CATO
9906 Jacksonville Cato Road
Sherwood, AR 72120

Message from the Principal

Cato Elementary School

“Beating the Odds”

Dear Cato Elementary Families,

The Cato team and I are looking forward to the start of a promising 2018-2019 school year! In case you are wondering why I entitled this back to school letter as "Beating the Odds,” it is due to the fact that the Cato teachers have been recognized by the Arkansas Department of Education as excelling to improve student achievement. The ACT Aspire Spring 2017 scores showed student growth to the point that we received over $14,000 to spend on our students. Also, the ACT Spring Aspire 2018 scores showed that we continued to make growth and excel in the areas of ELA, Math and Science. Our goal is for every student to make at least one year’s growth annually. I am thankful to work and partner with such an outstanding professional team and community!

    Throughout the summer the Cato team have been involved in research-based training, which will enhance their teaching expertise. We believe, designing instruction to meet our students’ needs and using innovative best instructional strategies, are fundamental practices to keep our students engaged and ready for the next grade level. Students in grades 3-5 will receive new Chromebooks to use during their educational experiences at school and home. We will teach and remind our students to use their technology resources in a safe manner. I ask that you partner with us and encourage the same.

     I have been selected to participate in the Arkansas Master Principal Academy: Phase III. During this next year I will attend 3 sessions which will include extensive leadership training. The Cato team and I understand that we must continue to learn and grow professionally to prepare your children for the future. Our goal is to be the top academic and excelling school in the District!

    We invite you to volunteer and become an active member of the Cato PTA. We recognize that we cannot be exemplary without your support! Students will need chaperones for field trips, the office team can always use someone to assist in answering the phones and there are many other areas where the PTA and school need your service. You are welcome at Cato, and again, we need your involvement.

    If you should ever have questions or concerns please feel free to contact me by calling (501-833-1160) or emailing me at slee@pcssd.org. There will be times when I will be observing teaching and learning in the classrooms. If you want to be certain that you will be able to speak with me in person, contact our office team to ensure I will be available. Again, I know we will have an exceptional and special school year!

Respectfully,

Principal Lee