August is:
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 on the school's campus, 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, and the top vote-getter will win dinner for six at the restaurant. You could also win a chance to go to the Razorback game, or play in a golf tournament. Voting runs August 13–19. For full details, visit LRSD.org.
Largest Electric School Bus Fleet
The Little Rock School District is proud to launch 25 new electric school buses, making LRSD the largest electric school bus fleet in Arkansas and the 8th largest in the country. This exciting step forward supports cleaner air, lower emissions, and safer rides for students, thanks to a $9.8 million EPA Clean School Bus Grant and strong community partnerships.
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.
JAG Award
Congratulations to Dr. Mary V. Perkins-Jacobs of Little Rock Southwest High School for receiving the High Performer Award from Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), Inc. She was recognized at the JAG State Awards Luncheon in Little Rock for her exceptional leadership and dedication to JAG students and programs across Arkansas. The LRSWHS JAG program also earned 1st place in the state for students receiving the most scholarship money.
for a Strong Start to the School Year
In preparation for the first day of school on Monday, LRSD staff have spent the week participating in professional development sessions. These trainings help ensure our teachers and staff are ready to support student success from day one. We're excited to welcome students back and start the year strong! #1Team1Dream1LRSD
Hamilton Learning Academy staff started the school year with an inspiring professional development session led by Kristen Calderhead from Birch Tree Communities. The training focused on using expressive arts to support emotional wellness for both students and educators. Staff enjoyed creating their own door hangers and learning how to incorporate creativity across all subjects.
Several LRSD schools hosted Meet the Teacher Night this week, giving students and families a chance to tour campuses, find classrooms, and meet their teachers ahead of the first day on Monday. It was a great way to ease first-day jitters and build excitement for the new school year!
Roberts Elementary held a special ceremony to dedicate the Misti Watson Sims Memorial Library in memory of a cherished staff member who passed away in November 2024. The dedication honors her lasting impact on students, staff, and the school community. Her legacy will live on through the love of reading shared by generations to come.
Pulaski Heights Elementary
Pulaski Heights Elementary got a fresh boost of energy and care thanks to volunteers from Hope Church Little Rock! On Saturday, the team helped clean up the campus, updated classroom spaces, decorated the library, and even prepared treat bags and lunch for staff. We’re so grateful for their support in helping us get ready for a great school year!
Central Principal Featured in Book Authored by Nobel Prize Nominated Author
LRCH Principal Nancy Rousseau to be featured in Nobel Prize nominated author's book, "Never Close the Schools Again. EVER! Dr. Irvin Studin visited Little Rock and Central in 2007 as part of the Fulbright International Leadership Visitor Program. He reached out to Mrs. Rousseau again during COVID when he established a world-wide team to collaborate/communicate about the many challenges in Education. He also wrote a book about “How the Pandemic Rise of Third Bucket Kids changed the Arc of the 21st Century.” Congratulations to Mrs. Rousseau and best wishes to Dr. Studin!
LRSD talent took center stage during the Argenta Contemporary Theatre production of 9 to 5: The Musical! Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council member Austin Bernard, a sophomore at Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School, wowed the audience with his performance. Ms. Patrice Williams, theater teacher at Little Rock Central High, also starred as Violet—and she was spectacular! Even for those who don’t typically go for musicals, this production was a hit from start to finish!
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!
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/
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 filmmaker Q&As. Presented by the Arkansas Cinema Society and supported by the Tyson Family Foundation, Filmland 2025 promises exciting films, workshops, and guest appearances celebrating Arkansas's 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 tonight through Sunday, Aug 10; Tuesday, Aug 12 – Sunday, Aug 17; as well as Thursday, Aug 21 – Sunday, Aug 24.Tickets are available at TheRep.org or by calling The Rep’s Box Office at (501) 378-0405.Ticket prices range from $25-$65, with discounts available for seniors, students, educators, and active military personnel.
On August 9, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, the Little Rock Zoo will host a special event in honor of World Elephant Day. Guests can enjoy educational activities, learn about elephant conservation, and celebrate the Zoo’s long history of caring for these remarkable animals. It’s a great opportunity for families to connect with wildlife and support a meaningful cause. Get 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
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