Murmil Education Center, a facility within the El Dorado School District that provides alternative learning services to K-12 students throughout the district, recently received a state-wide award for student Keaton Nixon and recognition for the entire program. We celebrated the small grant we were given. .
Mr. Nixon accepted the Diamond Award on behalf of the Arkansas Association of Alternative Educators (AAAE) in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and Office of Alternative Education. The award ceremony was held on February 13th at the Arkansas State Capitol. On the same day, Murmil Education Center also received a Mini-Grant of Light of Hope.
The program is comprised of AE students from kindergarten through 12th grade and the HUB program, and currently serves approximately 152 students, according to Murmil AE Director Casey Portia. She added that in the past two years combined, Murmil has served more than 340 students. Of these, 52 have returned to their original schools and 55 have graduated during the 2022-23 school year, with the program currently on track to graduate 56 students in May.
“MEC provides students with a wealth of opportunities to gain successful experiences that will help them become productive members of society.MEC offers a hands-on approach to learning and technology that allows students to learn at their own pace. We employ led instruction,” Porchia wrote in an email to the News-Times.
“MEC has established a ladies and gentlemen’s club where we teach students etiquette, respect for themselves and others, and practice team building and social skills.” “We plan to host community events such as Spring Fest, mother-daughter brunches, college tours and other field trips, host guest speakers, and monthly haircuts at Jason Allan Barber Shop, among many other activities,” she said. continued.
According to Porchia, the MEC established a committee of 13 community members in August 2023, known as the Murmil on the Move Committee.
“This committee has played an important role in the success of our program. We appreciate their efforts in our effort to produce outstanding students who quickly become successful adults. ,” Porchia said. Mr. Porchia went on to say that the El Dorado community, the El Dorado School District, Superintendent Jim Tucker, the El Dorado Board of Education, Dawson Educational Services Cooperative, Murmil staff, parents and, “most importantly, are committed to making our education strong. I expressed my gratitude to the MEC students who held on to me.” They had a vision and accepted our help. ”
Portia credited those efforts with the recognition he received for Dawson, the February program, and the state Capitol.
“Murmil Education Center aims to do all we can to support our students on their journey and will continue to strive to provide the best educational opportunities for our students. Everyone’s journey is different. But no less impactful than we are.' In the midst of our next generation of future leaders, that's what makes this journey so worthwhile.'' said.
