The LEARNS Act established the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program to recognize and reward Arkansas's outstanding educators. We are very excited to announce that OVER HALF of our teachers have earned this honor, and we congratulate them! We also want to say a big THANK YOU to ALL of our employees - we see your hard work and dedication, day in and day out, and we appreciate you!!!
Today, our fifth grade Eco Warriors combined science and sustainability by creating models of science concepts using only recycled materials!
Students chose topics like energy transfer, DNA, and volcanoes, building thoughtful and creative representations that connected to our Earth and how it works. From start to finish, they showed how science and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
By reusing everyday items to explain big ideas, these campers proved they’re not just learning about the world—they’re helping take care of it. ♻️🌱💡
🎶Summer Camp Music 🎶
5th-8th grade dove into composing their own suspenseful music using the theme song from JAWS 🦈 as their inspiration! Can't wait to hear their performances on Wednesday!
🎶Summer Camp Music 🎶
Kindergarten learned a Hello Song where we learned everyone’s name and kept a steady beat on the xylophone!
🎶Summer Camp Music 🎶
2nd grade listened to Water 💦 Music 🎵 by George Frederic Handel and then created their own water music using different sized jars 🫙 to make high and low notes!
💥 The Izard County STEM Eco-Warriors Have Arrived! 🌱⚙️
Students are diving into a week full of learning, laughter, and hands-on fun!💡This week, students will kick off their Eco-Mission Projects—exciting, grade-level activities designed to challenge their creativity, problem-solving, and environmental smarts. 🌎
Campers will also enjoy daily specials including:
⚽ Soccer
🏃♂️ Physical Education
🎶 Music
🤖 Robotics
🍎 Plus, every student receives a delicious school-provided breakfast and lunch each day! 🥞 Didn't make it to the first round of registration? There's still time! If your PK–8th grade Izard County STEM student wants to join the adventure, give us a call at 870-322-7229. Let’s grow, build, and explore together this summer!
Are you ready to become an Eco-Warrior? Week 1 of our Academic Summer Camp starts on Monday! This free program is open to incoming PK-8th grade IC STEM students; breakfast, lunch, and transportation are provided.
🎉 BIG NEWS! 🎉
We are proud to announce that both our Middle School and High School have been officially designated as Arkansas Game and Fish School of Conservation Leadership schools!
Even more exciting—both campuses received PERFECT scores on their evaluations!
This recognition highlights our continued commitment to conservation education, outdoor learning, and leadership development for our students. Huge thank you to our dedicated staff and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for this incredible partnership!
Let’s celebrate this achievement and the exciting opportunities ahead for our students!
We hope you're each enjoying your summer! As you begin making plans for the upcoming school year, we hope getting a look at the 2025-2026 school calendar will help you you prepare.
As always, inclement weather and miscellaneous other things could affect the calendar as the year progresses; we'll always share a new calendar if/when updates are made.
Have a great weekend, Cougar Nation!
#EveryChild #EveryDay #WhateverItTakes
It's time for Week 3 of the Summer Reading Challenge... and this one is perfect for these rainy days we've been having... Build your best blanket fort and read inside it!
Don't forget to snap a pic and put it in the comments... we love seeing our #ReadingCougars this summer!
#CougarReaders
Over 5,250 breakfasts and lunches are ready to go out tomorrow for week 3 of our free summer meal delivery program!
We have an exciting opportunity for ALL area students entering grades 1-6 for the 2025-2026 school year! Izard County STEM School is hosting SPORTS PERFORMANCE UNIVERSITY on July 7-9.
It will be from 8:00-11:00 am daily. Students will gain instruction from coaches & volunteers in football/volleyball, basketball, soccer, and baseball/softball. This is for ALL area students... it's not limited to IC Stem students! It will be held at the Brockwell campus with daily dropoff being at the Cougar Den (main gym). The cost is $30 per student, and that includes a t-shirt.
Registration Deadline: June 20, 2025
To register, there are 2 options:
Online registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdStAkfQY3AYOADglCyjlNmalIOqlrVs7RikFtieHwA2s2eiQ/viewform?usp=preview
Print and Return Registration:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14uMTzJ2CHEaMuLNcVuom43bLzYmpEWuOV8-loDBB7wg/edit?usp=sharing
If you choose the print and return option, you may turn it in to any school office, to your lunch delivery driver, or during the first week of summer camp!
If you have any questions, send us a message!
We are excited to announce that Natalie Martin will be moving from her current position at our preschool to her new role as 2nd grade teacher at Izard County STEM Elementary! Natalie will replace Meredith Cole who is joining our 5th/6th grade team as an additional teacher at Izard County STEM Middle School.
Message from Mrs. Natalie:
"I’m thrilled to be joining the team as a second grade teacher this year! I grew up in this area and graduated from Izard County High School. I went on to earn my bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University and am currently working toward my master’s at Southern Arkansas University.
My husband, Jon, and I have two amazing kids, Ellen and Everett, who keep us on our toes and make life so much fun. I’m passionate about creating a fun, supportive, and engaging classroom environment where every student can feel valued and thrive. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year ahead!"
We are excited to announce that we are adding two new 5/6 grade teaching positions to the Izard County STEM Middle School! This is a continuing commitment by the district to lower class sizes to allow more individualized instruction. Mesa McAnally, a State Merit Pay Recipient for the 23-24 school year, will be returning to our district. Meredith Cole, a National Board Certified Teacher, will move from our elementary to middle school.
Message from Mrs. Mesa:
"After six rewarding years teaching kindergarten and preschool, I am thrilled to return to Izard County STEM School in a new role as a 5th and 6th grade Social Studies and Science teacher. My passion for fostering curiosity and critical thinking in young minds has led me to this exciting transition.
Holding a Master’s degree in Teaching and graduating summa cum laude, I am committed to providing students with a comprehensive education that integrates these subjects. Social Studies and Science are not just subjects; they are lenses through which students can explore the world around them. These disciplines encourage critical thinking, cultural awareness, and an understanding of the natural world—skills that are essential for informed and engaged citizenship. By integrating these subjects, I aim to create a learning environment where students can make connections across disciplines and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
I am excited to be back in the Cougar community, working alongside my school family to inspire the next generation of learners."
Message from Mrs. Meredith:
"After 8 wonderful years at the elementary, I am excited to begin a new chapter as the fifth and sixth grade science teacher.
Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and I have loved helping younger students build strong, foundational skills. Now, I’m looking forward to bringing that same energy and dedication to upper elementary science, sparking curiosity, encouraging hands-on exploration, and helping students see how science connects to their everyday lives.
I’m excited for the opportunity to grow alongside my students as we dive into engaging topics, ask meaningful questions, and discover the world around us together. It’s a big move, but I’m ready for the challenge and thrilled for what this new adventure holds!"
Happy Memorial Day! Remember and honor all who served.
Tomorrow's team roping has been rained out. Stay tuned for the rescheduled date!
Xander McCandlis, a 2025 Izard County graduate, has been selected to receive the Pioneer Distinguished Scholarship from North Arkansas College! The scholarship is worth $1500 per semester. It is awarded to incoming freshmen who have both excelled academically and obtained a proficient score on the ACT. Xander will play baseball at NorthArk while pursuing his dream of becoming a baseball coach.
Xander, great work! We are proud of you!
As you make plans for the holiday weekend, be sure to add this event to your calendar! It's sure to be a good time!
Reminder📣 1st meal delivery of the summer goes out tomorrow (Thursday). If you will not be home but would still like delivery, please leave a cooler out for us. For more info, please call 870-258-7700 or 870-322-7229.
Cash Arnhart, Quinn Johnson and Tinley Bailey, 2025 graduates of Izard County High School, have been selected as this year's recipients of the Walker Family Scholarships. The scholarships will be selected from the senior class of Izard County High School each year and be funded by Fred and Michell Walker. These $500 scholarships are in honor of the Walkers three children - Steven, Ryan, and Andrew, all who are graduates of Izard County High School.
Cash Arnhart is co-valedictorian and plans to attend Lyon College this fall. Cash is a Distinguished Governor's Scholar and plans to be a pre-med major and will also play baseball at Lyon College.
Quinn Johnson is also co-valedictorian and plans to attend Arkansas State University this fall and later Pharmacy School at UAMS.
Tinley Bailey is an honor graduate and plans to attend Ozarka College.
