We have several exciting events coming up at James Matthews Elementary School!
📚 Third-Grade Parent Informational Meeting
Third-grade parents are invited to attend an important meeting about literacy expectations and state promotion guidelines.
📅 Thursday, August 20, 2026
⏰ 5:00 p.m.
📍 JMES Room #1
🎬 Family Movie Night
Immediately following the third-grade meeting, all JMES families are invited to join us for Movie Night! Come enjoy an evening of family fun with our Cardinal community.
🏠 House Spirit Week: August 24–28
Students are encouraged to show their House pride by participating in our spirit activities and wearing their House colors. Students who have not been assigned to a House will have an opportunity to spin the wheel and join one!
👑 JMES Royal Court Fundraiser: August 24–October 2
Students may compete for the following titles:
Duke and Duchess: Grades 1-2
Prince and Princess: 3-4
King and Queen: Grades 5–6
A minimum donation of $100 is required to qualify for the Royal Court. Participation forms may be picked up from the main office and must be returned with a parent’s signature.
The winners will receive a crown or tiara, sash, certificate, lunch at Colton’s Steakhouse, participation in the UAPB Homecoming Parade, and their pictures displayed in the school’s front hallway for the entire year!
Let’s show our Cardinal pride and make this the most royal homecoming yet! ❤️🖤
The Pine Bluff School District officially kicked off the 2026–2027 school year with its annual Convocation, bringing together administrators, faculty, staff, and our newest team members under this year's inspiring theme: "A Champion for Every Child."
Superintendent Carlock challenged every educator and staff member to be more than an employee—to be a champion and advocate for every student who walks through our doors. His message was clear: every child deserves someone who believes in them, supports them, and helps them succeed.
We also proudly welcomed and recognized our new hires, who are joining the Pine Bluff School District family this year.
Board President Arnold Robertson offered words of encouragement before guest speaker Judge Earnest Brown delivered a powerful message about being fully invested in the lives of our students. He reminded us that meaningful change happens one child, one classroom, and one day at a time—and that together, those moments will continue to strengthen the Pine Bluff School District.
The district also recognized 64 outstanding students for their exceptional performance on the Arkansas ATLAS assessment. These scholars earned top scores in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, demonstrating the academic excellence that continues to grow across our district. 📚
As we celebrate the achievements of our students, welcome new members to our PBSD family, and prepare for another year of learning, one thing is certain—the countdown to the first day of school is almost over, and we are ready to make this our best year yet!
Together, we will be champions for every child. ❤️
#PBSD #AChampionForEveryChild #BackToSchool #ZebraPride
The Pine Bluff High Class of 2026 has officially crossed the finish line, and we couldn’t be prouder!
Congratulations to our graduates, your next chapter starts now!
#PBHS #Zebras
Representing Forrest Park/Greenville Kinder Academy, Ms. Barnes has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Her passion for education and the love she pours into her scholars each day have earned her the district’s highest honor. 💙💛
Great teachers do more than teach lessons; they inspire confidence, shape futures, and leave lasting impacts that extend far beyond the classroom. Ms. Barnes continues to do exactly that through her hard work, compassion, and excellence in education.
Congratulations, Ms. Barnes, and thank you for all you do for our students, school, and community. PBSD is proud to celebrate you! 🎉🍎✨
JMES families,
Our May events calendar is here, and we are excited about a strong finish to the school year! This month is filled with celebrations, important milestones, and opportunities for our students to shine.
Please take a moment to review the calendar so you can stay informed and plan accordingly. Highlights include:
May 4–8: Teacher Appreciation Week – help us celebrate our amazing teachers!
May 14: Field Day (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) – water donations are welcome!
May 20: 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony at Old Dollarway Gym (10:00 AM)
May 21–26: Memorial Day Break – No School
May 29: 4th Quarter Awards Assembly
May 30: Memphis Trip for qualifying students
June 5: Last Day of School
We are proud of the growth our students have shown and look forward to finishing the year strong together.
As always, thank you for your continued support of James Matthews Elementary School, where we are On Time, On Task, and On a Mission!
Let’s finish strong, JMES! ❤️🖤
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4–8, and at James Matthews Elementary, we are celebrating the amazing teachers who help our students grow, learn, and soar every single day!
We encourage all students and parents to take a moment next week to show love and appreciation to your child’s teacher. A kind note, a drawing, a small token of thanks, or simply saying “Thank you” can mean so much.
Our teachers work hard each day to make a difference, and this is the perfect time to let them know they are valued and appreciated.
Let’s come together as a Cardinal family and make sure our teachers feel the love all week long!
#TeacherAppreciationWeek #JMESCardinals #ThankATeacher #CardinalPride #YouMakeADifference
Is your student thriving in an online environment? Don’t miss your chance to apply for the
2026–2027 school year!
✅ Grades K–12
✅ Flexible virtual instruction
✅ Engaging, supportive learning environment
🔗 Apply now through May 15 at 3:30 PM: https://forms.gle/CpTr6R5g7ofs5MtA9
📌 Slots are limited—secure your spot today!
#PBSDVirtualAcademy #VirtualLearning #OnlineEducation #EnrollNow #PineBluffSchools
#TheeRedZebra
