Week 32: A Week of Celebration, Success, and Assessment

Happy Friday!

Welcome to the Week 32 Wrap-up! As we near the end of another enriching school year, our community continues to thrive, filled with vibrant events and significant achievements. Thank you for all you did this week! This week, we celebrated the arrival of our future Kindergartners with a big registration event, cheered on our students at the Special Olympics, and watched more of our students set the finality of our instruction in state ATLAS testing. Additionally, we finalized this year’s yearbook, selected our Choir Spotlight Singers, and continued to excel in our athletic programs. Each event not only marks a success in our calendar but also aligns with our performance targets, mission, and vision, showcasing the dynamic spirit and dedication at the heart of our school community. Join me as I explore the highlights and successes of the past week.

ATLAS Testing

State testing, known as ATLAS, continued this week. This assessment is an essential tool in our educational strategy, providing us with vital data about student learning and achievement. While we will not receive the results until next fall, the insights gained from the ATLAS assessments are integral to shaping our instructional methods and curricular decisions.

Once the results are available, they will allow our educators to analyze student performance comprehensively. This data will help us identify strengths and pinpoint areas where students may need additional support, enabling us to tailor our instruction more effectively to meet the needs of all students. By understanding the specific learning gaps and achievements, teachers can adjust their teaching strategies and resources, ensuring that every student has the support necessary to succeed.

Moreover, this data will guide our professional development initiatives, helping us focus our training sessions to address the areas most needed by our staff to enhance their teaching practices. Overall, the ATLAS assessment data is a cornerstone in our continuous effort to advance educational outcomes and ensure that our instruction is both effective and responsive to the needs of our students.

Kindergarten Registration for 24-25

Last night marked an exciting milestone at Louise Durham as we welcomed future Bearcats during our kindergarten registration event for the upcoming school year. The event was a HUGE success, filled with enthusiasm and the joyful anticipation of starting a new educational journey. Mrs. Sellers and Mr. Rose put on a first-of-its-kind celebratory event to welcome these students and their parents. We are thrilled to welcome the class of 2037 and look forward to nurturing their growth and curiosity.

Special Olympics

This week, Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium was the proud venue for an inspiring display of athleticism and community spirit as we hosted the Special Olympics. Hundreds of students and community supporters gathered to cheer on the athletes, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. The event highlighted the extraordinary talents and determination of participants, bringing together people from all walks of life in a celebration of inclusion and sportsmanship.

The Special Olympics at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium was a resounding success, thanks to the spirited participation of the athletes and the unwavering support from students, families, and community members. This event once again proved that Mena Public Schools is a community that comes together to celebrate each other's achievements and uplift one another.

HHE Student Showcase

Thursday at Holly Harshman Elementary, we celebrated the 3rd Annual Student Showcase, where students had the opportunity to share their diverse talents and interests with the community. From equine skills and artistic creations in painting and drawing to gardening and origami, the range of talents displayed was truly impressive. The event, supported by Union Bank and Aramark who provided refreshments, was not only a festive gathering but also a vivid demonstration of our students' unique abilities. This showcase highlights the creativity and diversity of our students, fostering a strong sense of pride and community involvement. We are grateful for the continued support from our parents and local businesses, making this annual event a resounding success and a cherished tradition at Holly Harshman Elementary.

Feedback Survey

It is that time of year again when the DeQueen-Mena Coop seeks your valuable input. Here is their annual DMESC User Satisfaction Survey 2024. Please note that the survey will close on May 31st. This survey is crucial for them as it helps gauge the satisfaction and effectiveness of the services provided by the coop. We strongly encourage everyone in our district who uses any of their services to complete this survey and forward it to others who do the same. Your feedback is instrumental in helping them improve and continue to serve you better. Thank you for taking the time to help them enhance their cooperative efforts.

School Choice

As we approach the school choice deadline of May 1, Mena Public Schools stands out as a top choice for education in our community. Our curriculum features a diverse range of subjects including advanced placement courses and innovative STEM programs, designed to foster critical thinking and a passion for learning. We prioritize creating a supportive and inclusive environment, where tailored instructional strategies meet individual student needs, emphasizing well-being alongside academic achievement. Our strong connection with parents and community members enhances our programs and solidifies our school culture through active collaboration. Students also benefit from a variety of extracurricular and leadership opportunities across clubs, sports, and arts programs, further developing their skills and interests. Ultimately, we prepare students for future success, whether they choose college, the workforce, or vocational training, ensuring they are well-equipped to thrive in their chosen paths. Choosing Mena Public Schools means investing in a community committed to educational excellence and holistic student development.

MPS Benchmarks

At Mena Public Schools, we deeply value the dedication and commitment of our staff members. To honor this commitment, we recognize employees for their continued service to our school district. Tokens of appreciation are awarded after the completion of the first year of service and subsequently at every five-year milestone. These tokens are a small gesture to acknowledge the significant contributions our staff makes towards shaping the future of our students. We also want to recognize special achievements made by our staff.

If you are reaching a service milestone this year or if you have made any significant achievements, please take a moment to fill out this form. Your response will ensure you receive the recognition you deserve for your years of dedicated service. Thank you for all that you do for our community and students!

Closing

As our regular seasons for soccer, track, baseball, and softball draw to a close, we have exciting updates from the athletic fields of Mena Public Schools. This season has been particularly thrilling for our baseball and softball teams.

Our baseball team, led by Head Coach Kobe Morris and Assistant Coach Rodney Rowland, has shown remarkable skill and determination, clinching the number 2 seed for the district tournament. This significant achievement has also earned them a spot in the regional tournament—an honor that the team has not attained in 11 years. Their hard work and perseverance are truly commendable.

Similarly, our softball team has excelled under the guidance of Head Coach Ray Hunter and Assistant Coach Tia Fryer, also securing a number 2 seed in their district tournament. Their outstanding performance this season deserves high praise.

Congratulations to both teams for their exceptional seasons thus far. We are immensely proud of your achievements and look forward to cheering you on as you continue to compete and showcase the spirit of Mena Public Schools in the post-season.

Congratulations to the newly selected members of our prestigious Spotlight Singers! These talented individuals were chosen through a rigorous audition process for their exceptional vocal abilities and will represent Mena Public Schools in special singing programs throughout the school year.

A heartfelt thank you to Kristine Albin and her dedicated yearbook staff for completing this year's edition of the yearbook. Your hard work and creativity have captured the memorable moments and milestones of the school year, preserving them for years to come. We truly appreciate your commitment to creating this cherished keepsake for our school community.

It was another 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.

Have a nice weekend!

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