Friday, March 29, 2024

Friday Highlights 3.29.24

 

March is:

Women's History Month
National Reading Month
National Nutrition Month
National Social Work Month
Red Cross Month
National Cheerleading Safety Month

Important Dates: 

April 2: Autism Awareness Day
April 3: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
April 4: Library/Media Specialist Appreciation Day
April 4: Totality STEM Event
April 8: Schools/Offices Closed for Eclipse
April 9: LR PTA Council Meeting (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
April 11: School Board Work Session (5:30 p.m.)
April 16: Evening for the Stars - ViPS Annual Celebration

Registration Now Open LRSD's Inaugural Black Male Educator Summit To Drive Positive Impact


Join us on May 18th for LRSD’s Black Male Educator Summit, a pivotal event aimed at empowering black male educators and students. From engaging panels to cutting-edge workshops, this summit offers invaluable insights and tools for fostering community growth and improving outcomes. Secure your spot now and be part of this impactful movement. Register today here: www.lrsd.org/BMES2024. The first 250 registrants will receive an invitation to the opening reception.  

Championing Excellence: LR West Coach Takes the Spotlight as Assistant Coach of the Year!

Congratulations to Coach Cristen Estrada, the newest Assistant Coach of the Year, recognized by the National Speech and Debate Association! Her leadership at Little Rock West High School has propelled the Forensics and Debate team to incredible heights. This well-deserved honor is a testament to her dedication and impact!

From Tokyo to Kyoto, Little Rock West Students Experience Spring Break Adventure in Japan

Little Rock West students embarked on an exciting journey to Japan over Spring Break. They explored the streets of Tokyo, saw Mt. Fuji, traveled to historic Kyoto, and much more! What an incredible opportunity to learn abroad!

Breaking Borders: LRSD's Clinic Manager & Retired Teacher Bring Innovation to Mexico's Classrooms

Chicot Clinic Manager Jaime Combs and her mother, retired LRSD Teacher Mary Johnson, traveled to Colegio Plenus in Corregidora, Mexico, over Spring Break. Together, they shared insights about LRSD's innovative school-based health clinics with eager 5th graders, fostering cross-cultural connections and spreading educational inspiration. Their visit exemplifies LRSD's commitment to global outreach and the power of sharing knowledge beyond borders.

UA Little Rock Partners with LRSD
for Tech Education

In case you missed it earlier this month, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock partnered with the Little Rock School District to provide exciting tech education opportunities for students. Through this collaboration, LRSD students at the Metropolitan Career-Technical Center will receive mentorship from UA Little Rock's Emerging Analytics Center students and faculty, learning valuable tech skills such as Unity and Adobe Creative Cloud. These hands-on experiences not only enhance students' technical abilities but also foster teamwork and problem-solving skills. Regina Howard, an instructor at Metro, highlighted the practical benefits of this partnership in preparing students for real-world jobs. This collaboration makes tech education engaging and relevant, equipping LRSD students with the tools they need for future success.

Entergy and Arkansas STEM Coalition Illuminate Learning at Carver STEAM Magnet  with Solar Eclipse Glasses Donation

It was an exciting week at Carver STEAM Magnet Elementary as Entergy and the Arkansas STEM Coalition generously donated solar eclipse glasses to students. With the total solar eclipse approaching on April 8th, this thoughtful contribution enhances our students' educational journey and enriches their understanding of the scientific phenomenon. Thank you to Entergy and the Arkansas STEM Coalition for their ongoing support and dedication to fostering engaging learning experiences for students across Arkansas.  All public school students and staff will receive glasses thanks to this partnership.

Speaking of the Eclipse...
LRSD will Join Surrounding Districts
for a Joint STEM Showcase 

Inter-district planning has been underway since August among the four metro districts: LRSD, Jacksonville, North Little Rock, and Pulaski County, as the committee works tirelessly to make this one "stellar" celebration of STEM education in public schools.
In addition to field trips for small elementary school groups from all districts, students at school sites throughout the metro will be able to watch speakers via live stream on Shadow Box:

LRCH Coach Marlon Williams Takes Top Honors as All-Preps Arkansas Girls 
Coach of the Year

We want to shout out Little Rock Central Coach Marlon Williams for winning the All-Preps Arkansas Girls Coach of the Year Award! He helped lead the team to victory in the state championship this year - a first-ever appearance by the girl's team! Williams' commitment to his players and the sport has left a lasting impact on the basketball community!

Little Rock Hall STEAM Students Propel City Forward in Policy Talks with Mayor

Little Rock Hall STEAM Magnet High School students in the Student Government Association met with Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. to talk about important city issues. They shared ideas on education and community development. It's great to see our students making a difference in Little Rock's future!

Forest Park Elementary Students Step into History with Journey to Little Rock Central High School


In an enriching educational experience, students from Forest Park Elementary recently visited Little Rock Central High School. Stepping into this historic institution, they delved into its profound significance in American history and the civil rights movement. This memorable field trip exemplifies LRSD's commitment to providing students with immersive learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, empowering them to become informed, engaged citizens.

Financial Literacy as a Priority at LRSD &
Gibbs Magnet School
Student bank tellers from Gibbs Magnet were invited to present on the benefits of the school's student-led banking program at the Economics Arkansas Life Awards this week. First Security Bank and Andrea Hogan Lewis, who provides banking services, were also honored at the event with the Legacy in Free Enterprise Award! Great job to the student leaders, and congrats to First Security Bank!

LRSD is appreciative of the partnership with First Security that supports multiple student banks in the District!

From Kitchen Creations to Community Connections: Chicot Elementary Celebrates National Nutrition Month

Chicot Elementary School had a busy month celebrating National Nutrition Month. From their Family Cooking Class series to the vibrant Community Café & Health Fair, the school promoted healthy living. Collaborating with partners like UAMS Culinary Medicine, the UAMS College of Public Health, and the Chicot Health Clinic, families received heart-healthy recipes and wellness screenings. Special thanks to the City of Little Rock for piloting a program offering free produce at the Café. The event showcased the power of community, with attendees enjoying delicious meals and participating in dance workouts and taste tests.

LRSD Celebrates Excellence at the Superintendent's Citation Program

This month's Superintendent's Citation Program at LRSD was a true showcase of excellence and achievement. From the wrestlers of LR Central High to the talented individual who secured second place at the State Virtual Career Competition and the inspiring students leading at LR Southwest High Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, our district has much to celebrate. These accomplishments are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and leadership within our district. Congratulations to all honorees for their outstanding contributions.

LRSD and Caissa Begin Second Phase of Recruitment/Retention Partnership

The Little Rock School District continues phase two of its strategic partnership with Caissa, a leading educational organization focused on student recruitment and retention. Community members may recall LRSD’s pilot project with Caissa last summer that included phone calls, texts, and surveys, seeking feedback to better meet the needs of families. Caissa implements a diverse range of tools to showcase the assets of the districts with which they work to get students back in classrooms and to keep them there. If you get emails or calls/texts from 501-503-3168, 501-512-1656, or 501-260-7244 -they are legitimate communication from LRSD.

Download the New App



Principal Pool Application Process Now Open


Click on this link to read the flyer and get information on applying.


In Other Employment News...

McMath Library Presents a Prom Dress
Drive and Giveaway

The Sidney S. McMath Library, a branch of the Central Arkansas Library System, is hosting its annual Prom Dress Giveaway on Saturday, March 30. This one-of-a-kind "shopping" experience invites high school students to explore a wide variety of donations – prom dresses, cocktail dresses, shoes, jewelry, and accessories – all completely free. With over 700 donations last year, there is something for everyone! Any student looking for formal attire is encouraged to attend.
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Sidney S. McMath Library, 2100 John Barrow Rd, Little Rock, Arkansas


Sunny Bunny Hunt to be Held at West Central Community Center

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the exciting Sunny Bunny Egg Hunt at West Central Community Center! Join in for a day filled with egg-citement as eggs are scattered across a baseball field. Bring your baskets and prepare for an egg-stravaganza like no other, as kids race to collect as many eggs as they can find. The egg hunt will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The address for the community center is 8616 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock.



Little Rock Zoo to Display Dragon Kingdom!

Opening Saturday and running through September, guests of the Little Rock Zoo can enjoy a new exhibition called the Dragon Kingdom. Learn the similarities and connections between animals of the natural world and mythical creatures. Come face-to-face with dragons that mirror characteristics of enormous lizards, snakes, and other creatures. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! To learn more and get tickets, click on the following link: https://www.littlerockzoo.com/events/spring-break-2024/.

Join Easterseals Arkansas for their Silent Auction and Fashion Event

Join in on the fun as Easterseals Arkansas presents its Fashion Event. This event showcases the children and adults we serve as they reach for their goals of independence. Proceeds help children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential and empower them to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. This year's event will specifically benefit the therapy program. It will be held at the Statehouse Convention Center on April 2, 2024. You can get tickets here.

The Deadline is Sunday!
Scholarship Opportunity for Students Interested in Pursuing Music-Related Degrees


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