
October is National Principal Appreciation Month! 
We are grateful for the dedicated principals who lead our Sheridan School District campuses each day. Their commitment to excellence, their care for students and staff, and their leadership in shaping the future of our schools make a lasting difference in our community.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking our principals for all they do to support student success, inspire teachers, and create positive learning environments across the district.
#YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay
We are grateful for the dedicated principals who lead our Sheridan School District campuses each day. Their commitment to excellence, their care for students and staff, and their leadership in shaping the future of our schools make a lasting difference in our community.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking our principals for all they do to support student success, inspire teachers, and create positive learning environments across the district.
#YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay


Congratulations to East End Elementary, East End Intermediate, and East End Middle for being recognized as Purple Star Schools in Arkansas!
The Arkansas Purple Star School Award honors K-12 schools and districts that show a strong commitment to supporting students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. These schools provide resources and a welcoming environment to help military children transition smoothly, succeed in their new schools, and strengthen the bond between schools and military families.
This recognition highlights the dedication of these schools to serving military-connected students with compassion, understanding, and programs that go above and beyond.
The Arkansas Purple Star School program is operated by the Arkansas Council for Military Children in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Education.
We are so proud of our schools for creating a supportive and welcoming environment for those who serve our country! #YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay
The Arkansas Purple Star School Award honors K-12 schools and districts that show a strong commitment to supporting students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces. These schools provide resources and a welcoming environment to help military children transition smoothly, succeed in their new schools, and strengthen the bond between schools and military families.
This recognition highlights the dedication of these schools to serving military-connected students with compassion, understanding, and programs that go above and beyond.
The Arkansas Purple Star School program is operated by the Arkansas Council for Military Children in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Education.
We are so proud of our schools for creating a supportive and welcoming environment for those who serve our country! #YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay


East End Middle School students in Career Development classes recently heard from SRO Deputy Raelyn Fashank. She spoke about her decision to pursue a career in law enforcement and shared insights into the many different career paths available in the field.

It's Senior Night for the Yellowjacket tennis team! Sheridan hosts Hot Springs today, with matches starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Sheridan Recreation Center. Congratulations to our six seniors for a great career and thank you for representing Sheridan so well! #YJNation
(Graphic by Mayce Crouse.)
(Graphic by Mayce Crouse.)

Here’s what’s happening next week in the Sheridan School District! #YJNation


It’s Game Day, and the Jackets travel to West Memphis for their conference opener! Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. 
GAME DAY NOTES: West Memphis accepts ONLY digital tickets at the visitors’ gate and has a clear bag policy. For those attending the game, tickets may be purchased at this link: https://shorturl.at/XqTjz
This will be Homecoming for West Memphis, so fans are encouraged to arrive early as parking may become an issue closer to game time.
Concessions are in the northeast section of the stadium, including typical concession food, coke products, and Chick-Fil-A.
For Sheridan fans who are unable to attend the game, you can watch the livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/qqi0jwnKFmY?feature=share.
As always, go Jackets!! #YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay
GAME DAY NOTES: West Memphis accepts ONLY digital tickets at the visitors’ gate and has a clear bag policy. For those attending the game, tickets may be purchased at this link: https://shorturl.at/XqTjz
This will be Homecoming for West Memphis, so fans are encouraged to arrive early as parking may become an issue closer to game time.
Concessions are in the northeast section of the stadium, including typical concession food, coke products, and Chick-Fil-A.
For Sheridan fans who are unable to attend the game, you can watch the livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/qqi0jwnKFmY?feature=share.
As always, go Jackets!! #YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay


Throwback Thursday
In 1942, Sheridan opened the original McKenzie Hall adjacent and to the south of the 1913 building. It was named for longtime educator A.R. McKenzie. The auditorium seated 1,500 and also housed school offices (including the superintendent’s office), classrooms, and a cafeteria in the basement that served students until 1976.
Just a few years later, in 1948, the Kelly-Williams Gym was built adjacent to the 1913 school building to its north. The two-story brick gym included classrooms, a library, dressing rooms, a school store, and of course a basketball court. Its wooden “catwalk” overlooked the court and became a popular spot for student lockers. The gym was named for Dr. O.R. Kelly (a school board member) and J.L. Williams, Sr., who helped make the project possible.
(This 1956 photo shows the 1913 school building, McKenzie Auditorium, and Kelly-Williams Gym.)
Information for the post is from “SHS: The First 100 Years” by Elwin L. Goolsby and Bobbie Nelson Graves. The photo is from “Our Timberland Home: A History of Grant County” by Elwin L. Goolsby.
In 1942, Sheridan opened the original McKenzie Hall adjacent and to the south of the 1913 building. It was named for longtime educator A.R. McKenzie. The auditorium seated 1,500 and also housed school offices (including the superintendent’s office), classrooms, and a cafeteria in the basement that served students until 1976.
Just a few years later, in 1948, the Kelly-Williams Gym was built adjacent to the 1913 school building to its north. The two-story brick gym included classrooms, a library, dressing rooms, a school store, and of course a basketball court. Its wooden “catwalk” overlooked the court and became a popular spot for student lockers. The gym was named for Dr. O.R. Kelly (a school board member) and J.L. Williams, Sr., who helped make the project possible.
(This 1956 photo shows the 1913 school building, McKenzie Auditorium, and Kelly-Williams Gym.)
Information for the post is from “SHS: The First 100 Years” by Elwin L. Goolsby and Bobbie Nelson Graves. The photo is from “Our Timberland Home: A History of Grant County” by Elwin L. Goolsby.


Sheridan's JROTC Raider Team recently competed in The A-State Howler in Jonesboro, a challenging 7-mile obstacle run, and earned third place overall. This event tested cadets’ endurance, teamwork, and resilience, and our students represented Sheridan High School with great discipline and determination.
Their performance is a reflection of the dedication they have shown during practice and the strong leadership skills they are developing through JROTC. Competing against over 50 tough teams from across the state, Sheridan's cadets demonstrated grit and perseverance that embody both our school’s values and the JROTC mission.
Congratulations to our Raider team on this outstanding achievement! We are excited to build on this momentum as the team prepares for future competitions.
#YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay
Their performance is a reflection of the dedication they have shown during practice and the strong leadership skills they are developing through JROTC. Competing against over 50 tough teams from across the state, Sheridan's cadets demonstrated grit and perseverance that embody both our school’s values and the JROTC mission.
Congratulations to our Raider team on this outstanding achievement! We are excited to build on this momentum as the team prepares for future competitions.
#YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay

It's Game Day for our Lady Jackets! Sheridan hosts El Dorado at Yellowjacket Arena starting at 5:00 p.m. Go Lady Jackets!  #YJNation
(graphic by Sayde Crouse)
(graphic by Sayde Crouse)

Congratulations to the Sheridan High School 2025 Homecoming Queen, Abby Graves! 


Here’s what’s happening next week in the Sheridan School District! #YJNation


The Lady Jackets travel to Hot Springs Lakeside tonight to take on the Lady Rams. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the gate (card preferred) or in advance online at: https://gofan.co/event/4007844?schoolId=AR18640.
Go Lady Jackets!
Go Lady Jackets!


The Sheridan Jackettes' dance competition schedule starts October 4 at the Lakeside Invitational and continues until state competition on November 15 at Alma. Best wishes for a great dance season, ladies!


THROWBACK THURSDAY
During the 1940s, the Sheridan High School band was under the direction of Mr. John Henry Williams. The band had grown from a 15-member orchestra under the direction of Miss Lois Ferguson in the 1920s to a marching and stage band of almost 100 members at times. (This photo from 1944 shows about 50 band members.) The band played for athletic events, gave concerts, and led parades sponsored by the school. 
Photo and information from “SHS: The First 100 Years 1879–1979” by Elwin L. Goolsby and Bobbie Nelson Graves.
#YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay


The Lady Jackets play Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Hot Springs. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased online at the following link: https://shorturl.at/fzwQk. Go Lady Jackets!


📢 Community Meetings Scheduled
The Sheridan School District will host two informational meetings next week regarding the proposed millage extension that will be on the November 18 special election ballot. Superintendent Chad Pitts will share details about the extension and the projects it would fund, followed by a Q&A session for attendees.
🗓 Monday, September 22
📍 East End Middle School Cafeteria – 6:00 p.m.
🗓 Tuesday, September 23
📍 Sheridan High School Cafeteria – 6:00 p.m.
We encourage community members to join us and learn more.
#YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay
The Sheridan School District will host two informational meetings next week regarding the proposed millage extension that will be on the November 18 special election ballot. Superintendent Chad Pitts will share details about the extension and the projects it would fund, followed by a Q&A session for attendees.
🗓 Monday, September 22
📍 East End Middle School Cafeteria – 6:00 p.m.
🗓 Tuesday, September 23
📍 Sheridan High School Cafeteria – 6:00 p.m.
We encourage community members to join us and learn more.
#YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay


On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Sheridan High School JROTC Female and Male Color Guard Teams earned third place at the Watson Chapel Drill and Raider Competition, competing against 21 schools from across Arkansas.
This was the Yellowjacket Battalion’s first competition of the year, and both teams performed with outstanding precision and professionalism.
Female Color Guard team: Kameran Massey, Raylee Charpentier, Vanessa Rios Hernandez, Kira Harp.
Male Color Guard team: Hollis Davidson, Spencer May, Declan Barnard, Alex Wimsett.
Congratulations to these cadets for representing Sheridan with pride and excellence! #YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay
This was the Yellowjacket Battalion’s first competition of the year, and both teams performed with outstanding precision and professionalism.
Female Color Guard team: Kameran Massey, Raylee Charpentier, Vanessa Rios Hernandez, Kira Harp.
Male Color Guard team: Hollis Davidson, Spencer May, Declan Barnard, Alex Wimsett.
Congratulations to these cadets for representing Sheridan with pride and excellence! #YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay

Tonight's scheduled JV football game at Pulaski Academy has been cancelled. The seventh grade game will still be played. 


It’s Game Day! The Yellowjackets travel to Rogers tonight to take on the Class 7A Mounties! Kickoff is at 7 p.m. For those who aren’t able to attend, the game will be livestreamed at:
https://youtube.com/live/aJ4CiFArpPc?feature=share.
Go Jackets! #YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay
https://youtube.com/live/aJ4CiFArpPc?feature=share.
Go Jackets! #YJNation #ExcellenceEveryDay


THROWBACK THURSDAY
In 1933, Mr. A.R. McKenzie – a World War I veteran and agriculture instructor since 1924 – was asked by the school board to step in as superintendent, but at his same teacher’s salary. He accepted, and for the next 15 years, “Mr. Mac,” as students and friends called him, taught agri classes in the morning while also leading the district as superintendent.
In 1947, a new agri teacher was hired, allowing McKenzie to focus full time on administration. He continued serving as superintendent until 1962. The following year, he was elected mayor of Sheridan, a role he held until his passing in 1977.
(Pictured is Superintendent A.R. McKenzie (left) and Margaret Jo Jordan leading a Sheridan High School parade in November 1957.)
Photos and information from “SHS: The First 100 Years 1879–1979” by Elwin L. Goolsby and Bobbie Nelson Graves.
In 1933, Mr. A.R. McKenzie – a World War I veteran and agriculture instructor since 1924 – was asked by the school board to step in as superintendent, but at his same teacher’s salary. He accepted, and for the next 15 years, “Mr. Mac,” as students and friends called him, taught agri classes in the morning while also leading the district as superintendent.
In 1947, a new agri teacher was hired, allowing McKenzie to focus full time on administration. He continued serving as superintendent until 1962. The following year, he was elected mayor of Sheridan, a role he held until his passing in 1977.
(Pictured is Superintendent A.R. McKenzie (left) and Margaret Jo Jordan leading a Sheridan High School parade in November 1957.)
Photos and information from “SHS: The First 100 Years 1879–1979” by Elwin L. Goolsby and Bobbie Nelson Graves.


