June is:
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Congratulations to Little Rock Central High School’s Coach Aaron Butler, who after being selected as Arkansas Coach of the Year, now adds a national distinction to his growing list of accolades. Butler was just named the National High School Girls Head Coach of the Year by the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA). This prestigious honor reflects Coach Butler’s continued excellence in building one of the top wrestling programs in the country. LRSD is proud to celebrate this outstanding national achievement! Now the rest of the country knows what we already knew!
Bittersweet Farewell to
Beloved LRSD Central Office Staff
Join us in bidding a fond farewell to three incredible LRSD team members - Marilyn Hopson, Charles Parker, and Dennis Walker - who retired this year after years of dedicated service. Their commitment, leadership, and support have left a lasting impact on our schools and community. We are deeply grateful for all they’ve done to uplift students and staff alike. Wishing them a joyful, well-earned retirement filled with new adventures!
Also, shout to LRSD Chief Deputy of Finance Kelsey Bailey for his mad catfish cooking skills, served fresh and hot during a luncheon for the retirement honorees.
Grooming Students for the Big Stage!
We are proud of
Mackenzie and know that she will represent LRSD and Arkansas well during her
participation at the event.
Congratulations to Kyrie Hubbard, a rising 6th grader from Terry Elementary, for earning 1st place in Digital Art at the state-level National Beta Club competition in Hot Springs! Kyrie will proudly represent Terry Elementary and LRSD at the National Beta Convention in Orlando, Florida this weekend. We wish her the best of luck as she competes on the national stage!
Two outstanding LRSD graduates, Tim Campbell, Central High School, and Rosalyn Middleton, Parkview Arts/Science Magnet, were named 2025 Champions of Youth by Pulaski County Youth Services. This honor recognizes their commitment to inspiring and uplifting young people through leadership, mentorship, and public service. Congratulations, and thank you for your continued service, Mr. Campbell and Ms. Middleton!
Top State and Regional Awards
Congratulations to Central High School’s Ms. Erica Moore and Forest Heights STEM Academy’s Mrs. Yolanda Shelton! Ms. Moore. We previously shared that both won Regional Counselor of the Year for their respective levels, while Ms. Moore also won State Counselor of the Year. We’re proud of their outstanding dedication and impact on students across LRSD!
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Thanks to the support of Bridge 2 Success, students across LRSD are committing to reading 20 minutes every day. They’ve packed their bags with great books, and the stories were just too good to stay there. Now, students are actively logging their reading minutes and building strong literacy habits that will last a lifetime.
Legendary Institute
LRSD is excited to partner with Legendary Institute for another Reading in the Rock event on Wednesday, July 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 400 N. Bowman Road, Suite 14. Students can pick out free books to take home and get a fresh haircut—free for children 12 and under and just $5 for students 13 and over. This fun event supports summer reading and student confidence as part of LRSD’s ongoing effort to keep students
Every child deserves access to books that spark imagination and inspire a lifelong love of reading. That’s the focus of the Reading in the Rock initiative, combined with improving literacy rates - in partnership with the City of Little Rock. The goal is to provide elementary students with books over spring break and into the summer, helping to build home libraries and prevent the summer slide. The community is encouraged to help us provide more books by making a financial donation. No amount is too small—every contribution helps put books in the hands of our students. Thank you in advance for your support!
Here is the kickoff news conference:
or Mail a check to:
The Arkansas Community Foundation
5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Building 5, 11th Floor
Little Rock, AR 72202
(Memo: "LRSD Promise for the Future Fund")
Dozens of Little Free Library sites across Little Rock are ready for summer readers! Thanks to City Year Little Rock, many libraries have been freshly stocked with new books. Visit the Little Free Library website to find a location near you, pick up a great book, and feel free to leave one for others to enjoy. It’s a simple way to keep reading fun all summer long!
Students in kindergarten through 3rd grade at Chicot Elementary are enjoying summer learning through Project-Based Learning in the school’s 21st Century Program. Funded by a state grant, the students recently participated in a Design Challenge where they used math skills and everyday materials like straws, index cards, and Life Savers to build structures and cars. Working together in teams, they brainstormed and tested their designs while having fun.
The Little Rock School District is proud to pursue accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This recognition reflects LRSD’s commitment to high-quality early learning. Research shows that children in NAEYC-accredited programs are nearly twice as likely to be rated “proficient” or “school ready.” To learn more or enroll your child, visit www.LRSD.org/EarlyChildhood.
The Little Rock School District is committed to making sure no child goes hungry during the summer months. Through the Summer Meal Program, LRSD provides free, nutritious meals to children 18 and under at multiple locations across the district. These meals help support healthy growth and learning, even when school is out. For a full list of sites and times, visit the LRSD website.
If your child attended a Head Start or Early Head Start program during the 2024–2025 school year, they may be eligible for Summer EBT benefits to help cover the cost of food during the summer months. This year, families must submit an application to receive benefits. Apply online at www.ar.gov/summerebt or pick up a paper application at your local DHS office.
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The Little Rock community is stepping up in a big way to support the "Lunch On Us" initiative—a campaign dedicated to eliminating school lunch debt and ensuring every LRSD student has access to healthy, nutritious meals. Thanks to the incredible generosity of individuals, organizations, and city leaders, over $25,000 has already been raised! Contributions include major gifts donated to the City of Little Rock designated for this campaign ($18,000), Central supporters ($4,750), and Clinton School volunteers, who collectively donated over $2,000. Other donors, like Unite to Fight and individual community members, also contributed to the growing total. These funds will go directly toward clearing lunch debt for LRSD students and helping remove barriers to learning caused by food insecurity. Want to join the movement? Donate today and help us ensure no child learns hungry: https://ar.accessgov.com/treasury-management-division/Forms/Page/treasury-management-division/lr-cares-donation/0.
LRSD is committed to providing students with more choices to help them thrive. From innovative career and technical programs to strong academics and arts, LRSD is opening doors to a brighter future. Watch our new video to see how LRSD is preparing students for success—no matter their path!
Show your team spirit with our One Team One Dream short-sleeve shirts! Available in red, green, gray, and pink, these shirts are a great way to represent LRSD. Click the highlighted links to order yours today!
Educators have an exciting opportunity to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support classroom innovation, equity efforts, and professional development. The NEA Foundation offers Student Success Grants, Envision Equity Grants, and Learning and Leadership Grants. Educators are especially encouraged to apply for the Envision Equity category, which receives fewer applications. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 15, 2025. Visit neafoundation.org to learn more and submit your application.
The Little Rock School District invites non-profits to join as Community Service-Learning partners. With community service hours now a graduation requirement for Arkansas high school students, LRSD aims to connect students with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Non-profit organizations can apply to become approved partners, allowing students to support their events and initiatives. Apply today at lrsd.org/community-service-learning or contact Stefanie Vestal at Stefanie.Vestal@lrsd.org for more information.
As we finish out the 2024–25 school year, now is the perfect time to schedule your child’s physicals, sports physicals, and immunizations for next year. LRSD’s school-based health clinics reopen the week of July 14, 2025, and appointment slots are already filling up. These services are available to all LRSD students and their siblings. Don’t wait—beat the back-to-school rush and check the flyers for clinic hours and contact info!
Lyon College School of Dental Medicine invites families to the “Give Kids a Smile” event on July 18 from 9 AM to 12 PM at 5 Allied Drive, Little Rock. Children will receive free dental screenings and fluoride applications—no appointment needed! Enjoy storytime with the Tooth Fairy, a DJ dance party, face painting, and more. Don’t miss this fun-filled day promoting healthy smiles!
Interested in becoming a substitute teacher? ESS is hiring and will host an informational session and training on Tuesday, June 2nd, to help guide applicants through the process. Whether you're just starting or need assistance with your application, this is a great opportunity to get support. Start your application at ESS.com and be sure to register here to attend the session.
If you are a family in transition, whether staying with friends, in a shelter, motel, or other temporary locations, your child may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act. LRSD provides resources like immediate school enrollment, transportation, and educational support to help ensure your child’s uninterrupted learning. For assistance, contact one of our liaisons or complete the Residency Form.
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LRSD high school students can earn college credit through concurrent credit courses offered right on their school campus. With classes available in subjects like Science, English, Math, and History, students have a great opportunity to get ahead academically. Families are encouraged to speak with their school counselor or visit the LRSD Advanced Academics page at lrsd.org to learn more.
LRSD supports gifted and talented students beyond elementary school through advanced class offerings, monthly affective needs meetings, and competitions. For more information, contact your school's Gifted Facilitator or visit the LRSD Advanced Academics webpage.
The Little Rock School District is excited to announce a new partnership with UA Little Rock to streamline the college admissions process for our students. This collaboration offers waived application fees, direct transcript submissions, and automatic financial aid consideration, making it easier than ever for LRSD seniors to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Learn more about this fantastic opportunity here: https://ualr.edu/admissions.
LRSD is excited to partner with UA-Little Rock to provide opportunities for our employees to start or finish an undergraduate degree while continuing their careers. Click on the link below to learn more.
https://ualr.edu/admissions/little-rock-school-district/
Families are invited to the Fired Up! event at the Museum of Discovery on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This hands-on experience will feature fire safety demos, science experiments, and activities with local partners including the Little Rock Fire Department and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. It’s a great way to celebrate community heroes and learn about safety just in time for the 4th of July. Admission is free for members or included with regular museum entry.
After a weather delay, River Market Live! is back with a new date—Sunday, June 29. The evening will feature the incredible Rodney Block and His All-Star Friends performing live at the First Security Amphitheater from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. This free, family-friendly concert is a great way to close out Black Music Month in Little Rock with energy, soul, and community spirit. Bring a lawn chair, invite your friends, and enjoy a night of music under the stars!
Kick off your Fourth of July at the Historic Arkansas Museum with Frontier Fourth from 10 AM to 12 PM! Enjoy old-fashioned fun with a patriotic parade, sack races, printing press demos, and sweet summer treats like watermelon and lemonade. Don’t miss the festive reading of the Declaration of Independence to wrap up the morning!
Mark your calendars for Pops on the River 2025—happening July 4th from 5 to 10 PM in downtown Little Rock! This free, family-friendly event features live music, food trucks, kid zones, and a grand fireworks show over the Main Street Bridge. Enjoy performances by Kemistri, Rodney Block, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Military members can visit the Military Appreciation Tent for special perks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for open seating—or reserve a spot in the amphitheater for just $15. Don’t miss this unforgettable Fourth of July tradition!
For the Live Theatre-Goer in You!
The groundbreaking musical Hair premiered on Broadway in 1968, running for over 1,750 performances and redefining musical theater with its rock score and bold, countercultural themes. Its 2009 revival won the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Revival, toured nationally, and earned international acclaim in London’s West End. Now you can check it out at The Rep!
Christine O’Grady, director and choreographer of The Rep’s production, brings deep experience to the show—she served as Resident Choreographer for the 2009 revival and Associate Director for its international tour. Her fresh, emotionally driven choreography continues to honor Hair’s spirit while reimagining it for today’s audiences. Purchase your tickets before the first performance and save 20% using this code at checkout: TIMES
Tickets available: TheRep.Org
Get ready for a wild time at Hiland Dairy Dollar Day on Saturday, July 12, at the Little Rock Zoo! Enjoy $1 admission for everyone, thanks to Hiland Dairy, and explore a full day of animal adventures, family fun, and free dairy samples while supplies last. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM. Be sure to arrive early—this popular event draws a crowd!
The Little Rock Farmers Market has opened its doors for another season, welcoming visitors to the River Market with its farm-fresh produce, locally crafted foods, and handmade arts and crafts. As it has since 1996, the market invites SNAP beneficiaries, offering tokens purchasable on-site and participating in the Double Up Food Bucks program. Free parking, including spaces for seniors and handicapped individuals, ensures convenient access for all patrons.
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