THE POLK COUNTY
Pulse
October 11, 2023
Education 23
AFBF and AHFTH support Acorn Mena Middle School wins Red Ribbon Grant Submitted by Mark Hobson drug prevention to the youth of Schools’ Backpack Program Arkansas. There is a program deSubmitted by Tammy L. Young
Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation (AFBF) and Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry (AHFTH) donated snack sticks for the Acorn Schools’ Backpack Program on Oct. 4. Through a collaborative partnership, the AFBF and AHFTH organization support schools’ backpack
programs through the wild game snack sticks program. This program provides protein in the form of shelf-stable meat snack sticks to schools to combat food insecurity in Arkansas. Acorn Schools would like to extend our appreciation to AFBF and AHFTH organization for providing the donation to support the Backpack Program.
Mena Middle School was awarded the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association Red Ribbon Grant. Since 2017 the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association (ASA) has presented Red Ribbon Grants to schools in the state of Arkansas. Our sheriffs have had the honor in presenting these funds to their county schools to help promote a drug free com-
signed for K-third, fourth-sixth, seventh-eighth and ninth-12th. If your school or organization is interested in having the team do a program in your area please contact the Association. With the help of your sheriff, the ASA strives to reach out and help the youth in our great state make the right choice to Just Say No!
(L-R) Polk County Farm Bureau Agency Manager Tony Hooper, Acorn High School Dean of Students Keith Willsey, Acorn Elementary School Dean of Students Scott Bohlman and Executive Director of Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry Ronnie Ritter. (Photo courtesy of ORSD)
Lyle named ACTE 2024 National Award Finalist
Submitted by Tammy L. Young
Congratulations to Mindy Lyle, Acorn High School family & consumer sciences teacher and FCCLA advisor being named one of four finalists for the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) National Award category for New Teacher of the Year. The ACTE Awards Gala will be held in November 2023 to recognize the best CTE educators in the country. ACTE is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of
(L-R) Polk Co. Sheriff Scott Sawyer, Mena Middle School Counselor Leilani Rose, Behavioral Interventionist Ashlyn Watts and Mena Middle School Principal Todd Coogan. (Photo courtesy of Mena Public Schools) munity. Red Ribbon Week will be Oct. 23-31. The mission of the drug program is to provide children, K-12, with the information they need to live the best drug free life as possible. The ASA aim to provide skills that education. ACTE is committed to excellence in lead to better decision making and providing advocacy, public awareness a healthier life. and access to resources, professional deThe ASA Staff runs programs velopment and leadership opportunities. throughout the school year to teach
