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Week 9: Finishing the First Quarter Strong
Happy Friday!
Strong attendance, steady behavior, and meaningful engagement across our schools have made this a successful close to the first quarter. Thank you for the energy, effort, and commitment you continue to bring each day. The pace of the year reminds us how quickly progress builds when focus and consistency are shared. Together, we have reached this first milestone with clear evidence of growth across every building.
Our performance targets—academic growth, attendance at or above 93.5%, and steady improvement in behavior and climate—continue to guide our daily work and measure our collective progress. The District Performance Targets page has been updated this week in preparation for the first round of ATLAS interim assessments, which will take place across the district during the remainder of October. These assessments will help us monitor growth, adjust strategies, and identify supports needed to keep every student on pace for success.
Attendance on the Rise
One of the strongest indicators of progress this quarter is attendance. Each on-site building has surpassed the district goal of 93.5%, and all have improved upon last year’s first-quarter rates.
* Louise Durham Elementary rose from 93.42% to 95.00% (+1.58%).
* Holly Harshman Elementary increased from 93.41% to 94.20% (+0.79%).
* Mena Middle School climbed from 93.85% to 95.41% (+1.57%).
* Mena High School advanced from 93.86% to 95.00% (+1.14%).
These gains reflect intentional work at every level—teachers reaching out early, staff reinforcing expectations, and parents making sure their children are at school each day. Attendance is both a habit and a reflection of trust. The partnership between school and home is the foundation that keeps our students engaged and learning. Maintaining this momentum as we move into the colder months when illness increases will be key to continued academic growth.
Discipline Data Shows Positive Climate Trends
Our discipline comparison for the first nine weeks shows continued improvement in student behavior and climate. Total incidents have decreased from 397 last year to 346 this year, a reduction of 12.8%.
The most significant declines occurred in:
* Fighting and Altercations (–25)
* Technology and Device Violations (–27)
* Tobacco and Vaping Incidents (–15)
* Vandalism (–10)
* Harassment and Bullying (–12)
These trends indicate stronger relationships, clearer expectations, and a more stable learning environment across our campuses. Areas for continued focus include bus behavior and disorderly conduct, both of which increased this quarter. Ongoing attention to consistency, supervision, and communication will help bring those areas in line with our overall positive trend.
Closing Celebrations and Recognitions
The first quarter closed with outstanding achievements across every campus and program.
At the state level, Louise Durham Elementary, Holly Harshman Elementary, and Mena Middle School were each recognized by the University of Arkansas Office for Education Policy for exceptional academic growth on the ATLAS assessment. These awards reflect the daily commitment of teachers, students, and staff who continue to push forward with purpose and perseverance.
At Louise Durham Elementary, our second grade teachers received the Bessie B. Moore Teaching Award from Economics Arkansas for creating innovative projects that integrate financial literacy into the classroom. This is an accomplishment that speaks to the creativity and dedication of our staff.
Mena Middle School’s FCCLA chapt
Published on 1 month ago