Acorn schools nationally recognized for outdoor learning activities

Acorn Elementary and High Schools will “kick-off” a week of outdoor learning beginning on Monday, Jan. 17 as part of the National School Choice Week celebrations. The week’s themes will include: Project Wild, where students will learn about Arkansas wildlife; Project Learning Tree, where students will learn about the outdoors; and Pause for Inspiration, where students will learn to use nature journaling to make good choices. Many activities will be conducted on the 15-acre Acorn Outdoor Classroom on campus.

Throughout the week, students will learn from speakers and presentations conducted by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission which include: Southwest Regional Educator Casey Hardaway; Project Wild Coordinator Sheila Connerly; Arkansas Project Learning Tree Director Rob Beadel; and Cossatot River State Park Interpreter and Ozark Chiquapin Board Member Victoria Young.

This event is planned to coincide with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2022, which will feature tens of thousands of school choice celebrations across all 50 states. 

“The Ouachita River School District promotes outdoor education programs for all our students. Our 15-acre outdoor classroom on the Acorn Campus provides a rich learning environment where teachers can incorporate content to make learning meaningful and relevant”, stated Kathy Rusert. 

ORSD Superintendent Jerry Strasner shared, “This is a great opportunity and celebration for our District to promote outdoor learning and enrich student learning experiences. Ouachita River School District’s purpose is to SERVE (See Everyone Receive Victory Everyday). Learning at its best!”

The Ouachita River School District has been chosen as one of 70 schools to be a “spotlight” school for this nation-wide event. National School Choice Week shines a spotlight on effective K-12 education options for children, focusing equally on traditional public, charter, magnet, online, private, and home education options. Each January, participants plan tens of thousands of celebrations—such as school fairs and open houses—to raise awareness about school choice across all 50 states. School Choice Week also develops resources and guides to K-12 education for families. As a not-for-profit effort, the Week is nonpolitical and nonpartisan and does not advocate for legislation. For more information visit schoolchoiceweek.com.

For more information relating to outdoor learning activities on the ORSD campuses, contact

Kathy Rusert at (479) 394-4833 or krusert@orsd.k12.ar.us.

Congratulations to Acorn Schools, Kathy Rusert, teachers and staff for coordinating outstanding learning activities and programming for students to celebrate National School Choice Week!

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