Patriot Academy is underway as we welcome our newest teachers to the Marion School District!
For the past nine years, Patriot Academy has provided an opportunity for new staff members to connect, learn, and prepare for the year ahead. During Day 1 on Tuesday, teachers focused on the importance of building strong relationships with students, featuring guest speaker Dr. Taryn Givan, who shared the impact those connections can have on student success.
Today, Day 2, our new teachers are spending time with their building administrators to learn more about their campuses and continue preparing for a great school year.
We are excited to welcome these new members of the Patriot family!
For the past nine years, Patriot Academy has provided an opportunity for new staff members to connect, learn, and prepare for the year ahead. During Day 1 on Tuesday, teachers focused on the importance of building strong relationships with students, featuring guest speaker Dr. Taryn Givan, who shared the impact those connections can have on student success.
Today, Day 2, our new teachers are spending time with their building administrators to learn more about their campuses and continue preparing for a great school year.
We are excited to welcome these new members of the Patriot family!
Great schools don’t happen by chance -- they’re built through collaboration, intentional planning, and a shared commitment to student success.
Last week, our elementary and secondary administrative teams came together to align our vision, strengthen our leadership, and ensure we’re prepared to provide the very best experience for every student, every day. By working together before the first bell rings, we’re creating consistency, building strong systems, and setting the stage for a successful school year across our district.
Under the direction of Dr. Hodges, Mr. Scott, and Ms. Edwards, our leadership teams are committed to thoughtful planning, continuous improvement, and supporting our educators so they can help every student thrive.
The foundation for an outstanding school year is being built now -- and we can’t wait to welcome our students back!
Last week, our elementary and secondary administrative teams came together to align our vision, strengthen our leadership, and ensure we’re prepared to provide the very best experience for every student, every day. By working together before the first bell rings, we’re creating consistency, building strong systems, and setting the stage for a successful school year across our district.
Under the direction of Dr. Hodges, Mr. Scott, and Ms. Edwards, our leadership teams are committed to thoughtful planning, continuous improvement, and supporting our educators so they can help every student thrive.
The foundation for an outstanding school year is being built now -- and we can’t wait to welcome our students back!
The Marion School District has again drawn on its leadership depth to fill a key position, naming Natasha Clay as Principal of Marion Junior High School for the 2026-27 school year.
Clay brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Assistant Principal at both Marion High School and Marion Junior High School. She also spent a year as director of the district's Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) program and has served as teacher, media specialist, and instructional facilitator in the Earle and West Memphis school districts.
"When we search for school leaders, we're looking for people with outstanding experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to children,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion Superintendent. “Natasha embodies all of those qualities. Her background has given her a unique perspective on meeting students where they are, supporting families, and building a school culture where every child has the opportunity to succeed. We're excited about the future of Marion Junior High under her leadership.”
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3025118
Clay brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Assistant Principal at both Marion High School and Marion Junior High School. She also spent a year as director of the district's Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) program and has served as teacher, media specialist, and instructional facilitator in the Earle and West Memphis school districts.
"When we search for school leaders, we're looking for people with outstanding experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to children,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion Superintendent. “Natasha embodies all of those qualities. Her background has given her a unique perspective on meeting students where they are, supporting families, and building a school culture where every child has the opportunity to succeed. We're excited about the future of Marion Junior High under her leadership.”
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3025118
Happy Independence Day to Patriots everywhere! Wishing everyone a safe, fun, and relaxing holiday!
Emily Hall has been named Principal of Marion High School for the 2026-27 school year, the district announced today.
Hall, most recently Principal at Marion Junior High School, takes over for Mike Skelton, who this week accepted a job as Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for Bay District Schools in Panama City, Fla.
"One of the things we take great pride in here at the Marion School District is the quality and depth of our leadership team,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion Superintendent. “Mike and Emily are both outstanding examples of that. Mike has been an exceptional leader who has served our district with distinction in a variety of roles, and while we're certainly sad to see him leave, we're also incredibly fortunate to have someone of Emily's caliber ready to step into this position. She has proved herself time and again through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to students, and we're excited to see Marion High School continue to thrive under her direction."
To read more about this move, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3016287
Hall, most recently Principal at Marion Junior High School, takes over for Mike Skelton, who this week accepted a job as Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for Bay District Schools in Panama City, Fla.
"One of the things we take great pride in here at the Marion School District is the quality and depth of our leadership team,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion Superintendent. “Mike and Emily are both outstanding examples of that. Mike has been an exceptional leader who has served our district with distinction in a variety of roles, and while we're certainly sad to see him leave, we're also incredibly fortunate to have someone of Emily's caliber ready to step into this position. She has proved herself time and again through her leadership, dedication, and commitment to students, and we're excited to see Marion High School continue to thrive under her direction."
To read more about this move, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3016287
School Supply lists are out for the 2026-27 school year! To see each school's supply list, use this link: https://shorturl.at/c0wR4
Reminder: The first day of school is Thursday, July 23!
Bright Futures Marion recently celebrated the opening of its new Family Resource Center at 910 Esperanza Drive.
The new facility will serve as a hub for family support services, community partnerships, volunteer efforts, and resources designed to help remove barriers to student success. Thank you to everyone who helped make this important milestone possible ... we look forward to the impact this space will have on students and families throughout our community!
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3009498
The new facility will serve as a hub for family support services, community partnerships, volunteer efforts, and resources designed to help remove barriers to student success. Thank you to everyone who helped make this important milestone possible ... we look forward to the impact this space will have on students and families throughout our community!
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3009498
Each year on June 19, our nation observes Juneteenth, which marks a pivotal moment in our country’s history -- June 19, 1865 -- the date when news of emancipation finally reached enslaved people in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
In observance of Juneteenth, we join our community in recognizing and reflecting on this important day in our nation’s history and its continued significance today.
In observance of Juneteenth, we join our community in recognizing and reflecting on this important day in our nation’s history and its continued significance today.
Today, our building administration teams met with Dr. Hodges, Mr. Scott, and Ms. Edwards to set goals, operationalize, and discuss our "6 Big Rocks" for the upcoming school year.
Summer Feeding Program info here!
For more information, contact Melissa Lace, child nutrition director, at 870-739-5100 or blace@msd3.org.
For more information, contact Melissa Lace, child nutrition director, at 870-739-5100 or blace@msd3.org.
Today and tomorrow, elementary teachers are being trained by two presenters from UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute). This curriculum will be our foundational phonics starting next year! Everyone is excited about new learning to help our students achieve more success.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) will require all Summer EBT (SEBT) recipients to reset the PIN numbers associated with their cards in response to reports of thefts of these benefits from out-of-state scammers.
For more information, including information on how to reset PIN numbers, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/2958428
For more information, including information on how to reset PIN numbers, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/2958428
We are proud of these Marion students representing MHS this week at Arkansas Girls State, held at Harding University in Searcy. This photo was taken today at the State Capitol in Little Rock during the program’s final day activities.
Pictured from left to right are Kolbie Triplett, Trinity Smith, Isabel Schmidt, Piper McFarland, and Amanda Chen. Amanda was elected to a state office as treasurer, while Piper and Isabel were each elected to city offices. Trinity also campaigned for a state office during the week’s activities.
Congratulations to all of these students on an outstanding experience and accomplishment.
Pictured from left to right are Kolbie Triplett, Trinity Smith, Isabel Schmidt, Piper McFarland, and Amanda Chen. Amanda was elected to a state office as treasurer, while Piper and Isabel were each elected to city offices. Trinity also campaigned for a state office during the week’s activities.
Congratulations to all of these students on an outstanding experience and accomplishment.
The Marion Patriot Pride Band program is pleased to announce the addition of two new staff members who will join the program for the 2026-27 school year.
Emily Norris joins Marion after working with marching band programs across west Tennessee and northern Mississippi, most recently at Lake Cormorant High School. Destiny Riddle brings a diverse background in music education, with experience in band programs throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Norris and Ms. Riddle to our band program,” said Marion Director of Bands Kristen Shepherd. “Both bring a tremendous passion for music education along with valuable experience in the classroom and performance settings. Their energy, talent, and commitment to students will make an immediate impact on our program. We look forward to the opportunities ahead as they help continue the tradition of excellence within Marion bands.”
For more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/2936769
Emily Norris joins Marion after working with marching band programs across west Tennessee and northern Mississippi, most recently at Lake Cormorant High School. Destiny Riddle brings a diverse background in music education, with experience in band programs throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Norris and Ms. Riddle to our band program,” said Marion Director of Bands Kristen Shepherd. “Both bring a tremendous passion for music education along with valuable experience in the classroom and performance settings. Their energy, talent, and commitment to students will make an immediate impact on our program. We look forward to the opportunities ahead as they help continue the tradition of excellence within Marion bands.”
For more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/2936769
Elementary curriculum work continues with math and science teams digging into their standards and designing their unit plan!
Memorial Day is a time to reflect on and honor the brave individuals who gave their lives in military service to our country. We remember their sacrifice with gratitude and respect.
As a reminder, the Marion School District will be closed Monday (May 25) in observance of the holiday.
As a reminder, the Marion School District will be closed Monday (May 25) in observance of the holiday.
Good afternoon, Patriot family! This is a friendly reminder that the Marion School District will be in session tomorrow (Friday, May 21) as part of our scheduled weather makeup days. Please also note that the district will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Thank you!
The Marion Junior High Eighth Grade Band and the Marion Seventh Grade Academy Beginning Band will present their Spring Concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Marion Performing Arts Center. Admission is free.
Come enjoy a night of live music and show your support for the hard work and talent of our student musicians!
(Performers should report at 6 p.m.)
Come enjoy a night of live music and show your support for the hard work and talent of our student musicians!
(Performers should report at 6 p.m.)
Public Notice: Disposal of Special Education Records
In accordance with state guidelines, special education records must be disposed of six (6) years after a student is dismissed from services, graduates, is found ineligible, or when the records are no longer needed to make educational decisions.
Based on these guidelines, the Marion School District will begin the disposal of special education records on June 26, 2026, for students who graduated, transferred to another district, or exited special education services during the 2020–2021 school year.
Parents/guardians have the right to review and request copies of these records prior to their disposal. Students who are 18 years of age or older also have the right to review and/or obtain copies of their records.
Any parent/guardian or former student wishing to review or obtain copies of these records should contact the Marion Special Education Office at 870-739-5100 before June 26, 2026.
Please note: These are not permanent student records. The records scheduled for disposal consist only of special education due process documentation and related records.
In accordance with state guidelines, special education records must be disposed of six (6) years after a student is dismissed from services, graduates, is found ineligible, or when the records are no longer needed to make educational decisions.
Based on these guidelines, the Marion School District will begin the disposal of special education records on June 26, 2026, for students who graduated, transferred to another district, or exited special education services during the 2020–2021 school year.
Parents/guardians have the right to review and request copies of these records prior to their disposal. Students who are 18 years of age or older also have the right to review and/or obtain copies of their records.
Any parent/guardian or former student wishing to review or obtain copies of these records should contact the Marion Special Education Office at 870-739-5100 before June 26, 2026.
Please note: These are not permanent student records. The records scheduled for disposal consist only of special education due process documentation and related records.
The Marion Choir Program will wrap up 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 evening will feature performances by the 8th Grade Mixed Choir, 9th Grade Mixed Choir, and High School Concert Choir, showcasing the hard work, talent, and growth of our student musicians throughout the year.
We will also take time to recognize student achievements and honor our graduating seniors as we celebrate their dedication to the program.
The public is warmly invited to attend and help us celebrate these outstanding students and their accomplishments. We hope to see you there!
This special evening will feature performances by the 8th Grade Mixed Choir, 9th Grade Mixed Choir, and High School Concert Choir, showcasing the hard work, talent, and growth of our student musicians throughout the year.
We will also take time to recognize student achievements and honor our graduating seniors as we celebrate their dedication to the program.
The public is warmly invited to attend and help us celebrate these outstanding students and their accomplishments. We hope to see you there!
