February is National Career and Technical Education Month
ORSD CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Spotlight
Acorn High School: Jim Pennington
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: Jim Pennington
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
With Valentine’s Day approaching, we want to remind everyone that balloons and glass items are not allowed on school buses. This helps us ensure a safe and smooth ride for all students.
If your child receives these items, please make arrangements to pick them up or provide alternative transportation.
To help us manage deliveries, all Valentine’s gifts must be dropped off during the designated times listed below.
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our school day running safely and smoothly.
If your child receives these items, please make arrangements to pick them up or provide alternative transportation.
To help us manage deliveries, all Valentine’s gifts must be dropped off during the designated times listed below.
8:30 am - 1:00 pm
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our school day running safely and smoothly.
🏀 JR DISTRICT TOURNAMENT TIME! 🏀
The Acorn Jr. Lady Tigers and Jr. Tigers are headed to Hector to compete in the Junior District Tournament!
Game Schedule:
🐯 Jr. Lady Tigers
🆚 Danville Lady Little Johns
🕓 4:00 PM
➡️ With a win, they will return Wednesday, February 11 to face Hector at 6:30 PM
🐯 Jr. Tigers
🆚 Hackett Hornets
🕖 7:45 PM
➡️ With a win, they will return Wednesday, February 11 to play Mountainburg at 5:15 PM
Let’s pack the stands and show our support for these hardworking athletes! Good luck, Jr. Tigers and Jr. Lady Tigers — we are proud of you! 💙💛
The Acorn Jr. Lady Tigers and Jr. Tigers are headed to Hector to compete in the Junior District Tournament!
Game Schedule:
🐯 Jr. Lady Tigers
🆚 Danville Lady Little Johns
🕓 4:00 PM
➡️ With a win, they will return Wednesday, February 11 to face Hector at 6:30 PM
🐯 Jr. Tigers
🆚 Hackett Hornets
🕖 7:45 PM
➡️ With a win, they will return Wednesday, February 11 to play Mountainburg at 5:15 PM
Let’s pack the stands and show our support for these hardworking athletes! Good luck, Jr. Tigers and Jr. Lady Tigers — we are proud of you! 💙💛
Updated Jr. High District Tournament
AHS FBLA Earns District Conference Honors
Acorn High School FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) members competed at the Arkansas FBLA District Conference on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center in Fort Smith. AHS FBLA earned numerous honors and all members had an outstanding performance in their competition categories!
Results are as follows:
Kimberly Cline, Job Interview // Advancing to State
Kylie Ezell, Bailey Myers, Serenity May, Event Planning // Advancing to State
Jordan Lyle and Andrea Wagner, Sales Presentation // Advancing to State
Clay McGee, Business Communications // Advancing to State
Samuel Williams, Data Science and AI // Advancing to State
Matilda Grant, Public Speaking
Mylee Sharp and Ethan Gilbert, Sports and Entertainment Management
Jaylee Powell, Introduction to Marketing Concepts
Congratulations, AHS FBLA competitors and Mrs. Makaila Goodner, AHS FBLA Advisor!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Acorn High School FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) members competed at the Arkansas FBLA District Conference on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the ACHE Research Institute Health & Wellness Center in Fort Smith. AHS FBLA earned numerous honors and all members had an outstanding performance in their competition categories!
Results are as follows:
Kimberly Cline, Job Interview // Advancing to State
Kylie Ezell, Bailey Myers, Serenity May, Event Planning // Advancing to State
Jordan Lyle and Andrea Wagner, Sales Presentation // Advancing to State
Clay McGee, Business Communications // Advancing to State
Samuel Williams, Data Science and AI // Advancing to State
Matilda Grant, Public Speaking
Mylee Sharp and Ethan Gilbert, Sports and Entertainment Management
Jaylee Powell, Introduction to Marketing Concepts
Congratulations, AHS FBLA competitors and Mrs. Makaila Goodner, AHS FBLA Advisor!
#orsdlifeprep
#AHStigersSERVE
Jr. High District Tournament
February is National Career and Technical Education Month
ORSD CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Spotlight
Oden High School: Mindy Lyle
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
Oden High School: Mindy Lyle
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
🏀 District Tournament Time for Our Acorn Junior Teams! 🏀
Acorn Junior High teams will kick off District Tournament play on Monday, February 9th!
🐯 Jr. Lady Tigers vs. Danville Little Johns at 4:00 PM
🐯 Jr. Tigers vs. Hackett Hornets at 7:45 PM
Tournament brackets are posted below.
Let’s pack the gym and show our support as our Jr. Tigers and Jr. Lady Tigers compete for a district title! Your energy in the stands makes a difference — come cheer them on and show that Acorn pride! 💛🖤
Acorn Junior High teams will kick off District Tournament play on Monday, February 9th!
🐯 Jr. Lady Tigers vs. Danville Little Johns at 4:00 PM
🐯 Jr. Tigers vs. Hackett Hornets at 7:45 PM
Tournament brackets are posted below.
Let’s pack the gym and show our support as our Jr. Tigers and Jr. Lady Tigers compete for a district title! Your energy in the stands makes a difference — come cheer them on and show that Acorn pride! 💛🖤
“Get ready for game night! The Acorn 7th Grade Boys, Jr Girls & Seniors will travel to Danville on February 6, 2026. Action tips off at 5:00 pm. Come out and pack the gym to cheer on your Tigers!”
“Get ready for game night! The Acorn Jr Boys & Seniors will travel to JC Westside on February 5, 2026. Action tips off at 4:30 pm. Come out and pack the gym to cheer on your Tigers!”
February is National Career and Technical Education Month
ORSD CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Spotlight
Oden High School: Barry Norman
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
Oden High School: Barry Norman
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
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - ORSD MAKE UP DAYS & REVISED CALENDAR SCHEDULE - SPRING 2026
Due to exceeding our allotted inclement weather closure days, Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses revised calendar schedule will include the following full, in-person instruction days in regular session to meet state mandates:
Tuesday, May 19. 2026
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Friday, May 22, 2026
Regular Session Schedule for Make Up and Revised Calendar Days - 7:45 AM - 4:13 PM
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner, ORSD Superintendent
Due to exceeding our allotted inclement weather closure days, Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses revised calendar schedule will include the following full, in-person instruction days in regular session to meet state mandates:
Tuesday, May 19. 2026
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Friday, May 22, 2026
Regular Session Schedule for Make Up and Revised Calendar Days - 7:45 AM - 4:13 PM
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner, ORSD Superintendent
“Get ready for game night! The Acorn Jr Boys will host Hector at home on February 4, 2026. Action tips off at 4:30 pm. Come out and pack the gym to cheer on your Tigers!”
School Counselors Celebrate During National School Counseling Week, Feb. 2–6, 2026
National School Counseling Week 2026, “School Counselors Amplify Student Success,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 2–6, 2026, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century,” according to Mayor Seth Smith, City of Mena.
In a proclamation, Mayor Smith cited school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, Ouachita River School District is recognizing the support and dedication of each of their school counselors serving in the district. Families or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the school counselors at their local schools. More general information can also be found on ASCA’s website, schoolcounselor.org.
About the American School Counselor Association
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society. Founded in 1952, ASCA has a network of 53 state and territory associations and a membership of approximately 43,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit schoolcounselor.org.
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!
National School Counseling Week 2026, “School Counselors Amplify Student Success,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 2–6, 2026, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
The special week honoring school counselors provides recognition for school counselors who “implement comprehensive school counseling programs, a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century,” according to Mayor Seth Smith, City of Mena.
In a proclamation, Mayor Smith cited school counselors for being actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests and talents; for working in a partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world; for focusing on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career and social/emotional development; and working with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic and optimistic aspirations for themselves. School counselors are certified, experienced educators with a master’s degree in school counseling. The combination of their training and experience makes them an integral part of the total educational program.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, career options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
More than 100,000 school counselors nationwide will be participating in the week’s festivities. Many schools will be hosting special events and activities to call attention to the countless benefits of a comprehensive school counseling program.
As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, Ouachita River School District is recognizing the support and dedication of each of their school counselors serving in the district. Families or community members with specific questions or concerns about school counseling programs should contact the school counselors at their local schools. More general information can also be found on ASCA’s website, schoolcounselor.org.
About the American School Counselor Association
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society. Founded in 1952, ASCA has a network of 53 state and territory associations and a membership of approximately 43,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit schoolcounselor.org.
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 Community,
Today Acorn Campus Staff discovered a threatening message on the school's automated message system. The threat was left on Sunday the 25th of January and was specific to that day. Out of an abundance of caution, the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the ORSD Security Team conducted a thorough search of the campus and nothing was found. During our investigation, we have learned that a number of school districts across the nation have received similar threatening messages. There will be an additional law enforcement presence on the Acorn Campus this week as an extra precaution. The safety of our staff and students is the number one priority of the Ouachita River School District. Our children are safe. Our staff is safe. Our campuses are safe. Thank you to the ORSD Security Team and Polk County Sheriff's Office for their service and quick response.
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner Superintendent
Today Acorn Campus Staff discovered a threatening message on the school's automated message system. The threat was left on Sunday the 25th of January and was specific to that day. Out of an abundance of caution, the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the ORSD Security Team conducted a thorough search of the campus and nothing was found. During our investigation, we have learned that a number of school districts across the nation have received similar threatening messages. There will be an additional law enforcement presence on the Acorn Campus this week as an extra precaution. The safety of our staff and students is the number one priority of the Ouachita River School District. Our children are safe. Our staff is safe. Our campuses are safe. Thank you to the ORSD Security Team and Polk County Sheriff's Office for their service and quick response.
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner Superintendent
Acorn Tigers hit the road to face the Hackett Yellowjackets on Tuesday, February 3, 2025. Tip-off begins with the 7th Grade Boys at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Junior Boys and both Senior teams. Come out and support the Tigers as they battle it out on the court!
National School Counseling Week
February 2-6, 2026
The 2026 theme for National School Counseling Week is "School Counselors Amplify Student Success!" School Counselors serving the Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses are dedicated to serving students, parents, families, staff and community to amplify student success. As members of the ORSD family, our school counselors address vital student development areas to help students achieve academic, personal/social emotional, and career goals through advocacy, support and collaboration.
School Counselors serving Ouachita River School District:
Apryl Philpot - Oden Schools
Tammy Young - Acorn High School
KyLynn Ledbetter - Acorn & Oden Elementary Schools, District Mental Health Therapist
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
February 2-6, 2026
The 2026 theme for National School Counseling Week is "School Counselors Amplify Student Success!" School Counselors serving the Ouachita River School District - Acorn and Oden campuses are dedicated to serving students, parents, families, staff and community to amplify student success. As members of the ORSD family, our school counselors address vital student development areas to help students achieve academic, personal/social emotional, and career goals through advocacy, support and collaboration.
School Counselors serving Ouachita River School District:
Apryl Philpot - Oden Schools
Tammy Young - Acorn High School
KyLynn Ledbetter - Acorn & Oden Elementary Schools, District Mental Health Therapist
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
ORSD Community,
Acorn and Oden Campuses will be open tomorrow February 3rd at normal times. Back roads covered in ice we will not go down. If you have questions about any route please call today to get them answered. Thank you to the ORSD Staff coming in over the weekend and today to make our campuses as safe as possible. Please take it slow in the morning coming to campus and if you cannot get out then please call to let us know. I am looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner Superintendent
William Edwards Asst. Superintendent
Acorn and Oden Campuses will be open tomorrow February 3rd at normal times. Back roads covered in ice we will not go down. If you have questions about any route please call today to get them answered. Thank you to the ORSD Staff coming in over the weekend and today to make our campuses as safe as possible. Please take it slow in the morning coming to campus and if you cannot get out then please call to let us know. I am looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner Superintendent
William Edwards Asst. Superintendent
ORSD Community,
Acorn and Oden Campuses will be open tomorrow February 2nd at normal times. This announcement applies to both Preschools and Monday Programs. We will run transportation as well but not on roads that are iced over. Please note there are still some areas on campus that have ice and slick spots so take it slow in the morning.
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner Superintendent
Acorn and Oden Campuses will be open tomorrow February 2nd at normal times. This announcement applies to both Preschools and Monday Programs. We will run transportation as well but not on roads that are iced over. Please note there are still some areas on campus that have ice and slick spots so take it slow in the morning.
Respectfully,
Jerrall Strasner Superintendent
The Acorn game VS Hector scheduled for Friday, January 30th, has been canceled due tothe weather. With it being a Conference game, they are working on getting it rescheduled. As soon as that information is available, we willget that out to everyone.
