DeQueen-Mena Education Service Cooperative

Applications are open, and they are hosting informational sessions for the next several weeks. Applications close Sept 19, 2025. A great opportunity for schools to purchase kits to accompany their HQIM’s, purchase HQPL, etc. up to $10,000.

Here’s the website link: https://arkansasstemcoalition.com/programs/excellence-in-stem-grant/apply-for-excellence-in-stem-education-grant/

Application PDF (word versions available on the website): https://arkansasstemcoalition.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Request-for-Applications-16-2025-26-FINAL.pdf
#yourBESTsolution
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Foster Grandparent Program celebrates 60 years nationwide this year. Our
DMESC program celebrates 28 years.
Why do teachers want a foster grandparent in their classroom?
Here are some direct quotes:
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st
#AmericorpsSeniors
#FosterGrandparents60

Foster Grandparents are excited and READY to make a difference as they head back to school!
We gathered for dynamic workshops—watching mini educational videos and diving into lively discussions.
Let’s cheer them on as they inspire, mentor, and support the next generation.
📸 Swipe to see their smiles, teamwork, and the fun moments that brought us together!
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st
#AmericorpsSeniors
#FosterGrandparents60

Foster Grandparent Program celebrates 60 years nationwide this year. Our
DMESC program celebrates 28 years.
Why do teachers want a foster grandparent in their classroom?
Here are some direct quotes:
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st
#AmericorpsSeniors
#FosterGrandparents60

🎉📚 Welcome Back to School! 🚀✨
DMESC is excited to kick off a new school year with all our districts! Let’s make this year one of growth and learning. Together, we’re ready to inspire and support our students every step of the way.
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st

Teachers — You Don’t Have to Be “Always On” ✋
This school year, protect your time and your sanity with these quick tech boundaries:
✅ Schedule Emails — Use Gmail’s Scheduled Send so you work on your time, not everyone else’s.
✅ Do Not Disturb — Block pings after hours with Focus Mode or custom notifications.
✅ Mini Digital Breaks — Try apps like Forest or Freedom to unplug.
✅ Audit Alerts — Turn off non-urgent notifications for a calmer mind.
✅ Log Out — Remove work email from your phone after hours.
✅ Mindful Habits — Set reminders to stretch, breathe, and hydrate.

💡 Remember: Logging off isn’t laziness — it’s longevity. Your students need the best version of you, all year long.
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st

Foster Grandparent Program celebrates 60 years nationwide this year. Our
DMESC program celebrates 28 years.
Why do teachers want a foster grandparent in their classroom?
Here are some direct quotes:
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st
#AmericorpsSeniors
#FosterGrandparents60

🚀🎒 We’re officially on the road to a fantastic new school year! Our back-to-school faculty meeting was a great way to kick off the year. Mr. Weston shared some important legislative updates, and our specialists and staff brought us all up to speed with exciting program updates.
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#thinkcoop1st

#thinkcoop1st
#yourBESTsolution
We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed

It's time to go back to school! Don’t forget to reach out to DMESC for any needs that you have! If you haven’t downloaded our APP, do so NOW!
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#thinkcoop1st

Download for Android https://bit.ly/3M5v6EI
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3M7JpJ3

Our first SUB FAIR at Oden ABC was a great success!
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We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed.

Celebrating 60 Years of Foster Grandparents Making a Difference!
Why does the Foster Grandparent Program matter to you? Share your story in the comments!
#AmericorpsSeniors #Foster Grandparents60 #WhatsYourWhy
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#thinkcoop1st

DMESC is pleased to announce that DESE has been working with Pearson to transition our state from the Foundations of Reading 190 to the Foundations of Reading 890 so we can take advantage of opportunities like Free-After-Three. The change from Foundations of Reading 190 to Foundations of Reading 890 is a change in test code only. No changes have been made to the test framework or content.

Effective immediately, all candidates can register for and take Foundations of Reading 890, as this test version allows Arkansas candidates the benefits of the Free-After-Three retake policy. 

The Free-After-Three Retake Policy provides candidates who have taken Foundations of Reading 890 three times and have not yet passed to reregister for 890 at no cost.

Please note the following regarding the Series Free-After-Three retake policy:

Any test registration or administration of the 890 prior to December 5, 2023, will not count toward a free retake.
You do not need to use a voucher or any special code; the system will automatically allow eligible candidates to register for their retake for free.

You may register for free up to 12 months after the release of your most recent score report for the test.
If you are absent from your test appointment, the absence will not count toward one of the three attempts.

Candidates who are currently registered for Foundations of Reading 190 should schedule and complete their exam prior to August 31, 2025.

Candidates can register for the 890 by clicking the test name under the heading “Series Test Name and Code” here: https://www.nestest.com/state/ar.

🌟 Huge thanks to DeQueen School District for having DMESC at this morning’s kickoff with keynote speaker Tyler Tarver! His motivational message was just what was needed to start the year strong. 🚀
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#LeopardPride

Paraprofessional needed in Acorn area

Applicant must have a CDA, or have willingness to obtain it within 1 year. Applicant must pass background checks, provide references, work well in a team, enjoy working with children, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. Please send resume to Kelli Parson at kelli.parson@dmesc.org.

🌟 August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month! Let’s make sure our little ones see the world clearly! Remember to schedule regular eye exams and teach them about the importance of eye safety while playing. 🏀📚
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st

Day 2 of our Novice Teacher Institute - Educators left equipped with invaluable strategies and tools to create effective learning environments from keynote speaker, John Wink. 💡 #yourBESTsolution #thinkcoop1st We Serve and Support our Schools so that ALL Students Succeed.

🌟 Hello August! 🍎✨
As we gear up for a new school year, let’s embrace the fresh opportunities and adventures ahead. Educators, your passion shapes the future—let's make this month count!
#yourBESTsolution
#thinkcoop1st