Tony has shared his story with audiences across the country for more than a decade, helping young people understand the link between mental health, personal choices, and long-term success. He spent years battling anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, eventually serving time in prison. While incarcerated, he committed to rebuilding his life through discipline and small daily habits. That commitment carried him into a professional BMX career, where he competed at the highest levels and later coached at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
In Gravette, Tony spoke openly about the traps of negative belief systems, the importance of supportive friendships and trusted adults, and how discipline is like a muscle that grows stronger when you use it. He reminded students how the little things like making your bed, brushing your teeth, even picking up the ice cube that falls on the floor-are practice for the bigger challenges in life.
After his talk, students joined in a Q&A, asking about his BMX and Olympic experiences, his favorite sports, and his family. The room lit up when he shared his love for sushi, but controversy erupted when he claimed In-and-Out was superior to Whataburger. He also shared a love for dogs and more about his relationship with his father and his step-son.
Tony’s message to our students was that perspective, discipline, and support systems can change the course of a life. His visit reminded both students and staff that even after hardship, each day is a chance to choose good habits. 🧡🦁 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
Some stories began in high school, some online, some in a principal’s office, and some have been going strong for decades. Each one reminds us that Gravette is where connections last forever and always.
Congratulations to the happy couples who have made the workplace their home away from home. Your classrooms, gyms, offices, and rehearsal halls are part of your family story. Thank you for sharing your love, your laughter, and your example with our students and community. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
🎗️ Gravette is Going Gold on September 4! We’ll be joining other schools across Northwest Arkansas in recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Students and staff are encouraged to wear gold or yellow to show support for children fighting cancer and their families. At Gravette Middle School, this is especially meaningful as one of our Lions is currently battling brain cancer.
Your support shows strength and solidarity with families facing the hardship of childhood cancer. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
This honor comes on the heels of her selection for Arkansas Girls State this summer, and she has now also been invited to Columbia University’s STARS Fly-In program in October.
Leslie’s hard work and leadership continue to open doors and shine a spotlight on the strength of Gravette students. Congratulations, Leslie! Keep up the great work. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
📅 Tuesday, September 9, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Lion Learning Center
A panel of special education teachers from each school, a speech-language pathologist, and the special education director will be present to answer questions and share guidance. We hope to see you there! 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
• Glenn A. Duffy Elementary – 2:10 PM (K–2), 2:45 PM (Pre-K)
• Gravette Upper Elementary – 2:25 PM
• Gravette Middle School – 2:30 PM
• Gravette High School – 2:45 PM
🔗 More info here: https://www.gravetteschools.net/page/student-drop-off-pick-up
📍 GUE’s line typically moves faster, and this order can help reduce wait times for both schools.
🔗 See each school’s traffic details here:
GDE: https://www.gravetteschools.net/o/gde/page/bell-schedule
GUE: https://www.gravetteschools.net/o/gue/page/bell-schedule
Thanks for working with us to keep traffic flowing and make mornings and afternoons easier for everyone. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
🏫 The 21st Century After School Program program begins Tuesday, September 2, 2025, and serves Kindergarten through 8th grade at no cost to families. The 21st CCLC Program provides afterschool tutoring, homework help, learning, and enrichment time with a certified teacher. Space is limited to 125 students, with applications opening August 7 and acceptance notifications sent the week of August 22.
🔗 Program Webpage: https://www.gravetteschools.net/page/21st-century-after-school-program
📄 FAQ Document: https://5il.co/2t742
📝 Application Form: https://5il.co/1fyp9
The program runs Monday through Thursday from dismissal until 5:30 p.m. Attendance is required most days to keep a spot in the program, and all pickups will be through the Upper Elementary car rider line between 4:30–5:30 p.m.
A physical paper copy of the sign-up form is preferred and can be picked up from the school office. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
Thank you to First Christian Church and Grand Savings Bank for sponsoring dinner and supporting the mentor training. With guided tours, team activities, and helpful information about courses and routines, the event helped set a strong foundation for the year ahead.
We’re also proud of our student mentors who gave their time to welcome and guide incoming freshmen. Their leadership set a great example and helped establish connections that will last for years. And thank you to Mr. Griffith and student volunteer Allison Arrue for providing photos to help us share the experience. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
A Special School Board Meeting will be held tonight, August 7th at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Gravette School District Administration Building (609 Birmingham Street SE Gravette, AR 72736). Access the Agenda with this link: https://5il.co/3nh6s Find more information about the Gravette School Board here: https://gravetteschools.net/board
🦁 Educators from Gravette High School and Gravette Middle School gathered this week for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) training at the Lion Learning Center.
The session brought together general education and special services staff to study how small changes in classroom design can lead to better outcomes for every learner.
Gravette Schools has entered a three-year partnership with CAST, the national leader in UDL, to strengthen instructional practices across the district. Special services is also working with the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative to provide continued training and support for this work.
Special Education Director Tyler Matlock shared, “We are very excited at what the practices of UDL can do for our students in Gravette Schools. Finding ways to give more access to students of all levels of need in the general education classroom is the goal of our department and district. Partnering with CAST helps us do just that.”
This collaboration reflects a long-term commitment to building systems that work for all students. 🧡 #GravetteSchools #LionPride
🚌 Bus enrollment and tracking just got an upgrade. Gravette Schools are now using Transact for transportation sign-up and a new mobile app for live bus tracking and notifications.
🔗 Read more: https://www.gravetteschools.net/article/2311713
Families will need to create a Transact account to enroll. A separate mobile app, EZ A2B can now be used to access route information once enrollment is complete. 🦁🧡 #GravetteSchools #LionPride
Need School Supplies for 2025–2026? Sign Up Now!
Bright Futures Gravette is giving away free backpacks filled with school supplies to students enrolled in the Gravette School District.
🔗 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/UuvMMccUtSc4wTVW7
If your child needs a backpack and supplies for the upcoming school year, fill out the form by August 1 to reserve your spot. Supplies will be ready for pickup during Open House. Let’s make sure every student starts the year ready to learn!
🖥️ Chromebook pickup for Gravette High School and Gravette Middle School is scheduled for next week. Devices will be available from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on both days.
📅 July 30–31, 2025 (Wednesday and Thursday)
⏰ 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Gravette High School Arena (enter through arena doors)
📍 Gravette Middle School (enter through front office doors)
Students must have all repair fees from last year paid in full before a Chromebook can be issued. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
🏠 Glenn Duffy Elementary will host its Open House on Thursday, August 7th! Families are invited to explore classrooms, meet teachers, and learn more about the 2025–2026 school year.
This event is a chance for both new and returning families to meet the principal, connect with staff, and hear about the programs that shape learning at Glenn Duffy Elementary. Classroom tours will be available, and curriculum information will be shared throughout the evening.
📅 Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 Location: 601 El Paso Street SE
Additionally, classroom assignments will be ready for pickup beginning Monday, August 4, in the front office. Each student will receive a scratch-off postcard revealing their teacher for the year. If you’re unable to pick it up in advance, postcards will also be available at the Open House.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and starting the year strong. 🦁🧡
#LionPride #GravetteSchools #LionLeaders #LeaderInMe
Freshman Boot Camp is an annual event for incoming 9th graders to come and preview the campus, explore their classes, and get great information about academic expectations, clubs and extracurricular activities. Freshmen will be introduced to upperclassmen mentors, get some answers to questions, and have fun along the way! This event helps ease the transition to high school and gives students a head start on finding their place at GHS.
📅 Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00–5:30 PM
📍 Location: Gravette High School
A parent meeting and Open House will follow at 5:30 PM. Visit www.gravetteschools.net/boot to register online or stop by the high school office to sign up. 🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
This year’s registration fee was a canned or non-perishable food item. These donations will be given to the 58:10 Food Pantry. We're proud of our Lions for giving back and putting in the work this summer on the field and in the community.
🎥 Watch the full story from KNWA: https://www.nwahomepage.com/video/youth-football-camp-held-in-gravette/10871111/
The two-day camp wraps up tonight from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at Lions Stadium. 🦁🧡 #LionPride #GravetteSchools
This short appointment helps our Kindergarten teachers get to know your child and prepare for a smooth first day.
📅 Friday, August 1, 2025
⏰ Time slots available after online enrollment
📍 Glenn Duffy Elementary
To sign up for a screening time, you’ll need to complete your child’s online enrollment first at www.gravetteschools.net/enroll. Once enrollment is verified, you’ll receive a link to schedule your appointment. Children must be fully enrolled before attending a screening. 🦁🧡
#GravetteSchools #LionPride
