The week kicked off with In-Service for the Arnett Public Schools staff. Between professional development, training, preparing classrooms, and getting everything ready for students, the school was certainly bustling with activity. After a full day of In-Service and Meet the Teacher on Wednesday, our staff welcomed students back to campus and officially began the 2026–2027 school year. The first days have gotten off to a smooth start, and we are excited about all that the new school year has in store.
Our In-Service days were filled with opportunities for staff to learn, prepare, and sharpen the skills needed to serve our students. Staff members also received CPR, AED, and First Aid training from Denise and Amber with Ellis County EMS. The hands-on training provided valuable knowledge and preparation that can make a difference in an emergency.
Of course, professional development is even better when accompanied by good food! A huge thank you goes to the Arnett Church of Christ for providing an amazing breakfast for our staff to kick off In-Service. Their generosity and servant hearts were greatly appreciated.
We also want to give a big shout-out to Stacy and Sandra for treating our staff to their famous Longhorn Burgers with grilled onions. They grilled 45 hamburgers for the In-Service luncheon, and, as always, they were phenomenal! We are so thankful for community members who continually find ways to support Arnett Public Schools and make our staff feel appreciated.
Another beloved In-Service tradition is the wonderful salad and sandwich luncheon provided by the Arnett United Methodist Women and Church. Our staff looks forward to this meal each year, but their generosity goes far beyond lunch. They also provided some much-appreciated classroom supplies for our teachers and continue to faithfully commit to praying for our school, staff, and students throughout the year. We are incredibly grateful for their continued encouragement, generosity, and support of Arnett Public Schools.
As we begin this new school year, we are excited to introduce and welcome all of our returning staff members as well as those who are joining the Wildcat family for the first time. Our staff brings a tremendous variety of talents, experience, dedication, and heart to our school, and we are grateful for every person who plays a role in helping our students succeed.
There is something special about the beginning of a school year. Fresh notebooks, new classes, new goals, new friendships, and countless opportunities are waiting around every corner. We are looking forward to watching our students learn, grow, compete, create, and discover new things throughout the year.
Thank you to our staff for all of the time and effort you put in before the students ever walked through the doors, and thank you to our community for continuing to support Arnett Public Schools in so many ways.
High School Staff Front Row L-R: Deryla Dorsey, Breanna May, Jena Burcham, Cortney Hindman, Kelsi Stevens, Ross Royal, Bryan Shoaf. Middle Row L-R: Lezli Smith, Lynanne McDonald, Rian Mann, Robin Coleman, Shala Knowles, Leslie Girton, Scot Friesen. Top Row L-R: Kaleb McDonald, Chris Johnston, Jake Wayland, Bill Burcham, Allen Tune, Drew Miller
L-R: Teresa Chapman, Candi Helfenbein, Maria Flores and Maria Gallardo
Elementary Staff Front Row L-R: Brittney Gaisford, Nicole Bryant, Nicole Reed, Melia Wheeler, Amy Miller, Alison Royal, Jamie Dearing, Alysha Ham, Shannon Shoaf. Back Row L-R: Paige Dearing, Melissa Guadarrama, Melanie McCracken, Robin Miller, Melisa McMurphy.
