Hot Springs, AR — November 6, 2025
The Ouachita River School District (ORSD) cross-country team delivered an outstanding performance at
the Arkansas State Cross Country Championships held at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs. Led by standout
freshman Genevieve Simborio, the Lady Tigers captured a strong third-place team finish in the 2A girls
division field.
Simborio ran with poise and determination throughout the 5,000-meter course, surging late to place 4th
overall with an impressive time of 21:48.82. Her top-five finish capped off a stellar season in which she
consistently ranked among the top runners in the River Valley Region.
Backing up Simborio’s performance was a deep supporting cast that made the difference for the Lady
Tigers. Kylie Ezell crossed the line in 24:30.38 for 24th place, followed closely by Addisyn Ledbetter,
who finished 26th in 24:33.43. Josey Dollar ran a steady race for 38th place in 26:07.25, while Kloee
Husser (50th, 27:04.75) and Kaelyn Donald (59th, 28:12.10) rounded out the scoring for ORSD.
On the boys’ side, Zane Newton led the Acorn Tigers with a strong 25th-place finish in 20:19.63, closing
his season as one of the district’s most improved runners. Ayvaan Flores turned in a solid effort as well,
clocking 25:50.32 for 97th place in a large and competitive boys’ field.
With all the key runners returning next year, the future looks bright for ORSD cross country.
Congratulations to the AHS XC Athletes, Coach Keith Willsey and Coach Chris Ledbetter!
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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!
Mrs. Bohlman’s first graders filled 23 shoeboxes this year for Samaritan’s Purse! Each box was packed with love, joy, and a reminder that giving is the greatest gift of all. We are so proud of their big hearts and helping hands!
Ouachita River School District would like to express gratitude to those in uniform serving today and to those who have served in the past, we honor you today and every day.
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We appreciate your support and value the community partnership shared with our schools and the Polk County/Mena Rotary Club!
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Ouachita River School District earned “A” rating for Arkansas school districts through the Arkansas Department of Education school letter grades 2024-2025 official rating system, ATLAS (Arkansas Teaching, Learning & Assessment System).!
Ouachita River School District is proud of the hard work, dedication and commitment of our students, staff, families and community! The “A” rating earned is a reflection of the growth and commitment to learning, teaching, caring, supporting, engaging and partnering for success from each and every one, every day!
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Students observed bird behaviors, identified features of a healthy ecosystem, and discussed ways we can support wildlife right here on our school campus.
We love seeing our Tigers learning through real-world, hands-on experiences! 💙💛🐯
#ARinNOV8STEM #OutdoorSTEM #aestigersserve
On November 6, 2025, Acorn High School hosted a special tribute and program honoring our Veterans of all branches of service. The Acorn High School Student Council members gave each student in grades 5th - 12th, staff, Veterans and guests an American flag for the ceremony.
The program included the AHS Band and Choir performances under the direction of Acorn Schools' Music Director Valerie Couch, of our National Anthem and United States Armed Forces Medley with the presentation of each military branch's flag. Mr. Jerrall Strasner, ORSD Superintendent welcomed guests, students, and staff in attendance and emphasized the relevance and importance of honoring and recognizing those who served and serve to protect our freedoms.
The Acorn High School EAST Program, under leadership of Scott Bohlman and technical support from Makaila Goodner highlighted Veterans and their service in a slideshow presentation.
Special guest speaker Mayor Seth Smith, City of Mena shared a message of inspiration and pride for our service men and women, for our country and for our community.
Thank you to all who coordinated and participated in the 2025 AHS Veterans Program!
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Monday, November 10, 2025 & Tuesday, November 11, 2025
See you back on campus - Wednesday, November 12th!
Acorn vs Cossatot River (Away)
Tuesday, 11/4/2025
Acorn JG Lady Tigers vs Cossatot River JG Lady Eagles
Acorn SR Lady Tigers vs Cossatot River SR Lady Eagles
Acorn - 57 vs Cossatot - 42
Top Scorers: KaitLynn Ledbetter - 25 points, 4 Boards & 3 assists
Josey Dollar - 15 points, 8 boards & 4 assists
Acorn SR Tigers vs Cossatot River SR Eagles
Acorn - 49 vs Cossatot River - 43
Top Scorer: Braxton Hemund led all scorers - 20 points, 3 rebounds & 4 steals
We are thrilled to welcome local author Holli Plunkett and her adorable pup Maggie to Acorn Elementary for a special K–2 author visit on November 14th! 📚🐾
Holli will be sharing her book Naughty Maggie, a sweet and funny story inspired by her real-life doodle. Our students are going to love this visit!
📘 Order forms will be sent home for anyone who would like to purchase a signed hardcover or paperback copy of the book.
Hardcover – $20
Paperback – $13
We can’t wait for our little Tigers to meet a real author and celebrate the joy of reading! 💙💛✨
📖🐶 “Every story starts with imagination — and sometimes a little mischief!”
Acorn SR High Quiz Bowl Take 1st Place in Ashdown Invitational Tournament
The Acorn SR High Quiz Bowl Team competing in the Ashdown Invitational Tournament on 11/5/2025:
Zane Newton
Cadince Onstott
Eilam Holland
Brooke Osufsen
Anthony Gonzales
Matilda Grant
Jaylen McQueen
Jaycelin Gardner
Nine (9) teams total in the invitational. Congratulations to the AHS SR High Quiz Bowl Team and Coach Amy Slater!
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ACORN CLASSIC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Acorn vs Blevins (Home)
Saturday, 11/1/2025
Acorn SR Lady Tigers vs Blevins SR Lady Hornets
Acorn - 60 vs Blevins 29
Top Scorers: Victoria Squires - 13 pointes, Addisyn Ledbetter - 11 points, Josey Dollar - 12 points, KaitLynn Ledbetter - 10 points
Coach's quote: "I feel like we played with a lot of energy on Saturday night. I was very pleased with our defense against a very athletic Blevins club. We shot the ball very well from the perimeter. Any time you have 4 girls in double figures it really helps." Coach Chris Ledbetter, Acorn Lady Tigers Basketball
Acorn SR Tigers vs Blevins SR Hornets
Acorn - 64 vs Blevins - 73
Top Scorer: Kaden Carter - 14 points & 10 rebounds
Acorn Tigers hit the road to face the Cossatot River Eagles on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Tip-off begins with the Jr Girls at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Senior teams. Come out and support the Tigers as they battle it out on the court!
October 2025
Michele Kincaid
Kristina Johnson
Kim Posey
Kelly Slaten
Congratulations, Michele, Kristina, Kim and Kelly!
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September 2025
Helen Bridges-Lewis
Crystal Hill
Congratulations, Helen and Crystal!
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Acorn Schools' Veterans Program
THURS 11/6/2025
12:00 PM
Mary Davis Gym
Honoring all military branches
Jerall Strasner, ORSD Superintendent
🎄 AES Presents: Christmas at the OK Corral 🤠
Acorn Elementary is excited to invite you to our Annual Elementary Holiday Musical – Christmas at the OK Corral!
Join us Thursday, December 4th, in the Acorn New Gym for a festive evening of music and fun!
🎬 Performance Schedule:
Kindergarten & 1st Grade: 6:00 PM
2nd – 4th Grades: 7:00 PM
🎤 Speakers and actors will stay for both performances.
👕 Student Attire:
Students should wear a white t-shirt, jeans, and boots (if they have them). Each student will receive a red bandana upon arrival.
We would love for everyone to come out, enjoy the show, and support our amazing students as they share the spirit of Holidays—Western style!
Way to go, Zane!
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