July is:
Congratulations to Victoria Golden, LRSD’s Teacher of the Year from Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy, on being selected as one of the Top 15 Finalists for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year! She will be honored at a special recognition event on July 28 at the Governor’s Mansion. We’re so proud to have Ms. Golden represent LRSD at the state level!
The Little Rock School District is proud to share continued academic growth based on the preliminary 2025 ATLAS assessment results. Students showed gains in English Language Arts, Math, and Science, with a record 399 English Language Learners scoring proficient on the ELPA21 — the highest in district history. This marks the third consecutive year of progress for LRSD, reflecting the hard work of students, teachers, and staff. Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright emphasized that while we celebrate this momentum, we remain focused on ensuring all students are prepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school.
Congratulations to Mr. Steven Helmick, principal of Roberts Elementary, on being named an Arkansas Master Principal by the Arkansas Leadership Academy! This prestigious honor recognizes top-tier academic growth and exceptional school leadership. We’re proud of Mr. Helmick and the Roberts team for creating a supportive, student-centered environment where every child is known and valued.
This summer, LRSD once again hosted Camp Can Do — a free, fun-filled program designed to support non-native English speakers. Held at Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy, the camp provided meals, transportation, and daily lessons led by certified teachers trained in multilingual education. From interactive classroom time to exciting morning “campfires” with songs, games, and dance contests, students built their English skills while making new friends and lasting memories. Camp Can Do continues to be a shining example of how LRSD empowers every learner!
This week, we are celebrating Linda Neal and the team of Catherine Kohler & Jessica Ballou for being recognized by the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media (AAIM)! Linda Neal received the prestigious Herb Lawrence Leadership Service Award, while Kohler and Ballou earned the Outstanding Media Program of the Year for their work at Little Rock Southwest High School. Congratulations to these dedicated educators for making a lasting impact on our students and schools!
The Parkview Patriots are getting well-deserved recognition as champions on the cover of this year’s Hooten’s Arkansas Football magazine! The annual publication is now available in stores across the state and highlights top teams from last season — including our very own Parkview High School. Be sure to grab a copy and celebrate this exciting moment for LRSD athletics!
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.
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.
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.
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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!
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.
As we finish out the 2024–25 school year, now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s physicals, sports physicals, and immunizations for next year. LRSD’s school-based health clinics reopen the week of July 14, 2025, and appointment slots are already filling up. These services are available to all LRSD students and their siblings. Don’t wait—beat the back-to-school rush and check the flyers for clinic hours and contact info!
Lyon College School of Dental Medicine invites families to the “Give Kids a Smile” event on July 18 from 9 AM to 12 PM at 5 Allied Drive, Little Rock. Children will receive free dental screenings and fluoride applications—no appointment needed! Enjoy storytime with the Tooth Fairy, a DJ dance party, face painting, and more. Don’t miss this fun-filled day promoting healthy smiles!
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/
Join us for a Day of Giving and Family Day on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site and Bullock Temple CME Church. This free, family-friendly event will include youth activities, live performances, tours, a tree planting, and a time capsule burial. Hosted in partnership with several local organizations and African Women’s Health Project International, the day celebrates community, history, and wellness.
Get ready for a fun and educational weekend at the Show Me Reptiles Show, happening July 12–13, 2025, at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day (VIP entry at 9 a.m.), this family-friendly event offers something for everyone—from reptile lovers to the reptile-curious. Enjoy educational exhibits, face painting, food, and a wide variety of reptiles and supplies. It’s a community celebration you won’t want to miss!
Get ready for a wild time at Hiland Dairy Dollar Day on Saturday, July 12, at the Little Rock Zoo! Enjoy $1 admission for everyone, thanks to Hiland Dairy, and explore a full day of animal adventures, family fun, and free dairy samples while supplies last. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM. Be sure to arrive early—this popular event draws a crowd!
For the Live Theatre-Goer in You!
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.
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