Greetings PBSD Family,
The Pine Bluff School District is ecstatic to be participating in this year's annual United Way Campaign for Southeast Arkansas. This organization has worked tirelessly to support not only our community, but our district as well. Numerous families from our district benefit from the countless services that are supported through the United Way:
American Cancer Society
American Red Cross
Area Agency on Aging
Arkansas Foodbank Network
Boy Scouts of America
Boys and Girls Club
CASA
Children's Advocacy Center
Delta Network, inc
Jefferson County 4-H
Neighbor to Neighbor
Salvation Army
Southeast Arkansas
Behavioral Healthcare
Southeast Arkansas RSVF
Voices for Children
Imagination Library
VIPS/ Volunteers in Public Schools
Overall, the United Way of Southeast Arkansas represents a symbol of compassion, unity, and progress for the community. It serves as a driving force.empowering individuals and organizations to come together, creating lasting change, and building a brighter future for everyone.
During the month of April, students are encouraged to donate their change to the United Way Kids Care Campaign. The grade level that collects the most money will be rewarded with a pizza party. Students may donate coins, but bills are also accepted.
Students may donate between April 1st - April 30th.
We thank you in advance for your support in this endeavor!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf6jhBqDyPh3uTS_PxrFC-eHcjX030N5Luj1ilAIwYltGnp7Q/viewform


First Ward Living Grace Pantry will be hosting a Spring Break Community Giveaway from noon-2 p.m. Saturday at 1201 Commerce Road. The giveaway is free and open to the entire public.

Dear Parents and Guardians,
We regret to inform you that the Mardi Party originally scheduled for March 20, 2026, has been cancelled.
This decision was made after careful consideration of attendance concerns and the timing of Spring Break, during which many families have planned their out-of-town trips. We understand how disappointing this may be for our scholars and families who look forward to this event. However, we are excited to announce that the Spring party will be rescheduled to a later date, giving everyone an opportunity to celebrate together. If your scholar bought a ticket, money was refunded today.
Your understanding and ongoing support are greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Sharon Carroll, PTO President, and/or Dr. Paula Watson Principal, between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
Thank you for your continued involvement!
Warm regards,
Dr. Paula Watson
Principal

The Pine Bluff School District will be closed for Spring Break during the week of Monday, March 23rd - Friday, March 27, 2026. Classes will resume at their regular time on Monday, March 30, 2026.

A big thank you goes out to GVI for coming out to speak to our students and for their support of our school. A big thank you also goes out to The Heat Magazine for capturing the amazing pictures of our students and staff celebrating during this event.
Stay Safe, Stay Alive, Stay Free!
To learn more about GVI, click here: https://www.facebook.com/p/Group-Violence-Intervention-Pine-Bluff-AR-61553780647914/
To see pictures from this event, go to our Facebook page where we shared The Heat Magazine's post of this event: https://www.facebook.com/SouthwoodTigers/


Southwood Celebrates Dr. Seuss Week! Join us for a fun-filled week of reading and Seuss-tastic school spirit during the week of March 2-6, 2026.
Monday, March 2nd - Cat in the Hat Day: Wear RED, WHITE and BLACK or your favorite hat!
Tuesday, March 3rd - Wacky Tacky Tuesday: Dress in your CRAZIEST mismatched outfit! Inside out, backwards, silly socks - the wackier, the better!
Wednesday, March 4th - Green Eggs & Ham Day: Wear GREEN from head to toe! Try something new and celebrate reading!
Thursday, March 5th - Twin Day/Thing 1 & Thing 2 Day: Dress like a twin with a friend OR create your own Thing 1 & Thing 2 look!
Friday, March 6th - Oh, The Places You'll Go Day: Dress as what you want to be when you grow up OR wear your favorite college shirt!
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
* Classroom read-alouds
*Door decorating contest
*Drop Everything and Read time
*Seuss themed activities all week!

Southwood students & staff proudly honored Black History Month by recognizing the achievements, history, and cultural contributions of African Americans. As part of our celebration, students & staff participated in our door decorating contest, transforming their doors into powerful tributes that inspired learning, reflection, and pride throughout our school. We are grateful for the creativity and thoughtfulness that went into each display. Our judges certainly had a task at hand of determining the winners! A special thank you goes out to Ms. Janice Roberts, Ms. Shana Ramage, Mrs. Deborah Thomas, and Mrs. Shelia Brown for judging the doors. Dr. Watson recognized all for participating and recognized our top three winners: Ms. Penister’s class, Ms. Reynolds’ class, and Ms. Smith’s class.
Thank you to everyone for helping to create an environment that celebrates heritage, unity, and excellence. Together, we continue to honor the past while inspiring the future! See our Facebook page for even more pictures! https://www.facebook.com/SouthwoodTigers











Your dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed.
Our students are truly lucky to have such inspiring educators leading the way!

It is ATLAS Interim Assessment time! Southwood scholars in grades 3-6 will be taking this assessment over a period of two weeks, following the schedule below:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026: 3rd & 4th grades - Writing
Wednesday, February 25, 2026: 3rd & 4th grades - Reading
Thursday, February 26, 2026: 3rd & 4th grades - Math
Friday, February 27, 2026: 3rd & 4th grades - Science
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Tuesday, March 3, 2026: 5th & 6th grades - Writing
Wednesday, March 4, 2026: 5th & 6th grades - Reading
Thursday, March 5, 2026: 5th & 5th grades - Math
Friday, March 6, 2026: 5th & 6th grades - Science
Please help your child be successful by ensuring they arrive on time each morning, well-rested and ready to do their best! Every minute counts, and starting the day calmly and confidently helps set the tone for success.
Let's encourage our scholars to do their best on the test!
You can find more information about ATLAS assessments on these pages: https://atlasportal.org/families.html and https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/public-school-accountability/assessment/family-toolkit

Rocking their ties with confidence and class.
We love to see our young ladies leading with pride! 💙💛





PBSD will have Parent Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, February 10th. Elementary campuses will dismiss students at 1:00 pm and parent teacher conferences will be held from 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Secondary campuses will dismiss students at 1:30 pm and will hold their parent teacher conferences from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

These scholars studied hundreds of words over weeks of preparation and showed up ready to compete. We’re incredibly proud of every participant and celebrating our winners who spelled their way to the top. Keep learning, keep striving, and keep spelling! #PBSD








PBSD will be back in session at the regular times tomorrow, Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Please note, the Transportation Department will be operating on snow routes. See the attached images for snow route bus stops.



