Happy Halloween Friday!
Thank you for the continued effort and energy you bring to your work each day. The fall semester is moving quickly, and with just over a month until the holiday break, your commitment continues to move our district toward its performance targets—steady academic growth, attendance at or above 93.5 percent, and consistent improvement in school climate and behavior. Each week brings new signs of progress, and that progress is the result of your focus, consistency, and care.
This week’s Wrap-up connects several important themes. We will look at new insights into how sleep and rest influence both learning and leadership, explore rising trends in teen anxiety and what the latest research reveals about the balance between rest and resilience, and highlight opportunities from the Arkansas Historical Association that recognize excellence in teaching and student engagement. Finally, as Halloween brings joy and creativity to our elementary schools, we are reminded that wellness and celebration are both vital parts of a healthy learning culture.
Eye-opening Data About Eye-closing (Sleep)
This week’s theme grew from a Zoom presentation I attended by Dr. Eric Saunders, who now serves with the Arkansas Activities Association and previously worked for the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as Assistant Secretary. Dr. Saunders shared compelling research on the connection between sleep, performance, and mental health—not only for students but also for educators. His presentation was a reminder that some of the most powerful interventions for well-being and achievement are also the simplest.
The data on sleep are eye-opening. Studies show that students who get fewer than seven hours of sleep a night are twice as likely to experience poor grades, difficulty focusing, and increased behavioral issues. For adults, the effects are equally strong: educators who regularly sleep fewer than six hours a night report higher levels of stress, reduced patience, and diminished ability to concentrate on complex tasks.
Sleep is not simply rest; it is recovery. During deep sleep, the brain consolidates new learning, processes emotion, and restores energy to the systems that help us think, problem-solve, and show empathy. For students, this means that the lessons we teach today are strengthened not only through review and practice but also through a good night’s sleep. For teachers, it means that our best ideas and most compassionate moments are often born from the hours we spend recharging.
Recent studies also show a concerning rise in teen anxiety and disrupted sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11 percent of U.S. children ages 3–17 have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and nearly one-third of teens report symptoms of severe anxiety. Research continues to confirm that poor sleep and excessive nighttime screen use are central contributors.
In The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt describes what he calls a “rewiring of childhood.” He explains that today’s young people face overprotection in the real world and underprotection in the virtual world, a combination that has left many students restless, overstimulated, and under-rested. He writes,
“People do not get depressed when they face threats collectively; they get depressed when they feel isolated, lonely, or useless.”
This insight connects directly to what we see in classrooms. Many students live in a state of near-constant digital stimulation yet experience fewer opportunities for connection, reflection, and rest. The same environment that floods their attention often robs them of sleep.
As educators, we can model balance. Well-rested teachers project calm, patience, and optimism. Well-rested students are more alert, more resilient, and more capable of learning. Our mission calls for prepared students, staff who are supported, and a confident community. Preparedness and confidence both depend on renewal.
When we close our eyes, our bodies and minds recover. When we open our eyes to what the data show, we recognize that the path to higher achievement includes rest as much as rigor.
The Sleep-Anxiety Connection
The following summary highlights recent research connecting the quality of sleep with rising levels of anxiety among children and adolescents. These findings help us better understand how rest, screen habits, and emotional health influence classroom performance and overall well-being. The goal is to encourage both educators and families to view healthy sleep not as a luxury, but as an essential factor in learning, behavior, and personal growth.
KEY FINDINGS
* 1 in 3 teens report experiencing symptoms of anxiety each year, and 1 in 10 children (ages 3–17) have a diagnosed anxiety disorder. (CDC, 2024)
* Adolescents who sleep less than 7 hours per night are twice as likely to show signs of poor academic performance and emotional dysregulation. (National Sleep Foundation, 2024)
* Increased nighttime screen use correlates directly with shorter sleep duration and higher anxiety levels. (Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2024)
KEY TAKEAWAY
Healthy sleep strengthens focus, mood, and learning. Encouraging balanced routines, both for students and for ourselves, builds a calmer, more confident school community.
Opportunities in Arkansas History Education
The Arkansas Historical Association is inviting submissions for two exciting opportunities that celebrate excellence in teaching and learning Arkansas history.
* James H. Atkinson Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Arkansas History – Recognizes outstanding elementary or secondary educators who teach a course in Arkansas history. The winner will receive a certificate and a $1,000 prize, with the ceremony scheduled for April 10, 2026, in Monticello.Deadline: January 15, 2026
* Student/Teacher Scholarship Grant – Supports teachers and students attending the 85th Annual Arkansas Historical Association Conference, “Arkansas at Work: Histories of Labor, Land, and Learning,” held April 9–11, 2026, in Monticello. Three $300 scholarships will be awarded to assist with lodging, meals, and registration.Deadline: February 15, 2026
More information and entry forms are available at arkansashistoricalassociation.org or by contacting renwickh@uark.edu.
Closing Celebrations
This has been an active and uplifting week across Mena Public Schools. Our elementary students enjoyed a week of excitement and creativity as classrooms celebrated Halloween with parties, costumes, and activities that brought joy to students and teachers alike. These moments remind us that learning and laughter often work hand in hand. It was also Red Ribbon Week, and I want to extend sincere appreciation to our school counselors for organizing such meaningful events and to the local businesses and organizations who provided support and sponsorships. Their partnership helps reinforce our shared message of making safe, healthy choices and staying drug-free.
Our student organizations and academic programs continue to shine in meaningful ways. The Mena FFA Chapter is representing our community proudly at the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, where their experiences have been both educational and inspiring. Mena High School juniors and seniors attended the College Fair at UA Rich Mountain, meeting representatives from colleges and universities across Arkansas and exploring future pathways. Fourth-grade GT students visited the Mena Municipal Airport to connect their Civil Air Patrol lessons to real-world aviation and career learning. These experiences reflect the dedication of our teachers and the strong partnerships that help extend classroom learning into the community.
Our athletic programs also had a strong week of competition. The Ladycat Volleyball Team completed an outstanding season, advancing to the state tournament quarterfinals and earning a conference championship along the way. The Mena Cross Country Team competed in the Tom Stuthard Top 25 Meet in Acorn, where we had two top ten finishers. Our 7th-grade and Junior High Bearcats both earned victories over Clinton last night. Bearcat Football closes out the week tonight, on Halloween, at Bob Carver Bearcat Stadium against Clinton, and we look forward to seeing a strong community turnout in support of our team.
It was a good week of discovery at Mena Public Schools.
At Mena Public Schools, our students are prepared, our staff is supported, and our community is confident.
Keep the #menareads posts and videos coming, and have a safe and restful weekend!
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