Hello Acorn High School Community!

I am Dewayne Taylor, and I am honored to be the principal of Acorn High School.  As principal, I embrace the opportunity to work with you to provide a safe, engaging, and caring educational environment as we work together to reach everyone's potential.

As I begin my 32nd year in education, 22 as a principal, I am committed to ensuring every Acorn High School student receives the very best education possible, and that all stakeholders are partners in our success.  Our efforts to educate our children are more impactful when we all work together.  At Acorn High School we work hard to see that every student receives their high school diploma and has that as a stepping stone to the next level of their lives, whether that's higher education, the military or entering the workforce.

On a personal note, I have 2 children, Abby - 25 - a professional photographer and Pate - 21 - a junior at the University of Arkansas.  My favorite pastime is spending time with my kids, hunting and buying and selling sports cards.  

I am truly blessed to be part of the Ouachita River School District family and the instructional leader of Acorn High School.

GO Tigers !!!

Contact:

dtaylor@orsd.k12.ar.us

479-394-5544

As a school nurse, my role is to ensure the health and well being of our students and staff by providing a range of services. 

          -First Aid and Emergency Care

         - Health Assessments and Screenings

         - Health Education

         - Chronic Disease Management

         - Mental Health Support

I Have been married to my wonderful husband Thomas for the past 24 years.  We have two grown children and lots of animals.  This will be by 5th year caring for the students and staff at Acorn and plan to keep doing so in the future.  I enjoy spending time outdoors and surrounded by the people I love. 

Contact:

abennett@orsd.k12.ar.us

My role at ORSD is to enhance students' communication skills through reading, writing, and speaking.  I teach a range of grade levels, including 7th, 9th, and 11th grades, along with AP Language and Composition. My goal is to foster a love for literature and to guide students in developing critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing them for success academically and beyond. 

About Me

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a focus on English and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Counseling. Outside of the classroom, I’m happily married with two wonderful children, a son and a daughter. In my spare time, I enjoy farming, gardening, reading, and spending time outdoors with my family.

Contact:

aslater@orsd.k12.ar.us

Hello, my name is Chad Frost. I have been teaching, coaching, and training individuals for the last 10 years plus. I’m a graduate from Acorn, 1998. I’ve taught at multiple Schools and coached multiple sports. I am the baseball coach here at Acorn.

Contact:

cfrost@orsd.k12.ar.us

My role at Acorn High School as a high school coach is to mold our young students into great adults through leadership, discipline and hard work.  My job is to teach these young students life skills that they can take with them in their everyday lives when they leave Acorn High School.  I take great pride in knowing that I can make a difference in someone's lives.

About me:

I graduated from Oden High School in 2004 and attended college and received my BSE in Physical Education at Henderson State University.  I have a beautiful wife and 4 beautiful girls.  My hobbies include anything sports and outdoors.

Contact:

cledbetter@orsd.k12.ar.us

Being a librarian is the most wonderful thing I can think of to be! I am currently the 7th through 12 th grade Library Media Specialist having previously taught Kindergarten, 6 th grade, 2 nd grade and K-12 librarian at Acorn. This is my 27 th year of teaching (one year in Mississippi) and I still love teaching as much as my first day. My extra job as Yearbook Sponsor ensures I get to have interaction with the Pre-K and the other littles during picture schedules and overseeing students creating the Yearbook. I have 2 children, both Acorn graduates, and 6 grandchildren (1 that is an Acorn Tiger).

Contact:

gpearce@orsd.k12.ar.us

I have been the Acorn High School Agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor since 2011. In addition to Ag and FFA, I drive a school bus and coordinate the J.A.G. program. Coming to Acorn is one of the best moves I have ever made. Great community, wonderful staff and students to work with. Acorn is a "special place" to me.

Here's a little about my background. Graduated from Warren High School in 1982. I have a BSE degree in Agriculture Education from Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia and 18 graduate hours in General Agricultural Studies from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. I have taught high school agriculture for 39 years. I enjoy Razorback athletics, especially Hog baseball. I also enjoy woodworking.

Contact:

jpennington@orsd.k12.ar.us

My responsibility at ORSD is to provide student-centered instruction to high school students in Civics, Economics, American History, and World History. My mission is to help our students gain the life skills that will help them be good citizens as they move into their adult lives.

About Me:

• I’ve been married for 40 years.

• I have a son and three beautiful granddaughters.

• I am the assistant Sr. & Jr. girls basketball and softball coach.

• I oversee the Acorn Peewee Basketball program.

CONTACT:

jspradlin@orsd.k12.ar.us

My role at Acorn High School is in middle school science.  I teach 7th and 8th grade science, as well as physical science.  My goal is for every student to make connections between the science we teach and the world around them.

I hold a Master of Science in Teaching, Earth and Space Science, a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education - from Western Governors University, and an Associate's Degree in General Studies - from University of Arkansas Rich Mountain.

    I love science and I love teaching.  I have five beautiful children that live all around the country and all five work in a field of science!!!    I enjoy spending time with my family.

Contact:

jnance@orsd.k12.ar.us

My role here at AHS is to ensure every student has an opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in the areas of language, literature, and both personal and professional communication.  Ultimately, I wish for every student to believe their AHS education serves as a base for their future plans--and to join me in investing in that future.  My goal is to serve as teacher, mentor, encourager, cheerleader--and to see them graduate from AHS with an actionable plan in place.  

About Me:

The Lord has richly blessed my husband, Jeremy, and I with two amazing children, AbiGail and Elijah. Our tiny farm consists of our Cocker Spaniel, Maggie Mae, four sweet Dorper sheep guarded by the best guard dog, Annabelle, two tolerated cats, and a host of Cinnamon Queens.  I come from a huge extended family, and we love spending time with them around the holidays and really, any chance we get!  We are members at Southside Baptist Church in Waldron, AR, where I enjoy serving in Youth and Music ministries. Our family loves camping, Water Dogs fishing, hunting, Kountry Kids 4-H, and I love reading and singing. Blessed to be at AHS--GO TIGERS!!

Contact:

kslaten@orsd.k12.ar.us

My role at ORSD is to provide direct therapy services to students enrolled at ORSD and referred through our District referral process. My therapeutic style is student-centered, with an emphasis on respect and empathy. My mission is to help our students gain more self-confidence, a stronger sense of identity or authenticity, greater success in establishing interpersonal relationships, and more trust in their own decisions. 

Services provided include:

• Individual Counseling

• Small Group Counseling

• Behavior Management Intervention

• Crisis Intervention and Referrals 

• Serve students K-12, Oden & Acorn campuses

About Me:

• ORSD has been a huge part of my life for a long time now. I am a 2006 Oden High School graduate working in the district for 10 years. I have a Master's Degree in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health. I enjoy spending time with my husband and our four daughters. In my spare time, I enjoy trail running and training for the next big race.

CONTACT:

kledbetter@orsd.k12.ar.us

479-394-4833 ext. 306

I am beyond honored to work at Acorn High School.  As the special education teacher, I embrace the opportunity to work with all students to provide an inclusive experience where everyone grows and learns.

I have close to twenty years of educational experience under my belt. Each one of those years has been with Ouachita River. I love our school district and hope to finish my career here. Our staff is amazing and supports each other through both triumphs and obstacles.

I have two amazing children and a beautiful wife. My children have both attended Acorn Schools since the beginning of their educational journey and have both blossomed because of it. I believe that Acorn provides the perfect balance of academic rigor, caring stakeholders, and high expectations.  

I am truly blessed to be part of the Ouachita River School District family.

GO Tigers !!!

Contact:

lmabry@orsd.k12.ar.us

479-394-5544

Hello! My name is Makaila Goodner. I am in my 8th year of teaching; second year of teaching at Acorn. ORSD has played a huge role in my life as I graduated from AHS in 2013. I teach computer science, EAST, Survey of Business, and KeyCode. I am also the FBLA sponsor. FBLA allows students to learn more about business principles (personal finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, etc) and compete against other students in the state (and nation) in business based competitions. I am passionate about teaching my students life skills that they can use after high school to help make them successful no matter where life takes them after graduation. Outside of school, I spend all of my time chasing my kids around and spending time with my family. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Contact:

mgoodner@orsd.k12.ar.us

479-394-5544 EXT 109

As a dedicated high school science teacher, I nurture students' curiosity and passion for science. My primary goal is to create an engaging learning environment where students acquire scientific knowledge and develop critical thinking, and problem-solving that will serve them throughout their lives. I strive to instill a lifelong appreciation for science in all my students. I believe in hands-on, experiential learning. I incorporate labs, experiments, and group projects into my curriculum to make science relatable and interactive. 

Whether in the science classroom or through my involvement with the National Honor Society and 2026 class sponsorship, my mission is to inspire and guide my students toward success. By fostering a love for learning and encouraging leadership and service, I aim to positively impact each student's life.

Blue Skies

About Me:

• 1992 Graduate of Acorn High School

• This is my 28th year of Teaching

• My husband and I have two boys.

• I enjoy outdoor activities and spending time with my family.   

Contact:

mmcgee@orsd.k12.ar.us

In my role at Acorn High School, I work with students in grades 7-12 to attain life skills, career skills, and industry certifications that will help them gain employment both in high school and beyond. My specialty areas are Hospitality & Tourism-Culinary Arts & Human Services-Nutrition Science.

Classes provided:

• Family Consumer Science

• Food Safety & Nutrition

• Food Production & Management

• Life & Fitness Nutrition

• Career Development 

• Family CSI

• Career & Technical Student Organization: Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

Industry Certifications Offered:

• ServSafe Food Handler

• ServSafe Food Manager

• ServSafe Food Allergen

• Heart Saver CPR/First Aid

About Me:

My husband & I have been married for 27 years. We have six children and two grandchildren. In our free time, we love to camp and kayak. I serve as the Arkansas AATFCS President and the FCCLA Region V Coordinator. I also serve on the Arkansas ACTE Executive Board and the Arkansas FCCLA Executive Council. I am extremely passionate about CTE & FCCLA, and helping my students find a career field they too are passionate about

Contact:

mlyle@orsd.k12.ar.us

My role at the Acorn School Campus as the school resource officer is to ensure safety amongst both staff and students. I also help educate students with Constitutional and Arkansas state laws, as well as prepare students for life.

About Me: 

I am an Acorn graduate of 2018, I am excited to expand my passion for law enforcement to the Acorn Campus and to help further educate our students and community. I enjoy spending time with my wife and taking rides in our jeep.

Contact:

Wmcpherson@orsd.k12.ar.us

479-394-5544 EXT 111

I teach Construction Technology for grades 9-12. Construction technology consists of four classes that we offer. These classes include Skilled trades, carpentry, electricity, and construction lab. Through these classes, students have the opportunity to become completers in the construction technology pathway. Our goal is to help students become employable through building skill, knowledge, and work ethic.

I also coach Senior Boys Basketball and Junior Boys Basketball. Through athletics we strive  to develop work ethic, teamwork, communication skills, responsibility, confidence, and a winning culture all to prepare athletes for life post graduation.

About me:

I graduated from Oden High School in 1995. I earned an Associates of Applied Science degree from RMCC, Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business from SAU, Masters in Art of Teaching from SAU and continued my education to add coaching to my licensure. My hobbies include all things sports. I have three kids, Daisy, Josey, and Jasper all of which are active in sports. I also enjoy hunting, fishing, and most other outdoor activities. Spending time with family and friends tops the list of things I enjoy.

Contact:

rdollar@orsd.k12.ar.us

As the high school secretary, I play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth daily operations of the school. I serve as the first point of contact for students, parents, and visitors, providing essential information and assistance. My responsibilities include managing student enrollment, tracking attendance, and maintaining up-to-date student records and files. I assist teachers and staff by handling administrative tasks, answering phone calls, and coordinating communication between the office and classrooms.

Contact:

sholland@orsd.k12.ar.us

I teach 5th grade math at Acorn Elementary. I hope to impart a love of learning and problem solving in my students. At Acorn High School, I work with students in many different ways, including reading interventions. I serve as the AHS 504 Coordinator and work with teachers in many different capacities.

About Me

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Pre K – 6) and a Master’s degree in Reading. My husband and I enjoy farm life with cows and hobby chickens. We have two wonderful children, their spouses, and three grandchildren. I love spending time with my family, as well as time at the farm. In my spare time, after time with the grands, I enjoy gardening,  reading, and sewing.

Contact:

swright@orsd.k12.ar.us

In my role at Acorn High School, I serve students 7-12 in the following developmental areas in acquiring skills, growth, and preparing for life:

• Personal/Social Emotional

• Career

• Academic

Contact:

tyoung@orsd.k12.ar.us

479-394-7339

We are the music makers. We are the dreamers of dreams." - Roald Dahl. This is my 33rd year to be blessed to make music makers and encourage students to dream big. My classroom goal is for students to feel loved, have a place to belong, discover their musical talent, develop self-discipline, and become a person of courage to show their family and community their musical abilities. I have been a part of the Ouachita River School District for 31 years and am thankful my career has been in this district. 

I am blessed to be married to my best friend, Sean Couch, for 34 years, and we have one son named Parker. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. We enjoy junking, movie watching, and camping - especially in the mountains of Colorado! 

I love playing the piano, teaching music, and helping my students create beautiful performances in band, choir, and musical theater. Blessed to be a Tiger!!!

Contact:

vcouch@orsd.k12.ar.us

As the High School AE teacher, I get to help students who benefit from a less traditional learning environment. I enjoy working with these particular students and helping them learn to overcome obstacles in order to grow and succeed in life.

I go home each afternoon to my wonderful wife, Jasmine, and our two sons, Benaiah and Lucas. I also have a loving church family at Faith Missionary Baptist Church where I serve as pastor.

Contact:

zjohnson@orsd.k12.ar.us