FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2023

August is Family Fun Month

Black Business Month

Summer Safety Month

National Golf Month

August 28 -         Voting Ends for Dads/Father Figures Contest
September 4 -      Labor Day (Schools/Offices Closed)
September 7 -      Board Work Session 
September 10 -    Grandparents Day
September 15 -     Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
September 16 -     Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration/Plaza Frida

Continuing to Build on Legacy....

      

LRSD's Board of Directors honored Central AP African American Studies teacher Ruthie Walls, Principal Nancy Rousseau, and Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright for their ongoing support of students' opportunity to take AP African American Studies classes. Attendees at Thursday's Board meeting were surprised to see Civil Rights icon and Little Rock Nine member Ms. Elizabeth Eckford along with State Senator Clarke Tucker, who also praised the three District Leaders. In addition to hearing words of encouragement from Ms. Eckford, Ms. Walls also learned from Senator Tucker that an endowed scholarship would be named in her honor. The honorees also received beautiful artwork with poignant titles inscribed by famed writer/author Bryan Collier. 

Music of a Movement

In honor of the upcoming 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington, we thought we'd share a throwback commemorative musical presentation from Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School (circa 2017),  paying homage to the landmark event.  Click on the photo below. 

                          LRSD Introduces New HR Chief

We’d like to officially welcome LRSD’s new Chief Human Capital and Compliance Officer, Ms. Shawn Burgess.  Her reputation as a top-tier HR professional precedes her, and we are thrilled to have her join the LRSD family.  

Don't Forget to Vote!

Don't forget to vote in our Facebook photo contest for dads/father figures. Monday is the deadline. One lucky dad is going to enjoy a LR Razorback game day experience, compliments of Muskie Harris Recovery Service. As you can see in the photo above, we already have your tickets in hand.

To enter: http://www.LRSD.org/2023-Dads

Fifty dads will get to enjoy lunch with Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright, plus have a chance to
 win more prizes!   

Award-Winning Debaters

More congratulations in order for the LRCH… the debate team of seniors Jackson Mills and Jack Baker currently ranks #2 in the country in pre-season!  After weeks of debate camp at Wake Forest University this summer, Jack and Jackson advanced as the top seed, winning all 6 of their prelim debates and ultimately advancing to the Finals of the tournament.  LRCH Speech and Debate is the only nationally-ranked program in Arkansas and is the only Title I school in the top 10 programs in the nation! Way to go, Central and lead sponsor, Ms. Rosie Valdez.  

Want to Cheer on Our State Football Champs Friends and family unable to travel to the Parkview game in Springdale may watch on the YouTube link here.  https://www.youtube.com/@SpringdaleSchoolsTV  They're Back..... Wing Wednesdays at LRSD!!! LRSD's Child Nutrition team will begin serving wings for grades 6-12 on September 13th and will serve them at p-K-5 sites beginning on September 20th.

Peace Week Art Contest, Essay Contest  &  Lesson Plans Arkansas Peace Week (September 17-24, 2023) offers great youth programs for schools and youth programs. Peace Week Essay Contest – Essay Contest for 7th – 12 Grade Students Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners in each grade.  Entry Deadline September 6, 2023 Winners are invited to read their essays at the Arkansas State Capitol on September 23. Peace Week Art Contest – Art Contest for 1st -12th Grade Students Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd,            and 3rd Place winners in each grade.  Entry Deadline September 6, 2023 Finalists will be displayed at the Arkansas State Capitol. September 17-23. School and Group Lesson Plans and Resources  Lesson plans and resources developed in partnership with LRSD and Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS). We invite all Arkansas schools and youth groups to participate and present these lessons teaching peacemaking skills to the youth in our state. Please share this with children and organizations you know.  Schools, teachers, faith groups, and other youth organizations are encouraged to sponsor and guide students with their submissions.   Peace Week began our school programs in 2017 when Pax Christi Little Rock (PCLR) worked with school counselor Mildred Calhoun to develop a peace curriculum for Little Rock’s Rockefeller Elementary. The following year the organization worked with Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) and Little Rock School District to expand these non-violence lesson plans and resources for elementary-age students.  Today over 15,000 students participate in Arkansas Peace Week from all over the state. Please visit our website, www.arkansaspeaceweek.com or the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/arkansaspeaceweek for the latest information.  Email arpeaceweek@gmail.com with questions. 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. Important Traffic Info Shared by  City of Little Rock Teen Driving Roadeo This Saturday Last River Market Live This Thursday!  Presented by the LRCVB The Little Rock Convention and Vistors Bureau is inviting you out to the River Market pavilions on Thursday nights for a dynamic showcase of talented artists and performers. Click here for additional details. Rock Paper Run From the Downtown LR Partnership Group.... Farmer Market Produce and Other Goodies Available Rain or Shine The Little Rock Farmers Market is open 7AM-2PM, rain or shine through Labor Day Weekend.   Many produce vendors at the market accept SNAP benefits (look for the signage at their booths). SNAP tokens can be purchased Farmers Market Managers Tent in the center of the Farmers Market. The Little Rock Farmers Market is also a proud participant in the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program where patrons can have up to $20 worth of SNAP tokens matched for free to use at the market. Parking is always free for Little Rock Farmers Market patrons. Visitors are invited to park in the lot behind the market as well as in the River Market Parking Deck at 2nd and River Market Avenue. Special VIP parking is available for senior and handicapped individuals. ~ Little Rock River Market.

August is Family Fun Month

Black Business Month

Summer Safety Month

National Golf Month

August 14-18      Fathers/Father Figures Photo Contest Entry

August 21           Fathers/Father Figures Photo Contest Voting Begins

                            Senior Citizens Day

August 24            School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm

Today is the Deadline

Don't forget to enter our Facebook photo contest for dads/father figures.  Today is the deadline.  One lucky dad is going to enjoy a LR Razorback game day experience, compliments of Muskie Harris Recovery Service.  As you can see in the photo above, we already have your tickets in hand.  

To enter:  http://www.LRSD.org/2023-Dads

Fifty dads will get to enjoy lunch with Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright, plus have a chance to win more prizes!  

Not Only Were Dads/Father Figures & Staff

Putting Their Best Foot Forward This Week...

Some Students and Staff Were Dancing
Their Way Back to School!

Check out the above video of Forest Heights STEM Academy
(More great #1stDay Photos here.)

FHSA also featured on KARK, Fox 16, THV 11 and KATV on the first day of school:
https://www.kark.com/news/kark-4-today/forest-heights-stem-academy-is-ready-for-the-first-day-of-school/

How We Know Our Students are
 Making a Difference in the World!

Peace Week Art Contest, Essay Contest &  Lesson Plans Arkansas Peace Week (September 17-24, 2023) offers great youth programs for schools and youth programs. Peace Week Essay Contest – Essay Contest for 7th – 12 Grade Students Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners in each grade.  Entry Deadline September 6, 2023 Winners are invited to read their essays at the Arkansas State Capitol on September 23. Peace Week Art Contest – Art Contest for 1st -12th Grade Students Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd,            and 3rd Place winners in each grade.  Entry Deadline September 6, 2023 Finalists will be displayed at the Arkansas State Capitol. September 17-23. School and Group Lesson Plans and Resources  Lesson plans and resources developed in partnership with LRSD and Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS). We invite all Arkansas schools and youth groups to participate and present these lessons teaching peacemaking skills to the youth in our state. Please share this with children and organizations you know.  Schools, teachers, faith groups, and other youth organizations are encouraged to sponsor and guide students with their submissions.   Peace Week began our school programs in 2017 when Pax Christi Little Rock (PCLR) worked with school counselor Mildred Calhoun to develop a peace curriculum for Little Rock’s Rockefeller Elementary. The following year the organization worked with Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) and Little Rock School District to expand these non-violence lesson plans and resources for elementary-age students.  Today over 15,000 students participate in Arkansas Peace Week from all over the state. Please visit our website www.arkansaspeaceweek.com or the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/arkansaspeaceweek for the latest information.  Email arpeaceweek@gmail.com with questions.

Another LRCH Shows
She has the Perfect Touch!

They say the 3rd time is the charm, but what happens when there are four? Congrats to LRCH's Shruthi Hebbar - most recent student to join 3 others with a perfect ACT score!

#Last1stWeek at Cloverdale Middle

Cloverdale Middle School was featured on KARK and Fox 16 Friday morning in honor of their last first week of school.  Next year, students will move into the brand new Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy (latest Facebook video update here.)

Budding Young Artist from Carver STEAM Magnet Has An AMFA Appearance

Carver STEAM student:  Iker Alonso presenting his artwork at The Junior Arts Academy.  (The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts)

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.

Mark Your Calendar for River Market Live - Presented by the LRCVB

The Little Rock Convention and Vistors Bureau is inviting you out to the River Market pavilions on Thursday nights for a dynamic showcase of talented artists and performers. Click here for additional details.

Teen Driving Roadeo

Rock Paper Run

From the Downtown LR Partnership Group....

Farmer Market Produce and Other Goodies

Available Rain or Shine

The Little Rock Farmers Market is open 7AM-2PM, rain or shine through Labor Day Weekend.  

Many produce vendors at the market accept SNAP benefits (look for the signage at their booths). SNAP tokens can be purchased Farmers Market Managers Tent in the center of the Farmers Market. The Little Rock Farmers Market is also a proud participant in the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program where patrons can have up to $20 worth of SNAP tokens matched for free to use at the market.

Parking is always free for Little Rock Farmers Market patrons. Visitors are invited to park in the lot behind the market as well as in the River Market Parking Deck at 2nd and River Market Avenue. Special VIP parking is available for senior and handicapped individuals. ~ Little Rock River Market.

8.11.23 Friday Highlights

August is Family Fun Month

Black Business Month

Summer Safety Month

National Golf Month

August 11            Work Day

August 14           First Day of School

August 14-18      Fathers/Father Figures Photo Contest Entry

August 21           Fathers/Father Figures Photo Contest Voting Begins

                            Senior Citizens Day

August 24            School Board Meeting @ 5:30pm

Celebrating Unity and Commitment: A Recap of LRSD's Inspiring Convocation

The Little Rock School District's annual convocation event marked a powerful beginning to the new academic year, bringing together students, educators, staff, and administrators in a celebration of unity, commitment, and educational excellence. The event, held on Monday, August 7th, was a resounding success, igniting the spirit of collaboration and setting the stage for an impactful year ahead as we continue to #ReimagineLRSD.

The LRSD convocation began with an electrifying energy as attendees streamed into the LR Southwest High auditorium, adorned in their schools' colors and embracing the vibrant atmosphere. The event kicked off with a lively roll call by LRSD cheerleaders, who set the tone for the program.

The highlight of the convocation was the inspiring keynote address by LRSD Supt. Dr. Jermall Wright. With eloquence and passion, he emphasized the significance of first turning within in order to ensure each individual is aligned with the District's goals and mission. Dr. Wright's presentation and motivational insights left the audience energized and determined to make a lasting impact.

The convocation also featured a series of engaging student and teacher-led panels, designed to equip educators with innovative teaching strategies, tools, and advice. These sessions provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, setting the stage for a year of continuous growth and professional development.

As LRSD embarks on another academic journey, the convocation served as a reminder that every member of the LRSD family plays a crucial role in shaping the future. The unity, passion, and shared commitment displayed at the event promise a great year of learning, growth, and positive impact on students' lives.

Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Little Rock Central High's Groundbreaking Ceremony

Little Rock Central High School is proud to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for its new science building and field house and 95-year school anniversary. We're thrilled to have Polk Stanley Wilcox as our architects and NabholzDoyne construction teams as our contractors .This exciting development will provide students with state-of-the-art facilities to further their education and athletic pursuits.

We look forward to the completion of these facilities and the opportunities they will provide for generations of students to come.  Expected completion dates:  Field House-2024; Science Wing - 2025

Don Roberts Principal Steven Helmick Nominated for Prestigious National Award

In a remarkable journey from local recognition to national acclaim, Don Roberts Principal Steven Helmick has taken a significant step forward with his nomination for a national award afterbeing named Arkansas Elementary Principal of the Year.  We wish Helmick well as he takes his place among the 36 principals vying for the 2023 Nationally Distinguished Principal Award!

LRSD Students Among Musicians Selected to Perform at Downtown Rotary Club 

LRSD students joined forces with peers from various districts to deliver a delightful performance of a Beethoven classic at the Rotary Club of Little Rock luncheon. The young musicians showcased their exceptional skills, leaving quite an impression on the audience.

Grateful for Our Community Partners: Collaborating for a Successful
Back-to-School Season

Nurturing Musical Aspirations:
 Acclaimed Violinist Dr. Chelsey Green Shares Talent and Time with LRSD Students

Renowned international touring violinist and Berklee College of Music educator Dr. Chelsey Green spent an evening sharing her talents with a Little Rock audience that included LRSD students.  She even took time to meet Octavia Rainey, perhaps an aspiring future violinist. Green was in town for the "A Work of ART" music festival, an event that celebrates LRSD's late alumnus Art Porter Jr. while nurturing the musical passions of young musicians.

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.

Last Day to Catch Free Fridays at the Arkansas Skatium

On Fridays from 6pm to 7pm, between May 29 and August 11, anyone may enter the building for free. If a patron needs to rent skates, they must pay a $7 rental fee, regardless of age.

Mark Your Calendar for River Market Live - Presented by the LRCVB

The Little Rock Convention and Vistors Bureau is inviting you out to the River Market pavilions on Thursday nights for a dynamic showcase of talented artists and performers. Click here for additional details.

Teen Driving Roadeo

2023 CALS Speaker Series

Rock Paper Run