AHS Students Selected for RYLA
Acorn High School sophomore students Cadince Onstott and Isabella Tarkinton have been selected by the Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena to attend the 2026 RYLA Camp. The camp hosted and organized by Rotary District #6170 to be held April 16 - 19, 2026 at the Arkansas 4-H Vines Center in Ferndale, Arkansas.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where youth develop skills as a leader through a host of fun, engaging experiences and making connections with peers and leaders.
Thank you to the Polk County/Mena Rotary Club and Rotary District #6170 for this amazing opportunity for students to experience and to develop leadership skills.
Congratulations, Cadence and Isabella! We are proud of you!
#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!
ion in preparing students for LIFE! #orsdlifeprep
Acorn High School sophomore students Cadince Onstott and Isabella Tarkinton have been selected by the Rotary Club of Polk County/Mena to attend the 2026 RYLA Camp. The camp hosted and organized by Rotary District #6170 to be held April 16 - 19, 2026 at the Arkansas 4-H Vines Center in Ferndale, Arkansas.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where youth develop skills as a leader through a host of fun, engaging experiences and making connections with peers and leaders.
Thank you to the Polk County/Mena Rotary Club and Rotary District #6170 for this amazing opportunity for students to experience and to develop leadership skills.
Congratulations, Cadence and Isabella! We are proud of you!
#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!
ion in preparing students for LIFE! #orsdlifeprep
Acorn High School FFA Celebrates NATIONAL FFA WEEK!
National FFA Week is recognized to showcase the agricultural industry and highlights the role of FFA in agricultural education, service in the community, and developing future leaders. National FFA Week 2026 is Saturday, February 21st - Saturday, February 28th which includes the significance of George Washington's birthday to honor his legacy as a farmer.
Acorn High School provides students career and technical education pathways that are both high demand and high wage to educate, train and develop future leaders promote student success through the Future Farmers of American (FFA) student organization.
Acorn High School FFA recognizes our parents, staff, families and community who support FFA and invest in the future of our students!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
National FFA Week is recognized to showcase the agricultural industry and highlights the role of FFA in agricultural education, service in the community, and developing future leaders. National FFA Week 2026 is Saturday, February 21st - Saturday, February 28th which includes the significance of George Washington's birthday to honor his legacy as a farmer.
Acorn High School provides students career and technical education pathways that are both high demand and high wage to educate, train and develop future leaders promote student success through the Future Farmers of American (FFA) student organization.
Acorn High School FFA recognizes our parents, staff, families and community who support FFA and invest in the future of our students!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Acorn Senior Lady Tigers have punched their ticket to State!!! Way to play girls. We are super proud of you!!
🌿✨ Save the Date – Acorn Elementary Family Night! ✨🌿
Join us on March 17th from 5:00–6:00 PM for a fun-filled evening together! 🌞🌼
Enjoy hot dogs, explore our outdoor classroom, take part in a scavenger hunt along the walking trail, and each family will receive a pot, dirt, and a plant to grow at home! 🌱
We can’t wait to see our school families there! 💚
Join us on March 17th from 5:00–6:00 PM for a fun-filled evening together! 🌞🌼
Enjoy hot dogs, explore our outdoor classroom, take part in a scavenger hunt along the walking trail, and each family will receive a pot, dirt, and a plant to grow at home! 🌱
We can’t wait to see our school families there! 💚
🐯🏀 Regional Bound! 🏀🐯
The Acorn Lady Tigers take on the LifeWay Christian Warriors today at 4:00 PM in the Mountainburg Gym in the first round of Regional action!
Our girls have worked hard all season for this opportunity, and now it’s time to show up and show out. Let’s pack the stands, be loud, and cheer on our Lady Tigers as they battle for a spot in the next round!
Your support and Tiger pride make all the difference. We hope to see a sea of blue and gold in Mountainburg this afternoon!
#GoTigers #LadyTigers #RegionalBound 🐯🏀
The Acorn Lady Tigers take on the LifeWay Christian Warriors today at 4:00 PM in the Mountainburg Gym in the first round of Regional action!
Our girls have worked hard all season for this opportunity, and now it’s time to show up and show out. Let’s pack the stands, be loud, and cheer on our Lady Tigers as they battle for a spot in the next round!
Your support and Tiger pride make all the difference. We hope to see a sea of blue and gold in Mountainburg this afternoon!
#GoTigers #LadyTigers #RegionalBound 🐯🏀
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Michael!
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, Michael!
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!
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, William!
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 - Parent Teacher Conferences
ODEN PRESCHOOL (see dates for conferences)
ODE MADDOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ODEN HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, March 19, 2026
See notes on fliers for details.
#orsdlifeprep
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
ODEN PRESCHOOL (see dates for conferences)
ODE MADDOX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ODEN HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, March 19, 2026
See notes on fliers for details.
#orsdlifeprep
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Ouachita River School DIstrict - Parent Teacher Conferences
ACORN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ACORN HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, March 19, 2026
See notes on flyer for details.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
ACORN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ACORN HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, March 19, 2026
See notes on flyer for details.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Aaden!
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, Aaden!
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!
🐯🏀 Good Morning, Tiger Fans! 🏀🐯
The Acorn Lady Tigers have officially punched their ticket to the Regional Tournament hosted in Mountainburg, AR! We are so proud of these young ladies and their hard work and dedication throughout this season.
🔥 Regional Game Info:
Our Senior Lady Tigers will take the court on Wednesday at 4:00 PM as they face LifeWay Christian in Regional play!
For those planning to attend, please see the information below on how to purchase tickets. If you’re unable to travel, we’ve also included the livestream link so you can cheer on our Lady Tigers from home.
Let’s pack the stands and show up strong to support our girls as they make their run for the Regional Title! Your energy and encouragement make all the difference.
#GoTigers #LadyTigers #RegionalBound 🐯🏀
The Acorn Lady Tigers have officially punched their ticket to the Regional Tournament hosted in Mountainburg, AR! We are so proud of these young ladies and their hard work and dedication throughout this season.
🔥 Regional Game Info:
Our Senior Lady Tigers will take the court on Wednesday at 4:00 PM as they face LifeWay Christian in Regional play!
For those planning to attend, please see the information below on how to purchase tickets. If you’re unable to travel, we’ve also included the livestream link so you can cheer on our Lady Tigers from home.
Let’s pack the stands and show up strong to support our girls as they make their run for the Regional Title! Your energy and encouragement make all the difference.
#GoTigers #LadyTigers #RegionalBound 🐯🏀
Calling ALL business/industry, organization and agency representatives to participate in the 2025-2026 Reverse Career Fair on March 4, 2026!
Ouachita River School District, Mena High School, and Cossatot River High School, would like to invite you to participate in our upcoming Reverse Career Fair on Wednesday March 4th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the UARM Ouachita Center.
A Reverse Career Fair offers a fresh approach to career exploration. Instead of employers staffing booths, students take the lead by hosting tables and showcasing their skills, interests, and career goals. Employers rotate through the event, engaging in meaningful conversations with students who align with their industry and workforce needs. It is a "come and go" event so feel free to stay as long as your time allows for the event.
This event provides a valuable opportunity to connect with motivated students who are actively exploring career pathways and preparing for future employment.
To RSVP, please contact Tammy Young: tyoung@orsd.k12.ar.us or 479-394-5544 ext. 104.
#orsdlifeprep
The Ouachita River School District (ORSD) mission is to provide a safe, caring environment where everyone learns and grows to be prepared for life.
Ouachita River School District, Mena High School, and Cossatot River High School, would like to invite you to participate in our upcoming Reverse Career Fair on Wednesday March 4th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the UARM Ouachita Center.
A Reverse Career Fair offers a fresh approach to career exploration. Instead of employers staffing booths, students take the lead by hosting tables and showcasing their skills, interests, and career goals. Employers rotate through the event, engaging in meaningful conversations with students who align with their industry and workforce needs. It is a "come and go" event so feel free to stay as long as your time allows for the event.
This event provides a valuable opportunity to connect with motivated students who are actively exploring career pathways and preparing for future employment.
To RSVP, please contact Tammy Young: tyoung@orsd.k12.ar.us or 479-394-5544 ext. 104.
#orsdlifeprep
The Ouachita River School District (ORSD) mission is to provide a safe, caring environment where everyone learns and grows to be prepared for life.
🎉 Acorn Elementary Kindergarten Registration 🎉
Acorn Elementary is excited to welcome our newest Tigers! Kindergarten Registration will be held Monday, March 2nd, through Friday, March 6th.
Please see the attached flyers for important information regarding required documents, registration times, and additional details.
Important Reminder: Students who are already enrolled in Acorn Preschool (Kathy Medford Preschool) and plan to attend Acorn Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year are not required to attend Kindergarten Registration.
We look forward to meeting our incoming students and partnering with families as they begin this exciting educational journey. If you have any questions, please contact the school office — we are happy to assist!
We can’t wait to meet our future Kindergarten class! 🐯📚
Acorn Elementary is excited to welcome our newest Tigers! Kindergarten Registration will be held Monday, March 2nd, through Friday, March 6th.
Please see the attached flyers for important information regarding required documents, registration times, and additional details.
Important Reminder: Students who are already enrolled in Acorn Preschool (Kathy Medford Preschool) and plan to attend Acorn Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year are not required to attend Kindergarten Registration.
We look forward to meeting our incoming students and partnering with families as they begin this exciting educational journey. If you have any questions, please contact the school office — we are happy to assist!
We can’t wait to meet our future Kindergarten class! 🐯📚
February is Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month
Mayor Seth Smith recently signed a proclamation declaring February as Career & Technical Education Month in Mena and the Ouachita River School District. Career & Technical Education Month is a nationwide public awareness campaign held each February to recognize the value of CTE programs and the role they play in preparing students for college, careers, and the workforce.
Led by the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) and supported by Advance CTE, CTE Month highlights how hands-on learning, technical skills training, and industry-recognized credentials help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world employment. More than 11 million secondary and postsecondary students nationwide participate in CTE programs each year.
At the ORSD–Acorn Campus, students have access to a wide range of Career & Technical Education pathways that support exploration, skill development, and informed career decision-making. These pathways include: Pre-Educator, Culinary Arts, Construction Trades, Financial Services–Banking, Management & Entrepreneurship, Digital Technology, Agriculture–Animal Systems, and Agriculture–Power, Structural & Technical Systems.
The 2026 CTE Month theme focuses on Awareness, Exposure, and Exploration, helping students identify career interests, understand workforce opportunities, and gain meaningful experiences connected to future employment.
For more information about Career & Technical Education Month, visit www.acteonline.org or explore resources available through Advance CTE
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#CTEMonth #CTEWorks #CareerReady #AcornCTE
Pictured: (Seated) City of Mena Mayor Seth Smith. (Standing) CTE Teachers Jim Pennington, Mindy Lyle, Makaila Goodner, Ricky Dollar; Acorn High School Counselor Tammy Young
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!
CONGRATULATIONS AHS CLASS of 2026!
We are proud of you, Bradon!
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, Bradon!
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!
Congratulations to Acorn Senior High Quiz Bowl!
The team placed 2nd in the Senior High Quiz Bowl Invitational Tournament hosted by Murfreesboro on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Team members who participated were:
Andrea Wagner
Eilam Holland
Anthony Gonzales
Jordan Lyle
Cadince Onstott
Matilda Grant
Zane Newton
Kira Dejarlo
Breezie Harris, Manager
AHS Senior High Quiz Bowl Team defeated each team they played in the first round of tournament and earned 2nd Place in the final round.
Congratulations to the Acorn SR High Quiz Bowl Team and Coach Amy Slater!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
The team placed 2nd in the Senior High Quiz Bowl Invitational Tournament hosted by Murfreesboro on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Team members who participated were:
Andrea Wagner
Eilam Holland
Anthony Gonzales
Jordan Lyle
Cadince Onstott
Matilda Grant
Zane Newton
Kira Dejarlo
Breezie Harris, Manager
AHS Senior High Quiz Bowl Team defeated each team they played in the first round of tournament and earned 2nd Place in the final round.
Congratulations to the Acorn SR High Quiz Bowl Team and Coach Amy Slater!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
📚❤️ Read Across America Week | March 3rd–6th ❤️📚
We are celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America Week with a FUN spirit week at school! 🎉
Each day will feature a special theme inspired by Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading. We can’t wait to see our students (and staff!) join in the fun by dressing up and celebrating the magic of books together.
✨ Spirit Days:
🧸 Tuesday (3/3): Get Cozy & Read with a Friend – Wear PJs and bring a stuffed reading buddy (must fit in backpack).
🤪 Wednesday (3/4): Wacky About Reading – Crazy hair, wild socks, mismatched outfits!
🐯 Thursday (3/5): Wild About Reading – Animal print, camo, or your favorite Acorn Tiger shirt!
📖 Friday (3/6): Favorite Book Character – Dress up for our Book Character Parade!
🎉 Parents are welcome to attend our Book Character Parade on Friday at 8:30 AM!
Let’s celebrate reading, imagination, and the joy of books all week long. We can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity shine! 📚✨
#ReadAcrossAmerica #DrSeussWeek #aestigersserve #LoveReading
We are celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America Week with a FUN spirit week at school! 🎉
Each day will feature a special theme inspired by Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading. We can’t wait to see our students (and staff!) join in the fun by dressing up and celebrating the magic of books together.
✨ Spirit Days:
🧸 Tuesday (3/3): Get Cozy & Read with a Friend – Wear PJs and bring a stuffed reading buddy (must fit in backpack).
🤪 Wednesday (3/4): Wacky About Reading – Crazy hair, wild socks, mismatched outfits!
🐯 Thursday (3/5): Wild About Reading – Animal print, camo, or your favorite Acorn Tiger shirt!
📖 Friday (3/6): Favorite Book Character – Dress up for our Book Character Parade!
🎉 Parents are welcome to attend our Book Character Parade on Friday at 8:30 AM!
Let’s celebrate reading, imagination, and the joy of books all week long. We can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity shine! 📚✨
#ReadAcrossAmerica #DrSeussWeek #aestigersserve #LoveReading
📚❤️ Read Across America Week | March 3rd–6th ❤️📚
We are celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America Week with a FUN spirit week at Acorn Elementary! 🎉
Each day will feature a special theme inspired by Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading. We can’t wait to see our students (and staff!) join in the fun by dressing up and celebrating the magic of books together.
✨ Spirit Days:
🧸 Tuesday (3/3): Get Cozy & Read with a Friend – Wear PJs and bring a stuffed reading buddy (must fit in backpack).
🤪 Wednesday (3/4): Wacky About Reading – Crazy hair, wild socks, mismatched outfits!
🐯 Thursday (3/5): Wild About Reading – Animal print, camo, or your favorite Acorn Tiger shirt!
📖 Friday (3/6): Favorite Book Character – Dress up for our Book Character Parade!
🎉 Parents are welcome to attend our Book Character Parade on Friday at 8:30 AM!
Let’s celebrate reading, imagination, and the joy of books all week long. We can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity shine! 📚✨
#aestigersserve #ReadAcrossAmerica #DrSeussWeek
We are celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America Week with a FUN spirit week at Acorn Elementary! 🎉
Each day will feature a special theme inspired by Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading. We can’t wait to see our students (and staff!) join in the fun by dressing up and celebrating the magic of books together.
✨ Spirit Days:
🧸 Tuesday (3/3): Get Cozy & Read with a Friend – Wear PJs and bring a stuffed reading buddy (must fit in backpack).
🤪 Wednesday (3/4): Wacky About Reading – Crazy hair, wild socks, mismatched outfits!
🐯 Thursday (3/5): Wild About Reading – Animal print, camo, or your favorite Acorn Tiger shirt!
📖 Friday (3/6): Favorite Book Character – Dress up for our Book Character Parade!
🎉 Parents are welcome to attend our Book Character Parade on Friday at 8:30 AM!
Let’s celebrate reading, imagination, and the joy of books all week long. We can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity shine! 📚✨
#aestigersserve #ReadAcrossAmerica #DrSeussWeek
🐯🏀 Good Morning, Tiger Fans! 🏀🐯
With their big win over Hector in the district tournament yesterday, the Acorn Lady Tigers are headed to the District Finals!
They will take the court on Friday, February 20th, at 6:00 PM to face the Hackett Hornets for the District Championship title. The game will be held in Danville.
Let’s pack the stands and show up loud and proud to support our Lady Tigers as they battle for the title of District Champs! Your energy and encouragement make all the difference.
We are so proud of these girls — now let’s finish strong!
#GoTigers 🐯🏀 #DistrictFinals
With their big win over Hector in the district tournament yesterday, the Acorn Lady Tigers are headed to the District Finals!
They will take the court on Friday, February 20th, at 6:00 PM to face the Hackett Hornets for the District Championship title. The game will be held in Danville.
Let’s pack the stands and show up loud and proud to support our Lady Tigers as they battle for the title of District Champs! Your energy and encouragement make all the difference.
We are so proud of these girls — now let’s finish strong!
#GoTigers 🐯🏀 #DistrictFinals
February is National Career and Technical Education Month
ORSD CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Spotlight
Acorn High School: Makaila Goodner
Students enrolled at Ouachita River School District gain valuable work-ready and life skills in CTE programs from highly trained and industry-knowledgeable instructors!
ORSD CTE...preparing students for life! #orsdlifeprep
ORSD CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Spotlight
Acorn High School: Makaila Goodner
Students enrolled at Ouachita River School District gain valuable work-ready and life skills in CTE programs from highly trained and industry-knowledgeable instructors!
ORSD CTE...preparing students for life! #orsdlifeprep
