Bearcat Wrap-up Podcast Dr. Lee Smith

Happy Friday!
Welcome to this week's Bearcat Wrap-up! With only eight school days remaining, we conclude another productive week at Mena Public Schools, I extend my deepest appreciation for everyone's hard work and commitment. This week, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our senior class and the dedication of our educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. Each milestone reached this week reflects our district's performance targets and embodies our mission to prepare every student for success, supporting our vision of fostering a confident, capable community. Thank you for your relentless effort and enthusiasm, which propel us toward these important goals with each passing day.
Before we get into the Wrap-up, here is some information about our performance targets. Next week, we will be updating our academic data concerning our performance targets, providing us with a clearer picture of how we are poised to conclude this academic year. Our ATLAS results will not be available until October or November. While we have faced challenges in meeting our discipline and attendance goals, it is important to note some key developments. Attendance will no longer count against us on our state report card, reflecting a shift in how these metrics are evaluated. Additionally, improvements in our discipline tracking system have naturally led to recording more infractions, which, although it appears we have missed our target, simply indicates a more accurate reporting process. This enhancement in tracking is crucial for addressing and reducing actual instances of discipline concerns effectively.
Productive Effort
As we reflect on this week at Mena Public Schools, we celebrate not only the milestones of our senior class and our dedicated educators during Teacher Appreciation Week but also how these achievements align with our district’s performance targets, mission, and vision. Our commitment to fostering an environment of academic excellence and community involvement is evident in the successes and community support we have observed this year. By our educators continuously striving towards our goals, we ensure that every student not only meets but exceeds their potential, preparing them to be thoughtful, productive citizens in a diverse and ever-changing world.
Celebrating Our Seniors
Today, we honor the last official school day for our senior class, with anticipation building towards their graduation ceremony on May 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium. Our seniors have demonstrated remarkable resilience and ambition throughout their time at Mena Public Schools. As they prepare to face new challenges beyond our halls, it is important to remember that these future obstacles will be faced without the constant physical presence of their teachers at Mena. The education and principles instilled here are intended to equip them for independent navigation through life's complexities.
Seniors, as you step into the broader world, remember the steadfast support of your parents and the Mena community. Their contributions, whether in time or resources, have been instrumental in shaping your journey. The community’s involvement in volunteering time and money has significantly enhanced your educational experiences, setting a foundation of community support that we hope you will continue to build upon and replicate in your future endeavors.
Honoring Our Teachers
During Teacher Appreciation Week, we turn our spotlight to the exceptional educators who have tirelessly dedicated themselves to the academic and personal growth of every student. Our teachers have not only imparted academic knowledge but have also been pivotal in mentoring and guiding the Class of 2024 toward this significant phase of their lives. Their commitment to professional development and educational excellence reflects directly on the successes and readiness of our students, especially this year’s senior class.
Teachers, your efforts have shaped the futures of

Happy Friday!
Welcome to this week's Bearcat Wrap-up! As we conclude another productive week at Mena Public Schools, I extend my deepest appreciation for everyone's hard work and commitment. This week, we celebrate our diligent Child Nutrition department on School Lunch Hero Day, reflect on the enriching experiences provided by early career exposure activities, and commend the strong finishes of our baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Each of these highlights aligns with our performance targets and supports our mission to prepare students and our vision of fostering a confident community. Thank you for helping us move closer to these goals with each passing week.
Recognizing School Lunch Heros
Today, we celebrate School Lunch Hero Day, an opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible women and men in our Child Nutrition department. Every day, they go above and beyond to prepare nutritious meals for our students, playing a crucial role in our educational environment. Their dedication ensures that our students are well-fed and ready to learn, making them true heroes in our community. We thank each of you for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you make at Mena Public Schools. Your efforts are truly appreciated!
Early Career Exposure
Early career exposure is crucial for young students as it opens doors to potential future paths and ignites interest in various fields. Recently, our middle schoolers had an enriching experience visiting Mena Regional Health Systems, where they learned about the diverse and impactful careers in healthcare. This firsthand interaction with professionals and the healthcare environment allows students to visualize themselves in such roles, enhancing their understanding and appreciation for the field.
According to Social Cognitive Career Theory, such experiences are instrumental because they help shape students' career interests, goals, and actions through learning and self-efficacy. When students see real-world applications of what they learn in school, it not only motivates them but also strengthens their belief in their own abilities to succeed in these careers. By providing students with opportunities to explore different professions, we help them make informed decisions about their futures and foster a proactive approach to their career development. This is why initiatives like the visit to Mena Regional Health Systems are so valuable—it is not just a field trip; it is a stepping stone towards our students’ future successes.
Additionally, the value of career and technical programs in our schools cannot be overstated, particularly those that creatively integrate career-related tasks into competitive settings. These contests not only challenge students but also enhance their skills through hands-on, practical experiences that are both fun and educational. For example, students participating in culinary arts competitions, technology coding, and troubleshooting contests, or estimating the land area and value of a timber tract get to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, which reinforces their learning and boosts their confidence. Generations of students have made their career decisions based on these contests.
Other campuses and programs across our district are also making significant strides in promoting early career awareness. From military visitors to field trips to manufacturers, this collective effort is crucial in helping students navigate their interests and potential career paths from an early age. We must continue to support and expand these initiatives, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore and engage with various professions. By fostering an environment that encourages career exploration, we empower our students to dream big and work towards achieving those dreams with a solid foundation of knowledge and experience.
Closing
May 22nd is the last day of school for our students and May 23rd is our last in-service day for th

Happy Friday!
As we wrap up another productive week, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your dedication and hard work. Your efforts continue to make a significant impact on our school’s performance targets and fulfill our mission and vision to impact our community. In this week's update, we delve into several key areas that are essential to our collective success. We will discuss the newly implemented roster verification procedures, provide insights into the Teacher Value-Added Growth Scores (TVAGS) module, and evaluate our efforts to apply these systems fairly and beneficially across our staff. These topics are crucial as they help us refine our processes and align our goals toward fostering an enriching learning environment for our students. But, first, we will recognize some special people in the district.
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
This past Tuesday, we celebrated School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day, honoring the dedicated individuals who ensure the safe and timely transportation of our students every day. Our bus drivers are the first to greet our students in the morning and the last to say goodbye in the afternoon, playing a crucial role in their daily lives. We extend our heartfelt thanks to these unsung heroes of the Mena Public Schools for their unwavering commitment, exceptional care, and the significant role they play in making our educational environment accessible to all. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for their service.
Administrative Professionals Appreciation Day
This past Wednesday, we also took a moment to celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day, recognizing the invaluable contributions of our administrative assistant staff. These dedicated professionals keep our school's operations running smoothly, managing countless details with efficiency and grace. They are often the backbone of our educational institution, supporting every facet from daily administration to strategic initiatives. We sincerely appreciate their hard work and commitment, which significantly enhance our school environment and community. Thank you to our administrative professionals for everything they do to support Mena Public Schools.
Roster Verification
Roster verification is a critical process for our district, aiming to accurately align teachers with the students they have instructed, particularly in state-tested subjects. This alignment is vital because it directly impacts the Teacher Value-Added Modules within the LEA Insights system, which are used to measure teacher effectiveness based on student growth scores. Student growth, as defined by Arkansas's value-added growth model, is measured by assessing how much a student has grown academically compared to expected growth, considering their previous achievements. This model helps ensure fairness by accounting for variables outside of a teacher's control, such as a student's past performance and demographic factors.
As teachers, it is essential to understand that your participation in roster verification influences not only your professional impact but also the broader educational outcomes for our students. By ensuring your roster accurately reflects the students you have taught, you contribute to a more precise and fair assessment of educational impact across our district. Your principals will be instrumental in guiding you through this process, providing further details and support as needed. They are tasked with verifying that all teacher rosters are correct before the district's final verification, underscoring the collaborative effort required at every level of our educational community to maintain high standards of accountability and effectiveness.
Teacher Value-Added Growth Measures
Following the completion of roster verification, it is crucial to understand how the Teacher Value-Added Growth Scores (TVAGS) module functions within LEA Insights. This module is designed to evaluate student growth by accu

Happy Friday!
Welcome to the Week 32 Wrap-up! As we near the end of another enriching school year, our community continues to thrive, filled with vibrant events and significant achievements. Thank you for all you did this week! This week, we celebrated the arrival of our future Kindergartners with a big registration event, cheered on our students at the Special Olympics, and watched more of our students set the finality of our instruction in state ATLAS testing. Additionally, we finalized this year’s yearbook, selected our Choir Spotlight Singers, and continued to excel in our athletic programs. Each event not only marks a success in our calendar but also aligns with our performance targets, mission, and vision, showcasing the dynamic spirit and dedication at the heart of our school community. Join me as I explore the highlights and successes of the past week.
ATLAS Testing
State testing, known as ATLAS, continued this week. This assessment is an essential tool in our educational strategy, providing us with vital data about student learning and achievement. While we will not receive the results until next fall, the insights gained from the ATLAS assessments are integral to shaping our instructional methods and curricular decisions.
Once the results are available, they will allow our educators to analyze student performance comprehensively. This data will help us identify strengths and pinpoint areas where students may need additional support, enabling us to tailor our instruction more effectively to meet the needs of all students. By understanding the specific learning gaps and achievements, teachers can adjust their teaching strategies and resources, ensuring that every student has the support necessary to succeed.
Moreover, this data will guide our professional development initiatives, helping us focus our training sessions to address the areas most needed by our staff to enhance their teaching practices. Overall, the ATLAS assessment data is a cornerstone in our continuous effort to advance educational outcomes and ensure that our instruction is both effective and responsive to the needs of our students.
Kindergarten Registration for 24-25
Last night marked an exciting milestone at Louise Durham as we welcomed future Bearcats during our kindergarten registration event for the upcoming school year. The event was a HUGE success, filled with enthusiasm and the joyful anticipation of starting a new educational journey. Mrs. Sellers and Mr. Rose put on a first-of-its-kind celebratory event to welcome these students and their parents. We are thrilled to welcome the class of 2037 and look forward to nurturing their growth and curiosity.
Special Olympics
This week, Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium was the proud venue for an inspiring display of athleticism and community spirit as we hosted the Special Olympics. Hundreds of students and community supporters gathered to cheer on the athletes, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere. The event highlighted the extraordinary talents and determination of participants, bringing together people from all walks of life in a celebration of inclusion and sportsmanship.
The Special Olympics at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium was a resounding success, thanks to the spirited participation of the athletes and the unwavering support from students, families, and community members. This event once again proved that Mena Public Schools is a community that comes together to celebrate each other's achievements and uplift one another.
HHE Student Showcase
Thursday at Holly Harshman Elementary, we celebrated the 3rd Annual Student Showcase, where students had the opportunity to share their diverse talents and interests with the community. From equine skills and artistic creations in painting and drawing to gardening and origami, the range of talents displayed was truly impressive. The event, supported by Union Bank and Aramark who provided refreshments, was not only a festive gathering but also a vivid dem

Happy Friday!
To the entire Bearcat Family, thank you for your dedication and hard work this week as we push forward to meet our performance targets and fulfill our mission and vision. With just 27 days left in the school year, it is crucial that we maintain our momentum and uphold our high standards to maximize the positive impact on our students.
As scholarship season is upon us, this week we turn our focus to an exciting and crucial time for many of our students. Scholarships open doors to new opportunities and are essential in supporting our students' educational journeys. Whether they are pursuing higher education or vocational endeavors, these scholarships play a pivotal role in helping them achieve their dreams. Let's all do our part in supporting our students through timely recommendations and encouragement during this critical application phase.
Scholarships
Today has been a rewarding day as I participated in the Arkansas Rural Education Association's spring board meeting—an event that marks a highlight each year for our association as we award thousands of dollars toward the future of our state. It is the season of scholarships, a time when dreams find their footing and aspirations are given wings through financial support and recognition.
As I sat among other board members, our task was significant but inspiring: selecting the latest slate of scholarship and award winners. We offer several types of scholarships—those for graduating seniors who aim to continue their academic journeys, for vocational students who are honing specific skills and crafts, and for children of our member schools who are taking bold steps toward their futures. We also have a special place for paraprofessionals, whose commitment to education is unwavering, as we help them further their professional development.
The importance of this season cannot be overstated. These scholarships do more than just cover costs; they tell our students that we believe in them, that their hard work is recognized, and that their goals are valid and important. It is a testament to the community's commitment to fostering educational success regardless of a student’s background or financial situation.
But our roles as supporters and enablers do not end with selecting recipients. It is crucial during this time to support our students in every way possible, especially by being timely with support letters, recommendations, and all the necessary paperwork that accompanies a scholarship application. Each piece is a thread in the tapestry of a student's future.
So, as I left today's meeting, my heart was full, not just with pride for what we accomplished, but with a renewed sense of responsibility. Every application we reviewed was a life story, each with its unique challenges and triumphs. As part of the Arkansas Rural Education Association, I am reminded of the critical role we play in shaping these stories through our support and belief in our students’ potential.
To all potential scholarship applicants, remember: this is your time to shine, and we are here to help you do just that. And to everyone else, let us ensure we are providing all the support we can to help pave their path. Today was a good day—a day where potential met possibility, and where our collective efforts will help light the way for the leaders of tomorrow.
LEARNS Draft Rules
As educators, it is crucial for us to be actively involved in policy development to ensure that the policies reflect our educational priorities and the needs of our students. The draft rules for the LEARNS initiative are currently available for review and public comment. Our leadership team is diligently reviewing these rules and sharing their concerns, and we encourage all staff members to engage in this process as well. Your insights and expertise are invaluable in shaping the educational landscape. For those interested in reviewing the draft rules and contributing to the discussion, please find the information at

Happy Friday!
To the entire Bearcat Family, thank you for your efforts this week to draw us closer to our performance targets and accomplish our mission and vision! There are only 31 days left in the school year for us to do our greatest amount of good for our students so it is ever important that we continue our pace and keep expectations high.
This week, we are casting a well-deserved spotlight on the pillars of our educational community: our assistant principals, librarians, and paraprofessionals. These dedicated professionals go above and beyond to create an inclusive, enriching, and dynamic learning environment for all our students. Their tireless efforts, often behind the scenes, play a pivotal role in shaping the compassionate, knowledgeable, and resilient individuals our students aspire to become. Join us as we celebrate their achievements, their unwavering commitment, and the profound impact they have on our beloved Bearcats.
Assistant Principals
This past week, Mena Public Schools had the distinct pleasure of celebrating Assistant Principals’ Week, an occasion that allowed us to recognize the indispensable leadership and support our assistant principals provide. These stalwarts of our educational framework are the backbone of our school's operational success, seamlessly managing both the day-to-day and the extraordinary with grace and professionalism. Their strategic vision ensures our learning environment remains conducive to both teaching and personal growth, making them indispensable to our school's continuing success.
School Librarians
In tandem, we celebrated School Librarian Day, honoring the guardians of our literary treasures. Our school librarians are far more than organizers of books; they are educators, mentors, and guides in the vast sea of information. Through their dedication, our students learn not just to read, but to explore, question, and understand the world around them. These professionals create a haven where imagination and knowledge converge, fostering a lifelong love of learning in our students.
Paraprofessionals
Lastly, Paraprofessionals Day allowed us to express our gratitude towards the paraprofessionals who enrich our educational community immeasurably. These dedicated individuals work closely with our students, providing the personalized support that is often crucial for overcoming learning barriers. Their contributions are fundamental to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student, regardless of their challenges, can achieve success and feel valued. Their compassion, patience, and commitment are the silent yet powerful forces driving our students toward excellence. Several of them are becoming certified teachers and will soon be able to serve students in that role.
As we reflect on the celebrations of Assistant Principals Week, School Librarian Day, and Paraprofessionals Day, it is evident that these special groups of educators are not just part of our schools; they are the very essence of our mission and vision at Mena Public Schools. Each group, in their unique role, contributes to the tapestry of talents that defines our educational journey. They embody the values of leadership, knowledge, support, and inclusivity that we hold dear, guiding our students toward a future filled with promise and potential.
Together, these professionals create a symphony of educational excellence, where every note contributes to the harmony of our students' success. Their dedication and passion reinforce our commitment to providing a nurturing, challenging, and inspiring learning environment for every Bearcat. As we move forward, let us continue to support and celebrate the remarkable individuals who make our collective aspirations a reality, ensuring that every child in our care has the opportunity to soar. To our assistant principals, librarians, and paraprofessionals: thank you for being the pillars upon which our proud Bearcat legacy stands.
Closing
Our Mena High School Band ex