area helped families see how the reading, writing, and communication skills students learn in English class translate directly into real-world careers. Local professionals hosted engaging literacy stations where students and families participated in hands-on activities such as: 🏥 Healthcare Literacy – Reviewing patient instruction sheets with the JRMC School of Nursing and Dr. Rontae Graham of Taylor & Carter Family Dentistry 📱 Media & Communications – Creating content and social media captions with Cary Clayton of Cary Clayton Media 📚 Library & Research Literacy – Signing up for library cards and learning about careers in librarianship with the Pine Bluff–Jefferson County Public Library 👩🏾‍🍳 Culinary Literacy – Writing and explaining their own recipes with Chef Kiara Ford of Oasis Catering Events like this remind us that literacy is more than reading and writing—it is the foundation for success in every career field. Thank you to our students, teachers, families, and community partners who made the evening such a success!

Today Broadmoor Elementary School was proud to host the Books & Barbers community initiative, founded by Nikita Richardson-Lowe, Founder of RichKrew Inc. ✂️📚

Under the leadership of Principal Tim Scott and Assistant Principal Teresa Farver, students received free haircuts while also selecting books to take home, promoting both confidence and literacy.

This year marks the 5th year of the Books & Barbers initiative, which continues to positively impact students across Pine Bluff by bringing together barbers, volunteers, and community partners who are committed to supporting our youth.

Thank you to Nikita Richardson-Lowe, RichKrew Inc., the participating barbers, volunteers, and community partners who helped make today a meaningful experience for our Broadmoor students.

Double Checkmate: Pine Bluff Junior High Sweeps 2025-2026 Season

There’s a quiet intensity brewing in the halls of Pine Bluff Junior High, and it isn't coming from the basketball court. This year, the school’s Chess Club has officially cemented its status as a local powerhouse, securing back-to-back championship titles at the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative (ARESC) Chess Tournaments.

After a dominant performance in the Fall, the team returned to the boards this Spring to defend their crown, proving that their first victory was no fluke.



The journey to a "double-gold" season began in the late fall months of 2025. Facing off against talented players from across Jefferson and surrounding counties, the Pine Bluff squad displayed remarkable composure.

By the time the Spring tournament rolled around in February 2026, the target was firmly on their backs. However, the club’s depth proved too much for the competition.

While chess is often seen as a solitary pursuit, the Pine Bluff Junior High Chess Club treats it as a true team sport. The atmosphere at the Arkansas River Education COOP was one of focused silence, punctuated only by the sounds of "checkmate" that signaled another victory for the PBJH "Zebra" scholars.

"It’s not just about moving pieces on a board; it’s about thinking three steps ahead of life," says one club member. "Winning back-to-back championships shows that we have the discipline to stay on top."

Crosstown rivalry in full effect! 🥎🔥 The Pine Bluff High Fillies Softball team defeated Watson Chapel 17–2! Let’s go Z’s!! 🦓

🚨 PINE BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL AND PINE BLUFF JUNIOR HIGH PARENTS🚨 Join us for: 🎓 Concurrent Credit Parent Night 📍 Pine Bluff High School 📅 Thursday, March 19, 2026 🕠 5:30 PM Your child can earn FREE college credits while still in high school. Yes. FREE. That could mean: 💰 Saving $5,000–$15,000+ in future tuition 🎓 Graduating college early 📚 Getting ahead before freshman year even starts Representatives from UAPB & SEARK will be there to explain: ✔️ How it works ✔️ Who qualifies ✔️ Why it’s a smart move ✔️ How it saves your family MONEY Don’t let your child miss out on free opportunities.

Elior K-12 Director Pamela Key, along with Antoine Eans and Janecia Perry, hosted a meaningful Black History Program and cultural feast for students at the Focus Academy. The program highlighted the life and legacy of Dr. Jocelyn Elders, retired U.S. Surgeon General and mother of Focus Academy Director Eric Elders, along with other notable African Americans from Arkansas whose contributions have shaped history and inspired generations. Students and staff also enjoyed a traditional Southern-style menu, thoughtfully prepared to honor Black culture and heritage, making the celebration both educational and enriching for all in attendance.

PBHS FBLA Shines at District III Competition!

Students from Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at Pine Bluff High School delivered an outstanding
performance at the District III Competition held on February 17th in Stuttgart!

Under the leadership of sponsors Mr. C. Thomas and Ms. S. Calhoun, our students earned multiple top honors
and will advance to the State Competition in Little Rock:

First Place Winners (Advancing to State):
Kameron Boston – Advertising
Carmello Wilson – Business Communication
Lamarcus Morris – Business Law
Malakhi Haymer – Financial Planning
Lailah Stocker – Introduction to Retail & Merchandising
J’Ceri Gray – Personal Finance
Mariyah Savage – Retail Management
Jaden Lee – Customer Service (2nd Place)
London Simmons – Business Ethics (3rd Place)

Additional Top Ten Finishers:
Trystan Jackson (5th – Accounting)
Christopher Phillips, Amir Scott & Colten Sergeant (6th – Sports & Entertainment Management)
Kaniya Huggins (7th – Real Estate)
Jason Whitaker (9th – Journalism)
Kennedy Bailey (10th – Healthcare Adminstration)

The PBSD is coordinating classroom support through volunteers serving as Teachers' P.E.T.S. Please complete this form if you are able to support our teachers in the classroom. As we work to implement this initiative, we will be focusing on the 4 elementary schools. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScS-BU6WshaU6sJFCaY91qXD6O9KzS6mVWstj7l_K9OOHY9LA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116446806752730562190

Congratulations and job well done to our 2025–2026 Pine Bluff School District Teachers of the Year! 🍎✨
Your dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed.
Our students are truly lucky to have such inspiring educators leading the way!

The PBSD Board of Directors will hold its monthly board meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026 at the Jordan Chanay Administration Building. Public comment begins at 6:00 pm followed by the board meeting at 6:30 pm.

The Southwood Principal Princesses showed up dressed for success today! ✨
Rocking their ties with confidence and class.
We love to see our young ladies leading with pride! 💙💛

No School Monday, February 16th