AES~ Save the Date Announcement!
OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT - PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE!
Students have opportunities to pursue pathways in high school that prepare them for careers and achieve Merit Demonstration and Diploma Distinction recognition while in high school! ORSD offers courses, practicum experiences and industry-recognized certifications in a number of pathways that include high demand, high wage (H2) pathways.
Pathways offered include:
Accounting
Ag Power, Structural & Technical Systems
Animal Systems
Banking
Construction
Culinary Arts
Management
Pre-Educator
Software Development
Advanced Placement (AP)
Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy
In partnership with post-secondary for concurrent credit, ORSD - Acorn and Oden students can earn college credit that lead to certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and associate degrees. The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain provides H2 pathway programs in partnership with Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden students in the following programs:
Medical Professions
Advanced Manufacturing: Welding
Advanced Manufacturing: Machine Tool
Automotive Technology
Concurrent Credit
Contact our high school offices for more information:
Oden High School
135 School Drive
Oden, AR 71961
(870) 326-4311
Mrs. Elicia Bergum, Oden K-12 Principal
Mrs. Apryl Philpot, Oden K-12 Counselor
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mr. Dewayne Taylor, Acorn High School Principal
Mrs. Tammy Young, Acorn High School Counselor
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
Students have opportunities to pursue pathways in high school that prepare them for careers and achieve Merit Demonstration and Diploma Distinction recognition while in high school! ORSD offers courses, practicum experiences and industry-recognized certifications in a number of pathways that include high demand, high wage (H2) pathways.
Pathways offered include:
Accounting
Ag Power, Structural & Technical Systems
Animal Systems
Banking
Construction
Culinary Arts
Management
Pre-Educator
Software Development
Advanced Placement (AP)
Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy
In partnership with post-secondary for concurrent credit, ORSD - Acorn and Oden students can earn college credit that lead to certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and associate degrees. The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain provides H2 pathway programs in partnership with Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden students in the following programs:
Medical Professions
Advanced Manufacturing: Welding
Advanced Manufacturing: Machine Tool
Automotive Technology
Concurrent Credit
Contact our high school offices for more information:
Oden High School
135 School Drive
Oden, AR 71961
(870) 326-4311
Mrs. Elicia Bergum, Oden K-12 Principal
Mrs. Apryl Philpot, Oden K-12 Counselor
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mr. Dewayne Taylor, Acorn High School Principal
Mrs. Tammy Young, Acorn High School Counselor
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
Oden High School & HCI Partnership
On Thursday, August 14th, Oden High School conducted their annual physicals for student athletes. Oden Schools had a wonderful opportunity to host Healthy Connections, Inc., who provided physicals for our dedicated athletes! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Healthy Connections team for supporting our students' health and wellness.
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Photos courtesy of Coach Colby Kennedy
On Thursday, August 14th, Oden High School conducted their annual physicals for student athletes. Oden Schools had a wonderful opportunity to host Healthy Connections, Inc., who provided physicals for our dedicated athletes! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Healthy Connections team for supporting our students' health and wellness.
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Photos courtesy of Coach Colby Kennedy
ATTN: ORSD Students & Parents/Guardians
The Monday Program at Acorn and Oden Schools will not be available on the following date:
Monday, August 18, 2025
The ORSD Monday Program will resume on Monday, August 25, 2025 - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM.
If you have questions or need additional information about the ORSD Monday Program, please contact your child’s building office.
Oden K-12 Schools
(870) 326-4311
Acorn Elementary School
(479) 394-4833
Acorn High School
(479) 394-5544
The Monday Program at Acorn and Oden Schools will not be available on the following date:
Monday, August 18, 2025
The ORSD Monday Program will resume on Monday, August 25, 2025 - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM.
If you have questions or need additional information about the ORSD Monday Program, please contact your child’s building office.
Oden K-12 Schools
(870) 326-4311
Acorn Elementary School
(479) 394-4833
Acorn High School
(479) 394-5544
Goodner Accepted Into Project STEM-Amazon Future Engineer Sponsorship Program
We are proud to announce that Mrs. Makaila Goodner, our Acorn High School Computer Science teacher, has been officially accepted into the Project STEM–Amazon Future Engineer Sponsorship Program for the 2025–2026 school year!
This prestigious partnership brings free, high-quality computer science curriculum, professional development, and classroom resources to our students—sponsored by Amazon through the Project STEM initiative. It's a huge step toward giving every student access to the skills and opportunities of the future, no matter where they come from.
This program makes tech education real-world and engaging, meaning Acorn students will be learning coding, problem-solving, and cutting-edge tech skills that prepare them for college, careers, and beyond.
#AmazonFutureEngineer #ProjectSTEM #CSforAll #ComputerScience #STEMEducation #RealWorldLearning #AHSComputing
Congratulations, Mrs. Makaila Goodner!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
We are proud to announce that Mrs. Makaila Goodner, our Acorn High School Computer Science teacher, has been officially accepted into the Project STEM–Amazon Future Engineer Sponsorship Program for the 2025–2026 school year!
This prestigious partnership brings free, high-quality computer science curriculum, professional development, and classroom resources to our students—sponsored by Amazon through the Project STEM initiative. It's a huge step toward giving every student access to the skills and opportunities of the future, no matter where they come from.
This program makes tech education real-world and engaging, meaning Acorn students will be learning coding, problem-solving, and cutting-edge tech skills that prepare them for college, careers, and beyond.
#AmazonFutureEngineer #ProjectSTEM #CSforAll #ComputerScience #STEMEducation #RealWorldLearning #AHSComputing
Congratulations, Mrs. Makaila Goodner!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses
Just a friendly reminder!
1st day of school on the Acorn and Oden campuses starts Tuesday, August 12, 2025!
School day starts at 7:45 AM
We look forward to serving you in 2025-2026!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Just a friendly reminder!
1st day of school on the Acorn and Oden campuses starts Tuesday, August 12, 2025!
School day starts at 7:45 AM
We look forward to serving you in 2025-2026!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Acorn Anglers will be hosting a FISH FRY FUNDRAISER!
Saturday, August 16th
3:30 - 5:30 PM
Old Main parking lot - Acorn campus
See flyer attached!
Saturday, August 16th
3:30 - 5:30 PM
Old Main parking lot - Acorn campus
See flyer attached!
Acorn Anglers Host 1st Fishing Tournament for 2025-2026 Season
Acorn’s newly-formed bass fishing team, The Acorn Anglers, held their first tournament of the 2025-26 season last Saturday, August 2nd, at Gillham Lake. It was a beautiful opening day and we were proud to host 11 boats, with 25 student anglers participating!
Congratulations to Kooper Strother and JJ Bass for taking first place in the senior division, and to Caston Horn and Trey Martin for placing second. First place for the junior division went to a brother/sister team, AbiGail and Elijah Slaten. Chisum and Addis Myers, another sibling team, won the “trash fish” award for the juniors, and JJ Bass took the senior “trash fish” award with a nice big catfish. Rounding out the prizes, a big shout out to Beau Rodgers for taking the coveted BIG BASS award for the senior division with a nice weight of 4.4, and AbiGail Slaten for BIG BASS, juniors.
We would like to give a special thanks and HUGE SHOUT OUT to our sponsors for this event:
WeighTech (Waldron)
Myers Cruizzers (Mena)
4J Fishing and Hunting (Mena)
Toby and Eric Hollin (Mena)
Doodle Sockin’ Outdoors (Mena)
True Value (Waldron)
Slaten Lawn Care (Waldron)
A big thank you as well to all the parents who helped with the food and drinks for lunch; we appreciate your support so much!
If you have a 4th to 12th grade student who is interested in joining the anglers for this school year, please contact one of the two school sponsors for this team: Mrs. Kelly Slaten or Mrs. Toby Hollin. Please contact us if you have questions or need information. We are excited and looking forward to a great season!
Congratulations to our first tournament junior high and senior high division winners: Kooper Strother, JJ Bass, Caston Horn, Trey Martin, AbiGail Slaten, Elijah Slaten, Beau Rodgers, Chisum Myers, Addis Myers and all of our Acorn Anglers for your achievements! We are proud of you!
A huge thank you to our sponsors: Mrs. Toby Hollin and Mrs. Kelly Slaten for your leadership and service and to parents, families and community for your generosity and support!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#AEStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
Acorn’s newly-formed bass fishing team, The Acorn Anglers, held their first tournament of the 2025-26 season last Saturday, August 2nd, at Gillham Lake. It was a beautiful opening day and we were proud to host 11 boats, with 25 student anglers participating!
Congratulations to Kooper Strother and JJ Bass for taking first place in the senior division, and to Caston Horn and Trey Martin for placing second. First place for the junior division went to a brother/sister team, AbiGail and Elijah Slaten. Chisum and Addis Myers, another sibling team, won the “trash fish” award for the juniors, and JJ Bass took the senior “trash fish” award with a nice big catfish. Rounding out the prizes, a big shout out to Beau Rodgers for taking the coveted BIG BASS award for the senior division with a nice weight of 4.4, and AbiGail Slaten for BIG BASS, juniors.
We would like to give a special thanks and HUGE SHOUT OUT to our sponsors for this event:
WeighTech (Waldron)
Myers Cruizzers (Mena)
4J Fishing and Hunting (Mena)
Toby and Eric Hollin (Mena)
Doodle Sockin’ Outdoors (Mena)
True Value (Waldron)
Slaten Lawn Care (Waldron)
A big thank you as well to all the parents who helped with the food and drinks for lunch; we appreciate your support so much!
If you have a 4th to 12th grade student who is interested in joining the anglers for this school year, please contact one of the two school sponsors for this team: Mrs. Kelly Slaten or Mrs. Toby Hollin. Please contact us if you have questions or need information. We are excited and looking forward to a great season!
Congratulations to our first tournament junior high and senior high division winners: Kooper Strother, JJ Bass, Caston Horn, Trey Martin, AbiGail Slaten, Elijah Slaten, Beau Rodgers, Chisum Myers, Addis Myers and all of our Acorn Anglers for your achievements! We are proud of you!
A huge thank you to our sponsors: Mrs. Toby Hollin and Mrs. Kelly Slaten for your leadership and service and to parents, families and community for your generosity and support!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#AEStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District
Through a safe, caring, and serving environment, students learn, grow, excel, and succeed...this is our mission in preparing students for LIFE!
THANK YOU for choosing OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT "BEST OF THE BEST" SCHOOL SYSTEM!
We value your support and partnership in providing excellence in education and preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
We value your support and partnership in providing excellence in education and preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
ATTN: ORSD -Acorn Campus Students and Parents
ACORN CAMPUS BUS ROUTES
Please reference information attached for bus route pick up and drop off times and locations.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your child's building office.
Acorn Elementary School Office
(479) 394-4833
Acorn High School Office
(479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
ACORN CAMPUS BUS ROUTES
Please reference information attached for bus route pick up and drop off times and locations.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your child's building office.
Acorn Elementary School Office
(479) 394-4833
Acorn High School Office
(479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
ATTENTION - Preschool Registration at ORSD! Current openings!
2025-2026 Acorn Preschool Registration
To register, child must be 3 or 4 years of age on or by August 1, 2025.
The following documentation is needed for registration:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Current immunization record
- Current physical
- Verification of household income & address
- Completed application
Applications may be obtained from the Acorn Elementary School Office or ORSD Administration Office.
Acorn Preschool
Kathy Medford Preschool Building
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833 x, 416
#orsdlifeprep
2025-2026 Acorn Preschool Registration
To register, child must be 3 or 4 years of age on or by August 1, 2025.
The following documentation is needed for registration:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Current immunization record
- Current physical
- Verification of household income & address
- Completed application
Applications may be obtained from the Acorn Elementary School Office or ORSD Administration Office.
Acorn Preschool
Kathy Medford Preschool Building
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833 x, 416
#orsdlifeprep
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENT!
The Ouachita Children’s Coalition and all area school districts are hosting a BACK TO SCHOOL BASH on August 2nd!
Saturday, August 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Historic Armory Building - Maple Street
Event is for ALL Polk County Students - PreK to 12th Grade and their families!
School supplies, yard sale-no sale items, hot dogs, bottled water, and more - FREE!
The Ouachita Children’s Coalition and all area school districts are hosting a BACK TO SCHOOL BASH on August 2nd!
Saturday, August 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Historic Armory Building - Maple Street
Event is for ALL Polk County Students - PreK to 12th Grade and their families!
School supplies, yard sale-no sale items, hot dogs, bottled water, and more - FREE!
ORSD - Acorn Campus Backpack Food Distribution
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Acorn High School Office (building check-in entrance)
For more information, contact: Dewayne Taylor, AHS Principal
(479) 394-5544
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Acorn High School Office (building check-in entrance)
For more information, contact: Dewayne Taylor, AHS Principal
(479) 394-5544
ATTN: ORSD Students & Parents/Guardians
Acorn and Oden Schools grades pre-K - 12th will be hosting the ORSD Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, August 7th and Open House events on each respective campus. See attached schedules for campus dates, times, location and details.
School starts on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 for grades K-12 on the Acorn and Oden campuses. School will be regular session on Tuesdays - Fridays, 7:45 AM to 4:13 PM. ORSD will also provide education program on Mondays. Information about Monday program will be available at Open House events.
Basic school supplies will be provided for K-12 at Acorn and Oden campuses. For more information, please contact your child's building office.
We look forward to welcoming and serving each of you and your family this year! Ouachita River School District....preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Acorn and Oden Schools grades pre-K - 12th will be hosting the ORSD Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, August 7th and Open House events on each respective campus. See attached schedules for campus dates, times, location and details.
School starts on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 for grades K-12 on the Acorn and Oden campuses. School will be regular session on Tuesdays - Fridays, 7:45 AM to 4:13 PM. ORSD will also provide education program on Mondays. Information about Monday program will be available at Open House events.
Basic school supplies will be provided for K-12 at Acorn and Oden campuses. For more information, please contact your child's building office.
We look forward to welcoming and serving each of you and your family this year! Ouachita River School District....preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT & REMINDER!!!
Students enrolled in the Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden Schools
Nutrition Services - Meals & Menus for 2025-2026 School Year
All Meals are FREE of charge to all students
Mondays
• Breakfast for all students
• Lunch for all students
Tuesdays - Fridays
● Breakfast for all students
● Lunch for all students (K-6 will have one choice and 7-12 will have two choices)
● Each student will receive an afternoon snack
● All menus are located on our website Ouachitariversd.org > Lunch Menu > Choose grade and school
● Preschool will receive breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack
Only one application should be submitted for each household.. You can complete the online meal application with the following link: https://secure.ezmealapp.com/ApplicationScreen.aspx or access the link on the Ouachita River School District website at:
www.ouachitariversd.org > MENU > CAFETERIA > EZ Meal Online Application
Non-Discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/.../USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form..., from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442;
or
email: program.intake@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
ATTN: ORSD Students, Parents/Guardians
In compliance with Arkansas Act 122, the Ouachita River School District will implement the "Bell to Bell, No Cell Act" beginning the 2025-26 school year.
-The law applies to all Ouachita River School District campuses - Acorn and Oden and all schools in Arkansas.
-Students will not be permitted to use cellular and personal electronic devices from the beginning bell (official start of school day) to the dismissal bell. Usage of cellular and personal electronic devices will be prohibited during class time, between classes, during recesses, and at lunch.
-Exceptions will only be made for students with special circumstances, as outlined in the law. These students will be permitted to utilize devices in designated areas of the building for temporary and limited use, as outlined in their approved 504/IEP plan.
-Additional policy details will be shared in student handbooks and at Open House events on each respective campus.
In compliance with Arkansas Act 122, the Ouachita River School District will implement the "Bell to Bell, No Cell Act" beginning the 2025-26 school year.
-The law applies to all Ouachita River School District campuses - Acorn and Oden and all schools in Arkansas.
-Students will not be permitted to use cellular and personal electronic devices from the beginning bell (official start of school day) to the dismissal bell. Usage of cellular and personal electronic devices will be prohibited during class time, between classes, during recesses, and at lunch.
-Exceptions will only be made for students with special circumstances, as outlined in the law. These students will be permitted to utilize devices in designated areas of the building for temporary and limited use, as outlined in their approved 504/IEP plan.
-Additional policy details will be shared in student handbooks and at Open House events on each respective campus.
ATTN: ORSD Students & Parents/Guardians
Acorn and Oden Schools grades pre-K - 12th will be hosting the ORSD Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, August 7th and Open House events on each respective campus. See attached schedules for campus dates, times, location and details.
School starts on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 for grades K-12 on the Acorn and Oden campuses. School will be regular session on Tuesdays - Fridays, 7:45 AM to 4:13 PM. ORSD will also provide education program on Mondays. Information about Monday program will be available at Open House events.
Basic school supplies will be provided for K-12 at Acorn and Oden campuses. For more information, please contact your child's building office.
We look forward to welcoming and serving each of you and your family this year! Ouachita River School District....preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Acorn and Oden Schools grades pre-K - 12th will be hosting the ORSD Annual Public Meeting on Thursday, August 7th and Open House events on each respective campus. See attached schedules for campus dates, times, location and details.
School starts on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 for grades K-12 on the Acorn and Oden campuses. School will be regular session on Tuesdays - Fridays, 7:45 AM to 4:13 PM. ORSD will also provide education program on Mondays. Information about Monday program will be available at Open House events.
Basic school supplies will be provided for K-12 at Acorn and Oden campuses. For more information, please contact your child's building office.
We look forward to welcoming and serving each of you and your family this year! Ouachita River School District....preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
ORSD - Acorn Campus Backpack Food Distribution
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (noon)
Location: Acorn High School Office (building check-in entrance)
For more information, contact: Dewayne Taylor, AHS Principal
(479) 394-5544
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (noon)
Location: Acorn High School Office (building check-in entrance)
For more information, contact: Dewayne Taylor, AHS Principal
(479) 394-5544
Welcome to the ORSD Family!
Tawana Davis will be joining the ORSD - Acorn campus family for the 2025-2026 school year and will be working as a Food Service Technician serving in the Acorn Cafetorium.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
Tawana Davis will be joining the ORSD - Acorn campus family for the 2025-2026 school year and will be working as a Food Service Technician serving in the Acorn Cafetorium.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
Welcome to the ORSD Family!
Josie Nichols will be joining the ORSD - Acorn Elementary School family for the 2025-2026 school year and will be teaching 4th Grade Math & Science.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
Josie Nichols will be joining the ORSD - Acorn Elementary School family for the 2025-2026 school year and will be teaching 4th Grade Math & Science.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
