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.
NPC Visit to AHS Campus
On Friday, December 12th, NPC Admissions Advisor Kaelyn Elder met with AHS juniors and seniors to present academic programs, scholarship information and deadlines, student life organizations, housing and other important information about National Park College.
Thank you, Kaelyn and National Park College for providing important information to help prepare students for postsecondary education and training!
Ouachita River School District…preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
On Friday, December 12th, NPC Admissions Advisor Kaelyn Elder met with AHS juniors and seniors to present academic programs, scholarship information and deadlines, student life organizations, housing and other important information about National Park College.
Thank you, Kaelyn and National Park College for providing important information to help prepare students for postsecondary education and training!
Ouachita River School District…preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
ATTENTION:
Acorn High School Seniors Class of 2026 & Parents
Herff Jones Order Form
- Contact information included on form
- Seniors can also access form in school email
Acorn High School Seniors Class of 2026 & Parents
Herff Jones Order Form
- Contact information included on form
- Seniors can also access form in school email
On Thursday, December 11th, CASC Admissions Advisor Ashley Moore conducted a presentation with AHS juniors and seniors on academic programs and support services offered at Carl Albert State College. The presentation also included student life organizations and campus life opportunities for students. She also reviewed scholarship requirements and deadlines and encouraged students to visit and tour the campus
Thank you to Ashley and the CASC staff for helping AHS students be better prepared for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Thank you to Ashley and the CASC staff for helping AHS students be better prepared for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
“Get ready for game night! The Acorn Senior Teams will host Dequeen at home on December 12, 2025. Action tips off with the JV Senior Girls at 5:30 p.m., followed by both Senior Teams. Come out and pack the gym to cheer on your Tigers!”
Schedule Update for Acorn Basketball!
The Caddo Hills game on December 18 has been changed to an away game. The Tigers will now travel to Caddo Hills to compete instead of hosting at home.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our student-athletes. Go Tigers! 🐾🏀
The Caddo Hills game on December 18 has been changed to an away game. The Tigers will now travel to Caddo Hills to compete instead of hosting at home.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our student-athletes. Go Tigers! 🐾🏀
It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Concert
Thursday, December 11, 2025
6:30 PM - doors open at 5:45 PM
Mary Davis Gym - Acorn campus (143 Polk Road 96, Mena, AR 71953)
Bake Sale and Concessions Available
Presented by:
Acorn Elementary 5th & 6th Grades
Acorn High School 7th - 12th Grades Band & Choir
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
AFBF & AHFTH Support Acorn Schools’ Backpack Program
On December 9th, Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation and Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry donated snack sticks for the Acorn Schools’ Backpack Program. Through a collaborative partnership, the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation and Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry organization support schools’ backpack programs through the wild game snack sticks program. This program provides protein in the form of shelf stable meat snack sticks to schools to combat food insecurity in Arkansas.
Acorn Schools would like to extend our appreciation to Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation and Arkansas Hunters Feeding The Hungry organization for providing the donation to support the Backpack Program!
Group photo (l to r): Polk County Farm Bureau Agency Agent Nathan Fowler, Polk County Farm Bureau Agency Manager Tony Hooper, Acorn High School Principal Dewayne Taylor, and Polk County Farm Bureau Agency Agent Nikki Cureton.
Ouachita River School District....preparing students for life! #orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
On December 9th, Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation and Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry donated snack sticks for the Acorn Schools’ Backpack Program. Through a collaborative partnership, the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation and Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry organization support schools’ backpack programs through the wild game snack sticks program. This program provides protein in the form of shelf stable meat snack sticks to schools to combat food insecurity in Arkansas.
Acorn Schools would like to extend our appreciation to Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation and Arkansas Hunters Feeding The Hungry organization for providing the donation to support the Backpack Program!
Group photo (l to r): Polk County Farm Bureau Agency Agent Nathan Fowler, Polk County Farm Bureau Agency Manager Tony Hooper, Acorn High School Principal Dewayne Taylor, and Polk County Farm Bureau Agency Agent Nikki Cureton.
Ouachita River School District....preparing students for life! #orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
“Alright, listen up, you Whos! TODAY is the day for this so-called ‘AES Family Night Great Grinch Escape.’
Yes, yes… come one, come all—if you simply must.
Those silly trains start boarding at 5, and the LAST one (thank goodness!) boards at 5:30 p.m. sharp. So don’t be late… or maybe do be late. It’s all the same to me.
If—and that’s a big IF—you manage to escape, you’ll be hauled into my cave and greeted by that overly-sparkly Martha May Whovier (you might know her as Mrs. Jackson), handing out sweet treats. Sweet treats! Bah!
So go on then… scamper your way to Whoville for your big ‘magical night.’
I’ll be here… pretending not to enjoy a single minute of it.”
Yes, yes… come one, come all—if you simply must.
Those silly trains start boarding at 5, and the LAST one (thank goodness!) boards at 5:30 p.m. sharp. So don’t be late… or maybe do be late. It’s all the same to me.
If—and that’s a big IF—you manage to escape, you’ll be hauled into my cave and greeted by that overly-sparkly Martha May Whovier (you might know her as Mrs. Jackson), handing out sweet treats. Sweet treats! Bah!
So go on then… scamper your way to Whoville for your big ‘magical night.’
I’ll be here… pretending not to enjoy a single minute of it.”
📢 Tonight's the Night🎄
Acorn Elementary Family Night
Tuesday, December 9th • 5:00–6:00 PM
K–6 students and their families are invited to join us for our annual Family Night—and this year, we’re taking a magical trip to Whoville! 🚂
💚The Great Grinch Escape💚
Come participate in our escape-room–style adventure filled with fun math and literacy challenges. Work together as a family to “escape,” solve clues, and find the Grinch!
🚂 All Aboard!
While you wait for your “train stop” to Whoville, enjoy popcorn and the festive ride as you head into the adventure.
💚 Make It Through the Escape?
If you successfully complete the challenge, you’ll be greeted in the Grinch’s Cave by Martha May Whovier (aka Mrs. Jackson!) with some sweet treats for all who escape.
🎄 Meet the Grinch & the Whos!
We’ll have the Grinch himself on site, along with lots of little Whos ready to celebrate.
It’s not required, but if your child wants to join in on the fun, they are welcome to come dressed as a little Who!
It’s going to be a magical, family-friendly evening you won’t want to miss!
💙Acorn Tigers — Growing, Learning, and Escaping the Grinch… Together! 💛
#aestigersserve
Acorn Elementary Family Night
Tuesday, December 9th • 5:00–6:00 PM
K–6 students and their families are invited to join us for our annual Family Night—and this year, we’re taking a magical trip to Whoville! 🚂
💚The Great Grinch Escape💚
Come participate in our escape-room–style adventure filled with fun math and literacy challenges. Work together as a family to “escape,” solve clues, and find the Grinch!
🚂 All Aboard!
While you wait for your “train stop” to Whoville, enjoy popcorn and the festive ride as you head into the adventure.
💚 Make It Through the Escape?
If you successfully complete the challenge, you’ll be greeted in the Grinch’s Cave by Martha May Whovier (aka Mrs. Jackson!) with some sweet treats for all who escape.
🎄 Meet the Grinch & the Whos!
We’ll have the Grinch himself on site, along with lots of little Whos ready to celebrate.
It’s not required, but if your child wants to join in on the fun, they are welcome to come dressed as a little Who!
It’s going to be a magical, family-friendly evening you won’t want to miss!
💙Acorn Tigers — Growing, Learning, and Escaping the Grinch… Together! 💛
#aestigersserve
“Get ready for game night! The Oden Timberwolves will host the Mineral Springs Hornets at home on December 9, 2025. Action tips off with the Junior Boys at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Senior Teams. Come out and pack the gym to cheer on your Timberwolves!”
ORSD Winter Break
Acorn and Oden campuses will be closed Monday, December 22, 2025 - Friday, January 2, 2026
Staff Development Meetings will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026
The Monday Program for students will not be in session on Monday, January 5, 2026
School resumes on Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Have a wonderful holiday!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
📢 “Tomorrow is the day… ugh, the DAY… when all the noise, noise, NOISE begins!” says the Grinch🎄
Acorn Elementary Family Night in the Acorn Elementary Building
Tuesday, December 9th • 5:00–6:00 PM
K–6 students and their families are invited to join us for our annual Family Night—and this year, we’re taking a magical trip to Whoville! 🚂
💚The Great Grinch Escape💚
Come participate in our escape-room–style adventure filled with fun math and literacy challenges. Work together as a family to “escape,” solve clues, and find the Grinch!
🚂 All Aboard!
While you wait for your “train stop” to Whoville, enjoy popcorn and the festive ride as you head into the adventure. “The last train will depart at 5:30… so don’t be late, or do—what do I care?”
💚 Make It Through the Escape?
If you successfully complete the challenge, you’ll be greeted in the Grinch’s Cave by Martha May Whovier (aka Mrs. Jackson!) with some sweet treats for all who escape.
🎄 Meet the Grinch & the Whos!
We’ll have the Grinch himself on site, along with lots of little Whos ready to celebrate.
It’s not required, but if your child wants to join in on the fun, they are welcome to come dressed as a little Who!
It’s going to be a magical, family-friendly evening you won’t want to miss! “Oh joy. A magical, family-friendly evening. My favorite… said no Grinch ever.”
💙Acorn Tigers — Growing, Learning, and Escaping the Grinch… Together! 💛
#aestigersserve
Acorn Elementary Family Night in the Acorn Elementary Building
Tuesday, December 9th • 5:00–6:00 PM
K–6 students and their families are invited to join us for our annual Family Night—and this year, we’re taking a magical trip to Whoville! 🚂
💚The Great Grinch Escape💚
Come participate in our escape-room–style adventure filled with fun math and literacy challenges. Work together as a family to “escape,” solve clues, and find the Grinch!
🚂 All Aboard!
While you wait for your “train stop” to Whoville, enjoy popcorn and the festive ride as you head into the adventure. “The last train will depart at 5:30… so don’t be late, or do—what do I care?”
💚 Make It Through the Escape?
If you successfully complete the challenge, you’ll be greeted in the Grinch’s Cave by Martha May Whovier (aka Mrs. Jackson!) with some sweet treats for all who escape.
🎄 Meet the Grinch & the Whos!
We’ll have the Grinch himself on site, along with lots of little Whos ready to celebrate.
It’s not required, but if your child wants to join in on the fun, they are welcome to come dressed as a little Who!
It’s going to be a magical, family-friendly evening you won’t want to miss! “Oh joy. A magical, family-friendly evening. My favorite… said no Grinch ever.”
💙Acorn Tigers — Growing, Learning, and Escaping the Grinch… Together! 💛
#aestigersserve
Oden K-12 Schools To Receive AR School Recognition Program Award
Oden K-12 Schools will receive a financial award totaling $17,809.66 through the Arkansas School Recognition Program as a result of their student achievement on state-wide testing. The program requires a committee consisting of the principal, a teacher elected by the staff, and a parent representative selected by the local parent organization to determine how the financial reward will be used. The recognition program requires that the financial reward be used for one or more of the following: nonrecurring bonuses to the faculty and staff, nonrecurring expenditures for educational equipment or materials to assist in maintaining and improving student performance, and temporary personnel for the school to assist in maintaining and improving student performance.
Congratulations ORSD - Oden Campus!
Committee members pictured from left to right are elected teacher representative Stephen Olmstead, Principal Elicia Bergum, and selected parent representative Jessi Shores.
#orsdlifeprep
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Oden K-12 Schools will receive a financial award totaling $17,809.66 through the Arkansas School Recognition Program as a result of their student achievement on state-wide testing. The program requires a committee consisting of the principal, a teacher elected by the staff, and a parent representative selected by the local parent organization to determine how the financial reward will be used. The recognition program requires that the financial reward be used for one or more of the following: nonrecurring bonuses to the faculty and staff, nonrecurring expenditures for educational equipment or materials to assist in maintaining and improving student performance, and temporary personnel for the school to assist in maintaining and improving student performance.
Congratulations ORSD - Oden Campus!
Committee members pictured from left to right are elected teacher representative Stephen Olmstead, Principal Elicia Bergum, and selected parent representative Jessi Shores.
#orsdlifeprep
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Acorn Homecoming SPIRIT WEEK
Week of Tuesday, December 16th - Friday, December 19th
Tuesday, December 16th - Tacky Tourist
Wednesday, December 17th - Camo vs Animal Print
Thursday, December 18th - Holiday Classics
Friday, December 19th - Blue/Gold
Acorn Homecoming Ceremony
Friday, December 19th
5:00 PM
Acorn vs Horatio Basketball Games to follow ceremony
Acorn 7th Grade Teams Hit the Road!
The Acorn 7th Grade Lady Tigers and Tigers will travel to Horatio on December 6th to compete in the 7th Grade Jamboree! 🏀
Come out and support our teams as they represent Acorn with pride and determination!
📅 Game Times: To be announced.
Let’s go, Tigers! 💛💙
The Acorn 7th Grade Lady Tigers and Tigers will travel to Horatio on December 6th to compete in the 7th Grade Jamboree! 🏀
Come out and support our teams as they represent Acorn with pride and determination!
📅 Game Times: To be announced.
Let’s go, Tigers! 💛💙
Acorn Junior Teams Hit the Road!
The Acorn Jr. Lady Tigers and Jr. Tigers will travel to Waldron to compete in the Waldron Junior High Tournament from December 8th-13th. 🏀
Come out and pack the stands to cheer on our Tigers as they battle for the title of Tournament Champions!
📅 Game Dates and Times: To be announced.
Let’s go Tigers! 💛💙
The Acorn Jr. Lady Tigers and Jr. Tigers will travel to Waldron to compete in the Waldron Junior High Tournament from December 8th-13th. 🏀
Come out and pack the stands to cheer on our Tigers as they battle for the title of Tournament Champions!
📅 Game Dates and Times: To be announced.
Let’s go Tigers! 💛💙
“Get ready for game night! The Oden Timberwolves will host the Umpire Wildcats at home on December 5, 2025. Action tips off with the Junior Boys at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Senior Teams. Come out and pack the gym to cheer on your Timberwolves!”
The Acorn Tigers travel to face the Magazine Rattlers on Friday, December 5, 2025. Tip-off begins with the JV Senior Boys at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Senior Girls and Senior Boys.
Come out and cheer on the Tigers as they battle it out on the court!
Please note: It is Magazine’s Homecoming, so the game may start a bit later than 5:00 p.m.
ORSD Participates in NIDEC Lunch & Learn
Mr. William Edwards II, Mr. Dewayne Taylor, Mrs. Apryl Philpot and Mrs. Tammy Young attended the Learn & Learn event hosted by Nidec Motor Corporation in Mena on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The administrative leadership team at NIDEC provided important information about the company’s future expansion, workforce and career opportunities, benefits, training and education opportunities, etc…The event included a facility tour by starting from the beginning stage of production to the finished product for shipment.
The discussion and dialogue as community partners was invaluable! We are grateful for the opportunity and invitation to share in this experience and to share with our students!
Thank you, Nidec Motor Corporation for partnering with Ouachita River School District to better prepare students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Mr. William Edwards II, Mr. Dewayne Taylor, Mrs. Apryl Philpot and Mrs. Tammy Young attended the Learn & Learn event hosted by Nidec Motor Corporation in Mena on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The administrative leadership team at NIDEC provided important information about the company’s future expansion, workforce and career opportunities, benefits, training and education opportunities, etc…The event included a facility tour by starting from the beginning stage of production to the finished product for shipment.
The discussion and dialogue as community partners was invaluable! We are grateful for the opportunity and invitation to share in this experience and to share with our students!
Thank you, Nidec Motor Corporation for partnering with Ouachita River School District to better prepare students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
