Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025 in observance of Independence Day
Happy 4th of July - Independence Day!
ORSD - Acorn Campus Backpack Food Distribution
Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (noon)
Location: Acorn High School Office (building check-in entrance)
For more information, contact: Dewayne Taylor, AHS Principal
(479) 394-5544
Hiring Substitutes!
On June 18th, ESS will be hosting an informational session and training.
We would love to have you join us as a substitute!
Please click on one of the links below to register in advance to attend a meeting:
ORSD Oden Campus
Oden Registration - https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-substitutes-for-orsd-oden?month=2025-06
ORSD Acorn Campus
Acorn Registration - https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-substitutes-for-orsd-acorn?month=2025-06
ORSD is now accepting sealed bids for the following:
Four 25-ton AC units
May bid on 1 or all 4
(See attached photos)
Sealed bids accepted starting June 16, 2025 for 7 business days ending on June 24, 2025. Sealed bids required to be submitted to:
Jerrall Strasner, ORSD Superintendent
(479) 394-2348
jstrasner@orsd.k12.ar.us
Acorn Tigers Excel at Class 2A State Track Meet - Sr. Boys 7th Place
Seniors Caden Tarkinton and Aiden Kimp closed out their high school track and field careers by leading Acorn to a 7th-place team finish at the Class 2A State Championships — a fitting end to their outstanding contributions to the program.
Acorn High School’s track and field teams capped off their season with an impressive showing at the state meet, bringing home medals, top-10 finishes, and a powerful sense of team pride.
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Boys Team Highlights:
Senior Caden Tarkinton led the way with a state title in the 400-meter dash (51.77), a silver medal in the high jump (6-0), and a bronze in the 800 meters (2:07.55).
Aiden Kimp raced to a 2nd-place finish in the 3200 meters with a time of 10:17.01.
The relays were a showcase of speed and teamwork:
• 4x800-meter relay — Zane Newton, Aiden Kimp, Fredrick Metcalf, and Caden Tarkinton placed 3rd with a time of 9:09.80.
• 4x100 relay — Eilam Holland, Fredrick Metcalf, Regan Larucci, and Bradon Adams claimed 6th place with a time of 3:54.4.
• 4x200 relay — Eilam Holland, Fredrick Metcalf, Regan Larucci, and Bradon Adams finished 10th in 1:44.59.
• 4x400 relay — Zane Newton, Michael Carbone, Fredrick Metcalf, and Caden Tarkinton ran a stellar 3:54.4 for 6th place.
These performances helped the Acorn Senior Boys finish 7th overall in the team standings, a reflection of both individual excellence and relay depth.
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Girls Team Highlights:
Addi Ledbetter sprinted to a 9th-place finish in the 100-meter dash, while Tori Squires placed 11th in the same event and also earned 7th in the long jump (15-1) and 10th in the triple jump (29-10).
Kloee Husser posted a strong 10th-place finish in the 200 meters with a time of 29.61.
In relays:
• The 4x100-meter relay — Ashtyn Fechuch, Tori Squires, Lanee Shaddon, and Addi Ledbetter — clocked 55.72 for 7th place.
• The 4x200 relay — Kloee Husser, Tori Squires, Lanee Shaddon, and Addi Ledbetter — ran 1:57.77 to finish 5th.
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With talent, teamwork, and resilience on full display, the Acorn Tigers left their mark on the state stage, bringing pride to their school and community.
Article submitted - Coach Keith Willsey
**Acorn Campus** The New Gym will be closed June 11th-15th., while the lobby floors are being treated. The New Gym will reopen June 16th. Thank you.
Hiring Substitutes!
On June 18th, ESS will be hosting an informational session and training.
We would love to have you join us as a substitute!
Please click on one of the links below to register in advance to attend a meeting:
ORSD Oden Campus
Oden Registration - https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-substitutes-for-orsd-oden?month=2025-06
ORSD Acorn Campus
Acorn Registration - https://calendly.com/bhampton2013/hiring-substitutes-for-orsd-acorn?month=2025-06
AHS Delegates Attend AR Boys State and AR Girls State
Acorn High School selected delegates for AR ALA Girls State and AR Boys State to participate in the respective events for the week of May 25 - 30, 2025. Acorn High School Junior and Delegate KaitLynn Ledbetter attended American Legion Auxiliary AR Girls State at Harding University. Acorn High School Junior and Delegate Zane Newton and Acorn High School Junior and Alternate Delegate Braxton Hemund attended American Legion AR Boys State at the University of Central Arkansas.
Both events provide opportunities and experiences for high school juniors to engage and participate in civic and leadership education. Experiences include; mock election processes, experiential learning activities on college campuses and at the Arkansas Capitol, extracurricular and intramural activities, leadership discussions, and simulations of state and local government components.
Congratulations, KaitLynn, Zane and Braxton! We are proud of you!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
JOIN THE ORSD FAMILY!
The following positions are now open at ORSD Acorn Campus for the 2025-26 school year:
- Paraprofessional for Infant Room
- Paraprofessional for 3 to 5 year old Preschool Room
If you are interested in infant and/or preschool position vacancies, please send resume to dlane@orsd.k12.ar.us
- Acorn Elementary School Teacher
If you are interested in elementary teacher position vacancy, please send resume to jstrasner@orsd.k12.ar.us
Acorn High School Celebrated Field Day 2025
#AHStigersSERVE
🏅 Acorn High School Athletics is proud to announce that Aiden Kimp and Caden Tarkinton have been selected for the All-State Track Team! They had an outstanding season, showcasing their dedication and talent on the track. As seniors, we are sad to see them graduate, but we’re excited to see the future of Acorn Track and Field as our up-and-coming runners continue to build on their legacy. Congratulations, Aiden and Caden!
Acorn High School Athletics is proud to announce that Kaitlynn Ledbetter has been named to the 2025 Softball All-Tournament Team. Kaitlynn and the Acorn Lady Tigers had a fantastic season, advancing to the State Tournament and showcasing their determination and competitive spirit. The team has set the bar high and is already looking forward to an even more impressive run next season.
🎓 Acorn Elementary Awards & 6th Grade Promotional Ceremony 🎉
Thursday, May 22, 2025 | Acorn Gymnasium
We invite all families to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our K–6 students during this special event. The schedule will be as follows:
8:15 AM – Kindergarten & 1st Grade
9:30 AM – 2nd & 3rd Grades
10:30 AM – 4th & 5th Grades
Following – 6th Grade Awards & Promotional Ceremony
Come support and cheer on your student as we recognize their hard work, growth, and determination throughout the school year. We look forward to seeing you there!
#bigoaksfromlittleacornsgrow #AEStigersSERVE
In anticipation of severe weather predicted for this evening, ORSD will open its designated storm shelters on both the Acorn and Oden Campuses tonight. Everyone stay safe.
CONGRATULATIONS OHS CLASS of 2025! We are proud of you, Matthew! Oden Graduation Ceremony Friday, May 16th, 2025 7:00 PM Bill Kelly Gymnasium
The Acorn High School Band and Choir will have their Awards Ceremony at 6:00 pm Friday, May 16th in the Acorn Cafeteria.
After the Awards the Acorn High School and Middle School Bands (grades 7 -12) will have their Spring Concert starting at 7:00 pm. in the Cafeteria. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend!
Valerie Couch
Acorn Band & Choir Director
Acorn Public Schools
ORSD
Today marks an exciting day for the Acorn Lady Tigers as they take the field against the Izard County Cougars at the Forrest City Sports Complex, battling for a coveted spot in the final 8 of the 2A State Tournament. First pitch will be at 10 am. The Lady Tigers are primed & ready to bring their best to the diamond in what promises to be an action-packed showdown and they're determined to leave it all on the field. Let’s get ready for an unforgettable match!
CONGRATULATIONS OHS CLASS of 2025! We are proud of you, Chase! Oden Graduation Ceremony Friday, May 16th, 2025 7:00 PM Bill Kelly Gymnasium
Acorn Preschool would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Mena Fire Department for visiting the park today and spraying water for our students. Your time, generosity, and willingness to create such a fun and memorable experience are truly appreciated. Our kids had an absolute blast!
The Acorn Lady Tigers are State Tournament Bound!
Our Lady Tigers Softball team is headed to the State Tournament hosted by Palestine-Wheatley! They’ll take the field in the first round this Thursday at 10:00 AM against Izard County Cougars at the Forrest City Sports Complex (2510 S. Washington Street).
Come out and cheer on the Lady Tigers as they kick off their journey toward a State Championship! Let’s pack the stands with blue and gold and show our support!
🎟️ Tickets are available online — please make sure to select the correct field and game day when purchasing.
Let’s go, Lady Tigers! 💙🥎💛
