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Civil Air Patrol, Arkansas Wing Stands Ready to Help Teachers

Little Rock - Members of the Civil Air Patrol, Arkansas Wing are once again ready to help teachers make an impact in their classrooms. Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary of the Unites States Air Force, provides Aerospace Education Curriculum, along with free STEM kits for educators across the country is gearing up for another year of assisting teachers implementing high quality, project- based instruction in their classrooms across the state. “We currently offer over 20 different STEM kits for teachers in all grade levels, K-12”, states Maj Garrick St. Pierre, Director of Aerospace Education Arkansas Wing of CAP. “Each of these STEM kits come with lesson plans and student materials written by experienced teachers and aerospace experts who have firsthand knowledge of the challenges in the classroom”, he went on to say. “All of our materials are Next Generation Science Standards compliant and are totally free to Arkansas teachers and school districts”. Maj St. Pierre went on to mention that “the membership fee of $35.00 is being covered by a generous grant from the NASA’s Arkansas Space Grant Consortium” (ASGC). Dr. Keith Hudson said, “The NASA Arkansas Space Grant Consortium sponsors aerospace research, training and other related activities at Arkansas colleges and universities as well as doing K-12 outreach.”. Dr. Hudson, the Director of ASGC added, “The Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Member (AEM) program is an outstanding way for teachers to become involved in space, aeronautics, rocketry, and other STEM activities. Arkansas Space Grant is a proud sponsor of AEMs in Arkansas and provides grant support to Civil Air Patrol towards AEM/teacher success and K-12 projects” Civil Air Patrol has provided hundreds of STEM kits to Arkansas classrooms all across the state, impacting thousands of students at a cost of over $100,000. Perhaps the most sought-after benefit to becoming an AEM is the Teacher Orientation Flights, or TOP flights. AEMs/teachers who join this program are entitled to a free flight each year in our aircraft. Currently Arkansas Wing operates 9 Cessna 172s and 182s across the state. Teachers flying with us will have the opportunity to grab hold of the yoke and experience firsthand the trill and excitement of flight. Additionally, the Arkansas Wing Aerospace department hosts educator workshops offering 6 professional development (PD) hours to teachers, This workshop ensures teachers are current on how to best utilize CAP materials to achieve maximum impact with their students. Civil Air Patrol, in partnership with the Air and Space Force Association, offer many types of grants to educators for STEM education. Additionally, Arkansas Wing, in partnership with ASGC, offer grants as well for Arkansas educators. “You do not have to be a traditional teacher to qualify for this program.”, Maj St Pierre stated. “Anyone who has direct influence over children is welcome to apply and use our free products.” He went on to add, “The reason we do this is simple. Last year, Aerospace took over the number one slot for exports from Arkansas. Also, we, as a country, are projected to be over 10,000 pilots short by the end of this year. Growth and income potential in the Aerospace Industry both in and out of state are exploding.” Missy Stubblefield and Sabrina Ketter, both science teachers with the Charleston School District have used many kits from CAP. According to Sabrina Ketter, “The STEM kits we have received from Civil Air Patrol have aligned with my 5th and 6th grade science curriculum very well. The process of applying for the kits and submitting evaluations is an easy process to complete.” “The STEM kits from Civil Air Patrol have given my students opportunities that they otherwise would not have had, led to in-depth discussions, and allowed students to explore different fields of science and technology,” says Missy Stubblefield. Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 555 single-engine aircraft, 2,250 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of all search and rescue operations within the contiguous United States as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Often using innovative cellphone forensics and radar analysis software, CAP was credited by the AFRCC with saving 108 lives last year. CAP’s 58,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Members also serve as mentors to over 24,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. For your local unit, questions, or to become a member visit ARWG.CAP.GOV, or call the Arkansas Wing Recruiting NCO at 479.285.1482.

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CORNING SCHOOL MENU AUGUST 22-26

BREAKFAST: MONDAY: Breakfast Pizza or Cereal, Fruit, Juice, Milk TUESDAY: Honey Bun or Cereal, Yogurt, Fruit, Juice, Milk WEDNESDAY: Sausage pancake on stick or Cereal, Fruit, Juice, Milk THURSDAY: Muffin or Cereal, Yogurt, Fruit, Juice, Milk FRIDAY: Pop Tarts or Cereal, Yogurt, Fruit, Juice, Milk LUNCH: MONDAY: Chicken Sandwich, Potato Wedges, Veggie Sticks, Fruit TUESDAY: Soft Shell Beef Taco, Refried Beans, Lettuce and Tomatoes, Corn, Fruit WEDNESDAY: Spaghetti, Hot Roll, Salad, Green Beans, Fruit THURSDAY: Crispitos, Pinto Beans, Cali-Blend Veggies, Fruit, Wacky Cake FRIDAY: Oven Baked Chicken, Mac-n-Cheese, Green Peas, Cooked Carrots, Fruit

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SR. CITIZEN MENU AUGUST 22-26

MONDAY: Beef Taco Salad, 1 Salad, Blueberry Crisp, 3x2” pc TUESDAY: General Tao Chicken, 3z serving, White Rice, #8 scoop, Oriental Vegetable Blend, 4z spoodle, Choice of Roll, 1 Each, Chocolate Mousse#10 scoop WEDNESDAY: Country Fried Steak, 1 each, Smashed Sweet Potatoes, 1 serving, Green Beans, 4z spoodle, Whole Wheat Dinner Roll, 1 serving, Navel/Valencia Oranges, 1 Each THURSDAY: Zesty Lemon Pepper Turkey, 4z slice. Parmesan Noodles, 4z spoodle. Spinach Side Salad, 1 Salad. Choice of Dressing, 2 Tbsp. Whole Wheat Dinner Roll, 1 serving. Banana Split Dessert, 3”x2.5” pc.

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State Capitol Week in Review

From Senator Blake Johnson LITTLE ROCK – The legislature concluded a quick, three-day special session after approving income tax cuts that will save 1.6 million Arkansas taxpayers about $500 million. The tax savings will come mainly from moving up the effective date of previously adopted tax reductions.

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Reyno holds Back to School Bash

Audrey Morris and some local sponsors and several volunteers in they city of Reyno came together to have a Back to School Bash for children and parents. The event took place at the Reyno Park on Saturday, August 13. There was free food, drinks, and games as well as a band for everyone to enjoy.

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From the office of Joe Jett House of Representatives State of Arkansas District 56

J ett House of Representatives State of Arkansas District 56 After passing legislation to accelerate tax cuts and provide funding for school safety, the 93rd General Assembly adjourned from a special session on Thursday. In December of 2021, the General Assembly passed legislation outlining the largest tax cut in state history.

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