Week 36: The Work Leading to the Walk

Happy Final Friday of the School Year!

As we close out Week 36, I want to take a moment to thank each of you, not just for the work you have done this week, but for the work you have done across the years. The students who will walk across the stage this weekend have been shaped by hundreds of hands and hearts—by lessons taught, behaviors guided, and encouragement offered from Pre-K to 12th grade. Whether you were their first teacher or someone who simply smiled at them in the hallways, your presence mattered. And so, before we turn our eyes to the graduates, I would like to direct our attention to where the story truly began—with you.

The Work Leading to the Walk

As our seniors prepare to cross the stage this week, I want to pause and direct your attention not to them, but to you.

Every graduate in this class carries with them the lessons that you gave. Whether you taught them to read in the elementary grades, challenged them in a science lab, corrected their behavior in the hallway, or offered a word of encouragement on a hard day, you are in their story. Their caps may rise on Saturday, but the work that got them there was done in classrooms and cafeterias, in bus routes and practice fields, in moments you may not even remember, but they will not forget.

Some of that work was uncomfortable. You assigned consequences. You made them revise their work. You held them to a higher standard than they thought they could meet. You kept them engaged so they would not quit. And you did it all not to make life harder, but to make their future brighter. That kind of discipline—the kind rooted in care and conviction—is the foundation of every meaningful accomplishment. Thank you for not letting them off the hook. Thank you for loving them enough to expect more.

If you have a moment this weekend, I encourage you to think back to your own graduation—what it felt like to hear your name called, to feel the weight of both completion and possibility. That is the same promise our seniors are stepping into now. You helped build that bridge. And as they walk across it, they carry your voice with them—maybe not your name, but your imprint.

To the Class of 2025, if we could speak to you as one voice, we would say this:

You are prepared. Not because everything will go perfectly, but because you have been prepared to face whatever comes. You have been taught, challenged, supported, and believed in. The adversities you experienced here in our schools taught you how to persevere and gave you some tools to overcome the adversities of the future. Wherever you go from here—college, career, military, or straight into the workforce—do not forget what you carry with you: values shaped in classrooms, character forged through struggle, and a community that is proud of you and confident in you. Always remember, once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.

Closing

As a reminder, Wednesday, May 22nd, is the final day of school for students, and Thursday, May 23rd, is our last in-service day of the year. As in years past, we will gather at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the PAC to celebrate staff achievements, recognize career milestones, and honor this year’s retirees. This ceremony is a special time to reflect on the incredible impact of your work and to close the year together as one district family.

If you are reaching a years-of-service milestone (1, 5, 10, 15, etc.) or have achieved a significant accomplishment this year, please take a moment to complete this form so we can include you in our recognitions. Your response helps ensure that your contributions are acknowledged in front of your colleagues.

We are also grateful to Christ’s Community Fellowship, which will once again be providing a barbecue lunch immediately following the ceremony. Their continued support and generosity are deeply appreciated.

Henderson State University is accepting applications for its Summer 2024 Educational Leadership programs, which prepare future leaders for the Principalship, Superintendency, SPED Supervisorship, and Curriculum Leadership. An MSE in Teacher Leadership is also available, leading to a Lead Teacher designation. If you are considering your next step in leadership, there is still time to apply. Click here to view the flyer and program links.

Our Ladycat Soccer Team wrapped up a strong season with a first-round appearance in the state playoffs. While their run ended earlier than hoped, the growth, grit, and determination they showed all year are something to be proud of. On the boys’ side, our Bearcat Soccer Team won their first-round match and continue their journey in the state playoffs today. We wish them continued success and are proud of how both teams have represented Mena this season—with passion, perseverance, and Bearcat pride.

This is a reminder of an invitation to share your ideas, concerns, and solutions to help us improve student behavior across all campuses by participating in this Thought Exchange. Your insight will help guide our next steps and shape a stronger, more supportive environment for every learner.

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 good weekend!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bearcatwrap.substack.com