Episode Details

Happy Friday!

Thank you all for your continued hard work and dedication as we navigate the start of this school year. With new guidelines and rules from the department coming into play, your adaptability and commitment are more important than ever. September is a pivotal month, and having a strong start in our academic efforts will set the tone for the entire year. As we conduct our start-of-year screening assessments, the baseline performance data we gather will be critical in establishing our academic goals and ensuring we meet the needs of all our students. Your focus on these assessments and your unwavering support of our students are essential to achieving a successful year. Let us continue to work together to make this a remarkable year of growth and achievement.

Now we will look back at this week and look forward to September as we head into a long Labor Day Weekend!

Arkansas Teacher of the Year Visit

Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Beau McCastlain, paid a special visit to Mena Schools yesterday. As a Television Production teacher at DeQueen Schools, Beau has been recognized for his innovative approach to education and his commitment to student success. This year, he has stepped into a unique role as a non-voting advisory member of the state board of education, a responsibility that comes with his Teacher of the Year title. During his visit, Beau took the time to learn about the exceptional programs we offer at Mena Public Schools, with a particular interest in the success of our REACH program participants. He plans to share his observations with the board as he continues to visit schools across the state, especially those in Southwest Arkansas. His dedication to understanding and promoting educational excellence is truly inspiring, and we are proud to have had the opportunity to showcase our schools.

September

As we recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month, it is a crucial time to reflect on the importance of mental health awareness and the role we all play in supporting our students and colleagues. Our counselors have provided valuable training to equip each of us with the tools to identify and respond to signs of distress in those around us. Please remember the strategies you learned, such as recognizing warning signs, initiating supportive conversations, and knowing when and how to refer someone for additional help. By staying vigilant and compassionate, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our students and co-workers, ensuring that they feel supported and valued during challenging times.

September is also College Savings Month and the first full month of the school year; but, there are other important days in September to look ahead to.

* September 2: Labor Day

* September 8: International Literacy Day

* September 8: National Grandparents’ Day

* September 11: 9-11 Remembrance Day

* September 15: Hispanic Heritage Month Begins (Sep. 15 – Oct. 15)

* September 17: Constitution Day

* September 17: International IT Professionals Day

* September 18: National School Backpack Awareness Day

* September 23-27:

Listen Now