For the fourth consecutive year, the Izard County STEM School District has received the 21st Century Grant that supports a comprehensive before-and after-school learning program! With this grant, we provide literacy and math intervention, homework assistance, tutoring, STEM enrichment, family engagement opportunities, transportation, and summer programming. Students are also provided a snack during the program.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that IC STEM 5/6 language arts teacher, Alicia Pepper, has been named the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Director for our school! Ms. Pepper graduated magna cum laude from Emporia State University, and has earned High Reliability Teacher and LETRS certifications. She previously served as the 21st Century Site Coordinator before being named Grant Director.
Ms. Pepper said, "I am passionate about creating opportunities that allow our students to explore, discover, and develop new interests through experiences they may not otherwise have during the regular school day. I’m especially excited to continue growing the program’s STEM, career exploration, and family engagement opportunities."
IC's June summer academic camp centered on the themes Ecosystem Explorers and Survival Engineers, engaging students in hands-on STEM activities focused on ecosystems, wildlife, engineering, outdoor skills, and real-world problem-solving.
Students also enjoyed educational visits from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, including exploration of the Commission’s mobile cave exhibit and hands-on activities that taught students about Arkansas wildlife, animal tracks, and conservation.
Ms. Pepper said, "We’re excited to continue our summer programming with a second session on July 20–24 and July 27–31. This session will feature the themes River Rangers and Skywatchers & Flight Engineers, with hands-on STEM activities, special visitors, and opportunities for students to explore, create, and solve problems together."
Additionally, we are excited to announce that IC STEM 5/6 language arts teacher, Alicia Pepper, has been named the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Director for our school! Ms. Pepper graduated magna cum laude from Emporia State University, and has earned High Reliability Teacher and LETRS certifications. She previously served as the 21st Century Site Coordinator before being named Grant Director.
Ms. Pepper said, "I am passionate about creating opportunities that allow our students to explore, discover, and develop new interests through experiences they may not otherwise have during the regular school day. I’m especially excited to continue growing the program’s STEM, career exploration, and family engagement opportunities."
IC's June summer academic camp centered on the themes Ecosystem Explorers and Survival Engineers, engaging students in hands-on STEM activities focused on ecosystems, wildlife, engineering, outdoor skills, and real-world problem-solving.
Students also enjoyed educational visits from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, including exploration of the Commission’s mobile cave exhibit and hands-on activities that taught students about Arkansas wildlife, animal tracks, and conservation.
Ms. Pepper said, "We’re excited to continue our summer programming with a second session on July 20–24 and July 27–31. This session will feature the themes River Rangers and Skywatchers & Flight Engineers, with hands-on STEM activities, special visitors, and opportunities for students to explore, create, and solve problems together."
Thank you to the Arkansas Farm Bureau Foundation for your continued support! We are excited to begin our second year of the Elementary Ag Education Pilot Program with Kish Pool continuing to help our students learn and grow in agriculture. This year, Izard County STEM Elementary School will be receiving an Egg Hatching Kit and a Hydroponic Grow Kit! This will give our school additional opportunities to educate students about poultry and growing plants.
The Egg Hatching Educational Grant includes:
· 18-egg incubator with egg candler, temperature & humidity control
·Brooder box with heat lamp, chick perch and feeder.
· Chicken Life Cycle Learning Set
· $50 Visa Gift Card to purchase: eggs, feed and shavings
· 2 Educational Books
· 100 Poultry Ag Readers
· Egg Hatching Record Forms
· Fact Sheet and Step-by-Step Instructions
The Hydroponic Grow Kit includes:
· 1 LED Grow Light
· 1 Seed Pod Kit
· 2 accurate ag books and educator guides
· The Soil in Jackie’s Garden
· I Love Blueberries
· Blueberry seeds
· 50 bookmarks with seeded paper
·100 coloring pages
· 50 bookmarks with seeded paper
The Egg Hatching Educational Grant includes:
· 18-egg incubator with egg candler, temperature & humidity control
·Brooder box with heat lamp, chick perch and feeder.
· Chicken Life Cycle Learning Set
· $50 Visa Gift Card to purchase: eggs, feed and shavings
· 2 Educational Books
· 100 Poultry Ag Readers
· Egg Hatching Record Forms
· Fact Sheet and Step-by-Step Instructions
The Hydroponic Grow Kit includes:
· 1 LED Grow Light
· 1 Seed Pod Kit
· 2 accurate ag books and educator guides
· The Soil in Jackie’s Garden
· I Love Blueberries
· Blueberry seeds
· 50 bookmarks with seeded paper
·100 coloring pages
· 50 bookmarks with seeded paper
🎓 Congratulations to Our Walker Family Scholarship Recipients! 🎓
Whitley Smith and Akynna Nielsen, both 2026 graduates of Izard County High School, have been selected as this year's recipients of the Walker Family Scholarships.
Each year, Fred and Michelle Walker award these $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Izard County High School in honor of their three sons—Steven, Ryan, and Andrew—all proud graduates of Izard County High School. Their continued generosity helps support local students as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.
Whitley, the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, will attend Oklahoma State University this fall.
Akynna, the Class of 2026 Salutatorian, will attend Ozarka College this fall.
Congratulations to Whitley and Akynna on this well-deserved honor, and thank you to Fred and Michelle Walker for investing in the future of our students and continuing their family's legacy of supporting Cougar Nation!
Whitley Smith and Akynna Nielsen, both 2026 graduates of Izard County High School, have been selected as this year's recipients of the Walker Family Scholarships.
Each year, Fred and Michelle Walker award these $500 scholarships to graduating seniors from Izard County High School in honor of their three sons—Steven, Ryan, and Andrew—all proud graduates of Izard County High School. Their continued generosity helps support local students as they begin the next chapter of their educational journeys.
Whitley, the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, will attend Oklahoma State University this fall.
Akynna, the Class of 2026 Salutatorian, will attend Ozarka College this fall.
Congratulations to Whitley and Akynna on this well-deserved honor, and thank you to Fred and Michelle Walker for investing in the future of our students and continuing their family's legacy of supporting Cougar Nation!
Congratulations to Allison Hatman, a 2026 graduate of Izard County High School, on being selected as a recipient of the ICC Alumni Scholarship!
This $500 scholarship is awarded each year to graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence while actively participating in school activities throughout their high school career.
An Honor Graduate, Allison will attend Ozarka College this fall to pursue a degree in nursing. She has already earned an impressive 38 college credit hours while still in high school, giving her a tremendous head start on her college journey.
Congratulations, Allison!
This $500 scholarship is awarded each year to graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence while actively participating in school activities throughout their high school career.
An Honor Graduate, Allison will attend Ozarka College this fall to pursue a degree in nursing. She has already earned an impressive 38 college credit hours while still in high school, giving her a tremendous head start on her college journey.
Congratulations, Allison!
Congratulations to Whitley Smith, a 2026 graduate of Izard County High School, on being selected as the recipient of the Janice Blankenship Memorial Scholarship!
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to an Izard County senior who has demonstrated excellence both academically and through involvement in extracurricular activities. The scholarship honors the memory of Janice Blankenship, a devoted supporter of the Izard County School District and Cougar Nation whose passion for our students and school community continues to make a lasting impact.
Whitley graduated as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian and will continue her academic journey this fall at Oklahoma State University.
Congratulations, Whitley!
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded each year to an Izard County senior who has demonstrated excellence both academically and through involvement in extracurricular activities. The scholarship honors the memory of Janice Blankenship, a devoted supporter of the Izard County School District and Cougar Nation whose passion for our students and school community continues to make a lasting impact.
Whitley graduated as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian and will continue her academic journey this fall at Oklahoma State University.
Congratulations, Whitley!
🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day, Cougar Nation! ❤️🤍💙
Today, we proudly celebrate 250 years of American independence—a milestone that reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and vision of those who helped shape our nation.
We hope your Fourth of July is filled with joy, laughter, and lasting memories. Stay safe, enjoy the celebration, and have a wonderful holiday!
From all of us at Izard County STEM Schools, Happy 250th Birthday, America, and Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
Have a great day!
Today, we proudly celebrate 250 years of American independence—a milestone that reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and vision of those who helped shape our nation.
We hope your Fourth of July is filled with joy, laughter, and lasting memories. Stay safe, enjoy the celebration, and have a wonderful holiday!
From all of us at Izard County STEM Schools, Happy 250th Birthday, America, and Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
Have a great day!
📣 Incoming freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors - this is for you! If you're interested in taking concurrent enrollment courses through our partnership with Ozarka College, please make plans to attend this upcoming event and encourage your parent/guardian to do the same. This is a great way to learn about the classes available, time to fill out the admissions application, take the ACCUPLACER if needed, and get registered at no cost to you! For more info, please email: manda.jackson@iccougars.org
⏰️ If you need a later arrival time than 5 PM, please let Mrs. Jackson know and we will try to accomodate.
Will you be joining Cougar Nation this school year? We look forward to meeting you at New Student Registration on July 29, from 9-noon!
We are excited to share that Izard County STEM School will once again be providing school supplies for all of our students in the 2026-27 school year!
🎒 Every student - Every day - Whatever it takes 🍎
🏐 Attention, Volleyball Players!
The wait is almost over! The first practices for the 2026 volleyball season are set for Monday, July 6.
Practice Times:
🏐 Senior High (Grades 10–12): 9:00 AM
🏐 Junior High (Grades 7–9): 10:30 AM
Coach McBride will hand out the remaining summer practice schedule during these first practices.
We can't wait to get the season started and see everyone back in the gym! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
The wait is almost over! The first practices for the 2026 volleyball season are set for Monday, July 6.
Practice Times:
🏐 Senior High (Grades 10–12): 9:00 AM
🏐 Junior High (Grades 7–9): 10:30 AM
Coach McBride will hand out the remaining summer practice schedule during these first practices.
We can't wait to get the season started and see everyone back in the gym! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
To register your 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th grade student for Mighty Might Cheer, please complete this form:
https://forms.gle/zaJwtrCh7KLcWFLc7
Please make checks payable to ICC and mail to:
ICC Mighty Might Cheer
Attn: Manda Jackson
PO Box 115
Brockwell, AR 72517
https://forms.gle/zaJwtrCh7KLcWFLc7
Please make checks payable to ICC and mail to:
ICC Mighty Might Cheer
Attn: Manda Jackson
PO Box 115
Brockwell, AR 72517
🏆 Sports Performance University is almost here! 🏆
Don't miss your chance to get signed up in time to guarantee your camp t-shirt!
📅 July 7 & 8
👟 Open to ALL area students entering 1st-6th grade for the 2026-2027 school year (not limited to IC STEM students!)
Campers will get hands-on instruction and practice in:
🏀 Basketball
🏈 Football
⚾ Baseball
🥎 Softball
⚽ Soccer
🏐 Volleyball
💲 Only $30 per child — and that includes a camp t-shirt!
Whether you're returning for another year or joining us for the very first time, we can't wait to see you! Sports Performance University is all about helping young athletes build skills, confidence, and friendships while having a great time.
⏰ Sign up by June 30 to guarantee your camp t-shirt!
https://forms.gle/8L6mMhzBZSztxRtT7
Don't miss your chance to get signed up in time to guarantee your camp t-shirt!
📅 July 7 & 8
👟 Open to ALL area students entering 1st-6th grade for the 2026-2027 school year (not limited to IC STEM students!)
Campers will get hands-on instruction and practice in:
🏀 Basketball
🏈 Football
⚾ Baseball
🥎 Softball
⚽ Soccer
🏐 Volleyball
💲 Only $30 per child — and that includes a camp t-shirt!
Whether you're returning for another year or joining us for the very first time, we can't wait to see you! Sports Performance University is all about helping young athletes build skills, confidence, and friendships while having a great time.
⏰ Sign up by June 30 to guarantee your camp t-shirt!
https://forms.gle/8L6mMhzBZSztxRtT7
We're excited to welcome Brooke Kimble to Cougar Nation as the newest member of our nursing team!
Brooke brings nine years of nursing experience and recently earned her RN. Originally from Texas, she moved back to Arkansas in 2012 after graduating and has been serving others ever since.
Brooke and her husband, Richard, are celebrating 10 years of marriage this year. Together they have one son and four bonus children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, fishing, and making trips back to Texas whenever she gets the chance to visit loved ones.
Please join us in giving Brooke a warm Cougar welcome! We're excited to have her caring for our students and staff this school year. 🖤🐾
Brooke brings nine years of nursing experience and recently earned her RN. Originally from Texas, she moved back to Arkansas in 2012 after graduating and has been serving others ever since.
Brooke and her husband, Richard, are celebrating 10 years of marriage this year. Together they have one son and four bonus children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, fishing, and making trips back to Texas whenever she gets the chance to visit loved ones.
Please join us in giving Brooke a warm Cougar welcome! We're excited to have her caring for our students and staff this school year. 🖤🐾
Cougar Nation - we're excited to introduce our 2026-27 Cheer Coaches! Kensey Wheat will serve as the Jr and Sr High cheer coach. Manda Jackson will be our Mighty Might Cheer program coordinator, as well as 5th and 6th grade MM cheer coach. New to our school is Katie Callahan, and she will coach 3rd and 4th grade Mighty Might cheerleaders. Mighty Might Cheer registration information will be released very soon, so stay tuned for that. Please help us welcome all of these ladies to their new coaching roles!
Please join us in congratulating Michelle as she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime this week with the Arkansas Ambassadors of Music on their European Tour!
Michelle has worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity. Throughout the school year, she faithfully worked at her job, saving every penny toward this unforgettable experience. She was also blessed by the generosity and support of our amazing community, whose contributions helped make this dream a reality.
A special thank you goes to her parents, Anthony Wallis and Shawny Kimble of Melbourne, for their unwavering support, encouragement, and dedication in helping make this trip possible.
As Michelle begins this exciting journey, we wish her safe travels as she explores new countries, experiences different cultures, and soaks in all of the sights, music, and memories that Europe has to offer. We know she will represent our school, community, and family with pride.
Good luck, Michelle! We cannot wait to hear about your incredible experiences and see all the memories you make along the way.
Congratulations to the 35 Izard County STEM teachers who earned State Merit Pay Awards this year! Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to student success has been recognized at the state level, and we are proud of your outstanding achievement.
While we celebrate these individual accomplishments, we also want to thank ALL of our teachers and staff for their contribution to student success. Your committment to 'Every Student, Every Day, Whatever It Takes' is unparalled, and we appreciate you!
🌿🏆 Big News for Our Preschool Team! 🏆🌿
Congratulations to the Izard County Consolidated STEM Pre-K for earning designation as an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission School of Conservation Leadership!
Out of 65 schools participating in the program this year, only 31 schools statewide received this prestigious recognition. This designation honors schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to conservation education, outdoor learning, and helping students develop a lifelong appreciation for Arkansas’s natural resources.
In addition to this recognition, our preschool has been awarded $1,000 in outdoor education equipment to continue expanding hands-on learning opportunities for our youngest Cougars.
We are incredibly proud of our preschool staff and students as well as STEM Coordinator Courtney Selph for their dedication to learning, exploring, and caring for the world around them. Their efforts are helping build the next generation of conservationists!
🌿🐾 Way to go, Preschool Team! 🐾🌿
#CougarNation #STEMPreK #SchoolOfConservationLeadership ##ArkansasGameAndFish
We are excited to see that some of our Izard County STEM employees have been nominated for Areawide News' Best of Area Wide 2026! Help them win by casting your votes under the EDUCATION and PEOPLE & PLACES categories! Good luck to Greg Workman, Billy McBride, Manda Jackson, and Izard County STEM Preschool!
https://www.areawidenews.com/cr-dep-best-of/?event_token=92b4e7c517a17e7a&fbclid=IwdGRjcAShU3hjbGNrBKFTL2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHmQVm5RWhqj4j7H2Ecqn2fMVzoRSPesZLoX8lakMclMMaKg6JAXoOmpPHD9w_aem_rVyOZXSQUvVX6VRAFaN1hg
Congratulations to Caden Wiseman, recipient of the Violet Hill Class of 1969 Scholarship! Caden plans to use this $1,000 scholarship to further his career at Ozarka College.
Congratulations to Class of 2026 member Olivia Spray, who has been named the first recipient of the Marie Walker Memorial Scholarship!
Olivia has been a standout athlete for the Lady Cougars throughout her high school career, earning All-State and All-State Tournament honors while helping lead the Lady Cougars to the 2025 2A State Championship. Her commitment to excellence has made a lasting impact on our basketball program and school community.
This fall, Olivia will continue both her academic and athletic careers at John Brown University, where she will play basketball for the Golden Eagles.
We are incredibly proud of Olivia and know she will continue to accomplish great things at the next level. Congratulations, Liv, on this well-deserved honor, and thank you to the Walker family for creating an opportunity that will benefit students for generations to come.
#CougarNation #OnceACougarAlwaysACougar 🏀🎓
Olivia has been a standout athlete for the Lady Cougars throughout her high school career, earning All-State and All-State Tournament honors while helping lead the Lady Cougars to the 2025 2A State Championship. Her commitment to excellence has made a lasting impact on our basketball program and school community.
This fall, Olivia will continue both her academic and athletic careers at John Brown University, where she will play basketball for the Golden Eagles.
We are incredibly proud of Olivia and know she will continue to accomplish great things at the next level. Congratulations, Liv, on this well-deserved honor, and thank you to the Walker family for creating an opportunity that will benefit students for generations to come.
#CougarNation #OnceACougarAlwaysACougar 🏀🎓
