Mills University Studies High School

We need your help! Please be on the look out for a letter coming home with your student regarding access to Launch. What is Launch?

Here's a summary!

LAUNCH for Students (LFS)
• Purpose: This program houses digital Student Success Plans (SSPs) for grades 8–12 as mandated by Arkansas Code § 6-15-2911.
• Core Features: It helps manage graduation pathways, career exploration, work-based learning, community service tracking, and college readiness assessments.
• Guardian Access: Parents and guardians log in using access tokens from eSchool/HAC (Home Access Center), and sign off on plans.

The letter coming home to you will give you the Launch Guardian Link Code. Please review this SSP with your student and sign off electronically.

So, ask your student about this letter so that you can access this guardian account in Launch.

Here is some additional information if you need it: Help Video and Guardian Access Information.

We appreciate you!

about 1 hour ago, Mills University Studies High School

🔰🏈 The first-ever Lexicon Academy Night honored outstanding students and educators while showcasing the impact of career-focused partnerships at Mills University Studies High School. ⚙️🔥

It was a night of celebration, school spirit, and excellence under the Friday Night Lights during the Comets' football game against Maumelle High School. The evening celebrated the outstanding achievements of both educators and students in the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction, highlighting the power of industry and education working together to prepare students for future careers.

The first Lexicon Academy Night was a memorable celebration of the partnership between Lexicon Inc. and Mills University Studies High School. Through meaningful industry partnerships, student recognition, and career exploration opportunities, Lexicon continues to help create pathways to student success. #ExpectBelieveSucceed

about 2 hours ago, PCSSD

A student waves while being recognized during Lexicon Academy Night as fellow students and community partners stand together at midfield before the football game.

A representative presents a commemorative cap during Lexicon Academy Night as educators and industry partners participate in the recognition ceremony on the football field.

Students, educators, military representatives, and industry partners line up at midfield during the first-ever Lexicon Academy Night recognition ceremony at Mills University Studies High School.

Students and representatives participating in Lexicon Academy Night stand on the football field during a recognition ceremony at Mills University Studies High School.

Students, educators, and community partners stand at midfield during Lexicon Academy Night as participants are recognized before the Mills Comets football game.

A student in the Lexicon Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Construction waves to the crowd while being recognized during Lexicon Academy Night at Mills University Studies High School.

Get ready to celebrate AVID Wednesday by wearing your AVID shirt, college gear, or career wear tomorrow!

AVID builds college- and career-ready students at every grade level. Take some time to read how some PCSSD students say AVID is making a difference in their education. #ExpectBelieveSucceed

about 17 hours ago, PCSSD

A large group of students stands together in a classroom holding completed "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheets. The students display a variety of responses describing how AVID has helped them develop academic skills, ask questions, improve note-taking, set goals, and build confidence. The photo showcases student participation in the school's AVID reflection activity.

A collection of "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheets is arranged on a tabletop. The handwritten responses from students and staff describe how AVID has helped with note-taking, goal setting, academic achievement, confidence, organization, and staying focused on grades. Each sheet features the #MyAVIDWhy message and reflects personal growth through AVID.

Four elementary students and one staff member pose in a school hallway in front of a display of student work. The wall features vocabulary posters, space-themed decorations, and motivational star signs with encouraging messages. The group stands together beneath the student work showcase, highlighting a positive learning environment and student achievement.

A student stands beside an AVID mission poster while holding a "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheet. The handwritten response shares that AVID has helped the student earn good grades and stay focused on schoolwork. Surrounding wall displays include AVID materials and school information posters that reinforce college and career readiness.

Three staff members stand together in a school hallway near an elevator, holding clipboards, folders, and other materials. The group is participating in an AVID activity and is surrounded by school safety equipment and hallway displays. The photo highlights staff engagement and support for schoolwide AVID initiatives.

A student stands in front of an AVID mission poster and holds a "Because of AVID, I..." reflection sheet. The handwritten response reads, "Communicate better with people." Additional school posters about student readiness and school policies are displayed on the wall behind the student.

🎓 Arkansas Virtual Financial Aid Night: Oct. 8 🎓
Securing funding for a college, university, or technical school is a crucial step in planning for further education after high school. PCSSD is sharing information regarding the upcoming Arkansas Virtual Financial Aid Night, hosted by the Arkansas Student Loan Authority (ASLA) and the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
📌 Event Details
🗓️ Date: Thursday, October 8
⏰ Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)
💡 Resources & What Will Be Covered
💻 FAFSA Application Guidance → Overview for studentaid.gov
🎓 State Grants & ADHE Scholarships → Application steps via sams.adhe.edu
🎁 ASLA Scholarship Drawing → Attendees can enter for a chance to win a scholarship!
🗓️ 1-on-1 FAFSA Assistance → Links to schedule dedicated help sessions
🚀 How to Participate
📘 Free Pay-for-College Guidebook → Download for students and order forms for counselors
👉 To register or ask questions, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBdrCf8M6EkIhAca_SbvGCQNZ6hHKEcYdWATzV1Migb-SSow/viewform
#ExpectBelieveSucceed

2 days ago, PCSSD

Promotional flyer for the “Arkansas Virtual Financial Aid Information Night” titled “How to Pay for College!” The design uses bright green, blue, and white colors with icons of a graduation cap, calendar, and clock. Text highlights the event date (October 8, 2026), start time (6:30 PM), and speakers Alisha Lewis from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education and Lavonne Juhl from ASLA College Planning Services. A banner notes that attendees can win one of two $1,000 scholarships. The flyer encourages students to register and join virtually to learn about state and federal financial aid programs and tips for planning college costs. If you want a shorter or longer version, or one optimized for social media character limits, I can generate that too.

Senior parent/guardian information night is coming up soon! Please join us on October 6th at 6:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria for an informational meeting where we will answer all things related to the class of 2027. We can't wait to see you and help with this momentous year! If you have any questions, please call us at the school and ask for the counseling center.

2 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Senior Night Flyer for October 6 at 6:00

After school tutoring begins today! Mills University Studies High School is ready to see your students for this free program. This is a great opportunity for students to get extra help, catch up on assignments, prepare for upcoming assessments, or simply get a little more support with their classes.

Tutoring is available Monday–Thursday 4:00–6:00 PM. Transportation is offered through the district at 6:00 pm if your student lives in our school zone.

We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity and make tutoring part of their student’s routine when additional support is needed. We look forward to seeing our students after school because LEARNING IS URGENT!

2 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Mills University Studies High School's JROTC Program recently received its Certificate for earning the prestigious Honor Unit with Distinction (HUD) award for the 2025/2026 school year for demonstrating exceptional performance in all areas of the JROTC Program. This recognition is proof that the JROTC program is effective in motivating young people to be better citizens.
#ExpectBelieveSucceed

5 days ago, PCSSD

Photo collage highlighting the Mills University Studies High School JROTC program, including cadets in uniform during training and ceremonies, a color guard, an archery activity, a military formation, and a close-up of a Mills JROTC uniform patch. The center of the collage features the program’s U.S. Army JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction certificate for the 2025–2026 school year.

Next week, Mills University Studies High School will be administering the fall ATLAS Interim assessment to students in 9th grade, 10th, grade, Algebra I, geometry, and biology.

Students who do not take these tests will still need to be at school each day for other activities including student success plan work, college day field trip, school picture day, and more.

Please be sure your testing students have their Chromebooks and chargers and that they are ready to go on Monday morning. We also need students to be at school on time as we move to testing location at 8 :30 each day.

Thank you for helping us have students prepared to show what they know!

6 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Flyer that states testing for interims on Sept 28-Oct 1

Congratulations to these current students recognized as College Board AP Scholars!

Each year, the College Board Advanced Placement Program (AP) recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams

During the May 2026 testing period, these students showed mastery on three or more exams.
🔗https://www.pcssd.org/article/3148884
#ExpectBelieveSucced

6 days ago, PCSSD

From classroom to career! 🩻🔬

Our Introduction to Healthcare scholars at Mills University Studies High School stepped into the world of healthcare during an incredible industry tour at CARTI Cancer Center!

Scholars had the opportunity to explore laboratories, imaging, radiology, and surgical services while seeing firsthand how healthcare professionals work together to provide exceptional patient care.

Most importantly, our scholars experienced the compassion, expertise, and dedication of CARTI’s healthcare professionals, who generously shared their knowledge and inspired the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Today’s experience was more than a field trip—it was a glimpse into their future! 🌟

The classroom prepares them. Industry inspires them. The future needs them.

6 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Group photo of students who are around a health care bed

Student listening to lead nurse explain their industry tour

Four students standing in front of the CARTI Cancer Center

“C” US DIFFERENTLY

Our overall district letter grade has improved from a D to a C, and schools across the district have experienced some big progress.

Here’s what we mean:
🚀 4 schools jumped multiple grade levels
🏅 11 schools improved by at least one letter grade
📈 19 schools increased their overall accountability scores

We are proud of these achievements, and we are C-ing even greater things ahead!

#seeusdifferently #ExpectBelieveSucceed

7 days ago, PCSSD

A structured graphic graphic titled "School and District Letter Grades" displaying letter grade performance comparisons for Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) between 2025 and 2026. District Grade: Pulaski County Special School District: Improved from D in 2025 to C in 2026. Secondary Schools (2025 Grade → 2026 Grade): Joe T. Robinson Middle School: B → C Maumelle Middle School: F → F Mills Middle School: D → D Sylvan Hills Middle School: D → C Sylvan Hills Junior High: F → C Joe T. Robinson High School: F → C Maumelle High School: D → C Mills University Studies High: D → F Sylvan Hills High School: C → C Elementary Schools (2025 Grade → 2026 Grade): Cato Elementary: D → C Chenal Elementary: A → C Baker Elementary: B → B College Station Elementary: F → B Crystal Hill Elementary: C → C Daisy Bates Elementary: D → C Joe T. Robinson Elementary: C → D Landmark Elementary: C → B Lawson Elementary: D → C Oak Grove Elementary: F → C Oakbrooke Elementary: C → C Pine Forest Elementary: C → C Sherwood Elementary: B → B Sylvan Hills Elementary: C → C William J. Clinton Elementary: F → D

Learning Beyond the Classroom!

Our Mills University Studies High School Food Safety & Nutrition Scholars took their learning to Petit Jean Mountain for an incredible industry tour at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute this week.

From touring the Institute to learning alongside the Executive Chef, Director of Food Services, and Conference Director, scholars saw firsthand how the skills they’re learning in class come to life in real-world culinary, hospitality, and food-service careers.

Beautiful views. Meaningful connections. Real-world learning. This is what career-connected learning looks like at Mills!

#LearningIsUrgent
#AcademiesOfCentralArkansas

8 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Group of students posing for photo on their field trip

Students in professional kitchen speaking to the chef

It is already more than halfway through the first quarter, which means it is a good time to check in on student progress! Log in to the Home Access Center anytime at hac23.esp.k12.ar.us to view grades, attendance, and more. #ExpectBelieveSucceed

9 days ago, PCSSD

Students in the CLASS OF 2027 AND BEYOND must earn 75 COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING (CSL) HOURS to graduate. Students can earn hours in four approved ways, beginning the summer after 8th grade.

1. SCHOOL‑SPONSORED OPPORTUNITIES
Students may earn hours through PCSSD-SPONSORED EVENTS, teacher-approved projects, campus clean-ups, family nights, and other school-based service activities. These opportunities are supervised, structured, and easy for students to access.

2. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Students may volunteer with FOOD BANKS, ANIMAL SHELTERS, NURSING HOMES, HOSPITALS, COMMUNITY EVENTS, and other nonprofit organizations. Families must vet all sites for safety and transportation.

3. WORK‑BASED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Students may earn hours through volunteer experiences connected to CAREER PATHWAYS, including job shadowing, workplace‑based service, and community events hosted by employers.

4. QUALIFYING EMPLOYMENT FOR WORKING STUDENTS
Students who work may count PAID EMPLOYMENT HOURS toward CSL when documentation meets state requirements. This option supports students balancing school, work, and family responsibilities.

Learn more at pcssd.org/page/community-service.

12 days ago, PCSSD

🎓 Congratulations, Class of 2026 AP Scholars! 👏
🔗 Learn more: https://www.pcssd.org/article/3136021 #ExpectBelieveSucceed

13 days ago, PCSSD

This Friday, we will celebrate AVID Day, joining schools across the country in recognizing the impact of educators and students working together to expand access and opportunity. At Pulaski County Special School District, AVID strengthens skills like critical thinking, organization, collaboration, and self-advocacy, helping students prepare for college, careers, and beyond. We are proud of the growth we see every day and grateful for the shared commitment that makes it possible. #MyAVIDWhy #ExpectBelieveSucceed

14 days ago, PCSSD

Did you know today is National Voter Registration Day? At Mills High School, we joined the cause with a voter drive during both lunches. We were happy to have representatives from the LRAC of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as well as members of the NAACP who helped eligible students register.

Early voting in Arkansas begins on October 19th and Election Day is November 3rd. You can find out all you need to know about voting by going to https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections.

#CommunityMatters
#YourVoteIsYourVoice

15 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Two volunteers speak to a student in the hallway

Students are around the voter registration table

Two women standing beside their delta sigma theta sign

Student completing the voter registration form

Today the University of Arkansas (in Fayetteville) had a representative on our campus at Mills High to discuss the opportunities our seniors have to become a Razorback next fall. Numerous students were interested in learning about this college, and they'll have many more opportunities in the months to come. But it's never too early to begin planning!

#LearningIsUrgent
#CollegeAndCareerReady
#MillsOnTheMove

15 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Students in classroom listening to guest speaker

Students looking at materials from U of A

On October 2nd our FCCLA will host a blood drive here at Mills University Studies High School. Students must be 16 or older to participate, but faculty, staff, and community members are invited to join in as well! Every drop counts!

Please check in through the office between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. if you would like to drop by and donate.

We truly appreciate any and all donations!

#CommunityMatters
#BloodDonations

15 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Did you see Mr. McGrew's assignment where students created their own graphic design images? Here are more outstanding examples created by his classes!

15 days ago, Mills University Studies High School

Graphic design image of basketball player