On Friday, September 19th, the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain Financial Aid and Recruitment Staff presented important information to the Acorn High School Class of 2026. Information included: Arkansas A2A and Achievement scholarships, University of Arkansas Rich Mountain institutional, leadership, academic and foundation scholarships; financial aid process, and transfer scholarship opportunities!
Thank you to UA Rich Mountain - Mike, Lauren, Lindsey and Irvin for helping our seniors be better prepared for life after high school!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Thank you to UA Rich Mountain - Mike, Lauren, Lindsey and Irvin for helping our seniors be better prepared for life after high school!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
ORSD 2025 School Report Card Ratings
This past week, the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education released the results for the 2025 school report cards.
Ouachita River School District is proud to announce that our Oden K-12 Schools received an A rating, our Acorn Elementary School received a B rating and our Acorn High School received a B rating!
The success of our school district is a direct result of the hard work, commitment and dedication of our students, teachers, staff, parents, families, community and school board!
CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to all who S.E.R.V.E.! It is a great day to be a TIMBERWOLF and TIGER!
See
Everyone
Receive
Victory
Everyday
#orsdlifeprep
#OESwolvesSERVE
#AEStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
This past week, the Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education released the results for the 2025 school report cards.
Ouachita River School District is proud to announce that our Oden K-12 Schools received an A rating, our Acorn Elementary School received a B rating and our Acorn High School received a B rating!
The success of our school district is a direct result of the hard work, commitment and dedication of our students, teachers, staff, parents, families, community and school board!
CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to all who S.E.R.V.E.! It is a great day to be a TIMBERWOLF and TIGER!
See
Everyone
Receive
Victory
Everyday
#orsdlifeprep
#OESwolvesSERVE
#AEStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
AHS Published Poets Recognized in the American Library of Poetry National Poetry Contest
In April 2025, over 50 of our AHS 7th-12th grade students from Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Slaten's English classes submitted original poems to the The American Library of Poetry national poetry contest. Many of our students were selected for publication in their 2025 poetry collection entitled "EXCELLENCE." Their picture will appear in this year's Acorn Yearbook. We are so proud of these writers; it is so exciting to see your own work in print! Congratulations, AHS poets!
Congratulations, AHS Published Poets!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
In April 2025, over 50 of our AHS 7th-12th grade students from Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Slaten's English classes submitted original poems to the The American Library of Poetry national poetry contest. Many of our students were selected for publication in their 2025 poetry collection entitled "EXCELLENCE." Their picture will appear in this year's Acorn Yearbook. We are so proud of these writers; it is so exciting to see your own work in print! Congratulations, AHS poets!
Congratulations, AHS Published Poets!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Acorn Students Earn Top AP Exam Scores
Ouachita River School District - Acorn High School students earned top AP (Advanced Placement) exam scores on the May 2025 AP exams. AP courses are offered in the disciplines of arts, English, history and social science, math and computer science, the sciences, and world languages and culture. Students earning AP qualifying scores may also be eligible to earn college credit and can be used for placement in college courses.
Ouachita River School District - Acorn High School AP Coordinator is Lisa Daniels.
The students listed earned AP credit in the following courses from the May 2025 AP exams with scores of 3 or higher:
Acorn High School:
AP Biology - Instructor: Michelle McGee
Damon Cruz
AP English Language & Composition - Instructor: Amy Slater
Chris Conatser, II
Lauren Cruz
Kira Dejarlo
Isabella Fowler
Irene Gilhousen
Tazanna Haggard
Chloe Kelley
Ty Kesterson
KaitLynn Ledbetter
Lacy McEntire
Macy McEntire
Zane Newton
Summer Nix
Brooke Osufsen
Lyndsey Powell
CONGRATULATIONS! We are proud of you!
#AHStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District…preparing students for life! #orsdlifeprep
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 - Acorn High School students earned top AP (Advanced Placement) exam scores on the May 2025 AP exams. AP courses are offered in the disciplines of arts, English, history and social science, math and computer science, the sciences, and world languages and culture. Students earning AP qualifying scores may also be eligible to earn college credit and can be used for placement in college courses.
Ouachita River School District - Acorn High School AP Coordinator is Lisa Daniels.
The students listed earned AP credit in the following courses from the May 2025 AP exams with scores of 3 or higher:
Acorn High School:
AP Biology - Instructor: Michelle McGee
Damon Cruz
AP English Language & Composition - Instructor: Amy Slater
Chris Conatser, II
Lauren Cruz
Kira Dejarlo
Isabella Fowler
Irene Gilhousen
Tazanna Haggard
Chloe Kelley
Ty Kesterson
KaitLynn Ledbetter
Lacy McEntire
Macy McEntire
Zane Newton
Summer Nix
Brooke Osufsen
Lyndsey Powell
CONGRATULATIONS! We are proud of you!
#AHStigersSERVE
Ouachita River School District…preparing students for life! #orsdlifeprep
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 Tennis @ ATU vs Lifeway Christian - Monday, September 15, 2025
Acorn Lady Tigers Tennis
Doubles:
KaitLynn Ledbetter/Lanee Shaddon W 8-4, W 8-5
Addisyn Ledbetter/Adalyn Bohlman W 8-3, W 8-1
Singles:
Josey Dollar L 4-6, W 6-1
Acorn Tigers Tennis
Doubles:
Eilam Holland/Kaden Carter L 1-8, L 1-8, W 6-5
Singles:
Tyler Riggins L 4-6, L 0-6
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Acorn Lady Tigers Tennis
Doubles:
KaitLynn Ledbetter/Lanee Shaddon W 8-4, W 8-5
Addisyn Ledbetter/Adalyn Bohlman W 8-3, W 8-1
Singles:
Josey Dollar L 4-6, W 6-1
Acorn Tigers Tennis
Doubles:
Eilam Holland/Kaden Carter L 1-8, L 1-8, W 6-5
Singles:
Tyler Riggins L 4-6, L 0-6
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Happy National IT Professionals Day to ORSD Technology Coordinator, Sherri Powell!
We appreciate ALL you do to support students, staff and the ORSD community!
#orsdlifeprep
We appreciate ALL you do to support students, staff and the ORSD community!
#orsdlifeprep
The Importance of Attendance
Thank you, parents and families, for getting your students to school by 7:45 each morning and leaving them at school to complete the instructional day until 4:10. I appreciate all of your efforts in rescheduling appointments to Mondays, so your children will not miss out on instruction. If your child is sick or has to be absent, please contact the office so we can document the reason for the absence. Also, please send any medical notes so these can be filed. Good attendance is critical in helping your child learn and grow. Thank you so much for all of support!
Thank you, parents and families, for getting your students to school by 7:45 each morning and leaving them at school to complete the instructional day until 4:10. I appreciate all of your efforts in rescheduling appointments to Mondays, so your children will not miss out on instruction. If your child is sick or has to be absent, please contact the office so we can document the reason for the absence. Also, please send any medical notes so these can be filed. Good attendance is critical in helping your child learn and grow. Thank you so much for all of support!
Acorn Elementary has voted, and the results are in! 🎉
We are excited to announce our Class Favorites for the 2025–2026 school year. Congratulations to all who were voted for.
We are excited to announce our Class Favorites for the 2025–2026 school year. Congratulations to all who were voted for.
ATTN: Acorn High School Senior Class of 2026 and Parents
Please mark your calendar for an important meeting!
Monday, October 6, 2025
6:00 PM
Acorn Cafeteria
- Obtain FSA ID's (Federal Student Aid ID) for seniors and parents
- Learn more about and apply for state scholarships
- Updates on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and how to be prepared to file FAFSA
Seniors, bring your Chromebook fully charged and charger to the meeting!
#orsdlifeprep
Please mark your calendar for an important meeting!
Monday, October 6, 2025
6:00 PM
Acorn Cafeteria
- Obtain FSA ID's (Federal Student Aid ID) for seniors and parents
- Learn more about and apply for state scholarships
- Updates on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and how to be prepared to file FAFSA
Seniors, bring your Chromebook fully charged and charger to the meeting!
#orsdlifeprep
Acorn High School Class Elections 2025-2026
Congratulations to AHS Class Officers, Class Favorites and Student Council Representatives for grades 7th - 12th!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Congratulations to AHS Class Officers, Class Favorites and Student Council Representatives for grades 7th - 12th!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
ORSD Acorn campus
Due to staff meetings, the Monday Program will not be available for Acorn Elementary School and Acorn High School on:
Monday, September 15, 2025
Please contact your child's building office if you have questions.
Local Schools Compete at Tom Stuthard Stampede
Acorn Cross Country Course — Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The Tom Stuthard Stampede 2025 drew more than 500 runners to the trails around Acorn High School, and three area programs — Acorn, Mena, and Cossatot River — left their mark with determined performances across junior and senior divisions.
Acorn High School
For the host Tigers and Lady Tigers, the Junior Girls turned in a strong showing led by Geneieve Simborio, who ran to a 5th-place finish in 11:23.6. She was followed by teammates Kylie Ezell (24th, 12:24.2), Breezie Harris (48th, 13:47.9), Anastasia Bohlman (75th, 14:55.4), and Ryder Taylor (80th, 15:15.9). Additional finishers included Kaelyn Bridges (83rd), Lacelynn Southern (84th), Evie Norris, Emma Gray, Justice Wray, Raylin Sharp, Brylin Clark, and Rory Pearson.
In the Junior Boys’ 1.5-mile, Cy Young paced Acorn with an 11:05.4 (46th). The Tigers packed in a large squad including Timber Gordon (86th), Trent Phillips (88th), Ryder Laughlin (95th), Koy Long (125th), Kooper Hollin (129th), and Pierse Slater (131st). Depth carried through with Aaron Belcher, Brody Murray, Cody Rusert, Brayden Bowles, and Holden Frick all finishing.
On the varsity side, Acorn placed three in the Senior Boys 5K. Zane Newton led the way in 21:28.6 (34th), while Ayvaan Flores (77th) and Caston Horn (99th) rounded out the team’s effort.
Mena High School
Mena’s Junior Boys put together an impressive day, led by Kameron McDaniel in 10:23.1 (21st). He was supported by Braden Barton (33rd), Easton Johnson (49th), Evan Everitt (58th), Nate Fields (62nd), Grant Thompson (96th), and Barrett Frost (108th).
The Senior Girls’ 5K saw steady performances from the Ladycats. Jasmine Parker was the top finisher, clocking 25:22.7 (13th). She was joined by Ava Fields (25th), Chandle Hendrickson (39th), and Allison Howard (67th).
In the Senior Boys’ race, Mena’s depth stood out as seven runners crossed the line. Zane McMellon (51st, 23:12.3), Austin Fields (53rd), and Auden Woods (56th) were tightly grouped in the top 60. The pack also included Mason Gortermiller (76th), Ryan Walston (86th), Caden Land (88th), Owen Simpson (89th), and Caleb Seitz (111th).
Cossatot River High School
The Junior Boys of Cossatot River brought strong numbers to the line. Alex Sherrouse (55th) and Jesus Ruiz (56th) ran side by side, while Kevin Marufo (65th), Tony Flores (70th), Hector Marrufo (99th), Joseph Dosch (106th), and Dylan Ortiz (119th) rounded out the core. Isaac Gonzales (166th) and Darvin Rojas (171st) pushed through to finish the grueling race.
In the Senior Girls’ 5K, Kinzy Hernandez (50th), Abby Tomblin (53rd), Vanessa Flores (70th), and Yarel Ortiz (71st) represented the Eagles with grit and consistency.
The Senior Boys were anchored by Anthony Johnson, who clocked 23:32.0 for 59th. He was followed by Fernando Cortes (68th), Santos Salinas (96th), and Emmanuel Albiter (97th).
While DeQueen, Lakeside, and Poteau claimed the team titles at this year’s Stampede, Acorn, Mena, and Cossatot River each showed depth and determination that will fuel their seasons ahead. From Simborio’s top-five finish for Acorn, to McDaniel’s junior leadership for Mena, and Cossatot River’s large turnout across both junior and senior races, the local schools proved they can compete against some of the region’s strongest programs.
#orsdlifeprep
Acorn Cross Country Course — Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The Tom Stuthard Stampede 2025 drew more than 500 runners to the trails around Acorn High School, and three area programs — Acorn, Mena, and Cossatot River — left their mark with determined performances across junior and senior divisions.
Acorn High School
For the host Tigers and Lady Tigers, the Junior Girls turned in a strong showing led by Geneieve Simborio, who ran to a 5th-place finish in 11:23.6. She was followed by teammates Kylie Ezell (24th, 12:24.2), Breezie Harris (48th, 13:47.9), Anastasia Bohlman (75th, 14:55.4), and Ryder Taylor (80th, 15:15.9). Additional finishers included Kaelyn Bridges (83rd), Lacelynn Southern (84th), Evie Norris, Emma Gray, Justice Wray, Raylin Sharp, Brylin Clark, and Rory Pearson.
In the Junior Boys’ 1.5-mile, Cy Young paced Acorn with an 11:05.4 (46th). The Tigers packed in a large squad including Timber Gordon (86th), Trent Phillips (88th), Ryder Laughlin (95th), Koy Long (125th), Kooper Hollin (129th), and Pierse Slater (131st). Depth carried through with Aaron Belcher, Brody Murray, Cody Rusert, Brayden Bowles, and Holden Frick all finishing.
On the varsity side, Acorn placed three in the Senior Boys 5K. Zane Newton led the way in 21:28.6 (34th), while Ayvaan Flores (77th) and Caston Horn (99th) rounded out the team’s effort.
Mena High School
Mena’s Junior Boys put together an impressive day, led by Kameron McDaniel in 10:23.1 (21st). He was supported by Braden Barton (33rd), Easton Johnson (49th), Evan Everitt (58th), Nate Fields (62nd), Grant Thompson (96th), and Barrett Frost (108th).
The Senior Girls’ 5K saw steady performances from the Ladycats. Jasmine Parker was the top finisher, clocking 25:22.7 (13th). She was joined by Ava Fields (25th), Chandle Hendrickson (39th), and Allison Howard (67th).
In the Senior Boys’ race, Mena’s depth stood out as seven runners crossed the line. Zane McMellon (51st, 23:12.3), Austin Fields (53rd), and Auden Woods (56th) were tightly grouped in the top 60. The pack also included Mason Gortermiller (76th), Ryan Walston (86th), Caden Land (88th), Owen Simpson (89th), and Caleb Seitz (111th).
Cossatot River High School
The Junior Boys of Cossatot River brought strong numbers to the line. Alex Sherrouse (55th) and Jesus Ruiz (56th) ran side by side, while Kevin Marufo (65th), Tony Flores (70th), Hector Marrufo (99th), Joseph Dosch (106th), and Dylan Ortiz (119th) rounded out the core. Isaac Gonzales (166th) and Darvin Rojas (171st) pushed through to finish the grueling race.
In the Senior Girls’ 5K, Kinzy Hernandez (50th), Abby Tomblin (53rd), Vanessa Flores (70th), and Yarel Ortiz (71st) represented the Eagles with grit and consistency.
The Senior Boys were anchored by Anthony Johnson, who clocked 23:32.0 for 59th. He was followed by Fernando Cortes (68th), Santos Salinas (96th), and Emmanuel Albiter (97th).
While DeQueen, Lakeside, and Poteau claimed the team titles at this year’s Stampede, Acorn, Mena, and Cossatot River each showed depth and determination that will fuel their seasons ahead. From Simborio’s top-five finish for Acorn, to McDaniel’s junior leadership for Mena, and Cossatot River’s large turnout across both junior and senior races, the local schools proved they can compete against some of the region’s strongest programs.
#orsdlifeprep
The Acorn High School Tigers and Lady Tigers tennis traveled to Fort Smith on Monday, September 8th to play Ozark Catholic Academy in a series of matches. The results:
Boys:
Doubles:
Eilam Holland/Kaden Carter 6-0 (win)
Singles:
Eilam Holland 1-6 (loss), Kaden Carter 5-6 (loss)
Girls:
Doubles:
KatiLynn Ledbetter/ Lanee Shaddon 6-3 (win) and 6-3 (win)
Adalyn Bohlman/Addisyn Ledbetter 6-2 (win) and 6-4 (win)
Singles:
Kim Cline 1-6 (loss) and 6-5 (win), Josey Dollar 4-6 (loss) and 6-1 (win), Victoria Squires 0-6 (loss)
Boys:
Doubles:
Eilam Holland/Kaden Carter 6-0 (win)
Singles:
Eilam Holland 1-6 (loss), Kaden Carter 5-6 (loss)
Girls:
Doubles:
KatiLynn Ledbetter/ Lanee Shaddon 6-3 (win) and 6-3 (win)
Adalyn Bohlman/Addisyn Ledbetter 6-2 (win) and 6-4 (win)
Singles:
Kim Cline 1-6 (loss) and 6-5 (win), Josey Dollar 4-6 (loss) and 6-1 (win), Victoria Squires 0-6 (loss)
Welcome ALL VETERANS !
Acorn High School presents ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
Thursday, November 6, 2025
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Mary Davis Gym - Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Please contact Chad Frost, AHS Veterans Day Program Coordinator for lunch headcount by Friday, October 31st at (479) 394-4833 or cfrost@orsd.k12.ar.us
Acorn High School presents ANNUAL VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
Thursday, November 6, 2025
12:00 - 1:30 PM
Mary Davis Gym - Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Please contact Chad Frost, AHS Veterans Day Program Coordinator for lunch headcount by Friday, October 31st at (479) 394-4833 or cfrost@orsd.k12.ar.us
AHS Band and Choir presents FALL FUN'D CONCERT & Fundraisers
Thursday, October 2, 2025
7:00 PM
Mary Davis Gym
FREE Admission
Featuring: Beginning Band, High School Band & Choir
Fundraisers:
- Acorn Schools' Backpack Program - donations welcomed (snacks, bottled water and ready-made meals)
- AHS Music Department Bake Sale & Ticket Sales
For more information, contact: Valerie Couch, Acorn High School Music Director
vcouch@orsd.k12.ar.us (479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Thursday, October 2, 2025
7:00 PM
Mary Davis Gym
FREE Admission
Featuring: Beginning Band, High School Band & Choir
Fundraisers:
- Acorn Schools' Backpack Program - donations welcomed (snacks, bottled water and ready-made meals)
- AHS Music Department Bake Sale & Ticket Sales
For more information, contact: Valerie Couch, Acorn High School Music Director
vcouch@orsd.k12.ar.us (479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
🏃♂️🏃♀️ Acorn Cross Country Announcement 🏃♀️🏃♂️
The Acorn Cross Country Teams will be hitting the track on Tuesday, September 9th at 3:30 PM. Come out, cheer loudly, and show your support for our hardworking runners! 💙💛
Acorn Schools to host 2025 Harvest Festival event and royalty court
Friday, October 10, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
Harvest Festival games & food - 6:00 - 7:15 PM
Harvest Festival Royalty Court - 7:30 PM
Acorn Schools
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Friday, October 10, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Acorn Gymnasium
Harvest Festival games & food - 6:00 - 7:15 PM
Harvest Festival Royalty Court - 7:30 PM
Acorn Schools
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses say "THANK YOU" to American Legion Auxiliary for your generosity providing donuts for our staff!
We appreciate you!
We appreciate you!
Reminder: Tomorrow, September 5, 2025, is Fall Picture Day on the Acorn Campus for students in Pre-K through 11th grade. Dress your best and get ready to smile for the camera!
"Acorn Parents, guardians, and loved ones, please click the link below to access our Veterans Day survey. We would be honored to celebrate your Veterans during our program. We kindly ask that you complete the survey at your earliest convenience. Thank you for helping us honor those who have served!"
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1rzLW5ziCPxkgjuhn7FZbro4CFKGGpRFzUY8NnwRjyiLYBA/viewform?usp=header
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1rzLW5ziCPxkgjuhn7FZbro4CFKGGpRFzUY8NnwRjyiLYBA/viewform?usp=header
