July is:
Honored in National Art Exhibit
Little Rock Central High School student Amber Bae has been recognized on the national stage through the Congressional Art Competition. Her artwork, “Beyond the Familiar,” was selected to represent Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District and will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. Created with colored pencils, Amber’s piece highlights Arkansas’ natural beauty while symbolizing her desire to explore new horizons. We are proud to celebrate her creativity and achievement!
Student Explores International
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Central High School’s Kate Kostopulos recently participated in the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy program, held at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and Columbia University in New York City. During the nine-day experience, Kate visited embassies, the U.S. Department of State, and the United Nations while learning about global affairs, foreign policy, and leadership. Thanks to her education at Central, she was well-prepared and inspired for the journey ahead!
Great news! LRSD will offer free breakfast to all students and free lunch at nearly every school for the 2025-26 school year through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). No meal application is needed to receive free meals. However, families are encouraged to complete a household meal application at www.myschoolapps.com to qualify for other benefits like ACT/SAT fee waivers, college application discounts, and internet assistance. This important step helps ensure every student has access to nutritious meals and the support they need to succeed.
Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright
National Leaders at Google for
Education Fellowship Convening
LRSD administrators took the stage at the Arkansas Department of Education Summer Summit in Hot Springs to share the district’s progress toward Systemwide Instructional Coherence. Their powerful presentation highlighted the strategic work being done to align instruction across all schools, reflecting a shared commitment to excellence for every student.
J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory School wrapped up its summer program with a special Parent Night Student Showcase, highlighting student growth and creativity. Families, staff, and students came together to celebrate a summer full of hands-on learning and fun. LRSD is proud of everyone involved and looks forward to more great moments next summer!
Starting this fall, LRSD is introducing the Sealed for Success campaign to support a more focused, distraction-free learning environment. In alignment with the upcoming “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” going into effect statewide in 2025–2026, students will begin using Yondr pouches to securely store their phones and personal devices during the school day. This initiative helps students stay present, engaged, and ready to learn. Learn more here.
A big thank you to the middle school youth at Second Presbyterian Church for launching a Clothing Closet at Terry Elementary! Stocked with uniforms, socks, backpacks, and toiletries, this new resource is already making a difference for our students. As donations continue, the closet will expand to meet even more needs. Families with gently used uniforms are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Aimee Young to contribute. Thank you, Second Presbyterian, for your heart and generosity!
Every child deserves access to books that spark imagination and inspire a lifelong love of reading. That’s the focus of the Reading in the Rock initiative, combined with improving literacy rates - in partnership with the City of Little Rock. The goal is to provide elementary students with books over spring break and into the summer, helping to build home libraries and prevent the summer slide. The community is encouraged to help us provide more books by making a financial donation. No amount is too small—every contribution helps put books in the hands of our students. Thank you in advance for your support!
Here is the kickoff news conference:
or Mail a check to:
The Arkansas Community Foundation
5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Building 5, 11th Floor
Little Rock, AR 72202
(Memo: "LRSD Promise for the Future Fund")
Dozens of Little Free Library sites across Little Rock are ready for summer readers! Thanks to City Year Little Rock, many libraries have been freshly stocked with new books. Visit the Little Free Library website to find a location near you, pick up a great book, and feel free to leave one for others to enjoy. It’s a simple way to keep reading fun all summer long!
The Little Rock School District is proud to pursue accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This recognition reflects LRSD’s commitment to high-quality early learning. Research shows that children in NAEYC-accredited programs are nearly twice as likely to be rated “proficient” or “school ready.” To learn more or enroll your child, visit www.LRSD.org/EarlyChildhood.
LRSD Ensures Children Have
The Little Rock School District is committed to making sure no child goes hungry during the summer months. Through the Summer Meal Program, LRSD provides free, nutritious meals to children 18 and under at multiple locations across the district. These meals help support healthy growth and learning, even when school is out. For a full list of sites and times, visit the LRSD website.
LRSD is offering free immunization clinics to help students and their siblings get ready for the new school year. The clinics will be held at Stephens Health Clinic on Monday, July 21, and at Chicot Health Clinic on Tuesday, July 22. Space is limited, so families are encouraged to call and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
The Arkansas Department of Health is partnering with Be Mighty and the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) to offer free dental screenings for children at various library locations this summer. Families can check the flyer for dates and times. Consent forms are required and can be signed at the event.
If your child attended a Head Start or Early Head Start program during the 2024–2025 school year, they may be eligible for Summer EBT benefits to help cover the cost of food during the summer months. This year, families must submit an application to receive benefits. Apply online at www.ar.gov/summerebt or pick up a paper application at your local DHS office.
The Little Rock School District is taking a major step toward providing free breakfast and lunch to nearly all students starting in August. With the School Board’s approval, LRSD is moving forward with the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program that allows eligible schools to offer meals at no cost to families. This initiative will benefit more than 17,800 students and help reduce meal debt, paperwork, and stigma—ensuring that students can focus on learning without worrying about food.
"Lunch On Us" Campaign
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The Little Rock community is stepping up in a big way to support the "Lunch On Us" initiative—a campaign dedicated to eliminating school lunch debt and ensuring every LRSD student has access to healthy, nutritious meals. Thanks to the incredible generosity of individuals, organizations, and city leaders, over $25,000 has already been raised! Contributions include major gifts donated to the City of Little Rock designated for this campaign ($18,000), Central supporters ($4,750), and Clinton School volunteers, who collectively donated over $2,000. Other donors, like Unite to Fight and individual community members, also contributed to the growing total. These funds will go directly toward clearing lunch debt for LRSD students and helping remove barriers to learning caused by food insecurity. Want to join the movement? Donate today and help us ensure no child learns hungry: https://ar.accessgov.com/treasury-management-division/Forms/Page/treasury-management-division/lr-cares-donation/0.
LRSD is committed to providing students with more choices to help them thrive. From innovative career and technical programs to strong academics and arts, LRSD is opening doors to a brighter future. Watch our new video to see how LRSD is preparing students for success—no matter their path!
Show your team spirit with our One Team One Dream short-sleeve shirts! Available in red, green, gray, and pink, these shirts are a great way to represent LRSD. Click the highlighted links to order yours today!
NEA Foundation Grants for Educators
Educators have an exciting opportunity to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support classroom innovation, equity efforts, and professional development. The NEA Foundation offers Student Success Grants, Envision Equity Grants, and Learning and Leadership Grants. Educators are especially encouraged to apply for the Envision Equity category, which receives fewer applications. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 15, 2025. Visit neafoundation.org to learn more and submit your application.
The Little Rock School District invites non-profits to join as Community Service-Learning partners. With community service hours now a graduation requirement for Arkansas high school students, LRSD aims to connect students with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Non-profit organizations can apply to become approved partners, allowing students to support their events and initiatives. Apply today at lrsd.org/community-service-learning or contact Stefanie Vestal at Stefanie.Vestal@lrsd.org for more information.
Interested in becoming a substitute teacher? ESS is hiring and will host an informational session and training on Tuesday, June 2nd, to help guide applicants through the process. Whether you're just starting or need assistance with your application, this is a great opportunity to get support. Start your application at ESS.com and be sure to register here to attend the session.
If you are a family in transition, whether staying with friends, in a shelter, motel, or other temporary locations, your child may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act. LRSD provides resources like immediate school enrollment, transportation, and educational support to help ensure your child’s uninterrupted learning. For assistance, contact one of our liaisons or complete the Residency Form.
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LRSD high school students can earn college credit through concurrent credit courses offered right on their school campus. With classes available in subjects like Science, English, Math, and History, students have a great opportunity to get ahead academically. Families are encouraged to speak with their school counselor or visit the LRSD Advanced Academics page at lrsd.org to learn more.
LRSD supports gifted and talented students beyond elementary school through advanced class offerings, monthly affective needs meetings, and competitions. For more information, contact your school's Gifted Facilitator or visit the LRSD Advanced Academics webpage.
The Little Rock School District is excited to announce a new partnership with UA Little Rock to streamline the college admissions process for our students. This collaboration offers waived application fees, direct transcript submissions, and automatic financial aid consideration, making it easier than ever for LRSD seniors to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Learn more about this fantastic opportunity here: https://ualr.edu/admissions.
LRSD is excited to partner with UA-Little Rock to provide opportunities for our employees to start or finish an undergraduate degree while continuing their careers. Click on the link below to learn more.
https://ualr.edu/admissions/little-rock-school-district/
Into the Theater for Shrek!
Join Summer @ CALS for a special screening of Shrek (2001, PG) on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 12:30–2:30 PM at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater. Doors open at 11:30 AM, so come early for the best seats and enjoy this animated classic with the whole family. With laughs, music, and a whole lot of heart, Shrek is perfect for kids and nostalgic adults alike. Concessions, beer, and wine will be available, and ticket holders can enjoy free validated parking nearby.
Free Backpacks, Food, & Fun!
Join Little Rock Parks & Recreation for a free Back 2 School event on Saturday, July 19th from 12–3 PM at 6401 Baseline Road in Little Rock. Families can enjoy free food, school supplies, and a limited backpack giveaway—children must be present to receive a backpack. (While supplies last) Come out for a fun-filled afternoon as we help students gear up for a successful school year!
The groundbreaking musical Hair premiered on Broadway in 1968, running for over 1,750 performances and redefining musical theater with its rock score and bold, countercultural themes. Its 2009 revival won the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Revival, toured nationally, and earned international acclaim in London’s West End. Now you can check it out at The Rep! Christine O’Grady, director and choreographer of The Rep’s production, brings deep experience to the show—she served as Resident Choreographer for the 2009 revival and Associate Director for its international tour. Her fresh, emotionally driven choreography continues to honor Hair’s spirit while reimagining it for today’s audiences. Purchase your tickets here.
The Little Rock Farmers Market has opened its doors for another season, welcoming visitors to the River Market with its farm-fresh produce, locally crafted foods, and handmade arts and crafts. As it has since 1996, the market invites SNAP beneficiaries, offering tokens purchasable on-site and participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program. Free parking, including spaces for seniors and handicapped individuals, ensures convenient access for all patrons.
