Week 7: What Are We Doing?

Happy Friday!

As we close out another productive week at Mena Public Schools, I want to express my deep appreciation for the energy, commitment, and heart each of you brings to our school community. Your efforts continue to drive us forward, and it is through your hard work that we can make a meaningful impact on our students, staff, and families as we strive to reach our performance targets. Thank you for all that you do every day to support our shared mission and vision—we will keep pushing forward together!

A word about this year’s performance target data thus far… While our average attendance rate has seen a slight dip compared to last year, it is important to highlight that we are still performing well above our attendance goal for this year. Our early performance data shows that our efforts are paying off, demonstrating strong engagement from our students. However, just like last year, we see a rise in discipline incidents, which is expected as we continue to rigorously track referrals now across all four campuses using the BX3 behavior matrices. This increased accountability and consistency in managing student behavior reflect our commitment to maintaining a positive learning environment and supporting our students' success. The data may not be tracking in a direction we like but I am not concerned because we are keeping our expectations high.

This Week 7 Wrap-up post is titled "What Are We Doing?" with a focus on self-reflection, impactful actions, and contrasting examples of behaviors that hinder our mission and vision.

What Are We Doing?

This week, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect on a simple yet profound question: What are we doing? In its many forms, this question guides us back to our mission and vision—serving our community by instilling purpose, fostering growth, and building a better future for all. We will explore what this means in practice and how our actions align with the impact we strive to create.

Are We Inspiring Purpose?

What are we doing to inspire purpose in our students and staff? We are creating opportunities for everyone to discover their unique strengths and passions. From personalized learning experiences to community projects, our actions show that every dream is valued. However, the antithesis is when we become too focused on routine and overlook the individual needs of those we serve. Purpose thrives when we see and nurture each person's potential and allow them to showcase their talents.

Are We Building a Supportive Environment?

What are we doing to build a supportive environment? We engage in meaningful professional development, foster collaborative teams, and celebrate successes. Our vision comes alive when we uplift one another, providing support in words and action. The opposite behavior is operating in silos, letting criticism overshadow encouragement, or failing to offer a helping hand when someone struggles. Support is not a passive act; it is a daily commitment.

Are We Creating Confidence in Our Community?

What are we doing to instill confidence in our community? We are showing up with transparency, communicating openly with families, and involving community members in our journey. We build confidence when we own our successes and our challenges, demonstrating that we are all in this together. The counterproductive approach is avoiding tough conversations, shutting out feedback, or failing to engage. Confidence grows from connection and shared accountability.

Are We Modeling Accountability?

What are we doing to model accountability? We celebrate our achievements, but we also learn from our mistakes without losing sight of our purpose. Accountability is reflected in our willingness to adapt, innovate, and persevere. It means being present, prepared, and proactive. Behaviors that undermine this include blame-shifting, resisting change, or turning a blind eye to areas needing improvement. True accountability inspires growth and strengthens our community.

Are We Pushing Beyond Comfort?

What are we doing to challenge the status quo and push beyond comfort? We are embracing change, trying new strategies, and setting ambitious goals for our students and ourselves. When we push past comfort, we discover new ways to succeed. The antithesis is clinging to old habits, avoiding risk, or settling for "good enough." Growth lies on the other side of discomfort, and our mission calls us to be brave.

As we continue forward, let us keep asking: “What are we doing?”, “What am I doing?” Are our actions driving us closer to our vision, or do they need recalibrating? By constantly reflecting on this question, we align our daily efforts with our greater purpose. Together, we can ensure that what we are doing is building a community where every individual thrives, and every action has meaning.

Keep pushing forward, keep asking the right questions, and keep believing in the power of what we are doing.

Closing

Sherry Newman sent an email reminding staff that Open Enrollment for insurance changes is from October 1st to October 31st, with any changes taking effect in 2025. Forms and rates are available on the website under menu > documents > employee forms 2024-2025. Access the forms here. If you have experienced a life event—such as a spouse losing coverage, marriage, divorce, or birth of a child—or expect one, please contact Sherry for coverage options. If no changes are needed, no action is required.

Here is a fun opportunity to watch the Razorbacks take on Louisiana Tech on November 23rd.  Click this link to open the informational flyer, scan the QR code, and enter the promo code ‘educators’ to purchase your tickets for only $10!!  WPS!!

The Bearcats and Ladycats had a busy week of competition! Our tennis teams battled hard against Arkadelphia, and we look forward to hosting them again on October 3rd at Tapley Park. The Ladycats Volleyball team will compete in the Rams MTXE Tournament this Saturday in Hot Springs, following a great sweep against Malvern on Tuesday. Mena Cross Country represented us well at the Buck Fever Showcase, and they will be back in action on October 1st at the Leopard Run in DeQueen. Our Golf teams competed in the 4-4A District Tournament, with the Bearcats finishing strong and earning second place. The boys’ 4A State Golf Match is set for October 8th at Desoto Golf Course. A special congratulations to the Jr. Ladycat Volleyball team for bringing home the GOLD in the Silver Bracket at the Ladycat Classic! Great job to all our teams for representing Mena so well!

The Mena Jr. Bearcats showcased more than just their athletic skills in last night's close game against Pottsville, finishing with a 30-24 victory. We received a heartfelt message from a Pottsville parent, commending our players, band, cheerleaders, and fans for creating a fantastic atmosphere. This kind of positive feedback highlights the true spirit of sportsmanship that our community embodies. The Jr. Bearcats are back in action on October 3rd at Lamar.

The Sr. Bearcat Football team travels to Pottsville tonight to take on the Apaches in their conference opener. If you are not making the trip, you can watch the live stream on our YouTube channel. We wish the Bearcats all the luck for a win tonight! Go Bearcats!

The latest #menareads efforts are going great! Keep it up!

It was a good week for us at Mena Public Schools! Remember, we are closed this Monday.

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

Have a nice long weekend!

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