In 2016 Bearcat Foundation, Inc. partnered with Mena Public Schools to develop a consistent, new funding program for all 13 athletic programs from 7th-12th grade. This allows coaches to supplement their school budget for much needed student expenses. Every team receives funds generated from membership and fund raising dollars. These funds can be used for team needs such as skill camps, equipment, Hudl annual fees, Platform workout, etc. On average, BFI has paid out a total of $18,000 each year distributed among the various athletic programs.
In addition to the new funding BFI made a $125,000 capital improvement pledge to Mena Public Schools to be used for major facility/capital athletic improvements. To date BFI has donated $50,0000 for different needs over the last three years. BFI is now fulfilling the rest of the pledge by donating $75,179.83 to the Mena School District to be used toward stadium upgrades and improvements. Pictured above are BFI Board Members - Aarika Cox, Amy Hernandez, Gretchen Cannon, Mena Superintendent - Benny Weston, and BFI Board Members Mandy Godfrey and Ty Plunkett. This recent donation along with funds received from the Bob Carver Foundation and Union Bank will allow the district to modernize and provide safety upgrades to the Bob Carver Mena Bearcat Stadium.
BFI board is very excited to be able to support our school and athletic program by filling a need. Our hope is to increase our support each year but need continued support from fans, parents and community.
The Bearcat Foundation, Inc. was started in the summer of 2006 with a few simple hopes to help the Ladycats and Bearcats. BFI exists to support the student athletes and activities of the Mena School District by supporting programs, pursuing facility improvements and encouraging community spirit in an ultimate attempt to make our teams more competitive and increase moral, unity and school pride.
Please visit www.bearcatfoundation.com for more information on how you can help and join BFI. We need you! #bearcatproud
Jr Ladycat basketball went 6 and 1 today at Morrilton. The girls played very well, and we couldn't be more proud of how hard they worked. Go Jr Ladycats!
Mena Public School Bus Drivers are undergoing their annual training today in the MHS Performing Arts Center. These professionals are a great asset & are very much appreciated. The new school year begins on August 14th.
22 days until these hallways are full of Heroes again! Our teachers and staff of Louise Durham are preparing our school for another amazing school year!
The Mena Jr. Ladycats played in the Morrilton Team Camp Monday & went 5-3.. They will be back in action on Tuesday.. Go Ladycats!!!!
(photos by Linda Lyle)
RED/BLACK SCRIMMAGE!
Mena Middle School rough supply list for 2019/2020 !
Important dates for the Mena Bearcat Band over the next two weeks!
Thursday, July 25th
8am- Sr. Band drum line practice
12:30pm- Sr. Band color guard practice
12:30-3:30pm- MMS Band instrument check out- all school owned instruments/drumline- MMS Band Hall
Friday July 26th
8am- Sr. Band drum line practice
12:30pm- Sr. Band color guard practice
3:00pm-5:00pm- MHS Band instrument check out- all school owned instruments- Paul Gray Band Hall
Monday, July 29th
6:30pm- MANDATORY HIGH SCHOOL BAND PARENT MEETING- Paul Gray Band Hall MHS
Monday, July 29th thru Friday, August 2nd
8:00am-3:00pm- MHS Marching Band DRILL WEEK!
Thursday, August 1st
6:00pm-7:30pm- MHS Band uniform checkout- Paul Gray Band Hall.
If you live outside the Mena School District & your child wants to be a Bearcat, or if you missed the school choice deadline, there are some important dates coming up that you need to know about. Applications for student transfers will be accepted Monday, July 29th thru Monday, August 12th. You may fill oout an application at the Mena Public Schools Administration Building at 501 Hickory in Mena. For more information call 479-394-1710 or e-mail sherry.newman@menaschools.org . This also applies to out of district students who would like to enroll in the Polk County Virtual Academy.
The next window for out of district transfers will be December 2nd thru January 17th. Get to know the Mena School District, including PCVA, online via social media & on our website www.menaschools.org
Mena School District Superintendent, Benny Weston, received his Superintendent of the Year plaque last week at Arkansas Rural Education Conference in Eureka Springs.
Free School Supplys for LDE Students!
The old & new coaches as well as administrators are together for a meet & greet today in the Bearcat Room. This is their first opportunity to introduce themselves & come together as a staff... GO BEARCATS!
The Bearcat Foundation is excited to provide an evening full of visiting and hearing from Mena Public School coaches at the 2019 Bearcat Bash on August 1st! Tickets are $15 each and includes dinner! They can be purchased at Mena Insurance, First Financial Bank, Shelter Insurance, from any BFI Board Members, or message on social media.
https://www.facebook.com/Bearcat-Foundation-Inc-118823671496553/
Mena hosted a team camp Tuesday evening with Dover, Cedarville & Dover. No score was kept as each team had an equal amount of time on offense defense. The Bearcats will host DeQueen in the season opener on August 30th & they will play Dover on October 11th. Go Bearcats!
The Mena Jr. Girls Basketball Team played at the Acorn Team Camp this afternoon. The Ladycats won 4 and lost 1. Go Ladycats!!
Mena High School teacher Karen Purvis attended the 36th JAG National Training Seminar recently. The theme - the JAG Advantage... There’s more to the Story. Some of the topic - critical components of the JAG model, project based learning, trauma informed care strategies, and employer engagement. Mena was nationally recognized and received the awards- “5 of 5” program and Karen Purvis - JAG Outstanding Specialist.
This Fall, HHE students will have their school
supplies provided for them!! Pick up at open
house after ALL paperwork is filled out and you
meet the teacher. WE are so excited to be able
to do this for our student. Open House is 1-6pm
August 8th.
The Mena Jr. High is competing in a team camp at Greenwood today... Don’t forget the Sr. High team camp at Bearcat Stadium starting at 6pm tonight... See you there... Go Bearcats!
What's going on with the weather? Find out on the Mena Public School Weather Page! Just follow the link!
https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-forecast/now/mena-ar-71953?location=mena-ar-71953
Kindergarten Open House 1-6pm August 5th
PreK orientation 1-6pm August 2nd.
2nd Grade Open House 1-6pm August 6th.
11th & 12th Grade Open House 4-7pm August 6th.
1st Grade Open House 1-6pm August 7th.
Holly Harshman Open House 1-6pm August 8th.
Mena Middle School Open House 2-7pm August 8th.
9th & 10th Grade Open House 4-7p, August 8th.
