ORSD Welcomes Jeb Willborg as Acorn High School Middle and High School Social Studies and History Teacher for 2026-2027 Year!
"My name is Jeb Willborg, and I am excited to be joining the Ouachita River School District team this year. I am a proud graduate of Acorn High School, Class of 2019, and I am very excited to be returning home to teach in the community that helped shape me.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas, I spent two great years teaching in the Berryville School District. My wife, Halli, and I are both very excited to be back home, and I look forward to building relationships with students, families, and the community this school year."
Welcome, Jeb!
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"My name is Jeb Willborg, and I am excited to be joining the Ouachita River School District team this year. I am a proud graduate of Acorn High School, Class of 2019, and I am very excited to be returning home to teach in the community that helped shape me.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas, I spent two great years teaching in the Berryville School District. My wife, Halli, and I are both very excited to be back home, and I look forward to building relationships with students, families, and the community this school year."
Welcome, Jeb!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
ORSD Welcomes Kirstin Cox as Acorn Elementary School Teacher Aide/Paraprofessional for 2026-2027 Year!
"Hi! I am Kirstin Cox, and was born and raised in Hot Springs, AR, and then moved all over the country. I am a United States Navy Veteran, and a lover of books. God has blessed my husband, Jay, and our two sons, Abel and Noah, and I, and we love our little farm on the mountain here in Mena. I am HONORED to be a part of the AES family!"
Welcome, Kirstin!
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"Hi! I am Kirstin Cox, and was born and raised in Hot Springs, AR, and then moved all over the country. I am a United States Navy Veteran, and a lover of books. God has blessed my husband, Jay, and our two sons, Abel and Noah, and I, and we love our little farm on the mountain here in Mena. I am HONORED to be a part of the AES family!"
Welcome, Kirstin!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
ORSD Welcomes Hope Schwoerer as Acorn Elementary School 4th Grade Teacher for 2026-2027 Year!
"Hello, Tigers!
My name is Hope Schwoerer (pronounced sh-where), and I am excited to join the Acorn Elementary Community where I will be teaching 4th Grade Science. I bring with me a love for the outdoors and nearly 20 years of teaching experience. Half of those years were spent teaching in the Austin, Texas area and the other half in central Illinois. With our only son, Ryder, off to college and on his way to becoming a pilot, my husband, Matt, and I are thrilled to be relocating to Mena. We are looking forward to making new friends, hiking trails with beautiful views and exploring the area by motorcycle.”
Welcome, Hope!
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"Hello, Tigers!
My name is Hope Schwoerer (pronounced sh-where), and I am excited to join the Acorn Elementary Community where I will be teaching 4th Grade Science. I bring with me a love for the outdoors and nearly 20 years of teaching experience. Half of those years were spent teaching in the Austin, Texas area and the other half in central Illinois. With our only son, Ryder, off to college and on his way to becoming a pilot, my husband, Matt, and I are thrilled to be relocating to Mena. We are looking forward to making new friends, hiking trails with beautiful views and exploring the area by motorcycle.”
Welcome, Hope!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
2026 ArSCA Conference
Oden K-12 Counselor Apryl Philpot and Acorn High School Counselor Tammy Young attended the 2026 Arkansas School Counselors Association Summer Conference in Hot Springs. The conference theme "Be The Spark" in celebration of the 250 Year Celebration of our nation's independence and recognizing the impact of school counselors in making a difference.
Thank you to the ArSCA Board and Conference Planning Committee for great sessions and speakers to equip counselors for the upcoming year!
#orsdlifeprep
Oden K-12 Counselor Apryl Philpot and Acorn High School Counselor Tammy Young attended the 2026 Arkansas School Counselors Association Summer Conference in Hot Springs. The conference theme "Be The Spark" in celebration of the 250 Year Celebration of our nation's independence and recognizing the impact of school counselors in making a difference.
Thank you to the ArSCA Board and Conference Planning Committee for great sessions and speakers to equip counselors for the upcoming year!
#orsdlifeprep
Ouachita River School District 2026-2027 Year
Acorn and Oden campuses
First Day of School - Tuesday, August 11, 2026
7:45 AM - 4:13 PM
ORSD FY2027 School Calendar
Information about ORSD Public Meetings and Open House events for Acorn Public Schools and Oden Public Schools to be announced soon!
We look forward to serving you in 2026-2027!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Acorn and Oden campuses
First Day of School - Tuesday, August 11, 2026
7:45 AM - 4:13 PM
ORSD FY2027 School Calendar
Information about ORSD Public Meetings and Open House events for Acorn Public Schools and Oden Public Schools to be announced soon!
We look forward to serving you in 2026-2027!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Acorn Schools' Summer Backpack Program
Distribution for the week of June 29 - July 3, 2026 is scheduled:
TUESDAY, JUNE 30th
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Acorn High School Office
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
All ORSD gyms will be closed June 22nd-July 5th.
Jackye Simon Honored 2026 AAPT Award of Excellence
On June 17, 2026, the Arkansas Association for Pupil Transportation held their annual awards banquet and ceremony. The 2026 AAPT Award of Excellence was presented to Jackye Simon ORSD Transportation, Maintenance and Custodial Supervisor.
Jackye always goes above and beyond serving the Ouachita River School District. Congratulations, Jackye on this well deserved honor and recognition! We are proud of you!
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On June 17, 2026, the Arkansas Association for Pupil Transportation held their annual awards banquet and ceremony. The 2026 AAPT Award of Excellence was presented to Jackye Simon ORSD Transportation, Maintenance and Custodial Supervisor.
Jackye always goes above and beyond serving the Ouachita River School District. Congratulations, Jackye on this well deserved honor and recognition! We are proud of you!
#orsdlifeprep
ATTENTION PARENTS OF OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
State and Federal guidelines require that all special education due process forms and records be destroyed after six (6) years after a student leaves the special education or speech therapy program. If your child was dismissed, graduated, or found to not be eligible for speech education services or speech therapy during the 2019-2020 school year, you have the right to review and request copies of your child’s due process records before they are destroyed. Your child also has the right to review these records, provided he or she is eighteen (18) years old or older. If you wish to view these records, they will be available at your child’s school building from August 20, 2026, until September 1, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Records will be destroyed on September 8, 2026. THESE RECORDS ARE NOT YOUR CHILD’S PERMANENT RECORDS. THEY ARE ONLY APPLICABLE TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES.
State and Federal guidelines require that all special education due process forms and records be destroyed after six (6) years after a student leaves the special education or speech therapy program. If your child was dismissed, graduated, or found to not be eligible for speech education services or speech therapy during the 2019-2020 school year, you have the right to review and request copies of your child’s due process records before they are destroyed. Your child also has the right to review these records, provided he or she is eighteen (18) years old or older. If you wish to view these records, they will be available at your child’s school building from August 20, 2026, until September 1, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Records will be destroyed on September 8, 2026. THESE RECORDS ARE NOT YOUR CHILD’S PERMANENT RECORDS. THEY ARE ONLY APPLICABLE TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE RECEIVED SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES.
Acorn Schools' Summer Backpack Program
Distribution for the week of June 15 - 19, 2026 is scheduled:
TUESDAY, JUNE 16th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Acorn High School Office
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Distribution for the week of June 15 - 19, 2026 is scheduled:
TUESDAY, JUNE 16th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Acorn High School Office
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
The following position is now available at ORSD Oden Campus:
Preschool Paraprofessional
If interested, please email your resume to wedwards@orsd.k12.ar.us.
Respectfully,
Jerrall A. Strasner
Superintendent of Schools
Ouachita River School District
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
Preschool Paraprofessional
If interested, please email your resume to wedwards@orsd.k12.ar.us.
Respectfully,
Jerrall A. Strasner
Superintendent of Schools
Ouachita River School District
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
23rd Acorn School Reunion
Saturday, June 20, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Honoring Class of 1985 & Class of 1986
Celebrating Acorn Schools' 150 Years!
Saturday, June 20, 2026
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Honoring Class of 1985 & Class of 1986
Celebrating Acorn Schools' 150 Years!
Calling all future 3rd - 6th grade Tigers! Join us for the Acorn Elementary Basketball Camp, where students will build skills, have fun, and learn the fundamentals of the game in a positive and energetic environment!
📅 Camp Dates & Times:
June 9th & 10th: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
June 11th: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location:
Acorn New Gym
✅ Who Can Attend?
This FREE camp is open to all Acorn Elementary students in 3rd–6th grade.
🏀 What to Bring:
• Clean, gym-appropriate shoes
• Any necessary medical items (inhaler, medications, etc.)
🚗 Drop-Off Information:
Students should be dropped off at the front doors of the gym.
📝 Registration:
Scan the QR code to register in advance, or students may sign up by 8:00 AM on the first day of camp.
This camp is designed to teach the fundamentals of basketball, helping players improve skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game!
❓ Questions?
Please contact Coach Zack Johnson at zjohnson@orsd.k12.ar.us.
Come ready to learn, compete, and have fun! Go Tigers! 🐅🏀
📅 Camp Dates & Times:
June 9th & 10th: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
June 11th: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location:
Acorn New Gym
✅ Who Can Attend?
This FREE camp is open to all Acorn Elementary students in 3rd–6th grade.
🏀 What to Bring:
• Clean, gym-appropriate shoes
• Any necessary medical items (inhaler, medications, etc.)
🚗 Drop-Off Information:
Students should be dropped off at the front doors of the gym.
📝 Registration:
Scan the QR code to register in advance, or students may sign up by 8:00 AM on the first day of camp.
This camp is designed to teach the fundamentals of basketball, helping players improve skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game!
❓ Questions?
Please contact Coach Zack Johnson at zjohnson@orsd.k12.ar.us.
Come ready to learn, compete, and have fun! Go Tigers! 🐅🏀
Celebrating 2026 Ouachita River School District Retirements!
Congratulations to the following dedicated staff and faculty for serving the Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses for many wonderful years! We wish you the very best!
Lisa Pearson - 35.5 years
Jackye Simon - 25 years
Barry Norman - 23 years
Kathy Musgrave - 15 years
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#OHSwolvesSERVE
Congratulations to the following dedicated staff and faculty for serving the Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses for many wonderful years! We wish you the very best!
Lisa Pearson - 35.5 years
Jackye Simon - 25 years
Barry Norman - 23 years
Kathy Musgrave - 15 years
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
📚 Acorn ABC Preschool Enrollment – 2026–2027 School Year 📚
Acorn ABC Preschool is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year!
To enroll, children must be 3 or 4 years old by August 1, 2026.
Applications may be picked up at the Acorn Administration Building, located at:
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
For additional information, please contact us at 479-394-2348 or email:
phackworth@orsd.k12.ar.us
dlane@orsd.k12.ar.us
We look forward to welcoming your child to Acorn ABC Preschool!
Acorn ABC Preschool is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year!
To enroll, children must be 3 or 4 years old by August 1, 2026.
Applications may be picked up at the Acorn Administration Building, located at:
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
For additional information, please contact us at 479-394-2348 or email:
phackworth@orsd.k12.ar.us
dlane@orsd.k12.ar.us
We look forward to welcoming your child to Acorn ABC Preschool!
Acorn High School Rising Juniors are enjoying UARM TRiO 2026 STEM CAMP!
The US Forest Service Mena/Oden Ranger District is hosting a Youth Fishing Derby at the Oden Rifle Range Pond on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. Fishing begins at 8:00 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. Youth 2-15 years old may participate. One rod or pole per child. Bring your own tackle and bait. The pond will be stocked with catchable-size fish.
For directions or additional information, call the Mena Forest Service office at (479)394-2382 or email justin.mitchell@usda.gov
Registration begins at 7 a.m. Fishing begins at 8:00 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. Youth 2-15 years old may participate. One rod or pole per child. Bring your own tackle and bait. The pond will be stocked with catchable-size fish.
For directions or additional information, call the Mena Forest Service office at (479)394-2382 or email justin.mitchell@usda.gov
Acorn Schools' Summer Backpack Program
Distribution for the week of June 1 - June 5, 2026 is scheduled:
THURSDAY, JUNE 4th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Acorn High School Office
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Distribution for the week of June 1 - June 5, 2026 is scheduled:
THURSDAY, JUNE 4th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Acorn High School Office
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Ouachita River School District - Acorn students attended the UARM & DKG Bookstock on the Mountain book authors' event on May 12, 2026 at the UA Rich Mountain Ouachita Center.
Acorn 4th grade students attended the authors' session with Silas Cross, Author of Billy Bob Big Feet: The Swamp Between Us and daughter, Zoe Cross, Author of Winston the Whitetail.
Acorn 7th grade students attended the author's session with Jen Crane, Author of The Snipe Hunt.
The sessions provided engaging and enriching experiences for students and guests. Thank you to UA Rich Mountain and Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for such a great experience!
#orsdlifeprep
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#AHStigersSERVE
Acorn 4th grade students attended the authors' session with Silas Cross, Author of Billy Bob Big Feet: The Swamp Between Us and daughter, Zoe Cross, Author of Winston the Whitetail.
Acorn 7th grade students attended the author's session with Jen Crane, Author of The Snipe Hunt.
The sessions provided engaging and enriching experiences for students and guests. Thank you to UA Rich Mountain and Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma for such a great experience!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
The following position is now available at ORSD Acorn Campus:
Preschool Paraprofessional
If interested, please email your resume to dlane@orsd.k12.ar.us.
Respectfully,
Jerrall A. Strasner
Superintendent of Schools
Ouachita River School District
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
