The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public school special education services consultation with private schools. For the purposes of IDEA, in Arkansas homeschool students are also considered private school students. Please contact William Edwards at 479-216-2251 any time throughout the year if you have any questions. On December 11, there will be a special education consultation meeting held in the board room of the Oden campus for students living in the Ouachita River School District who attend a private school or are homeschooled. The meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. and will last approximately thirty minutes.
6 months ago, William Edwards
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
about 3 hours ago, Brittney Moore
Oden
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!
6 days ago, Tammy L. Young
Acorn Schools 23rd Reunion - 6-20-2026
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! 🐅🏀
6 days ago, Brittney Moore
Acorn
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

#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
8 days ago, Tammy L. Young
Congratulations to the ORSD 2026 Retirees!
📚 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!
8 days ago, Brittney Moore
Acorn Preschool
Acorn High School Rising Juniors are enjoying UARM TRiO 2026 STEM CAMP!
8 days ago, Tammy L. Young
AHS Rising Juniors STEM CAMP 2026
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
8 days ago, Tammy L. Young
US Forest Service Mena-Oden Ranger District Youth Fishing Derby - 6-6-2026
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

9 days ago, Tammy L. Young
Backpack Food Distribution - Thursday, 6/4/2026
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
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
9 days ago, Tammy L. Young

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

9 days ago, Brittney Moore
Acorn
JOIN the OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT for the 2026-2027 school year!

ORSD earned grade “A” rating for Arkansas school districts through Arkansas Department of Education school letter grades and report card rating system!

OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
ACORN & ODEN Campuses
SCHOOL CHOICE Deadline: June 1, 2026

Steps to complete the process include:

1 - Complete the APPLICATION FOR SCHOOL CHOICE TRANSFER
https://adecm.ade.arkansas.gov/Attachments/2026SchoolChoiceApp_OSCPE_092025.pdf

2 - On or before June 1, 2026 deadline, submit the completed application.
Applications may be obtained from Ouachita River School District website:
www.ouachitariversd.org > School Choice Application (orange button to application link)

Applications may be delivered or mailed to the Acorn campus or Oden campus or the Ouachita River School District Administration Office.

#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
13 days ago, Tammy L. Young
SCHOOL CHOICE - June 1st
ORSD Earns "A" School District Letter Grade!
📢 Road Closure Notice

Please be advised that American Legion Road will be closed today due to maintenance work. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding as improvements are being made.

Please plan alternate routes accordingly and allow extra travel time if needed. Thank you for your cooperation!
13 days ago, Brittney Moore
Acorn
AR Boys State Update - May 27, 2026

McGee of Mena elected to Arkansas Boys State legislature
May 27, 2026

Clay McGee of Mena, a student at Acorn High School, was elected by fellow delegates to serve as State Representative during Arkansas Boys State 2026.

McGee is participating in the 85th annual session of Arkansas Boys State, held May 24-29 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Sponsored by The American Legion Department of Arkansas, Arkansas Boys State is an immersive civic leadership experience where students build a working model of government while learning how democracy depends on active, informed and responsible citizens.

By earning election to the Arkansas Boys State legislature, McGee will help represent fellow delegates in the program's student legislature. In his role at State Representative, McGee will take part in the legislative process by listening to constituents, discussing ideas with other elected delegates, considering policy proposals and helping shape the laws and priorities of the Arkansas Boys State government.

The legislative experience gives delegates a hands-on look at how representation works. Throughout the week, McGee and fellow student lawmakers will consider the needs of their cities, counties and districts while working across perspectives to address challenges within the Arkansas Boys State simulation. The role calls on students to communicate clearly, think critically and make decisions with the broader community in mind.

"Election to the Arkansas Boys State legislature is a meaningful sign of trust from fellow delegates," said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. "Whether serving in the House or Senate, these students are asked to listen, lead and take seriously the responsibility of representing others."

In addition to serving as State Representative, McGee is participating as a citizen of Bush City in Hanner County. He is also taking part in Schools of Instruction, leadership discussions, keynote sessions, recreational programming and other activities designed to strengthen communication, teamwork and civic responsibility.

The legislative experience will continue during Capitol Day, when Arkansas Boys State delegates travel to the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock. Student representatives and senators will convene in their respective chambers, giving elected delegates like McGee the opportunity to connect their work at Arkansas Boys State with the setting and traditions of public service in Arkansas.

Arkansas Boys State's guiding theme is "Democracy Depends on Me." Through his election as State Representative, McGee will put that theme into action by representing peers, contributing to the legislative process and helping build a stronger Arkansas Boys State community.

Since 1940, Arkansas Boys State has helped prepare more than 60,000 alumni for lives of citizenship, public service and leadership. More information about Arkansas Boys State is available at arboysstate.org.
15 days ago, Tammy L. Young
Clay McGee elected to city leadership role at Arkansas Boys State 2026
May 26, 2026

Clay McGee of Mena, a student at Acorn High School, was elected by fellow delegates to serve as City Council Position 2 for Bush City at Arkansas Boys State 2026.

The election took place during the 85th annual session of Arkansas Boys State, held May 24-29 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Sponsored by The American Legion Department of Arkansas, Arkansas Boys State brings together students from across the state for an immersive week of civic education, leadership development and public service.

As City Council Position 2, McGee will help lead Bush City, one of the 16 student-led cities that make up the Arkansas Boys State government simulation. Delegates at Arkansas Boys State are assigned to cities, counties and political parties, then work together to build a functioning model government from the ground up. Through elections, debate, public service projects and daily decision-making, students experience the responsibilities of democratic citizenship firsthand.

McGee's role will place him at the center of local government during the week. City officials at Arkansas Boys State are responsible for helping their communities organize, respond to challenges, represent constituents and create a strong civic identity among delegates who live, work and compete together throughout the session.

"City leadership is where many delegates first discover that public service is personal," said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. "When a student is elected by his peers, he is being trusted to listen, communicate clearly and help move his community forward. That is exactly the kind of leadership Arkansas Boys State is designed to develop."

In addition to serving in city government, McGee will participate in political party rallies, attend Schools of Instruction, take part in leadership discussions, hear from civic and public officials, and participate in recreational and community-building activities with delegates from across Arkansas.

Arkansas Boys State's guiding theme is "Democracy Depends on Me." For McGee, being elected as City Council Position 2 offers a hands-on opportunity to practice that principle by serving others, leading peers and helping shape the experience of Arkansas Boys State delegates throughout the week.

Since 1940, Arkansas Boys State has helped prepare more than 60,000 alumni for lives of citizenship, public service and leadership. More information about Arkansas Boys State is available at arboysstate.org.
16 days ago, Tammy L. Young
Clay McGee Elected to City Leadership Position at AR Boys State Nation 2026
Eilam Holland elected to county leadership role at Arkansas Boys State 2026
May 26, 2026

Eilam Holland of Mena, a student at Acorn High School, was elected by fellow delegates to serve as Justice of the Peace for Cotton County at Arkansas Boys State 2026.

Holland is participating in the 85th annual session of Arkansas Boys State, held May 24-29 at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. The American Legion-sponsored program gives high school juniors the opportunity to experience democracy, leadership and public service through a hands-on model of local and state government.

County government plays a central role in the Arkansas Boys State experience. Delegates are assigned to cities, counties and political parties, then work with their peers to campaign for office, vote in elections, debate policy, address community challenges and participate in a full week of civic programming.

As Justice of the Peace, Holland will help represent and serve the citizens of Cotton County. County officials guide their fellow delegates through the program's simulations, discussions and civic responsibilities while building a sense of shared purpose and pride among the students in their county.

"County office gives students a meaningful opportunity to lead beyond themselves," said Lloyd Jackson, executive director of Arkansas Boys State. "The county is one of the places where delegates build their closest connections, learn to work across differences and begin to understand how leadership affects an entire community."

Throughout the week, Holland will also participate in political party rallies, attend Schools of Instruction, engage in leadership and policy discussions, hear from public officials and civic leaders, and take part in activities designed to strengthen communication, teamwork and responsible citizenship.

The Arkansas Boys State experience culminates with Capitol Day, when delegates travel to the Arkansas State Capitol and continue their civic learning in one of the state's most important public spaces. For elected county officials like Holland, the week provides a direct look at how local leadership connects to broader public service.

Arkansas Boys State's guiding theme is "Democracy Depends on Me." Through his election as Justice of the Peace, Holland will have the opportunity to put that theme into action by representing peers, serving his county and helping build a stronger Arkansas Boys State community.

Since 1940, Arkansas Boys State has helped prepare more than 60,000 alumni for lives of citizenship, public service and leadership. More information about Arkansas Boys State is available at arboysstate.org.
16 days ago, Tammy L. Young
Eilam Holland Elected to County Leadership Position at AR Boys State Nation 2026
In honor and remembrance of Memorial Day, Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026

#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
19 days ago, Tammy L. Young
ORSD closed for Memorial Day - Monday, May 25, 2026
JOIN the OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT for the 2026-2027 school year!
ORSD earned grade “A” rating for Arkansas school districts through Arkansas Department of Education school letter grades and report card rating system!

OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
ACORN & ODEN Campuses
SCHOOL CHOICE Deadline: June 1, 2026

Steps to complete the process include:

1 - Complete the APPLICATION FOR SCHOOL CHOICE TRANSFER
https://adecm.ade.arkansas.gov/Attachments/2026SchoolChoiceApp_OSCPE_092025.pdf

2 - On or before June 1, 2026 deadline, submit the completed application.
Applications may be obtained from Ouachita River School District website:
www.ouachitariversd.org > School Choice Application (orange button to application link)

Applications may be delivered or mailed to the Acorn campus or Oden campus or the Ouachita River School District Administration Office.

#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
20 days ago, Tammy L. Young
ORSD School Choice - Deadline is June 1st
Oden High School Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 22, 2026
7:00 PM
Bill Kelly Gymnasium

#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
20 days ago, Tammy L. Young
OHS Commencement Ceremony - Friday, May 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM - Billy Kelly Gym
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium

#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
22 days ago, Tammy L. Young
AHS Commencement Ceremony - Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM