Week 24: Our Growth Is Their Growth

Happy Valentine’s Friday!

First, I want to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication. Your commitment to our students and our shared mission continues to drive us forward. I also want to acknowledge your efforts in working toward our performance targets, which are essential markers of our progress and growth as a district.

I have updated our performance target page with the latest data from the ATLAS interim exams. The results show encouraging signs—especially in science and math—where we are seeing an increase in students scoring at levels 3 and 4, our highest performance levels, and fewer students scoring at level 1, which indicates being below grade level. This is a direct reflection of your dedication and instructional excellence, and it should give all of us a well-deserved boost of confidence. We must use this momentum to keep pushing forward.

Our attendance has suffered due to the rash of flu that continues to plague us, and a combination of factors has contributed to an increase in disciplinary referrals, though primarily for minor infractions. While these challenges are real, they are also temporary. By continuing to support one another and maintaining a positive, student-centered focus, we will help restore stability and keep our classrooms thriving.

Our Growth

I just mentioned our students’ academic growth, but their success is a direct result of our growth—and I want to encourage even more. Back in Week 13's Wrap-up, The Tools to Be Perfect, I discussed the importance of using the tools available to us with skill and precision, like a farmer with a seed drill who carefully calibrates the machine for the best results. But having the right tools is only part of the journey. Knowing how to use them—and having the humility to admit when we do not—is what separates progress from stagnation.

The hardest tool to pick up is often a mirror. Self-reflection requires us to face uncomfortable truths about our abilities and limitations. Sometimes, we cling to the belief that we should already know how to use the tools we have been given—whether those tools are instructional strategies, leadership frameworks, or new technologies. Pride can whisper that asking for help makes us look weak, but the opposite is true: admitting that we can grow is an act of strength.

Early in my career as a teacher, I found myself frustrated when my lessons did not produce the results I hoped for. I believed I was working hard, but something was missing. Then I came across Proverbs 15:32: "Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence." That verse caused me to reflect. I realized that I had been hearing advice from experienced teachers and administrators, but I was not truly listening. I was too busy defending my methods to consider theirs.

So, I made a change. I started observing my successful peers more closely, not just watching their methods but trying to understand why they worked. I began seeking and trying new strategies through books and professional development. At first, I felt like I did not have the time or energy to change, but I pushed forward and tried anyway. What I discovered surprised me: the improved methods actually took less energy because my students were more engaged and did more of the work themselves, making classroom management far less taxing. Slowly, I incorporated new techniques into my own classroom. It was not easy to admit I had room to grow, but it was necessary. And the results were undeniable—my students' engagement improved, and so did my confidence.

Growth requires two things: humility and action. Be humble enough to learn—recognize that every expert was once a beginner. Accept that not knowing something is temporary, but refusing to learn is permanent. Observe others with curiosity—some of the best lessons come from watching colleagues in action. Listen when they share what has worked for them. Ask questions—when something works well for someone else, find out why. When something does not work for you, seek feedback. Practice without fear—trying new methods may feel awkward at first, but mastery only comes through practice.

Our district thrives when we all embrace this mindset. We have incredible educators and leaders among us—let us learn from each other. Sharing what works, asking for guidance, and offering constructive feedback strengthens us collectively.

What tools do you have but struggle to use effectively? Who around you might be a model worth observing? Are you willing to admit that growth requires help from others?

We are in this together, and together we will be better. The tools are here—let us learn to use them well.

Value Added Measure (VAM) and Educator Effectiveness System (EES) Update

Soon, the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) will release Value Added Measure (VAM) scores, which determine individual teacher impact on student academic growth. VAM scores are also a primary factor in teacher merit pay. Since last year, DESE has been adjusting merit pay rules to include more teachers who do not receive VAM scores. To help with this, one of the key components for ALL educators, not just those who have VAM scores, will be uploading artifacts into the Educator Effectiveness System (EES) to demonstrate their students' growth.

Next week, principals will schedule an artifact—or set of artifacts—to be uploaded into EES by April 1st. We understand that artifacts will vary due to the diverse subjects taught across Mena Public Schools. Each educator will determine the artifacts that best represent their students' growth. Be on the lookout for an email notification from EES. We will also provide technical guidance for uploading artifacts in the coming days. For further details, please reach out to your building principal.

Closing

Mena High School FBLA recently attended the District Spring Leadership Conference in Fort Smith, where several students earned awards in their competitions and qualified to compete at the State Conference in April. Their achievements span a wide range of categories, from business management and cybersecurity to graphic design, marketing, and impromptu speaking. Additionally, several students will compete in events that advance directly to the state level, including broadcast journalism, business planning, client service, coding and programming, digital video production, and international business. Congratulations to all participants on their outstanding performances, and best of luck at the state competition!

Congratulations to the Mena High School Choir for having three students earn spots in the All-State Choir. Their hard work and talent have brought pride to our district, and they will represent Mena at the All-State Music Conference in two weeks. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to their dedication and musical excellence. Best wishes to them as they perform on this prestigious stage.

Congratulations to our junior Bearcat basketball teams on a successful season! Best of luck to our senior high teams as they begin district tournament play next Monday in Ozark. Additionally, we extend our best wishes to our Ladycat wrestlers competing in the southern regional tournament tomorrow in El Dorado. Our junior high Quiz Bowl team will be competing in their state contest tomorrow, as well, and we wish them the best.

There is a possibility of winter weather next week. We will keep you updated on any potential school closures through our standard communication channels, including social media and local radio stations.

This is a reminder that Notice of Intent forms have been sent out and are due to be completed by the end of this month. Click here for the form.

It was a good week 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 and videos coming and have a nice weekend!

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