My Learning Community: Jonesboro Martha Hubbard Summer 2011 Collection Development LIBM-6360 Dr. Rickman

Jonesboro Public Schools Students ◦ 5,300 students ◦ 2010 graduates earned 102 scholarships totaling $7.8 million dollars ◦ 1 National Merit Scholar ◦ 3 Governor’s Distinguished Scholars ◦ Very diverse, as well Teachers ◦ 413 certified staff  188 Master’s Degrees  10 Specialist in Education  6 Doctorate  Average 16 Years Experience Support Staff Over 159

Jonesboro’s People Population Growth in Jonesboro Population Specifics The median age of a resident is The average age falls in the year old group % have a high school education or higher % have a bachelor's degree or higher 7.0% have a graduate or professional degree. The average income is $57,696. The ethnicities are reported as the following: White, Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Some other, and two or more.

Education Jonesboro Public Schools Nettleton Public Schools Valley View Public Schools Westside Public Schools Blessed Sacrament (K-6) Concordia Christian Academy Ridgefield Christian School ASU Technical Center Area Technical Center Arkansas State University

Community Information Religion: 106 groups listed under “Church Directory” from 43 Baptist to 1 Islam. Housing: The average price in 2008 was $139,596 which is up 2.5% from The average price home in Arkansas fell 1.3 % during the same period. Transportation: Main mode is personal vehicle; however, JETS (public transit system) is available. There is also a commercial airline with daily service to Memphis. Medical Care: 2 major hospitals: St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center and NEA Baptist Hospital. Workforce: The top 3 employers are trade, transportation, and utilities-20.8%, education and health services-17.9%, manufacturing-14.3%.

Community Outreach Jonesboro Public Library ◦ Programs for seniors such as computer classes ◦ Programs for those looking for work such as resume writing ◦ Book clubs for all ages ◦ Summer concert series on the lawn! ◦ Office of Reading/Community Outreach which provides training, mentoring, and other resources.

More community outreach City Youth ◦ A volunteer organization ◦ Serves school-age children ◦ Offers tutoring, mentoring, crafts, games, meals The Foundation of the Arts ◦ A program that supports dance, drama, music and art. ◦ Supports all including those with disabilities. ◦ LEAP (Learning Expression Through Art Programs ◦ The Dance Again Closet ◦ Many others!

William Arthur Ward once said, “Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day! That is my town’s attitude! I would not change a thing about my town and its community outreaching efforts.