Janet Hornberger has been selected as the Springdale Public Schools Coordinated School Health and Treehouse Pantry coordinator.
"I feel incredibly excited and terrified, but in a good way! My sister's life mantra is 'do it scared' or miss out on a lot of the good things life has to offer," Hornberger said. "I'm moving forward doing it scared, but not alone. I have an awesome support system cheering me on, and I am so grateful for each of them."
The Coordinated School Health Coordinator will partner with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Arkansas Department of Health to provide professional development and resources to assist school personnel with addressing the needs of the whole child in the school setting, said Damon Donnell, Springdale Public Schools Student Services director.
"I’m excited to welcome Janet Hornberger as the Coordinated School Health and Treehouse Pantry coordinator," said Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Public Schools superintendent. "Her years of experience in the Springdale School District will guide her in making a positive impact in our community. Ms. Hornberger has a heart for service and a passion for helping families in our community."
The Coordinated School Health Coordinator will focus on improving student health and academic achievement through nutrition, physical activity, management of chronic disease and other public health issues relevant to inhibiting student academic achievement, he said. Hornberger will also be responsible for daily operations at the Treehouse Pantry, which include supervising pantry staff, coordinating special events and ensuring inventory is stocked, rotated and available for giving and receiving.
Hornberger has worked with Springdale Schools for 17 years and has held positions as a kindergarten and special education instructional assistant at Bayyari Elementary School, a special education instructional assistant at Sonora Elementary School and a 21st Century Community Learning Center Service learning group instructor at Helen Tyson Middle School. Hornberger has also worked as a library instructional assistant at Harp Elementary School, as well as a social worker at Bayyari, Parson Hills and Harp elementary schools, Sonora Middle School and Don Tyson School of Innovation.
Hornberger is transitioning to her new position after serving as a social worker at Bayyari and Harp elementary schools.
She holds an associate degree from NorthWest Arkansas Community College and a bachelor's in social work from the University of Arkansas.
"My husband and I have 13 grown children and 32 grandchildren," Hornberger said. "During my free time, you will likely find me at my happy place, Hobby Lobby, and then in my craft room creating something new!"
Hornberger began her new position as the district's Coordinated School Health and Treehouse Pantry coordinator on Aug. 1. She is replacing Mrs. Mary Miller, who retired.
Hornberger was named Social Worker of the Year for 2019-2020, Donnell said.
"She is an outstanding social worker who has a heart for this community," he said.