This week the Mena FFA 2021-2022 Officer Team participated in an officer retreat in Hochatown, OK! During this week the officer team bonded and worked on setting new goals for this coming school year. As well as, worked on this years program of activities for the Mena FFA chapter. The officer team also took the opportunity to watch the movie “Greater” and do a campfire reflection on how they could take the values and lessons from that movie. Reflecting on how they could incorporate those values in their daily lives and how they could implement them in our FFA chapter. The officers also got to have some fun this week as well! The team got to work together to conquer the Hochatown Maze, went axe throwing, and paddle boarding! This years team is excited and ready to lead our chapter this year!

BASSCATS IN 2nd AT DAY ONE WEIGH IN !
Austin Rose & Jarret Burger weighed in a 3 fish limit today at the High School Fishing World Finals. The tournament is being held on Lake Hartwell in Andersonville, South Carolina. The duo weighed in 10 pounds 1 ounce for the day & trail the leaders by just 12 ounces. Good luck on Thursday Basscats & thank you for representing your school & hometown in a way we can all be proud of...
https://highschoolfishing.org/saf-live-leaderboard.php

SHELBY GARCIA will be joining the staff at Louise Durham in 2021/2022. Please help us welcome Shelby to the Kindergarten crew!
Hello, I’m Shelby Garcia
I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from SAU in 2016. Over the past several years, my husband and I, along with our amazing family, have made Mena our home. I had the privilege to work for DMESC for three years teaching Preschool in Mena. My philosophy of teaching is centered on each child that I hope to equip to face today's changing world. I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve our children and community alongside my fellow educators at Louise Durham Elementary.

The Mena Public Schools are pleased to welcome a number of new teachers in 2021/2022. One of those is JAQUELINE REDFEARN at the Louise Durham campus!!!
My name is Jaqueline Redfearn. I graduated from Southern Arkansas University with my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I am married and have one daughter. I love to spend time with my family and friends, travel, and do anything outdoors. I am so excited to teach second grade this year!

WAY BACK WEDNESDAY!!!!!
Check out the cuties on the Mena High School Homecoming Court in 1973 !!!!

Good news! Jarrett Burger & Austin Rose have arrived safely in South Carolina for the High School Fishing World Finals. Austin & Jarrett will be seniors this year at Mena High School. Go Basscats!!!
https://highschoolfishing.org/

We are excited to welcome ISAAC MINTON to the coaching staff at Mena Public Schools. Mr.Minton is the head Jr. Boys Basketball Coach & Assistant Baseball Coach.
“My name is Isaac Minton, I just graduated from Southern Arkansas University in April with a Bachelors of Science in K-12 Physical Education, where in fact I met my wife and we got married in January of this year. We have been so blessed and are so happy and excited to become a part of this great town and awesome school!!!”

Holly Harshman Elementary is excited to welcome ERIKA WILLIAMS to the 5th grade hallway!
Hi, I’m Erika Williams. I am coming to Holly Harshman Elementary with 22 years experience from Wickes Elementary School. I’m looking forward to teaching fifth grade literacy again. I’m married and have three grown children, two daughters and one son. I enjoy reading, being home on the farm, and cooking.”

Holly Harshman Elementary is pleased to welcome BRIANNA PETERS to the 4th grade hallway!
My name is Brianna Peters. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Early Elementary Education K-6 from Southern Arkansas University in May 2020. I was born and raised right here in Mena! I am a HUGE family person and love anytime spent with them! I also enjoy being outdoors and watching movies.

Mena Public Schools is excited to welcome HANNAH CRAFTON to our staff at Louise Durham Elementary.
My name is Hannah Crafton. I graduated from Williams Baptist University pursuing an Elementary Education degree while playing softball. I love the outdoors, lake time with my family, and playing with my miniature schnauzer, Harper.

Join us in welcoming COURTNEY WARREN to Louise Durham Elementary. Mrs. Warren will be teaching 2nd grade.
My name is Courtney Warren. I am from Russellville AR, where I attended Arkansas Tech University and obtained a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. I moved to Mena with my husband, had a son, and after subbing for a year, I decided to pursue a career in teaching. My faith is very important to me, and I truly believe God called me to this profession so that I could make a difference in the children of our community. I love spending quality time with my family, hiking, yoga, and traveling. I cannot wait for the upcoming school year, and I am so excited to begin teaching second grade!

Friday was a great day for the Special Olympics Bearcats. They competed in the Special Olympics Summer Games at Searcy!
Abby Perez brought home a gold medal in women’s 400M walk.
Nathan Raney brought home a gold medal for the men’s 400M walk.
Jesse Ezell brought home Silver in Deadlift, Bench Press, and Combination Lift.

Alexyss Hilderbrand has such a rich voice. This song is one of the most beautiful pieces in Big the Musical. Alexyss, a Mena High School student, is one of the major characters in this summer’s production at the OLT. Come check out the show on July 2-4 or July 9-11.
The plight of the teacher's child, Nothing to do but wait while their parent's work on summer projects, professional development or other duties. All while their friends are enjoying vacation, a day at the pool or other fun stuff. Hang in there Avery !!!!

This fundraiser has gone great so far. Thank you to those who have already donated! It is the biggest fundraiser of the year and our last one until spring! We only have a few more days until this closes! Help out the Bearcats!

Good luck to DAX McMELLON & JIMMY GLEN at the AR Sports Combine Presents Skills Academy on July 17th @ War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
For athletes entering 6th through 12th grades, this skills camp is specifically designed to get a jump start on season preparation. Campers will receive instructions from professional position trainers and coaches. This camp will prepare upperclassman who are getting ready to showcase their talents for the season. Also, this camp is perfect for athletes who are looking to improve their skills to excel at the high school level. Players from surrounding states are welcome and should be expected. Additionally, student-athletes’ activities will be slightly modified along with the implementation of different sanitation protocols. While encouraging social distancing, masks must always be worn, and additional precaution.
https://arsportscombine.com/...
https://www.facebook.com/ARSportsCombine

Mena Public Schools is looking for bus drivers. Call 394-5252. Other opportunities are also available. Click the link for more info..
https://menaschools.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

Senior Pictures Days for the Mena High School Class of 2022 Seniors will be held at the MHS Safe Room on July 6-7. Each senior should be receiving a postcard in the mail from the Prestige Photography group, which includes their scheduled picture session date and time, as well as instructions on how to be best prepared for their variety of senior portraits that will be taken that day.
Parents and students need to confirm their picture session appointment online as soon as possible after receiving their appointment postcard. There will also be a $10 sitting fee for the picture day, which is due at the time of checking in for the picture session, payable with cash or check.
Each student will get a variety of photos taken with poses in Cap & Gown, Formal, and Casuals/Personality. Even if students/parents don’t intend on purchasing senior pictures through Prestige Photography, the MHS Yearbook staff still needs each student to get their Cap & Gown and Formal pictures taken for a variety of yearbook and senior year items at the school.
For more information on the Class of 2022 Senior Pictures Days, please contact Mr. Andy Philpot, MHS Yearbook Adviser, at andy.philpot@menaschools.org

Summer projects continue. In the photo Justin Head working on additional storage in the kitchen at Holly Harshman Elementary.

WAY BACK WEDNESDAY !!!
Mena High School class officers 1989.

