Due to inclement weather, Mena Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, January 22nd.
The district will use the 1st Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) Day approved by the State.
Please follow the AMI Day procedures for your child’s building and grade level.
Students will have the opportunity to complete their assignments on the day missed or when school resumes.
Attendance will be calculated by the successful completion of the assignments.
If 90% or more of the students complete their required learning expectations for the AMI Day, the day will not have to be made up at the end of the year.
The Mena School Board held their January meeting on Tuesday Night at the Administration Building .
The board went into executive session immediately to discuss the renewal of Benny Weston's contract as Superintendent. When the executive session ended the board voted unanimously to add an additional year to Weston's contract.
Danny Minton addressed the board on the HVAC Scheduled Maintenance Agreement. The board renewed the agreement for Mena High School, including the addition of the safe room systems, at a cost of $14,850.00. The board also approved the addition of an agreement for Louise Durham Elementary at a cost of $4,292.00.
Minton also gave an update on the district facilities which included information on damage caused by a recent lightning strike. The strike took place on a light pole at the baseball field & not only caused damage there but also to phones, cameras, HVAC & more. A complete damage assessment is underway & may continue for some time before all damage is discovered.
Attention then turned to the Mid Year Review in which Weston was pleased to report that the district had exhausted 47% of the budget for the year.
Weston then updated each member of the board on the requirements of Act 589 the School Board Member Training Report in which all board members had met or exceeded the required number of hours.
The Board moved on to the financial report which was approved.
The Annual School Board Liability Insurance & General Liability Coverage premium was briefly discussed before the being approved at a cost of $8783.00.
Finally there were a pair of personnel issues. The board accepted the resignation of Hope Cannon who is a para pro at MMS & also they also approved the move of bus driver Gwen Andrews from a "C" to a "B" route.
HHE has teamed up with Cooper-Anthony Mercy Child Advocacy Center with the “Empower Me”-Body Safety for all third graders. Thank you to Jill Lacomfora and Gina Rockwell for spending the afternoon with our 3rd graders
Ravyn Wilson, a 4th grader from Holly Harshman Elementary School in Mena, made school counselor Vicky Maye’s day by sharing her poster for Maye’s office as they are gearing up for the Great Kindness Challenge Week. Ravyn stands in front of the school mascot sign “Bearcat Eyes Are Watching!” This positive behavior system encourages the students to spread kindness like confetti all the year through with no bullies allowed!!!
Order your Holly Harshman Elementary Yearbook Online!
Step 1: Visit http://www.memorybook.com/online-pay/parent-pay/
Step 2: Enter your school code 054029 the click "Go to your school account log in"
Step 3: Click on the link below your school name.
Step 4: Log in if returning or register as a "new user".
Step 5: Buy a yearbook for $15.00 or a yearbook with personalization for $20.00.
Order online thru 3/13/2020
School Board Appreciation Month!
Thank you Carla Vaught for sharing "Responsible Pet Care" to our fifth graders today at HHE. You and Tucker were a class act. We appreciate you :)
Mena’s Benny Weston was recently recognized as Superintendent of the year and gave his acceptance speech and charge to the audience at the recent AAEA 2020 Superintendent Symposium. Closing the event was Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson who spoke to the state superintendents.
Issues with the phone lines that service Mena High School, Mena MIddle School & Holly Harshman Elementary continue this morning. Service has been spotty & technicians continue to chase the problem. Your patience is appreciated.
The Polk County Spelling Bee was held Tuesday at UA Rich Mountain.
Here is a list of Mena students who won honors:
4th grade – 1st place: Auden Dong & 2nd place: Shooter Davis.
5th grade – 1st place: Ryan Jiang & 3rd place: Ayden Dong.
6th grade – 1st place: Ryan Jiang, 2nd place: Brandon Dong.
7th grade – 2nd place: Yennette Tecson & 3rd place: Elijah Smith.
8th grade – 1st place: Shantal Tecson & 3rd place: Jocelyn Biard
Go Bearcats!
The main phone line that supplies service for Mena High School, Mena Middle School, and Holly Harshman Elementary is down this morning. Hopefully repairs will be completed soon.
School Board Appreciation Month!
There is a 30% chance of light rain when school dismisses today increasing to an 80% chance of rain by the time the basketball games end tonight. There is also a chance of severe weather today. Check the hour by hour forecast, radar & weather cam on the Mena Public Schools Weather Page...
Just click on the link.
https://www.weatherbug.com/wea…/10-day-weather/mena-ar-71953
January is School Board Appreciation Month!
We are proud to acknowledge the efforts of the men and women who shape the direction of the Mena Public Schools.
UPCOMING EVENTS!
Saturday 1/11/20 - Sr. High Band Region Auditions @ FS Southside
Tuesday 1/14/20 - Mena MIddle School Dance
January 16th-18th - 4 States Bandmasters @ Texas High
Friday 1/17/20 - HHE Academic Reward Day
Thursday 1/23/20 - 100th Day of School
January 24th-25th - MMS & MHS All-Region Concert Band Clinic
January 27th-31st - 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & Sr. Teams compete in the Mena Invitational Quiz Bowls.
January 27th-31st - Great Kindness Challenge
January 31st- February 1st - MMS All Region Jazz Band Clinic @ FS Southside.
Lunch with Mrs.Smart with Liveschool points at HHE.
Bamboozled Challenge for Liveschool Rewards at HHE!
Lunch with Mrs.Smart with Liveschool points at HHE.
Spending Liveschool points on Lunch with a Teacher coupon at HHE!
Kids spending Drink/Dessert at Lunch coupons for Liveschool Rewards.
