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.
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Macy!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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 of you, Macy!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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 Recognizes April 2026 Employees of the Month
Acorn Campus
Brittney Moore
Raychel Hill
Becky Jackson
Keith Willsey
Congratulations and thank you for serving the ORSD family and community, Brittney, Raychel, Becky and Keith!
#orsdlifeprep
ACORN SCHOOLS RECEIVE GENEROUS DONATION
On April 22, 2026, Miss Polk County Contestants provided a generous donation in a variety of hygiene products and supplies to Acorn Schools.
Thank you to the Miss Polk County contestants and organization for your support and generosity!
On April 22, 2026, Miss Polk County Contestants provided a generous donation in a variety of hygiene products and supplies to Acorn Schools.
Thank you to the Miss Polk County contestants and organization for your support and generosity!
Acorn High School Awards & Honors Ceremony
Grades 7th - 12th
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
6:30 PM - Ceremony
Acorn Gymnasium
*Students receiving an award or honor will receive an invitation in their student email.
#orsd.lifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Grades 7th - 12th
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
6:30 PM - Ceremony
Acorn Gymnasium
*Students receiving an award or honor will receive an invitation in their student email.
#orsd.lifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Thank you, K-2 parents, for getting your student to school this week during our ATLAS testing. All testing is complete for our K-2 students. They worked so hard, and I am proud of them! We are beginning to get scores back and will be sending home score reports within the next few weeks. You may also access your student's scores through the ATLAS parent portal. Once again, thank you for helping our testing week be successful! ATLAS testing for grades 3-6 will be May 5-8.
ATTN: Acorn High School Class of 2026!
AHS will be hosting LIFEPREP 101 mini workshop interactive sessions on Tuesday, May 5th, 1st & 2nd periods. Seniors will rotate through all three sessions.
Sessions are geared to provide you with fundamental life skill experiences as you navigate the next phase of your journey after graduation!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
AHS will be hosting LIFEPREP 101 mini workshop interactive sessions on Tuesday, May 5th, 1st & 2nd periods. Seniors will rotate through all three sessions.
Sessions are geared to provide you with fundamental life skill experiences as you navigate the next phase of your journey after graduation!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
ORSD - Acorn High School ATLAS Summative Testing Schedule
We are gearing up for a great experience for testing next week! We are excited to partner and support the year's success celebrating learning and achieving growth outcomes for your child!
Please reference the attached flyer for your child's building testing schedule for testing dates, subjects and best practices to prepare for testing.
Testing Week - Tuesday, April 28th - Friday, May 1, 2026
- Students will need to arrive promptly and on time each day.
- Students must bring their Chromebook fully charged each day of testing.
If you have questions or need additional information, contact the high school office:
Acorn High School
(479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
We are gearing up for a great experience for testing next week! We are excited to partner and support the year's success celebrating learning and achieving growth outcomes for your child!
Please reference the attached flyer for your child's building testing schedule for testing dates, subjects and best practices to prepare for testing.
Testing Week - Tuesday, April 28th - Friday, May 1, 2026
- Students will need to arrive promptly and on time each day.
- Students must bring their Chromebook fully charged each day of testing.
If you have questions or need additional information, contact the high school office:
Acorn High School
(479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Lacy!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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 of you, Lacy!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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 - National Administrative Professionals Day
THANK YOU for all the ways you support, assist, organize, and serve the students, parents, families, staff and community of the Ouachita River School District!
WE APPRECIATE YOU!!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
THANK YOU for all the ways you support, assist, organize, and serve the students, parents, families, staff and community of the Ouachita River School District!
WE APPRECIATE YOU!!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
🎓 Acorn Elementary Awards Ceremony Invitation 🎓
Acorn Elementary warmly invites families and community members to attend our Annual Awards Ceremony as we celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students.
Date: May 21
Location: Acorn New Gym
Schedule:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade – 8:15 AM
2nd & 3rd Grade – 9:30 AM
4th & 5th Grade – 10:30 AM
6th Grade Awards & Promotion Ceremony – 11:30 AM
We look forward to recognizing our students’ accomplishments and sharing this special day with you. Thank you for your continued support of Acorn Elementary!
Acorn Elementary warmly invites families and community members to attend our Annual Awards Ceremony as we celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students.
Date: May 21
Location: Acorn New Gym
Schedule:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade – 8:15 AM
2nd & 3rd Grade – 9:30 AM
4th & 5th Grade – 10:30 AM
6th Grade Awards & Promotion Ceremony – 11:30 AM
We look forward to recognizing our students’ accomplishments and sharing this special day with you. Thank you for your continued support of Acorn Elementary!
ATTN: Acorn High School Students in 9th, 10th & 11th grades & Parents!
Due to recent event updates and changes, the Concurrent Credit, Career Center & Diploma of Merit and Distinction meeting has been cancelled tonight and moved to Tuesday, May 12th at 5:30 PM in the Acorn Cafeteria!
AHS Concurrent Credit, Career Center, Diploma of Merit & Distinction, Accelerated Opportunities Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 12th
Time: 5:30 PM
Where: Acorn Cafeteria
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 7195...
Due to recent event updates and changes, the Concurrent Credit, Career Center & Diploma of Merit and Distinction meeting has been cancelled tonight and moved to Tuesday, May 12th at 5:30 PM in the Acorn Cafeteria!
AHS Concurrent Credit, Career Center, Diploma of Merit & Distinction, Accelerated Opportunities Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 12th
Time: 5:30 PM
Where: Acorn Cafeteria
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 7195...
ATTN: AHS Class of 2026 Students, Parents & Families
Acorn High School Senior Recognition Day
Thursday, April 23, 2026
11:30 AM
Acorn Gymnasium
All seniors will be recognized for achievements & commitments!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Acorn High School Senior Recognition Day
Thursday, April 23, 2026
11:30 AM
Acorn Gymnasium
All seniors will be recognized for achievements & commitments!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
The following position is now open at the Acorn Schools' campus:
Elementary Teacher
If interested please send resume to jstrasner@orsd.k12.ar.us
Respectfully,
Jerrall A. Strasner
Superintendent of Schools
Ouachita River School District
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
1-479-394-2348
Elementary Teacher
If interested please send resume to jstrasner@orsd.k12.ar.us
Respectfully,
Jerrall A. Strasner
Superintendent of Schools
Ouachita River School District
143 Polk 96
Mena, AR 71953
1-479-394-2348
Acorn Students Earn UARM Science Fair Top Awards
On Friday, April 10th, UA Rich Mountain hosted the Annual Science Fair in the Ouachita Center on the main campus in Mena. Elementary, middle, high school and college students from Polk County participated in the event.
Students from Acorn Schools placing top awards included:
High School/College Level:
Nataly Garcia - Dog Training - $100 check & special recognition award
Middle School Level:
Evie Norris - Lights & Emotions - 3rd Place $50 gift card
Elementary Level:
Kashlyn Hollin - Do Kids Smell Better Than Old People - 3rd Place $50 gift card
Congratulations Nataly, Evie, Kashlyn & all Acorn students for your exemplary projects and participation in the science fair!
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#orsdlifeprep
On Friday, April 10th, UA Rich Mountain hosted the Annual Science Fair in the Ouachita Center on the main campus in Mena. Elementary, middle, high school and college students from Polk County participated in the event.
Students from Acorn Schools placing top awards included:
High School/College Level:
Nataly Garcia - Dog Training - $100 check & special recognition award
Middle School Level:
Evie Norris - Lights & Emotions - 3rd Place $50 gift card
Elementary Level:
Kashlyn Hollin - Do Kids Smell Better Than Old People - 3rd Place $50 gift card
Congratulations Nataly, Evie, Kashlyn & all Acorn students for your exemplary projects and participation in the science fair!
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#orsdlifeprep
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Audri!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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 of you, Audri!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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!
Acorn High School Future Educators Earn Certification
The Acorn High School Career and Technical Education Pre-Educator Pathway is a high wage & high demand pathway and program. Seniors completing this program and earning concurrent credit (both high school and college credit) recently completed the Para Pro Praxis exam and will be completing the required courses at the end of this semester. They will be eligible to serve and work as paraprofessionals in the career field as they continue their higher educational goals at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain starting the fall 2026 semester. The seniors completing the certification are:
Ty Kesterson
Irene Gilhousen
Isabella Fowler
Students enrolled in the H2 Pre-Educator Pathway are enrolled in the courses through a collaborative partnership with Ouachita River School District and the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. Instructors are: Mindy Lyle, Brianne House and Brenda Miner.
Congratulations, Ty, Irene and Isabella! We are proud of you!
Photo: (l to r) - Ty Kesterson, Irene Gilhousen, Isabella Fowler and Mindy Lyle, Instructor and Advisor.
#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 High School Career and Technical Education Pre-Educator Pathway is a high wage & high demand pathway and program. Seniors completing this program and earning concurrent credit (both high school and college credit) recently completed the Para Pro Praxis exam and will be completing the required courses at the end of this semester. They will be eligible to serve and work as paraprofessionals in the career field as they continue their higher educational goals at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain starting the fall 2026 semester. The seniors completing the certification are:
Ty Kesterson
Irene Gilhousen
Isabella Fowler
Students enrolled in the H2 Pre-Educator Pathway are enrolled in the courses through a collaborative partnership with Ouachita River School District and the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. Instructors are: Mindy Lyle, Brianne House and Brenda Miner.
Congratulations, Ty, Irene and Isabella! We are proud of you!
Photo: (l to r) - Ty Kesterson, Irene Gilhousen, Isabella Fowler and Mindy Lyle, Instructor and Advisor.
#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!
ATTN: Acorn High School Students & Parents!
Due to recent event updates and changes, the meeting has been moved to Tuesday, May 12th!
Students who will be in 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the 2026-2027 school year, please mark your calendar for an important meeting to attend to learn about concurrent college credit course offerings, technical programs and accelerated learning opportunities for next year!
Due to recent event updates and changes, the meeting has been moved to Tuesday, May 12th!
AHS Concurrent Credit, Career Center, Diploma of Merit & Distinction, Accelerated Opportunities Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 12th
Time: 5:30 PM
Where: Acorn Cafeteria
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Students, please bring your Chromebook fully charged and charger to the meeting. Students and parents to attend.
Thank you! I look forward to seeing you at the meeting on May 12th!
Tammy Young
AHS Counselor
479-394-5544 x, 104
tyoung@orsd.k12.ar.us
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Serenity!
Acorn High School Commencement Ceremony
Thursday, May 21, 2026
7:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
#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!
Today, Friday April 17th at noon, Acorn Schools will be celebrating our 150th anniversary. Please enjoy the livestream of the celebration in the link below.
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ar/mena/organization/70802/acorn-high-school/watch?ib=3902849
https://fan.hudl.com/usa/ar/mena/organization/70802/acorn-high-school/watch?ib=3902849
