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The Scholarly Beat

Sonora Elementary School Newsletter 2020-2021

The Scholarly BeatSonora Elementary School Newsletter 2020-2021

A Note From Dr. Stewman

Just last week I sent out our first newsletter. Already so much has changed in that short time, so I wanted to get the updates to you. As you have probably heard on July 9th Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that Arkansas' 2020-2021 school year start date will be moved. The Springdale School Board met this Tuesday night (July 14th) and voted for the first day of school to be August 24th, 2020.


Thank you to those of you who have reached out with questions or to gain clarification. Mrs. Hennarichs and I have returned to the building. As you can imagine we have much to do to prepare for teachers' and students' safe return. Therefore, we might not be in the office at all times. If you are unable to reach us by phone at the office, please feel free to email us at rstewman@sdale.org or lhennarichs@sdale.org. You can also send us a message on our Sonora Elementary Facebook Page.


As I mentioned in the last Scholarly Beat, I am going to try to do a newsletter at least bi-monthly. Yet, until students return to school I will continue to give updates as needed, especially when there are many changes. You can stay up-to-date through our social media posts as well. Please click on the link below to:

  • sign up for automated texts that will be sent this school year.
  • like our Sonora Elementary Facebook Page.

Finally, please join the Remind for your child's classroom.


Be kind! Stay safe!

Dr. Stewman

Link for Connected: Reopening of Springdale Schools
SPSs, in collaboration with students, families, teachers, business owners, medical professionals, safety officers, and counselors have created this useful tool to help you better understand the landscape of education for 2020-2021 school year.

Three Options for School Re-Opening Fall 2020

Springdale Schools are ready and prepared for the 2020-2021 school year with a safe, innovative, culture of caring. We want our parents and students to know they have choices and that the Springdale Schools will provide the highest quality of educational experience. For a description of the three options, please see The Scholarly Beat from the week of July 6th. There is also a diagram below for your immediate reference.


In addition to the safety precautions at Sonora and Springdale Schools listed last week, Springdale Schools will:

  • have hand sanitizers in every classroom.
  • provide each child a water bottle (see more information below)
  • have at least 2 water bottle filling stations per building.
  • provide 2 face coverings (buff) for all staff and students (see more information below).
  • sanitize buses multiple times a day.
  • sanitize all surfaces multiple times a day.


At the School Board meeting on July 14th, the School Board voted for all PK-12th grade students to wear face coverings for the beginning of the school year. As Covid-19 is a fluid situation, this expectation will be monitored for changes as deemed safe and appropriate.


As always, the health and safety of our staff, students, and community is priority.

NOTE for Blended:

We request that families choose and commit to one blended option in order to:
  • ensure student safety.
  • allow teachers to effectively plan for personalized instructions.
  • provide student supports.
  • have adequate number for meal preparation.


A district survey will go out soon for you to notify us of your choice to do on-site or blended. The options for blended will be attend Tuesday and Thursday -OR- attend Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

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Stay Informed

We will be sending out important information throughout the year. This will be through text in addition to our social media sites. Please enter your number HERE so you can receive these messages.

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School Supplies

UPDATE: Online Payment is NOW available!

Directions can be found here: English and Spanish.


At Sonora we collect a school supply fee. This year we are decreasing the price to $30 to help families out at this difficult time. We are currently working with the business office to add an electronic way for you to pay. More information to come.

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2020-21 Calendar

Click HERE or the UPDATED district calendar, with school beginning on Monday, August 24th.

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Water Bottles

Since the water fountains will not be accessible, we will be purchasing a water bottle for each child. We will mark these with a code for each student. They will be color coordinated for each grade level. Our wonderful cafeteria staff will disinfect these at school at least 1-2 times a week. You are still welcome to provide a water bottle for your child. Our school has two water filling stations for students to fill up their bottles as needed.

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Show your Pride!

DEADLINE TO ORDER: JULY 19th

We have asked a local company to create Sonora masks for anyone to share their Sonora Pride - just like purchasing a Sonora shirt. These are not required for you to purchase, but they are cute. Any funds made by the sell of the masks will be used to purchase a water bottle for each student. Click HERE to purchase one or more. The cost is $6.90 per mask with a deadline to purchase of July 19th. They will be mailed directly to your home.

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Buff Mask

The district, with donations from Arkansas Children's Hospital and other generous donations, will be providing two buffs for each child. These are similar to a mask, but they go around your neck and can be pulled up to cover a child's mouth and nose. This will decrease masks being lost or cross contaminated.

The School District can launder these or you can wash them at home. We plan to mark student and teacher names with a fabric pen to make sure the child gets the same buff each time.

What Can Parents Do to Help?

"Home of the Scholars"
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Sonora Elementary School

"Home of the Scholars"

Established 2011

Mascot : Sonny the Scholar (Owl)

School colors: red, silver, and black

Email: rstewman@sdale.org
Website: https://sonora.sdale.org/
Location: 20200 Sonora Road, Springdale, AR, USA
Phone: (479) 750-8820
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonorascholars
Twitter: @SonoraScholar