Friday Highlights 9.29.23

 

September is National School Success Month

Suicide Prevention Month
Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Hispanic HeritageMonth
Library Card Sign-up Month
October 2       -      School Custodian Appreciation Day

October 2-4    -     "Check Us Out" Tours at LRSD Schools
October 8       -      National School Lunch Week
October 10     -      LRPTA Council Meeting
October 12     -      School Board Work Session, 5:30 p.m.

66th Anniversary of Integration of LRCH Brings Members of Little Rock Nine Home for Commemorative Reunion

Five of the eight surviving members shared their wisdom with LRSD senior class members during a panel discussion this week.  Seniors from all five District high schools had the opportunity to experience this living history lesson from the members who left their mark on history when they were the became the African-American students to attend LRCH during the crisis of 1957.  The National Park Service and City of Little Rock hosted a weekend of activities commemorating their legacy.

Annual Patriotic Salute at Forest Park Draws Large Crowd from the Community

Great job by Forest Park students and staff as they hosted their annual patriotic salute and assembly for the entire community.  A special shout out to Judge Wendy Wood, who provided inspirational remarks. She was also a bit hit with students, who looked up to her figuratively and literally!  

Cloverdale Joins Two LRSD High Schools with Distinction as Chick-fil-A Leader Designations

(Excerpt from News Release) During the 2023-2024 school year, Chick-fil-A Leader Academy™ will be partnering with Cloverdale Middle School to provide curriculum opportunities that teach students important leadership skills to help make a difference in their community. 

Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy is traditionally a program for high school students. This year, Cloverdale’s Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy Facilitator, Jocelyn Spriggs-Gordon advocated that student leaders should be groomed before high school and petitioned for her students to be allowed to participate in the program. As a result, 20 students were selected by Cloverdale Middle School to participate in Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a national high school leadership program empowering students to make an Impact Through Action.  Cloverdale is presumed to be the only middle school in the nation to participate in this program.

Way to go, Cloverdale - Your LRSD family is proud of you!  

Extra, Extra - Read All About It!  LRSD HR Team Launches Timely Newsletter!

To read newsletter in its entirety, click here.

Deadline is Today for Uploading Your Pics!

 Our Favorite Other Contest - 
Our Grandparents Celebration  

                                       

LRSD Grandparents! Snap a photo of you with your current LRSD student(s) and upload the photo at www.LRSD.org/2023-GRANDPARENTS through September 29, 2023. Grandparent should be in the photo with grandchildren. Flyer with more details: www.LRSD.org/2023-grandparents-flyer

                                 

In Celebration of Dads

50 Fantastic Fathers/Father Figures Luncheon

Winners in our annual social media contest encouraging dads/father figures to take their children to school on the first day enjoyed food, fun, and fellowship with Supt. Dr. Jermall Wright this week.  Winners also took home some great prizes, including State Fair passes, Razorback tickets, an electric smoker, admission tickets to the Clinton Presidential Center and an awesome gift basket from Eggshells. (Thanks, sponsors!) 

Exclusive Little Rock Screening

Don't Miss It!

Join Supt. Dr. Jermall Wright, along with national literacy advocates actor LeVar Burton of  Reading Rainbow fame, and Oakland NAACP member Kareem Weaver, for a special screening of The Right to Read, 6 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ron Robinson Theater.  Limited seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Click here to reserve your seat, or use the QR code in the above flyer.  Don't miss out on seeing the film that everybody is talking about!  
                               

Looking for a Fun Way to Spend Your Saturday & Support LRSD Students at the Same  Time?

Catch these young student-athletes in action.  We're #ReimaginingLRSD by providing opportunities through youth sports!  Each Saturday through October 21st, starting at 9 a.m., you can catch our elementary league volleyball stars!  Games are held at Mabelvale Middle School.

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.

In Case You Missed the City of Little Rock's Shredder Day...

If You Prefer Dancing, This Event is for You After-School Opportunity for Kids (Not Sponsored by LRSD) Annual Literary Festival Back... Check Out What's New and exciting at Upcoming Six Bridges Book Festival (From CALS) The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) will present the twentieth annual Six Bridges Book Festival from September 25 – October 1, 2023. Named for the six bridges that connect the downtowns in Little Rock and North Little Rock, the Festival bridges communities and brings people together. CALS actively solicits input from a variety of demographic groups with the goal of offering a diverse, inclusive, and widely appealing festival. The event celebrates reading, literacy, stories, and wordsmithing. Scores of nationally known authors converge on the city to offer panels on a wide variety of topics, from cooking demonstrations to award-winning comedy. Authors also venture into the community for efforts such as Writers in the Schools (WITS), bringing the joy of writing to hundreds of students in central Arkansas. Since inception, the Festival has been an important showcase for nationally and internationally writers known writers, as well as locally based talent. There is something for all ages of readers and learners at the festival. This is the link to the Six Bridges Book Festival https://cals.org/six-bridges-book-festival/. The full schedule is now on the website.

 

September is National School Success Month

Suicide Prevention Month
Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Hispanic HeritageMonth
Library Card Sign-up Month

September 13 -     Now Underway
September 15 -     Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
September 16 -     Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration/Plaza Frida
September 21 -     LRSD Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
September 28 -     Fifty Fantastic Fathers/Father Figures Luncheon (Invited guests)

Important Calendar Update - Yom Kippur

Attention LRSD Families - the wrong date was inadvertently placed on the printed calendar for Yom Kippur.  It will be observed September 24-25th, not in October. We sincerely regret any confusion this may cause.  The correct date is now reflected on the online version of the printed calendar.  Thank you for understanding.  

Time for Our Favorite Other Contest - 
Our Grandparents Celebration  

                                       

LRSD Grandparents! Snap a photo of you with your current LRSD student(s) and upload the photo at www.LRSD.org/2023-GRANDPARENTS through September 29, 2023. Grandparent should be in the photo with grandchildren. Flyer with more details: www.LRSD.org/2023-grandparents-flyer

To better support our Hispanic families, the District launched LRSD en Español this week, timed to coincide with the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month -
observed annually from September 15 to October 15.  

Be sure to drop by the special celebration at La Plaza Frida this Saturday, where you'll enjoy lots of festivities, great food, and fellowship.  Additionally, LRSD students will be performing, and we'll have a booth featuring student artwork and District information.  

The World Language Culture Club at Little Rock Southwest High School will present its 2nd annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration event on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 9 a.m. 

Milestone Celebration with Ignite Reading

Nine months after the launch of Ignite Reading’s partnership with the Little Rock School District, the organization announced that students participating in the virtual, one-to-one literacy tutoring program have recorded an average of 2.4 weeks of reading progress per week, with no achievement gap for students of color, students with IEPs, multilingual learners, or students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. The District also announced that enrollment in Ignite Reading at Little Rock schools will double to serve 2,000 students this fall. To read more, click here. 

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. Annual Museum of Discovery Tinkerfest Tomorrow! Photo Courtesy Museum of Discovery Facebook Page (From Museum of Discovery) Little Rock, Ark. – The Museum of Discovery will present its 12th annual Tinkerfest, a one-day festival that brings together makers, artists, engineers, and crafters from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 16, inside and outside the museum. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to engage in more than 40 activities, from using raw materials and tools to create unique machines to launching rockets and art exploration, plus numerous crafting and building options. Additionally, guests will be able to explore construction equipment and other construction-related activities provided by presenting sponsor Kiewit-Massman Construction. More than 40 activities are planned, including: Robot Races Rope Making Car Take-Aparts Drone Demonstrations Sand Pendulums Pottery Making Important Community Announcement for Tornado Victims In response to the March 31 tornado that impacted this community, Southern Bancorp has a relief program available to help individuals and families cover home repair costs in our area.  Up to $12,000 is available to those who: Were affected by the March 31, 2023 tornado Own a home that is their primary residence and is permanently affixed to a foundation Have damage repairs not covered by insurance Meet income eligibility requirements  These funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are the result of grant funding from FHLB Dallas – it is straightforward home repair assistance, not a loan that needs to be paid back. Important Traffic Info Shared by  City of Little Rock Rock Paper Run Community Partnership Event with City of Little Rock From the Downtown LR Partnership Group.... They Still Need Volunteers Speaking of which... they still need festival volunteers - if you are interested, sign up at  mainstreetfoodtrucks.com    Calling All Jazz Aficionados Week 2 FREE Live Music Here's a look at the fall 2023 Jazz in the Park lineup: Sept. 20 – Katrice Newbill 6-8PM Sept. 27 – Rodney Block (anniversary finale at First Security Amphitheater) 6-9PM If You Prefer Dancing, This Event is for You After-School Opportunity for Kids (Not Sponsored by LRSD) Annual Literary Festival Back... Check Out What's New and exciting at Upcoming Six Bridges Book Festival (From CALS) The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) will present the twentieth annual Six Bridges Book Festival from September 25 – October 1, 2023. Named for the six bridges that connect the downtowns in Little Rock and North Little Rock, the Festival bridges communities and brings people together. CALS actively solicits input from a variety of demographic groups with the goal of offering a diverse, inclusive, and widely appealing festival. The event celebrates reading, literacy, stories, and wordsmithing. Scores of nationally known authors converge on the city to offer panels on a wide variety of topics, from cooking demonstrations to award-winning comedy. Authors also venture into the community for efforts such as Writers in the Schools (WITS), bringing the joy of writing to hundreds of students in central Arkansas. Since inception, the Festival has been an important showcase for nationally and internationally writers known writers, as well as locally based talent. There is something for all ages of readers and learners at the festival. This is the link to the Six Bridges Book Festival https://cals.org/six-bridges-book-festival/. The full schedule is now on the website.

Friday Highlights 9.8.23

September is National School Success Month

Suicide Prevention Month
Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Hispanic HeritageMonth
Library Card Sign-up Month

September 10 -     Grandparents Day
September 12 -     LRPTA Meeting, 11 a.m.
September 13 -     Grandparents Sweepstakes Contest Begins
September 15 -     Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
September 16 -     Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration/Plaza Frida
September 21 -     LRSD Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
September 28 -     Fifty Fantastic Fathers/Father Figures Luncheon (Invited guests)

Important Calendar Update - Yom Kippur

Attention LRSD Families - the wrong date was inadvertently placed on the printed calendar for Yom Kippur.  It will be observed September 24-25th, not in October. We sincerely regret any confusion this may cause.  The correct date is now reflected on the online version of the printed calendar.  Thank you for understanding.  

LRCH Teacher Named Among Yale University 2022 Educator Award Recipients

LRCH Teacher Michelle Chiu (left) shown with past Brain Bee Contenders

The Yale University Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to announce that a member of the community at Little Rock Central High School, Mrs. Michelle Chiu, has been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Yale Educator Award.

This award, sponsored by the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions, recognizes educators from around the world who inspire and support their students to perform at high levels and to achieve excellence. Of this year’s 385 nominees, who represent 43 states and 28 countries, 80 teachers and 32 counselors were selected to receive the award.

Students entering the Yale Class of 2027 were asked to nominate outstanding educators who have deeply impacted their lives. Mrs. Chiu was nominated for the award by Aaron Liu,​ then selected as a winner by a committee in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. As the committee reviewed the submissions, Ms. Chiu's nomination stood out.  The committee shared that members were "constantly reminded of the unique and critical role that exceptional educators play in shaping their students’ futures by encouraging them to pursue their goals."
Congrats Ms. Chiu - your LRSD family is proud of you!  

 LR Southwest's Renny team members were the honorees for the Grand Re-opening of the Walmart location on Baseline Road. Over the past year, the Renny Team, led by Advisor Kristina Peterson, has partnered with the Walmart locations in the community and with the Walmart Foundation to become their host school. The Renny Kidz were presented a check for $25,000.00, providing funding for improving the climate and culture of their school and community. The team was part of a global recognition this summer at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Dallas, TX, and are well on their way to the Platinum Award level in the near future. Catch these initiatives and more from the SW Renny Team, and mark your calendar for their annual Trunk or Treat hosted at LR Southwest on Oct.31st.              

King Commission Enlists Star Power to
Drive Message of Student Success

Special thanks to the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission for bringing actor Romeo Miller to speak with FHSA middle school students during their advisory period this week. He shared a very impactful message about the importance of staying in school, being focused, and making good grades.

Metro Rotary Club Visit by the Superintendent

@DrJermallWright

was a big hit with the LR Metro Rotary Club this week. Wright shared a District update with the group. Thank you, Stephen Maxwell, for the invitation. We need all of our partners to help us #reimagineLRSD.

Even Rabbits Love Reading!

Jefferson Elementary students have a reading buddy - Dewey the rabbit.  Dewey is in "chill" mode in his new habitat in the media center as a young reader shares a book with him.

Coming Soon to a Cafeteria Near You 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 Community Announcement for Tornado Victims In response to the March 31 tornado that impacted this community, Southern Bancorp has a relief program available to help individuals and families cover home repair costs in our area.  Up to $12,000 is available to those who: Were affected by the March 31, 2023 tornado Own a home that is their primary residence and is permanently affixed to a foundation Have damage repairs not covered by insurance Meet income eligibility requirements  These funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are the result of grant funding from FHLB Dallas – it is straightforward home repair assistance, not a loan that needs to be paid back. Important Traffic Info Shared by  City of Little Rock Rock Paper Run Community Partnership Event with City of Little Rock From the Downtown LR Partnership Group.... Calling All Jazz Aficionados Week 2 FREE Live Music Here's a look at the fall 2023 Jazz in the Park lineup: Sept. 13 – Dee Dee Jones 6-8PM Sept. 20 – Katrice Newbill 6-8PM Sept. 27 – Rodney Block (anniversary finale at First Security Amphitheater) 6-9PM If You Prefer Dancing, This Event is for You After-School Opportunity for Kids (Not Sponsored by LRSD)