Mountainburg Public Schools
Home of the Dragons!
2026 K-12 CALENDAR
As we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year in August, we're excited for all the opportunities that lie ahead!
Please take a moment to read the Welcome Back letter from our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Woods. In his message, he shares his excitement for the new school year and highlights our commitment to providing every student with a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
We look forward to partnering with our students, families, staff, and community for a fantastic year. Welcome back—we can't wait to see everyone soon!
Please take a moment to read the Welcome Back letter from our Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Woods. In his message, he shares his excitement for the new school year and highlights our commitment to providing every student with a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
We look forward to partnering with our students, families, staff, and community for a fantastic year. Welcome back—we can't wait to see everyone soon!
The first meeting for the 2026-2027 school year of the Mountainburg Board of Education will be held Monday, July 20, @ 6:00 PM in the Board Room at 129 Hwy 71 S W.
For agendas, minutes, and policies, please visit: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=36031669
The Mountainburg Board of Education will meet the third Monday of each month unless noted.
For agendas, minutes, and policies, please visit: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/SB_MeetingListing.aspx?S=36031669
The Mountainburg Board of Education will meet the third Monday of each month unless noted.
Dragon Weekly: https://app.smore.com/n/2udsy
The latest **Dragon Weekly** is packed with important back-to-school information to help your family get ready for an amazing year!
📚 School supply lists
🎶 Band Camp Week details
📅 Upcoming events and important dates
…and so much more!
Be sure to take a few minutes to read through this week's edition so you don't miss any important information. We'll continue adding new back-to-school updates each week as we get closer to the first day of school.
The latest **Dragon Weekly** is packed with important back-to-school information to help your family get ready for an amazing year!
📚 School supply lists
🎶 Band Camp Week details
📅 Upcoming events and important dates
…and so much more!
Be sure to take a few minutes to read through this week's edition so you don't miss any important information. We'll continue adding new back-to-school updates each week as we get closer to the first day of school.
On Saturday, August 1, Living Waters Restoration Center will be sponsoring a huge Back to School Bash!! Students will be able to receive FREE school supplies!
To help the organizers get an idea of how many to expect, please complete this form. Parents/Guardians are asked to complete a form for each student that will be attending. See the attached flyer for more information.
If you have already completed a form, please do not complete another form for your child/children.
Back to School Bash Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeML-85HLIoA6GJQ1S9zP4q1LDuEzx6Ua7Jq2v2xG2IPsi-oQ/viewform
The latest Dragon Weekly is here, and it's packed with important back-to-school information for Dragon families! https://app.smore.com/n/3g45b
Be sure to check it out for:
✅ School supply lists
📅 School calendars
🏈 Athletic schedules
…and other important updates to help your family get ready for an amazing school year!
Parents of students entering 2nd-6th grade, now is also the perfect time to sign up for Dragon Little League Football & Cheer! These programs are where Dragon Athletics begins, giving our youngest athletes the opportunity to build skills, confidence, teamwork, and Dragon pride. It's also a great way for families to get involved, make connections, and become part of our incredible Dragon community.
Don't miss out—read this week's Dragon Weekly and get ready for an exciting year ahead!
Be sure to check it out for:
✅ School supply lists
📅 School calendars
🏈 Athletic schedules
…and other important updates to help your family get ready for an amazing school year!
Parents of students entering 2nd-6th grade, now is also the perfect time to sign up for Dragon Little League Football & Cheer! These programs are where Dragon Athletics begins, giving our youngest athletes the opportunity to build skills, confidence, teamwork, and Dragon pride. It's also a great way for families to get involved, make connections, and become part of our incredible Dragon community.
Don't miss out—read this week's Dragon Weekly and get ready for an exciting year ahead!
2026 DRAGON LITTLE LEAGUE FOOTBALL AND CHEER: Sign ups for little league football and cheer are open! Please use the link to sign up, payment link will be added soon. Little League Football and Cheer are open to students entering 2nd - 6th grades.
If you have questions: Amber Ridenoure @ amber.ridenoure@mountainburg.org
LINK TO REGISTER: 3d6c.edulnk.com/render/arvb6g/vQsaCq?__$u__
(Please complete a form for each child participating.)
It’s officially school supply season!
The wait is over—our 2026-2027 Back-to-School Supply Lists are here!
Whether you’re checking off every item or just getting started, now is the perfect time to stock up and get ready for another amazing year at Mountainburg Schools.
A new school year is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to welcome our Dragons back on Wednesday, August 12!
Check out the supply lists below and let’s get ready for a fantastic year!
#MountainburgDragons #BackToSchool
Back-to-School Supplies Drive & Back-to-School Bash!
Help us set students up for a successful school year! We're collecting new school supplies to support local students and families in our community. Every notebook, backpack, pencil, and pack of crayons makes a difference.
Join us for our Back-to-School Bash, where we'll celebrate the new school year with fun, community, and school supply giveaways (while supplies last)!
How you can help:
✏️ Donate new school supplies.
🎒 Spread the word.
❤️ Join us at the Back-to-School Bash!
Together, we can help every student start the school year prepared and confident. Thank you for supporting our community—we can't wait to see you there!
Help us set students up for a successful school year! We're collecting new school supplies to support local students and families in our community. Every notebook, backpack, pencil, and pack of crayons makes a difference.
Join us for our Back-to-School Bash, where we'll celebrate the new school year with fun, community, and school supply giveaways (while supplies last)!
How you can help:
✏️ Donate new school supplies.
🎒 Spread the word.
❤️ Join us at the Back-to-School Bash!
Together, we can help every student start the school year prepared and confident. Thank you for supporting our community—we can't wait to see you there!
A New School Year Begins!
July 1 officially marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, and we're excited to get things underway!
The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 12. As we count down to the start of the year, be sure to check the Dragon Weekly for important dates, back-to-school events, schedules, registration information, and other updates. New information will continue to be added each week, so check back often!
Let's start the 2026-2027 school year on the right foot—prepared, informed, and ready to make it one of the best years yet. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Mountainburg Schools!
https://app.smore.com/n/arvb6g
July 1 officially marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, and we're excited to get things underway!
The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 12. As we count down to the start of the year, be sure to check the Dragon Weekly for important dates, back-to-school events, schedules, registration information, and other updates. New information will continue to be added each week, so check back often!
Let's start the 2026-2027 school year on the right foot—prepared, informed, and ready to make it one of the best years yet. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Mountainburg Schools!
https://app.smore.com/n/arvb6g
It's DRAGON BAND CAMP time!!!
A New School Year Begins!
July 1 officially marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, and we're excited to get things underway!
The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 12. As we count down to the start of the year, be sure to check the Dragon Weekly for important dates, back-to-school events, schedules, registration information, and other updates. New information will continue to be added each week, so check back often!
Let's start the 2026-2027 school year on the right foot—prepared, informed, and ready to make it one of the best years yet. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Mountainburg Schools!
https://app.smore.com/n/arvb6g
July 1 officially marks the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, and we're excited to get things underway!
The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 12. As we count down to the start of the year, be sure to check the Dragon Weekly for important dates, back-to-school events, schedules, registration information, and other updates. New information will continue to be added each week, so check back often!
Let's start the 2026-2027 school year on the right foot—prepared, informed, and ready to make it one of the best years yet. We can't wait to welcome everyone back to Mountainburg Schools!
https://app.smore.com/n/arvb6g
Meet Mrs. Mary Thicksten, MHS English teacher for grades 9th and 11th. Let's welcome her to Mountainburg in true Dragon fashion!!
From Mrs. Thicksten: "A graduate of Van Buren High School, Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Alabama and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma. She brings 19 years of experience in education, having taught English Language Arts at Pea Ridge High School and Bentonville High School before serving as a Library Media Specialist at both Bentonville High School and most recently Alma High School.
Throughout her career, Mary has taught grades 9–12, including AP courses and special education inclusion classes. She has worked with a wide range of learners, including struggling and reluctant readers and writers, at-risk students, and students facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Her experience also includes work in alternative education settings, where she developed a strong ability to build trust, create structured and supportive learning environments, and help students find success.
Mary has completed specialized training in dyslexia intervention, trauma-informed practices, and phonics instruction. She is passionate about literacy, differentiated instruction, and helping students build confidence in their academic abilities.
What excites Mary most about joining Mountainburg High School is the opportunity to become part of a close-knit rural community. She values the meaningful relationships that can be built among students, families, educators, and the community, and believes students thrive when they feel known, respected, and supported. Her goal is to create a classroom environment where every student feels safe, capable, and motivated to grow both academically and personally."
Welcome to MHS!
From Mrs. Thicksten: "A graduate of Van Buren High School, Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Alabama and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma. She brings 19 years of experience in education, having taught English Language Arts at Pea Ridge High School and Bentonville High School before serving as a Library Media Specialist at both Bentonville High School and most recently Alma High School.
Throughout her career, Mary has taught grades 9–12, including AP courses and special education inclusion classes. She has worked with a wide range of learners, including struggling and reluctant readers and writers, at-risk students, and students facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Her experience also includes work in alternative education settings, where she developed a strong ability to build trust, create structured and supportive learning environments, and help students find success.
Mary has completed specialized training in dyslexia intervention, trauma-informed practices, and phonics instruction. She is passionate about literacy, differentiated instruction, and helping students build confidence in their academic abilities.
What excites Mary most about joining Mountainburg High School is the opportunity to become part of a close-knit rural community. She values the meaningful relationships that can be built among students, families, educators, and the community, and believes students thrive when they feel known, respected, and supported. Her goal is to create a classroom environment where every student feels safe, capable, and motivated to grow both academically and personally."
Welcome to MHS!
We are at the midpoint of summer and the 4th of July is already here!
We are proud to celebrate 11 Mountainburg teachers who have earned a combined $37,500 in Merit Teacher Incentive Pay from the State of Arkansas!
Merit pay is awarded on factors such as:
⭐ Promoting strong student academic growth
⭐ Teaching in high-need subject areas
⭐ Providing leadership and mentorship to fellow educators
Congratulations to these deserving educators on this well-earned achievement, and thank you to all the teachers in Mountainburg Schools for the incredible work you do for our students every day.
Merit pay is awarded on factors such as:
⭐ Promoting strong student academic growth
⭐ Teaching in high-need subject areas
⭐ Providing leadership and mentorship to fellow educators
Congratulations to these deserving educators on this well-earned achievement, and thank you to all the teachers in Mountainburg Schools for the incredible work you do for our students every day.
Reminder: All athletes must have an up-to-date physical and a completed DragonFly profile by August 1. Get ahead of the game!
DragonFly: https://www.dragonflymax.com/parents-academy
Sports camps and practices resume the week of July 7: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Fmdc2HlTCxSZfpbO7Y81t86PP5WX2wxb?usp=sharing
We are excited to welcome Mr. Jared Sample to MHS as our new ISD and Virtual Learning Facilitator!
Mr. Sample brings a passion for education, technology, and student success, and we are thrilled to have him join our team. In his role, he will support innovative learning opportunities, enhance virtual instruction, and help students and staff make the most of educational technology.
In addition to his instructional leadership responsibilities, Mr. Sample will also be joining our athletic program as an assistant Baseball Coach. We look forward to the positive impact he will make both in the classroom and on the field.
From Coach Sample: "I am thankful and eager to join the Mountainburg High School Staff and Athletic Department. I graduated from Rogers High School in 2018 and went on to receive my bachelor’s degree and play baseball at The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. That is where I met my wife, Kassy who is a graduate from MHS. We have been married for 3 years and have a 1 year old son.
I have volunteered as an assistant coach for the baseball for the past 2 seasons and am excited to take over the program as well as join the MHS team. In my new role, I look forward to building strong relationships to help students and athletes realize their potential and create new opportunities for themselves. I believe failure is a prerequisite for success in academics, athletics, and life. I also believe that growth is the true measure of success. With that I am honored to carry on and grow the strong tradition of Mountainburg High School. Go Dragons!"
Please join us in giving Coach Sample a warm MHS welcome. We are excited for the knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm he brings to our school community!
Mr. Sample brings a passion for education, technology, and student success, and we are thrilled to have him join our team. In his role, he will support innovative learning opportunities, enhance virtual instruction, and help students and staff make the most of educational technology.
In addition to his instructional leadership responsibilities, Mr. Sample will also be joining our athletic program as an assistant Baseball Coach. We look forward to the positive impact he will make both in the classroom and on the field.
From Coach Sample: "I am thankful and eager to join the Mountainburg High School Staff and Athletic Department. I graduated from Rogers High School in 2018 and went on to receive my bachelor’s degree and play baseball at The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. That is where I met my wife, Kassy who is a graduate from MHS. We have been married for 3 years and have a 1 year old son.
I have volunteered as an assistant coach for the baseball for the past 2 seasons and am excited to take over the program as well as join the MHS team. In my new role, I look forward to building strong relationships to help students and athletes realize their potential and create new opportunities for themselves. I believe failure is a prerequisite for success in academics, athletics, and life. I also believe that growth is the true measure of success. With that I am honored to carry on and grow the strong tradition of Mountainburg High School. Go Dragons!"
Please join us in giving Coach Sample a warm MHS welcome. We are excited for the knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm he brings to our school community!
Welcome, Mrs. Jennifer Denn!
Mountainburg Middle School is excited to welcome Mrs. Jennifer Denn as our new principal!
We are thrilled to have her leadership and vision guiding our school as we continue to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students.
From Mrs. Denn: "I am excited to begin a new chapter as the Middle School Principal at Mountainburg School District.
For the past 20 years, I have been blessed to serve students, families, and communities at Perryville School District. My journey has included 18 years in the elementary classroom and, most recently, serving as Curriculum Director, Federal Programs Coordinator, and District Testing Coordinator. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to be surrounded by a team of wonderful educators and building principals who have helped shape the educator and person I am today.
A little about me—I am a graduate of Perryville High School, where I met my husband, Troy. We were high school sweethearts and later attended Arkansas Tech University together. We have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of Parker and Blakely. Our children keep us busy, as our favorite thing to do is watch them compete in all their activities. When I’m not following my kids to a gym or field, I love to travel, especially with my Mom and two younger sisters.
The people I have met from Mountainburg have already been so welcoming, and I am looking forward to building relationships with students, staff, families, and the Mountainburg community as we work together to make this a great year. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited for what lies ahead.
Go Dragons!"
Please join us in giving Mrs. Denn a warm Mountainburg Middle School welcome. We look forward to an amazing school year ahead and all the great things to come under her leadership!
We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Christal Gilmore back to MES as a 1st-grade teacher. Mrs. Gilmore's dedication to education, passion for helping students succeed, and commitment to creating a positive learning environment make her a wonderful addition to our school community. Please join us in giving Mrs. Gilmore a warm welcome back to MES!
From Mrs. Gilmore: "I am excited to be re-joining the MES team! They have always made me feel very welcome, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them again. I will be starting my 9th year as an educator and my favorite things about the classroom are teaching my students foundational reading skills and integrating art with learning. My husband Cody and I have been married for over 30 years and we have 2 adult daughters, Chelbi and Chloe. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and listening to music. Let’s go Dragons!”
From Mrs. Gilmore: "I am excited to be re-joining the MES team! They have always made me feel very welcome, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them again. I will be starting my 9th year as an educator and my favorite things about the classroom are teaching my students foundational reading skills and integrating art with learning. My husband Cody and I have been married for over 30 years and we have 2 adult daughters, Chelbi and Chloe. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and listening to music. Let’s go Dragons!”
2026 DRAGON LITTLE LEAGUE FOOTBALL AND CHEER: Sign ups for little league football and cheer are open! Please use the link to sign up, payment link will be added soon.
If you have questions: Amber Ridenoure @ amber.ridenoure@mountainburg.org
https://forms.gle/AtWyssFhRiWyAWJN6
If you have questions: Amber Ridenoure @ amber.ridenoure@mountainburg.org
https://forms.gle/AtWyssFhRiWyAWJN6
