Southwood Elementary School PTO presents the Little Mr. & Miss Southwood Elementary pageant. This is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their confidence, personality, talents, and school spirit while representing Southwood Elementary! Registration is free and open to all Southwood Elementary students. We look forward to celebrating our wonderful students and making this a memorable experience for everyone involved. Thank you for your support and for encouraging your child to participate!
Important Dates:
- Registration forms are being sent home with students today, Friday, August 21, 2026.
- Registration forms are due back by Friday, August 28, 2026.
- There is a mandatory parent & participant meeting being held at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026.
- The pageant will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Southwood.
Questions? Contact PTO President, Mrs. Sharon Carroll at 870-209-3843





This free after-school program is designed to provide a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where students can receive academic support, explore enrichment activities, and build important social-emotional skills beyond the regular school day. The program also offers family engagement opportunities to strengthen the home-to-school connection and promote student success.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in this exciting opportunity, please complete the application linked below. Space is limited and slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please fill out one form per child. Please complete this form by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday , August 6, 2026.
Please note: Space is limited and submitting an application does not constitute acceptance into the program.
Transportation requests are subject to review and approval by the PBSD Transportation Department and cannot be guaranteed for all students.
To apply, use the QR code in the image OR click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSfQlD6EtqbZsRHS4SD1jM5DC_6v0m58ivnRTA4A1Q4WIMYw/viewform

The 2026–2027 Pine Bluff School District Parent/Student Handbook is now available at the following website: https://www.livebinders.com/media/get/MjY0MDczMDQ=?binder_id=2839884 or on the Parents page of this website.
This handbook serves as the district's comprehensive guide for students and families and includes important information regarding:
- Student rights and responsibilities
- Attendance expectations
- Academic programs and grading
- Student services and wellness
- Technology use and digital citizenship
- School safety and student conduct
- District policies, forms, and much more

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










Southwood is hiring a Music Teacher and a 5th grade Math Teacher!
Come grow with the Southwood Family, where we inspire, educate, and empower our Scholars!
We're looking for Educators who:
Love working with young learners
Bring creativity, passion & a positive attitude
Strive to make a difference in every child's life
Why join Southwood?
Supportive & collaborative school community
Dedicated leadership that has your back
Students who inspire you every day
Opportunities to grow professionally
A culture where every educator matters
The open teaching positions we currently have are: Music Teacher & 5th Grade Math Teacher.
Ready to make an impact? Send your resume & transcript to: paula.watson@pinebluffschools.org
We can't wait to meet you!

Join us to learn about the school year ahead, tour our school, meet your teacher, and connect with our Southwood Family.


✨👕 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗘 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬! 👟👜
Highland Ministries is blessing the community with a FREE Spring Wardrobe Giveaway for all ages! 🙌🏾💜
🗓️ Saturday, May 30, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 1320 S. Peach St., Pine Bluff, AR
Come shop for:
👕 Clothes (All Sizes)
👟 Shoes
🧢 Hats
👜 Bags & Accessories
ALL ITEMS ARE FREE! 🎉
This is a great opportunity for families and individuals to grab some new looks for the season. 💜✨
Hosted by Apostle C.L. Sr. and Pastor Shameka Mack.

🚨 CALLING ALL TRADES PROFESSIONALS 🚨
Are you a **lawn care professional, electrician, HVAC technician, plumber, welder, mechanic, contractor, carpenter, or skilled trades business owner** looking to grow your business?
The Generator Pine Bluff, in partnership with Verizon Digital Ready and Rural LISC, is excited to launch the first **Digital Ready Business Boost** — created to support hardworking trades professionals in our community.
💰 One qualifying business owner will receive a **$1,000 Business Boost** to support their business growth.
### HOW TO ENTER:
✅ **STEP 1:** Complete The Generator Business Boost registration form: https://link.theleadlab.cc/widget/form/I8RIBbZPEV96rsEECRrY
(or scan the QR code on the flyer)
✅ **STEP 2:** Register for the FREE **Verizon Digital Ready** platform to finalize your entry
Verizon Digital Ready gives small business owners access to:
✔ FREE business growth courses
✔ Marketing and digital tools
✔ Financial and operational resources
✔ Training designed to help businesses grow both online and offline
**Bonus Opportunity:** Verizon also offers **two $10,000 small business grants each year**, and completing at least one learning module on the platform can help qualify your business.
We are proud to invest in the businesses that keep our communities running and growing.
To register, click here: https://link.theleadlab.cc/widget/form/I8RIBbZPEV96rsEECRrY

Free community event:
TOPPS will be serving free meals to children ages 3-18, Monday - Friday, June 8 - July 31, 2026.

Girls in STEM gives participants a FREE opportunity to explore STEM careers through hands-on programming with female STEM professionals, ultimately encouraging them to continue their STEM studies and even pursue STEM careers. There will be a Girls in STEM camp at UAPB July 6-10, 2026.
For more information, click here: https://linktr.ee/modgirlsinstem
To register your 12-14 year old girl for the STEM camp at UAPB, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXO0Dixru-WoO_bL5cKiTKTlWIfPYur8lEf1Ai5maZqZGOWA/viewform

The Teen Health Summit will feature real conversations, fun activities, giveaways, inspiration, vendors, and resources designed just for our teens. From mental health and self-care to confidence and leadership, this summit is all about helping YOU level up and live healthy inside and out.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend and be part of this impactful experience alongside their teens.
Event Date: June 6, 2026, 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Location: 200 West 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601
Registration: https://forms.gle/KTUcgKgofGEnmVbJ7



Camp Invention is back and will be held June 9th - 12th at James Matthews and Boys and Girls Club!!!
This is a weeklong STEM experience your child will never forget! Camp Invention is a summer day camp filled with fun, hands-on STEM adventures led by qualified local educators, designed to spark creativity, build confidence and ignite a lifelong love for learning.
*Please note: transportation will not be provided this year, but you can select which location you would like your child to attend.
For more information about this opportunity and to register your child, click here: https://www.invent.org/programs/camp-invention



Ms. Melanie Madkin is partnering up with the Pine Bluff / Jefferson County Library System to host the 1st Summer “Book Club” Cohort for Rising 3rd and 4th graders. It’s FREE, FUN, and Engaging!! The Summer Chapter Chat Book Club Interest Meeting will be held this Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. on the big steps in the Children's level of the Pine Bluff Public Library (600 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff).

