August is:
The first week of school in LRSD was filled with excitement, learning, and plenty of smiling faces. From the first-day buzz to the warm welcome in classrooms, our students and staff kicked off the year strong. A special thank you to Dunkin’ Donuts for supporting our schools and donating delicious donuts to some campuses on the first day! 🍩💙 Want to see more memorable moments? Click here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCqmNd.
Thank you to all the dads and father-figures who submitted their first-day photos for our Rock N Roll Sushi Rock n’ Rollin’ into the New School Year contest! Voting is now underway until August 19, and your votes will determine who wins prizes like lunch with Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright or dinner for six at Rock N Roll Sushi. Cast your vote today at www.LRSD.org/2025-dads, and encourage your friends, family, and community to support the submissions they love!
Before the first day of school, Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy hosted Lacey Fest: The Mane Event, welcoming students, families, and community members for a fun and resource-filled celebration. Guests enjoyed free backpacks, haircuts, health services, and engaging activities, all aimed at preparing students for a successful start to the school year.
2025-26 Organizational Chart (Org Chart)
The Little Rock School District’s 2025 organizational chart, posted on the LRSD website, reflects our commitment to streamlined leadership, accountability, and student-focused support. This structure ensures every department works collaboratively to deliver high-quality services to our schools and families. See the full chart by clicking here:https://www.lrsd.org/page/organizational-chart
Mabelvale Elementary Principal Kelecia Glover and her staff found a creative way to welcome students back — by performing a rap! The fun, high-energy video has already received thousands of views and shows the school’s commitment to making learning exciting from day one. Principal Glover says the theme this year is reset, renew, and reload, reminding students, parents, and teachers that “when we work together, everyone wins.” Read the full KARK story here.
Several LRSD schools have been voted into the Top 5 of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Best of the Best readers’ choice awards! Pulaski Heights Elementary, Don Roberts Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Pinnacle View Middle, Forest Heights STEM Academy, and Little Rock Central High are all being recognized among the very best in Arkansas. You can vote daily through August 24 to help bring home the win for LRSD. Vote here.
The Little Rock School District has introduced its official podcast, Wright On Education, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright. This monthly series aims to connect students, families, staff, and the community through real, timely conversations about the policies, people, and progress shaping LRSD. In the premiere episode, Dr. Wright is joined by two LRSD students to discuss the Bell-to-Bell No Cell Phone Act, which takes effect August 11 in LRSD middle and high schools, and the rollout of Yondr Pouches. The pouches are secure phone holders that students will keep with them, designed to limit distractions and increase focus in the classroom. The podcast is available on the LRSD YouTube channel, with plans to expand to additional streaming platforms. Community members are invited to submit questions for future episodes by emailing WrightOn@lrsd.org.
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.
The Little Rock School District is excited to announce the continued partnership with Rock Region Metro, offering free transportation to all LRSD students and staff with a valid ID badge. This service includes access to all Rock Region buses and Metro Connect. Participants simply need to pick up a special sticker from their school office, which must be displayed on their ID badge. Stickers are updated twice a year, making it easier than ever for our LRSD family to get around the city. Learn more about routes and schedules at rrmetro.org.
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")
Students, don’t forget to turn in your summer reading logs to your Library Media Specialist with your name on them! Every student who turns in a log will receive a prize, like a pencil, fidget spinner, or even a zoo pass. You’ll also be entered into raffles for awesome prizes like bikes and tickets to the Museum of Discovery. Plus, the classes, grade levels, or schools with the most logs turned in can win special rewards like pizza or ice cream parties and visits from the fire department or the zoo! They are due August 29.
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 year long!
.png)
The Little Rock School District is now hiring bilingual teachers and staff, registered nurses, and special education teachers and staff. These full-time positions offer competitive salaries, health and retirement benefits, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students. Whether you’re passionate about education or healthcare, LRSD offers a supportive environment with great work hours and a dedicated team. Learn more and apply today at lrsd.schoolspring.com.
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.
Great news! LRSD will offer free breakfast to all students and free lunch at nearly every school for the 2025-26 school year through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). No meal application is needed to receive free meals. However, families are encouraged to complete a household meal application at www.myschoolapps.com to qualify for other benefits like ACT/SAT fee waivers, college application discounts, and internet assistance. This important step helps ensure every student has access to nutritious meals and the support they need to succeed.
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.
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.
.png)
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/
Back-to-School Giveback
Get ready for the new school year with the Legendary Institute’s Back-to-School Giveback on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 400 N. Bowman Rd., Suite 14, in Little Rock. Families can enjoy free haircuts and free school supplies, thanks to the generosity of sponsors like Fly 41 Kollection. Donations are still being accepted to make this the biggest giveback yet—so spread the word, and remember, everyone is welcome!
Get ready for a star-studded week as Filmland returns to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts from August 13–17! Kicking off with a special sneak preview of Americana on opening night, the festival will feature Emmy and Golden Globe winner Paul Walter Hauser and director Tony Tost in person. Other highlights include screenings of "Tow " and "The Threesome," followed by Q&As with the filmmakers. Presented by the Arkansas Cinema Society and supported by the Tyson Family Foundation, Filmland 2025 promises an exciting lineup of films, workshops, and guest appearances celebrating Arkansas' growing film scene. Get tickets here.
THE AMEN CORNER at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre
Now running through August 24, 2025
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre has added four performances to its previously announced run of James Baldwin’s music-filled play, The Amen Corner. Performances will be held on Tuesday, August 12 – Sunday, August 17, as well as Thursday, August 21 – Sunday, August 24. Tickets are available at TheRep.org or by calling The Rep’s Box Office at (501) 378-0405. Ticket prices range from $25 to $65, with discounts available for seniors, students, educators, and active military personnel.
Get ready for game day at the Red in the Rock Tailgate on Thursday, September 4, from 5–7 p.m. at Park Plaza Mall. This indoor pre-game celebration will feature delicious food from local favorites, drinks from top breweries and wineries, live entertainment, giveaways, and plenty of Razorback and Red Wolves pride. Whether you’re calling the Hogs or howling for the Wolves, it’s the perfect way to kick off football season in style!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 6, 2025, as the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves at War Memorial Stadium. Gates open at 2:30 p.m., with kickoff at 4 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets starting April 21, 2025, and enjoy all the excitement of this in-state showdown. Get your gear, grab your seatbacks, and be ready to cheer for your team in one of the season’s most anticipated matchups. Purchase tickets here.
Get ready for smooth sounds and soulful vibes! Jazz in the Park is back this September! Held every Wednesday evening from 6:00–8:00 PM at the River Market Pavilions, this free, family-friendly concert series celebrates the heart of Little Rock’s local jazz and R&B talent. Bring a picnic, grab a drink to support music education, and enjoy the music under the stars. In case of rain, concerts move indoors to Ottenheimer River Market Hall.
September 2025 Lineup:
🎶 Sept 3 – Genine Latrice Perez & The Dizzy 7 Band
🎶 Sept 10 – Blu Jams and Co.
🎶 Sept 17 – Tonya Leeks
🎶 Sept 24 – Rodney Block Collective
Mark your calendar for Fiesta en SoMa 2025 on Friday, October 3, from 4–9 p.m. in Little Rock’s lively SoMa neighborhood. This family-friendly celebration of Latin American culture will feature live music, cultural dance performances, delicious food from local vendors, and the exciting 2nd Annual Tamale Taste-Off. With activities for all ages—including a kids’ zone—Fiesta en SoMa is the perfect way to enjoy a fall evening of community, culture, and fun.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment