March 31: Citation Program (will include rescheduled honorees)
LRSD families, get ready for a well-deserved break! Spring Break is set for March 24-28, and there will be no school during this time. Enjoy your time off, relax, and recharge—we can’t wait to see everyone back on Monday, March 31!
for Future of LRSD During at
2025 State of the District Address
Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright shared exciting updates at the 2025 State of the District Address, unveiling LRSD’s 5-year Strategic Plan, emphasizing the District’s commitment to literacy through Reading in the Rock, and celebrating the many achievements happening across our schools. The evening wrapped up with an exciting moment as attendees had the opportunity to take home books, kickstarting the citywide reading campaign. Thank you to everyone who joined us! Check out more event photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC6461. And if you missed the event, here it is online:
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")
The impact of the 2nd Annual Black Male Educator Summit is still being felt across the LRSD community. Educators and leaders came together for a weekend of inspiration, collaboration, and empowerment. A special congratulations to Mr. Michael Tidwell, recipient of the Milton P. Crenshaw Trailblazer Award, for his dedication to the arts and education. Thank you to our community partners and sponsors for making this event a success—your support helps us continue this important work!
Out
of the nearly 2,000 students at EAST Conference, 150 will get a
"Difference Maker" pin. Kendrick, 4th grader at Stephens, has been
working on a prototype for a speed bump that filters car exhaust in carpool
lanes. The idea came from hearing about air quality tests conducted by UAMS at
schools. His passion and idea caught the attention of lots of people at
Conference, and in the words of his teacher Nolan Brown, "We're super proud he was given one of these pins!"
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!
11th Annual Artistry in the Rock Wraps Up a
Week of Student Talent
The Little Rock School District proudly celebrated another successful Artistry in the Rock, showcasing the incredible talent of our students through music, dance, theater, and visual arts. The event featured daily performances, a stunning student art gallery, and special evening showcases. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our young artists!
This year’s event was especially meaningful as Dr. I.J. Routen took her final curtain call as the Fine Arts Coordinator for LRSD’s Elementary Schools. We thank her for more than 30 years of service, shaping arts education and inspiring countless students. LRSD is grateful for her dedication and lasting impact on the arts community!
The Little Rock Southwest High School Wind Ensemble made history at the 2025 ASBOA Region 1 Concert Assessment, earning Superior ratings in Stage Performance and Sight Reading! This achievement, combined with their Superior ratings at the Marching Assessment, secured Sweepstakes for the first time in school history. They now advance to the State Assessment, competing against top 7A ensembles. Congratulations to our talented musicians for their outstanding performances!
The Little Rock Central High Madrigals have been selected as one of only three ensembles in the nation to perform at the Consortium of State School Board Association National Conference in Atlanta. They will kick off the event before the keynote address by Laila Ali (daughter of boxing great Muhammad Ali), proudly representing LRSD and Arkansas. Congratulations to these talented students on this
incredible honor!
The Little Rock Central Tiger Quiz Bowl team dominated the 7A AGQBA Central Region Championship, going undefeated with an impressive 352-point average per game. Senior Jeffrey Robinson earned MVP honors with 20 points per game. Now, the Tigers advance to the 7A State Finals as the #1 seed on April 12. Congratulations, Tigers!
Pulaski Heights Middle School FBLA members are making a difference in their community! They hosted a Senior Soirée at Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, bringing fun, games, and fellowship to the residents. These students have been organizing themed events twice a month, building meaningful connections while spreading kindness and joy. Your LRSD family is proud of you!
Oscar Washington Jr. Scholarship
Congratulations to Sydney Arrieta and Cohen Hughes of Little Rock Southwest High School and Allison Burgess of Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School for earning the Oscar Washington Jr. Education Fund (OWJEF) Scholarship! They attended a special session on college success and received a computer, TV, and Echo Dot. In April, they will be honored at a banquet and awarded a $1,500 scholarship. Way to go, scholars!
Students Not Only Ones Being Honored by OWJEF
Felicia Hayes,
Interventionist at Otter Creek Elementary, was named
Oscar Washington Jr. Educator
of the Year.
Ms. Hayes received a $1,000 award and will also be recognized at next month's gala.
Author Cleandrea "Mia" Gatson
Visits Parkview Students
Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School was honored to welcome Cleandrea “Mia” Gatson, great-niece of civil rights icon Daisy Gatson-Bates. She shared her inspiring journey and her book, Living Behind the Shadows, encouraging students to embrace their purpose despite life’s challenges. Her powerful message of perseverance left a lasting impact. Thank you, Ms. Gatson, for sharing your story!
National Park Service
Fourth-grade students at Watson, King, and Lacey Elementary Schools had a special visitor last week—a Park Ranger from the Little Rock Central High Historic Site! Through the NINE program, students learned about core values, stewardship, and recreational opportunities connected to the historic site’s mission. Each student received a Ranger badge and a free National Park pass, granting them access to national parks across the country for a year.
Through Arkansas School Choice
Looking for a school district where your child can thrive from infancy through graduation? It’s ONE-STOP shopping at the Little Rock School District! From award-winning academics and cutting-edge STEM programs to championship-winning athletics and vibrant arts opportunities—LRSD has it all!
Join the One Team, One Dream movement and discover why LRSD is the best choice for your family. School Choice Enrollment is happening now through May 1st! Don’t wait—explore your options at LRSD and secure your seat today for the kind of programs you WON’T find anywhere else!
Visit our website or call us at 501-447-2950 to learn more. More opportunities for kids, it’s what sets Little Rock School District apart!
School Choice applications are now open for LRSD’s award-winning Early Childhood Program! Our Pre-K programs offer certified teachers, age-appropriate learning activities, and full-day sessions that include breakfast, snacks, and lunch. Families living outside the district can apply through the Arkansas School Choice Act. Visit LRSD.org/Pre-K to apply by May 1, 2025, and give your child a strong start!
Looking for a flexible, innovative learning option? The LRSD Virtual Academy offers rigorous, guided, and independent learning experiences. Students can explore a variety of electives, join extracurricular activities, and even participate in sports. Apply through the Arkansas School Choice Act by May 1, 2025, at LRSD.org/virtual!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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/
Join Mickey Mouse and friends on a thrilling adventure at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at Simmons Bank Arena. Experience breathtaking skating, high-flying acrobatics, and beloved Disney stories brought to life, including Frozen, Coco, Moana, and more. Tickets are available now - don’t miss this unforgettable night of Disney magic!
Otter Creek Community Church (OCCC) invites you to a special Healthcare Ministry event featuring expert speakers on essential health topics. Join them on March 29, 2025, from 9 AM to 11 AM at 13000 Quail Run Dr, Little Rock, AR, for insightful discussions on low vision, mental health, kidney/colon cancer, and cardiovascular health. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, invest in your well-being, and be inspired!
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at Barkus on Main on Sunday, April 6, from noon to 5 p.m. in downtown Little Rock! This Mardi Gras-themed dog parade will bring fun for both two- and four-legged friends, featuring live entertainment, delicious food, and plenty of beads. The parade kicks off at 2:30 p.m. at 6th and Main, followed by a lively block “pawty” stretching from 3rd Street to Capitol Ave. Don’t miss out on the fun! Sign up for your pup to participate here.
Hadestown, the Tony Award-winning musical, is coming to Little Rock’s Robinson Center from April 25-27, 2025. This stunning production brings to life the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone with an innovative blend of folk, jazz, blues, and gospel music. Known for its powerful storytelling and mesmerizing performances, Hadestown takes audiences on a journey to the underworld that is both timeless and fresh. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of the most celebrated musicals of our time right here in Little Rock. Get your tickets today for a night of unforgettable theater!
Wrap up National Volunteer Week by giving back to Little Rock at Impact The Rock: A Day of Unity & Service on April 26, 2025, at 9 A.M.! Join neighbors and friends to beautify parks, clean up streets, care for animals, and strengthen our city through meaningful projects across all seven wards. Whether you join a planned project, create your own, or work in your adopted area, your efforts will make a lasting impact. Let’s come together to serve, connect, and celebrate the power of community!
Scholarship Deadline is Approaching!