The rainy weather has put a hold on tonight's games... they'll be played next Wednesday, March 18th!
Thank you to Northcentral Arkansas Education Center and Ozarka College for hosting a mock interview event! IC seniors Billy Davis, Akynna Nielsen, Jamie Riggs, Sabastion Robbins, and Caden Wiseman had the opportunity to practice their interview skills with industry professionals and participate in a presentation about post-interview tips, the importance of soft skills, and other helpful information.
The Izard County Elementary Quiz Bowl team placed 3rd at the Mountain Home Invitational Tournament today, finishing the day with a strong 4–3 record!
Emerson Bellandi led the team with an average of 6.2 points per game, while Devin Raith added 5.7 points per game. Great performances by both students!
Congratulations to the entire team for their effort and contributions to today’s success!
Team Members:
Emerson Bellandi, Avery Treat, Devin Raith, Sebastian Briggs, Sebastian Cole, Baylen Toth, Jagger Roberts, Layla Barnes, Rylee Wood, Belle Pratt, and Alyssa Cohn.
We’re proud of this group and the way they represented Izard County! 👏📚
Reminder: Parent Teacher Conferences are on Thursday, March 12, from 2-6 PM. School will dismiss at 1:00 PM and there will be no After School Program.
Get ready for a FULL week, Cougar Nation! We do have several changes from the original posted schedules... this is an up-to-date schedule for all sports this week!
As always, with spring weather and outside sports, there could always be last-minute changes to the schedules... we'll always let you know right away when any changes are made! Check back often for updates!
As always, with spring weather and outside sports, there could always be last-minute changes to the schedules... we'll always let you know right away when any changes are made! Check back often for updates!
Spring Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 AM on March 8, 2026. Spring those clocks ahead an hour before going to bed tonight!
Cougar Career Takeover – A Day in the Life of Local Careers
Next Friday, March 13, Izard County STEM students in grades 5–12 will participate in our Cougar Career Takeover, an interactive career exploration experience designed to connect students with real professionals from our community.
Rather than a traditional career fair, this event is designed to give students a “day in the life” experience. Students will rotate through scheduled time slots where they will participate in hands-on simulations, problem-solving activities, and real-world scenarios led by professionals in a variety of career fields.
Community partners will guide students through engaging activities that highlight both the skills and knowledge required in their careers and the pathways available to students after graduation.
Our participating partners include:
• Ozarka College Career Planning Services – Kendra Smith & Candice Shaver
Students will participate in a Marshmallow Tower/Bridge challenge, focusing on teamwork, communication, and essential workplace soft skills.
• FNBC Bank – Deana Taylor & Erica Cooper
Students will explore real-world banking scenarios, learning about financial decision-making and money management.
• Mustard Seed Landscaping
Students will dive into Landscaping 101, exploring design, planning, and the science behind landscape work.
• NAEC (North Arkansas Electric Cooperative)
Students will get hands-on experience with energy auditing equipment, learning how professionals evaluate energy use and efficiency.
• North Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative – Kyle Tardiff
Students will explore STEM and science applications used in education and workforce fields.
• Arkansas Department of Health – Dental Hygiene
Students will learn about oral health careers and preventative care practices.
• Izard County Health Coalition
Students will participate in a public health slogan activity, highlighting the importance of community health awareness.
• UAMS – Chris Mosely
Students will explore healthcare careers and medical scenarios, gaining insight into the healthcare field.
The Cougar Career Takeover is designed to help students see how the skills they are learning in school connect to real careers in our region. Through partnerships with local professionals and organizations, ICC students are able to explore career pathways, develop soft skills, and begin thinking about their futures beyond the classroom.
We are incredibly grateful for the community partners who are investing their time to inspire the next generation of Cougars!
Next Friday, March 13, Izard County STEM students in grades 5–12 will participate in our Cougar Career Takeover, an interactive career exploration experience designed to connect students with real professionals from our community.
Rather than a traditional career fair, this event is designed to give students a “day in the life” experience. Students will rotate through scheduled time slots where they will participate in hands-on simulations, problem-solving activities, and real-world scenarios led by professionals in a variety of career fields.
Community partners will guide students through engaging activities that highlight both the skills and knowledge required in their careers and the pathways available to students after graduation.
Our participating partners include:
• Ozarka College Career Planning Services – Kendra Smith & Candice Shaver
Students will participate in a Marshmallow Tower/Bridge challenge, focusing on teamwork, communication, and essential workplace soft skills.
• FNBC Bank – Deana Taylor & Erica Cooper
Students will explore real-world banking scenarios, learning about financial decision-making and money management.
• Mustard Seed Landscaping
Students will dive into Landscaping 101, exploring design, planning, and the science behind landscape work.
• NAEC (North Arkansas Electric Cooperative)
Students will get hands-on experience with energy auditing equipment, learning how professionals evaluate energy use and efficiency.
• North Arkansas Educational Service Cooperative – Kyle Tardiff
Students will explore STEM and science applications used in education and workforce fields.
• Arkansas Department of Health – Dental Hygiene
Students will learn about oral health careers and preventative care practices.
• Izard County Health Coalition
Students will participate in a public health slogan activity, highlighting the importance of community health awareness.
• UAMS – Chris Mosely
Students will explore healthcare careers and medical scenarios, gaining insight into the healthcare field.
The Cougar Career Takeover is designed to help students see how the skills they are learning in school connect to real careers in our region. Through partnerships with local professionals and organizations, ICC students are able to explore career pathways, develop soft skills, and begin thinking about their futures beyond the classroom.
We are incredibly grateful for the community partners who are investing their time to inspire the next generation of Cougars!
Results are finally official!
Several of our Izard County FFA teams recently competed at the Arkansas FFA Eastern District Career Development Events (CDEs) held at Arkansas State University. These events provide students with the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom through hands-on competitions that strengthen technical skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world career readiness in agriculture.
Our students have been working diligently for months preparing for these contests—studying, practicing, and sharpening their skills. Their dedication and commitment to excellence truly showed, and we are incredibly proud of the effort each of them has put in this year.
We had the following teams represent Izard County:
Farm Business Management
Danielle Hollingsworth, Tinlee Gilbreath, Mackenzie Stillman, & Destiny Wisecarver
Forestry
Brooks Wheat, Kane Johnson, Gage Nielsen, Benton Owens, & Trinnity Tillery
Horse Evaluation
Macy Brantley, Kacee Morehead, Chloe West, Tiffany Monk, & Jacee Morehead
Livestock Evaluation
Maddie Tanner, Whitley Smith, Akynna Nielsen, Abby Drolinger, & Landon Gross
Milk Quality & Products
Carsen Cooper, Bobby Tate, Trenton Gilbreath, Corbin Smith, Addie Tanner, & Erick Canelo
Poultry Evaluation
Keylon Gross, Payson Speake, Emery Howard, Lily Carpenter, & Maya Vargara
We are excited to announce that five of these teams have qualified to advance to the State CDE competition in April! This is a huge accomplishment and a testament to the countless hours of preparation these students have invested.
A special congratulations goes to Keylon Gross, who earned 7th High Individual in Poultry, and Jacee Morehead, who placed 8th High Individual in Horse Evaluation. Outstanding work!
We are incredibly proud of all of our students who competed. Their hard work, teamwork, and determination continue to represent Izard County FFA and our school with excellence.
Next stop: State! 🌟🐾
Several of our Izard County FFA teams recently competed at the Arkansas FFA Eastern District Career Development Events (CDEs) held at Arkansas State University. These events provide students with the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom through hands-on competitions that strengthen technical skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and real-world career readiness in agriculture.
Our students have been working diligently for months preparing for these contests—studying, practicing, and sharpening their skills. Their dedication and commitment to excellence truly showed, and we are incredibly proud of the effort each of them has put in this year.
We had the following teams represent Izard County:
Farm Business Management
Danielle Hollingsworth, Tinlee Gilbreath, Mackenzie Stillman, & Destiny Wisecarver
Forestry
Brooks Wheat, Kane Johnson, Gage Nielsen, Benton Owens, & Trinnity Tillery
Horse Evaluation
Macy Brantley, Kacee Morehead, Chloe West, Tiffany Monk, & Jacee Morehead
Livestock Evaluation
Maddie Tanner, Whitley Smith, Akynna Nielsen, Abby Drolinger, & Landon Gross
Milk Quality & Products
Carsen Cooper, Bobby Tate, Trenton Gilbreath, Corbin Smith, Addie Tanner, & Erick Canelo
Poultry Evaluation
Keylon Gross, Payson Speake, Emery Howard, Lily Carpenter, & Maya Vargara
We are excited to announce that five of these teams have qualified to advance to the State CDE competition in April! This is a huge accomplishment and a testament to the countless hours of preparation these students have invested.
A special congratulations goes to Keylon Gross, who earned 7th High Individual in Poultry, and Jacee Morehead, who placed 8th High Individual in Horse Evaluation. Outstanding work!
We are incredibly proud of all of our students who competed. Their hard work, teamwork, and determination continue to represent Izard County FFA and our school with excellence.
Next stop: State! 🌟🐾
No Junior High Softball tonight!
#EASTcon26 has announced the second round of finalists, and we have two more students to congratulate - Akynna Nielsen and Shay Quillman! Their final placing will be announced later this month and we can hardly wait. Good luck, ladies!
🏀 IT’S GAMEDAY, COUGAR NATION!
We couldn’t be more proud of this team and the way they’ve battled all season to earn their spot!
Let’s wish these guys the best of luck as they take the court and represent Cougar Nation. Play hard, stay focused, and leave it all on the floor!
Good luck, Cougars — we’re behind you all the way! 🐾
TICKETS: https://gofan.co/app/school/AR18670
LIVESTREAM: CentralSportsNetwork.org/watch
We couldn’t be more proud of this team and the way they’ve battled all season to earn their spot!
Let’s wish these guys the best of luck as they take the court and represent Cougar Nation. Play hard, stay focused, and leave it all on the floor!
Good luck, Cougars — we’re behind you all the way! 🐾
TICKETS: https://gofan.co/app/school/AR18670
LIVESTREAM: CentralSportsNetwork.org/watch
#EASTcon26 has announced the first round of finalists, one being Payson Speake from Izard County STEM School!
Read more about Payson's project on our student-made EAST website:
https://sites.google.com/iccougars.org/cougarinnovation/tightline?authuser=0
Good luck, Payson! We look forward to hearing the final results later this month and will be cheering you on the entire way!
Faith Wisecarver received her official certificate from the Arkansas Activites Association for earning All-State honors at this year's state bowling tournament. Pictured with Faith is IC bowling coach, Manda Jackson. Congratulations!
Reminder: Any time school is dismissed early - the after school program is canceled.
With that being said, there is NO After-School Program on Thursday, March 5th! School will be dismissed at 1:00.
The rescheduled date for the Talent Show is Thursday, March 12 @ 6:30 following parent teacher conferences! $1 admission
🏀 STATE TOURNAMENT WEEK – Schedule Updates 🏀
It’s State Tournament Week for our Basketball Cougars, and we couldn’t be more excited! With that comes a few changes to other athletic schedules. Please see the updates below:
📌 Schedule Changes:
❌ Senior High Softball (Thursday) – Canceled
❌ All Senior High Baseball games this week – Canceled
❌ Junior High Baseball (Thursday) - Canceled
❌ PeeWee Basketball (Monday) – Canceled
As always, we’ll continue to keep you updated with any future changes or rescheduling information.
Thank you for your flexibility and support — now let’s rally behind our Cougars as they compete at STATE!
Go Cougars! 🐾
It’s State Tournament Week for our Basketball Cougars, and we couldn’t be more excited! With that comes a few changes to other athletic schedules. Please see the updates below:
📌 Schedule Changes:
❌ Senior High Softball (Thursday) – Canceled
❌ All Senior High Baseball games this week – Canceled
❌ Junior High Baseball (Thursday) - Canceled
❌ PeeWee Basketball (Monday) – Canceled
As always, we’ll continue to keep you updated with any future changes or rescheduling information.
Thank you for your flexibility and support — now let’s rally behind our Cougars as they compete at STATE!
Go Cougars! 🐾
🏀 2A-2 Regional All-Tournament Team 🏀
Congratulations to Hadleigh Herron, Benaiah Spray, Sabastion Robbins, and Kade Yancey on being selected to the 2026 2A-2 Regional All-Tournament Team!
These student-athletes represented Cougar Nation with toughness and determination throughout the tournament. Their grit on the court is a direct reflection of the hard work, discipline, and commitment they’ve shown all season long.
We are incredibly proud of the way they competed and the leadership they displayed both this past week and all season long.
The future is bright for Cougar Basketball — and it’s because of players like these.
Keep working, Cougars! 🐾
Congratulations to Hadleigh Herron, Benaiah Spray, Sabastion Robbins, and Kade Yancey on being selected to the 2026 2A-2 Regional All-Tournament Team!
These student-athletes represented Cougar Nation with toughness and determination throughout the tournament. Their grit on the court is a direct reflection of the hard work, discipline, and commitment they’ve shown all season long.
We are incredibly proud of the way they competed and the leadership they displayed both this past week and all season long.
The future is bright for Cougar Basketball — and it’s because of players like these.
Keep working, Cougars! 🐾
Our Cougar Chess Team competed today in the Regional Chess Championship in Eureka Springs — and they represented Izard County STEM school well!
Team members:
♟️ Joey Conway
♟️ Jacob Smallwood
♟️ Tyler Anderson
♟️ Tristan Walker
♟️ Andrew Stapleton
♟️ Ella McCandlis
♟️ Jetta Gaskins
A special congratulations to Joey Conway and Tristan Walker, who were the high point winners for the Cougars! 👏
With our Cougars going to the STATE tournament next week, we've had to make some changes to the athletic schedules.
⚾ Baseball Update
All Senior High baseball games scheduled for next week have been canceled.
🏀 Peewee Basketball Update
The Peewee basketball games scheduled for Monday, March 2 vs. Norfork have been canceled.
If and when we receive updates regarding other sports or possible reschedule dates, we will share that information as soon as we can.
Let’s rally behind our team as they represent us at STATE!
Go Cougars! 🐾
⚾ Baseball Update
All Senior High baseball games scheduled for next week have been canceled.
🏀 Peewee Basketball Update
The Peewee basketball games scheduled for Monday, March 2 vs. Norfork have been canceled.
If and when we receive updates regarding other sports or possible reschedule dates, we will share that information as soon as we can.
Let’s rally behind our team as they represent us at STATE!
Go Cougars! 🐾
We are excited to be the recipient of a $30,000 Joint Use Agreement grant! This will be a partnership between the city of Franklin and Izard County STEM School to rehab a walking trail and pond on the elementary campus. Once completed, these ammenities will be open to the public during specified hours.
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education explains that the grant application is competitive, and being awarded the grant helps a school form an ongoing partnership with one or more entities, organizations, or cities to share indoor or outdoor spaces to meet shared goals and community needs.
Congrats to grant writers Courtney Selph, Louise Williams (Mayor of Franklin), and Eve Hatman!
