Someone is dead. But they weren’t supposed to be.
This week, the MHS Theatre Department presents “This Murder Was Staged” at the Marion Performing Arts Center, a whodunnit turned completely on its head. When the wrong person ends up dead, the night spirals into secrets, suspicion, and more twists than anyone saw coming.
And just when you think you’ve cracked the case, the play delivers one last surprise: It has TWO possible endings. Which one will you see?
WHERE
Marion Performing Arts Center
SHOWTIMES
Thursday through Saturday at 6 p.m.
Sunday at 2 p.m.
TICKETS
Adults: $10
Students with school ID: $5
Come see how the mystery unfolds. After all, it’s only a play... right?
Congratulations to the Patriot Pride Marching Band on their outstanding showing at Saturday's Power Band Classic at Lake Hamilton! Marion swept the Class 6A competition, earning first place in class and third place overall against 19 of the top bands from Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee.
Marion also took home five Best in Class awards:
- Best in Class Color Guard
- Best in Class Percussion
- Best in Class Music
- Best in Class Visual
- Best in Class General Effect
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3186704
Marion also took home five Best in Class awards:
- Best in Class Color Guard
- Best in Class Percussion
- Best in Class Music
- Best in Class Visual
- Best in Class General Effect
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3186704
MARION HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR STUDENTS EARN ALL-REGION HONORS!
Marion High School is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of our choir students who participated in the 2026 Arkansas All-Region Choir Auditions!
These talented students demonstrated their musical excellence, dedication, and hard work, earning recognition among some of the region’s finest young vocalists.
🎵 MIXED ALL-REGION CHOIR:
- Nicole Blankenship – Soprano 1, 14th Chair
- Kiersten Johnson – Alto 1, 19th Chair
🎵 TREBLE ALL-REGION CHOIR:
- Abbigail Williams – Soprano 2, 39th Chair
🎵 ALL-REGION ALTERNATES
- Mya Harris – Soprano 2, 49th Chair
- Nadia Hawkins – Alto 1, 50th Chair
Under the direction of Dr. Alvin Coleman Jr., these students have worked diligently to develop their vocal skills and represent Marion High School with excellence.
We congratulate each of these outstanding students on their accomplishments! Their success reflects their commitment to musical growth and the continued excellence of the Marion High School Choir program.
Congratulations! We are MARION PROUD!
Marion High School is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of our choir students who participated in the 2026 Arkansas All-Region Choir Auditions!
These talented students demonstrated their musical excellence, dedication, and hard work, earning recognition among some of the region’s finest young vocalists.
🎵 MIXED ALL-REGION CHOIR:
- Nicole Blankenship – Soprano 1, 14th Chair
- Kiersten Johnson – Alto 1, 19th Chair
🎵 TREBLE ALL-REGION CHOIR:
- Abbigail Williams – Soprano 2, 39th Chair
🎵 ALL-REGION ALTERNATES
- Mya Harris – Soprano 2, 49th Chair
- Nadia Hawkins – Alto 1, 50th Chair
Under the direction of Dr. Alvin Coleman Jr., these students have worked diligently to develop their vocal skills and represent Marion High School with excellence.
We congratulate each of these outstanding students on their accomplishments! Their success reflects their commitment to musical growth and the continued excellence of the Marion High School Choir program.
Congratulations! We are MARION PROUD!
Congratulations to MHS, MJHS, and 7GA on being recognized by the University of Arkansas Office for Education Policy (OEP) as “Beating the Odds” schools for posting high growth on the ATLAS exam!
Read more about this great recognition by following the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/3165722
Read more about this great recognition by following the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/3165722
Happy Fall Break, Patriot families!
As a reminder, students are off from September 30 through October 12, and we hope it's a great break. Classes pick back up on Tuesday, October 13.
The first nine weeks of the school year are behind us, and we couldn't be prouder of everything our students have accomplished. Whether you're hitting the road or staying close to home, we hope you get some well-earned time to relax and recharge.
Enjoy the break. We'll see you on the 13th!
As a reminder, students are off from September 30 through October 12, and we hope it's a great break. Classes pick back up on Tuesday, October 13.
The first nine weeks of the school year are behind us, and we couldn't be prouder of everything our students have accomplished. Whether you're hitting the road or staying close to home, we hope you get some well-earned time to relax and recharge.
Enjoy the break. We'll see you on the 13th!
Congratulations to the Marion Patriot Pride Marching Band on their strong start to the competitive season Saturday at the Conquistador Classic in Olive Branch, Miss.! The band took first place in their class and also earned first-place honors in Color Guard and a second-place finish in Percussion.
Read all about it at the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3159623
Read all about it at the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3159623
Our K–2 students at MST are putting in the work during Red Gear Intervention time!
Teachers are providing targeted, small-group phonics instruction designed to meet students right where they are. Students are actively practicing letter-sound relationships, word building, and other foundational reading skills through hands-on learning.
Every sound. Every word. Every day. Building stronger readers!
Teachers are providing targeted, small-group phonics instruction designed to meet students right where they are. Students are actively practicing letter-sound relationships, word building, and other foundational reading skills through hands-on learning.
Every sound. Every word. Every day. Building stronger readers!
The Marion School District and its six schools made major gains on 2026 state letter grades, with every school in the district posting growth in the point totals, resulting in letter grade jumps for five of the six schools. The letter grades and school scores were released Thursday by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Overall, Marion schools gained a staggering 565.88 total points in the state’s accountability system, representing a combined jump of 11 letter-grade levels across the district. This progress reflects months of intentional, targeted effort in our classrooms, with every campus demonstrating measurable growth and several schools making dramatic multi-grade leaps.
“Ultimately, these grades make it clear that the strategies we have implemented in our classrooms are working,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion superintendent. “Student success does not happen in a vacuum – it requires great teaching, and it requires a commitment to building an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. That’s what is happening in the Marion School District.”
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3137173
Overall, Marion schools gained a staggering 565.88 total points in the state’s accountability system, representing a combined jump of 11 letter-grade levels across the district. This progress reflects months of intentional, targeted effort in our classrooms, with every campus demonstrating measurable growth and several schools making dramatic multi-grade leaps.
“Ultimately, these grades make it clear that the strategies we have implemented in our classrooms are working,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion superintendent. “Student success does not happen in a vacuum – it requires great teaching, and it requires a commitment to building an equitable, engaging learning community where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence and personal growth. That’s what is happening in the Marion School District.”
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3137173
Students at the Marion Seventh Grade Academy were treated to a special meal Tuesday, courtesy of visiting chef Danny Saghir. Growing up in a Lebanese family, Chef Danny developed a fascination with cooking at the age of 8, watching his mother and grandmother prepare a wide variety of Middle Eastern dishes. He later earned a degree in Culinary Arts from the Art Institute of Michigan and has amassed more than 25 years of experience working in casinos, hotels, buffets, fine dining, fast casual, and everything in between. He also brings six years of experience preparing food in the K-12 environment.
On Tuesday, students enjoyed a meal of doner kabob rice bowls and a vegetable medley.
Thank you to our child nutrition partners at Taher for making this experience available for our students!
On Tuesday, students enjoyed a meal of doner kabob rice bowls and a vegetable medley.
Thank you to our child nutrition partners at Taher for making this experience available for our students!
The Marion School District is continuing its work to unlock meaningful career opportunities for its students through the development of a new Patient Care Tech program.
The new program, which replaces the old Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program, will give Marion students better clinical opportunities, greater job opportunities, and better pay potential.
A Patient Care Technician (PCT) is a healthcare professional who provides direct hands-on care to patients under the supervision of registered nurses, physicians, and other medical staff. While similar to CNAs, a PCT typically possesses broader clinical training and an expanded scope of practice.
“At the Marion School District, we are committed to creating pathways to high-demand, high-paying careers for our students,” said Jennifer Snyder, Marion’s Director of College, Career & Military Readiness. “The new Patient Care Technician program is a great example of that. It gives our students more hands-on clinical training and prepares them for a wide range of healthcare careers right out of high school. We’re excited to be able to offer that kind of training here at Marion and give our students a strong start in a growing field.”
To learn more about the benefits of this program -- including salary potential -- follow the link below!
Everything’s coming up roses for the Patriot Pride Marching Band this fall as the award-winning ensemble prepares to kick off its 2026 competitive season.
This year’s production is titled “La Vie en Rose” and will feature a heavy emphasis on the visual and musical symbolism of roses and the color red.
The band will play at each Patriot home football game, as well as the following contests:
- Sept. 26: Conquistador Classic in Olive Branch, Miss.
- Oct. 10: Power Band Classic at Lake Hamilton
- Oct. 17: McDonald’s Marching Invitational in Paragould
- Oct. 20: ASBOA Region Marching Contest in Cabot
- Oct. 24: Eastern Shore Classic in Daphne, Ala.
- Nov. 2-4: 6A State Marching Contest at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock
To read more about the band's upcoming season, follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/3122643
This year’s production is titled “La Vie en Rose” and will feature a heavy emphasis on the visual and musical symbolism of roses and the color red.
The band will play at each Patriot home football game, as well as the following contests:
- Sept. 26: Conquistador Classic in Olive Branch, Miss.
- Oct. 10: Power Band Classic at Lake Hamilton
- Oct. 17: McDonald’s Marching Invitational in Paragould
- Oct. 20: ASBOA Region Marching Contest in Cabot
- Oct. 24: Eastern Shore Classic in Daphne, Ala.
- Nov. 2-4: 6A State Marching Contest at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock
To read more about the band's upcoming season, follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/3122643
Marion School District students and Patriot fans have a new home for school pride with the debut of “The M,” an all-new spirit store managed and operated by Marion High School students.
Operated through the Marion High School Business Marketing Department, The M will function as a hands-on retail learning environment designed to provide students with authentic experience in creating and designing school-branded merchandise, as well as marketing, advertising, merchandising, customer service, inventory management, and business operations.
For more information, including how to orger your gear from "The M," follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/3120576
Operated through the Marion High School Business Marketing Department, The M will function as a hands-on retail learning environment designed to provide students with authentic experience in creating and designing school-branded merchandise, as well as marketing, advertising, merchandising, customer service, inventory management, and business operations.
For more information, including how to orger your gear from "The M," follow the link below!
https://www.msd3.org/article/3120576
We look forward to seeing all our families at Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday!
As a reminder, conferences will be held from 1-7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 3) at all district campuses. This is a non-student day.
Also, please remember that there will be no school on Friday (Sept. 4) or Monday (Sept. 7) as we commemorate Labor Day.
Additionally, Tuesday, Sept. 8, will be a staff professional development day with no school for students. Students will return to class on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
For more information, please contact your child’s school!
As a reminder, conferences will be held from 1-7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 3) at all district campuses. This is a non-student day.
Also, please remember that there will be no school on Friday (Sept. 4) or Monday (Sept. 7) as we commemorate Labor Day.
Additionally, Tuesday, Sept. 8, will be a staff professional development day with no school for students. Students will return to class on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
For more information, please contact your child’s school!
📚✨ UFLI in Action! ✨📚
Ms. Coleman’s students at VPA were hard at work during UFLI! Using letter tiles, students practiced building and changing words while strengthening the connection between sounds and letters. Ms. Coleman modeled the routine, provided explicit prompts, and gave students hands-on opportunities to practice both encoding (spelling) and decoding (reading).
We love seeing students actively manipulating letters, thinking about sounds, and building strong foundational reading skills one word at a time! ❤️🔤👏
Way to go, Ms. Coleman and our young readers!
Ms. Coleman’s students at VPA were hard at work during UFLI! Using letter tiles, students practiced building and changing words while strengthening the connection between sounds and letters. Ms. Coleman modeled the routine, provided explicit prompts, and gave students hands-on opportunities to practice both encoding (spelling) and decoding (reading).
We love seeing students actively manipulating letters, thinking about sounds, and building strong foundational reading skills one word at a time! ❤️🔤👏
Way to go, Ms. Coleman and our young readers!
The fall sports season is here, and the Marion School District is reminding fans to abide by the district’s guidelines for attendance at athletic events.
Anyone attending Patriot athletic events should follow the following guidelines:
• Fans/students are to adhere to all Marion School District and AAA Guidelines, policies, including the student dress code. Those choosing not to do so may be required to leave without a refund.
• A clear-bag policy is in effect. Guests may carry a small clutch bag, Ziploc-style bags, or clear plastic bags measuring less than 12”x6”x12”. Prohibited items include purses bigger than a clutch bag, all backpacks (including clear backpacks), diaper bags, binocular cases, camera bags, computer bags, fanny packs and cinch bags, luggage of any kind, briefcases, large seat cushions that exceed 16”, and any seat cushions with pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers. More details here: https://aptg.co/j9-7Td
• Preschool children and students in grades K-6 will not be allowed to attend games without adult (beyond high school age) supervision. Students in grades 7-12 must have a school ID to attend games. Students without an ID will be denied entry into the game.
• Parents are responsible for their children; please keep small children with you.
• Good sportsmanship should be displayed at all times. “Booing,” cursing, and/or offensive language or gestures are not allowed.
• Students choosing to leave the event will not be allowed to re-enter.
• Students are not to loiter in the restrooms, concession area, ramps, etc.
• Fans/students are to sit on the side they enter. You will not be allowed to “roam” between the visitor and home sections.
• No outside food or drink will be allowed in the venues.
• Parents are responsible for transporting their children from the event in a timely fashion. Beyond 30 minutes of the event concluding, any student who has not been picked up will have their student ID confiscated and denied access to future events.
For more information, follow the link below: https://www.msd3.org/article/3078579
Anyone attending Patriot athletic events should follow the following guidelines:
• Fans/students are to adhere to all Marion School District and AAA Guidelines, policies, including the student dress code. Those choosing not to do so may be required to leave without a refund.
• A clear-bag policy is in effect. Guests may carry a small clutch bag, Ziploc-style bags, or clear plastic bags measuring less than 12”x6”x12”. Prohibited items include purses bigger than a clutch bag, all backpacks (including clear backpacks), diaper bags, binocular cases, camera bags, computer bags, fanny packs and cinch bags, luggage of any kind, briefcases, large seat cushions that exceed 16”, and any seat cushions with pockets, zippers, compartments, or covers. More details here: https://aptg.co/j9-7Td
• Preschool children and students in grades K-6 will not be allowed to attend games without adult (beyond high school age) supervision. Students in grades 7-12 must have a school ID to attend games. Students without an ID will be denied entry into the game.
• Parents are responsible for their children; please keep small children with you.
• Good sportsmanship should be displayed at all times. “Booing,” cursing, and/or offensive language or gestures are not allowed.
• Students choosing to leave the event will not be allowed to re-enter.
• Students are not to loiter in the restrooms, concession area, ramps, etc.
• Fans/students are to sit on the side they enter. You will not be allowed to “roam” between the visitor and home sections.
• No outside food or drink will be allowed in the venues.
• Parents are responsible for transporting their children from the event in a timely fashion. Beyond 30 minutes of the event concluding, any student who has not been picked up will have their student ID confiscated and denied access to future events.
For more information, follow the link below: https://www.msd3.org/article/3078579
The Marion School District has named Jennifer Snyder as its new Director of College, Career & Military Readiness, bringing one of Arkansas' most respected career and technical education leaders to the district.
Snyder brings more than a decade of leadership in career and technical education to Marion. Most recently, she served six years as Career and Technical Education Coordinator for Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative, where she provided leadership and support for CTE programs serving 19 school districts across Northeast Arkansas. Prior to that, she taught in the Jonesboro School District, earning recognition as the ACTE Arkansas and Regional CTE Teacher of the Year before being named a national finalist for the honor.
In her new role, Snyder will lead the district's efforts to expand opportunities that prepare students for success after graduation. She will oversee Marion's CTE programs, dual credit opportunities, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning experiences, postsecondary partnerships, and the district's new Air Force JROTC program.
For more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3067634
Snyder brings more than a decade of leadership in career and technical education to Marion. Most recently, she served six years as Career and Technical Education Coordinator for Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative, where she provided leadership and support for CTE programs serving 19 school districts across Northeast Arkansas. Prior to that, she taught in the Jonesboro School District, earning recognition as the ACTE Arkansas and Regional CTE Teacher of the Year before being named a national finalist for the honor.
In her new role, Snyder will lead the district's efforts to expand opportunities that prepare students for success after graduation. She will oversee Marion's CTE programs, dual credit opportunities, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning experiences, postsecondary partnerships, and the district's new Air Force JROTC program.
For more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3067634
The Marion School District’s Summer Feeding Program provided more than 17,000 meals to children in the Marion community this summer, helping ensure students had access to breakfast and lunch even while school was not in session.
The Summer Feeding Program is an important part of Marion School District’s commitment to supporting students and families year-round. By providing access to nutritious meals during the summer, the district helps students stay healthy and ready to learn when they return to the classroom.
To read more about the program, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3036844
The Summer Feeding Program is an important part of Marion School District’s commitment to supporting students and families year-round. By providing access to nutritious meals during the summer, the district helps students stay healthy and ready to learn when they return to the classroom.
To read more about the program, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3036844
Patriot Academy is underway as we welcome our newest teachers to the Marion School District!
For the past nine years, Patriot Academy has provided an opportunity for new staff members to connect, learn, and prepare for the year ahead. During Day 1 on Tuesday, teachers focused on the importance of building strong relationships with students, featuring guest speaker Dr. Taryn Givan, who shared the impact those connections can have on student success.
Today, Day 2, our new teachers are spending time with their building administrators to learn more about their campuses and continue preparing for a great school year.
We are excited to welcome these new members of the Patriot family!
For the past nine years, Patriot Academy has provided an opportunity for new staff members to connect, learn, and prepare for the year ahead. During Day 1 on Tuesday, teachers focused on the importance of building strong relationships with students, featuring guest speaker Dr. Taryn Givan, who shared the impact those connections can have on student success.
Today, Day 2, our new teachers are spending time with their building administrators to learn more about their campuses and continue preparing for a great school year.
We are excited to welcome these new members of the Patriot family!
Great schools don’t happen by chance -- they’re built through collaboration, intentional planning, and a shared commitment to student success.
Last week, our elementary and secondary administrative teams came together to align our vision, strengthen our leadership, and ensure we’re prepared to provide the very best experience for every student, every day. By working together before the first bell rings, we’re creating consistency, building strong systems, and setting the stage for a successful school year across our district.
Under the direction of Dr. Hodges, Mr. Scott, and Ms. Edwards, our leadership teams are committed to thoughtful planning, continuous improvement, and supporting our educators so they can help every student thrive.
The foundation for an outstanding school year is being built now -- and we can’t wait to welcome our students back!
Last week, our elementary and secondary administrative teams came together to align our vision, strengthen our leadership, and ensure we’re prepared to provide the very best experience for every student, every day. By working together before the first bell rings, we’re creating consistency, building strong systems, and setting the stage for a successful school year across our district.
Under the direction of Dr. Hodges, Mr. Scott, and Ms. Edwards, our leadership teams are committed to thoughtful planning, continuous improvement, and supporting our educators so they can help every student thrive.
The foundation for an outstanding school year is being built now -- and we can’t wait to welcome our students back!
The Marion School District has again drawn on its leadership depth to fill a key position, naming Natasha Clay as Principal of Marion Junior High School for the 2026-27 school year.
Clay brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Assistant Principal at both Marion High School and Marion Junior High School. She also spent a year as director of the district's Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) program and has served as teacher, media specialist, and instructional facilitator in the Earle and West Memphis school districts.
"When we search for school leaders, we're looking for people with outstanding experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to children,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion Superintendent. “Natasha embodies all of those qualities. Her background has given her a unique perspective on meeting students where they are, supporting families, and building a school culture where every child has the opportunity to succeed. We're excited about the future of Marion Junior High under her leadership.”
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3025118
Clay brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Assistant Principal at both Marion High School and Marion Junior High School. She also spent a year as director of the district's Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) program and has served as teacher, media specialist, and instructional facilitator in the Earle and West Memphis school districts.
"When we search for school leaders, we're looking for people with outstanding experience, proven leadership, and an unwavering commitment to children,” said Dr. Glen Fenter, Marion Superintendent. “Natasha embodies all of those qualities. Her background has given her a unique perspective on meeting students where they are, supporting families, and building a school culture where every child has the opportunity to succeed. We're excited about the future of Marion Junior High under her leadership.”
To read more, follow the link below:
https://www.msd3.org/article/3025118