Friday, August 1, 2025

Friday Highlights 8.1.25

 



August is:

Get Ready for Kindergarten Month
National Back-to-School Month
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Wellness Month
Black Business Month
National Dog Month
Family Fun Month


Important Dates: 

August 2-3: Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday
August 4: First Day for Teachers
August 11: First Day of School for Students
August 14: School Board Agenda Meeting (5:30 p.m.)



Expect a message from your building leadership about Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright’s Back-to-School Convocation message. Watch the video and be on the lookout for your email instructions on ways to win lunch for your entire team. Clues will be shared Monday morning!

Get Ready to Save During Arkansas' Sales Tax Weekend

The Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025. During this time, you can purchase school supplies, clothing, instructional materials, and even electronics — tax free! Mark your calendars and stock up!

Roberts Lead Learner Recognized by Dept of Ed for Arkansas Principal Distinction



Roberts Elem. Principal Steven Helmick was honored by the State Board of Education for his recent designation as an Arkansas Master Principal. This designation is based on criteria that include student academic growth in the top 25% of the state, principal performance that adheres to the highest levels of building-level leadership, and an on-site evaluation. LRSD is proud to celebrate his well-deserved achievement.

Chicot Elementary Student in the Running for Youth Athlete of the Year!



Meet Raymond — a remarkable 5th grader from Chicot Elementary and Early Childhood Center - LRSD who’s making big waves both in and out of the classroom!
📚🏀⚽🏈
Raymond is a top scholar, team leader, and multi-sport athlete — and now he’s a finalist for Youth Athlete of the Year! A win means a feature in Sports Illustrated and a $25,000 prize! Let’s show our support, LRSD!
💙
Vote for Raymond today
👉

Catch Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright
on Radio Saturday Morning
Dr. Jermall Wright will appear on the Broadway Joe Morning Show during the 6 a.m. hour Saturday, August 2nd.  Tune in to hear him discuss the latest LRSD updates with Broadway Joe.  


Welcome to the Fam - New LRSD Employees

LRSD hosted back-to-back new employee orientation sessions this week to welcome approximately 200 new faces across the District.  We can't wait to serve alongside you!  Returning staff, let's make our colleagues feel at home.  Have a great school year!

Assistant Superintendent Selected as
 Prestigious Yale Fellow


Big news! LRSD’s Dr. Shana Loring has been selected as a 2025–26 Fellow with The Broad Center at the Yale School of Management! As Assistant Superintendent for High School Transformation & Postsecondary Readiness, Dr. Loring is one of only 19 leaders chosen nationwide for this prestigious fellowship. Congrats, Dr. Loring!

LRSD Dads "Rock and Roll"
Into the New School Year

Calling all LRSD dads and father-figures! Help kick off the school year in style by snapping a photo with your student on the first day of school, August 11. Upload your photo to LRSD’s Facebook contest page for a chance to win big! The top 50 entries will enjoy lunch with Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright at Rock N Roll Sushi, and the top vote-getter will win dinner for six. Voting runs August 13–19. For full details, visit LRSD.org.

Pride on Full Display at
This Week's Tiger Academy
500 of LRCH’s nearly 800 incoming freshmen showed up for Tiger Academy this week. In addition to learning the ropes at Central, the students were treated to a unique lesson and performance of the school’s alma mater, led by the legendary former radio/television host Craig O’Neill. Craig is also a Central alum. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!



LRSD Launches "Sealed for Success"
A New Campaign to Support Focused Learning

Starting this fall, LRSD is introducing the Sealed for Success campaign to support a more focused, distraction-free learning environment. In alignment with the upcoming “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” going into effect statewide in 2025–2026, students will begin using Yondr pouches to securely store their phones and personal devices during the school day. This initiative helps students stay present, engaged, and ready to learn. Learn more here.


Reading in the Rock: Empowering LRSD 
Students Through The Joy of Books

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:


Donate today: www.arcf.org/lrsdpromise 
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")

Coming Soon to a Streaming Service Near You
Supt. D
Dr. Jermall Wright is launching a dynamic new podcast, Wright on Education, designed to keep the LRSD community informed and inspired. Each episode will feature authentic conversations with students, staff, and community members on topics that matter most in education. Dr. Wright believes that open dialogue builds stronger schools and deeper trust. It’s more than a podcast—it’s a platform for shared voices and collective growth. Stay tuned for details - the first episode drops next week.

Apply Now for Summer EBT Benefits

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.

LRSD Offers More Options for Student Success

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!

Get Your One Team One Dream Shirts Today!

Show your team spirit with our One Team One Dream short-sleeve shirts! Available in redgreengray, and pink, these shirts are a great way to represent LRSD. Click the highlighted links to order yours today!

Apply Now: NEA Foundation Grants for 
Educators Up to $5,000 Available

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 GrantsEnvision 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.

LRSD Seeks Community 
Service-Learning Partners

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.

Have You Checked Out Our Community Report?

Did you see LRSD's latest Community Report? It features lots of LRSD highlights and the
2023-34 annual report. Read here.

LRSD Offers Support for Families in Transition

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.

Explore College-Level Learning with LRSD's 
Concurrent Credit Program

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 & Talented 
Students Grades 6-12

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.

LRSD Partners with UA Little Rock to 
Simplify College Admissions

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.

In Other Partnership News: LRSD/UA-Little Rock Connection Also Means Continuing Ed Opportunities for Employees

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/

Unlocking Potential: Little Rock School District
Offers More Opportunities for Kids
 




LR Recycles Day: A Community Recycling Event

Join the Little Rock Sustainability Office, Keep Little Rock Beautiful, and the Little Rock Zoo for LRecycles Day on Saturday, August 2, from 9 AM to 12 PM in the East Parking Lot (Zoo Drive & Monroe). Bring your clean recyclables—like plastics, cardboard, glass, e-waste (no fridges/ACs), bikes, and documents for shredding. This free event is open to the public—no early drop-offs, please! Let’s work together to keep Little Rock clean and green!

LRSD Students to be Featured During the 
Annual "A Work of Art" Music Festival

Catch LRSD students during live performances this summer for the Annual A Work of ART Scholarship fundraiser.  The week-long live music event also features recording artists, Alex Bugnon, Amanda Cole (formerly with En Vogue) and Will Downing.  For tickets and info:  www.artporter.org

The Little Rock Farmer's Market is Now Open!

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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