Bearcat Wrap-up Podcast

Happy Friday!

I hope you all had a wonderful Spring Break! This first week of the last quarter started very well with our professional development at the Ouachita Center on Monday. I want to start by extending my deepest gratitude to all staff members at Mena Public Schools for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Your commitment is the backbone of our progress toward our performance targets and instructional vision that was delivered to you all on Monday. As we navigate through this spring season, we are reminded of the importance of growth and adaptation, themes central to Monday’s work and this week's "Planting Seeds" Wrap-up.

Spring is not just about witnessing nature’s renewal but also about our own professional and institutional growth. This year we have been focusing on enhancing how we record discipline, aiming for greater accuracy in our data. I want to reiterate how this adjustment has led to an apparent increase in recorded incidents, a step back from our performance target, but a stride towards accuracy, transparency, and improvement.

Our attendance rates have shown a slight improvement since the last Wrap-up, increasing by a tenth of a percent. Though we celebrate this progress, it is not near our 93.5 percent attendance goal. But, every small improvement is a step in the right direction, and it is through your efforts that these steps are possible.

As we delve into the theme of "Planting Seeds," I want to highlight the growth that comes from facing challenges. Like seeds that must break open to sprout, stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for realizing our full potential. Everything we do as educators is about continuing our journey of growth and improvement together to ensure the growth of our students.

Seeds of Growth

In the silence of the earth, a seed holds within it a wonderful power, a promise of life waiting to burst forth. It is a process that begins in darkness, with a potential so vast yet so contained and protected. When a seed is scarred by the soil, that allows it to absorb water and nutrients transforming it into whatever it is destined to become. This mirrors the educational journey's need for openness to criticism for true growth to occur.

Consider the natural progression of a seed's life, where the breaking or scarring of its outer shell is not a mere happenstance but a necessity. This breach allows the essential elements of water and nutrients to seep in, initiating the process of germination that culminates in the sprouting and flourishing of new life. The scarring, rather than being seen as damage, is acknowledged as a critical step towards unlocking the seed's inherent potential.

This process serves as a powerful parallel to the role of constructive criticism and self-reflection in the realm of education. Such actions, albeit seemingly unwelcome or uncomfortable at times, acts as a vital catalyst for improvement and innovation. We know that openness to critique has paved the way for significant advancements in teaching methodologies, curriculum development, student achievement, and the broader sphere of educational leadership.

We have to develop the mindset required to effectively absorb and implement constructive criticism with openness, humility, and a relentless quest for excellence. Furthermore, we should foster a culture within educational settings that treasures feedback as an indispensable tool for personal and professional enhancement, rather than perceiving it as a form of judgment.

Just as we navigate our own growth through embracing challenges, it is crucial for us to foster a similar 'sprouting' process in our students. By thoughtfully applying the right amount of rigor in our teaching and expectations, we create the conditions under which our students can break through their own shells and start their journey of growth. This does not mean overwhelming them but rather providing a balanced environment that challenges them just enough to stimulate learning and personal development. It is up to us as educators to calibrate this rigor, ensuring it acts as the water and nutrients needed for a seed to sprout. In doing so, we are not just teaching curriculum content; we are nurturing resilient, adaptable learners prepared to thrive in the complexities of the world beyond our classrooms.

As we reflect on the metaphor of seeds and the process of growth, it is clear that both in nature and education, transformation is a journey that involves challenge, resilience, and the willingness to be open to change. The parallels between the natural world and our educational endeavors remind us that growth is an ongoing process, requiring nurturing environments, supportive feedback, and a commitment to fostering potential. Let us carry this understanding forward, recognizing that each student, each educator, and each member of our community holds within them a promise of growth and transformation. Together, as we cultivate these seeds of growth, we not only enhance our school system but also contribute to a richer, more vibrant future for our community.

Grants

I want to start by acknowledging the work of so many of you who have taken the time to acquire additional funds to use in our schools. The latest efforts have come from Karen Parnell, Special Education Instructor at Mena Middle School, and Maddison Maddox, Mena Public Schools alum and current graduate student at the University of Arkansas. Both of them have been responsible for providing new iPads to our non-verbal, special needs students to use as communication devices. Karen as a long-career Special Needs educator and Maddison as a passionate graduate student of Special Education have turned their ideas into a very helpful reality. We are thankful to both of them because it is very difficult to get insurance approval for parents to provide these devices to their children. Thanks to these passionate Special Educators, Mena students will have this new and valuable resource.

To further support the growth and development of our programs and initiatives, we warmly encourage any staff member inspired to pursue grant opportunities to do so. Before beginning your efforts, we kindly ask that you complete a designated form to ensure the central office staff is informed. This step will help us coordinate efforts, avoid any potential oversights, and ensure the seamless management of funds. By working together in this way, we can maximize the impact of these opportunities for the benefit of our students and community. Here is a list of several new opportunities.

Closing

This week we had some fantastic victories by our softball, baseball, and soccer teams. Our track performances have been outstanding, as well. Our gifted and talented students have been hard at work and competition. Congratulations to our coop chess tournament winners!

Congratulations to our high school coding team and Mrs. Titsworth for advancing to the All-State Coding Competition at Arkansas Tech.

It was another productive week at Mena Public Schools and we look forward to more as we draw nearer to the end of this school year!

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

Have a wonderful Easter 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 approach the eagerly anticipated Spring Break at Mena Public Schools, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to every one of our staff members for their unwavering dedication and effort. Your hard work is vital in helping us advance toward our performance targets, mission, and vision. The rest and renewal we embrace this break is not just a pause but a preparation to maintain momentum towards our collective year-end success. In this week's Wrap-up, we reflect on the significance of balance—how taking time to recharge is essential for sustaining our drive and effectiveness in educating and inspiring our students. We remain committed to our educational strategies that align with our mission to provide a nurturing and dynamic learning environment. We will use this time to rejuvenate, keeping our eyes on the prize as we reflect on success and gear up for the final quarter with renewed energy and focus.

Balance

Balancing work and rest is essential for teachers to maintain optimal performance levels, which in turn, significantly impacts student achievement and engagement. Adequate rest is not just beneficial but necessary, as it allows teachers to replenish their mental and emotional energy. This renewal fosters an environment where creativity, enthusiasm, and patience flourish, directly influencing the quality of education and the capacity to motivate and connect with students. A well-rested teacher is more equipped to handle the complexities of classroom dynamics, adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse learning needs and manage the stress that comes with the profession.

However, it is critical to caution against over-relying on rest or a slower pace, particularly after key milestones like the testing we are about to begin. While it might be tempting to reduce the intensity of educational activities, doing so can inadvertently undermine the progress made throughout the year. The post-testing period should be utilized as an opportunity to solidify knowledge, address any lingering misunderstandings, and begin laying the groundwork for the upcoming academic challenges. Failing to maintain a consistent level of engagement and learning momentum can result in a regression of skills and knowledge for students, making the transition to the next grade level or stage in life more difficult.

Maintaining a deliberate balance between diligent work and adequate rest ensures that both teachers and students can end the year on a high note, fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It is a strategic approach to education that values both achievement and well-being, ensuring long-term success and resilience in the educational journey.

Secondary Literacy Growth

Our secondary literacy classes have made significant strides, as detailed in a recent data update. A big thank you goes out to our dedicated teachers for their tireless efforts and innovative approaches to intervention, which have led to substantial student growth in critical literacy skills. With interventions spanning from focused reading comprehension strategies to in-depth writing workshops, students across grades 6 through 12 have shown impressive progress.

Particularly notable areas of growth include the application of reading comprehension strategies in understanding complex texts and the development of writing skills through targeted practice and feedback. For instance, in the work with "The Odyssey" in ninth grade, where students engaged deeply with thematic analysis and character development, students showed growth through interventions focused on citing textual evidence and composing arguments. These improvements are based on assessments to measure the skills, interventions for those who have not mastered them, and post-tests to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.

These successes underscore the importance of our continued focus on evidence-based literacy instruction and personalized student interventions. As we move forward, we will gear our professional development towards reinforcing these areas, ensuring that all students have the support and resources they need to thrive in their literacy skills. The dedication of our teachers to student growth is a vital component of our mission, and we look forward to building on these achievements to further enhance our literacy programs.

Secondary Literacy is not the only department seeing these types of results and I plan to share others in future Wrap-ups.

Closing

Congratulations to our talented 8th grader, Nathan Williamson, for winning the VFW's Patriot’s Pen contest at the state level with a compelling essay on "How America Inspires Me," earning a well-deserved $1,000 prize. Please take some time to click the link, read this inspiring essay, and join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement. The essay articulates a deep appreciation for America, highlighting its rich history of perseverance, the promise of the American Dream, and the inspiration derived from its diverse landscapes and opportunities for innovation. Celebrating the nation's resilience, progress, and boundless opportunities, Nathan reflects on how these qualities inspire personal growth and ambition.

Our sincere appreciation goes to Mrs. Jessica Dickison for arranging and leading our spring elementary music performances, perfectly embodying Mena Public Schools' mission and vision. Through her dedication, she enhances our students' educational journey, instilling confidence, creativity, and teamwork—key components of our commitment to fostering well-rounded, successful individuals prepared for the future.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated coaches who organized the junior high track meet and led our soccer, baseball, and softball teams to recent victories. Their tireless commitment and strategic guidance are a testament to Mena Public Schools' mission to cultivate excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship among our students. These achievements in athletics not only reflect our community's spirit but also underscore our vision of empowering students to achieve their highest potential through diverse opportunities.

There are some great thoughts about the definition of Tier I instruction from last week’s Thought Exchange. Please take some time to read through these thoughts and create your input if you have not already. Or, add more to the collective wisdom if you have added thoughts this week. We will compile all of these for a district definition.

It was another productive week at Mena Public Schools and we look forward to more when we return from Spring Break!

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

Have a nice 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 close another week at Mena Public Schools, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our dedicated staff members for the incredible work done throughout the week to reach our performance targets, mission, and vision. Your commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our students did not go unnoticed, especially the Read Across America activity. This week, our Wrap-up focuses on crucial educational strategies that are essential for the success of our students and the efficiency of our teaching methods. We will delve into defining Tier I instruction, underscoring the importance of not allowing students to make mistakes in Tier I instruction without addressing them. This focus is pivotal in ensuring that our foundational teaching practices are as effective and impactful as possible, setting our students on the path to success from the very beginning. I will also provide you with calendar voting results.

What is Tier I Instruction?

In our pursuit of educational excellence at Mena Public Schools, we are focusing on what is happening in classrooms and what curriculum materials are being used. This is in our effort to make sure Tier I instruction is the best it can be for our students. We often employ terminologies and concepts that are fundamental to our instructional strategies and the use of the term Tier I instruction plays a critical role in setting the groundwork for our students' learning journey. However, it is crucial to recognize that our interpretations of such terms can vary widely, even among our dedicated staff. Assumptions about common understanding can sometimes lead to discrepancies in application and expectations. To bridge any gaps and ensure we are all aligned in our educational approach, I would like to invite you to participate in a Thought Exchange about Tier I. This Thought Exchange seeks your definition of Tier I instruction. By gathering these insights, we aim to harmonize our understanding and application of this vital concept, ensuring a cohesive and effective learning environment for all our students. What is your definition of Tier I instruction? Please respond to this as your definitions will help our district create an overall better understanding.

Congratulation Inflation

I have been a part of literacy training all semester and am taking online classes to better understand the Science of Reading. Part of the training includes observing videos of lessons and providing feedback. I have noticed in the videos how teachers will say things like “good job” or “nice work” even when what the student did was incorrect. While I worked at the coop and observed classrooms, I would notice this happening sometimes, and, assuming the teacher knew their content, I would theorize that educators were so eager to encourage students that they inflated the number of affirmative statements they would make. I called it congratulation inflation.

Our commitment to fostering a nurturing, supportive environment for our students remains paramount. In our pursuit of excellence, we recognize the invaluable role that positive reinforcement plays in motivating our students. However, it is essential to strike a delicate balance between celebrating achievements and providing constructive feedback, especially if we are reinforcing bad habits with our feedback.

This trend we might call congratulation inflation refers to the well-intentioned practice of offering abundant praise to students, sometimes even when their work may include notable errors or areas for improvement. While our enthusiasm in acknowledging students' efforts is commendable, an overemphasis on praise without addressing mistakes can inadvertently hinder learning and growth.

Why is constructive feedback crucial? Here are a few reasons:

* Promotes Learning and Improvement: Constructive feedback helps students understand what they did well and where they can improve, turning mistakes into learning opportunities.

* Builds Resilience: By learning to accept and act on feedback, students develop resilience and a growth mindset, key attributes for lifelong learning.

* Ensures Authentic Achievement: Recognition becomes more meaningful and motivating when it is tied to genuine achievement and effort. It helps students value the process of learning as much as the outcome.

As educators, it is our responsibility to prepare our students not just academically, but also emotionally and socially for the challenges that lie ahead. This means helping them develop the ability to assess their work critically, recognize their areas for growth, and celebrate their authentic achievements.

To support this, we encourage our dedicated teaching staff to:

* Be cognizant of how you use positive feedback.

* Balance praise with specific, actionable feedback.

* Highlight students' efforts and strategies, not just the end result.

* Create a classroom culture where mistakes are viewed as part of the learning process.

As we continue to nurture our students' potential, remember that our feedback is a powerful tool in guiding them toward their goals. By fostering an environment that values constructive feedback as much as congratulation, we empower our students to embrace challenges, learn from their experiences, and celebrate their genuine accomplishments with pride.

Together, we will commit to encouraging our students' growth with congratulations and constructive guidance, ensuring that every Bearcat is equipped to reach their fullest potential.

Calendar Recommendation

Thank you to those who voted on next year’s calendar. There were not a lot of differences between the two options but Option 2 came out with the most support. I will be recommending this calendar to the board next week.

Closing

We had a slight hiccup with the framing of the Hensley Activity Center this morning. A portion of the steel beams shifted but has been reset and extra bracing has been added to keep that from happening again. It is back in shape and safe thanks to the quick actions of our facilities staff and construction crew.

Congratulations to our Battle of the Books teams, especially 2nd Grade for their win!

It was another productive week at Mena Public Schools and we look forward to more as Spring Break draws near!

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

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!

As we reflect on the strides we have made in Week 26 and look forward to the remaining fifty instructional days, it is clear that our collective efforts are bearing fruit, bringing us closer to our performance targets, mission, and vision. We have fallen below the 93.5 percent target for attendance and I have shared in previous Wrap-ups why our discipline numbers will be higher this year. Our academics are improving, however, and this progress is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire school community.

There are still many days in the current school year for us to positively impact our students but we are always looking forward to the future. In this Wrap-up, we begin our planning for a summer focused on professional development. We are not just preparing for the upcoming school year; we are laying the groundwork for sustained excellence in education. Your unwavering commitment this week and throughout the year has been instrumental in our achievements thus far. We are immensely grateful for this momentum and your continued effort and enthusiasm. Together, we are creating a brighter future for our students and our community.

Professional Development Plan

The 2024-2025 Mena Public Schools Professional Development and Employee Training Plan focuses on enhancing curriculum and instruction, with particular attention to literacy and math engagement. This comprehensive plan includes on-site training days, classroom work days, and parent conference days. Utilizing data collected throughout the current year, the plan is strategically designed to streamline our curriculum, aligning closely with our mission and vision. By focusing on these critical areas, we aim to foster an environment of continuous improvement and excellence, ensuring that our staff is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of our students and community. This thoughtful approach underscores our commitment to leveraging insights for impactful teaching and learning strategies, setting the stage for another successful school year.

Within the plan, you will find dates for summer training, the Back to School training plan, additional options available, and new staff training requirements. If you have any questions regarding the plan, please reach out to Bridget Buckley.

Calendar Options for 2024-2025

Upon reviewing the current 2023-2024 calendar alongside the proposed options for the 2024-2025 school year, we have identified some key differences and noteworthy adjustments that could impact the upcoming academic year. The current calendar serves as our baseline, providing a structure we are all familiar with, including established breaks, PD days, and classroom preparation times. The options to choose from have been developed with consideration of the requests and comments from the Thought Exchange in Week 21 and ratified by the PPC.

Option 1 introduces changes aimed at optimizing the educational experience, adjusting the start date with the approved waiver, breaks remaining included with some Fridays added in the spring semester, and PD days to better align with educational goals and student needs. Option 2, similarly, offers a distinct approach by reshuffling the PD calendar to enhance student learning and staff development and also ending the first semester a day earlier. Both options contain more days of instruction than we have had in the past two years, which not only provides more instruction but also provides more days of unexpected school closure that we do not have to make up.

I strongly encourage all staff members to review these options and participate in the voting process. I will email a Google Form on Monday for your vote. Your input is invaluable as it directly influences the academic environment and the overall success of our students and school community. The option that garners the most support will be the one I recommend to our school board for adoption. This is a wonderful opportunity to shape our school's future, ensuring that it best meets the needs of our students, staff, and community.

Closing

As mentioned in last week’s Wrap-up, I am excited to remind everyone that Read Across America Week kicks off tomorrow! Our schools have been buzzing with preparations, setting the stage for a week filled with the joy of reading. Classrooms have been transformed into inviting reading nooks, First Methodist Church set up the Bearcat Book Buffet for third grade, and our librarians and teachers have curated a fantastic selection of books to ignite the imaginations of our young readers. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the preparations. Your enthusiasm and dedication are what make events like this a success.

Bearcat Wrestling had a terrific showing at the state tournament earlier this week. Congratulations to Emery Jai Anderson, State Runner-up for her weight division! We also had five of our boys place and congratulations go out to all of them and the rest of their teammates.

Our FFA members involved in leadership contests performed well at district contests this week. Mena has a state qualifier in every contest! Congratulations to all of those students for their successes thus far.

Bearcat Baseball and Ladycat Softball started their seasons off this week and soccer almost did. Spring sports are just about in full swing. Please come out and support these teams as they work toward their season goals.

It was a terrific week at Mena Public Schools and we look forward to more!

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

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!

As we wrap up Week 25 of our academic year, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff at Mena Public Schools. Your continuing commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in steering our students toward our district performance targets. As we continue to foster a culture of excellence and learning, this week we turn our focus to a cornerstone of educational and personal development—reading practice. Emphasizing the importance of literacy, we encourage our Bearcats to immerse themselves in reading, a skill that not only enhances academic achievement but also opens doors to endless possibilities and worlds. Let us rally together to inspire a love for reading that will last a lifetime.

Read Across America…..Bearcat Style!

Every year schools across the nation launch the Read Across America Week beginning with Dr. Suess' birthday on March 2nd. Mena Schools are no different and are looking forward to promoting reading on every campus. Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading. We hope that every classroom and teacher will take this opportunity to confirm to students the importance of reading. Our libraries are the hub of this activity, and they have worked hard to create fun and engaging activities for our students. 

Louise Durham has a wide variety of activities happening including dress-up days, read-alouds, and giveaways but their overall mission is to READ, READ, READ! Ms. Williams has set a goal of reading 3,000 books by the end of the week! That is just over 7 books per student! We know they can do it and we are excited to see these K-2 students achieve their goal! Holly Harshman will have a Read-A-Thon and will be attending a Book Buffet hosted by a local community church where they will get to choose a book to keep! We are so thankful for our partners who promote reading and learning in our community! Middle School and High School are working together to launch March Book Madness for all of their students to participate in. You can see brackets in the hallways and will be seeing pictures all month long promoting the reading that our students are doing.

We want to promote that culture of reading in our district every day, and while we hope that is something that everyone already knows, we are taking this opportunity to revisit how important we believe reading is to our students and their futures. Please recognize when students are reading and engage with them in a productive discussion about what they are learning through their reading. As we approach Read Across America week (March 2-8), think about what you can do in your classroom to promote reading. Be creative and share in your buildings as well as through our social media outlets. In the words of a great promoter of reading, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss  

What are YOU reading good?

Closing

There was a lot that happened this week:

I want to thank Holly Harshman Elementary for donating to the Lions Club Hamburger Fund Raiser to raise funds for the purchase of specialized vision screening equipment. Mrs. Smart, Mrs. Carter, and Mrs. Scott spoke at today’s Lions meeting to receive thanks from the club and to highlight the things happening at their school. Topics were academic take-home packets to enhance parental involvement and their positive behavior rewards program.

Special thanks go to high school counselors Shannon Lyle and Tim Walston for helping orchestrate the Career Connect event at UA Rich Mountain, where Mena High School seniors, and other seniors from area schools, showcased their talents to local employers through a reverse career fair. This event offered our seniors a unique platform to network and engage directly with potential employers, setting a foundation for their future careers.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the dedicated teachers and staff who meticulously organized the Family Science Night at Mena Middle School this past Tuesday. This engaging event brought together students, families, and educators for an evening filled with exploration and discovery, highlighting the wonders of science in our everyday lives. Through hands-on experiments, displays, and presentations, attendees were immersed in a world of scientific inquiry, fostering a deeper appreciation and curiosity for the subject. The success of this night is a testament to the passion and effort of our educators in making learning both accessible and exciting for the community.

Congratulations to our Ladycat Basketball team on a great season. The Ladycats were defeated in the regional tournament earlier this week, but their spirit, determination, and teamwork throughout the season were inspiring. A special congratulations goes out to Coaches Brad Lyle and Tanner Womack for leading our team with dedication and determination. To all of our senior players, we applaud you for your successful careers as Ladycat Basketball players. Your hard work, leadership, and contributions to the team have left an indelible mark on the program. Thank you for your commitment and for showcasing what it means to be a Bearcat with pride and excellence.

This week, we celebrated National FFA Week, a time to honor the achievements and dedication of our Mena FFA Chapter. Throughout the week, our chapter hosted a series of workshops and celebratory events designed to highlight the invaluable benefits of the FFA program, while also offering extensive leadership training opportunities for our members. We were privileged to have former Oklahoma FFA President Brayden Burns join us as a workshop facilitator, bringing his wealth of experience and insights to inspire our students. A special word of appreciation goes to our advisors Bryan Maye, Justin Goodnight, and Chase McCormick, whose leadership and commitment have been instrumental in guiding our chapter to new heights.

The state wrestling tournament started today and we have many of our wrestlers who qualified to compete there. Three of our boys and one girl won their first-round matches. Final results are still to be determined but you can keep track at this link.

I want to recognize Mena Middle School 8th grade student, Nathan Williamson, who won the VFW Patriot's Pen Essay state competition. He was awarded a plaque and $1000.00. We wish Nathan the best of luck as his essay advances to the national level.

The 24-25 school calendar options will be out in next week’s Wrap up.

Check out the latest grants that are available at this link.

It was a really good week at Mena Public Schools and we look forward to more!

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

Remember, school is closed Monday so have a nice long 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!

Thank you for all you have done this week! Week 24 encapsulates a week filled with remarkable achievements across our school community, from the collective pride in our Special Olympics heroes and the recognition of our innovative Alternative Education program to the joyous celebration of a dedicated volunteer's 90th birthday and the steadfast journey of our bus drivers ensuring every student’s safe passage. Also, we can now retrieve data from COGNOS again, so our performance targets have been updated.

Special Olympics

This week, our Special Olympics athletes showcased their incredible talents, determination, and sportsmanship in a series of inspiring competitions. Their hard work and dedication were truly a sight to behold, bringing immense pride to our Bearcat family. It is a testament to their spirit and the unwavering support of their teachers and volunteers that these events were not just competitions, but celebrations of ability, courage, and community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to every educator and volunteer who organized and supported these games. Your commitment to creating inclusive, empowering experiences for all our athletes does not go unnoticed. Together, you have made this week not just successful, but memorable for every participant and spectator. Thank you for your dedication, and enthusiasm, and for championing the spirit of inclusivity and excellence in our Special Olympics athletes.

AE Showcase

On Wednesday, February 13th, the Arkansas Association of Alternative Educators held its annual Alternative Education Leadership Day at the state capitol building in Little Rock. This year, Mena School District was presented with the Highest Achievement Award for the Math ACT Aspire Scores in the district AE program. Every year our district AE program serves 75-100 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The AE program is a Tier 3 intervention program that offers smaller class sizes and an environment that works to eliminate traditional barriers to learning for students experiencing academic and social challenges. Students in our AE programs work hard on academics every day while also learning to serve their community and engage in activities that help them find their own strengths. Oftentimes the struggles that students face cause them to have difficulty focusing in traditional classrooms, learning how to manage their time, controlling their emotions, and attending school consistently. Alternative education staff provides intervention services that still meet the student’s academic needs but also include social-emotional learning, behavior intervention services, career counseling, and service learning. For the last several years, our program has been seen as a model program in the state and has graduates who are working, in college, and living healthy productive lives in the community. We congratulate the students in the program as well as the staff. Director Celeste Ashcraft has an excellent team that includes Chantel Barrett and Lori Glover working with Little Cats K-5 at Holly Harshman, Lynn Ashley leads the Middle School program with support from Scott Wright and Tanner Womack, and Mandy Jakobitz, Ryan Luttmer, Aaron O'Brien, and Dianne Hunter have the largest program in the district at high school. Shanda Craig assists Ms. Ashcraft as well as working as a behavior interventionist along with Ashlyn Watts. Thank you all for the work that you do with students. 

Love the Bus Month

February is Love the Bus month, a special time dedicated to recognizing the invaluable role that school buses, and more importantly, their drivers, play in ensuring the safe transportation of students to and from school. This month, we celebrate the dedication and hard work of our bus drivers, who, come rain or shine, are committed to the safety and well-being of our students. Their unwavering dedication goes beyond just driving; they are the first to greet our students in the morning and the last to say goodbye, making sure every child is transported safely. Let's take a moment to appreciate their contribution to our educational community, acknowledging the pivotal role they play in our daily operations and the lives of our students. To all our bus drivers, thank you for your service and for keeping our Bearcats safe every day!

Happy Birthday!

This week, we are thrilled to celebrate the milestone birthday of a cherished member of our Bearcat family at Louise Durham Elementary, Sarah Carrell, who turns 90! A former employee who retired and is now volunteering, Sarah's remarkable dedication and vibrant spirit have been a cornerstone of our community, touching the lives of staff and students alike with her endless enthusiasm and commitment. As she celebrates this significant birthday, we acknowledge the profound impact Sarah has had on our school, embodying the essence of volunteerism and positive influence. Please join us in wishing Sarah a joyful and heartwarming 90th Birthday. Sarah, your presence is a gift, and we are grateful for every moment you have shared with us. Happy Birthday, and here's to many more years of inspiration and joy within our Bearcat family!

Next Year’s Calendar

Due to a significant number of districts requesting waivers for the school start date and the transition to alternate calendars, the State Board is convening a special board meeting before the end of February. This meeting is specifically organized to consider these waiver requests. Any request submitted by the close of business on February 15 will be addressed during this special meeting. Any submissions made after this deadline will be deferred to the next regularly scheduled board meeting on March 14 or later. Our request was submitted last week.

Given this timeline, it is likely that decisions regarding our calendar, including any potential changes or adjustments, will not be finalized until after the special meeting. Consequently, we anticipate that our school calendar proposals will be available for review following this meeting, which suggests that our calendar decisions may extend into next month since our next board meeting is happening on Tuesday.

I understand that the timing and uncertainty may pose challenges as we plan for the year ahead. Please know that our aim is to keep you informed and supported throughout this process. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate these requirements and work towards finalizing our calendar. Should you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Closing

Congratulations to Coach Lyle and our Ladycat Basketball team for clinching a berth in the regional tournament by beating Pottsville earlier this week! We also have our wrestling team continuing to perform very well on the mat. Our boys wrestling team’s regional tournament is this weekend and the girls had theirs last weekend. Good luck to all of our athletes as they enter the postseason!

Our FFA Career Development Teams performed very well this week. Career Development contests are competitive events that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, enhancing their skills in various agricultural and leadership fields. These contests are designed to foster practical abilities and professional growth, preparing students for success in future careers within the broad spectrum of agriculture. You can see their results on our Facebook page.

It was a really good week at Mena Public Schools and we look forward to more!

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

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!

Thank you for all you did this week for our students and each other! I am sorry to inform you that our data system, COGNOS, is still down so updates to our performance are not completely available and we still await some assessment results for the academic portions of our performance targets. Nevertheless, our resolve to increase learning and attendance while decreasing discipline issues continues. Thank you!

In this week’s Wrap-up, I want to emphasize the need for personal reflection and growth by highlighting the broader scope of research in education and our purpose for instructional data gathering and use. There is always more to learn!

Educational Research

For a comprehensive understanding of the latest educational research, I encourage you to explore the 10 Most Significant Education Studies of 2023 detailed on Edutopia. This collection highlights groundbreaking insights ranging from the application of AI in education to the neuroscience of learning, the effects of tone of voice on classroom culture, and the importance of social-emotional learning. Each study provides valuable strategies that can transform classroom practices and enhance student learning.

Particularly interesting are the findings from the study Brains That Fire Together Wire Together. The study explores the concept of brain synchrony in education, revealing that students who share similar neural patterns with their peers and teachers tend to perform better academically. This research emphasizes the importance of direct instruction and peer-to-peer learning, suggesting that a cohesive learning environment, where students are mentally aligned, can significantly enhance understanding and retention of complex topics. This study serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role relationships play in fostering an effective and inclusive learning atmosphere. I know many of you have seen this happen in classes that have built a really good rapport with one another. Now there is some science to confirm what we have observed.

There is also a study, number 6 in the linked page, that diminishes the traditional concept of grading student writing by providing explicit feedback. This should be of interest to any of you who spend hours grading essays.

Calling Experts in Education and Library Science

I invite you to a unique opportunity to join an expert panel to shape a research study close to our hearts, led by a dear friend and esteemed professor. This research aims to assess the information literacy competencies of rural high school STEM students, a crucial skill for their success in any postsecondary path. By joining this expert panel, your feedback on the survey's clarity and relevance will be instrumental in refining the final instrument before data collection begins. This is a chance to make a significant impact on preparing our students for the future, and I sincerely hope you will consider lending your expertise to this vital work.

Bailey Group Insight

We now have a clearer picture of our instructional strengths and areas of improvement. A consultant from The Bailey Group observed our middle and high school classrooms recently. The report applauds Mena Public Schools for their robust instructional vision, for maintaining safe and orderly campuses, and for the professionalism of staff. Class sizes favor effective teaching, and student engagement is high. The district's dedication to school improvement and data-informed planning is commendable, as is their investment in instructional materials and coaching. However, concerns include the widespread absence of posted learning objectives, limited use of formative assessments, and a lack of standards-related materials in classrooms. Additionally, there's a need for more coherent lesson planning and higher-order questioning strategies to enhance learning outcomes.

On Monday, the secondary principals, Mrs. Buckley, and I met with Feather Linn from Bailey Group to strategize around these findings. We determined that there would be a focus on writing good lesson objectives as the first step to improving learning.

The ‘widespread absence of learning objectives’ may be a perplexing result to you all if you have looked at any of the shared walkthrough data reports in past Wrap-ups. In those reports, we have indicated a high number of learning objectives being posted; however, how we are writing our objectives is not aligned with highly effective, research-based methods. Therefore, this will be our first focus point for improving instruction.

The construction of a learning objective is fundamental to effective teaching and learning. According to educational research, a well-crafted learning objective should clearly articulate the desired outcome of instruction, be measurable, and directly relate to the curriculum standards. This specificity ensures that objectives are actionable and assessable, providing a clear target for both instruction and assessment. Emphasizing the importance of proper learning objectives is crucial, as they guide instructional planning, inform students of expectations, and serve as a basis for evaluating student progress and instructional effectiveness.

Crafting an effective learning objective requires articulating the specific skill or knowledge students will acquire by the end of the lesson, ensuring it aligns with the broader scope and sequence of the school's academic departments. A well-constructed objective is professional in tone, understandable to students, and focuses on mastery for all students. For instance, a refined objective might state, "In today's lesson we will research the benefits and drawbacks to cellphones in the classroom using articles, videos, and discussion to develop a claim that is supported by credible sources and can be used to create an argument." This objective is clear, aligned with curriculum expectations, and communicates the expected outcome without specifying a numerical measure of accuracy, emphasizing holistic achievement. Using ‘I can’ statements are another very good way to write learning objective. For example, “I can briefly describe a specific disagreement that people have about the assassination of President Kennedy”. The use of ‘I can’ causes your students to personalize and internalize the outcome of the lesson before instruction begins.

Here are some other things you should be doing to make sure you are effectively delivering your content:

* Explicitly unpack learning goals and make connections to prior learning at the start of a lesson.

* Facilitate student-led discussions and encourage students to respond to and build on each other's ideas.

* Ask open-ended, higher Depth of Knowledge questions and prompt students to ‘put into words what they have learned’ (i.e., What makes you say that? Why? Tell me how...).

* Use formal and informal data to adapt instruction.

* Use a variety of reliable strategies to monitor student understanding and modify instruction in the moment.

* Provide students with scaffolding, support, and differentiated materials.

In alignment with our school's mission to foster a supportive and innovative learning environment, these actions reflect our commitment to excellence in education. By actively engaging in these practices, you are not just teaching; you are empowering our students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and become lifelong learners. Our vision is to nurture a community where every individual is encouraged to explore their potential and contribute positively to society. Continue to work and plan together, using these strategies as a foundation, to create a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring educational experience for all our students.

Closing

This week, we celebrate National School Counselors Week, a time to honor and recognize the dedicated professionals who play a vital role in our students' lives. We extend our deepest gratitude to Shannon Lyle, Timothy Walston, Leilani Rose, Tonya Thacker, and Avanlea Chaney for their unwavering commitment, guidance, and support. Each day, they inspire and empower our students, helping them navigate their academic and personal journeys. Their contributions are invaluable, and we are truly fortunate to have such compassionate and skilled counselors as part of our team. Thank you for everything you do to make our school a better place.

The spring semester is building momentum and is full of activity, brimming with events that showcase the diverse talents and interests of our students. From the intense concentration of spelling bees to the dynamic energy of basketball and wrestling tournaments, the season is packed with competitions that highlight our students' dedication and hard work. Soon the fields and tracks come alive with the crack of baseball and softball bats, the swift movements of track athletes, the drive and determination of soccer teams, and the strategic planning of FFA, FBLA, and FCCLA career and leadership contests. Each event not only fosters school spirit but also cultivates the skills, teamwork, and perseverance our students carry with them beyond school grounds. This whirlwind of activities reflects the vibrant life of our school community, offering ample opportunities for students to excel, collaborate, and create lasting memories. Thanks to all of those teachers, sponsors, and coaches who take the extra time to get our students ready for these opportunities!

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

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!

I want to express my deepest appreciation for all of your hard work and dedication this week. COGNOS, the state data reporting system, has been down since last Friday and there are still academic assessments to finish, so there are no updates but your efforts to reach our performance targets have not gone unnoticed. We are still collecting walkthrough observation data of our own and from the Bailey Group and continue to be encouraged by the level of effort being put forth in our classrooms. Your resilience and commitment to excellence ensure that our students continue to receive the best education possible, even in the face of technical difficulties. The state is working diligently to resolve these issues and when COGNOS is working again and all assessments are wrapped up, we will provide updates on our performance targets.

In this week’s Wrap-up, I will provide some news and also talk more about how we are using the data collected from the sets I just mentioned.

Data Use

We use data gathered from classroom visits as a pivotal tool in guiding district decision-making and enhancing instruction for improved student outcomes. By systematically observing classroom environments, teaching practices, and student engagement, administrators collect qualitative and quantitative insights that offer a comprehensive understanding of the current educational landscape in our schools. This data enables us to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and best practices within and across schools. We will use these insights to tailor professional development programs, allocate resources more effectively, and implement targeted interventions where needed. Furthermore, this data-driven approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encourages collaborative problem-solving among teachers, and directly aligns instructional strategies with student needs, thereby fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and personal growth. Through such strategic use of classroom visit data, school leaders are better equipped to make informed decisions that ultimately enhance teaching quality and student learning experiences. So, thank you for letting them see what is taking place in your classrooms!

100th Day of School

Yesterday marked a significant milestone in our academic calendar—the 100th day of school. This day is more than just a number; it symbolizes the journey of learning, growth, and resilience our students and staff are in together. Across the elementary grades, celebrations were in full swing, blending fun with education. These activities not only brought joy to our students but also creatively highlighted the significance of the number 100. It is a reminder of how far we have come and a moment to look forward to the achievements yet to unfold. Thanks go to all of the teachers, administrators, and staff who organized and dressed up for yesterday’s celebrations. Let us continue to cherish and support these meaningful milestones in our educational journey.

Lions Hamburger Fundraiser

In our continued effort to foster a sense of community and support initiatives that directly benefit our students, we are excited to share an opportunity for Mena School employees to contribute to a cause that will impact our students. Next Friday, February 9th, the Lions Club is hosting a hamburger fundraiser from 9:30 AM until noon at the Mena Regional Health System's cafeteria. The proceeds from this event will go towards purchasing a Plusoptix vision screening device for our schools. This device is instrumental in the Lions Club's vision service program for school children, helping identify vision issues early to support our students' health and academic success. To support this vital cause and enjoy a good burger, orders can be placed by calling 479-234-7150. More information is available in our local papers, The Mena Star and The Polk County Pulse. We encourage all Mena School employees to participate in this fundraiser, if possible, demonstrating our collective commitment to the well-being of our students and the strength of our community ties.

Closing

If you did not see the email with the intent form for next year, you can access that here to let us know your plans where Mena Schools is concerned. There have been 150 responses so far.

Monday will be senior night for our basketball programs so please make plans to come out to UBC and cheer on the Bearcat and Ladycat seniors as they play their last home basketball games.

The steel beams for the Hensley Activity Center will be arriving in mid-February and the building will start to take shape then. Here is the architect’s rendering of what it will look like.

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

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

Before getting the the Wrap-up, it is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we share the news of the unexpected passing of Sonja Stueart, our esteemed School Resource Officer at Holly Harshman Elementary. Sonja was not just a guardian of safety; she was a cherished member of our school family, beloved by staff and students alike. Her dedication to our school went beyond her role, touching many lives with her kindness and commitment. Her absence leaves a void in our hearts and our halls. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and all who knew her. Sonja's legacy of care and community will be dearly remembered and deeply missed.

Welcome to Friday!

Thank you for all you did this week! It was another short week because of the weather but we only missed one day as opposed to attending one day, like we did last week. Despite the initial chill and slow rhythm set by the weather, Mena Public Schools is steadily regaining its momentum, warming up for a vibrant and productive spring semester. As the ice thaws and the sun starts shining again, our collective enthusiasm and dedication are reigniting. We are poised to overcome these initial hurdles with renewed excitement, ensuring that our journey towards the end of the school year is not just a sprint to the finish, but a testament to our Bearcat spirit of perseverance, growth, and excellence toward personal and district performance targets!

The Calendar

Now that we have closed school for weather for five days so far, we do not have a full day left to use should we close again. We have a little over half of a day “in the bank”, so to speak. Winter weather is still a strong possibility so we could wind up using some of our scheduled Mondays off. We have one coming this Monday but do not need to use it yet, so enjoy the long weekend. I hope the weather is fine.

Speaking of calendars, we are planning next year’s options in the midst of much calendar discussion here and around the state. The feedback from the Thought Exchange was positive about seeking the waiver and positive toward the current calendar set up. One point that was made was to create the calendar in a more familiar format, so we will do that as well as use the calculator format this year’s is in.

Here are the overall results from the Thought Exchange about the calendar for next year.

A Salute to Our Dedicated Bus Drivers

In the past few days, as our towns have been navigating the challenges of rain and snowmelt, creating muddy and demanding road conditions, there has been a group of unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes – our devoted bus drivers.

Each day, come rain or shine, our drivers are the first to greet our students in the morning and the last to wish them well at the end of the day. Their commitment goes beyond just driving; they ensure the safety, comfort, and timely arrival of every child. This task has been particularly challenging recently, with the unpredictable weather making our roads trickier to navigate.

We may not always see the extra care they take to maintain the buses, the added attention they pay to weather reports, or the careful planning of routes to avoid delays. But these efforts do not go unnoticed. Our bus drivers are an essential part of our educational system, and their dedication is a cornerstone of our daily operations.

Led by James Davis and Alicia Moody, all our drivers in this message, each one of them deserves our deepest gratitude and respect. Their unwavering dedication under challenging conditions is a testament to their commitment to our students and our community.

So, to all our bus drivers – thank you. You are a vital part of the Mena Public Schools family, and your hard work and perseverance, especially during these past few challenging days, are greatly appreciated.

AE Success

We are brimming with pride as our Alternative Education program, led by Celeste Ashcraft and Shanda Craig, along with their incredible team of AE teachers, staff, and students, has been honored with a prestigious recognition by the Arkansas Association of Alternative Educators and the Arkansas Department of Education. This accolade, celebrating significant student outcomes in Alternative Education, brings our district into the limelight. Our team's dedication to fostering educational excellence and innovation will be showcased during the “Alternative Education Leadership Day” at the Arkansas State Capitol on February 13th. This event, featuring the presentation of Academic Achievement Awards, Student Diamond Awards, and highlights of individual programs, is a testament to our district's commitment to nurturing a transformative and supportive learning environment. Congratulations to all for achieving this distinguished statewide recognition, and for continuously inspiring and shaping the future of education in Arkansas.

Closing

Congratulations to Colby Singleton for the prestigious invitation to serve as an AP Reader, a role that reflects her expertise and dedication in education. Her participation in this vital aspect of the AP Program not only contributes to the academic success of students worldwide but also highlights her commitment to excellence in teaching our students at Mena Schools. This is a remarkable achievement and an honor for both Colby and our school district!

Monday the 29th is one of our scheduled closure days. The timing is not good being that we have missed some days of school; however, we do not need Monday as a make-up day so we will not make any changes to the schedule.

Despite ending on such a sad note, it was another great week at Mena Public Schools.

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

Have a nice long 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!

This week at Mena Public Schools, we have experienced a whirlwind of events, quite literally! Our week was as brief as a snowflake's journey, starting and ending on Friday due to a picturesque yet pesky blanket of ice and snow that chilled our town from Sunday through Thursday. It is not every week that our calendar looks like a sandwich with the bread missing, but we made the most of our one-day week with enthusiasm and warmth, melting away any icy blues!

Please be aware that more winter weather is predicted for this coming Sunday and Monday morning, which may cause another day of missed work and instruction. We will try to inform everyone of what we will do on Sunday afternoon depending upon the forecast. We have 1.7 days left in our bank of days before we will have to use our make-up Mondays. See our calendar to better understand how it will work if we do.

As we look beyond our winter wonderland, we continue to monitor our performance targets. Since we have been closed for so many days there has not been much change in the data but the upward trend of discipline referrals slowed down. Attendance remains just at our target threshold. The closure also impacted the assessments that still have to be completed before our full academic performance picture becomes clear.

Scholarships

This is an exciting time for our students and staff, with several scholarship opportunities available. I encourage everyone to explore these opportunities that our administrators’ association offers students and employees. Remember, every scholarship journey begins with the courage to apply!

Next Year’s Calendar

Looking ahead, we are in the crucial stages of planning the 2024-2025 academic calendar, and your voice is essential in this process. Please share your thoughts and ideas through our Thought Exchange survey. But first, read the rest of this to understand why your feedback is important.

Our current school calendar was crafted with our students' academic experience in mind. Regularly scheduled Mondays off have been a boon for various reasons, including providing a break from the routine, aiding in personal errands and appointments, and offering much-needed catch-up time, especially after unforeseen school closures that are likely to continue this winter. This thoughtful approach was created last year as an additional strategy to improve overall attendance.

We want to create calendar options similar to this year’s but it is difficult to do because of current law that states the start of the school year for public schools in Arkansas occurs on or after the Monday of the week in which August 19 falls; not earlier than August 14; and, not later than August 26. But, the law also allows us to ask for a waiver from the state board with local board approval and stakeholder input.

Challenges of Starting on August 19, 2024:

- A later start limits our ability to begin the school year mid-week, potentially affecting break periods and professional development days.

- The fall semester becomes 10 days shorter than the spring semester, disrupting the academic year's balance.

- Only one day is available for teacher collaboration, impacting our ability to analyze student performance data and plan interventions.

- Fewer Mondays are available in spring for make-up days, essential for maintaining academic continuity and alignment with the curriculum before state exams.

Benefits of Starting the Week of August 12, 2024:

With your support for a waiver, we could achieve:

- A mid-week start for the school year, easing into the academic rhythm.

- More Mondays for breaks, required appointments, and make-up days, offering greater flexibility.

- Additional instructional days before state assessments.

- An even distribution of days across both semesters.

- Enhanced opportunities for teacher collaboration, utilizing up-to-date student performance data for improved planning.

Your input is pivotal in shaping a calendar that best serves our students and staff. Help us create a framework that supports our educational goals and maintains the Bearcat standard of excellence. Here is the link to provide your input.

Closing

Tonight, our basketball teams face off against the Ozark Hillbillies at the Union Bank Center. After so many days of being cooped up in our homes, it will be good for our athletes to display our Bearcat spirit and resilience. Please show up and show our support and cheer them on to victory!

I want to congratulate Mrs. Sherma Peters on her retirement which begins today. Her reception will be at Louise Durham Elementary in the cafeteria at 3:45. I have known Sherma since my first year here at Mena in 1999 and want to express how fortunate our school district was to have her on our staff. She will be missed but I know she will enjoy the fruits of her labor in retirement.

It was another great DAY 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!

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