The Marion High School Band program will present its Spring Concert at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 27, at the Marion Performing Arts Center. The evening will feature performances by the MHS Concert Bands and Jazz Band, along with senior recognition honoring our graduating musicians. Admission is free.
We invite the community to come out and support our talented student musicians for an enjoyable evening of live music!
(Performers should report at 6 p.m.)
We invite the community to come out and support our talented student musicians for an enjoyable evening of live music!
(Performers should report at 6 p.m.)
Congratulations to the Marion High School Concert Choir on earning an "Excellent" at the Arkansas State Choir Festival, held Friday in Conway! This accomplishment comes on the heels of an outstanding showing at the Regional Choir Festival, where the ensemble received Superior ratings in both stage performance and sight-reading.
The Marion Choir Program will conclude its performance season with its End-of-Year Choir Concert on Tuesday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marion Performing Arts Center. This special event will feature performances by the 8th Grade Mixed Choir, 9th Grade Mixed Choir, and the High School Concert Choir. The evening will also include recognition of student achievements and a celebration honoring the program’s graduating seniors.
For more, follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/2830119
The Marion Choir Program will conclude its performance season with its End-of-Year Choir Concert on Tuesday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marion Performing Arts Center. This special event will feature performances by the 8th Grade Mixed Choir, 9th Grade Mixed Choir, and the High School Concert Choir. The evening will also include recognition of student achievements and a celebration honoring the program’s graduating seniors.
For more, follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/2830119
A new era is underway for the Marion School District band program, but its tradition of excellence remains unchanged.
With the departure of Monty Hill earlier this year, Kristen Shepherd has been tabbed as the district’s new Director of Bands. Shepherd has served as an Assistant Band Director with the district since 2022.
Joining Shepherd in the band program’s new-look leadership team are Andrew Coleman, who will lead the Marion Junior High Band program; Doug Young, who will be an Assistant Director for the high school; and Ethan Andrews, who will be a junior high Assistant Director. All three are continuing with the Marion Band program. Two additional assistant directors will also be hired.
“We have enormous pride in our band program here at Marion, and we are deeply grateful to the Hills for the leadership they have provided and the standard of excellence they helped establish,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion superintendent. “At the same time, we are very confident in the future of the program under Ms. Shepherd’s leadership. Kristen has been an important part of our band’s success, and she brings outstanding experience, pedigree, talent, and vision to this role.”
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/2827746
With the departure of Monty Hill earlier this year, Kristen Shepherd has been tabbed as the district’s new Director of Bands. Shepherd has served as an Assistant Band Director with the district since 2022.
Joining Shepherd in the band program’s new-look leadership team are Andrew Coleman, who will lead the Marion Junior High Band program; Doug Young, who will be an Assistant Director for the high school; and Ethan Andrews, who will be a junior high Assistant Director. All three are continuing with the Marion Band program. Two additional assistant directors will also be hired.
“We have enormous pride in our band program here at Marion, and we are deeply grateful to the Hills for the leadership they have provided and the standard of excellence they helped establish,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion superintendent. “At the same time, we are very confident in the future of the program under Ms. Shepherd’s leadership. Kristen has been an important part of our band’s success, and she brings outstanding experience, pedigree, talent, and vision to this role.”
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/2827746
Congratulations to this year's Marion School District Teachers of the Year! Through votes from school staff, one Teacher of the Year was selected from each school in the district, with one honoree named the overall district winner.
This year’s Marion School District Teacher of the Year is Shannon Banks, a garden educator and EAST facilitator at Marion Math, Science & Technology Magnet. Banks is also the Teacher of the Year for MST.
Other honorees and their respective schools are Lentisha Fifer, Marion Seventh Grade Academy; Ashley Gentry, Marion Junior High School; Leigh Hughes, Herbert Carter Global Community Magnet; Sophia Hughes, Marion Visual & Performing Arts Magnet; and Nancy Sparks, Marion High School.
To read more about these amazing educators, follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/2823091
This year’s Marion School District Teacher of the Year is Shannon Banks, a garden educator and EAST facilitator at Marion Math, Science & Technology Magnet. Banks is also the Teacher of the Year for MST.
Other honorees and their respective schools are Lentisha Fifer, Marion Seventh Grade Academy; Ashley Gentry, Marion Junior High School; Leigh Hughes, Herbert Carter Global Community Magnet; Sophia Hughes, Marion Visual & Performing Arts Magnet; and Nancy Sparks, Marion High School.
To read more about these amazing educators, follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/2823091
Marion School District is proud to announce that ALE educator Tawanna Williams has been selected for the IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship Cohort 11, a prestigious and highly competitive program for emerging educational leaders across the state.
Through this 18-month fellowship, Ms. Williams will engage in leadership development, collaborate with educators statewide, and work toward earning her master’s degree in educational leadership and principal certification through the University of Arkansas.
Ms. Williams is a dedicated educator who consistently advocates for students and families while demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to growth. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to the continued impact she will make on our school community.
Congratulations, Ms. Williams!
#ReptheM
#IMPACTArkansas
#BragLikeALeader
Through this 18-month fellowship, Ms. Williams will engage in leadership development, collaborate with educators statewide, and work toward earning her master’s degree in educational leadership and principal certification through the University of Arkansas.
Ms. Williams is a dedicated educator who consistently advocates for students and families while demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to growth. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to the continued impact she will make on our school community.
Congratulations, Ms. Williams!
#ReptheM
#IMPACTArkansas
#BragLikeALeader
We hope everybody had a great Spring Break! Just a quick reminder that classes in the Marion School District will resume on Monday, April 6 (this is a weather makeup day).
We’re eager to have everyone back at school and finish the year strong during these final nine weeks!
We’re eager to have everyone back at school and finish the year strong during these final nine weeks!
Spring Break is here! We wish our students and staff a restful and rejuvenating time away. Whether you’re traveling or enjoying some well-earned time at home, we hope it brings you joy and renewed energy.
As a reminder, students will return to class on Monday, April 6 (this is a weather makeup day).
We look forward to seeing everyone back, recharged and ready for the final 9 weeks of the school year!
As a reminder, students will return to class on Monday, April 6 (this is a weather makeup day).
We look forward to seeing everyone back, recharged and ready for the final 9 weeks of the school year!
Congratulations to the Marion School District bands for their outstanding performances at the Region IV Concert Assessment on Monday! All four bands earned Superior First Division ratings in both Stage Performance and Sight-Reading, earning ASBOA Sweepstakes Awards for their efforts.
To read more about their achievements, follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/2771757
Gifted and Talented Referrals:
The MSD Gifted and Talented Department (TEAM: Talent, Enrichment and Acceleration in Marion) is accepting referrals for GT placement consideration for the 2026-27 school year. GT services are provided to students who show a need for extension and/or enrichment outside the regular classroom. Identified GT services begin in 4th grade, with testing beginning at the end of 3rd grade.
Parents, if you have any questions or are interested in referring your child for GT testing, please contact Leah Schmidt, MSD Gifted and Talented Coordinator, at lschmidt@msd3.org. Mrs. Schmidt will provide referral forms and testing information. You can also find more information about the MSD GT program here: https://sites.google.com/msd3.org/teamgt/team
The MSD Gifted and Talented Department (TEAM: Talent, Enrichment and Acceleration in Marion) is accepting referrals for GT placement consideration for the 2026-27 school year. GT services are provided to students who show a need for extension and/or enrichment outside the regular classroom. Identified GT services begin in 4th grade, with testing beginning at the end of 3rd grade.
Parents, if you have any questions or are interested in referring your child for GT testing, please contact Leah Schmidt, MSD Gifted and Talented Coordinator, at lschmidt@msd3.org. Mrs. Schmidt will provide referral forms and testing information. You can also find more information about the MSD GT program here: https://sites.google.com/msd3.org/teamgt/team
Slots are now available for the 2026-27 ABC Pre-K Program!
Applications may be picked up at the Marion Visual & Performing Arts Magnet office, on the Marion School District website, or via this link: https://aptg.co/8zGph2
To participate in the program, students must be 4 years old by Aug. 1, 2026. Applications, along with copies of the following documents, must be turned into the Marion Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Office:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residency
- Social Security card
- Updated shot record
- Physical or wellness from doctor
- Proof of Income for 1 month (check stubs, 2024 W2, or 2024 tax return)
Please have copies made and ready to be turned in.
For more information, please contact Leann Lester at 870-588-6843 or llester@crmail.k12.ar.us
Applications may be picked up at the Marion Visual & Performing Arts Magnet office, on the Marion School District website, or via this link: https://aptg.co/8zGph2
To participate in the program, students must be 4 years old by Aug. 1, 2026. Applications, along with copies of the following documents, must be turned into the Marion Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Office:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residency
- Social Security card
- Updated shot record
- Physical or wellness from doctor
- Proof of Income for 1 month (check stubs, 2024 W2, or 2024 tax return)
Please have copies made and ready to be turned in.
For more information, please contact Leann Lester at 870-588-6843 or llester@crmail.k12.ar.us
Show your Patriot pride at Saturday’s 5A State Basketball Championship with an official Patriot t-shirt!
OPTIONS & PRICING:
- Short-sleeve cotton: $8
- Long-sleeve cotton: $10
- Dry-fit: $10
- All shirt sizes 2x or bigger add $2
HOW TO ORDER:
Orders can be placed with Linda Robinson at the MHS office, or with Amanda Jackson at the MSD Central Office.
DEADLINE:
Orders must be placed by 3 p.m. Wednesday for pickup on Friday. Checks can be made to the MSD Foundation.
OPTIONS & PRICING:
- Short-sleeve cotton: $8
- Long-sleeve cotton: $10
- Dry-fit: $10
- All shirt sizes 2x or bigger add $2
HOW TO ORDER:
Orders can be placed with Linda Robinson at the MHS office, or with Amanda Jackson at the MSD Central Office.
DEADLINE:
Orders must be placed by 3 p.m. Wednesday for pickup on Friday. Checks can be made to the MSD Foundation.
🏆 Congratulations to the Marion High School Quiz Bowl Team!
Marion High School hosted the 6A-3 Conference Quiz Bowl Tournament today, and the Patriots finished 2nd place overall. Marion’s only loss of the day came to 1st-place Searcy.
Three Marion students were also named to the All-Tournament Team, which recognizes players who averaged at least five solo questions per game:
• Aiden Smith (Marion) – 5.5
• Jude Johnson (Marion) – 5.0
• Gabriel Livingston (Marion) – 5.0
Other All-Tournament Team members were:
• Collin P. (Searcy) – 6.5
• Wave S. (Mountain Home) – 5.25
Congratulations to our students and coaches on a strong showing. 📚👏
Marion High School hosted the 6A-3 Conference Quiz Bowl Tournament today, and the Patriots finished 2nd place overall. Marion’s only loss of the day came to 1st-place Searcy.
Three Marion students were also named to the All-Tournament Team, which recognizes players who averaged at least five solo questions per game:
• Aiden Smith (Marion) – 5.5
• Jude Johnson (Marion) – 5.0
• Gabriel Livingston (Marion) – 5.0
Other All-Tournament Team members were:
• Collin P. (Searcy) – 6.5
• Wave S. (Mountain Home) – 5.25
Congratulations to our students and coaches on a strong showing. 📚👏
Congratulations to the Marion High School Quiz Bowl team on their strong showing Saturday at the Wynne Quiz Bowl tournament!
The team split into three mini-teams for the event, with Marion Red going 4-1, their only loss coming against Morrilton in the final game. Their performance earned them a 3rd-place trophy, while Morrilton and Valley View Blue went undefeated to take 1st and 2nd place.
Marion Red’s team members were Isabel Schmidt, Blaine Cupples, Jude Johnson (3rd highest scorer in the tournament!), Aiden Smith, Gabriel Livingston, and Sophia Chen.
Congrats to all!
The team split into three mini-teams for the event, with Marion Red going 4-1, their only loss coming against Morrilton in the final game. Their performance earned them a 3rd-place trophy, while Morrilton and Valley View Blue went undefeated to take 1st and 2nd place.
Marion Red’s team members were Isabel Schmidt, Blaine Cupples, Jude Johnson (3rd highest scorer in the tournament!), Aiden Smith, Gabriel Livingston, and Sophia Chen.
Congrats to all!
Mr. Scott and Ms. Edwards have been out on the road visiting college campuses, connecting with future educators, and sharing the incredible opportunities available at Marion School District. We’re excited about building relationships with talented potential teachers who are ready to make a difference!
To learn more about employment opportunities in the Marion School District, follow this link: https://www.msd3.org/page/employment
To learn more about employment opportunities in the Marion School District, follow this link: https://www.msd3.org/page/employment
MST students and teachers are hard at work during our literacy block! Students are practicing finding text evidence to strengthen their writing, while small groups dive into decodable books to master targeted phonics skills. Focused, fun, and full of learning!
We’ve enjoyed welcoming our co-op director and staff into our elementary classrooms this week! Here, Mrs. Cole is sharing how teacher teams are monitoring and analyzing data on essential standards to support student learning.
Thank you, Monty and Valerie Hill! 🎶❤️💙
The Marion School District would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Monty and Valerie Hill for their leadership, dedication, and impact on the Patriot Pride Band. Since arriving in 2020, they set out to elevate Marion’s band program to one of the best in the state -- and they delivered.
During their time at Marion, the Hills helped grow the program from fewer than 150 students to nearly 400, earning 15 ASBOA Sweepstakes Awards, 10 grand championships, and countless All-Region and All-State honors, among many other honors and recognitions.
As Monty takes on a new role as Director of Bands at Henderson State University and Valerie begins a well-earned retirement, we wish them both nothing but the best. Their legacy of excellence and pride will continue at Marion for years to come.
To read more about the historic success of the Marion Band under the Hills' leadership, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/2715463
The Marion School District would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Monty and Valerie Hill for their leadership, dedication, and impact on the Patriot Pride Band. Since arriving in 2020, they set out to elevate Marion’s band program to one of the best in the state -- and they delivered.
During their time at Marion, the Hills helped grow the program from fewer than 150 students to nearly 400, earning 15 ASBOA Sweepstakes Awards, 10 grand championships, and countless All-Region and All-State honors, among many other honors and recognitions.
As Monty takes on a new role as Director of Bands at Henderson State University and Valerie begins a well-earned retirement, we wish them both nothing but the best. Their legacy of excellence and pride will continue at Marion for years to come.
To read more about the historic success of the Marion Band under the Hills' leadership, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/2715463
Congratulations to Miguel Cutanda on being selected for this year’s All-State Male Chorus! This prestigious recognition follows a highly competitive audition process featuring outstanding student vocalists from across the state, making this an exceptional achievement. Miguel's selection is a testament to his dedication, musical skill, and consistent commitment to excellence, as well as the support of our school community.
We are incredibly proud of Miguel and this well-earned honor. Please join us in celebrating and congratulating him on this remarkable success!
We are incredibly proud of Miguel and this well-earned honor. Please join us in celebrating and congratulating him on this remarkable success!
Congratulations to the Marion High School Band members who earned All-State Band honors Saturday during auditions held at the University of Central Arkansas. All-State Band is composed of students in all classifications and is earned through a rigid region qualifier and all state audition process.
The Marion All-State musicians will perform at the Arkansas All-State Music Conference, set for Feb. 19-21 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
The Marion All-State musicians will perform at the Arkansas All-State Music Conference, set for Feb. 19-21 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Good evening, Patriot families. Due to hazardous roadways and continuing Arctic conditions, the Marion School District will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, and Wednesday, January 28. Thank you, keep warm, and stay safe!
