Friday, January 15, 2021

            

Friday Highlights 1.15.21



   Important Dates

January is National Mentoring Moth
Jan. 18 - MLK Day - Schools and Offices Closed
Jan. 26 - Schoology Town Hall:  English 5:30 p.m.; Spanish 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 28. - Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.






Re: Potential Inauguration Protests 

The LRSD security department has been in close communication with local law enforcement since the FBI issued warnings earlier this week.  We have not received any threats or reports related to any school.  

Please know that the safety and security of our students and staff are our utmost priority. 

 




Supt. Mike Poore Recognized as
2021 State Supt. of the Year!




Supt. Mike Poore shares news about new COVID Leave Policy, an update on staff vaccinations and an inspirational message for the MLK holiday weekend. 




Little Rock School District prepares for distributing vaccine to all school staff


K-5 art educator at Carver Magnet, Stephanie Crowell, was one of the featured artists in a NWArkansas Democrat Gazette article!




Thanks for all you do and thank you for representing the LRSD Fine Arts Department!
For the article and gallery go to:

For her efforts, Ms. Crowell was...

CAUGHT DOING GOOD
Carver School art teacher, Stephanie Crowell (center), called out for being #CaughtDoingGood. Her principal, Clifton Woodley (right), commends her creativity, enthusiasm, passion, teamwork, and eagerness to always go above and beyond the call of duty.
Thanks, Mrs. Crowell, for all you do!

LRSD Gifted and Talented Educator Earns Distinguished Award!

Congratulations to Rhonda Adams 
2021 Agate Educator Award Recipient!



Poore Man on the Roof Winner Will be Posted Soon!

Winning artwork will be posted on campaign promotional materials and artist will be featured during the kickoff news conference. 

Child Nutrition Meal Distribution


LR Southwest High School
Family & Community Engagement Meetings



Zoom Fridays for 
LRSD LRSD 4-5th Grade GT Students



Learn more about LRSD Community Schools 



Interested in a Parent Support Program?







The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is hosting a virtual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event on January 18, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Click on following link to see more:  https://cals.org/event/mlk-day-of-service/

MLK JR. Celebration





Healthy Weight Awareness Month


National Blood Donor Month








New Year New You Summit



For all High School Students interested in STEM
For more information, go to:










Friday, January 8, 2021

           

Friday Highlights 1.08.21



   Important Dates

Jan.8 - Registration Deadline for February ACT
Jan.11 - Report Cards (Sent Home / Available Online)
              LRSD Board Work Session, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 - Board Agenda Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 18 - MLK Day 
Jan. 26 - Schoology Town Hall:  English 5:30 p.m.; Spanish 6:30 p.m.







Supt. Mike Poore Back-to-School Update
Supt. Mike Poore several areas of which you will want to be aware this semester in the new year:
*Virtual Fridays
*Instructional Options
*A COVID Vaccine Update
*A Voluntary Survey for Staff
*Limited Attendance at Athletic Events

Reminder about Resources for Social Emotional Learning

Starting this month, LRSD, in coordination with the District's Student Services Department, will provide video updates about resources to support Social, Emotional Learning (SEL).  


Little Rock school District Junior of Parkview High School featured in the newspaper Arkansas Democrat Gazette.



Virtual Fridays 



 

LRSD GT STUDENTS 
Among TOP 25 - 2021 Finalists 

Young Entrepreneur Showcase 

Congratulations !!!


    Enlightening Educational Excitement, Forest Heights STEM Academy, Little Rock
      Fogbusters, Pinnacle View Middle School, Little Rock
  Puppy Paw Cleaner, Pulaski Heights Middle School, Little Rock
  Space Pocket, Pinnacle View Middle School, Little Rock
 The Chargers, Forest Heights STEM Academy, Little Rock
 The Dew Shoe, Pinnacle View Middle School, Little Rock
      Enlightening Educational Excitement, Forest Heights STEM Academy, Little Rock
     Fogbusters, Pinnacle View Middle School, Little Rock
  Puppy Paw Cleaner, Pulaski Heights Middle School, Little Rock
  Space Pocket, Pinnacle View Middle School, Little Rock
 The Chargers, Forest Heights STEM Academy, Little Rock
  The Dew Shoe, Pinnacle View Middle School, Little Rock

Hot off The Press - LRSD's Efforts During Pandemic

LRSD's schools were featured in multiple photos in the
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette / ArkansasOnline.com
photo galleries during the holiday. Check them out (in the link below)!



CAUGHT DOING GOOD


Henderson Middle School teacher, Sandra Ledbetter (center), called out for being #CaughtDoingGood. Her principal, Michael Anthony (left), says she has been a rock during tough times and that she always does her work with a smile. Thanks & congrats, Ms. Ledbetter!



How Cool Is This!!

Interested in a Parent Support Program?




MLK DAY 2021 VIRTUAL EVENT










Time to Sign Up for Annual Speech Competition

(Link is inactive - this is just a photo of  Past Ralph Vine Public Speaking Contestant/Winner Ethan Gong




Visit link to sign up and for more contest info: ralphvinesendowment.com



My Water Buddy and Family’s newly launched 
“The Water Tales 10-episode Podcast” will showcase a different episode weekly.


SOUP'S ON!

Soup's ON! 

Little Rock Soup Sunday is February 21! Get your tickets.

Holy minestrone! Soup season is fast approaching – and with it, one of Central Arkansas’s most beloved events. Mark your calendars for the 40th annual Soup Sunday on February 21, 2021! Tickets are on sale now for our 2021 virtual celebration!

February – Restaurant SOUPER Specials!

Take your Soup Sunday ticket and visit the restaurants that have so generously supported us for 40 years.  During February, enjoy a socially distanced cup of soup or a meal from participating restaurants and show your appreciation for their commitment to our event. We can’t wait to see what this year’s 40-year participating restaurants, Dave’s Place and The Faded Rose, are spooning up for our guests! We’ll send you the complete list of participating restaurants and specials closer to February.

February – Virtual SOUP SUNDAY Party!

On February 21, we’ll host a virtual Soup Sunday that will include video footage of chefs in their kitchens, families enjoying visits to restaurants, music and kid-friendly activities, our sponsors, volunteers and staff. Individual tickets are $35. Round up to $40 per person to celebrate our 40th Anniversary Soup Sunday! Patron tickets are $60 per person.

Click here for information about tickets and sponsorships. We'd love to add your name to the growing list of sponsors! Area businesses, individuals, and families are sponsoring Little Rock Soup Sunday - and you can too! We're so thankful for our SOUPER Sponsors at all levels! Check out the Little Rock Soup Sunday sponsorship levels. 

If you have any questions (or prefer to pay by check), please contact me at (501) 454-5014 or fcarter@aradvocates.org.

Thanks so much for helping us stand up for Arkansas’s kids. You are making a difference!


 




Friday, December 18, 2020

          

Friday Highlights 12.18.20



   Important Dates

Dec. 21-Jan.4 - Winter Vacation
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day
Dec. 26 - Jan.1 - Kwanzaa




Please be advised that the COVID POC team will continue working and sending out reports throughout the Christmas break with the exception of a few days.  The District will be closed during the dates listed below and no daily reports will be generated during this period.  Updates and information will be reported on the dates listed:
 
12/24 - 12/27 - Closed - Information will be reported on the 12/28 report
12/31 - 01/02 - Closed - Information will be reported on the 01/03 report

However, should you need to file a report over the holidays or have questions, please email covidpoc@lrsd.org.

Congrats to our Winners of the Arvest Bank "We Love Teachers" Campaign!





We are forever thankful to our community partner
Arvest Bank
for their continued commitment to education and support of our students and teachers. Above are winners from the bank’s “We Love Teachers” campaign. Each of these educators gets a $500 cash award to use as needed for her classroom:
Katelyn Leisenring (top left) - Robert’s
Trish Blair (top right) - Fulbright
Ophelia Holloway (bottom left) - Washington
Chastity Moore (bottom right) - Washington
Congrats, ladies!


Stephens Stars Definitely Have a Unique Spin on this Year's 

Poore Man on the Roof Prediction


Click on the image above to see the prediction and the students' take on the "Poore Man's" version of a "Christmas Carol".



Season's Greetings from the 

Central High Madrigals 


Parkview Arts Magnet Choir 

Parkview Arts Magnet Choir 

Also Spreading Holiday Cheer




Enjoy the beautiful renditions of Christmas music from Parkview Arts/Magnet High School’s choir. Students recorded the concert after school over two days, standing 6 feet apart while masked, and rotating every 30 minutes to safely sing. Thank you to our hardworking students!



Our National Merit Semifinalists, Commended Scholars and Principal's Scholars along with their families enjoyed  Virtual Scholars Ceremony in their honor.  In lieu of our in-person reception, each student honoree received a restaurant gift certificate. 

We are so proud of our Scholars from our high schools!  (West High School of Innovation does not have a senior class, yet.)

Reminder: 

All Schools Will Go Virtual On Fridays After The Holiday Break. 



After the holiday break, all schools will go all virtual on Fridays. The above video outlines what that will mean.  




Interested in Computer Science?
Hall STEAM Magnet is the place to be!
Is your student is interested in computer science? Hall STEAM Magnet High School has the most comprehensive CS program of any high school school in central AR. Hall offers CS Programming, AP Computer Science Principles, Mobile App Design & Robotics



Principal Kasi Davis, Brady Elem., got her staff into the holiday spirit with a 12 Days of Christmas Activity Letter!

What a way to spread a little holiday cheer!




Happy Holidays from the LRSD!



Watson Elem. Students Collect $700 to Support Arkansas Food Bank!


Watson Elem. students give back.  Understanding the importance of helping others, Watson students rallied together to support the community by collecting and donating $700 to donate to the Arkansas Food Bank. Way to go, Watson!

Speaking of Watson...

Watson Angel Tree


To help parents for the holiday season during the pandemic, Watson Elementary hosted an Angel Tree, which was spearhead by third-grade teacher, Takessa Hood. With the support of Watson's administration and staff, The Mercy Church, Rose City Church of Christ, Unity Bible Baptist Church, and  help from the community, all 59 students represented on the tree were adopted and received great gifts.   

 

CAUGHT DOING GOOD


Nurse Assistant Syreta Bush (center)  recognized this week for her role at 
Roberts Elementary LRSD
 in supporting the nursing team and students. In the words of one of the parents, “We ❤️ Ms. Bush”! Congrats on a job well done, Ms. Bush!



Going above and beyond the call of duty is a natural inclination for Fulbright special needs teacher Cheryl Woodruff, who says it is her special calling. For her efforts, she was “called out” by her principal, Sherkeyer Jackson, and Supt. Supt. Mike Poore.  Ms. Woodruff is standing next to Mr. Poore.

Coming in 2021 - Helpful Social, Emotional Learning Videos
Check out the preview below:












Hanukkah Dec. 10-18



I

Santa Saturdays 
with Mr. & Mrs. Claws at the Zoo

Don't forget to see Mr. and Mrs. "Claws" in our Christmas Wonderland before Santa comes to your house! They will be located in the Civitan Pavilion every Saturday of December before Christmas. Because Santa is so busy this year, he sent his furry helpers to spread some cheer and warm you up with complimentary hot cocoa, while you snap a family photo. Big kids—little kids—they want to hear all your wishes so they can report to Mr. Claws himself
! You will also be able to take socially-distanced pictures with your own cell phone. Come visit them every Saturday before Christmas from 9am to 11am, and join the fun and a FREE cup of  hot chocolate, while supplies last!
For more info, go to:










A Cantrell Christmas

Take a drive through our light portal and end up in the north pole. You never know who you will meet along the way! While you're doing a little Christmas Shopping, why not take a photo with Santa and have a cup of delicious hot coco with Mrs. Claus. 
19921 Cantrell rd, Little Rock, AR, 72223
Pricing: $25 per Vehicle
Every Friday and Saturday 
from 6pm-9pm 
Dec. 11th-Jan 02.



The Watershed is hosting its annual food and clothing drive a little differently this year due to COVID-19.  The public may drive up and drop off donations without going inside the building - a staff member will come out to you.  You may also make donations online.  The Watershed relies on the generosity of supporters to provide toys, food, and clothing to families in need.  You may remember the organization was the beneficiary of collected items from Poore Man on the Roof last year.

Ballet Arkansas Announces a Digital Broadcast with SoNA
“Sleighride Together” 
Premieres December 21st


Little Rock — Ballet Arkansas is pleased to announce two world-premiere holiday works
created for digital broadcast in artistic partnership with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
(SoNA) .
Ballet Arkansas and SoNa will present Sleighride Together , a virtual broadcast performance
that will be released on Monday, December 21st. Sleighride Together will be accessible at
more information about Ballet Arkansas and its 2020-21 Reimagined Season, visit



Time to Sign Up for Annual Speech Competition

(Link is inactive - this is just a photo of  Past Ralph Vine Public Speaking Contestant/Winner Ethan Gong



Visit link to sign up and for more contest info: ralphvinesendowment.com