Springdale names Joenks as Elmdale Elementary assistant principal

Springdale Public Schools has named Peter "Pete" Joenks as the new assistant principal for Elmdale Elementary School.

Joenks said he’s excited about the opportunity to work at Elmdale.

“I like to think of myself as a ‘lifelong learner,’ and I look forward to learning from Ms. Hutton and the entire Elmdale faculty and staff,” Joenks said.

Joenks is returning to Springdale Schools after serving for six years as the Prairie Grove School District assistant superintendent.

He’s been an educator for 36 years and previously worked for Springdale Schools for 27 years.

“I welcome the wonderful return of Mr. Joenks to the Springdale Family,” said Dr. Jared Cleveland, Springdale Public Schools superintendent. “He’s a seasoned educator who loves children and will serve the students of Elmdale admirably.”

Joenks worked as a Central Junior High School science teacher for five years before transitioning to Springdale High School, where he taught chemistry and physics for seven years.

Joenks also served as the George Junior High School assistant principal for a year, as well as the Springdale High School assistant principal for four years prior to being named the high school's principal.

Michele Hutton, Elmdale principal, said Joenks has a strong background in science, and she looks forward to seeing how he engages with students and staff to explore the world of science.

“I’m so excited for Pete Joenks to be our new assistant principal at Elmdale,” Hutton said.

Joenks has a long history with the elementary school, she said.

“His school career began at Elmdale Elementary as a first-grade student,” Hutton said. “When he was in fifth grade, he helped design our Elmdale Eagle logo. He is coming home to where his education all began!”