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.
Acorn 2027 Seniors will be taking their Senior Photos on Friday August 7th from 8:00 am to 12 noon in the Acorn Auditorium. Letters will be mailed out today with your time slot and other important information. Questions can be texted to 479-234-0614 or email gpearce@orsd.k12.ar.us
Just a friendly reminder!
Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses Public Meetings & Open House events
See flyer for event details
#orsdlifeprep
We are excited to partner with you ifor a great school year in 2026-2027!
Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses Public Meetings & Open House events
See flyer for event details
#orsdlifeprep
We are excited to partner with you ifor a great school year in 2026-2027!
AHS Cheer Squad Earns Top Honors
The Acorn Cheer Squad attended NCA Cheer Camp in Waldron, July 13th and 14th. During the 2-day camp, the squad participated in competition, training, and leadership development where they received individual and team awards recognizing excellence in leadership, skill, and spirit.
Individual Honors
🏆 Pin It Forward Award- Mylee Sharp, Madelynn Auer
📣 Selected by NCA instructors, this is given to individuals who display leadership, kindness, and spirit. They receive two pins, one to keep and one to pass on to another cheerleader who exhibits the same qualities.
🏆 All American Nominees- Mylee Sharp, Addisyn Kaelin, Madelynn Auer
📣 Selected by NCA instructors, these individuals display superior cheerleading techniques in one or more of the following areas: jumps, tumbling, stunting, motion technique, leadership, and dance.
🏆 All-American Team- Mylee Sharp, Addisyn Kaelin
📣 Outstanding individuals who exemplify the best cheerleading skills during the All-American Team Tryout
🏆 Individual Leadership Plaque- Madelynn Auer
📣 Awarded to the individual that displays excellence in leadership throughout camp and in “Leaders in Training” Class
Team Honors
🏆 Technical Excellence Award in Prop Usage
🏆 Superior Evaluation Rating for Band Chant
🏆 2nd Place Overall Band Chant
🏆 NCA Spirit Award
📣 Voted on by all teams at camp, as the team that has added the most spirit to the camp
🏆 NFHS Squad Credential
📣 Awarded to teams that exemplify the “Roles of a Cheerleader”
Congratulations to the 2026-2027 Acorn Cheer Squad on representing their community and school with excellence and true Tiger Spirit!
#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!
The Acorn Cheer Squad attended NCA Cheer Camp in Waldron, July 13th and 14th. During the 2-day camp, the squad participated in competition, training, and leadership development where they received individual and team awards recognizing excellence in leadership, skill, and spirit.
Individual Honors
🏆 Pin It Forward Award- Mylee Sharp, Madelynn Auer
📣 Selected by NCA instructors, this is given to individuals who display leadership, kindness, and spirit. They receive two pins, one to keep and one to pass on to another cheerleader who exhibits the same qualities.
🏆 All American Nominees- Mylee Sharp, Addisyn Kaelin, Madelynn Auer
📣 Selected by NCA instructors, these individuals display superior cheerleading techniques in one or more of the following areas: jumps, tumbling, stunting, motion technique, leadership, and dance.
🏆 All-American Team- Mylee Sharp, Addisyn Kaelin
📣 Outstanding individuals who exemplify the best cheerleading skills during the All-American Team Tryout
🏆 Individual Leadership Plaque- Madelynn Auer
📣 Awarded to the individual that displays excellence in leadership throughout camp and in “Leaders in Training” Class
Team Honors
🏆 Technical Excellence Award in Prop Usage
🏆 Superior Evaluation Rating for Band Chant
🏆 2nd Place Overall Band Chant
🏆 NCA Spirit Award
📣 Voted on by all teams at camp, as the team that has added the most spirit to the camp
🏆 NFHS Squad Credential
📣 Awarded to teams that exemplify the “Roles of a Cheerleader”
Congratulations to the 2026-2027 Acorn Cheer Squad on representing their community and school with excellence and true Tiger Spirit!
#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!
ORSD Welcomes Liberty Jacot as Acorn Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher for 2026-2027 Year!
"Hello! I am Liberty Jacot. I am honored to join the Acorn Elementary family. I bring 16 years of teaching experience and hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education. I am passionate about creating a warm, supportive classroom where every student feels encouraged to learn and grow. I look forward to getting to know my students, families, and colleagues and becoming part of Acorn’s school community! GoTigers!"
Welcome, Liberty!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses Public Meetings & Open House events
See flyer for event details
#orsdlifeprep
See flyer for event details
#orsdlifeprep
Ouachita River School District - ESS Substitute Training & Hiring Event
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Oden Schools' Board Room - 10:00 AM
To REGISTER: https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-substitutes-for-orsd-oden-7-16
ORSD Administration Building Board Room - 1:00 PM
To REGISTER: https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-substitutes-for-orsd-acorn-7-16
#orsdlifeprep
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Oden Schools' Board Room - 10:00 AM
To REGISTER: https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-substitutes-for-orsd-oden-7-16
ORSD Administration Building Board Room - 1:00 PM
To REGISTER: https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-substitutes-for-orsd-acorn-7-16
#orsdlifeprep
Acorn Schools' Summer Backpack Program
Distribution for the week of July 6 - 10, 2026 is scheduled:
TUESDAY, JULY 7th
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Acorn High School Office
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Distribution for the week of July 6 - 10, 2026 is scheduled:
TUESDAY, JULY 7th
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Acorn High School Office
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Happy 4th of July Independence Day from Ouachita River School District!
#orsdlifeprep
#orsdlifeprep
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!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
"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!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
"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!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
"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!
#orsdlifeprep
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
