Bearcat Wrap-up Podcast

Happy Friday!As we continue through the spring semester, I want to begin by thanking our staff for how quickly and effectively you helped our district regain momentum following an unexpected six-day closure due to winter weather. Returning to routine after that amount of disruption is not easy, yet classrooms, offices, and campuses across the district quickly refocused on teaching, learning, and serving students. I also want to specifically thank our maintenance and transportation teams for the work they put in on Monday to ensure campuses were safe and bus routes were operational so we could return to school on Tuesday. Their behind-the-scenes efforts were essential to making that transition possible. That collective ability to reset, re-establish expectations, and move forward with purpose reflects the professionalism and resilience of this organization.Even after interruptions, our work remains anchored in clear goals and shared expectations. The performance targets we have committed to as a district continue to guide decision-making, instructional focus, and the use of time and resources. Your efforts to align daily practice with those targets, while balancing flexibility, planning, and care for students, are what keep progress moving in the right direction. This week’s Wrap-Up includes an important update related to assessment timelines and next year’s academic calendar, along with an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful civic learning as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.Academic Calendar Update and Assessment AlignmentAs we work toward finalizing next year’s academic calendar, I want to share an update on timing. The Arkansas Department of Education has adjusted statewide testing windows, and the preliminary assessment calendar for 2026–2027 reflects several important shifts.Next year, K–2 interim assessments will take place in October and January, and both interim windows for grades 3–10 and End-of-Course assessments will conclude by December 11, which is earlier than in the current year. In addition, the ATLAS summative testing window will not open until May 3. These changes require us to adjust the placement of instructional data days, so staff have timely access to interim results and can meaningfully use that data to guide instruction, while also accounting for a later summative window.Because these shifts affect instructional days, data use, and overall calendar alignment, we need additional time to finalize calendar options. As a result, the release of calendar choices for staff voting will be delayed by at least one additional week. Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure the calendar supports both compliance and instructional effectiveness.Arkansas Celebrates America250 | Presidential 1776 AwardAs part of Arkansas Celebrates America250 (#ACA250), the Arkansas Department of Education is sharing the Presidential 1776 Award, a national civics competition for high school students that recognizes exceptional understanding of America’s founding principles.The competition is launched by the U.S. Department of Education and independently developed and judged by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation. It challenges students to connect classroom learning to constitutional principles, civic responsibility, and informed citizenship as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.The Presidential 1776 Award is open to students in grades 9–12 at no cost and includes an online state qualifying exam this month, followed by regional and national rounds. The national finals will be held in Washington, D.C., with scholarships totaling $250,000 awarded to top finishers.Please share this opportunity with students, families, and other teachers to reinforce relevant civics and U.S. history content already embedded in coursework. Registration information is available at presidential1776award.org, with additional details on the Arkansas Celebrates America250 website.Opportunities like this reflect the learning we value—learning that builds knowledge, responsibility, and confidence beyond the classroom.Mid-Year Leadership Reviews and Writing Across the CurriculumOver the past few weeks, we have been conducting mid-year reviews with our principals. These conversations are intended to be reflective and forward-looking, focusing on instructional priorities, leadership growth, and the conditions we are creating for student success. One area that consistently emerged across campuses was the intentional work being done to strengthen writing across the curriculum, and I want to recognize the collective effort behind that focus.Improving writing is not simply about preparing students for an assessment, although stronger writing will positively influence performance over time. Writing develops thinking. When students write, they must organize ideas, clarify meaning, evaluate evidence, and use language precisely. Those same processes are foundational to strong reading comprehension. Students who write more frequently become more attentive readers because they better understand the structure, vocabulary, and purpose of texts.Beyond academics, writing builds functional skills that matter in everyday life. Clear written communication helps students advocate for themselves, participate productively in the workplace, engage in civic life, and contribute meaningfully to our community. Whether students are completing applications, communicating with employers, or expressing ideas in collaborative settings, writing is a skill that strengthens independence, confidence, and opportunity.I appreciate the work our teachers and leaders are doing to embed writing meaningfully across subject areas. This is the kind of instructional focus that improves outcomes not only on assessments, but in the long-term success of our students as learners, workers, and citizens.Closing CelebrationsStudents at Louise Durham Elementary represented their school with pride in the Battle of the Books, a literacy competition that promotes reading comprehension, teamwork, and a genuine love for reading. These students demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm, and we are proud of the preparation and effort that went into representing their school and community.We also celebrate students who recently competed in academic and leadership events, including the District I Spring FBLA Leadership Conference and the Polk County Spelling Bee. Students represented Mena well through strong preparation, professionalism, and perseverance, earning advancement opportunities and recognition across multiple grade levels and competitive areas. Thank you to the teachers, sponsors, and families who support this work behind the scenes.This week was National School Counseling Week, and we extend our sincere appreciation to our counselors—Kaela Mendoza, Tonya Thacker, Leilani Rose, Ashlyn Watts, and Shannon Lyle—for the essential role they play in supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. Their daily work helps students navigate challenges, plan for the future, and remain connected to school in meaningful ways.In athletics, our Bearcats and Ladycats continued to compete with effort and determination across basketball and wrestling. The Junior Ladycats’ win over Clarksville came down to the final seconds, creating an exciting moment that showcased grit and composure under pressure. Our wrestling program also competed at the regional level with strong team and individual performances, and senior team members were recognized during a ceremony Tuesday night for their commitment and leadership. Thank you to our coaches and athletes for representing Mena with pride.It was a good week of momentum 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! 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

Happy Friday!We have completed another week of the spring semester, and your work continues to bring positive results for our students and community. Thank you for your effort this week and for your continued dedication to our mission, vision, and goals. Our focus remains centered on the district performance targets we have set together, and with 74 school days remaining, each day represents an important opportunity to move students forward. That focus is especially important at this time of year, when school closures and schedule adjustments are more common due to winter weather, as we are experiencing now. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we pivoted to a partial day and prepare for whatever conditions next week may bring. Days like these highlight the importance of a well-designed school calendar, which is the focus of this week’s Wrap-up, along with new opportunities and celebrations of our students’ successes.School Calendar Feedback: What We HeardSeveral days ago, parents, staff, and community members participated in a ThoughtExchange focused on the school calendar. Participation was strong, and the feedback was thoughtful, balanced, and constructive. Overall, the results confirmed that many elements of our current calendar structure are working well for families and students. A clear majority of respondents indicated that the calendar works well with family schedules and supports student learning.Several themes emerged consistently. Monthly, predictable breaks that allow for appointments and reduce unplanned absences were widely valued, as were longer Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, as well as alignment with typical work schedules. At the same time, respondents raised important considerations, including the impact of frequent Monday closures on working families and students with special needs, the length and timing of conference days, and interest from some stakeholders in alternative calendar models.This feedback gives us clarity. It shows us what to preserve, what to examine more closely, and where trade-offs must be weighed carefully.Calendar Questions and ClarificationsAs calendar discussions continue, certain questions naturally surface—particularly around instructional time, days off, professional development, and why some requests cannot be accommodated. To address these questions transparently, we have prepared a School Calendar Questions & Answers document that explains the legal requirements, contractual obligations, and instructional considerations that shape calendar decisions.While the document is too detailed to include in the Wrap-up itself, I strongly encourage staff and families to review it so calendar discussions and voting are grounded in shared information and understanding.Understanding the “why” behind the calendar does not mean everyone will agree on every detail, but it does ensure that feedback and decisions are informed and productive.Next Step: Calendar Options and VotingBased on the feedback received and operational requirements, staff will be asked to review specific calendar options and vote on their preference. This step moves us from broad listening to concrete decision-making. Voting links, instructions, and deadlines will be shared in next week’s Wrap-up. Your voice matters in shaping the recommendation that moves forward.Winter Weather Decisions and CommunicationThis week’s winter weather required us to adjust schedules and make timely operational decisions. Our process always begins with safety as the top priority. Decisions are informed by road conditions across the district, weather forecasts, transportation considerations, building safety, and communication with local authorities.Whenever possible, we aim to communicate early. However, winter weather is unpredictable, and some decisions must be made early in the morning as conditions change. When closures or adjustments are necessary, we use our established communication channels to ensure consistent information reaches staff and families. Thank you for your patience and understanding during these situations.Grant Opportunity: Environmental EducationThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is offering $3.2 million in Environmental Education Grant funding, with awards of $200,000–$250,000 for up to 16 projects nationwide. These grants support hands-on, locally focused environmental education initiatives, including projects that use modern tools such as artificial intelligence, water quality monitoring, and contamination prevention to build informed environmental stewardship. Applications are due March 3, 2026. Staff or school partners interested in learning more are encouraged to review the grant materials and consider alignment with instructional or community-based learning goals.Closing CelebrationsAs we close the week, I want to recognize several student accomplishments that reflect the strength of our career-focused and leadership programs. Students recently advanced from regional FCCLA STAR Events to the state level, demonstrating preparation, professionalism, and real-world skill development. Thank you to the FCCLA teachers and advisors whose guidance made these successes possible.We also celebrate recognition of students involved in FFA and 4-H, who were honored for leadership and excellence in agriculture, culinary arts, and livestock projects. These achievements reflect sustained effort and responsibility beyond the classroom. Thank you to our agriculture teachers, FFA advisors, 4-H leaders, and community partners who invest their time and expertise in our students.These moments remind us that student success is rarely accidental. It is built through mentorship, preparation, and adults who believe in what students can become.It was a good week of progress 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 safe, warm winter 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

Happy Friday!I hope everyone was able to enjoy time with family, rest, and reflection over the holiday break. As we begin the spring semester, I want to thank you for the professionalism, persistence, and care you bring to your work each day. I am grateful for the work happening across Mena Public Schools, and I am excited to begin this semester together with clarity of purpose and a renewed focus on what matters most—student learning, growth, and opportunity.The spring semester is not simply a continuation of the fall. It is where momentum is built. It is where planning becomes precision, instruction sharpens, and the systems we have put in place begin to show their impact. As we return, we remain focused on our performance targets, including strong student attendance, academic growth, and maintaining safe, supportive learning environments. Progress toward these goals is built through consistent effort over time. While the results of that work are not always immediately visible, it matters, and it is noticed.As we begin this semester, it is important to re-center our work around our District Improvement Plan and the instructional priorities that guide it. The plan is not a compliance document. It is a roadmap that aligns curriculum, instruction, assessment, and support so that every student has a clear pathway to success. The spring semester is where that roadmap moves from intention to impact.When Intention Becomes ImpactAs we begin the spring semester, this is an appropriate moment to refresh our attention and re-anchor our work in what guides us. Our District Improvement Plan is intentionally designed to be practical, instructional, and forward-looking. It serves as the framework that aligns curriculum, instruction, assessment, and support across classrooms and campuses, ensuring consistency while allowing teachers to respond thoughtfully to student needs.At its core, the plan emphasizes high-quality, standards-aligned instruction; the purposeful use of formative and summative data to guide lesson planning; and targeted intervention and enrichment based on evidence of student learning. Growth is measured over time through multiple data points, not single moments, and instructional decisions are refined through regular PLC cycles, walkthrough feedback, and progress monitoring.Our improvement efforts remain focused on strengthening teaching and learning through consistent instructional practices, data-informed adjustments, and systems that support collaboration, clarity, and coherence for staff. Just as importantly, the plan reinforces shared expectations so that students experience strong instruction regardless of classroom or campus.The spring semester is a season of refinement rather than urgency. Growth is cumulative, and strong instruction compounds when it is consistent, reflective, and responsive. If it has been some time since you last reviewed the District Improvement Plan, I encourage you to revisit it with fresh eyes as you plan upcoming lessons and units. Every lesson aligned to standards, every instructional adjustment based on data, and every professional conversation grounded in our shared priorities helps move the work from intention to impact and continues to move our district forward.Instruction, Purpose, and Arkansas InnovatorsAs part of their instructional focus this month, the Arkansas Department of Education has launched Arkansas Celebrates America250, beginning with the January theme, Arkansas Innovators. This initiative highlights individuals from our state whose ideas, leadership, and persistence have shaped fields such as education, science, technology, agriculture, and public service. Check out the links above and this Commissioner’s Memo for numerous teacher resources. This theme aligns well with our belief that every student possesses unique and valuable talents. It also reinforces an important instructional message: learning is most powerful when students can connect knowledge to real people, real places, and real outcomes. As this theme is incorporated into lessons and discussions, students are encouraged to think beyond the content and toward making a contribution. Innovation begins with curiosity, perseverance, and problem-solving, which are skills we intentionally build every day in our classrooms.Planning for Next Year’s School CalendarAs we begin planning for the upcoming school year, we are seeking staff and community input on the 2026–2027 school calendar using ThoughtExchange. Your feedback is important and helps inform decisions that affect instruction, scheduling, and work–life balance across the district.If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to participate using the link below:https://tejoin.com/participate/977375473This Exchange will close on Monday, January 12th, at 4 pm. Thank you in advance for your time and thoughtful input as we plan ahead.Closing CelebrationsWe begin our closing celebrations by recognizing the continued success of our Bearcat wrestling program. This past week, our Mena boys wrestling team earned multiple team victories, while our Ladycats also posted strong results in recent meets. These performances reflect consistent preparation, discipline, and effort from our student-athletes and coaching staff as the winter season continues.Students from Mena High School and Mena Middle School also participated in a Capture the Flag cybersecurity competition hosted by the DeQueen-Mena Education Service Cooperative. The event challenged students in areas such as web security, cryptography, and problem-solving, highlighting the strength of our computer science programs and the analytical skills our students are developing.At Mena High School, students had the opportunity to interact with a Marine Corps recruiter who visited campus and provided a hands-on opportunity to test strength and stamina. Experiences like this help students explore postsecondary pathways and better understand expectations beyond high school.During the Christmas Break, our Bearcat and Ladycat basketball teams were also in action, earning tournament success at the Cossatot River Holiday Tournament and competing in the Ledel Thomas Classic. We appreciate the commitment shown by our student-athletes who represented Mena Public Schools with determination and pride during the break.Finally, January is School Board Member Appreciation Month. We are grateful for the service, leadership, and time commitment of our Board of Education members. Their guidance and decision-making are critical to supporting our students, staff, and community. With thier efforts often going unhearalded, we use this month to spotlight their role in our community and communities across the state.It was a good week of reengagement 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

Happy Friday!Good afternoon, and thank you for another strong week of work across Mena Public Schools. As we move deeper into the school year, I continue to appreciate the professionalism, persistence, and care shown by our staff every day. We remain focused on our performance targets, including student attendance, academic growth, and maintaining safe, supportive learning environments. The steady effort behind these goals does not always show itself immediately, but it matters, and it is noticed.This week’s Wrap-Up focuses on the recent release of teacher VAM scores (Value-Added Measures) and what those results tell us at the district level. I will also explain how VAM data connect to our local merit pay process, which was intentionally designed to align as closely as possible with the state’s approach, and share how our Personnel Policy Committee has been helping communicate this information across buildings. The purpose of this information is transparency, shared understanding, and continuous improvement.Teacher VAM Scores: What They Mean and What We Are LearningThis week, the Arkansas Teacher Growth Score Data and Trends module released updated teacher VAM scores. A VAM score estimates a teacher’s contribution to student academic growth over the course of a year. At the state level, a score of 80 represents expected growth. Scores above 80 indicate that students, on average, exceeded expected growth, while scores below 80 indicate that they grew less than expected.VAM scores are only generated when certain conditions are met. These include minimum student counts, student mobility thresholds, and the requirement that the educator is the teacher of record for a state-tested subject area. Currently, VAM scores are calculated only for teachers of record in ATLAS-tested subjects, including English Language Arts, mathematics, and science. Because of these requirements, not every educator receives a state VAM score each year, and comparisons are most meaningful when viewed over multiple years rather than as a single data point.When reviewing our district’s data without identifying any individual educator, several system-level patterns are worth noting. Across the most recent composite scores, just under half of the educators who received a score met or exceeded the expected growth benchmark of 80. When looking at student-weighted three-year averages, a stronger picture emerges, with a clear majority of those averages at or above expected growth. Among educators with multiple years of data, the overall trend shows more upward movement than downward movement, though year-to-year variability remains present.This reinforces an important point. VAM scores are not a measure of effort, professionalism, or commitment. They are a technical estimate influenced by curriculum alignment, assessment literacy, student attendance, instructional consistency, and cohort effects. Used appropriately, they help us ask better questions about our system and where targeted support can make the greatest difference.Why Three-Year Averages MatterAt the state level, student-weighted three-year average VAM scores are used when determining eligibility for merit incentives in the outstanding growth category. State guidance emphasizes sustained performance over time rather than reliance on a single year of results.For that reason, we will continue to emphasize multi-year trends when discussing data locally. This approach provides a more stable, fair, and informative picture of instructional impact and helps prevent over-interpretation of short-term fluctuations.How VAM Scores Connect to Our Local Merit Pay ProcessAs we share information about teacher VAM scores, it is also important to explain how these data connect to our local merit pay structure. Mena Public Schools intentionally designed its local merit pay process to mirror the state’s approach as closely as possible, using VAM scores as one component within a broader, responsible framework.In addition, we are expanding the use of VAM-aligned measures to include teachers who do not receive a VAM score directly from the state. While these educators are not the teacher of record for ATLAS-tested subjects, their work still contributes meaningfully to student performance in English Language Arts, mathematics, and science. Our local process uses ATLAS results as the anchor, paired with evidence of intentional lesson design and instructional strategies in these other classes that strengthen students’ reading, writing, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.This approach reflects an important belief. Improving student performance in tested areas is a shared responsibility, not limited to a single content area or grade level. By aligning expectations and incentives across roles, we reinforce the idea that strong instruction in every classroom contributes to overall academic growth.Members of our Personnel Policy Committee (PPC) have been actively sharing this information with staff in their respective buildings, helping explain how VAM scores and VAM-aligned measures are used, what they represent, and what they do not represent. PPC members and district leadership will meet again next week to review feedback, questions, and suggestions that have surfaced from those conversations.This process reflects our commitment to transparency and collaboration. Merit pay and VAM-based measures are not static policies. They require continued dialogue, refinement, and shared understanding to ensure they support professional growth and student success.Virtual Social Security Retirement PresentationsWe are pleased to share an opportunity from the Social Security Administration that may be helpful to many in our district and community. Tonya Cater, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration, will host two virtual Social Security Retirement presentations on December 16. These sessions are designed for school administrators, teachers, and staff in Arkansas and Oklahoma, but all interested community members are welcome to attend.Each session is limited to 100 participants to allow time for questions and answers. Registration is required. Here are the registration links:* December 16, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM* December 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PMClosing CelebrationsWe will begin our closing celebrations by recognizing the Mena Bands for their 2025 Christmas Concert, performed last night at the Performing Arts Center. I was in attendance and was very impressed with the quality of musicianship, preparation, and professionalism displayed by our students at every level. The concert reflected countless hours of intentional practice and strong instructional leadership, and it was a performance our school and community can be proud of.We would also like to recognize the MHS Spotlight Singers for spreading Christmas cheer throughout our community through their annual caroling fundraiser. Their visits to local businesses, senior living facilities, and community partners brought joy to many and highlighted the positive presence our students have beyond the classroom. In addition, students at Mena Middle School participated in a virtual author visit with award-winning writers Kwame Alexander and Alan Gratz, providing an engaging and meaningful literacy experience. We appreciate the teachers and administrators who helped make this opportunity possible.In athletics, it was another active week for Bearcat and Ladycat programs as our winter seasons continue to take shape. Our wrestling season is getting underway, and our basketball teams have continued competing with energy and effort in recent matchups. We want to wish good luck to our wrestling and basketball teams as they compete in tournaments today and throughout this weekend. We are proud of the way our student-athletes represent Mena Public Schools with determination, sportsmanship, and pride.It was a good week of service 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

Happy Friday!As we close out the week before Thanksgiving Break, I want to pause and express my appreciation for the people who give our district its strength. Throughout this semester, we have talked about purpose, preparation, day-to-day improvement, shared confidence, and the steady work that leads to real progress. Every one of those themes only matters because of the people who show up each day to carry them forward.I am thankful for our staff, who continue to support students through the challenges and opportunities of this year. You have kept your focus on learning, you have pushed through the busy fall semester, and you have shown the perseverance that we value as a district. Your work is visible in classrooms, hallways, buses, offices, fields, and stages. You help prepare our students for their future, and you help our community remain confident in our mission.I am thankful for our students, who rise to expectations, overcome setbacks, and remind us why our vision matters. From early literacy to career pathways, they are demonstrating growth that comes from daily effort. Their progress is the clearest evidence that our shared purpose is moving forward.I am thankful for our community, which continues to support our schools through volunteerism, events, and partnerships. The strength of Mena Public Schools has always been found in the bond between school and community, and this semester has proven once again that we do not work alone.As we enter Thanksgiving Week, I want to encourage everyone to make time for rest, family, and reflection. When we return, we will continue our work with renewed energy, strengthened by what we have already accomplished this semester.From Thanksgiving lunches to the Book Character Parade, the Career Expo, and a memorable performance of The Hobbit, it was a strong week of commitment 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 safe and restful Thanksgiving Break! 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

Happy Friday!As we move deeper into the fall semester, I want to thank everyone for the steady, day-by-day effort that defines Mena Public Schools. Whether you are teaching, driving, feeding, cleaning, supporting, or leading, the work you do matters. It matters to the children who look forward to seeing you each day, to the families who trust us, and to the community that counts on us to help shape its future.This has been a week of reflection and recognition, and there is much to celebrate. Our district’s progress is evident in both the data and the daily examples of professionalism I see across our campuses. We have also received more state accountability results, and they tell a story of progress, perseverance, and opportunity for continued growth.District Report Card Results – A “B” for MenaThis week, the Arkansas Department of Education released the 2024–2025 District Report Cards, and I am pleased to share that Mena Public Schools earned a “B” rating. Only thirty-six percent of districts statewide reached that level, which reflects the strong, sustained effort of our teachers, support staff, and leaders in every building.This system was created through Act 474 of 2025, legislation passed in the most recent General Assembly that now requires all public school districts and education service cooperatives to receive an A–F letter grade based on student achievement, growth, graduation and readiness, and equity. The change aligns with the LEARNS Act and provides a more complete picture of each district’s performance.Mena’s results reflect steady, measurable improvement. In Achievement, our students scored above the state average in all tested areas—35 percent in English Language Arts, 43 percent in Math, and 44 percent in Science. In Growth, which measures individual student progress, 65 percent of students met math targets and 49 percent met science targets, both above the state average. Our Success-Ready Graduate indicator, combining graduation and postsecondary readiness, reached 56 percent, slightly above the state’s 55 percent average.To remind you, our two elementary schools, Louise Durham and Holly Harshman, each earned B ratings, while Mena Middle and Mena High School earned C ratings—placing our district in the upper range across Arkansas. There were no D’s or F’s anywhere in our system.While we celebrate these results, we also recognize where our work continues. Our achievement rates, though higher than state averages, still mean that fewer than half of students are performing at or above grade-level expectations. That is the challenge before us—to turn strong growth into mastery. Growth shows that our instruction is moving students forward; achievement shows how many have reached the goal. The connection between the two is the purposeful, daily instruction that sharpens focus, builds confidence, and leads every student to success.Letter grades and full data for every district and school in Arkansas are publicly available at https://myschoolinfo.arkansas.gov.The site provides detailed information on student demographics, academic performance, growth trends, graduation rates, and readiness indicators. I encourage staff and community members to explore it and join us in celebrating how far we have come, and in understanding where our continued attention can make the greatest impact.This “B” is both a mark of achievement and an invitation to keep improving. It confirms that our foundation is strong and our direction is right, but also that our purpose is unfinished. With steady focus, collaboration, and determination, we will continue to move from good to great.Opportunities and EngagementNovember brings several exciting opportunities that align with our mission to prepare students for success through purpose-driven learning.Arkansas Applied Campaign (AAC)The Arkansas Applied Campaign continues through December, supporting high-school seniors as they complete college, career, and military applications. This statewide initiative especially helps first-generation, low-income, and rural students take their next steps beyond graduation. Teachers and counselors play an essential role by encouraging participation in #WhyApply Day, FAFSA Frenzy, and College Signing Day events. You can learn more in this link.#ARinNOV8STEM Outdoor STEM Exploration ChallengeIn recognition of National STEM Day (November 8), the Arkansas Department of Education and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission invite classrooms to take part in the #ARinNOV8STEM Social Media Challenge. Teachers can post photos of students exploring nature and applying STEM principles in outdoor learning. Submissions are due by 3 PM on November 12, and selected classes may receive a visit from the Game and Fish Commission’s Cave Simulation experience. To participate, click here.Presidential AI ChallengeThe Presidential AI Challenge, part of the national AI.gov initiative, recognizes innovative school-based AI projects that promote problem-solving, creativity, and responsible technology use. Here in Mena, our computer-science students are participating in another no-code hackathon through the end of this month, continuing the innovation and teamwork that began with our district’s NYX No-Code event last spring.Our Opportunity to Grow TogetherIn addition to celebrating our achievements, we also have opportunities to strengthen them. The Casey’s Cash for Classrooms Grant is now open, offering $3,000 to $50,000 for projects that enhance facilities, provide classroom materials, expand professional development, or increase community engagement. Applications are due November 14, 2025, with awards announced next spring.Teachers or community partners who have project ideas aligned with these priorities are encouraged to reach out for support in preparing an application. Opportunities like this allow us to take what we already do well and extend it even further.Closing Celebrations and Staffing NotesOur Food Service Department is also working on a thoughtful plan to assist students who may be impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. The team is exploring ways to make leftover food available to students in need, while ensuring that all practices remain fully compliant with federal food service regulations. Their proactive approach reflects the care and compassion that define our district. More information about this initiative will be shared soon.Congratulations to our elementary spelling bee winners from Louise Durham Elementary and Holly Harshman Elementary. These students demonstrated focus, preparation, and poise throughout their competitions, earning the opportunity to represent their schools at the next level. We are proud of their hard work and look forward to cheering them on as they continue to represent Mena with confidence and excellence.This week has been filled with several other accomplishments and pride. Our Cross Country teams represented Mena well at the 4A State Meet in Hot Springs, competing with determination and finishing the season strong. At Louise Durham Elementary, preschool students in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program continue to build a love for reading, with many already surpassing 100 books this year—an early start that reflects our district-wide commitment to literacy and the #menareads movement. Meanwhile, both Mena High School and Mena Middle School FCCLA chapters attended the Leadership in Action “Hands that Serve – Hearts that Lead” event at Acorn High School, where students learned about leadership, service, and community impact. The Middle School FCCLA earned special recognition by winning the Community Service Award for donating the largest amount of toiletries to families in need. On the field, our 7th Grade Bearcat Football Team finished their season with a decisive 22–0 victory over Mansfield, and tonight we celebrate our senior cheer and football athletes and band members as Mena Football hosts Dardanelle at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium for Senior Night. Congratulations to all of our students and coaches who continue to represent Mena with excellence, sportsmanship, and pride.Finally, I want to share an important reminder about our substitute shortage. We continue to face a high number of unfilled daily vacancies, which means teachers and staff are covering classes and missing planning periods to keep instruction running smoothly. Our substitute service has new people in the pipeline, but most are still completing their onboarding. Until those additional substitutes are ready, please be mindful when scheduling leave, and let your administration know in order to plan ahead so we can minimize strain on others. I appreciate the teamwork and professionalism you continue to show in supporting one another and maintaining stability for our students.It was a good week of improvement 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 safe and restful 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