Friday, December 6, 2024

Friday Highlights 12.6.24

 

December is:
Learn a Foreign Language Month
Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
Universal Human Rights Month
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Read a New Book Month
Seasonal Depression Awareness Month

Important Dates: 
December 10: LR PTA Council Meeting (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
December 16: Superintendent's Citation Program (5:30 p.m.)
December 19: School Board Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
December 23-January 3: Winter Vacation (Schools & Offices Closed)
December 25: Christmas Day
December 25: Hanukkah Begins
December 26: Kwanzaa Begins
January 1: New Year's Day
January 6: Record/Work Day (Students Out, Offices Open)
January 6: Personnel Policy Committee Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
January 7: Classes Resume

Become a Part of the LRSD Family!
Open Enrollment is Now Underway!

It’s Open Enrollment season, and the Little Rock School District is ready to welcome your family! With a wide range of innovative programs, dedicated educators, and opportunities tailored to help every student thrive, LRSD is committed to shaping bright futures. Whether you’re looking for specialized programs, supportive learning environments, or schools that feel like a community, you’ll find it all here. Don’t wait—secure your child’s spot today and take the first step toward a successful educational journey with LRSD! Enroll here. 

Reminder: Open Enrollment is for new students to the district or students interested in attending one of our magnet or specialty schools. Current LRSD students who aren’t switching schools will automatically roll up to attendance zone school based on their address of record.

Start Strong with LRSD's 
Early Childhood Program

The Little Rock School District’s Early Childhood Program provides high-quality education for children ages 3 and 4, laying the foundation for lifelong success. Focusing on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, our program ensures students are ready for kindergarten and beyond. Families can expect a nurturing, supportive environment where every child thrives. Enroll today and give your child the best start to their educational journey!

Parkview Football Players Sign
College Commitments Ahead of
5A State Championship

What a week for the Parkview Patriots! We celebrated four incredible student-athletes as they signed their letters of intent to play football at Division 1 colleges:  Cameron Settles, Quentin Murphy, Monterrio Elston, Jr., and Omarion Robinson! Their hard work, talent, and dedication have paved the way for this exciting next chapter in their journeys. Please join us in congratulating these outstanding Patriots on this amazing achievement! Let's continue to show our #ParkviewPride as they take the field tonight in the 5A State Championship at War Memorial Stadium. Let's pack the stands! Get your tickets here. 

William Elamin Joins LRSD as 
Safety and Security Director

The Little Rock School District is pleased to welcome William Elamin as the new Safety and Security Director. Mr. Elamin brings valuable expertise to the role and is excited to help ensure the safety of our students, staff, and schools.

Central's Grady Rogers Earns Prestigious
2025 Air Force
JROTC Flight Academy Scholarship

Congrats to Little Rock Central High Cadet Grady Rogers who was selected to receive the 2025 Air Force JROTC Flight Academy Scholarship! This highly competitive honor is awarded to only three students in Arkansas. It covers an eight-week program valued at $27,000, during which Grady will work toward earning his private pilot’s license. This incredible achievement is a source of pride for the entire LRSD community! Join us in celebrating this milestone and cheering Grady on as he takes flight—literally!

LRSD Welcomes New and 
Returning Board Members

The Little Rock School District Board recently swore in three members, including one returning member and two new faces. Evelyn Callaway (Zone 3) begins a new term, while Osyrus Bolly (Zone 2) and Tony Rose (Zone 4) join as new board members. LRSD looks forward to their leadership and collaboration in supporting our students and community.

LRSD Secures An Impressive $52M + in Grants
 for 2024!

The Little Rock School District has been awarded an incredible $52,183,631 in grants this year. These funds will support various programs, including energy efficiency, high-impact tutoring, school safety, mentoring, and more. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in securing these resources for our schools and students. A special shout out to LRSD grant department director Linda Yong for her amazing work in helping secure this impressive total!

Help Make the Holidays Brighter with
Santa's Holiday Gift Drive

The Little Rock School District is partnering with KARK/Fox 16 for Santa's Holiday Gift Drive this holiday season. The drive is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children up to 18 years old to spread joy to local families in need. Donations can be dropped off at the LRSD Administration Building, 810 W. Markham, until December 13. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for those who need it most!

Spreading Holiday Cheer: LRSD Parent and Employee Enjoy Walmart Shopping Spree

As part of Santa’s Holiday Gift Drive, an LRSD parent and employee each received a $500 Walmart shopping spree. They were able to purchase gifts for their families and take care of other important needs this holiday season. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this special opportunity possible! Your generosity is spreading joy throughout our community.

Celebrate the Season with LRSD's 
Holiday Performances

The Little Rock School District invites you to experience the season's magic with Holiday Performances by our students from December 9 to 20 at the LRSD Administration Building, 810 W. Markham. These festive showcases highlight the incredible talents of our students, from choirs to jazz bands and more. While enjoying the performances, you can make a difference by participating in Santa’s Holiday Gift Drive!

Craig O'Neill Shares Holiday Cheer 
at Williams Magnet

Williams Magnet Elementary’s 2nd graders enjoyed a festive treat in the library today! Craig O'Neill and his friends stopped by on their reading road trip to share How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The visit brought plenty of smiles and holiday spirit as students listened intently to the classic story. LRSD appreciates these special guests for encouraging a love of reading in our young learners.

Horace Mann Bearcats Crowned 
6th & Goal Champions

The Horace Mann Arts & Science Magnet Middle School Bearcats have been named 6th & Goal Champions! This achievement was made possible through the dedication of the students, volunteer coaches, and supportive parents. The 6th & Goal - Model Up Football Program, led by Dr. Fitz Hill, focuses on fostering positive development in boys through football. Congratulations to the Bearcats on this outstanding accomplishment!

Community Engages at 
Optimizing LRSD 2.0 Meeting

This week, the Optimizing LRSD 2.0 "Recommendations" Community Meeting occurred at The Centre at University Park. LRSD Board Members Vicki Hatter and Norma Johnson, along with City Director Andrea Hogan Lewis, cohosted the meeting. Childcare, refreshments, and Spanish interpretation were provided to ensure accessibility for all. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the conversation! See the flyer below for additional community meetings.



LRSD Students Color their Way to Victory in the Gingerbread Extravaganza Coloring Contest

Congratulations to our talented LRSD students who earned top honors in the Gingerbread Extravaganza Coloring Contest! Students from Forest Park, Otter Creek, and Don Roberts Elementary Schools demonstrated incredible creativity, with winners from each grade category receiving well-deserved recognition. Great job to all who participated!

Central High Tenor/Bass Choir
Spreads Joy to Local Nursing Homes


Performance at the Blossoms - Midtown

This morning, the Little Rock Central High Tenor/Bass Choir brought smiles and beautiful music to residents at Presbyterian Village, The Blossoms at Midtown Rehab, and The Blossoms at Cumberland. Their heartfelt performances were a hit, making the visits a memorable experience for everyone involved.

City Year Little Rock Celebrates
20 Years of Service in LRSD

City Year Little Rock recently celebrated 20 years of partnership with the Little Rock School District. Over the past two decades, hundreds of AmeriCorps members have been student success coaches, supporting teachers, mentoring students, and leading after-school programs in 16 schools. LRSD is grateful for City Year’s dedication and looks forward to continuing this collaboration.

LRSD Hosts Arkansas' Largest Quiz Bowl Tournament at Southwest High School

On Saturday, the Little Rock School District will host the largest Quiz Bowl tournament in Arkansas at Southwest High School. Nearly 1,000 students from 100 teams will compete in academic challenges, testing their knowledge in history, science, literature, and more. The event is free to the public, and LRSD is excited to welcome these talented students to our community. Good luck to all the teams competing!

Join ESS to Support Student Achievement!

ESS is now hiring substitute teachers to help support student success in the Little Rock School District. With flexible schedules, no nights or weekends, and ongoing training, ESS offers great opportunities for those looking to make a difference. Apply now at ESS.com!

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.

LRSD Partners with GoFan for Ticketless 
Entry to Athletic Events

We're taking our ticket game to the next level! LRSD is teaming up with GoFan to provide a seamless, paperless experience at all athletic events. Fans can now purchase tickets online or on their phone by visiting GoFan.co, searching for their school, and selecting the event. Paper tickets will no longer be available for purchase at the events. See you at the games! Read more in this article.

Explore College-Level Learning with LRSD's 
Advanced Placement Program

The Little Rock School District offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program, allowing students to take college-level courses in high school. With 38 courses across 20 subjects, students can earn college credit by scoring 3 or higher on the national AP exams. AP classes not only provide academic challenges but also enhance college applications.

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
 

HERCloset Community Giveaway to be Held at Mabelvale Middle School Saturday

The HERCloset Community Giveaway will be held on December 7, 2024, at Mabelvale Middle School at 10:00 AM. This free event will provide new and gently used clothing, shoes, toys, food, home decor, and more to families in Central Arkansas, helping to spread holiday cheer and support the community. The giveaway is organized by HERHaven Mental Health Resource Center.

Young Entrepreneurs to Showcase Their Talents at the Arkansas Children's Business Fair

The Arkansas Children’s Business Fair will take place on January 4, 2025, at the Glenview Community Center. This exciting event provides kids aged 6-18 the chance to showcase their businesses, sell their products, and earn their own money in a real marketplace setting. It's a unique opportunity to support and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs!

Big Holiday Celebration in Little Rock: 
Parade & Tree Lighting

Join the community on Saturday, December 7, 2024, for a festive holiday season celebration! The BIG Little Rock Holiday Parade will start at 4 p.m. and wind through downtown, leading to the 86th annual Christmas tree lighting at the Arkansas State Capitol at 6:15 p.m. After the parade, bring the family to meet Santa Claus at the Statehouse Convention Center for a magical experience.  Yes, LRSD students will be front and center at the parade!  

Celebrate the Holidays with "The Nutcracker Spectacular" at the Robinson Center

The Nutcracker Spectacular, Arkansas’s largest and longest-running holiday production, returns to the Robinson Center from December 13-15, 2024. Presented by Ballet Arkansas and featuring live music from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, this enchanting performance offers stunning choreography, costumes, and sets. Public performances with a special community cast of performers will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Don’t miss the Nutcracker Boutique and Santa’s Photo Booth for festive keepsakes! Get tickets here. 

Experience the Magic of GloWILD 
at the Little Rock Zoo

This holiday season, the Little Rock Zoo invites you to experience GloWILD! Explore spectacular light displays and immersive lantern exhibits from November 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Discover three new themed sections—Mystical Marvels, Animal Kingdom, and Under the Sea—with breathtaking visuals. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event, which is perfect for creating new family traditions. Tickets are available now, with special pricing and events, including a Sensory Night and New Year’s Eve celebration.

For info and tickets, click here.

More News from the Zoo... Affordable Admission 
for SNAP-EBT Cardholders

The Little Rock Zoo’s "Zoo for All" program offers reduced admission of just $2 per person for SNAP/EBT cardholders. This initiative helps make the zoo accessible to more families. For more details, visit the Little Rock Zoo's website here.

Donate Your Old Holiday Lights to Support 
Conservation Efforts at the Little Rock Zoo

The Little Rock Zoo is collecting old holiday lights starting November 1, 2024, as part of a recycling program that helps keep copper wire out of landfills. Donated lights and extension cords will also support African lion conservation. Donations will be accepted through January 31, 2025, so gather your old lights and give back this holiday season!

Time to Sign Up for the Annual Ralph Vines Public Speaking Contest: Details Below

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would 
Like Featured in Our Blog?

Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?

Remember, the deadline for each week's submissions is Thursday at noon. 

Friday, November 22, 2024

Friday Highlights 11.22.24

  

November is:
National Family Literacy Month
National Scholarship Month
National Adoption Month
Inspirational Role Models Month
PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month
National Gratitude Month
National Career Development Month
Military Family Month
National Native American Heritage Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
National Stomach, Lung, Pancreatic, and Pet Cancer Awareness Month
National Diabetes Awareness Month

Important Dates: 
November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
December 2: Classes Resume
December 2-13: Open Enrollment
December 2: Personnel Policy Committee Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
December 5: School Board Work Session (5:30 p.m.)
December 10: LR PTA Council Meeting (11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
December 16: Superintendent's Citation Program (5:30 p.m.)
December 19: School Board Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
December 23-January 3: Winter Vacation (Schools & Offices Closed)

Happy Thanksgiving from LRSD!

Pinnacle View High School Shovel Ceremony 
Marks a New Era for LRSD

The Little Rock School District celebrated a major milestone with a shovel ceremony for the new Pinnacle View High School. Students, staff, and community members gathered to commemorate the construction of the state-of-the-art facility, which will serve up to 1,200 students. The event featured cheerleaders, special guests, and a shared excitement for the future of education in Little Rock. Special thanks to Baldwin & Shell Construction Company for helping make this day so memorable! Visit this gallery for more photos of this special event.

LRSD Thanks Board Members Leigh Ann Wilson and Sandrekkia Morning for Their Service

Thursday night, the Little Rock School District hosted a reception to honor Board Members Leigh Ann Wilson and Sandrekkia Morning for their dedicated service. Their hard work and commitment have made a significant impact on our students, schools, and community. LRSD is deeply grateful for their contributions and their lasting difference in shaping a brighter future for our district.

ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day Inspires Young Readers Across LRSD

Volunteers fanned out across Little Rock School District schools to celebrate ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day. Community members, parents, and local leaders shared their love of reading and favorite books with students. The event brought excitement and inspiration to classrooms, reinforcing the importance of literacy. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this day a success!

Become a Part of the LRSD Family!
Open Enrollment Starts December 2nd

The Little Rock School District's Open Enrollment for new students and those interested in attending one of our magnet or specialty schools runs from December 2 to 13. During this period, families can explore exciting educational opportunities and submit applications for specialized programs. Current LRSD students not changing schools don't have to do anything.  They will automatically roll up to their attendance zone school for the upcoming year. Don’t miss your chance to be part of LRSD!

Gibbs International Magnet Hosts Successful Arkansas Young Storytellers "Big Show"

Gibbs International Magnet Elementary School celebrated the culmination of the Arkansas Young Storytellers program with its "Big Show" this week. Fifth-grade students showcased seven original scripts they developed with the guidance of local filmmakers. These scripts were brought to life by local actors, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved. The event highlighted the creativity and hard work of the students and the power of mentorship in the arts.

Help Make the Holidays Brighter with Santa's Holiday Gift Drive

This holiday season, the Little Rock School District is partnering with KARK/Fox 16 for Santa's Holiday Gift Drive. The drive is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children up to 18 years old to spread joy to local families in need. Donations can be dropped off at the LRSD Administration Building, 810 W. Markham, until December 13. Together, we can make the holidays a little brighter for those who need it most!

LR Central Football Player Honored with Ken Hatfield Award for Sportsmanship

Congratulations to J.D. Bair, a Little Rock Central High School senior who was awarded the Ken Hatfield Award for Sportsmanship by the Little Rock Touchdown Club. Known for his leadership, respect, and teamwork, J.D. has earned admiration from coaches, teammates, and rivals alike. His positive attitude and dedication to the game have made him a role model on and off the field.

Little Rock Southwest Band Honored with 
"S3" Day" Proclamation

The Little Rock Southwest High School S3 band was recently honored with a special proclamation by Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. and the City of Little Rock. October 29 has officially been declared S3 Day, a celebration of the band’s overall win at the Delta Classic. The proclamation recognizes the band’s dedication and outstanding performance. Way to go!

Western Hills Elementary Brings Stories to Life with Books on Parade

Western Hills Elementary School brought stories to life with Books on Parade! Students showcased their creativity, parading in front of the school with book-themed costumes, floats, and even dances! A special shoutout to Dr. Marian G Lacey K-8 Academy’s band for adding to this unforgettable event.

Chicot Elementary Hosts Successful 
Food Drive for Families

Chicot Elementary and Early Childhood Center recently wrapped up a successful food drive, providing 85 food boxes and 40 turkeys to local families. Over two weeks, students collected food items by grade, and volunteers packed boxes for distribution. Donors generously provided turkeys, and staff members volunteered their Saturday to help distribute the packages.

Dr. Ashvin Vibhakar Supports Mandarin 
Program at Dr. MLK Jr. Leadership and 
Language Magnet Academy

Dr. Ashvin Vibhakar, a member of the Sister Cities Commission and former Hong Kong resident, has partnered with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership and Language Magnet Academy to support their Mandarin program. He generously donated various artifacts and materials to the Mandarin teacher and students. These resources will help enhance cultural learning and engagement in the classroom.

Zion McDaniel Earns 2nd Place at JAG State Career Development Conference

Zion McDaniel from Little Rock Southwest earned 2nd Place in the Business Plan event at the JAG State Career Development Conference. In addition to Zion's impressive achievement, Southwest scholars volunteered at the event, contributing six hours of community service. Congrats to Zion and the other students!

Bright Futures Little Rock Supports Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

In observance of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Bright Futures Little Rock is partnering with local organizations to assist LRSD students and families facing difficult circumstances. The initiative aims to address a wide range of needs within the community, providing vital support to those in need. Families and individuals are encouraged to follow Bright Futures on Facebook for updates and ways to get involved. Donations are welcome through their wish list to help make a difference in the lives of our students.

November 2024 HR Newsletter Now Available

The November 2024 edition of the HR Newsletter is now live! Check out the latest updates by following this link. You can also find this and past editions on the HR department's newsletter page.

Check Out Little Rock School-Based 
Health Clinic's November Newsletter
LRSD Annual School Flu Clinics Continue

The Little Rock School District, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health, is hosting its annual flu clinics at all LRSD schools. Students can receive the flu vaccine free of charge, but only with completed paperwork, including signed ADH and FERPA consent forms. These clinics provide a convenient way to help keep students healthy throughout flu season. To view the full schedule of clinic dates, click here.

Join ESS to Support Student Achievement!

ESS is now hiring substitute teachers to help support student success in the Little Rock School District. With flexible schedules, no nights or weekends, and ongoing training, ESS offers great opportunities for those looking to make a difference. Apply now at ESS.com!

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.

LRSD Partners with GoFan for Ticketless 
Entry to Athletic Events

We're taking our ticket game to the next level! LRSD is teaming up with GoFan to provide a seamless, paperless experience at all athletic events. Fans can now purchase tickets online or on their phone by visiting GoFan.co, searching for their school, and selecting the event. Paper tickets will no longer be available for purchase at the events. See you at the games! Read more in this article.

Explore College-Level Learning with LRSD's 
Advanced Placement Program

The Little Rock School District offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program, allowing students to take college-level courses in high school. With 38 courses across 20 subjects, students can earn college credit by scoring 3 or higher on the national AP exams. AP classes not only provide academic challenges but also enhance college applications.

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
 

Young Entrepreneurs to Showcase their Talents at the Arkansas Children's Business Fair

The Arkansas Children’s Business Fair will take place on January 4, 2025, at the Glenview Community Center. This exciting event provides kids aged 6-18 the chance to showcase their businesses, sell their products, and earn their own money in a real marketplace setting. It's a unique opportunity to support and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs!

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with the
 37th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza

Join the fun at the 37th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza on Dec. 8 at the Arkansas State Capitol! Students in Pre-K–5th grade can enter the Holiday Coloring Contest by Dec. 1, and grades K–12 can join the Gingerbread House Decorating Competition by Dec. 5. More info: www.treatmenthomes.org.

Bright the Night Festival to 
Light Up Downtown Little Rock

Join the holiday fun at Capitol Plaza for the Bright the Night festival! Starting at 5:30 p.m. on November 25th, the family-friendly event features carols, snow, a kids zone, and visits with Santa and Christmas characters. Enjoy free hot chocolate from Big Bad Breakfast and Hiland Dairy, along with cookies from Community Bakery. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will provide festive tunes as we light up downtown. This free event is open to the public, and the holiday lights will shine through the New Year. A big thank you to our sponsors for making this magical event possible!

The Gobbler Turkey Trot Moves to 
 New Location for 2024

This Thanksgiving, join the fun at the 13th Annual Gobbler Turkey Trot at its new location in the Market Place Shopping Center, 11121 N. Rodney Parham Rd. The free family event, benefiting the Arkansas Foodbank, offers a variety of scenic road courses and a chance to give back to the community. Participants can also enjoy Tom's Tiny Trot for little ones, photo ops with Santa, and a chance to win great prizes! Registration is free with a donation of food or cash, and shirts are available for purchase. Let's make this year’s event a record-breaking success!

6th Annual Heart & Soles Sneaker Ball:
Fashion Meets Philanthropy

The 6th Annual Heart & Soles Sneaker Ball is coming up, offering a unique blend of fashion and charity. Attendees can enjoy a formal evening where sneakers take the place of dress shoes, complete with art exhibitions, live music, interactive installations, and raffles. The event aims to raise funds to provide brand-new footwear for youth in our community. Tickets are on sale now:
  https://www.heartandsoles.org/event-details/h-s-sneaker-ball-2024-all-in

Big Holiday Celebration in Little Rock: 
Parade & Tree Lighting

Join the community on Saturday, December 7, 2024, for a festive holiday season celebration! The BIG Little Rock Holiday Parade will start at 4 p.m. and wind through downtown, leading to the 86th annual Christmas tree lighting at the Arkansas State Capitol at 6:15 p.m. After the parade, bring the family to meet Santa Claus at the Statehouse Convention Center for a magical experience.  Yes, LRSD students will be front and center at the parade!  

Experience the Magic of GloWILD 
at the Little Rock Zoo

This holiday season, the Little Rock Zoo invites you to experience GloWILD! From November 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025, explore spectacular light displays and immersive lantern exhibits. Discover three new themed sections—Mystical Marvels, Animal Kingdom, and Under the Sea—each filled with breathtaking visuals. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event, perfect for creating new family traditions. Tickets are available now, with special pricing and events, including a Sensory Night and New Year’s Eve celebration.

For info and tickets, click here.

More News from the Zoo... Affordable Admission 
for SNAP-EBT Cardholders

The Little Rock Zoo’s "Zoo for All" program offers reduced admission of just $2 per person for SNAP/EBT cardholders. This initiative helps make the zoo accessible to more families. For more details, visit the Little Rock Zoo's website here.

Donate Your Old Holiday Lights to Support 
Conservation Efforts at the Little Rock Zoo

The Little Rock Zoo is collecting old holiday lights starting November 1, 2024, as part of a recycling program that helps keep copper wire out of landfills. Donated lights and extension cords will also support African lion conservation. Donations will be accepted through January 31, 2025, so gather your old lights and give back this holiday season!

Time to Sign Up for the Annual Ralph Vines Public Speaking Contest: Details Below

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would 
Like Featured in Our Blog?

Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?

Remember, the deadline for each week's submissions is Thursday at noon.