5.26.23 Friday Highlights

Mental Health Awareness Month

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

National Better Speech & Hearing Month

Lupus Awareness Month

May 29:  Memorial Day (Schools & Offices Closed)
May 30:  Final Exams (5/30-6/1)

June 2:    Last Day of School for Students

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We're so proud of the Horace Mann Magnet Middle School Students who continue the annual tradition of honoring those who served our country by placing flags in the National Cemetery. A shoutout to Ms. Kelly Smith, Mann's sponsor for this civic project.  She says she is impressed with her students, who were reverent and respectful of the lives they were honoring as they placed each flag.  

Little Rock School District Hosts 19th Annual Academic Signing Day

LRSD joined the Public Ed Foundation in presenting the 19th Annual Academic Signing Day (ASD) celebration earlier this week. Hosted at the Clinton Presidential Center this year, ASD recognized the top-performing seniors' hard work and academic excellence at all LRSD high schools. 

The program was not lacking in distinguished guest speakers, including President of the Little Rock Public Education Foundation, Jennifer Glasgow; President and Chief Executive Officer of Arvest, Ron Witherspoon; Chief Executive Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, Raymond Long; Superintendent of the Little Rock School District, Dr. Jermall Wright and Mayor of Little Rock, Frank Scott Jr.  Additionally, several Little Rock City directors and state legislators were also in attendance.  

Special thank you to Arvest and the Clinton Center for sponsoring this event and to each individual for their contribution to making the program successful. 

You can watch the full celebration here: 

Congratulations Class of 2023

With college and career opportunities looming, more than 1,300 LRSD seniors completed their final high school assignment...graduation! Join us in congratulating the class of 2023.  We wish you well as you take the next step of your journey. 

 

All 40 LRSD Schools Have Been Designated Heart Safe Thanks to the Project Adam

Would school staff know what to do if a student or staff member experienced cardiac arrest? Because timely response can mean the difference between life and death, Little Rock School District partnered with Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS), and the Little Rock Fire Department (LRFD) to pilot the Project ADAM Heart Safe School Program. 

Through this project, all our schools successfully implemented a quality sudden cardiac arrest program of awareness, training, and effective emergency response to promote a safe environment for students, visitors, and staff, per the Heart Safe School Checklist. Following practice drills at each site, all LRSD school campuses are certified as Heart Safe Schools!  Congratulations!

Perfect Attendance Celebration Fit for Queens & Kings at Watson Elementary

Watson Elementary put on a royal celebration for the students who had perfect attendance this school year.  Chronic absenteeism is an issue faced by districts across the state. Please join us in applauding those students who showed up every day and got their feet to the seat!  And a special shoutout to Ms. Eileen McMurray, Watson's counselor, for honoring her students!

Chicot Students' Generosity Benefits
Mascot Namesake at LR Zoo

Chicot Elementary students selected the LR Zoo as this year's recipient of the "Change Starts with Us" fundraiser, benefitting the Cheetah Conservation Fund.  Way to go, students and Principal Gina Khoury, for making a difference in our community! 

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Pulaski County Fair

Weekdays: 5 pm - 10 pm 

Weekends: 12 pm - 11 pm

Memorial Day: 12 pm - 8 pm

Admission to the park is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free.

WRISTBANDS AND RIDE TICKETS:

Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides with an all-day wristband for $25 or purchase single-ride tickets for $1 each (rides require 3-7 tickets, depending on the ride).

Red, White, and Zoo Memorial Day Weekend

The Little Rock Zoo invites you to celebrate Memorial Day weekend at Red, White, and Zoo! Each day of the weekend, May 28-30, 2022, will feature fun for the entire family! There will be an amphitheater animal pop-up encounters Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11:00AM.

The Zoo appreciates and honors veterans and active military, inviting all active military and veterans to have $6 admission to the Zoo with a current military ID.

* Please confirm directly with the promoter or box office to ensure event details have not changed.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center's
14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Click here for more details.

For 14 years, The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center has celebrated Juneteenth right in the heart of Little Rock at Historic W. 9th Street. June 17, 2023, MTCC will host this FREE day-long event featuring activities, vendors, food, arts and entertainment for the whole family! Juneteenth in Da Rock is Arkansas largest Juneteenth celebration, boasting over 5000 attendees from across the state, with hundreds of participating vendors, performers, and sponsors. 

This celebration allows the museum to engage the community in African Americans' rich history and culture. Our vision is for people of all backgrounds to join in the celebration of freedom and the numerous contributions and accomplishments of African Americans. We also strive to engage other community organizations to partner with us by supporting our mission. Follow MTCC on social media, follow this event, and stay tuned for more details!

Bluey's Big Play

Wednesday, July 12, 2023 7:00 PM

Thursday, July 13, 2023 10:00 AM

Grab the sticky geckos, break out the duck cakes, and alert the grannies! It’s time to meet the much-loved Heeler family, who will be coming to Robinson Center July 12-13, 2023, with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show! The Emmy® Award-winning animated preschool series on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+ will be “taking the show on the road” to the Robinson Center.

39th Annual Pops on the River

Pops on the River, presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, features music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, food, kids' activities, and fireworks! Click here for additional info.

Friday Highlights 5.18.23

   

Mental Health Awareness Month

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

National Better Speech & Hearing Month

Lupus Awareness Month

May 22:           Academic Signing Day 

May 23-25:     Graduations at War Memorial Stadium
                        (See www.lrsd.org for Stadium Expectations/Bag Policy)

May 26:            Final Exams
May 29:            Memorial Day (Schools & Offices Closed)
May 30-June 1 Final Exams

June 2:             Last Day of School for Students

Plan on Attending LRSD Graduation Ceremonies? You Might Want to Read Ahead...

Other Requirements

Hundreds of LRSD students will walk across the stage starting Tuesday-Thursday next week.  We are proud of all of our graduates, but send a special shoutout to the Class of 2023 from LR West, as these seniors will be the school's first graduates.   

Your Future Medical Professionals 

in Training at Hall

Hall STEAM Magnet High School has a new partner in UAMS that will introduce students to a medical academy pathway.  Students may now look forward to hands-on learning opportunities, including internships, mentorships, and research. This is the second academy announced for Hall within the past two weeks.  

           

Today's Learners and Leaders!

Awesome to see the results of the Leader in Me programs at McDermott and Chicot come to life over the past two weeks. Students ran the programs, serving as ambassadors, speakers, and presenters.  Way to go, students, staff, and principals!

LRSD Students and Staff Shine at
Economics Arkansas Events

LRCH's Ruthie Walls and students presented their projects at Economics Arkansas
Board meeting this week

And Pinnacle View's Graham Goodloe was recognized at the AE luncheon for his ongoing work to help students with financial literacy.   By the way, LRSD will host its inaugural Econ Games next week.  Should be pretty exciting!

 

Hello, Mr. "Coach" Robinson!

Little Rock Central High School will introduce its new head football Coach Anthony Robinson during a meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2023, in the Boone-Fitzpatrick Fieldhouse, near Daisy Bates and Park Street. Robinson was named to the position by the Little Rock School District earlier this month.

Coach Robinson’s career started in college as a graduate assistant at Arkansas State University. He then moved to the high school football ranks in Texas and Arkansas. Most recently, he was an assistant coach at Conway High School, serving as the wide receivers coach and special team coordinator. He also coached at Lancaster High School in Lancaster, Texas, Searcy High School, and Magnolia High School in Arkansas.

Go ACC/Metro!

Know Someone Who's Looking
For a Great Opportunity?

Help Us Spread the Word

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would Like Featured in Our Blog?

Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?

Remember, the deadline for each week's submissions is Thursday, at noon.

Come Cook With Us - UAMS

Click on link below to register for upcoming class - May 23

{Virtual} 'Come Cook With Us' Arkansas Minority Health Commission + UAMS Culinary Medicine Registration Survey (surveymonkey.com)

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition & Family Afternoon

Drop in to celebrate the 62nd Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition with a day of art and family-friendly Museum fun! Find Flurffy + Friends roaming around AMFA, explore the Windgate Art School Open House, or take a family-focused Museum tour offered at 3:00 p.m. Get tickets to an incredible The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show performance for a special treat. Click here for more info.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center's 14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Click here for more details.

For 14 years, The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center has celebrated Juneteenth right in the heart of Little Rock at Historic W. 9th Street. June 17, 2023, MTCC will host this FREE day-long event featuring activities, vendors, food, arts and entertainment for the whole family! Juneteenth in Da Rock is Arkansas largest Juneteenth celebration, boasting over 5000 attendees from across the state, with hundreds of participating vendors, performers, and sponsors. 

This celebration allows the museum to engage the community in the rich history and culture of African Americans. Our vision is for people of all backgrounds to join in the celebration of freedom and the numerous contributions and accomplishments of African Americans. We also strive to engage other community organizations to partner with us by supporting our mission. Follow MTCC on social media, follow this event and stay tuned for more details!

39th Annual Pops on the River

Pops on the River, presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, features music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, food, kids activities and fireworks! Click here for additional info. 

Pro-Tip: Head downtown early for pre-movie activities with 2nd Friday Art Night locations!

5.12.23 Friday Highlights

   

Mental Health Awareness Month

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

National Better Speech & Hearing Month

Lupus Awareness Month

May 14:      Mother's Day

May 15:      Senior Exams (5/15-5/18)
May 18:       LRSD Board Meeting (Earlier this month due to graduations)

Another Quick Shoutout to All LRSD Teachers of the Year

Elementary Teachers of the Year

Middle School Teachers of the Year

High School Teachers of the Year

Classified & First Student Employees of the Year

A HUGE Shoutout To All Sponsors!

Teacher Tribute from Dr. J.J. Lacey

Dr. J.J. Lacey is the husband of the late Dr. Marian G. Lacey, for whom LRSD's highest teaching award is named. 

Happy Nurse Appreciation Week to All of Our School Nurses - You Rock!

Thank you to all the school nurses for your invaluable work in keeping our children healthy and safe. Your dedication and compassionate care make a world of difference. We appreciate you!

Way to Go LRCH Student Writers!

Central High School is thrilled to celebrate its five student writers who received awards for their writing during this year's Achievement Awards in Writing. LRSD joins LRCH in celebrating this tremendous achievement. This year, schools nominated 360 students to participate in the Achievement Awards in Writing Program. Of those, 114 were selected to receive the First Class designation, 131 received the Superior designation, 71 received the Excellent designation, and 31 received the Merit designation.
The program's goal is to encourage high school sophomores and juniors to write and publicly recognize the best student writing.

And It Doesn't Stop There for LRCH - Another Star Student 1/5 Nationally to Earn
Prestigious Science Scholarship

LRCH senior Anu Iyer has received the Science Olympiad Founders' Scholarship for $10,000! Only 5 students were selected out of all the applicants across the country.  A top scholar at Central Anu has racked up multiple national awards in her time with LRSD.  We are proud of you, Anu!  

Parkview Archery Team to Attend

 National Competition

Thanks to Generous Donation

We mean it when we say we have the best community around. Each Parkview archery team member received a $250 check from the Rosedale Optimist Club to help make it possible for the team to attend its national competition. The team was one of four in the state to get the nod for nationals. The entire team made their aim at the Bullseye Regional competition at Lyons College, and individual rounds of NASP (National Archery School Program) by AGCF. These archers advance to Louisville, KY, where they will compete with 18,000 archers nationwide!  Good luck, team!

It's a Celebration at the Spring 
Little Rock PTA Awards Banquet

The Little Rock PTA Spring Awards Banquet was a touching way to wrap up the school year. PTA members were recognized for their hard work and contribution to our schools. Students received scholarships, and new officers were also sworn in during the awards ceremony. Congratulations to all the award and scholarship recipients!

Entergy Powers Energy & Engineering Pathway at Hall STEAM Magnet High School

Entergy Arkansas will work collaboratively with the faculty and Academy Coach at Hall to identify the needed resources, learning opportunities, required student skills, and relevant industry certifications. Students will gain exposure to energy industry careers, have the opportunity to network with Entergy employees, and hone their skills for a future career in the utilities sector or a similarly skilled STEM career! It's a great time to be a Warrior! 

2023 LRSD One Rock Legend Awards

Congratulations to the #LRSDOneRock Legend Class of 2022 Inductees: Lahoma Howard, Eddie Bradford, Derek Russell, Dennis Nutt, Al Flanigan & Houston Nutt, Sr. - posthumously, represented by Dr. Rex Horne. Also shown in the photo - far right, event organizer Fitz Hill.

A special thanks to Rene Julian and First Community Bank for their generous sponsorship of the luncheon. Proceeds support the work of the LRSD Athletic Foundation, including providing funding toward the 6th and Goal sports programs at LRSD.

KATV sports anchor Steve Sullivan has served as emcee for the Hall of Fame luncheon since the program's inception.

Longtime LRSD Child Nutrition Employee Recognized in Arkansas Times Publication

Photo Courtesy of the Arkansas Times Brian Chilson

Last Friday on School Lunch Hero Day, Wakefield Elementary cafeteria manager Nancy Glasper was recognized in the Arkansas Times for her years of dedicated service. Glasper has diligently served as the cafeteria manager at Wakefield for 23 years. You can learn more about Ms. Glasper and her story here.  BTW, Ms. Glasper will certainly be missed - she is retiring at the end of this school year.  We wish you the best, Ms. Glasper!

Plan on Attending LRSD Graduation Ceremonies?  You Might Want to Read Ahead...

Other Requirements

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would Like Featured in Our Blog?

Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?

Remember, the deadline for each week's submissions is Thursday, at noon.

Movies in the Pocket Park: Jurassic World Dominion

Join the Downtown Little Rock Partnership for the first Movies in the (Pocket) Park on May 12th at 8pm following 2nd Friday Art Night! They're bringing back FREE outdoor showings but in a more intimate setting. 

They'll be showing Jurassic World Dominion, and TMW Kettlecorn, along with other food and beverage vendors, will be on hand to keep the party going! Grab your family, some movie snacks, and a picnic blanket, and head over to the Main Street Pocket Park (711 Main St.)

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition & Family Afternoon

Drop in to celebrate the 62nd Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition with a day of art and family-friendly Museum fun! Find Flurffy + Friends roaming around AMFA, explore the Windgate Art School Open House, or take a family-focused Museum tour offered at 3:00 p.m. Get tickets to an incredible performance of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show for a special treat. Click here for more info.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center's 14th Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Click here for more details.

For 14 years, The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center has celebrated Juneteenth right in the heart of Little Rock at Historic W. 9th Street. June 17, 2023, MTCC will host this FREE day-long event featuring activities, vendors, food, arts and entertainment for the whole family! Juneteenth in Da Rock is Arkansas largest Juneteenth celebration, boasting over 5000 attendees from across the state, with hundreds of participating vendors, performers, and sponsors. 

This celebration allows the museum to engage the community in the rich history and culture of African Americans. Our vision is for people of all backgrounds to join in the celebration of freedom and the numerous contributions and accomplishments of African Americans. We also strive to engage other community organizations to partner with us by supporting our mission. Follow MTCC on social media, follow this event and stay tuned for more details!

39th Annual Pops on the River

Pops on the River, presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, features music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, food, kids activities and fireworks! Click here for additional info. 

Pro-Tip: Head downtown early for pre-movie activities with 2nd Friday Art Night locations!