Bearcat Wrap-up Podcast

Happy Friday!

Thank you all for the steady work you have given as we move through September. This is the time of year when routines are set, expectations are clear, and we begin to see patterns in attendance, discipline, and student engagement. These patterns reveal a great deal about our performance, and they remind us that consistency is crucial. They also tie directly into the performance targets we have set as a district, keeping us focused on daily actions that lead to long-term growth.

In this week’s Wrap-up, I would like to highlight our progress and challenges with attendance and engagement, remind everyone of the importance of professional development, share the results from our Open House parent survey, reflect on a successful Grandparents’ Day, and conclude with celebrations of academic and athletic achievements across the district.

Attendance and Engagement

This week, the Office for Education Policy at the University of Arkansas released the state’s Chronic Absenteeism Report, which includes data for Mena Public Schools. You can read the full report here: Chronic Absenteeism Report 2025.

While our overall attendance rate compares well with the state, our chronic absenteeism rate is several points higher. This means too many of our students are missing more than ten percent of school days, regardless of whether those absences are excused or unexcused. The result is the same—lost instructional time and lost growth opportunities.

Part of the concern comes from how chronic absenteeism is calculated. Excused absences count the same as unexcused, which means a student may appear in this category even when legitimate reasons are involved, other than school activities, which are not absences. In addition, incorrectly marked exemptions in eSchool may be inflating the numbers further, which is something we will continue to correct. Regardless of the cause, the impact is the same: students missing too much school.

As a district, we must make this a point of focus. Attendance progress has been made in the district, but chronic absenteeism is still a district-wide challenge. The key is the early action of catching attendance issues before they become chronic. This means reaching out to families as soon as patterns emerge, not just after thresholds are crossed. Every contact matters. A quick call from a teacher saying, “We missed your child today,” can make a lasting difference. Identifying students who struggled with attendance last year and checking in early this year is another important step.

Addressing chronic absenteeism is not about statistics; it is about student success. Students who are present every day are far more likely to achieve academically, feel connected, and graduate with confidence. Every day matters, and together we can help our students build the consistency they need to thrive.

Professional Renewal

September is also the time when our own energy can begin to level off. That is why this is the right moment to focus on professional renewal. Please make sure you are completing your required professional development and trainings in PowerSchool, logging your PD hours in the Shoebox on ESC Works, and staying ahead of any license renewals. For those with licenses expiring in December, please do not wait until the deadline is upon you. If you need assistance, Mrs. Newman or Mrs. Buckley can help with license renewals, and Mrs. Buckley is also available to answer questions about paperwork or professional development. These steps are not just compliance; they are investments in your professional identity and the students you serve.

Parent Feedback on Open House

Thank you to all of the parents who participated in our Open House and the follow-up survey. An impressive 98% of respondents attended this year, which speaks to the strong partnership between home and school. Parents especially valued the early release of forms, the welcoming atmosphere created by staff, and the efficiency of exploring classrooms and schedules. You can review the overall results of the survey here.

What is encouraging is how closely these themes match the feedback we have already heard from staff members. Both groups agree that the preparation, organization, and welcoming environment are major strengths of our events. At the same time, parents emphasized areas that sometimes feel less visible to us from the inside, such as crowding, unclear signage, and the need for more time with teachers. These differences are helpful because they remind us that a parent’s perspective walking into the building may not always match the view of those running the event.

To address some of the challenges raised during Open House, our elementary schools have already begun hosting grade-level parent meetings since the start of the year. These smaller, more focused gatherings provide opportunities for parents to connect directly with teachers, receive detailed information about curriculum and expectations, and ask questions in a setting that allows for more time and clarity. These meetings are an important complement to Open House, helping to ensure that parents feel informed, supported, and engaged throughout the year.

We are grateful for these insights. They align with our mission to ensure that every person in our district feels safe, valued, and confident in learning. By listening to our families and staff together, and by noting both the likenesses and the differences in perception, we can continue to make improvements that strengthen trust and connection.

Grandparents’ Day

This week, our elementaries hosted Grandparents’ Day, giving our PreK through 5th-grade students the chance to share their classrooms, read books, and enjoy refreshments with their grandparents. It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout this week. We are grateful to all of the grandparents who made time to come and support their grandchildren, and I want to especially thank the staff who organized and hosted these events. The welcoming atmosphere you created reflects the spirit of Mena Public Schools, where family and community play an essential role in our mission.

Closing Celebrations

It has been a strong week across Bearcat athletics. Volleyball teams at every level have seen success, with highlights that included multiple wins over Arkadelphia and Fountain Lake. The Ladycats demonstrated skill and composure in both tournament and conference play, giving fans plenty to cheer for as they continue through a demanding schedule. The Bearcat Cross Country team also opened its season with grit and determination at the Tom Stuthard Stampede, setting the pace for a competitive fall. On the tennis courts, our players showed great effort in singles and doubles competition, earning important victories and experience as the season progresses. Meanwhile, Bearcat Football is on the road at Stigler, Oklahoma, ready to take on the Panthers under the Friday night lights. Basketball athletes also stepped forward this week by participating in the community 9/11 Tribute run and team-building workouts, demonstrating how athletics teaches accountability, communication, and teamwork both on and off the court.

Our schools also shined academically and culturally this week. Teachers and administrators engaged in professional learning at the DeQueen-Mena Cooperative, focusing on coaching strategies, data protocols, and the Science of Reading. Students at Holly Harshman Elementary kicked off Bearcat Book Day by celebrating stories, sharing book talks, and fostering a love of reading alongside special guests. “We Recommend Wednesday” continues to inspire students across the district, with classrooms and libraries filled with fresh reading suggestions that keep #menareads growing. In classrooms, students dug deep into lessons ranging from grammar hunts to hands-on library activities, showing that learning is alive and active across all grade levels.

These celebrations are a reminder that growth happens in many forms. Whether through academic study, professional development, or athletic competition, our students and staff continue to demonstrate perseverance, teamwork, and pride in representing Mena Public Schools.

It was a good 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 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!

This morning began with an unexpected challenge when three of our four campuses were without power. The first estimated restoration time was 7:00 a.m., then extended to 9:00 a.m., but thankfully, the lights came back on around 7:30, still thirty minutes before students arrived. While this caused some understandable concern, the crews from SWEPCO worked quickly to restore power, and I want to express my gratitude to them for their rapid response. I also want to thank our staff and parents for their adjustments, patience, and understanding in what was truly an uncontrollable situation.

I also want to thank all of our staff for the steady effort and commitment you have shown throughout this week. Your daily work is what moves us closer to the performance targets we have set for this year.

This week’s Wrap-up will focus on the importance of feedback and the use of data. Whether we are looking at attendance, discipline, or academic performance, the information we collect gives us a clearer picture of where we are and what steps we must take next. Feedback is not just about measurement; it is about learning, adjusting, and improving together as a district.

Discipline Trends

When looking at discipline over the past three years, it is important to understand why the numbers appear higher. Our efforts to fully implement THRIVE and BX3 have led to more accurate reporting, which naturally increases the totals. This reflects better tracking and accountability rather than a decline in student behavior. The more complete our data, the more effectively we can respond to patterns and prevent problems before they grow.

It is encouraging to see the way this year has started compared to last year. At this same point in 2024–2025, we had 53 referrals in Week 2, 90 in Week 3, and 151 in Week 4. This year, the totals for those weeks are significantly lower at 23, 38, and 54, respectively. That is a reduction of nearly two-thirds in early incidents.

Several specific areas of discipline have also shown improvement. Bullying referrals dropped from 28 in 2023-2024 to 22 last year, a positive sign of early intervention taking hold. Bus incidents declined from 378 in 2022–2023 to 283 in 2023–2024, showing long-term improvement, though last year sits at 327 and will need continued attention as this year progresses. While altercations rose from 61 to 78 last year, they remain far below the levels of other categories and serve as a reminder to maintain focus on conflict resolution skills. These figures remind us that discipline data not only identifies challenges but also confirms when strategies are working.

One reason for these improvements is the back-to-school communication with parents about expectations and our commitment to consistency. When schools and families reinforce the same standards, students are set up for success. This early evidence shows that our collective effort—staff, students, and parents—is leading to a stronger start in 2025–2026.

Here is the 3-year trend analysis of selected discipline violations from 2022–2025:

* Attendance Violations

* 2022–23: 34

* 2023–24: 62

* 2024–25: 30

* Clear decline in 2025, now the lowest of the 3 years.

* Bullying

* 2022–23: 18

* 2023–24: 28

* 2024–25: 22

* Peaked in 2024, decreased again in 2025.

* Bus Incidents

* 2022–23: 378

* 2023–24: 283

* 2024–25: 327

* Sharp drop in 2024, followed by a partial rebound in 2025 (still below 2023 levels).

* Class Disruption

* 2022–23: 68

* 2023–24: 131

* 2024–25: 127

* Jumped in 2024, leveled but still higher than the 2023 baseline.

* Harassment

* 2022–23: 10

* 2023–24: 47

* 2024–25: 32

* Significant spike in 2024, declining but still elevated.

* Vandalism

* 2022–23: 8

* 2023–24: 6

* 2024–25: 30

* Decreased briefly, then rose sharply in 2025.

Attendance Trends

Attendance is one of the clearest predictors of student success, which is why we set an ambitious goal of 93.5% daily attendance. Looking at the past several years, the trend tells an important story. From 2017 through 2021, attendance stayed strong in the mid-90s, with a spike in 2021 caused by COVID adjustments when online students were counted present. After that, rates declined here as they did across the state and nation, reaching just above 92% in 2023 and 92.34% in 2024–2025, which was below our district goal.

The good news is that attendance has been climbing again. The last three years show a steady increase, and so far in 2025–2026, we are averaging 95.3% across all campuses. This is not only above the goal, but also a return to the level of consistency we saw before the pandemic. Every percentage point matters, with each one reflecting thousands of days of instruction gained for our students.

With a clear focus on daily presence and continued communication with families, we are on track to make attendance a defining strength of Mena Public Schools again this year.

Source: My School Info. Attendance rates for all students, 2017–2025. The spike in 2021 reflects COVID adjustments when online students were counted present.

Listening to Feedback

We recently concluded our Back-to-School Thought Exchange with staff, which gave us valuable insight into what is working well and what needs attention. Common themes included appreciation for professional development opportunities, requests for greater customization of PD to specific roles, and a reminder that meetings must remain purposeful and respectful of everyone’s time. While there are certain state-mandated trainings that we must offer each year and cannot change, we will continue to focus on making our professional development as powerful and relevant as possible.

In response to past surveys and Thought Exchange comments from new employees, the district has also implemented monthly check-ins for new staff, with the first one scheduled for September 10th. These sessions are designed to provide support, answer questions, and strengthen the transition into our schools. New employees should mark this date and watch for more details from their principals.

We also released a parent Thought Exchange for Open House, and once results are in, we will share them to see how parent feedback aligns with staff experiences.

Wellness Reminder

We are already seeing illness spreading in our schools, and I know many of you have felt it yourselves. Please take care of your health by resting well, staying hydrated, and following good hygiene practices. In addition, we have already begun using the Clorox 360 system on weekends to disinfect our buildings. This is one more step we are taking to protect the health of our staff and students.

Closing Celebrations

I want to begin this week’s celebrations by recognizing our food service staff. They have been short-handed during these first weeks of school, yet they have worked tirelessly to ensure that every student is fed and cared for each day. Their dedication in the face of added challenges has not gone unnoticed. I encourage all of us to support them with patience and gratitude as they continue working toward a fully staffed team.

Teachers have the opportunity to apply for the Arkansas School Conservation Education Grant, which supports hands-on conservation and wildlife education projects. More information can be found here.

Our fine arts programs are also off to a strong start. The Bearcat Band has been outstanding both on the field and in the stands, bringing energy and school spirit to every game. Our Theatre Department took a group of middle and high school students to see The Three Musketeers at TheatreSquared in Fayetteville. The experience of live theatre and a talkback session with the cast has already inspired our students as they prepare for their own first performance of the year.

A special thank you goes out to the community sponsors who have stepped up to support our students in several ways. In addition to helping make Bearcat TV possible for families and fans, we have also received donations that directly benefit the general student population. These contributions reflect the strong partnership between our schools and the community, and they make a meaningful difference for our students.

We are also grateful for the many ways our counseling staff and Behavioral Interventionists serve students and families throughout the year. From organizing career fairs and coordinating Red Ribbon Week to finding ways to provide essential needs such as clothing and supplies and offering one-on-one support for students in crisis, these staff members continually go above and beyond to strengthen the social, emotional, and academic success of our students. The upcoming Coffee with the Counselor session on Wednesday, September 24th, at 5:30 p.m. in the Mena High School Library is just the latest example, focusing on self-regulation and helping children manage strong emotions.

Our librarians are also keeping things fresh and encouraging reading with creative initiatives like We Recommend Wednesdays. This week, Louise Durham Elementary spotlighted a kindergarten class recommendation, reminding us that joy in reading grows when students share books with each other. These efforts are a wonderful addition to #menareads and continue to promote a culture of literacy across the district.

Our student-athletes continue to represent Mena well across many activities. Ladycat Volleyball teams had strong wins this week, the Bearcat Golf team captured a first-place finish at Ozark Country Club, and the Tennis team competed hard against Harmony Grove at Tapley Park. It is also Gameday for Bearcat Football as the senior high team faces Little Rock Hall tonight at 7:00 p.m. For those not making the trip, the game can be watched live on Bearcat TV. Our Junior Bearcats brought home wins this week as well, including victories over Hackett and Cossatot River, and they will be back in action at Dardanelle next Thursday.

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 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 another week, I want to thank each of you for the energy, creativity, and commitment you bring to our schools. Whether you are teaching in the classroom, supporting students in their daily needs, maintaining our facilities, or ensuring operations run smoothly, your work matters. Together, you create the environment where students can thrive, and that collective effort is what drives us toward meeting our district performance targets.

This week’s Wrap-up will focus on one of the most important measures of our progress: student growth. The ATLAS scores we received reflect not only how our students performed at a single point in time, but also how much they advanced over the course of the year. These results give us insight into what is working, where progress is being made, and where we need to focus our energy moving forward as we continue working toward our goals.

Growth Results

At the state level, Arkansas saw modest but steady gains in year two of ATLAS for students achieving proficiency. ELA scores improved by +0.8%, math by +2.7%, and science by +2.4%. Along with achievement, across the state, growth is becoming the story, as schools and communities adjust to a new system and find ways to rise.

It is important to remember the difference between achievement and growth as measured by ATLAS. Achievement reflects a student’s performance on grade-level standards at a single point in time, showing whether they reached mastery on the test. Growth, on the other hand, measures how much progress a student made compared to where they started, regardless of whether they reached proficiency. Achievement tells us where students are, but growth tells us how far they have come, and growth is the focus of this Wrap-up.

Here in Mena, our results show a similar story, but with our own points of pride and challenge:

* ELA: Our chart shows that Mena has climbed steadily from 2023 to 2025, moving from negative growth into positive territory. The state line remained flat during that time, which means our students are beginning to separate from the state average in a positive direction. This is encouraging evidence that our focus on literacy is taking root.

* Math: This chart reflects the most striking difference. While the state line has remained nearly flat, our district’s line has risen sharply each year. By 2025, our students will have more than doubled the state’s gains, showing clear evidence that persistence, strong instruction, and readiness to be challenged are paying off. This is a progress point that we can take pride in and must continue to build upon.

* Science: Our chart reveals a peak in 2024 followed by a drop in 2025. Even though we remain above the state average, this downward trend is a concern. It tells us that students are capable of growth in science, but consistency will require more deliberate strategies and sustained support.

Our goal must always be that 100% of our students can master grade-level work, and these results remind us that there is still much to do, but we are heading in the right direction overall.

What Our Teachers Are Saying

At the heart of this data are classrooms. We spoke with some of our teachers whose students showed the highest growth, and a common theme stood out: students are doing the work. These teachers emphasized that the key was keeping the effort where it belongs—on the students. The students are working harder than the teachers. Teachers are then using that work to check for understanding, uncover misconceptions, and directly address deficiencies, while keeping expectations high.

This is a powerful reminder: growth happens when students take ownership of their learning, and when teachers act as guides who push, question, and respond to what they see in the work.

Looking at Our Most At-Risk Students

We also examined how our lowest 25% of students are doing. While these students remain behind, there is encouraging movement in several areas. Algebra I showed the biggest improvement, moving significantly closer to positive growth. Math (3–8) and Science also made meaningful gains, suggesting that the right supports are beginning to take hold. ELA improved only slightly, which tells us there is still much work to be done. The most concerning area is Biology, where growth for our most at-risk students declined.

This shows us two things: first, that steady effort is helping many of our most vulnerable students climb upward; second, that we cannot lose focus on the areas where gaps persist. Our mission calls us to ensure that every student has a path forward, especially those who need us most.

Digging Deeper into the Data

When we look beyond averages, the growth data tells us more about how learning is distributed across our students. The strongest gains this year came from students in the middle quartiles, who are steadily moving upward and contributing to our overall progress. This shows that consistent classroom practices—ensuring students do the work, checking for understanding, addressing misconceptions, and keeping expectations high—are making a difference for the majority of learners.

At the same time, the data reminds us that our work is not finished. The lowest quartile, while showing some improvement in Algebra I, Math, and Science, continues to lag behind its peers. The highest quartile also dipped slightly in some areas, which suggests we must continue to challenge our advanced students so they do not plateau.

Growth is not just about raising the floor; it is also about lifting the ceiling. Our goal is to move every student forward, whether they are striving to meet grade-level expectations or preparing to excel beyond them. Deeper dives into the data will take place in PLC teams within each building in the coming weeks and will be used to shape strategies that meet the needs of all learners.

Closing

As we close Week 3, let us celebrate the way classrooms are deepening learning through meaningful work. Students are engaged in daily lessons that stretch their thinking, and teachers are using that work to check for understanding and address areas of need. This is the rhythm of growth that will carry us forward.

It has also been a strong week in Bearcat athletics. Ladycat Volleyball continues its early-season run with exciting matches and wins, Bearcat Football opens tonight at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium and Randall Whorton Field against DeQueen, and our tennis and golf teams are competing with determination and poise. Each of these moments reflects the pride and commitment of our students both on and off the court or field.

This week is also the Polk County Fair, a highlight of community pride and tradition. Many of our students are showing livestock projects that represent months of dedication and responsibility, and the premium sale takes place tonight. I encourage you to support these students as they showcase their hard work and represent Mena Public Schools in such a meaningful way. I also had the opportunity to visit and admire the artwork submitted by our elementary students, and it was clear how proud and excited they are to share their creativity. I encourage everyone to stop by and see their talent on display as well.

A big THANK YOU goes out to the administrators, teachers, and staff who organized and hosted Parent Night at Holly Harshman. Watch for additional parent nights to help get the year started off the right way with good communication with our community.

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 2025–2026 #menareads posts and videos coming, and have a great Labor Day 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 to every teacher, bus driver, custodian, food service worker, office staff member, paraprofessional, maintenance worker, administrator, tech team member, and volunteer for the dedication you showed throughout this first full week. Your steady effort and positive spirit ensured that our students were not only welcomed back but also engaged in meaningful learning from the very start.

This first full week of the school year gave us the chance to move beyond the introductions and routines of the opening days. Our classrooms are now alive with hands-on lessons, our athletic teams are stepping onto the field and court for real competition, and teachers are beginning to see the unique strengths of each student. These are the moments when the purpose we spoke about last week, instilling confidence and growth, begins to take shape.

Preliminary assessments will soon be taking place so that we can track our academic goals for the year, just as we will continue to monitor attendance and discipline as important indicators of student success. These measures, along with the engaging teaching and learning we are already seeing, will help us keep a clear view of where we are and where we need to go.

Opportunities for Teachers

This year brings several valuable professional learning opportunities for our staff. The Writing Revolution will once again be available to connect the Science of Reading to writing, with cohorts forming now for teachers in all grade levels. In science, OpenSciEd has released new K-5 units that are expected to become high-quality instructional materials. Teachers of grades 3-6 also have the chance to apply for STEM Coalition grants of up to $10,000 to support classroom kits and professional learning. For our new educators, the updated Foundations of Reading test now includes the “Free After Three” policy, making retakes more accessible. Each of these opportunities is designed to invest in you and to support your work with students.

Assessment and Literacy

According to the August TCC Update from the DeQueen-Mena Educational Co-op, we are now entering the third year of our own ATLAS state assessment. Educators are being recruited to participate in item review, bias review, and data review, which is an important opportunity for those with strong knowledge of standards and testing. Andria Miller stated that this is one of the best professional development opportunities for teachers, but they have to know their content standards very well.

On the literacy side, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is continuing its partnership with The Writing Revolution to form new cohorts this year. These courses connect the Science of Reading to writing instruction and are open to K-12 content teachers at no cost to districts.

STEM and Science

The August TCC Update also highlights promising developments in science and STEM. OpenSciEd has released the first of four new units for K-5, which are expected to become high-quality instructional materials in the near future. In addition, the Arkansas STEM Coalition is offering grants of up to $10,000 for grades 3-6. These grants can be used for classroom kits and professional learning to support STEM instruction. Applications are open now and will close on September 19, 2025. Several Mena teachers have successfully earned these and other grants in past years, and I encourage you to continue pursuing them so that our classrooms remain filled with innovative opportunities for students.

Praxis and Novice Teachers

Another update from the August TCC Update involves licensure testing and support for new teachers. Arkansas is transitioning from the Foundations of Reading 190 test to the Foundations of Reading 890. The new test code allows teachers to take advantage of the “Free After Three” retake policy, which provides no-cost retakes after three attempts. In addition, principals are reminded that all novice teachers in years one through three must be assigned a support person this school year.

Crystal Bridges Learning Experiences

The Arkansas Department of Education has shared a Commissioner’s Memo, announcing that Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will once again offer completely free experiential learning opportunities for students this fall. These programs include free admission to galleries and exhibitions, free lunch for students and chaperones, transportation reimbursement, and substitute coverage. Highlights include “Get in the Game: Sports, Art, and Culture,” “Careers at Crystal Bridges,” “Art in Nature” outdoor experiences, and guided mindfulness tours at the new Heartland Whole Health Institute. Optional hands-on workshops are also available to deepen classroom connections.

Closing

As we close Week 2, let us celebrate the way classrooms have quickly shifted from introductions into meaningful, hands-on learning. Teachers are building strong connections, and students are beginning to discover the rhythm of a new school year.

It was also an exciting week in Bearcat athletics. Ladycat Volleyball competed in its first benefit game at Van Buren, and our Bearcat Football team held its annual scrimmage with Mansfield last night to prepare for next week and the season opener next Friday at Bearcat Stadium against another annual rival, DeQueen. Tennis is also underway with solid results at Arkadelphia, and our students continue to shine in all areas of competition.

Next week will bring the Polk County Fair, where Mena Public Schools will host a booth, and our students with livestock projects will demonstrate the hard work they have invested throughout the summer. This is always a highlight of community pride and a chance to showcase the dedication and talent of our students beyond the classroom.

We also want to thank the Hatfield Lions Club for donating the new playground balls for our students! We appreciate that very much!

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 2025-2026 #menareads posts and videos coming, and have a great 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!

The first Friday of the school year is here, and just like every August, it seems as though summer passed in a blink. I want to sincerely thank all of our teachers, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, office staff, paraprofessionals, maintenance staff, administrators, tech team, volunteers, and all other school employees for the work you have done leading up to this week. Your preparation ensured that our year started on the right foot. Well done.

On the first day, Mrs. Buckley and I visited all of our campuses and were encouraged by the overall smooth start. We saw engaged classrooms, helpful student leaders, and welcoming environments for our new and returning Bearcats. Our new breakfast procedures in the elementary cafeterias went well for a first run. While there are a few wrinkles to iron out, the process worked, students were served efficiently, and they were ready to begin their day of learning.

These moments—the first bell, the first breakfast, the first lessons—might look like the “main event” of Week 1, but they are not the whole story. As I shared in our back-to-school remarks, these visible milestones are like the MacGuffin in a great story: important for moving the plot along, but not the true purpose of the story itself. The deeper meaning is what happens behind the scenes—how we work together, how we support one another, how we shape students’ lives in ways that last well beyond this school year, and how we respond to challenges. Another part of the story that really matters is that the issues we have now, or those that may emerge in the future, are being addressed with the goal of continuous improvement.

Shared Confidence

The real story of a strong school year is told through “shared confidence”—that belief that each member of the team is committed, capable, and moving toward the same goal. It is knowing that while I do my part, you are doing yours. It is trusting that we are all pulling in the same direction, no matter what role we play.

When shared confidence is strong, the plot of our year is not defined by setbacks, but by how we overcome them together. Just like in a good story, the audience may never see every struggle, every early morning, or every small act of service—but those details are what give the story depth and meaning.

A Warm Welcome

This year’s cast has grown, and we are better for it. I want to extend a special thank you to our new bus drivers who have already shown reliability and care in getting students to school safely. We welcome our new maintenance staff who are keeping our facilities in excellent condition, our new office staff who are already providing vital support to students, parents, and staff, and our new teachers and paraprofessionals who are already making a difference in classrooms. Your arrival adds new strengths to our story, and I am excited to see how your contributions will shape this year’s chapters.

Closing

As we close Week 1, remember that the visible markers like smooth campus openings, engaged students, and first-week energy are only the MacGuffins that carry the plot forward. The real story is the purpose behind them: living our mission, modeling our values, leaving a lasting impact on our students and community, and continuously improving along the way. That is the story worth telling.

Our First Day Pics post on the district Facebook page received 206 responses, and there were many more first day photos shared directly from teacher classrooms. These images captured joy, excitement, and the pride of being a Bearcat. If you have not yet shared your first day picture, I encourage you to do so. Every photo helps tell the story of how this year began and preserves memories that will mean even more in the years ahead.

As our early-season athletics are underway, including tennis and golf matches, volleyball games, and the first football competitions, let us continue showing our Bearcat pride in the stands, on the sidelines, and in our words. These events, along with our many other programs in the arts, academics, and activities, thrive when they are supported by our community. Your encouragement and presence make a difference for our students and remind them that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Finally, I would like your input on the days leading up to the start of school so we can make the beginning of each year as smooth and successful as possible. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts through our Thought Exchange survey. Your feedback will help us make informed adjustments and build an even stronger start next year.

It was a good week of beginnings at Mena Public Schools.

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

Get the 2025-2026 #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 the final week of the 2024–2025 school year draws to a close, I want to thank each of you for the focus, care, and effort you have shown throughout this week. You have managed final exams, field days, farewells, and everything in between with poise and professionalism. This year’s performance targets data is now complete, and the results affirm the direction shared in the Week 35 Wrap-up. We did not hit the mark for attendance and discipline, but there was good progress through intentional work. Though our academic data collections are encouraging, we will not see the full picture until ATLAS results are released in late July or early August. Still, what we can already see is a testament to how much has been accomplished, one steady step at a time.

This week's message is a reflection and a heartfelt thank you for the power of quiet consistency, the value of everyday effort, and the truth that great achievement is built by many hands working in harmony.

Collective Accomplishment

Throughout this school year, each of you has contributed in ways that mattered deeply, whether seen or unseen. From classroom instruction to hallway supervision, from mentoring students to supporting your colleagues, from driving buses to maintaining safe and clean facilities, from preparing meals to preparing practice plans, your actions made a difference. Some moments were celebrated publicly, others happened quietly. But together, they shaped a year defined by progress, perseverance, and pride.

We honor our students who showed determination, curiosity, and growth. We commend our staff—especially those who completed their first year, reached a career milestone, or are stepping away after years of meaningful service. And we thank our families and community partners who stood beside us with trust and support. Every person in our district—whether leading, teaching, serving, or supporting—played a role in this year's success.

There is a saying I have come to rely on: "To move fast, you have to go slow." At first, learning new methods, examining results, and living through mistakes may feel like trudging through deep sand. But when we commit to this process consistently, something remarkable happens—we get better and better, faster and faster. And then, one day, we look back and realize how fast the year has gone and that we are moving with real momentum. This year reflects that truth. The careful, deliberate steps we took are now propelling us forward at a pace that brings our long-term goals within reach.

As we now shift into summer, I encourage each of you to rest and reflect. Take time to restore your energy and renew your sense of purpose. Growth does not always come through motion, it can also happen in stillness. If during your rest you are drawn to something that sharpens your thinking or reawakens your passion for learning, welcome it. Renewal comes in many forms.

August will be here soon, and the school days will return with new challenges and new opportunities. But for now, we close this year with thankfulness for the steady, faithful work that brought us here.

It was a good year of accomplishment 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 summer!

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 Final Friday of the School Year!

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

The Work Leading to the Walk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was a good week at Mena Public Schools.

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

Keep the #menareads posts and videos coming and have a good weekend!

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

Happy Friday!

As we wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible dedication, passion, and resilience of our staff. Throughout the year, you have gone above and beyond to create positive learning experiences for our students, and this week, it has been heartening to see so many businesses, families, and community members step up to show their appreciation. Your work matters, not just this week but every single day, and the impact you have on the lives of our students is both profound and lasting. Thank you for everything you do.

Now, as we turn our attention to Week 35 and our Performance Target Review, we have much to reflect upon. While our goal of reducing discipline referrals by 10% proved to be a challenge, and our attendance is slightly less than what we were shooting for, the information we have gathered throughout the year provides valuable insights into our practices and areas for growth. By examining these results closely, we can better understand the impact of our efforts, refine our strategies, and identify opportunities to further strengthen the culture of accountability and support across our schools. The progress we did see this year is a testament to your commitment to maintaining high expectations and investing in the success of every student. We will carry these lessons forward as we plan for a stronger and more focused year ahead.

Discipline Referrals

One of our district goals for this school year was to reduce discipline referrals by 10% from the previous year. After reviewing the data, we recognize that we will not reach that goal. In FY24, there were a total of 1,205 discipline incidents reported. In FY25, that number rose to 1,444—an increase of approximately 20%, rather than the desired decrease.

While this outcome may initially seem discouraging, several key factors and points of progress should be acknowledged:

* Implementation of the No Cell Phone Policy: This year marked the first time we fully enforced a no cell phone policy, a proactive step that aligns with what will become state law next year. While the transition brought a notable increase in Personal Electronic Device (PED) violations (from 15 in FY24 to 116 in FY25), this increase reflects our consistent enforcement of an entirely new behavioral expectation, which is one that ultimately protects instructional time and supports student focus.

* Improved Clarity and Reporting: The rise in total referrals is likely influenced by increased staff consistency in reporting, particularly in categories like Tardies (99 in FY25 vs. 10 in FY24) and PEDs. These numbers do not necessarily signal worse behavior but rather better alignment to policy enforcement and a stronger culture of accountability.

* Reduction in Major Incidents: Some of the more serious infractions showed improvement. Fighting incidents decreased from 36 in FY24 to 30 in FY25, and harassment-related reports dropped from 42 to 32. These are meaningful steps forward and likely reflect the positive effects of our early interventions and behavior support frameworks.

* Consistency in Key Areas: Despite the overall increase, other categories remained stable. Tobacco/e-cigarette violations stayed nearly the same (62 vs. 61), and bus-related incidents increased only slightly from 278 to 318, despite the growth in ridership and route coverage. The same goes for overall assignments of ISS and OSS consequences.

While the raw totals did not meet our reduction goal, our data shows we are moving toward a more structured, intentional, and proactive discipline system. Our next steps will include refining supports for Tier I and Tier II behaviors, continuing restorative practices, and reinforcing student ownership and understanding of expectations.

What Next?

While the raw totals did not meet our reduction goal, our data shows we are moving toward a more structured, intentional, and proactive discipline system. Our next steps will include refining supports for Tier I and Tier II behaviors, continuing restorative practices, and reinforcing student ownership and understanding of expectations.

As we look ahead to setting a new goal for next year, we encourage all staff to begin considering strategies such as:

* Establishing grade-level or building-wide “reset weeks” focused on reteaching behavioral expectations after breaks or periods of transition.

* Expanding the use of positive behavior reinforcement systems, such as point-based incentives, positive behavior recognition, or classroom goal tracking.

* Embedding executive functioning and personal growth learning into daily instruction, especially during advisory, intervention, or other meeting times.

* Continued use of behavior intervention teams at each building, composed of counselors, administrators, and lead teachers, to identify at-risk students early and provide layered support.

* Enhancing student voice and agency, allowing students to help co-create norms, participate in peer mediation, or serve as ambassadors for positive school culture.

Discipline is not just about reducing numbers, it is about shaping culture. And with each policy we enforce, each expectation we clarify, and each student we support, we get closer to schools where growth and accountability go hand in hand.

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

Attendance Update: Closing the Gap

One of our goals for the 2024–2025 school year was to reach a district-wide attendance rate of 93.5%. For much of the year, we were on track to meet that target, until the flu hit us hard. Despite the setback, we still made some gains. As of May 2, our district stands at 92.94%, up slightly from 92.76% the year before. This improvement, while modest, is not without meaning. It reflects intentional efforts, stronger communication with families, a growing sense of connection, and consistent messaging about the importance of being here every day. Still, there is more to learn from the data.

When we look deeper at building and grade-level trends, a more complete story unfolds. Some of our strongest improvements came from students in transition years, suggesting that our efforts to support 9th-grade orientation and senior-year engagement are paying off. On the other hand, several early elementary grades and middle school cohorts experienced slight declines, reminding us that attendance is fragile and must be nurtured continually.

The year-over-year numbers also tell us that cohort tracking, watching the same group of students as they move through the system, can help us identify patterns that might be missed when comparing grades in isolation. That lens will be even more important moving forward, especially as we seek to balance high expectations with meaningful support.

Highlights and Findings:

* The district average improved slightly from 92.76% in FY24 to 92.94% in FY25, though still short of the 93.5% target.Click here to view the full report.

* Mena High School led the way, increasing from 92.63% to 94.06%, with significant growth in:

* 11th grade: 91.23% to 94.51%

* 12th grade: 92.49% to 94.07%

* 9th grade (new to high school): 92.22% to 94.40%

* Polk County Virtual Academy (PCVA) continued to post strong high school attendance:

* 11th grade: 97.89%

* 12th grade: 94.84%

* 9th grade: 96.03%

* Middle school attendance declined slightly, dropping from 93.50% to 92.86%

* 8th grade fell from 93.21% to 92.35%

* 7th grade declined from 94.07% to 93.32%

* Early elementary cohorts saw mixed results:

* This year’s 2nd graders dropped from 92.41% to 92.10%

* This year’s 3rd graders slipped from 93.21% to 93.15%

* 5th grade improved slightly from 92.08% to 92.34%

* District-wide cohort tracking revealed promising upward trends in key groups, especially high school students, suggesting that targeted transition support and culture-building efforts are making a difference.

These data points reflect what many of us already feel: progress is happening, but it takes time, and it takes all of us. As we look ahead to next year, we will continue to explore ways to reinforce routines, improve communication, and intervene early when patterns emerge. With focus and unity, we can ensure more students are present, engaged, and on the path to success.

Cohorts to Watch Next Year

As we look at this year’s attendance data, it is clear that some student groups will need extra attention and support as they move forward. While the overall attendance rate improved slightly, some specific cohorts experienced declines that could carry over into next year if not addressed.

One group to keep an eye on is this year’s third graders, who will be moving into fourth grade next year. Under the LEARNS Act, all students are expected to be reading on grade level by the end of the third grade. For those who are not, the law requires targeted interventions to help them catch up. This year’s third-grade group saw a slight drop in attendance, from 93.21 percent to 93.15 percent. While that may not seem like a big change, for students who are already struggling to reach reading proficiency, every missed day is a missed opportunity. Next year, these students may need more intensive reading instruction, extended learning opportunities, and additional support, especially during the first semester, to close those gaps and stay on track.

This year’s eighth graders, who will enter high school as freshmen next year, also saw a drop in attendance, moving from 94.07 percent to 92.35 percent. The transition to high school can be challenging for some students, and a dip in attendance may signal potential disengagement. Next year, we will need to focus on strong onboarding programs, peer mentoring, and more consistent monitoring to keep these students connected and engaged as they adjust to a new environment.

Monitoring these cohorts closely next year will be essential. By focusing on targeted interventions, clear communication, and strategic support, we can help these students regain ground, build stronger attendance habits, and stay on a positive trajectory. For those third graders approaching the reading benchmark, what we do now will not only affect their reading proficiency but could shape their entire academic path moving forward.

Closing

Earlier this week, we celebrated School Nurse Appreciation Day, recognizing the incredible dedication and compassion of our school nurses — Becky Richardson, Jackie Lee, Janette Bernard, and Bobbi Landon. Every day, they provide essential care, support, and comfort to our students, helping to keep them healthy, safe, and ready to learn. We are grateful for their unwavering commitment to the well-being of our school community. Thank you for all you do!

May 22nd is the last day of school for our students, and May 23rd is our last in-service day for the year. As in years past, we will assemble at around 10 am in the PAC to recognize achievements, career milestones, and to give special recognition to our retirees. If you are reaching a years-of-service (1, 5, 10, 15, etc.) milestone this year or if you have made any significant achievements, we ask you to fill out this form. Your response will ensure you receive the recognition you deserve for your years of dedicated service. Also, Christ’s Community Fellowship will feed us again this year with a bar-b-que lunch right after the ceremony. We very much appreciate that!

We also want to take a moment to recognize the exceptional efforts of our student-athletes and coaches. Congratulations to our softball and baseball teams for outstanding seasons, showcasing skill, perseverance, and teamwork. Our soccer teams are still in contention for a deep playoff run, and we are cheering them on as they continue to compete with determination and heart. Reflecting on the year in athletics, Athletic Director Craig Bentley noted, “The 2024–2025 athletics season has been one of the most successful in recent years, with multiple teams earning championship or runner-up titles in their respective conferences and tournaments. The vast majority of our teams qualified for postseason play, and there were numerous outstanding individual achievements as well.”

Beyond athletics, this has been a year of growth, challenge, and progress across all areas of our district. As we wrap up these final weeks, let us continue to focus on finishing strong, celebrating the achievements we have made, and learning from the challenges we faced. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to our students and to one another.

It was a good week of accomplishment 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 move into the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued focus, your commitment to our students, and the resilience you show each day. May is a time when we begin to see the full shape of the year’s work—lessons that have taken root, relationships that have grown, and outcomes that will carry forward into what comes next.

This week, I want to focus on exactly that: what comes next for our students, and how we can align our work to support their future prosperity.

Pathways to Prosperity

We are living in a time when the choices we make in curriculum and instruction have never been more consequential. While many of us dedicate our days to ensuring students grasp the content we teach, we may be unaware of how that content fits into a larger design, one that ultimately determines whether students achieve prosperity. That is why I want to shine a light this week on something we all need to be thinking about: the return on investment (ROI) of education, and how our schools are being reshaped to prioritize pathways that deliver real opportunity.

The ROI 2025 Report issued by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) analyzes which degrees produce the most economic value for Arkansas students. In simple terms, it asks: how long does it take before a college graduate earns enough to surpass what they spent on their degree, and begin outpacing someone with just a high school diploma? The answer, unsurprisingly, varies significantly based on the field of study. Degrees in engineering, computer science, health professions, business, and advanced manufacturing offer the highest returns, while others, though not without value, tend to have lower or slower returns.

This evidence is shaping policy. Under the LEARNS Act, Arkansas is prioritizing alignment between K–12 content and post-secondary opportunity, ensuring that students are not just graduating—but doing so with momentum toward economic security. Similarly, the ACCESS Act emphasizes expanding options for students through early college and career exposure, increasing their access to degrees with the strongest ROI.

You are not expected to be an economist or workforce analyst. But we all must become more informed educators. We must embed relevant content and context into our existing instruction, showing students how the skills they are learning can lead to careers in cybersecurity, advanced health sciences, robotics, or business management. The 2025 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway Revision Guide outlines a redesigned system that merges, refines, and introduces new pathways in high-wage, high-demand fields. The document makes it clear: these pathways are no longer side programs. They are becoming the backbone of how Arkansas prepares its students for enlistment, enrollment, or employment.

Perhaps most exciting is the inclusion of entrepreneurship in these revised pathways. No matter the field—agriculture, health care, education, or computer science—students are now being given the tools to build something of their own. This shift opens the door for a new generation of business leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers to emerge from within our community. For educators looking to integrate entrepreneurship and financial literacy into their classrooms, Economics Arkansas offers outstanding resources and support to inspire the next wave of creators and change-makers.

So what does this mean for us? It means our work must begin with the end in mind. Every teacher, in every subject, should be asking: What comes next for my students? And how can what I teach today help shape that future?

When we align our instruction with high-return pathways, when we weave in purpose and relevance, and when we empower students with not just knowledge, but vision, we do more than educate. We build a foundation for prosperity. Not just for our students, but for our entire community.

They Mirror What We Model

As we talk about preparing students for prosperity, we should pause and consider how much of their future is shaped by what they see in us. Research tells us—particularly through Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory—that students learn by observing. What they see in the adults around them becomes the blueprint for how they respond to challenges, how they treat others, and how they envision their own potential.

Our tone, our professionalism, our curiosity, and the way we carry ourselves during difficulty—these are all lessons in motion. We can teach content, but we also teach composure. We can build a schedule, but we also build a culture. When we model grace under pressure, respect in the face of frustration, or joy in discovery, we are not just reacting to the moment—we are shaping their framework for the future.

Transformational leadership research also reinforces this idea: cultures do not grow from policies—they grow from practice. Students are constantly watching how we speak about each other, how we handle conflict, and how we engage with our work. Every small act—how we redirect a student, how we speak to a colleague in passing, how we respond to setbacks—sends a message about who we are and who we want them to become.

In the weeks ahead, let us be reminded that while the curriculum guides the mind, it is our example that often guides the heart. What we model, they mirror. And what they mirror, over time, becomes part of who they are.

In the weeks ahead, let us be reminded that while the curriculum guides the mind, it is our example that often guides the heart. What we model, they mirror. And what they mirror, over time, becomes part of who they are.

Closing

This week provided us with several opportunities to recognize the outstanding people who serve our schools every day. It is fitting that in a conversation about prosperity, we take time to celebrate those who help make it possible.

May 1 was School Principals’ Day, and we are fortunate to have some of the very best leading our buildings. Please join me in recognizing Samantha Sellers, Tamara Smart, Teresa Warner, and David Maxwell for their steadfast leadership and deep commitment to student success. Each of them works daily to improve academic outcomes for our students and create meaningful experiences that go beyond the classroom. Whether it is strengthening instructional practices, guiding student supports, or fostering a positive school culture, our principals serve as the vision-bearers for their campuses. Their work shapes not just the present but the future of every child who walks through their doors.

Today is School Lunch Hero Day, and it is the perfect moment to recognize Amy Bartow, our Director of Child Nutrition, and Susan Bodey, our Aramark Manager. These two, along with their teams, do more than serve meals—they serve opportunity. They continue to innovate, designing menus that not only meet child nutrition standards but also offer meals that students can enjoy, all while maintaining a low-cost meal program. They are essential to our students' health and readiness to learn.

Mena Soccer had a fantastic showing in Arkadelphia on Thursday. The Ladycats shut out their opponent 1–0, improving to 10-2-2 on the season. The Bearcats also secured a 1–0 victory, evening their record at 6-6-1. Congratulations to our athletes for their focus and discipline on the field.

Our Mena High School eSports team made history at the State Championships held at Fort Smith Northside. Competing against the top players in Arkansas, our Madden NFL team earned a second-place and third-place finish, along with a total of $1,500 in scholarship awards. Their performance reflects strategic thinking, resilience, and hours of practice—hallmarks of high-level competition.

In the world of economics, our Stock Market Game team earned the top prize in Region 2 at the Clinton Presidential Library. These students participated in a multi-week investment simulation, successfully navigating the ups and downs of the market to emerge as regional champions. Their achievement speaks to sharp analysis, collaboration, and a growing understanding of financial literacy.

Track and field athletes had a record-setting performance at the 4- 4A Conference Meet. One of our juniors, Elliot Dugan, took top honors in both the Long Jump and High Jump, ranking first in 4A and third overall in the state of Arkansas. Our girls' team also qualified for the state meet in numerous events, including all four relays, multiple throwing events, and five field events. The talent and tenacity of these athletes continue to impress.

We also had the honor of hosting the Area 14 Special Olympics at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium. This joyful event brought together athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters from across the region to celebrate ability, courage, and community. Thank you to everyone who made this inspiring day possible.

Finally, we celebrate two more titles—Mena Softball and Mena Baseball are regular season conference champions! Their seasons have been marked by hard work, determination, and strong team chemistry. These accomplishments reflect the caliber of our athletic programs and the commitment of our student-athletes and coaches. Good luck to them in the conference tournament!

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Tuesday is National Teacher Day. While there will be more shared in the coming days, I want you to hear this clearly: your work matters. Whether it is in the form of a breakthrough conversation, a well-planned lesson, arranging performance and volunteer opportunities, or simply showing up each day with consistency and care, you are shaping lives. The influence you have does not fade with the school bell. It lasts a lifetime. Thank you for the difference you make.

It was a good week of learning at Mena Public Schools. Remember that schools are closed Monday, May 5th, for our last three-day weekend of the year.

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 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!

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your steady focus and hard work. This time of year always brings excitement, reflection, and anticipation. Whether it is preparing students for end-of-year assessments, planning celebrations of growth, or supporting the many daily needs of our students, your efforts continue to make a lasting impact. I am grateful for your professionalism, patience, and commitment to helping us finish strong. In this week’s Wrap-up, I will also share important updates about cybersecurity measures and training that will be implemented for the next school year to help protect our students, staff, and systems.

You May Have Missed This

Last week, I shared information about a new communication platform called Rooms that will soon be launched in our district. However, based on the number of people who opened last week’s Wrap-up, I can tell that many may have missed this update. Frankly, if I had seen the title about new laws impacting education, I probably would have skipped it, too. That being said, this information is important enough to share again.

Over the next several weeks, we will begin a soft launch of Rooms, a communication platform integrated into our existing Thrillshare system from Apptegy. This tool will become the unified platform for students, parents, and staff beginning this fall. While we are not asking anyone to stop using Remind, Seesaw, ClassDojo, or other classroom apps just yet, we do ask that you participate in training sessions when they are offered so we can transition together smoothly.

Rooms includes all of the familiar features you use daily: messaging, file sharing, updates, announcements, and parent-teacher communication, all within a secure, school-managed system. It also syncs with Google Classroom and supports many other tools already in use in your classrooms. Our goal is to reduce confusion and streamline communication, especially for families who currently juggle several apps because they have students in multiple schools.

This conversion is driven by two important needs: first, to allow the district to oversee and support all communication, ensuring consistency and professionalism; and second, because families have directly requested a single app for all school-related messages.

We will continue the gradual rollout through the spring and summer, giving everyone time to become familiar and comfortable before full adoption this fall. I appreciate your flexibility and professionalism as we make this positive change. If you would like to learn more about Rooms, you can visit: https://www.apptegy.com/rooms/

Safety is Inconvenient, Getting Hacked Is Devastating

When talking about safety, one of the things I have said several times over the years is: "Safety is inconvenient." Whether it is waiting for buses to unload one at a time, requiring double-checks on field trip lists, or wearing those itchy orange vests at car duty, safety slows us down, gets in our way, and complicates what could otherwise be simple. But we do it because not doing it costs too much.

That same truth now applies to a new and growing domain of cybersecurity.

Two recent laws — HB1369 (Act 504) and HB1780 (Act 846) — require Arkansas public schools to tighten the digital borders of our operations. These are not issues for the IT department alone. They are now part of how we protect students, staff, and systems. And like any real safety effort, they will feel inconvenient. But the alternative is much worse.

~What These Laws Mean for Schools~

HB1369 (Act 504) requires us, as a school district, to:

* Adopt and enforce a Technology Resources Policy that defines appropriate use of school-provided devices, networks, and accounts.

* Develop a Cybersecurity Policy that meets the standards issued by the State Cybersecurity Office.

* Provide mandatory training for every employee.

* Establish and follow disciplinary procedures for misuse, including sharing passwords, using school email for personal political messages, installing unauthorized software, or bypassing security protocols.

HB1780 (Act 846) creates the Arkansas Self-Funded Cyber Response Program, which:

* Offers coverage of up to $100,000 for damages from cyberattacks if minimum security standards are met.

* Requires annual audits of our technology systems.

* Reduces or withholds reimbursement if the district has not followed required standards or fails to respond properly to known threats.

These laws exist because public institutions, including schools, are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. We manage large amounts of sensitive data and rely heavily on digital systems. In that sense, our district's digital infrastructure is every bit as important as its physical security.

~When Convenience Becomes Costly~

To be clear, this is not just about checking compliance boxes. This is about prevention and protection. Here are several real examples of how digital carelessness has created serious consequences in school settings:

* At an Arkansas school district, a teacher clicked a phishing link and entered their login information into a fake site. Hackers gained access to student information. The district had to reset every staff and student account and hire outside experts to assess the damage.

* In the Midwest, a district paused system updates to avoid interruptions during testing. The outdated systems became a target. Ransomware locked everyone out of the network for a week. Teaching stopped. Recovery costs were substantial, and public trust was shaken.

* A coach installed a video streaming extension on a district laptop. The software brought malware with it. It quickly spread across devices, leading to a full system shutdown that interfered with testing and instruction.

* A staff member unintentionally posted a politically sensitive meme from the district’s social media account. The fallout was swift — including community outrage, a public apology, and emergency retraining.

In each of these cases, someone chose convenience over caution. And each of those small decisions created outsized consequences. Safety is inconvenient — until it is absent. Then the inconvenience becomes damage control.

~What This Means for You: Necessary Action Steps~

* Attend All Required Cybersecurity Training

* These sessions may feel technical or repetitive, but they are critical. Completion will be required for all employees every year. Even for those of you who do not consider yourselves “technology users”. If you have a menaschools.org email, which you do even if you do not use it, you have to go through the yearly training.

* The basic level training required for everyone, which is what most of you will require, will be part of the set of beginning-of-year online training through TalentEd. Those of us with access to more Personal Identification Information (PII) will require more.

* Adhere to Technology Use Policies

* Do not use district accounts for personal agendas, political statements, or unauthorized downloads. Personal use of school-issued devices, even briefly, can compromise our systems.

* Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

* If you receive an email that feels off or if your device begins to behave oddly, contact the technology team without delay.

* Protect Student and Staff Privacy

* Always lock your screen when stepping away. Never share login credentials. Ensure district devices are secured when not in use.

* Accept Digital Delays as Part of a Safer System

* Two-factor logins, software updates, blocked websites — all of these may slow you down, but each is a layer of defense. Each is part of keeping the district safe.

The digital realm is now part of the classroom, part of the office, and part of our obligation to keep children safe. Let us not make the mistake of treating it as invisible or optional. The systems we use are not just tools — they are part of the trust our families place in us.

Safety is inconvenient — but it is far less costly than regret.

Let us do the right thing, even when it takes longer.

Student Hack-a-thon

This afternoon, we welcomed Karen Kilroy, the creator of Nyx No-code, and Sam Acar, a mountain biking enthusiast, coach, and CEO of Beeline MTB, to Mena as we celebrated the outstanding students and teachers who participated in our recent Hackathon experience. We gathered in the PAC, where students were recognized for their creativity, innovation, and teamwork. The teams shared the prompts they developed, the websites they created, and the process they used to bring their ideas to life, demonstrating how no-code platforms and artificial intelligence are already shaping the way we solve problems. Karen and Sam spoke to our students about the opportunities emerging through these technologies and how understanding AI tools will be vital to success in the careers of tomorrow. As part of the Hackathon awards, Sam and her team provided bikes and mountain biking lessons for the winners, taking advantage of the new trails our community has worked so hard to build. These events connect directly to the broader focus of this week’s Wrap-up: preparing our students to navigate a future defined by digital innovation, cybersecurity, and safe, streamlined communication. Through experiences like this, we are not only recognizing the talents of our students today but also building the skills, confidence, and adaptability they will need to lead tomorrow.

Closing

This week, we had the opportunity to honor and express our gratitude to two essential groups within our school community.

On Tuesday, April 22, we celebrated School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Our bus drivers play a crucial role in our students' daily lives, ensuring safe and reliable transportation to and from school. Their dedication and commitment contribute significantly to the well-being and punctuality of our students. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our bus drivers for their invaluable service.​

On Wednesday, April 23, we observed Administrative Professionals Day. Our administrative staff members are the backbone of our schools, managing daily operations with efficiency and professionalism. Their hard work behind the scenes ensures that our educational environment runs smoothly. We are deeply appreciative of their contributions and the vital role they play in our district's success.

As we move through the final weeks of the school year, it is important to pause and recognize the people who make our work possible. Our bus drivers and administrative professionals embody the dedication, patience, and service that define our school community. Thank you for joining me in celebrating their contributions this week. I encourage all of us to continue showing appreciation for one another as we finish the year strong, together.

Yesterday, Mena Public Schools proudly hosted the Mena Relays, and I want to take a moment to commend our coaching staff for the outstanding job they did organizing and leading the event. Hosting a track meet requires careful planning, teamwork, and a great deal of energy, and our coaches handled every detail with professionalism and pride. Their efforts provided our athletes and visiting teams with a positive, well-run experience that truly showcased the spirit and hospitality of our district. I am also proud to share that our girls' team captured first place at the meet, adding an exciting highlight to an already successful day. Congratulations to our athletes and coaches for representing Mena so well.

Last night, our high school and junior high choirs delivered an outstanding spring concert that truly showcased the talent and hard work of our students. Their performances were a testament not only to their musical ability but also to the confidence, discipline, and pride they have developed through the choir program. I am grateful for the leadership of Mrs. Tilley for the opportunities she creates for students to grow both artistically and personally. It was a wonderful evening that reflected the heart and spirit of our schools.

Congratulations to the Mena High School students in Mrs. Wilson's Introduction to Teaching and Educational Technology classes who recently passed the Praxis ParaPro Test at the University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain. This accomplishment is more than a certification; it is the beginning of a pathway toward a future career in education. We have seen firsthand how paraprofessional positions can serve as a launching point for full teaching careers, with several former paraprofessionals now leading their own classrooms in our district. I want to especially thank Mrs. Wilson for her leadership and commitment to preparing these students for success and for opening this door to their future in education. We are proud of these students and excited to see where this journey will lead them.

It was a good week of learning 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!

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