Mena School District

The Bearcat Foundation continues to pursue our goals of partnering with MHS with assistance in areas of equipment, facilities and supplies. Thanks, to our members and supporters, BFI has gifted over $435,000 to Mena High Since 2007. A very important part of our mission is to provide a scholarship for students at Mena High and today we are happy to present the BFI scholarship for the 9th year. The Foundation scholarship differs from others in that it is scored and judged on a blind basis. All applicant’s names, family names, and commonly identifiable accomplishments are omitted from the application once received in an effort to eliminate any possible bias in the scoring process. The applicants are scored based on academic achievement, community involvement, extracurricular achievement and the compelling nature of the essay that is written for the scholarship. The committee is anonymous and does not consist of any foundation board members. All scoring is done separately by each member of the committee. The scholarship is $2,000 per student. It is my honor and the honor of every member and supporter to announce that the winners of the Bearcat Foundation Scholarship for 2020 are Mr. David Grenier and Mr. Marc Wilson.

All Mena Middle School and Mena High School Band students will return their school owned band instruments on Tuesday, May 5th from 8am-3pm. The drop off point is in front of the high school band hall door on the sidewalk. No students will be allowed in Mena High School.

Congratulations to the students awarded local 2020 JAG scholarships - Autumn Powell - $300.00 Skylar Montgomery - $300.00 Shaun Bass - $100.00

High School Chromebook Return will be Wednesday May 20th and Thursday May 21st in the bus loop under the High School awning. Freshmen: 9am-11am on 5/20 (Wednesday) Sophomores: 11am-1pm on 5/20 (Wednesday) Juniors: 9am-11am on 5/21 (Thursday) Seniors: 11am-1pm on 5/21 (Thursday) Friday from 9am-11am will be Chromebook Return for any who missed their allotted time.

Dates to turn in packets at HHE will be MAY 18-20th (Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday) There will be labeled bins to turn in work by grade level near the front doors. Any personal belongings that may have been left,(backpacks, journals, etc...) will be safe in our building over the summer! They will be available for collection when school resumes. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time!

Yearbook Distribution Date: FRIDAY, MAY 15! Due to an error with our yearbook publication house, some personalized yearbooks are back ordered. Therefore our Yearbook distribution date will not occur until Friday, May 15th. WE want to be able to provide you with the quality you ordered, so unfortunately, we'll have to wait a bit longer. See the following distribution times below: 3rd grade: 9:00-11:00 4th grade: 11:00-1:00 5th grade: 1:00-3:00 Yearbook distribution will be in drive-through fashion thru the car rider line loop in front of the building.

MHS Yearbook distribution begins today! Tuesday, April 28th *11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Seniors’ Cap & Gown and Senior Accessories Herf Jones Distribution drive-thru pick-up at bus loop *11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Seniors Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop *2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Juniors Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop Thursday, April 30th *11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Sophomores Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop *2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Freshmen Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop

Louise Durham Elementary Yearbook Pick Up. Thursday/ April 30th. Pre-K 9am-10am Kindergarten 10am-11am 1st Grade 11am- Noon to 2nd Grade Noon-2pm We are asking that parents put a large piece of paper on the right side of their dashboard in the windshield that has their students name and students teacher. Drive through the bus loop in front of the school. We will see the child’s name and hand them the yearbook through a window.We have put siblings together and they will be picked up with the oldest child. Those that have not bought a yearbook can bring a check or exact cash of $16 and drive through Friday morning from 9 to 10.

The Governor's Award for Musical Excellence is presented to an outstanding high school senior each year. The 2020 Mena High School recipient is Hope Egger. Hope has been a member of the Spotlight Singers throughout her high school career. She was an all region honors choir member each year from seventh grade through her senior year. She was an all state choir member her junior year. She currently serves as president of the Spotlight Singers and was recently voted Spotlight Singers student of the month. Students are nominated for the award based on the highest standards of musicianship, teamwork, dedication, character, and attitude. "Hope definitely embodies all these standards and more. It has been an honor to work with her the past 4 years. She is a very special young person," states choir director, Ferroll "Tammy" Taylor. Hope is the daughter of Scott Egger and the late Jayme Ozanich.

For more information Email jimma.holder@menaschools.org

Those that have completed packets for Pre K Can drop them in a tub outside the front doors at Louise Durham Elementary. The Tub will be available on Monday-Thursday 8:00 am until 3:00 pm, April 27- May 1. New applications can be emailed to you. Call 479-243-3813 to have an application emailed to you. Please have packets in an envelope or a large ziplock bag and marked with the student name. For more information Email jimma.holder@menaschools.org

With current restrictions of gatherings, we know that holding our 2020 prom and graduation events at their originally scheduled dates is not possible. We are not canceling these events, but are not yet able to set dates. The health, safety, and welfare of our community and our students are top priority at this time. Our intentions are to still hold the 2020 Junior/Senior Prom and the 2020 MHS Graduation once clearance is permitted from state and national leaders. Please continue to follow our Facebook page and your child’s individual campus page for updated information.

From Coach Fryar and Coach Goss This is the Remind App class code for the 20-21 school year 7th grade Jr Ladycat Volleyball and basketball. If you plan on being a 7th grade Jr Ladycat, please join for updates and info.

Mena Middle School Yearbooks Distribution Middle School Yearbooks that were pre-ordered (you have a receipt) will be distributed Thursday, May 7 as follows A - H 10:00am-11:00am I - P. 11:00am-Noon Q-Z 1:00pm=2:00pm Due to the virus, it will be curb side pickup in front of the Middle School entrance. Please do not get out of your car. It is "drive through" only through the circle drive. If, due to your work schedule, you need a different time, contact Mrs. Lunsford byTuesday, May 5 for special arrangement. Melissa.Lunsford@MenaSchools.org or text to 479-637-6599. Please provide the student's name and grade in your message. Yearbooks remaining can be purchased: Tuesday, May 12 11 am - 1 pm (1st Come / 1st Served) Limited Available Middle School entrance circle drive, curb side, drive-through Checks only accepted. Made payable to Mena Middle School Yearbook. Price is $29.

Mena Public Schools wants to thank our students, parents, staff members, and community for your continued dedication and support to education. We understand that many of you have questions. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these unprecedented times. Guidance and answers will be given as Governor Hutchinson’s Task Force on reentry works through the three phases of release which are being handed down from the President. We will continue to communicate information to you as we receive guidance. At this time we are ready to release the following information. Monday, April 27th *Top 8 Seniors Reveal (video) on Facebook Tuesday, April 28th *11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Seniors’ Cap & Gown and Senior Accessories Herf Jones Distribution drive-thru pick-up at bus loop *11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Seniors Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop *2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Juniors Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop Thursday, April 30th *11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Sophomores Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop *2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Freshmen Yearbook Distribution drive-thru at bus loop Friday, May 1st *Senior Video (created by Journalism 2 Student Zane Stephens) to be posted on YouTube and Facebook May 4th-8th *Slide Shows of MHS Students highlighting the 2019-20 school year posted on YouTube and Facebook May 11th-15th *Slide Shows of MHS Students highlighting the 2019-20 School Year posted on YouTube and Facebook *2020 Scholarship Recipients slideshow posted on YouTube and Facebook *MHS Student Awards slideshow for 2019-20 Sunday, May 17th *3:00 p.m. MHS Senior Class of 2020 Cap & Gown Recognition Video to be posted on YouTube and Facebook Please continue to follow our Facebook page and your child’s individual campus page.

The Mena School District is accepting applications for many positions at this time. Follow the link to our website for more information.. https://menaschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

At this time, Mena Public Schools will be able to provide 3 more weeks of meals. We will be distributing weekly Monday meals on April 27th, May 4th, and May 11th. To help us maintain an accurate count, please choose one of the following options: 1. If you are already on the meal pick-up list, simply continue what procedure you were following for the next three weeks. 2. If you were on the pre-list and wish to be removed, please call our Aramark Food Director at 234-1161. 3. If you would like to be added to the list to receive the next three weekly meals, please call our Aramark Food Director at 234-1161. We appreciate your partnership in helping us maintain our commitment to meet the needs of our students.

Ladies and Gentlemen....the 2020 Mena High School Yearbooks have arrived! We are making plans for a distribution event next week, so stay tuned for specific details regarding the days and times for this great opportunity to get your 2020 MHS Yearbook! If you have not yet purchased a yearbook, there are very limited quantities remaining. Since we are not at the school building currently, you can still reserve your copy of the 2020 Yearbook by ordering through www.jostensyearbooks.com with a debit or credit card for only $60! We will be posting more information about distribution soon, so stay tuned!

Mena Assistant Superintendent Paulette Sherrer announces retirement after 30 years with TEAM Mena. 2019-2020 Assistant Superintendent 2015-2019 Federal Programs Coordinator/District Compliance Administrator 2014-2015 Holly Harshman Elementary Principal/District Compliance Administrator 2011-2014 Holly Harshman Elementary Principal 2009-2011 K-6 Literacy Instructional Facilitator 1999-2009 Third Grade Teacher - Holly Harshman Elementary 1990-1999 First Grade Teacher - Louise Durham Elementary

A Memorial Drive for Nature Brown will be held on Saturday, April 25th from 7:30-8:00 pm. You are invited to honor the life of Nature Brown and his family. Please remain in your vehicle as you drive through the Mena Public School Fieldhouse Loop.