Please help us celebrate our 2026 High School Teacher of the Year, Mr. Lester!
Mr. Lester, who teaches Geometry and Biology, goes above and beyond for students and is always looking for ways to make De Queen High School a better place. His peers look up to him, and he is very deserving of this honor. Through his dedication to both mathematics and science, he consistently supports student success and contributes positively to our school environment.
Congratulations, Mr. Lester! 👏🧪📐 #LeopardFamily #LeopardPride
Mr. Lester, who teaches Geometry and Biology, goes above and beyond for students and is always looking for ways to make De Queen High School a better place. His peers look up to him, and he is very deserving of this honor. Through his dedication to both mathematics and science, he consistently supports student success and contributes positively to our school environment.
Congratulations, Mr. Lester! 👏🧪📐 #LeopardFamily #LeopardPride
Congratulations to our 2026 Middle School Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Sarah Ester!
Mrs. Ester, who teaches 6th and 7th-grade math, has a natural ability to connect with students and build their confidence. She creates a welcoming classroom environment where students feel supported and ready to learn. Through her patient instruction and steady encouragement, she helps students strengthen their math skills while developing confidence in their abilities.
Way to go, Mrs. Ester! 📊👏 #LeopardPride #LeopardFamily
We are proud to celebrate our 2026 Primary Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Katherine Smith!
Mrs. Smith has been named the De Queen Primary Teacher of the Year. Principal Amy Barker describes her as “the heart of our primary building,” noting that students are greeted daily with warmth, encouragement, and a contagious love for music. Mrs. Smith helps young learners find their voices, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing together.
Congratulations, Mrs. Smith! 🎶👏 #LeopardPride #LeopardFamily
We are proud to recognize Mrs. Sue Smith as our 2026 Junior High Teacher of the Year!
As the 8th and 9th grade librarian, Mrs. Smith supports research, instruction, and academic growth while consistently going above and beyond to assist both students and faculty. Her dedication and professionalism make her an invaluable part of our campus.
Congratulations, Mrs. Smith! 👏📚 #LeopardPride #LeopardFamily
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Elementary Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Holly Click!
Mrs. Click, a third-grade teacher with 23 years of service to the district, exemplifies excellence through her dedication to student growth and achievement. A true team player, she supports both colleagues and students, and her strong work ethic is reflected in the consistent progress her students make each year.
We are so proud of you, Mrs. Click! 👏🍎 #LeopardPride #LeopardFamily
De Queen Public Schools is proud to announce our 2026 Teachers of the Year! Each campus selected an outstanding educator who exemplifies dedication, excellence, and a commitment to student success.
🎉 Katherine Smith – De Queen Primary
🎉 Holly Click – De Queen Elementary
🎉 Sarah Ester – De Queen Middle School
🎉 Sue Smith – De Queen Junior High
🎉 Steve Lester – De Queen High School
All building Teachers of the Year will be recognized at the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Banquet on February 26, where the District Teacher of the Year will be announced.
Join us in congratulating these incredible educators! 👏🍎
#LeopardPride #LeopardFamily
🎉 Katherine Smith – De Queen Primary
🎉 Holly Click – De Queen Elementary
🎉 Sarah Ester – De Queen Middle School
🎉 Sue Smith – De Queen Junior High
🎉 Steve Lester – De Queen High School
All building Teachers of the Year will be recognized at the Sevier County Chamber of Commerce Banquet on February 26, where the District Teacher of the Year will be announced.
Join us in congratulating these incredible educators! 👏🍎
#LeopardPride #LeopardFamily
De Queen Public Schools will observe Winter Break on Friday, February 13th and Monday, February 16th. Classes will resume on Tuesday, February 17th, with our updated bell schedule beginning that day.
⏰ School hours will be 7:55 a.m. – 3:23 p.m.
We hope our Leopard family enjoys a restful break!
⏰ School hours will be 7:55 a.m. – 3:23 p.m.
We hope our Leopard family enjoys a restful break!
📢Schedule Update for Our Leopard Family📢
Due to inclement weather earlier this school year, De Queen School District missed five instructional days. Two weather days were built into the calendar, so the district is required to make up the remaining three instructional days. To recover this time, the school schedule will be adjusted beginning **Tuesday, February 17, 2026**.
🕗 New School Day Times:
✔ School Starts: 7:55 AM
✔ School Dismisses: 3:23 PM
⏱ How Time Is Being Added:
• 5 minutes added to the beginning of the day
• 13 minutes added to the end of the day
🚌 Transportation Update:
Morning bus routes will run at their normal times. Afternoon bus routes will run slightly later to match the new dismissal time.
This adjustment allows the last day of school to remain May 22, 2026, as long as no additional weather days are missed.
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we work to ensure our students receive the instructional time required.
Due to inclement weather earlier this school year, De Queen School District missed five instructional days. Two weather days were built into the calendar, so the district is required to make up the remaining three instructional days. To recover this time, the school schedule will be adjusted beginning **Tuesday, February 17, 2026**.
🕗 New School Day Times:
✔ School Starts: 7:55 AM
✔ School Dismisses: 3:23 PM
⏱ How Time Is Being Added:
• 5 minutes added to the beginning of the day
• 13 minutes added to the end of the day
🚌 Transportation Update:
Morning bus routes will run at their normal times. Afternoon bus routes will run slightly later to match the new dismissal time.
This adjustment allows the last day of school to remain May 22, 2026, as long as no additional weather days are missed.
Thank you for your flexibility and support as we work to ensure our students receive the instructional time required.
Statement Regarding Threatening Social Media Post
De Queen Public Schools became aware on Saturday, February 7th, of a threatening social media post made by a student that was directed toward other students.
School administration immediately reported the information to law enforcement. Law enforcement officials have addressed the situation. The juvenile was taken into police custody and is currently being held at a juvenile detention facility.
Based on the seriousness of this incident, the district will be recommending expulsion of the student in accordance with district policy and state guidelines.
At this time, no additional threats have been identified. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we will continue working closely with law enforcement to monitor and address any concerns.
Counselors, administrators, and security personnel remain available on our campuses to support students and staff. If parents or community members have specific concerns, they are encouraged to contact their child’s school office.
De Queen Public Schools remains committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
De Queen Public Schools became aware on Saturday, February 7th, of a threatening social media post made by a student that was directed toward other students.
School administration immediately reported the information to law enforcement. Law enforcement officials have addressed the situation. The juvenile was taken into police custody and is currently being held at a juvenile detention facility.
Based on the seriousness of this incident, the district will be recommending expulsion of the student in accordance with district policy and state guidelines.
At this time, no additional threats have been identified. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority, and we will continue working closely with law enforcement to monitor and address any concerns.
Counselors, administrators, and security personnel remain available on our campuses to support students and staff. If parents or community members have specific concerns, they are encouraged to contact their child’s school office.
De Queen Public Schools remains committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Statement Regarding Community Concerns and School Safety
De Queen Public Schools is aware of a tragic situation impacting members of our community. We understand that events like this bring concern and strong emotions for our students, families, and staff.
In recent hours, rumors have circulated through social media and other sources.
De Queen Public Schools takes all safety concerns seriously and works closely with law enforcement to investigate any reports or information brought to our attention.
At this time, based on information from law enforcement and school safety officials, there are no credible threats to De Queen Public Schools students, staff, or campuses. School safety procedures remain in place, and classes and school operations continue as normal.
Due to community concerns, there will be a heightened law enforcement presence on our campuses as an added precaution. As always, counselors, administrators, and security personnel will remain available on our campuses to support students and staff.
If parents have specific concerns, they are encouraged to contact their child’s school office.
De Queen Public Schools believes it is important to communicate directly with families and our community to provide accurate information and reassurance regarding student safety
De Queen Schools will operate on a regular schedule tomorrow, Monday, February 2, 2026. As we return to school, families are asked to remain aware that some travel conditions may still be impacted by ice, particularly on county and side roads.
Please note the following:
-Bus drivers may not be able to safely travel every road on their assigned routes. Decisions regarding specific road travel will be left to the discretion of each driver.
-Parents may need to meet the bus at a location closer to a main road if their road remains icy or unsafe.
-Families may choose to transport students to school if they feel that is the safest option.
We ask everyone to take it slow and use caution during morning travel. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as conditions continue to improve.
De Queen Schools will be closed Friday, January 30, 2026, due to ongoing concerns about bus travel on county and side roads.
We want to thank our staff and city crews who worked hard preparing parking lots and campus roads for a safe return. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding. #LeopardFamily
We want to thank our staff and city crews who worked hard preparing parking lots and campus roads for a safe return. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding. #LeopardFamily
☕❄️ Due to icy road conditions, De Queen Public Schools will not be in session Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Cozy up, Leopard Family! Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy a little hot chocolate time today. 💛🖤
#LeopardFamily
Cozy up, Leopard Family! Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy a little hot chocolate time today. 💛🖤
#LeopardFamily
🛷❄️ Due to icy road conditions, De Queen Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Our Leopard finally decided to join in on the fun!
Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy another cozy winter day, #LeopardFamily! 💛🖤
Our Leopard finally decided to join in on the fun!
Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy another cozy winter day, #LeopardFamily! 💛🖤
Due to icy road conditions, De Queen Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Please continue to monitor our communication channels for updates.
Stay safe and warm.
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Please continue to monitor our communication channels for updates.
Stay safe and warm.
De Queen Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026.
We will continue to evaluate conditions and communicate any additional closures as soon as possible.
Stay safe and warm.
We will continue to evaluate conditions and communicate any additional closures as soon as possible.
Stay safe and warm.
De Queen Public Schools Announces Drew Dykes named De Queen Leopard Head Football Coach
The De Queen Public Schools Board of Directors approved several leadership transitions during its regular meeting Monday, Jan. 12, following the announcement that Transportation Director Todd Pinkerton will retire at the end of the school year.
As part of the approved changes, Richard Bell will assume the role of transportation director while continuing to serve as head athletic director for De Queen Public Schools. With Bell stepping away from the head football coaching position, the board approved Drew Dykes as the new De Queen High School Leopard head football coach. Dykes will also serve as assistant athletic director.
Dykes is a De Queen High School graduate and lifelong Leopard. He grew up attending Leopard football games every Friday night and went on to play for the program from 2014 through 2016. His deep connection to the school and community brings a strong sense of pride and continuity to the position.
Dykes has spent the past three seasons coaching at De Queen Public Schools, most recently serving as head junior high football coach. During that time, his teams showed significant growth, posting an overall record of 15-12, including a 14-5 mark over the last two seasons. The junior high program captured a 5A South Conference championship, the first for the program since 2014, and consistently demonstrated improvement from the first game of the season to the last.
In addition to football, Dykes has served in multiple head coaching roles, including head junior high boys basketball coach and head senior high boys and girls track coach. His coaching philosophy centers on discipline, pride, strength development, and adapting schemes to best fit the strengths of his players.
“I believe in building off a kid’s strengths and motivating our players to compete with pride and passion,” Dykes said. “In order to have success, we have to be the most disciplined team on the field.”
Athletic Director Richard Bell expressed strong confidence in the hire.
“When looking for a head coach, there are many boxes you try to check during the hiring process, including dependability, character, work ethic, discipline, player development, loyalty, and love for the sport and the town of De Queen,” Bell said. “Most coaches will check a few of those boxes, but it is rare to find one who checks them all. We are fortunate to have a coach on staff who does.
“Drew Dykes, though young in his years as a coach, has the qualities of a seasoned veteran. His character as a man and his ability to lead young men both on and off the football field are exactly what you look for in a head coach. I believe his success will be based on more than wins and losses. It will be based on the young men he helps mold into successful adults that the town of De Queen can be proud of.
“What excites me about this hire as athletic director is knowing I am hiring a coach I would trust with my own children, as well as the children of this community. Drew Dykes is that coach. He is a Leopard at heart and will do a great job leading the next chapter of De Queen football.”
As he steps into the varsity role, Dykes looks forward to coaching many of the same players he previously led at the junior high level and continuing to build on the foundation already in place.
“This opportunity means the world to me,” Dykes said. “Leopard football has been a huge part of my life, and I am honored to be trusted with this program. I am thankful to the school board, administration, Coach Bell, and this community, and I am ready to get to work.”
De Queen Public Schools looks forward to continued growth and success within the Leopard football program under Dykes’ leadership.
The De Queen Public Schools Board of Directors approved several leadership transitions during its regular meeting Monday, Jan. 12, following the announcement that Transportation Director Todd Pinkerton will retire at the end of the school year.
As part of the approved changes, Richard Bell will assume the role of transportation director while continuing to serve as head athletic director for De Queen Public Schools. With Bell stepping away from the head football coaching position, the board approved Drew Dykes as the new De Queen High School Leopard head football coach. Dykes will also serve as assistant athletic director.
Dykes is a De Queen High School graduate and lifelong Leopard. He grew up attending Leopard football games every Friday night and went on to play for the program from 2014 through 2016. His deep connection to the school and community brings a strong sense of pride and continuity to the position.
Dykes has spent the past three seasons coaching at De Queen Public Schools, most recently serving as head junior high football coach. During that time, his teams showed significant growth, posting an overall record of 15-12, including a 14-5 mark over the last two seasons. The junior high program captured a 5A South Conference championship, the first for the program since 2014, and consistently demonstrated improvement from the first game of the season to the last.
In addition to football, Dykes has served in multiple head coaching roles, including head junior high boys basketball coach and head senior high boys and girls track coach. His coaching philosophy centers on discipline, pride, strength development, and adapting schemes to best fit the strengths of his players.
“I believe in building off a kid’s strengths and motivating our players to compete with pride and passion,” Dykes said. “In order to have success, we have to be the most disciplined team on the field.”
Athletic Director Richard Bell expressed strong confidence in the hire.
“When looking for a head coach, there are many boxes you try to check during the hiring process, including dependability, character, work ethic, discipline, player development, loyalty, and love for the sport and the town of De Queen,” Bell said. “Most coaches will check a few of those boxes, but it is rare to find one who checks them all. We are fortunate to have a coach on staff who does.
“Drew Dykes, though young in his years as a coach, has the qualities of a seasoned veteran. His character as a man and his ability to lead young men both on and off the football field are exactly what you look for in a head coach. I believe his success will be based on more than wins and losses. It will be based on the young men he helps mold into successful adults that the town of De Queen can be proud of.
“What excites me about this hire as athletic director is knowing I am hiring a coach I would trust with my own children, as well as the children of this community. Drew Dykes is that coach. He is a Leopard at heart and will do a great job leading the next chapter of De Queen football.”
As he steps into the varsity role, Dykes looks forward to coaching many of the same players he previously led at the junior high level and continuing to build on the foundation already in place.
“This opportunity means the world to me,” Dykes said. “Leopard football has been a huge part of my life, and I am honored to be trusted with this program. I am thankful to the school board, administration, Coach Bell, and this community, and I am ready to get to work.”
De Queen Public Schools looks forward to continued growth and success within the Leopard football program under Dykes’ leadership.
De Queen School District Accepting Referrals for Gifted & Talented Program
The De Queen School District is now accepting referrals for the Gifted and Talented (GT) Program. We are seeking students who demonstrate exceptional abilities in areas such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and academic achievement.
Referrals are open for students in grades 3–12, and all submissions are due by December 9th.
Families, teachers, and community members who wish to refer a student—or anyone who would like more information—may contact Krystal Minchew at kminchew@dequeenleopards.org
or by phone at (870) 642-2426.
The De Queen School District is now accepting referrals for the Gifted and Talented (GT) Program. We are seeking students who demonstrate exceptional abilities in areas such as critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and academic achievement.
Referrals are open for students in grades 3–12, and all submissions are due by December 9th.
Families, teachers, and community members who wish to refer a student—or anyone who would like more information—may contact Krystal Minchew at kminchew@dequeenleopards.org
or by phone at (870) 642-2426.
Arkansas school district letter grades have been released, and we're proud to announce that our district earned a B letter grade for 2024-2025!
This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and families. With a 94% graduation rate and achievement scores above state averages in ELA, Math, and Science, we are moving in the right direction.
We celebrate this milestone while remaining committed to continuous growth and excellence. Every student matters, and we're focused on ensuring all our students are prepared for success in college, career, and life.
Thank you to our entire school community for your partnership and support!
Learn more about our district's performance: https://myschoolinfo.arkansas.gov/district/6701000
Learn more about Arkansas School Performance Report Cards: https://myschoolinfo.arkansas.gov/
This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and families. With a 94% graduation rate and achievement scores above state averages in ELA, Math, and Science, we are moving in the right direction.
We celebrate this milestone while remaining committed to continuous growth and excellence. Every student matters, and we're focused on ensuring all our students are prepared for success in college, career, and life.
Thank you to our entire school community for your partnership and support!
Learn more about our district's performance: https://myschoolinfo.arkansas.gov/district/6701000
Learn more about Arkansas School Performance Report Cards: https://myschoolinfo.arkansas.gov/
De Queen Elementary celebrated its selection for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Shade Trees on Playgrounds (STOP) program with a special tree planting ceremony. Students shared original poetry and helped plant five native shade trees that will provide lasting benefits for both the playground and the community. It was a wonderful morning of learning, teamwork, and growth!
