Week 10: The ATLAS Era Has Begun

Happy Homecoming Friday!

I want to begin by thanking everyone for their hard work and dedication this week, especially those who have been deeply involved in the homecoming activities. Your commitment to making these events a success does not go unnoticed, and I truly appreciate all the time and effort that has gone into ensuring a memorable experience for our students and community. In addition, our district’s performance targets are currently being updated, reflecting our ongoing commitment to academic excellence and growth and now we have more data to help us with that.

The first state assessment I was introduced to as a young teacher was ACTAAP, followed by Benchmark, then PARCC, ACT Aspire, and now ATLAS. Each of these assessments had its flaws, but all of them served as tools to guide instruction in their time. What sets ATLAS apart is that it is Arkansas’s own—created by Arkansas teachers—and its format is available for teacher use throughout the year. This accessibility and alignment with our needs should provide us with more consistent and accurate insights, helping us work toward our vision of continual improvement and academic success for all students.

ATLAS Results

Assessment data can bring with it both frustration and excitement. Analyzing data can give us insight into our instructional practices when we look at it as an overall picture of progress. We have to be careful to remember that a summative assessment is a snapshot, one moment in time for a student. Over the next several weeks we will dig deeper into the data to see what we can learn about our instructional practices, but we will continue to use several data points to determine student needs and progress. Below is an overall picture of the district versus state data. Yellow indicates areas where we fall short of the state average, green indicates we hit the mark, and blue shows areas where we are above the state averages. As a district, we have much to be proud of. We have met or exceeded the state averages overall in ELA, Math, and Science. This data will support our work in decision making but we know that it is a combination of this data along with our formative assessments that will inform the work we do with students. K-3 Screener data was received yesterday, and we are working through that data as well. November will give us the next snapshot with interim assessments, but it is the everyday classroom work that makes all the difference for students and their progress. You are making a difference every day in student learning and achievement.

Measuring Progress with Consistency

Reflecting on our ATLAS test scores, I am reminded of a vision I had four years ago. At that time, I imagined our district having its own academic "dashboard”, a tool that would allow staff and the community to see exactly where we were academically throughout the year. We did not have the right tool then, but I moved forward anyway, using a set of different assessments to track our progress. Unfortunately, while these assessments often indicated we were on the right path, the state results told a different story.

Now, with ATLAS, we finally have a tool that aligns with that vision—a cohesive system that allows us to track our progress with accuracy and consistency throughout the year. It provides real-time insights, helping us better support our students and adjust our instruction when needed. This system brings us closer to achieving the clarity and direction we have been striving for, so we are not left guessing about our outcomes.

It is important to acknowledge that, while we now have this powerful tool, we also understand some of the extraneous reasons for lower scores, especially early on. Our younger students are still becoming familiar with the ATLAS system, and many of them are working through challenges related to computer knowledge and usage. These factors, while temporary, can influence initial results. We will continue to guide our students through these adjustments as we help them develop both the academic and technical skills needed to thrive.

It is also important to remember that this change will not happen overnight. We are not in a race; true transformation takes time. Full integration of the ATLAS system, and the results we are striving for, will take four to five years to realize fully. This is a marathon, not a sprint, and the process of adjustment will require patience and persistence.

In the meantime, let us take a mindful, day-to-day approach to this work. Each day is an opportunity to learn and grow. If we encounter challenges or setbacks, let us not see them as failures, but as our teachable moments. It is through those moments that we become better and more effective educators. By focusing on how we are getting better each day, we build a stronger foundation for long-term success.

As I always say: Do not just hope, know. Together, we are on the right path, and I am confident that with each step forward, we are closer to achieving our goals.

Thank you all for your dedication and for embracing the journey ahead.

Grant Opportunities

Each year, several of our dedicated teachers and staff members win grants that directly benefit our students by providing additional resources, enhancing learning experiences, and supporting innovative projects. I encourage all of you to explore grant opportunities, as they offer a unique chance to bring new ideas and valuable materials into our classrooms. Whether you are seeking funding for technology, classroom supplies, or special programs, there are countless opportunities available. Your efforts can make a lasting impact on our students, and I am confident that many of you have ideas that are worth pursuing. Let us continue to seek out these opportunities and make the most of them for our students’ success.

Closing

This week has been filled with excitement and tradition as we celebrate Homecoming, and tonight we will crown our Homecoming Queen in a special ceremony before the big game. The Bearcats will take on Waldron in what promises to be an exciting matchup, and we invite everyone to come out and join the pageantry and school spirit. It is a wonderful opportunity to show our support for the students and athletes who have worked so hard to make this week memorable. So come on out to cheer on the Bearcats and enjoy the celebration of our school’s pride!

Congratulations to the Mena Bearcat Band for their outstanding performance at the Region 8 Marching Assessment held at Fort Smith’s Northside High School this past Tuesday. The band earned an overall rating of 1st Division Superior, continuing the long-standing tradition of excellence that has defined our Bearcat Band for years. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to upholding the high standards of musical performance in our school. We are incredibly proud of their success and the way they continue to represent our school and community with such distinction.

We recently received a heartfelt message from the director of Homewood Cottages expressing gratitude for including their community in our Homecoming parade. She shared how the parade was "beyond beautiful," with enthusiasm from the participants that made it feel as though they were at the very front, not the end. Homewood Cottages is home to many proud Bearcat supporters, and they were thrilled to be part of the festivities. The residents love watching our games and always enjoy it when our students come by. This connection highlights the special role our school plays in the broader community, and we are honored to bring joy and school spirit to those who support us so wholeheartedly.

After Monday's Data Day, I would like to invite all teachers to participate in a Thought Exchange to help us improve planning for future data days. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we work to create meaningful, productive opportunities for collaboration and growth. Please take a moment to join the Thought Exchange. Your input will help us refine our approach and ensure that we continue meeting the needs of both staff and students. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and for your commitment to continuous improvement.

This afternoon, we have two wonderful opportunities to support our community through upcoming fundraisers. First, the Lion’s Club Chili Supper offers a hearty meal of our cafeteria chili, featuring local beef donated by T-N-L Meat Processing, along with delicious cinnamon rolls. This will be served in the middle school cafeteria. For $10 per person, you can enjoy great food and contribute to a great cause. Additionally, we have the Lioness’s Fundraiser Tailgate before Homecoming at the stadium benefiting the Backpack Food Program. For $10, you can grab a pulled pork sandwich, chips, a cookie, and a drink. Both events offer a chance to give back and connect with others in our community, so I encourage everyone to participate and show their support!

It was a good week for us at Mena Public Schools!

At Mena Public Schools our students are prepared, our staff is supported, and our community is confident.

Keep the #menareads posts coming and have a nice weekend!

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