Ken MCLemore

HOPE – Hope Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart announced today all campuses of the district will pivot to virtual instruction for two additional days because of weather-related issues across southwest Arkansas. The district also announced the continuation of conference tournament basketball play.

“HPS will extend its pivot to virtual instruction two additional days, Monday, Feb. 22, and Tuesday, Feb. 23,” Dr. Hart said in an all-call announcement. “Campuses will be closed for on-site instruction due to road conditions and water safety issues.”

He said all HPS personnel will return to work on-site Tuesday.

“All staff will report to work on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 10 a.m.,” Hart said. “The Hope Public Schools Board meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 22, remains scheduled via Zoom conference at 5:30 p.m.”

HPS Athletics Director Phillip Turner said a meeting of Conference 7-4A ADs Saturday set the remainder of the conference championship tournament brackets and schedule.

“We decided to complete our 7-4A Conference tournament starting on Tuesday, Feb. 23,” Turner said. “The tournament will be on Feb. 23, 25, and 27.”

The Hope Bobcats drew a bye in the first round and will meet Malvern at Jones Field House in Hope on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The winner will advance against Fountain Lake on Feb. 25. The HHS Ladycats lost to Arkadelphia, 40-30, on Feb. 13 in the first round.

The Bobcat Clinic at Hope High School will re-open for physical health services Monday, Feb. 22, Gretchen Carlton, clinic director announced.
“Even though the school district is pivoting, we will be open and anyone needing an appointment should call 722-2733, option 2 to schedule,” Carlton said. “Hours will be from 8-11 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.”