Congrats 2025 LRSD
Teachers/Employees of the Year!
Congratulations to Shaneika Lewis-Williams, a nurse practitioner with Arkansas Children’s, for receiving the 2025 Mary Miller Spirit of Excellence Award! She provides outstanding care at the Chicot and Stephens school-based health clinics. Ms. Shaneika is known for her compassion, dedication, and commitment to LRSD students and families. We are proud to celebrate her well-deserved recognition!
Colin Sproles and Cameryn Sproles from Central were named Disney Dreamers for 2025. Colin was even named Dreamer of the Year by his peers and judges. As part of this prestigious honor, they received a special trip back to Walt Disney World, courtesy of Delta Airlines, and a Disney Cruise Line voyage, celebrating his leadership, inspiration, and relentless pursuit of his dreams. Read more in the link below:
The Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission will recognize outstanding past/present LRSD educators and support staff during the 2025 MLK Service in Education Awards on April 10 at the State Board of Education meeting in Little Rock. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to students and their communities, reflecting Dr. King’s enduring legacy of servant leadership.
This year’s honorees from the Little Rock School District include:
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Lee Etta Lewis – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award for Education (Retired)
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Tonya Johnson Baker – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parent Engagement and Advocacy Award
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Annithia Harris – MLK Advocate for School Services Award
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Dr. Shoutell Richardson – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Leadership in Education Award
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Ms. Tequila Mazique – MLK Spirit of Service in School Operations Award
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Aretha Jackson – Martin Luther King, Jr. Champion of Student Support Award
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Porsha Arnold – MLK Commitment to Community Service in Education Award
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Karonda Fuller Lowe – MLK Community Builder in Education Award
These honorees represent the heart of LRSD’s mission to support students and uplift the community through education and service.
2025 Arkansas Times Academic All-Star
Congratulations to Little Rock Central High School senior Yahya Younus for being named to the 2025 Arkansas Times Academic All-Star Team! Yahya is a top student, a published researcher, and the founder of two innovative clubs at Central. He’s also earned a spot in the prestigious Life Sciences & Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania. We’re proud of Yahya’s accomplishments and excited to see what his future holds!
New Orleans Over Spring Break
Students from J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory School enjoyed an exciting Spring Break trip to New Orleans! Highlights included visiting the Audubon Zoo, touring Mardi Gras World to see parade floats up close, and exploring local colleges and universities. The trip was a fun and educational experience they won’t forget!
This spring break, Gibbs Magnet School took learning to new heights—literally! Ms. Agnew led a group of 5th-grade students, families, and staff on the first-ever Spring Cultural Immersion Trip to Quebec and Montreal, Canada. From exploring Old Quebec City in sub-zero temperatures to visiting iconic landmarks like Montmorency Falls and the Montreal Biodome, students had unforgettable experiences while practicing their French and engaging with the local culture.
Congratulations to Dr. Tianka R. Sheard Mitchell of Pinnacle View Middle School for earning her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Dr. Sheard Mitchell has served LRSD students for more than 25 years and continues to make a lasting impact through her dedication and leadership.
at Arkansas State Brain Bee
Little Rock Central High School students made an impressive showing at the 2025 Arkansas State Brain Bee, taking home the top three spots! Congratulations to Sohan Jayappa, Srinitya Bhrugubanda, and Maggie Qin for their outstanding achievement. This year’s event was the first in-person competition since 2020, and our students rose to the challenge. Sohan Jayappa will go on to represent Arkansas at the USA Brain Bee Championship in May. Go Tigers!
Also from Central, Tony Hayar was recently featured in the Learn Fresh newsletter for his outstanding accomplishments in STEM! Tony won first place in the Engineering Materials category at Central’s Science Fair with his compact drip-irrigation system. A dedicated NBA Math Hoops alumnus, he is also a two-time Arkansas regional champion and competed in the 2023 Global Championship in New York City. Congratulations, Tony!
Students in the Medical Interventions program at LR Hall-West High School of Innovation have officially earned their Phlebotomy Certification. This hands-on achievement highlights the strength of LRSD’s Career & Technical Education programs and the dedication of both students and staff. Special thanks to Shameka Montgomery, Xerlotta Jones, Lawanna Harris, and Taliah Ragland, as well as Mr. Marvin Burton, for supporting these future healthcare professionals.
The LRSD community came together this week to celebrate the achievements of outstanding students, teachers, and staff during the Superintendent's Citation Program. This special event recognizes students who being honored at school and in the community, as well as teachers who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in our schools. Congratulations to all of the honorees!
Sister Cities Commission
Just before spring break, the Little Rock School District had the privilege of hosting distinguished guests from the City of Little Rock Sister Cities Commission. Author Richard O’Neill and Wendy Elliott, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Children’s Books, visited Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School, Fulbright Elementary, and Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy. They engaged with students, teachers, and library media specialists to share insights on literacy from the United Kingdom.
Third and fourth-grade students from Chicot and Western Hills Elementary Schools joined a Poetry Month celebration hosted by the Clinton Foundation and Celebrate Maya. The event featured a special reading of Maya Angelou Finds Her Voice by authors Connie and Peter Roop, with illustrator Noa Denmon. Students also participated in an interactive writing workshop and received signed copies of the book to take home.
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")
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!
Metro Career Tech Center recently hosted its first Capture the Flag Cybersecurity Challenge, bringing together students from Central, Parkview, and Southwest high schools. The event, organized by student leaders in the Networking & Cybersecurity Pathway, focused on skill-building, problem-solving, and teamwork. Congratulations to the winning teams and all participants for making the event a great success! The district looks forward to expanding this competition in the future and continuing to inspire students in cybersecurity.
The LRSD Professional Development Department invites YOU to join the April STRESS-LESS Challenge! This month, prioritize self-care and wellness with daily tips and activities designed to help you de-stress. The April Stress-Less Challenge Calendar is filled with daily ideas to keep you on track, PLUS Flex PD sessions focused on wellness! Let’s make April a month of mindfulness, movement, and motivation. Together, we can stress less!
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/
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!
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Join Ballet Arkansas on April 26th for a magical performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set to Felix Mendelssohn’s iconic score. Experience Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love, mischief, and enchanted forests brought to life by a community cast of talented dancers. Don’t miss this beautiful display of romance, comedy, and magic. Get tickets here.
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!
Join the Little Rock community for Jazz in the Park, a free concert series held every Wednesday in April and September at the River Market Pavilions. Experience a vibrant mix of jazz and R&B performances by local talent, featuring everything from smooth vocals to powerful instrumental solos. Bring your family, friends, and pets for a relaxed evening of great music, food, and drinks. With proceeds benefiting the Art Porter Music Education scholarship fund, it's a perfect way to enjoy soulful sounds while supporting local artists.
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April 9 – Solfude's Jazz Night Jam Session Band
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April 16 – Jacksonville High School Jazz Band, Parkview High School Jazz Band, Southwest High School Jazz Band
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April 23 – Dino D and the D Train
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April 30 – DeeDee Jones
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May 7 – The Rod P Outfit
Concerts run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the River Market Pavilions or First Security Amphitheater. In case of rain, the concerts will move to Ottenheimer River Market Hall.
Join us for 501FEST, a vibrant celebration of the spirit and energy that powers our community! On May 2-3rd in the River Market District, 501FEST brings together families and friends for an exciting weekend of live performances, local vendors, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. This annual festival, recognized as 501 Day by city officials, not only showcases local talent and entrepreneurship but also supports positive change in central Arkansas.
