February is National Career and Technical Education Month
ORSD CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Spotlight
Oden High School: Stephanie Olmstead
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: Stephanie Olmstead
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
Acorn Students Earn Top Honors 2026 Polk County Spelling Bee
On February 4, 2026, Acorn Elementary and Middle School students competed in the Polk County Spelling Bee held at the Ouachita Center on the UA Rich Mountain Community College campus in Mena. The following students placed in the top 3 of the competition:
2nd Grade: Benaiah Johnson - 3rd Place
3rd Grade: David Tipton - 2nd Place
Mary Nichols - 3rd Place
4th Grade: Canyon Davis - 3rd Place
6th Grade: Kylee Horn - 2nd Place
Greyson Gutierrez - 1st Place
8th Grade: Isaac Johnson - 2nd Place
The following students competed in the preliminary round to participate in the competition:
1st Grade
Brinlee Basehar
Addie Jo Turner
Gabriel Heifner - Alternate
2nd Grade
Evelynn Leonhart
Benaiah Johnson
Karsen Wheless - Alternate
3rd Grade
David Tipton
Mary Nichols
Avery Beaty - Alternate
4th Grade
Canyon Davis
Katie Norris
Skyler Head - Alternate
5th Grade
Carter Midgette
Grayson Fox
Ayden Brennan - Alternate
6th Grade
Kylee Horn
Greyson Gutierrez
Jesilyn Brummel - Alternate
7th Grade
Lily Arender
Raelynn Fair
Ana Bohlman - Alternate
8th Grade
Pierse Slater
Kylee Parnell - registered but did not compete in Polk County Spelling Bee
Isaac Johnson - Alternate
Congratulations to the Acorn students who participated in this year’s event and to the participants who placed in the top 3! We are proud of you! Thank you to the staff, parents, and volunteers who helped students prepare for the competition and to Union Bank for sponsoring this annual event for Polk County schools!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#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!
On February 4, 2026, Acorn Elementary and Middle School students competed in the Polk County Spelling Bee held at the Ouachita Center on the UA Rich Mountain Community College campus in Mena. The following students placed in the top 3 of the competition:
2nd Grade: Benaiah Johnson - 3rd Place
3rd Grade: David Tipton - 2nd Place
Mary Nichols - 3rd Place
4th Grade: Canyon Davis - 3rd Place
6th Grade: Kylee Horn - 2nd Place
Greyson Gutierrez - 1st Place
8th Grade: Isaac Johnson - 2nd Place
The following students competed in the preliminary round to participate in the competition:
1st Grade
Brinlee Basehar
Addie Jo Turner
Gabriel Heifner - Alternate
2nd Grade
Evelynn Leonhart
Benaiah Johnson
Karsen Wheless - Alternate
3rd Grade
David Tipton
Mary Nichols
Avery Beaty - Alternate
4th Grade
Canyon Davis
Katie Norris
Skyler Head - Alternate
5th Grade
Carter Midgette
Grayson Fox
Ayden Brennan - Alternate
6th Grade
Kylee Horn
Greyson Gutierrez
Jesilyn Brummel - Alternate
7th Grade
Lily Arender
Raelynn Fair
Ana Bohlman - Alternate
8th Grade
Pierse Slater
Kylee Parnell - registered but did not compete in Polk County Spelling Bee
Isaac Johnson - Alternate
Congratulations to the Acorn students who participated in this year’s event and to the participants who placed in the top 3! We are proud of you! Thank you to the staff, parents, and volunteers who helped students prepare for the competition and to Union Bank for sponsoring this annual event for Polk County schools!
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#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!
Let’s go, Lady Tigers! 🐯🏀
The Acorn Jr. Lady Tigers have advanced to the next round of district play and will travel to Hector today to continue their postseason run! They’ll take on the Jr. Lady Wildcats at 6:30 PM tonight.
Come out and pack the stands to cheer on our girls as they battle for a spot in the district title game. Your support makes a difference—let’s show them that Tiger pride travels strong! 💛🖤
The Acorn Jr. Lady Tigers have advanced to the next round of district play and will travel to Hector today to continue their postseason run! They’ll take on the Jr. Lady Wildcats at 6:30 PM tonight.
Come out and pack the stands to cheer on our girls as they battle for a spot in the district title game. Your support makes a difference—let’s show them that Tiger pride travels strong! 💛🖤
Acorn Senior Tigers & Lady Tigers Take the Court Tonight! 🐯
Join us this evening as our Acorn Senior Tigers and Lady Tigers face off against the Umpire Wildcats in an exciting Senior Night matchup!
🏀 Senior Girls Game: 5:30 PM
🎓 Senior Recognition Ceremony: Immediately following the girls game
🏀 Senior Boys Game: After the ceremony
Come out and pack the gym as we celebrate and support our senior athletes for their hard work and dedication. Let’s make it a great night for our Tigers!
Join us this evening as our Acorn Senior Tigers and Lady Tigers face off against the Umpire Wildcats in an exciting Senior Night matchup!
🏀 Senior Girls Game: 5:30 PM
🎓 Senior Recognition Ceremony: Immediately following the girls game
🏀 Senior Boys Game: After the ceremony
Come out and pack the gym as we celebrate and support our senior athletes for their hard work and dedication. Let’s make it a great night for our Tigers!
JOIN the ORSD SCHOOL FAMILY! and Be a Tiger! Be a Timberwolf!
OUACHITA RIVER SCHOOL DISTRICT - ACORN & ODEN Campuses
SCHOOL CHOICE Deadline: June 1, 2026
Steps to complete the process include:
1 - Complete the APPLICATION FOR SCHOOL CHOICE TRANSFER
https://adecm.ade.arkansas.gov/Attachments/2026SchoolChoiceApp_OSCPE_092025.pdf
2 - On or before June 1, 2026 deadline, submit the completed application.
Applications may be obtained from Ouachita River School District website:
www.ouachitariversd.org > School Choice Application (orange button to application link)
Applications may be delivered or mailed to the Acorn campus or Oden campus or the Ouachita River School District Administration Office.
#orsdlifeprep
#AEStigersSERVE
#OMESwolvesSERVE
#AHStigersSERVE
#OHSwolvesSERVE
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