Mena School District
Home of the Bearcats
Mrs Floyd's class had a great time visiting the Mena Regional Health System for the Teddy Bear Clinic this morning!
Reflections from our Mena High School students at the 2026 Film Camp 🎬
This week has been full of unforgettable experiences—and one highlight students shared was exploring downtown Little Rock by trolley. 🚋 Along the way, they took in historic sites and learned more about the stories that shape the city.
Students also had the opportunity to visit the Arkansas State Capitol, where they received a guided tour of the Treasury Department and vault from Mr. Terry Steed. His passion for his work and deep knowledge of the building’s history made the experience both engaging and memorable. Students were even able to hold $600,000 in cash inside the vault—an experience they won’t soon forget!
Mr. Steed also shared valuable life advice, encouraging students to keep their name and reputation clean so they can keep opportunities open throughout their lives. He spoke about his own career path and the extensive background checks required to work in the Treasury Department, giving students real-world insight into responsibility and professionalism.
Throughout the week, students reflected on the connections and growth they experienced. From making new friends to meeting industry professionals like Joey Travolta, the impact has been clear. Many shared that they learned how much work goes into acting and filmmaking, how to create videos and films, and the importance of including others, having fun, and stepping outside their comfort zones.
For several students, this camp wasn’t just about film—it was about building confidence, trying new things, and discovering new interests. As one student put it, sometimes you just have to “do things that scare you,” because that’s where the growth happens.
We’re proud of these students for all they’ve learned and experienced this week—and we can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!
This week has been full of unforgettable experiences—and one highlight students shared was exploring downtown Little Rock by trolley. 🚋 Along the way, they took in historic sites and learned more about the stories that shape the city.
Students also had the opportunity to visit the Arkansas State Capitol, where they received a guided tour of the Treasury Department and vault from Mr. Terry Steed. His passion for his work and deep knowledge of the building’s history made the experience both engaging and memorable. Students were even able to hold $600,000 in cash inside the vault—an experience they won’t soon forget!
Mr. Steed also shared valuable life advice, encouraging students to keep their name and reputation clean so they can keep opportunities open throughout their lives. He spoke about his own career path and the extensive background checks required to work in the Treasury Department, giving students real-world insight into responsibility and professionalism.
Throughout the week, students reflected on the connections and growth they experienced. From making new friends to meeting industry professionals like Joey Travolta, the impact has been clear. Many shared that they learned how much work goes into acting and filmmaking, how to create videos and films, and the importance of including others, having fun, and stepping outside their comfort zones.
For several students, this camp wasn’t just about film—it was about building confidence, trying new things, and discovering new interests. As one student put it, sometimes you just have to “do things that scare you,” because that’s where the growth happens.
We’re proud of these students for all they’ve learned and experienced this week—and we can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next!
We love Math!
Guess who reached 100 points while working towards her independent reading goal…Adalynn McElveen did, that’s who! Keep up the great work!
Five Mena High School students are attending Film Camp in Little Rock this week.
Day one set the foundation for an exciting week—students jumped right into interviews, built peer groups, and explored the many sides of filmmaking. Along the way, they’re gaining skills that go far beyond the camera: interviewing, teamwork, problem-solving, supporting one another, and developing a deeper understanding of both people and the film industry.
A highlight of visitor's day on Wednesday was hearing from Joey Travolta, who introduced Inclusion Films’ new docuseries, “Lights, Camera, Friendship.” Joey shared how his passion for working with individuals with disabilities began through meaningful friendships in his own school years. Through Inclusion Films, he’s creating real job opportunities and hands-on learning experiences for students interested in film.
As Joey put it, “Everything that goes into filmmaking goes into everyday life—communication, teamwork, collaboration…”
Throughout the week, campers will create a film from start to finish—pitching ideas, writing scripts, casting, acting, and bringing their vision to life.
“The process is the same regardless of the length of the film,” Joey said. “The camp is an opportunity to develop skills that are applicable to anything you do.”
We can’t wait to see what these students create!
Day one set the foundation for an exciting week—students jumped right into interviews, built peer groups, and explored the many sides of filmmaking. Along the way, they’re gaining skills that go far beyond the camera: interviewing, teamwork, problem-solving, supporting one another, and developing a deeper understanding of both people and the film industry.
A highlight of visitor's day on Wednesday was hearing from Joey Travolta, who introduced Inclusion Films’ new docuseries, “Lights, Camera, Friendship.” Joey shared how his passion for working with individuals with disabilities began through meaningful friendships in his own school years. Through Inclusion Films, he’s creating real job opportunities and hands-on learning experiences for students interested in film.
As Joey put it, “Everything that goes into filmmaking goes into everyday life—communication, teamwork, collaboration…”
Throughout the week, campers will create a film from start to finish—pitching ideas, writing scripts, casting, acting, and bringing their vision to life.
“The process is the same regardless of the length of the film,” Joey said. “The camp is an opportunity to develop skills that are applicable to anything you do.”
We can’t wait to see what these students create!
Faith Grogan did it…she reached 100 points while working on her independent reading goal!!
We Recommend Wednesday: Abree likes horror and dystopian novels, and her favorite is The Maze Runner. It has just enough action and mystery to keep you reading. Come in and check out her recommendation shelf today!
Mena Middle School FBLA spoke to the Mena School Board on Monday. The team focused on the FBLA competition experiences of seventh-grade students, highlighting their achievements at district and state levels. The students shared their learning opportunities and future participation in competitions, emphasizing their commitment to continue engaging in FBLA activities.
Mena High School FBLA spoke to the Mena School Board on Monday, focusing on the achievements and membership of the FBLA chapter, highlighting consistent membership and competitive success as well as the importance of student development through leadership and competition opportunities.
Mena Athletes from Louise Durham Elementary, Holly Harshman Elementary, Mena Middle School and Mena High School are participating in the Area 14 Special Olympics today in the Hensley Activity Center and Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium.
Woo Hoo!! Max Robertson earned 100 points as he worked on achieving his independent goal!
The Mena Jr. High Track Team competed at the 4A Region 4 Conference Meet on Monday.
Skylar Bahr & Bentley Brewer won High Point and the Jr. Bearcats finished as Runners-up as a team.
GIRLS
Skylar Bahr-Pole Vault-1st
Long Jump-1st
Triple Jump-1st
BOYS
Bentley Brewer-400 Meter Dash-1st
Triple Jump-1st
Hank Rose-Long Jump-1st
See complete results at the link below.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/737081-4a-region-4-jr-high-conference-2026/results/1284818/raw
Skylar Bahr & Bentley Brewer won High Point and the Jr. Bearcats finished as Runners-up as a team.
GIRLS
Skylar Bahr-Pole Vault-1st
Long Jump-1st
Triple Jump-1st
BOYS
Bentley Brewer-400 Meter Dash-1st
Triple Jump-1st
Hank Rose-Long Jump-1st
See complete results at the link below.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/737081-4a-region-4-jr-high-conference-2026/results/1284818/raw
MMS Staff pulled off their first Underground Spirit Day. Our student’s were perplexed with the “anything but a cup” theme. We have a creative team!
Mena Middle School Theatre Students performed "How to Survive the AI Apocalypse" for CTE Business classes at Mena High School on Friday.
Case Land reached 100 AR points while working towards his independent reading goal…Woo Hoo!!
The Mena Sr. High Track Team competed at the Booneville Relays on Monday. Brynlee Bahr won the High Point Award & finished:
1st - 200 Meter Dash
1st - Triple Jump
1st - High Jump
1st - Pole Vault
For the Bearcats:
1st - 3200 Meter Run Austin Fields
For complete results follow the link.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/723648-booneville-bearcat-relays-2026/results
1st - 200 Meter Dash
1st - Triple Jump
1st - High Jump
1st - Pole Vault
For the Bearcats:
1st - 3200 Meter Run Austin Fields
For complete results follow the link.
https://ar.milesplit.com/meets/723648-booneville-bearcat-relays-2026/results
Mr. Millard's history class from Mena High School, made it to the Liberty Tree dedication at the Polk County Courthouse on Friday.
Six outstanding young ladies from Mena Middle School represented their school at the Girls of Promise STEAM Conference on Friday, April 10th! 💡✨
These scholars had an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow STEAM students, meet inspiring professional women in STEAM careers, and participate in hands-on workshops where they explored, created, and learned. They also enjoyed everything the Arkansas 4-H Center had to offer!
Students in attendance:
Camilla Ashcraft, Joscelyn Bates, Melanie Cude, Katy Goodnight, Makaylee Smith, and Annabelle Sprague
A big thank you to their teacher chaperones, STEM educators Sarah Billings and Jamie Copelin, for supporting and guiding these future leaders!
We are so proud of these students for representing Mena Middle School and embracing opportunities to grow in STEAM! 🌟
These scholars had an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow STEAM students, meet inspiring professional women in STEAM careers, and participate in hands-on workshops where they explored, created, and learned. They also enjoyed everything the Arkansas 4-H Center had to offer!
Students in attendance:
Camilla Ashcraft, Joscelyn Bates, Melanie Cude, Katy Goodnight, Makaylee Smith, and Annabelle Sprague
A big thank you to their teacher chaperones, STEM educators Sarah Billings and Jamie Copelin, for supporting and guiding these future leaders!
We are so proud of these students for representing Mena Middle School and embracing opportunities to grow in STEAM! 🌟
Southwest EMS hosted Operation Prom Night at the Polk County Fairgrounds on Friday. Mena High School 11th & 12th graders attended. The event was a simulation portraying the consequences of drinking and driving.
Eleanor Speer made the 100 point club!
