Acorn Anglers Team Tournament at Lake Ouachita
The Acorn Anglers Bass Fishing Team was at it again Saturday, August 30th at Lake Ouachita for their second team tournament this season. With the support of an awesome group of parents, guardians, family members and boat captains, 11 boats with 21 anglers took off at safe light for a beautiful day of fishing in amazing weather. We had a special send-off and prayer from our guest boat captain of the day, Mr. Kerry Barnett from Waldron, Arkansas.
Weigh-in was exactly what we hope for each time, with almost every team weighing in a bag.
In our junior division (4th-8th grade), Landon Johnson and Canyon Davis took first place with a combined weight of 4.64. Second place went to AbiGail and Elijah Slaten with 3.81. A close third goes to Tanner Davis, who accepted the challenge of fishing solo; he weighed in with 2.28. Brothers Chisum and Addis Myers caught fish and had a blast; just missed the slot limit/length by a hair. Junior high big bass AND trash fish awards went to Mr. Canyon Davis! Canyon’s trash fish was a long Gar that his partner Landon helped him to land. They were able to take an epic photo, but decided they didn’t want him hanging out in their boat for the day!
For our senior high anglers, (9th-12th), it was a tight top four for sure! First place went to the team of Caston Horn and Trey Martin with 8.21. Second, Kasen Strother and Brantlee Tunnell, with 7.27. Third, JJ Bass and Cooper Strother with 6.07. Fourth, Beau Rodgers and Jasper Dollar with 5.88. Ninth graders Cy Young and James Gibbons weighed in with 3.48. Two other boats participated but also battled that slot/length limit: Kooper Hollin and his cousin, Cody Russert, and Braxton Hemund with Kortsen Edwards. Jasper Dollar won trash fish and the Big Bass award went to Caston Horn, 3.17.
As always, a huge thank you to our amazing boat captains who spend hours with these anglers donating their gas and time to this program. We had some amazing businesses partner up with us as sponsors over the past few weeks–a shout out to Miner’s A & B Tires, Union Bank, Tedder Bros., Myers Cruizzers, and the amazing Mrs. Vicki Rose-Couturier, for her continual support of all AHS students.
#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 Anglers Bass Fishing Team was at it again Saturday, August 30th at Lake Ouachita for their second team tournament this season. With the support of an awesome group of parents, guardians, family members and boat captains, 11 boats with 21 anglers took off at safe light for a beautiful day of fishing in amazing weather. We had a special send-off and prayer from our guest boat captain of the day, Mr. Kerry Barnett from Waldron, Arkansas.
Weigh-in was exactly what we hope for each time, with almost every team weighing in a bag.
In our junior division (4th-8th grade), Landon Johnson and Canyon Davis took first place with a combined weight of 4.64. Second place went to AbiGail and Elijah Slaten with 3.81. A close third goes to Tanner Davis, who accepted the challenge of fishing solo; he weighed in with 2.28. Brothers Chisum and Addis Myers caught fish and had a blast; just missed the slot limit/length by a hair. Junior high big bass AND trash fish awards went to Mr. Canyon Davis! Canyon’s trash fish was a long Gar that his partner Landon helped him to land. They were able to take an epic photo, but decided they didn’t want him hanging out in their boat for the day!
For our senior high anglers, (9th-12th), it was a tight top four for sure! First place went to the team of Caston Horn and Trey Martin with 8.21. Second, Kasen Strother and Brantlee Tunnell, with 7.27. Third, JJ Bass and Cooper Strother with 6.07. Fourth, Beau Rodgers and Jasper Dollar with 5.88. Ninth graders Cy Young and James Gibbons weighed in with 3.48. Two other boats participated but also battled that slot/length limit: Kooper Hollin and his cousin, Cody Russert, and Braxton Hemund with Kortsen Edwards. Jasper Dollar won trash fish and the Big Bass award went to Caston Horn, 3.17.
As always, a huge thank you to our amazing boat captains who spend hours with these anglers donating their gas and time to this program. We had some amazing businesses partner up with us as sponsors over the past few weeks–a shout out to Miner’s A & B Tires, Union Bank, Tedder Bros., Myers Cruizzers, and the amazing Mrs. Vicki Rose-Couturier, for her continual support of all AHS students.
#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!
It is Acorn Peewee Basketball time. Below is the posted link to sign your student up. Registration is due by September 4th.
This program is focused on making this experience fun for the players while emphasizing fundamental skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Practices will begin soon (some who played last year may already be practicing). We are looking for coaches for the 3rd-grade girls and 3rd-grade boys teams. Please contact Mr. Spradlin ASAP if you are interested at 479-216-4658.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfinJcXxBnQQ6M7jegdCK8JfQYj2PGRCTxe97GFW-6JLl5w8g/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=101993802560081434851
🌟 Stay Connected with Acorn Elementary! 🌟
Our Acorn Elementary Facebook page is the best place to catch all the exciting updates, student celebrations, and day-to-day happenings in our classrooms and library. 📚🐾
Today we’re celebrating our newest AR Point Club readers 🎉 — check it out on our elementary page!
👉 Follow us here: Acorn Elementary Facebook
Don’t miss a moment — “like” and follow our page so you can see all the ways our Tigers are shining! 💙💛
#AESTigersServe #AcornElementary #ARPointClub
AHS Golf Team @ Foreman
The AHS Golf Team played in the Foreman Golf Tournament on Monday, August 25, 2025. Foreman High School hosted the tournament which included: Acorn High School, Foreman High School and Horatio High School. AHS Golf Team members included:
Eilam Holland
Caiden Hicks
Beau Rodgers
Regan Larucci
Isaiah Clovis
Brett Phillips
Trey Martin
Asher Cook
Cy Young
Braxton Hemund
Congratulations to Asher Cook for individual score of 42 and the AHS Golf Team on their first tournament of the season!
The AHS Golf Team is coached by AHS Athletic Director Dewayne Taylor. We are proud of you, AHS Tigers!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
The AHS Golf Team played in the Foreman Golf Tournament on Monday, August 25, 2025. Foreman High School hosted the tournament which included: Acorn High School, Foreman High School and Horatio High School. AHS Golf Team members included:
Eilam Holland
Caiden Hicks
Beau Rodgers
Regan Larucci
Isaiah Clovis
Brett Phillips
Trey Martin
Asher Cook
Cy Young
Braxton Hemund
Congratulations to Asher Cook for individual score of 42 and the AHS Golf Team on their first tournament of the season!
The AHS Golf Team is coached by AHS Athletic Director Dewayne Taylor. We are proud of you, AHS Tigers!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
A few highlights from the 2025 Polk County Fair & Livestock Shows
Acorn Elementary and High School students showings and entries
#orsdlifeprep
#aestigersserve
#ahstigersserve
Fall Pictures will be taken on Friday September 5, 2025 for the Acorn Campus. This will be for students in Pre-K through 11th Grade.
Ouachita River School District Acorn and Oden campuses will be closed on Monday, September 1, 2025 for Labor Day
AES~ Save the Date Announcement!
OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT - PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE!
Students have opportunities to pursue pathways in high school that prepare them for careers and achieve Merit Demonstration and Diploma Distinction recognition while in high school! ORSD offers courses, practicum experiences and industry-recognized certifications in a number of pathways that include high demand, high wage (H2) pathways.
Pathways offered include:
Accounting
Ag Power, Structural & Technical Systems
Animal Systems
Banking
Construction
Culinary Arts
Management
Pre-Educator
Software Development
Advanced Placement (AP)
Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy
In partnership with post-secondary for concurrent credit, ORSD - Acorn and Oden students can earn college credit that lead to certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and associate degrees. The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain provides H2 pathway programs in partnership with Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden students in the following programs:
Medical Professions
Advanced Manufacturing: Welding
Advanced Manufacturing: Machine Tool
Automotive Technology
Concurrent Credit
Contact our high school offices for more information:
Oden High School
135 School Drive
Oden, AR 71961
(870) 326-4311
Mrs. Elicia Bergum, Oden K-12 Principal
Mrs. Apryl Philpot, Oden K-12 Counselor
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mr. Dewayne Taylor, Acorn High School Principal
Mrs. Tammy Young, Acorn High School Counselor
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!
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
Students have opportunities to pursue pathways in high school that prepare them for careers and achieve Merit Demonstration and Diploma Distinction recognition while in high school! ORSD offers courses, practicum experiences and industry-recognized certifications in a number of pathways that include high demand, high wage (H2) pathways.
Pathways offered include:
Accounting
Ag Power, Structural & Technical Systems
Animal Systems
Banking
Construction
Culinary Arts
Management
Pre-Educator
Software Development
Advanced Placement (AP)
Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy
In partnership with post-secondary for concurrent credit, ORSD - Acorn and Oden students can earn college credit that lead to certificates of proficiency, technical certificates and associate degrees. The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain provides H2 pathway programs in partnership with Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden students in the following programs:
Medical Professions
Advanced Manufacturing: Welding
Advanced Manufacturing: Machine Tool
Automotive Technology
Concurrent Credit
Contact our high school offices for more information:
Oden High School
135 School Drive
Oden, AR 71961
(870) 326-4311
Mrs. Elicia Bergum, Oden K-12 Principal
Mrs. Apryl Philpot, Oden K-12 Counselor
Acorn High School
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-5544
Mr. Dewayne Taylor, Acorn High School Principal
Mrs. Tammy Young, Acorn High School Counselor
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!
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
Oden High School & HCI Partnership
On Thursday, August 14th, Oden High School conducted their annual physicals for student athletes. Oden Schools had a wonderful opportunity to host Healthy Connections, Inc., who provided physicals for our dedicated athletes! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Healthy Connections team for supporting our students' health and wellness.
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Photos courtesy of Coach Colby Kennedy
On Thursday, August 14th, Oden High School conducted their annual physicals for student athletes. Oden Schools had a wonderful opportunity to host Healthy Connections, Inc., who provided physicals for our dedicated athletes! We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Healthy Connections team for supporting our students' health and wellness.
#orsdlifeprep
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Photos courtesy of Coach Colby Kennedy
ATTN: ORSD Students & Parents/Guardians
The Monday Program at Acorn and Oden Schools will not be available on the following date:
Monday, August 18, 2025
The ORSD Monday Program will resume on Monday, August 25, 2025 - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM.
If you have questions or need additional information about the ORSD Monday Program, please contact your child’s building office.
Oden K-12 Schools
(870) 326-4311
Acorn Elementary School
(479) 394-4833
Acorn High School
(479) 394-5544
The Monday Program at Acorn and Oden Schools will not be available on the following date:
Monday, August 18, 2025
The ORSD Monday Program will resume on Monday, August 25, 2025 - 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM.
If you have questions or need additional information about the ORSD Monday Program, please contact your child’s building office.
Oden K-12 Schools
(870) 326-4311
Acorn Elementary School
(479) 394-4833
Acorn High School
(479) 394-5544
Goodner Accepted Into Project STEM-Amazon Future Engineer Sponsorship Program
We are proud to announce that Mrs. Makaila Goodner, our Acorn High School Computer Science teacher, has been officially accepted into the Project STEM–Amazon Future Engineer Sponsorship Program for the 2025–2026 school year!
This prestigious partnership brings free, high-quality computer science curriculum, professional development, and classroom resources to our students—sponsored by Amazon through the Project STEM initiative. It's a huge step toward giving every student access to the skills and opportunities of the future, no matter where they come from.
This program makes tech education real-world and engaging, meaning Acorn students will be learning coding, problem-solving, and cutting-edge tech skills that prepare them for college, careers, and beyond.
#AmazonFutureEngineer #ProjectSTEM #CSforAll #ComputerScience #STEMEducation #RealWorldLearning #AHSComputing
Congratulations, Mrs. Makaila Goodner!
#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 to announce that Mrs. Makaila Goodner, our Acorn High School Computer Science teacher, has been officially accepted into the Project STEM–Amazon Future Engineer Sponsorship Program for the 2025–2026 school year!
This prestigious partnership brings free, high-quality computer science curriculum, professional development, and classroom resources to our students—sponsored by Amazon through the Project STEM initiative. It's a huge step toward giving every student access to the skills and opportunities of the future, no matter where they come from.
This program makes tech education real-world and engaging, meaning Acorn students will be learning coding, problem-solving, and cutting-edge tech skills that prepare them for college, careers, and beyond.
#AmazonFutureEngineer #ProjectSTEM #CSforAll #ComputerScience #STEMEducation #RealWorldLearning #AHSComputing
Congratulations, Mrs. Makaila Goodner!
#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 - Acorn and Oden campuses
Just a friendly reminder!
1st day of school on the Acorn and Oden campuses starts Tuesday, August 12, 2025!
School day starts at 7:45 AM
We look forward to serving you in 2025-2026!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Just a friendly reminder!
1st day of school on the Acorn and Oden campuses starts Tuesday, August 12, 2025!
School day starts at 7:45 AM
We look forward to serving you in 2025-2026!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
Acorn Anglers will be hosting a FISH FRY FUNDRAISER!
Saturday, August 16th
3:30 - 5:30 PM
Old Main parking lot - Acorn campus
See flyer attached!
Saturday, August 16th
3:30 - 5:30 PM
Old Main parking lot - Acorn campus
See flyer attached!
Acorn Anglers Host 1st Fishing Tournament for 2025-2026 Season
Acorn’s newly-formed bass fishing team, The Acorn Anglers, held their first tournament of the 2025-26 season last Saturday, August 2nd, at Gillham Lake. It was a beautiful opening day and we were proud to host 11 boats, with 25 student anglers participating!
Congratulations to Kooper Strother and JJ Bass for taking first place in the senior division, and to Caston Horn and Trey Martin for placing second. First place for the junior division went to a brother/sister team, AbiGail and Elijah Slaten. Chisum and Addis Myers, another sibling team, won the “trash fish” award for the juniors, and JJ Bass took the senior “trash fish” award with a nice big catfish. Rounding out the prizes, a big shout out to Beau Rodgers for taking the coveted BIG BASS award for the senior division with a nice weight of 4.4, and AbiGail Slaten for BIG BASS, juniors.
We would like to give a special thanks and HUGE SHOUT OUT to our sponsors for this event:
WeighTech (Waldron)
Myers Cruizzers (Mena)
4J Fishing and Hunting (Mena)
Toby and Eric Hollin (Mena)
Doodle Sockin’ Outdoors (Mena)
True Value (Waldron)
Slaten Lawn Care (Waldron)
A big thank you as well to all the parents who helped with the food and drinks for lunch; we appreciate your support so much!
If you have a 4th to 12th grade student who is interested in joining the anglers for this school year, please contact one of the two school sponsors for this team: Mrs. Kelly Slaten or Mrs. Toby Hollin. Please contact us if you have questions or need information. We are excited and looking forward to a great season!
Congratulations to our first tournament junior high and senior high division winners: Kooper Strother, JJ Bass, Caston Horn, Trey Martin, AbiGail Slaten, Elijah Slaten, Beau Rodgers, Chisum Myers, Addis Myers and all of our Acorn Anglers for your achievements! We are proud of you!
A huge thank you to our sponsors: Mrs. Toby Hollin and Mrs. Kelly Slaten for your leadership and service and to parents, families and community for your generosity and support!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#AEStigersSERVE
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’s newly-formed bass fishing team, The Acorn Anglers, held their first tournament of the 2025-26 season last Saturday, August 2nd, at Gillham Lake. It was a beautiful opening day and we were proud to host 11 boats, with 25 student anglers participating!
Congratulations to Kooper Strother and JJ Bass for taking first place in the senior division, and to Caston Horn and Trey Martin for placing second. First place for the junior division went to a brother/sister team, AbiGail and Elijah Slaten. Chisum and Addis Myers, another sibling team, won the “trash fish” award for the juniors, and JJ Bass took the senior “trash fish” award with a nice big catfish. Rounding out the prizes, a big shout out to Beau Rodgers for taking the coveted BIG BASS award for the senior division with a nice weight of 4.4, and AbiGail Slaten for BIG BASS, juniors.
We would like to give a special thanks and HUGE SHOUT OUT to our sponsors for this event:
WeighTech (Waldron)
Myers Cruizzers (Mena)
4J Fishing and Hunting (Mena)
Toby and Eric Hollin (Mena)
Doodle Sockin’ Outdoors (Mena)
True Value (Waldron)
Slaten Lawn Care (Waldron)
A big thank you as well to all the parents who helped with the food and drinks for lunch; we appreciate your support so much!
If you have a 4th to 12th grade student who is interested in joining the anglers for this school year, please contact one of the two school sponsors for this team: Mrs. Kelly Slaten or Mrs. Toby Hollin. Please contact us if you have questions or need information. We are excited and looking forward to a great season!
Congratulations to our first tournament junior high and senior high division winners: Kooper Strother, JJ Bass, Caston Horn, Trey Martin, AbiGail Slaten, Elijah Slaten, Beau Rodgers, Chisum Myers, Addis Myers and all of our Acorn Anglers for your achievements! We are proud of you!
A huge thank you to our sponsors: Mrs. Toby Hollin and Mrs. Kelly Slaten for your leadership and service and to parents, families and community for your generosity and support!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
#AEStigersSERVE
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!
THANK YOU for choosing OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT "BEST OF THE BEST" SCHOOL SYSTEM!
We value your support and partnership in providing excellence in education and preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
We value your support and partnership in providing excellence in education and preparing students for life!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
ATTN: ORSD -Acorn Campus Students and Parents
ACORN CAMPUS BUS ROUTES
Please reference information attached for bus route pick up and drop off times and locations.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your child's building office.
Acorn Elementary School Office
(479) 394-4833
Acorn High School Office
(479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
ACORN CAMPUS BUS ROUTES
Please reference information attached for bus route pick up and drop off times and locations.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact your child's building office.
Acorn Elementary School Office
(479) 394-4833
Acorn High School Office
(479) 394-5544
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
ATTENTION - Preschool Registration at ORSD! Current openings!
2025-2026 Acorn Preschool Registration
To register, child must be 3 or 4 years of age on or by August 1, 2025.
The following documentation is needed for registration:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Current immunization record
- Current physical
- Verification of household income & address
- Completed application
Applications may be obtained from the Acorn Elementary School Office or ORSD Administration Office.
Acorn Preschool
Kathy Medford Preschool Building
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833 x, 416
#orsdlifeprep
2025-2026 Acorn Preschool Registration
To register, child must be 3 or 4 years of age on or by August 1, 2025.
The following documentation is needed for registration:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Current immunization record
- Current physical
- Verification of household income & address
- Completed application
Applications may be obtained from the Acorn Elementary School Office or ORSD Administration Office.
Acorn Preschool
Kathy Medford Preschool Building
143 Polk Road 96
Mena, AR 71953
(479) 394-4833 x, 416
#orsdlifeprep
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENT!
The Ouachita Children’s Coalition and all area school districts are hosting a BACK TO SCHOOL BASH on August 2nd!
Saturday, August 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Historic Armory Building - Maple Street
Event is for ALL Polk County Students - PreK to 12th Grade and their families!
School supplies, yard sale-no sale items, hot dogs, bottled water, and more - FREE!
The Ouachita Children’s Coalition and all area school districts are hosting a BACK TO SCHOOL BASH on August 2nd!
Saturday, August 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Historic Armory Building - Maple Street
Event is for ALL Polk County Students - PreK to 12th Grade and their families!
School supplies, yard sale-no sale items, hot dogs, bottled water, and more - FREE!
ORSD - Acorn Campus Backpack Food Distribution
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Acorn High School Office (building check-in entrance)
For more information, contact: Dewayne Taylor, AHS Principal
(479) 394-5544
Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Acorn High School Office (building check-in entrance)
For more information, contact: Dewayne Taylor, AHS Principal
(479) 394-5544
