Congratulations to Grover Hill, named the 2026 DMESC Superintendent of the Year for the Arkansas Rural Education Association! 🎉
The award was presented by Benny Weston in recognition of outstanding leadership and dedication to Dierks Public Schools. 👏
#thinkcoop1st #yourBESTsolution #outlawstrong
14 days ago, DMESC
Grover Hill, DMESC Superintendent of the Year 2026
Contact Shannon Miller for more information! Earn your teaching license with ArPEP and begin earning a full-time teacher salary next fall!
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st
We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed.
14 days ago, DMESC
ArPEP
🔥 Building the Future Workforce—One Weld at a Time! 🔥

Today was an incredible day on the campus of Southern Arkansas University as students from across the region came together for an AWS Welding Certification Event!

A total of 65 students representing three service cooperative regions stepped into the lab ready to put their skills to the test. We were proud to have 17 students representing the De Queen–Mena Education Service Cooperative (DMESC) as part of this outstanding group.

This event is a perfect example of what is possible when education and industry partnerships come together with purpose. It would not have been possible without the collaboration between:
✅ Local school districts
✅ Service Cooperatives (DMESC, SWESC, SCESC)
✅ Southern Arkansas University
✅ Industry partners

A huge thank you to the United Welding Institute in Pottsville, AR, whose instructors traveled to SAU to provide hands-on instruction and on-site AWS certification testing inside the SAU Agri facilities. Their expertise and commitment to students made a lasting impact.

Events like this go beyond certification. They build confidence, develop technical skills, and open doors to high-wage, high-demand career opportunities for our students.

We are proud of every student who stepped up to the challenge today. The future of the skilled workforce in Arkansas is bright!

#thinkcoop1st #yourBESTsolution
#CTEWorks #AWS #WorkforceReady #StudentSuccess #SkilledTrades #PartnershipsMatter
17 days ago, DMESC
Welding
Welding
Welding
Welding
Welding
☀️ Outdoor Learning in Action! 🎶🌿

Our infant and toddler program at ABC Pre-K in Ashdown, created by Laquita Mullins, is making the most of beautiful days with hands-on, engaging outdoor play!

From exploring sounds on our sensory music wall to building fine motor skills and creativity, our little learners are actively discovering the world around them. 💡🎵

These meaningful play experiences support early development by encouraging curiosity, communication, and problem-solving—all while having FUN!

We love seeing our children engaged, smiling, and learning through play every day. 💛
#thinkcoop1st #LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
#ABCPreK #WeAreAshdown #EarlyChildhoodEducation #LearningThroughPlay #OutdoorLearning #HLPinAction
17 days ago, DMESC
Ashdown Preschool
Principals, ready to grow your team?
Send a teacher leader to this training to become an Experience Mentor Teacher and help build a culture of coaching and support on your campus.
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st
17 days ago, DMESC
John Wink training

Lesson plans: OFF
Alarms: OFF
Relaxation mode: ON ☀️😎

Enjoy your Spring Break—you’ve earned it! 💚
Whether it’s the river, the woods, or just some quiet time outside, take advantage of the beauty all around us. 🌿

#thinkcoop1st #yourBESTsolution

17 days ago, DMESC
spring break
The ACTC team is so thankful to WRS for hosting the Security Summit last week! 🔐
The opportunity to collaborate, network, and learn more about protecting our districts and co-ops in the ever-changing cybersecurity world is invaluable. We truly appreciate your continued partnership and support!
#thinkcoop1st #yourBESTsolution #WRS
17 days ago, DMESC
WRS Security Summit
🌷 Hello, Spring! 🌷

Mr. Weston and Mrs. Dana are officially celebrating the First Day of Spring! After a long stretch of winter, we’re ready for sunshine, fresh starts, and brighter days ahead. Here’s to warmer weather and all the great things this season brings! 🌼
#thinkcoop1st #yourBESTsolution
18 days ago, DMESC
1st day of spring
Checkmate, Day 2! ♟️
The DMESC Chess Tournament Invitational wrapped up with another round of impressive strategy and competition.
Congratulations to today’s winners and to all participants for a fantastic tournament! 👏
#thinkcoop1st #yourBESTsolution
18 days ago, DMESC
chess tournament
chess tournament
Checkmate! ♟️ Day 1 of the DMESC Chess Tournament Invitational brought some serious strategy to the board.
Congrats to today’s winners—we’re just getting started! 👏

#thinkcoop1st
#yourBESTsolution
18 days ago, DMESC
chess tournament
chess tournament
Job Title: Psychological Examiner
Reports To: Coop Director or Designee
Contract Length: 200 Days

JOB SUMMARY:
The Psychological Evaluator is responsible for assessing and evaluating students from
pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. Interviewing, observing, administering, and interpreting
standardized testing instruments that measure cognitive and academic abilities, or describe behavior, personality characteristics, attitude, or aptitude, to assist participating districts in
determining eligibility for special education services, placement, or conducting re-evaluations.
For a detailed job description, go to https://www.dmesc.org/page/employment
#thinkcoop1st
20 days ago, DMESC
Job Opening
You don’t need luck when you have a great team beside you. 🍀
Remember… when challenges pop up, always #thinkcoop1st!
#yourBESTsolution
21 days ago, DMESC
St. Patrick's Day

🎉 Building the Future of Education in Southwest Arkansas! 🍎

DMESC was proud to host 18 Pre-Educator students from De Queen High School as they took an important step toward their future careers in education.

These students sat for the ParaPro Exam, one of the first major milestones on their journey to becoming the next generation of teachers and coaches for our schools. Seeing these future educators take this step is an exciting reminder that the future of education is already sitting in our classrooms today.

The momentum behind the Pre-Educator Pathway continues to grow across our cooperative. 11 of the 12 DMESC member districts are now offering the Pre-Educator Pathway, creating opportunities for students to begin preparing for careers in education while still in high school.

At DMESC, we are committed to helping our districts build their own teacher pipeline, supporting students who want to return to their communities and serve the next generation.

👏 We are proud of these students and cannot wait to see the impact they will have in our classrooms in the years ahead.

#thinkcoop1st
#FutureEducators #TeacherPipeline #GrowYourOwn
#LeopardPride

22 days ago, DMESC
ParaPro Testing
ParaPro Testing
Exciting News from Our Early Childhood Special Education Team!
We're thrilled to announce that our team is attending the National CEC Convention in Salt Lake City!
We are eager to learn about the latest in inclusion strategies, AAC communication, and positive behavior approaches in education.
This opportunity will enhance our skills and knowledge, enabling us to support our students better. Stay tuned for updates as we share our experiences and insights! Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of the children we serve.
#thinkcoop1st
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures
22 days ago, DMESC
Early Childhood Program
The cubes were turning fast at our Annual DMESC Cubing Competition!
Students from across the region showcased their speed, strategy, and problem-solving skills as they competed in both solo and team divisions. The focus and determination at the tables were impressive to watch!
Congratulations to all of our competitors . We’re proud of these students for taking on the challenge and advancing their cubing skills.
#thinkcoop1st
22 days ago, DMESC
cubing competition
cubing competition
cubing competition
cubing competition
March 9-13 is Americorps Week. This week is set aside to recognize volunteers through Americorps who have chosen to serve their communities by serving. Our DMESC Foster Grandparent Program is part of the Americorps federal organization.

We so appreciate our foster grandparents and all they do for the students in our DMESC schools. They share lots of their time, love, attention, and compassion with those students. Our grandparent volunteers also do service projects for their communities like filling food pantries in the area and making blankets for cancer patients in our hospitals.

#AmericorpsSeniors
#FosterGrandparents60
#thinkcoop1st

26 days ago, DMESC
Foster Grandparents
Foster Grandparents
Foster Grandparents
Foster Grandparents
Foster Grandparents
#thinkcoop1st
#yourBESTsolution
We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed
28 days ago, DMESC
board meeting

This past week Oden Preschool enjoyed lots of reading and activities in celebration of Dr. Seuss Week! Our students loved having special guest readers and also enjoyed being guests of the elementary students.
A special thank you to Mrs. Bergum, Coach Kennedy, Jennifer Barrett, and Whitney Starr for helping make this week one to remember.
The love of reading truly begins early, and we are so thankful for those who help inspire it in our students.
#thinkcoop1st
#LittleStepsBigFuture
#BuildingBrightFutures

29 days ago, DMESC
Oden Preschool
Oden Preschool
Oden Preschool
Oden Preschool
⏰ **Daylight Saving Time Reminder!**
Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour this weekend! 🌞

A little less sleep, but longer evenings ahead!

#thinkcoop1st #yourBESTsolution
about 1 month ago, DMESC
daylight savings time
🔧💙 Happy Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day! 🔧💙
We’re so thankful for our incredible maintenance crew who keep our preschools running smoothly, our campus in top shape, and are always willing to jump in and help with student competitions and events. Your hard work behind the scenes makes everything possible—and we truly appreciate you!
#thinkcoop1st #yourBESTsolution
about 1 month ago, DMESC
Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day