Friday, September 25, 2020

 


 

Friday Highlights 9.25.20

   Important Dates

*************************************************LRSD has cancelled the following test dates for the SAT due to COVID concerns.

  • September 26, 2020 - Cancelled
  • October 3, 2020 - Cancelled
Next scheduled SAT test date - November 7, 2020
***Little Rock Central High is NOT hosting the ACT***
 (We will update the LRSD online calendar regarding any changes of which we may be come aware regarding testing dates.)
*************************************************
October 8, 2020 Board Candidate Training Session, 5:30 p.m.

Highlights/Events

63rd Commemorative Anniversary for the Desegregation of 
Central High School's Little Rock Nine

Little Rock Central H.S NHS is hosting a three day online event (open to the public) that include free online programs from September 23rd - 25th themed "Conversations with America's Youth: A Civil Rights Institute Mentoring Initiative".  This event will capture a series of discussion topics based on but not limited to: 
  • Community Activism
  • Social Justice
  • Education
For more information regarding program schedules, detailed information for each session and a full list of the panelist bios, go to: go.nps.gov/chsc63rd


National Blue Ribbon Designation

Congratulations to Jefferson Elementary -  named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education! Jefferson among only  367 schools recognized named yesterday! The National Blue Ribbon recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. 

Supt. Mike Poore Receives Inaugural
 "Educator Award"

Superintendent  Michael Poore receives inaugural "Educator Award" during Junior Achievement's annual Legacy  celebration that took place September 22nd. Poore was recognized with honorees in other categories, AG Leslie Rutledge, Southwestern Bell Arkansas CEO Ronnie Dedman, and Bank of America.



Congratulations Mr. Poore! 


And the Bessie B. Moore Award goes to...Mr. Finney!!

Jason Finney, educator form Forest Park elementary received a surprise visit form Marsha Masters who is the Associate Director of Economics Arkansas; recognizing him as one of only 5 winners statewide to receive the "The Bessie" and a $1K cash award for his project entitled, Shark Tank, Piggy Bank, Give it All Away. Congratulations Mr. Finney!


Dads/Father Figures Matter 
Drive-Thru Celebration

National Security Officer Appreciation Week

Let's not forget to show our appreciation to our dedicated professionals we count on to provide services that maintain safe and secure schools, businesses, and communities.
*****A special note to our security officers*** 
"Sorry we missed you earlier this week, but you are appreciated
 every day of the week!"

Four Community Schools Announced this Week by
 City of Little Rock.


Watch above video to see which schools were selected and what this means for students!


 Regina Young of Pulaski Heights Elementary 
"Caught Doing Good"!


Congratulations to the Carpool Queen" herself, Ms. Regina Young, 3rd grade teacher at Pulaski Heights Elementary! Ms. Young is known for making sure the traffic flows smoothly, and no matter how big or small a task is, she is always rising to the occasion.

We appreciate you Ms. Young. Thanks for all you do!





DON'T FORGET!!!!
Grandparents Facebook Sweepstakes Contest
Lets celebrate the bond between grandparents and grandchildren: Grandparents of all LRSD students (in-person & digital), enter the sweepstakes by taking a picture of you with your current LRSD grandchild and submitting it to the following link: http://www.tinyurl.com/2020LRSDGrandparents   
Winners will be randomly selected. 


In the Community...

Four arts organizations have partnered to present a 3 week virtual, multidisciplinary arts immersion program which starts Monday, September 21st - October 9th. This virtual excursion was formed out of the passion to create genuine networks, connections, and learning opportunities across arts disciplines throughout the performing arts community. For more information, please go to: https://ti.to/acansa/arts-all-access  All programs are aired Central Standard Time. 


NONVIOLENCE YOUTH SUMMIT 
Come out this Saturday and enjoy the Nonviolence Youth Summit. A community outreach campaign with free food, giveaways and a drive-through job fair.  For more information Contact DuShun Scarbrough at: 888-290-KING


SHADOWS AT SIXTH: 
A Halloween Drive-Through Experience

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Sept. 9, 2020) – The Downtown Little Rock Partnership (DLRP) and Little Rock Zoo have teamed up to create a pandemic-safe, family-friendly, haunted drive-through Halloween experience known as Shadows at Sixth, sponsored by Simmons Bank, which will take place in the parking deck at 6th and Scott streets in downtown Little Rock from October 9-31.

Details are as follows:

When: Seven days a week from: Saturday, October 9th - Saturday, October 31st.

Time: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

 For more information or to purchase tickets for this event, go to:  https://centralarkansastickets.com/events/shadows-at-sixth-street-an-elevated-halloween-drive-thru-10-31-2020   Event details also can be accessed through Downtown Little Rocks website at: https://downtownlr.com/  and also the LR Zoo's website at: https://www.littlerockzoo.com/




How to Vote Safely in Election 2020



Luckily you don't have to choose between your health and voting. You can vote safely in Election 2020 by voting Absentee.  For more information on how to vote, early voting dates and locations, etc., go to: https://www.vipvoter.org/howtovote






Friday, September 18, 2020

Friday Highlights 9.18.20


 

Friday Highlights 9.18.20

   Important Dates

September 16, 2020 - Grandparents Facebook Sweepstakes Contest Begins

*************************************************

***LRSD has cancelled ACT Testing for Saturday, September 19, 2020

***LRSD has cancelled the following test dates for the SAT due to COVID concerns.***

  • September 26, 2020 - Cancelled
  • October 3, 2020 - Cancelled
Next scheduled SAT test date - November 7, 2020
***Little Rock Central High is NOT hosting the ACT***
 (We will update the LRSD online calendar regarding any changes of which we may be come aware regarding testing dates.)
*************************************************
October 8, 2020 - Board Candidate Training Session, 5:30 p.m.

Highlights/Events

Congratulations to Supt. Mike Poore - Arkansas Supt. of the Year!!!

Our very own Superintendent  Michael Poore was in for a huge surprise when he was awarded Arkansas Supt. of the Year during a Community Advisory Board Meeting!  Read more about this exciting honor in the news release below.


Next Up for Supt. Poore - Educator Award from 
Junior Achievement


Congrats to Supt. Mike Poore who will be among the honorees recognized during Junior Achievement's annual Legacy Awards celebration.  Poore will be the inaugural recipient of the "Educator Award" during the virtual event on September 22. 




LRSD - Dolly Parton Imagination Book Sign-up and Distribution Event

The Pulaski County chapter of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and the LRSD celebrated its partnership with Book distribution event at Rockefeller Early Childhood Center. Families are able to build their children's home library with high quality, FREE books from birth up to 5-years-old For more on how your child can receive free books, visit: www.pcaril.org

Teacher Appreciation Month at Academy Sports
Congrats and a huge appreciation to four LRSD employees for going above and beyond the call of duty! A special thanks to Academy Sports+Outdoors for their partnership in supporting our outstanding educators. Each educator was awarded $500 gift cards and also a 10% discount at Academy throughout this month. 
Congrats to:
Annette Delaney - Baseline
Kim Williams - Central
Kristi Ward - Pinnacle View
Kisha Dunn - Jefferson

Check out the news feature on on these recipients KARK by clicking link below picture






Mabelvale Middle School Head Custodian Gets a Shout Out





Phillip Taber recognized by Supt. Mike Poore for going above and beyond the call of duty.  You could be next.  He'll be popping up at schools/departments to recognize deserving employees and presenting them with a gift card.  

Tech Time with Schoology
Tech Tuesday which is now referred to as "Tech Time" is new and improved!! 
During the month of September, Tech Time will focus on  All things Schoology! As seats are filling up quickly, please register and claim your spot now!
***Refer to the LRSD PD Portal for titles and times.***


Grandparents Facebook Sweepstakes Contest
Lets celebrate the bond between grandparents and grandchildren: Grandparents of all LRSD students (in-person & digital), enter the sweepstakes by taking a picture of you with your current LRSD grandchild and submitting it to the following link: http://www.tinyurl.com/2020LRSDGrandparents   
Winners will be randomly selected. 


In the Community...
Promote Census Awareness with your Children

Engage your kids by inviting them to help answer your family’s 2020 census, which can be completed online. Even if you already completed your household census, you can revisit the census website and explore the wide variety of free, downloadable lessons, interactive games, videos, songs, and activities for teachers, parents and kids for different grade levels - to learn about the once-every-10-years nationwide count. For more information on how to promote census awareness with your children, go to: https://2020census.gov/en/educators.html


Epic Little Rock Scavenger Hunt: Big Fun in Little Rock!

Put on some comfortable clothes and slip on some walking shoes to take a couple of hours out of the day to involve your family in one epic adventure to explore the culture and history of Little Rock! Discover historic landmarks, solve riddles through art and statues, and complete team challenges - all while enjoying the lush green space along the River Front Park, and embracing the heart of downtown.  This fun and adventurous scavenger hunt can be enjoyed at any time. For more information go to: https://www.scavengerhunt.com/locations/Little_Rock_Scavenger_Hunt.html



National Suicide Awareness Month

There is no right or wrong time to talk with your child about suicide, please take advantage this month which is National Suicide Awareness Month to utilize the many resources available to know the signs of depression versus normal angst and how to prevent suicide. 


If you or someone you know who is experiencing an increase in aggression, drop in grades, feeling of hopelessness, a change in behavior, feeling of worthless, etc., please talk someone and reach out for help. You can call 1-800-273-HELP (8255) 

Click here for more information.  https://www.sprc.org/states/arkansas



How to Vote Safely in Election 2020

Luckily you don't have to choose between your health and voting. You can vote safely in Election 2020 by voting Absentee.  For more information on how to vote, early voting dates and locations, etc., go to: https://www.vipvoter.org/howtovote





Friday, September 4, 2020

Friday Highlights 9.4.20

  Important Dates

September 7, 2020 - Labor Day - Schools/Offices Closed

September 10, 2020
Virtual Open House Events for Middle School Campuses
Two LRSD Board Training Sessions - 5:30 and 6:15 p.m. respectively

September 12, 2020 - ACT Testing at LR Southwest High School

September 13, 2020 - Grandparents Day

September 15, 2020 
Virtual Open House Events for High Schools
National School Security Officer Appreciation
Hispanic Heritage Month

September 16, 2020 - Grandparents Facebook Sweepstakes Contest Begins

September 17, 2020 Virtual Community Advisory Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

***Little Rock Central High is NOT hosting the ACT (We will update the LRSD online calendar regarding any changes of which we may be come aware regarding testing dates.)

Highlights/Events


LRSD Supt. Mike Poore's Latest Video Message
 to the Community



Who's Got Bragging Rights?!


Tonight is the inaugural “Battle of the Rock” between & . This trophy, designed by local artist James Hayes, will be displayed on the winner’s campus until next year.

Meanwhile at Scott Field... The Battle of the Bell



Conducting Creative Classes
LRCH teacher Courtney Hornsby, in the yellow shirt, creates a spacious communications class for in-person  students, while also  zooming with the virtual students. 

Donation of School Supplies to Washington Elementary

A huge thank you to Morris Williams from the Pi Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for donating a plethora of school supplies to students at Booker T. Washington Elementary School! If you are an organization that's interested in donating supplies to Washington Elementary, please contact Tonya Sproles at (501) 447-6763, or via email to tonya.sproles@lrsd.org .

 

Dads/Father Figures Matter!


And the Winner Is.....
For our 2020 Dads Matter Facebook Contest https://tinyurl.com/2020DadsMatter voting took place August 31 - September 3.  We will post the winner soon.  Special Thanks to Academy Sports for being our prize sponsor!



Broadband Announcement will Benefit Students in Adjoining LRSD/PCSSD Districts

Grateful to the City of Little Rock and partners for supporting area students - City will distribute 1,000 hot spots to students in the Little Rock and Pulaski County Special school districts to make online learning more accessible. To see the announcement, click on video link below:


Starting Next Week...
Here's a friendly link to register for meals for virtual students:  tinyurl.com/LRSD-Virtual-Meals


CONGRATULATIONS!!!


Mrs. Settles is going to be one happy lady thanks to her husband, employee Victor Settles! Mr. Settles, who works at Meadowcliff Elementary, won the LAGOS Black Caviar Diamond Bracelet from 
Sissy's Log Cabin
 during our back-to-school Convocation.

Congrats to Ms. Trinity Bennett, Little Rock Southwest High School counselor, winner of the $500 Convocation prize, compliments of Supt. Mike Poore and his wife Marianne. The Poores donate this prize amount annually as part of the District's back-to-school Convocation.




Supt. Mike Poore Receives First-Ever JA Educator Award


Congrats to Supt. Mike Poore who will be among the honorees recognized during Junior Achievement's annual Legacy Awards celebration.  Poore will be the inaugural recipient of the "Educator Award" during the virtual event on September 22. 
___________________________________________________________________


In the Community...

River City Virtual 5k Run/Walk

With over half of the Little Rock School District students doing online virtual schooling, incorporating some form of physical activity during the week and weekends with your child/ren will help them to live a healthy active lifestyle. River City Ministry of Pulaski County has been running to support the mission of housing, feeding, and providing medical care for the homeless and uninsured families of Central Arkansas. So... when it's time for your child to step away from the computer, get out, get some fresh air, and go for a jog not only for your health, but also in support of River City's Ministry; and join them this year for there first virtual 5K! 

For more information, go to: http://www.rivercityministry.org/events/annual-river-city-run-walk-5k/\

You can:  

  • Run as a family and report your combined total miles run
  • Run each day and report your total miles run
  • Share pictures on our Facebook page

Run any time between now and September 5. Run anywhere you like, at a park, around your neighborhood, or a treadmill in your home! Your support is greatly appreciated! 

Great Partnership Resource Through UAMS AR-Connect

"UAMS AR-Connect is there for you, whenever you need it." Sharing this timely reminder with you about the 24-hour, 7-day-a-week ,call center being offered by our partners,

UAMS - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

  through AR Connect - to support those who may need mental health services. Here's the number 501-

526-3563 or toll-free - 1-800-482-9921. Website: arconnect@uams.edu



National Suicide Awareness Month

Suicide is one of the many difficult conversations to have amongst families. Especially with teenagers due to the increased use of social media and cell phones. Living in tumultuous times with the increase rate in mass shootings, sexual harassment, assault, and adjusting to social distancing due to the COVID-1

9 pandemic, has shown significant rates of stress levels in not only adults, but teenagers and children alone.

Although there is no right or wrong time to talk with your child about suicide, please take advantage this month which is National Suicide Awareness Month to utilize the many resources available to know the signs of depression versus normal angst and how to prevent suicide.

 

If you are someone or know of someone who is experiencing an increase in aggression, drop in grades, feeling of hopelessness, a change in behavior, feeling of worthless, etc., please talk to them, be a good friend, ask, listen, and reach out for help. You can call 1-800-273-HELP (8255) Click here for more information.  https://www.sprc.org/states/arkansas



Coming Soon - Nomination Deadline
Click on link below for details:
https://www.littlerockfamily.com/promotions/little-rock-familys-amazing-educators

Do you know a teacher who makes education fun and inspires their students to learn?

Nominate them for the Little Rock Family Amazing Educator Award! 

Nominations open Dec. 27, 2019 and the deadline to nominate a teacher is 

Sept. 11, 2020.

A panel of judges will select a winning teacher in each category:

Elementary School
Middle/Junior High School
High School
Special Needs

Private and public school teachers in Benton, Bryant, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Rock and Sherwood are eligible.

Winners will be recognized in the January 2021 issue of Little Rock Family and receive a prize package from our sponsors.



ABI Movie Mania Blood Drive!
Join the Arkansas Blood Institute for Movie Mania
Tuesday, September 8th from 9a.m. - 4p.m. 
Give blood to help rebuild blood supply in response to the COVID-19 crisis and save lives.  
In appreciation of your donation, you will receive a FREE $8 value Fandango voucher to see a movie and also a FREE Natural State t-shirt!

** Social distancing will be in effect**


  For more information: 
http://arkbi.org/about-us/events-promotions/
 
 To schedule an appointment: 
https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/center_view/26/1599523200/#tabs-1

See News Release Below from Art Partners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACANSA, Argenta Community Theater, Ballet Arkansas and Opera in the Rock Announce

Arts All Access Series 

LITTLE ROCK/NORTH LITTLE ROCK – ACANSA, Argenta Community Theater, Ballet Arkansas and Opera in the Rock released the following statement: 

ACANSA, Argenta Community Theater, Ballet Arkansas and Opera in the Rock are pleased to announce a three-week multi-disciplinary collaboration, Arts All Access. The virtual series will feature nine masterclasses from professional artists across creative genres, three topical discussions, and three streaming performance broadcasts. Masterclasses and other programs are geared toward teen and adult artists, participants and observers. The series will run from September 21 – October 9th. 

Masterclass Presenters Include:

·     SEPTEMBER 21st, 7:30pm #OperaHarmony: Directing Opera in a Digital Age" with Ella Marchment, an international opera director and educator, having worked with companies including The Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Wexford Festival Opera, Copenhagen Opera Festival, Bury Court Opera, The Juilliard School, The Royal College of Music, and Guildhall School of Music and Drama and most recently launching #OperaHarmony, a global initiative creating micro-opera during the pandemic.

·     SEPTEMBER 22nd, 7:30pm "Contemporary, Broadway Dance and Audition Q/A" with Marc Holland, internationally renowned Broadway and touring dance veteran whose credits include Cats, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls and La Cage Aux Folles, with numerous professional choreographic and instructional credits.

·     SEPTEMBER 23rd, 7:30pm - "Musical Theatre Audition Tips and Tricks" with Laura Leigh Turner, a North Little Rock native, who most recently played Karen in Mean Girls on Broadway. Laura-Leigh will share her tips and tricks for musical theatre auditions with participants.

·     SEPTEMBER 28th, 7:30pm - "Text Attack - How to get the most out of your Monologue or Scene" with Ashlie Atkinson, a Little Rock native whose film, tv and stage credits include Spike Lee's Black Klannsman and Inside Man, Mr. Robot, Rescue Me, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and numerous Broadway, Off-Broadway and regional theatre roles.

·     SEPTEMBER 29th, 7:30pm - "Black on the Block: William Grant Still’s Connection to Little Rock" with Jamiee & Ron Jensen-McDaniel, community musicians, classically trained vocalists and teachers based in the central Arkansas area. They are alumni of the University of Limerick, where they received their MAs with top honors. Currently, Jaimee teaches at the University of Central Arkansas and Ron works with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
·     SEPTEMBER 30th, 7:30pm - "Ballet and Variations" with Renato Penteado, Brazilian native, formerly a celebrated Principal Dancer with the Miami City Ballet. Presently, Renato is a highly sought-after master teacher across the USA and abroad.
·     OCTOBER 5th, 7:30pm - "Excerpts of Contemporary Repertory and Improvisation" with Mariana Oliviera, visionary contemporary choreographer. Past credits include the New York City Ballet Choreographic Institute, Nashville Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Carolina Ballet, BalletX, Dayton Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, Joffrey Ballet Academy, Madison Ballet, National Choreographers Initiative, Ballet Arkansas, American Midwest Ballet, and Chicago Repertory Ballet, among others.
·     OCTOBER 6th, 7:30pm – “Creating Your Own Work” with Chris James, North Little Rock native and award-winning spoken word poet, TED Talk speaker, playwright, educator, photographer and author. He is the founder of Arkansas' only poetry venue and second black owned gallery, The House of Art.
·     OCTOBER 7th, 7:30pm - "The Operatic Singer as Artist and Athlete" with Francesca Mondanaro, internationally acclaimed dramatic soprano, whose teaching clients include lead actors on Broadway (Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd National Tour) and guest artists at Glimmerglass Opera, Vancouver Opera, Arizona Opera, Kammeroper Hannover and many, many more.

Panel discussions and interviews:

·     SEPTEMBER 24th, 7pm – “Potluck & Poison Ivy”, featuring Dr. Guy Lancaster and Dr. Brian Mitchell, who will discuss the revised edition of the book Blood in Their Eyes: The Elaine Race Massacres of 1919, with musical guest Joshua Asante

·     OCTOBER 1st, 7pm - The State of Broadway, with TONY Award winning producer and Arkadelphia, AR native Elizabeth Williams
·     OCTOBER 8th, 7pm - The Arts in Arkansas, A roundtable discussion with area arts organization leaders on the path forward during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

 Virtual Performance Broadcasts from:

·     SEPTEMBER 25th 7:30pm Ballet Arkansas

·     OCTOBER 2nd, 7:30pm Opera in the Rock
·     OCTOBER 9th, 7:30pm Argenta Community Theater 

This collaboration is the first of its kind for the four partner organizations, and grew out of a desire to create meaningful connection, discussion and learning opportunities across arts disciplines during this unprecedented time for the performing arts. Tickets for individual master classes are $20 each, and an all access pass to all masterclasses and events will be available for $150. A reduced registration cost will be available to students and educators. Thursday evening panel discussions and interviews will be presented free of charge, and Friday evening virtual performances are “pay what you can.” More information, All Access Passes and individual registration for all events will be available at https://acansa.org/