Friday Highlights 12.1.23

 

December is:

Learn a Foreign Language Month
National Human Rights Month
Spiritual Literacy Month

Important Dates: 

December 4:    Holiday Performances Begin at LRSD
                          Personnel Policy Committee Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
December 7:    Special Board Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
                          Hanukkah Begins (Sunset)
December 11:   Semester Exams Begin
                          Grandparent's Lunch (11:30 a.m.)
                          Superintendent's Citation Program (5:30 p.m.)
December 12:   LR PTA Council Meeting (11:30 a.m.)
December 14:   School Board Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
December 18:   Winter Break Begins

Patriot Proud! Parkview to Compete for State Championship Title This Weekend Make Plans to Support the Team!

Please join us in congratulating the Parkview Patriots for making it to the 5A state championship football game. In a rematch, the Patriots will take on Shiloh Christian this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. The game will be played at War Memorial Stadium. Your LRSD family is proud of you! 

You can get tickets here.

Parkview Defensive Coordinator Wins 2023 High School Broyles Award

Congratulations to Parkview's Defensive Coordinator, Bobby Bolding, for winning the 2023 High School Broyles Award for Arkansas. The award recognizes the top high school assistant football coaches in every participating state, projecting their excellence onto the national stage.

Little Rock School District
 Open Enrollment Period Continues!

The Little Rock School District Open Enrollment period continues through December 8, 2023, for any student not currently enrolled who plans to attend LRSD during the 2024/25 school year. Students may also apply for Magnet and/or specialty schools during this time. It is imperative that you register during the scheduled open enrollment window to be considered in the first lottery. You may register online at: joinlrsd.org

You will need the following documents:

• Child’s official birth certificate, passport, military ID card, or other documentation provided by law – (ACA 6-18-208)

• Child’s Social Security card/number

• Two current forms of proof of residence - Acceptable forms include a current lease agreement or utility bill (less than 30 days old) in the parent’s or legal guardian’s name (cell phone bills will NOT be accepted). For a complete list of accepted documents, visit LRSD.org.

• Child’s Immunization Record

LRCH Poet/Artist Designated at City's First Poet Laureate

The City of Little Rock recently celebrated the arts and culture community with a Poet Laureate Proclamation. Local poet Leron McAdoo, known for his many creative contributions and influence on the arts and culture community, was named the first Poet Laureate for the City. Check out his feature on KATV.

Make Plans to Check Out LRSD's Advanced Academics During Parent Night

Join us on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, to learn more about LRSD's Advanced Academics program. You will be able to learn more about the options for your K-12 students, gifted and talented identification and support, enrichment opportunities for all students, and secondary courses and options for all students. The program will be held at the Henderson Instructional Resource Center (Teaching and Learning Center) from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. To sign up, use the QR code in the above flyer.

Scoring Perfection!

Disha Ram, LRCH 11th-grader, scored the perfect score on PSAT. Disha joins classmate Shruthi Hebbar, who also made a perfect score. Hebbar, by the way, also earned a perfect ACT score. Congrats to these brilliant students!

LRSD Students and Staff Honored at November's Superintendent Citation Program

The Little Rock School District hosted its monthly Superintendent's Citation Program this week. Several students and staff members, including top-tier leaders, the BEST in robotics, and tennis champs, were honored. Check out more photos from the exciting night here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137350739@N06/

Don Roberts Elementary to Host First Friday Movie Night

Tonight, Don Roberts Elementary School is holding its first Friday Movie Night of the year! It is a free event for the whole family. You can bring your comfy chairs and cozy blankets and even wear PJs. Tonight's showing will be "The Super Mario Bros." movie. It starts at 6 p.m. in the Roberts dining room. There will be free popcorn and other concessions for cash-only purchases.

Way to Go! Three Students Battle for Top Spot at Roberts Spelling Bee

Roberts Elementary School held its annual Spelling Bee this week. Three students, Sarah, Aleen, and Cadence, battled it out for a total of 51 rounds of intense competition for the top spot. Congratulations to those students!

Principal Pool Application Process Now Open

Click on this link to read flyer and get information on applying.

Former Central High Football Player Named to the All-Sun Belt Team

Former Little Rock Central Tiger football player Makilan Thomas has been named to the All-Sun Belt team at Arkansas State University. While at Central, he played right guard and was selected to the Arkansas 7A All-State Team as a senior. He also helped the Tigers advance to the second round of the playoffs. During his time at Arkansas State in 2022 he started all 12 games primarily at left tackle, with a start at right guard and right tackle. Congratulations to Makilan!

It's the Holiday Season! LRSD Partners With KARK/Fox 16 for a Gift Drive!

In the true spirit of the Holiday Season, the Little Rock School District is partnering with KARK/Fox 16 for Santa's Holiday Gift Drive! You can bring any new and unwrapped gift donations through December 12th to the District's Administration Building, 810 W. Markham, to give to families needing extra help this holiday season.  We appreciate your participation in this year's Holiday Gift Drive!

Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of the Season 

with LRSD Student Performances

LRSD students will help kick off the holiday season with musical/choral/dance performances starting Monday at 12:30 p.m.  The performances are free, but we're asking the community to bring a new, unwrapped toy to help support our partnership drive with KARK/Fox 16!  No toy gift is too small.  Thank you in advance!

Calling All Basketball Fans!  
Annual Tournament Gets Underway Next Week

A Celebration of Service

The community is invited to help us celebrate the swearing-in of new Board member Anna Strong and returning Board member Vicki Hatter.  We will also say a special thank you to Ms. Ali Noland for her service to the Board.  Ms. Strong will succeed Ms. Noland after she decided not to run for reelection.  We hope you'll join us.

Sharing on Behalf of Partners at #BrandonHouse

Little Rock presents An Evening of Jazz. All donations from this event will support the Jericho Way Day Resource Center for the Homeless. You can expect to hear live performances by artists Melba Moore, Michael Eubanks, Grady Nichols, and Rodney Block. Tickets may be purchased on this link.

 

Join LRSD for a Zone 6 Community Meeting

Join Little Rock School District Board Member Vicki Hatter and special guest Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright for a Zone 6 Community Meeting:  Monday, December 4th at 6 p.m. at the 

West Central Community Center, 8616 Colonel Glenn Road.

GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo!

The GloWild Lantern Festival has returned to the Little Rock Zoo this Holiday Season. There, you will be able to walk through three different spaces that will showcase animals in a whole new light. The first section will be filled with mystical creatures. The second will feature insects, and the third will include jungle animals that can be found across the globe. The event will run from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. through January 7th. Tickets for the general public are $20 and can be purchased at the gate. Parking is free!

Ballet Arkansas Presents the 
"Nutcracker Spectacular" Now In Its 45th Year

Ballet Arkansas is preparing to present the "Nutcracker Spectacular" for its 45th year. The show is Arkansas's largest and longest-running holiday production, featuring live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a cast and crew of nearly 400. The shows begin Friday, December 8, 2023, and run through Sunday, December 10, 2023. You can buy tickets here. 

Mark Your Calendars for the 2023 Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony

Continuing a legacy, lawmakers will help light the Arkansas State Capitol for the 85th year on December 2nd at 5:30 p.m. It's a heartwarming tradition that brings our community together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Following the ceremony and a breathtaking fireworks show, you'll have the opportunity to step inside the Capitol and explore a wonderland of Christmas decorations. One standout feature is the Fallen Heroes Holiday Tree, adorned with the help of volunteers. You will also have the chance to visit Santa in his workshop. The ceremony also signifies the beginning of extended holiday hours at the State Capitol.

Get Your Holiday Taste Buds Ready! 

Historic Arkansas Museum Hosts 

19th Ever Nog-Off

The Historic Arkansas Museum is inviting the public to the 19th Ever Nog-Off. Participants from local restaurants, bars, and businesses will present their best take on the festive drink in a friendly competition. Those in attendance can taste delicious samples and vote in various award categories. There will also be live music by Bonnie Montgomery. The event occurs during the museum's 2nd Friday Art Night on Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to the public. 

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 Highlights 11.17.23

 

November is:

National Native American Heritage Month
National Diabetes Month
National Lung/Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
National Adoption Month
National Career Development Month
National Military Family Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Gratitude Month

Important Dates: 

November 20-24:    Thanksgiving Holiday
November 27:         Classes Resume
                                 Open Enrollment Begins
                                 Superintendent's Citation Program

Happy Thanksgiving to Our LRSD Family!

#OptimizingLRSD Meetings Are Wrapping Up -Spanish Version After the Thanksgiving Break 

 #OptimizingLRSD meetings, which have allowed community members, students, staff, and parents to give their insights on the unique needs of our LRSD community, will wrap up Monday, November 27, at 7 p.m. with a presentation for our Spanish-speaking families. The final meeting will be held at the Southwest Community Center, 6401 Baseline.

During the open discussions, those in attendance listened, gave opinions, and voted on several proposals that were submitted. The feedback gathered in these meetings will now be evaluated for consideration in helping to set the vision and future of LRSD. Thank you to all of those who attended the meetings!

Thank You to All Who Made the #LRSDSpiritfest a Hugh Success!

Last Saturday, #LRSDSpiritfest invaded Park Plaza. Hundreds came out to learn about our schools and programs, to watch student performances, and to win prizes. Thank you to all who attended and volunteered to make the event a GREAT success! If you would like to see more information about what the District has to offer, check out our online #Spiritfest gallery here: https://tinyurl.com/et8jp6se

Hundreds of Volunteers Share Their Love of Reading During ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day

We witnessed volunteers in action during ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day! The Volunteers in Public Schools program hosts the annual event to inspire students and promote the love of reading.  Hundreds of volunteer readers stepped into our elementary school classrooms to read to students and encourage positive reading habits. Many of the volunteers incorporated props and visuals, and used character voices to keep the students engaged. We want to thank all volunteers who took the time to invest in our students and schools!

Preparing for the Future! LRSD Students Participate in 3rd Annual Career Expo

The Academies of Central Arkansas hosted the 3^rd Annual Career Expo at the Statehouse Convention Center this week. Around 1,500 students from LRSD joined their peers from surrounding districts and were able to interact with over 100 business and industry professionals. Students learned about career options in central Arkansas and surrounding areas.  

Central High Basketball Stars Make Plans to Take their Game to the Next Level

We want to give a BIG congratulations to Central High School's very own Annor Boateng and Jordan Marshall. They signed their letters of intent to play college basketball this week during an event. Annor will be playing for the University of Missouri and Jordan will be playing for Louisiana Tech. We are so proud of you both and wish them well in their college careers as athletes and scholars!

See -  It Didn't Hurt! 
LRSD Flu Clinics Underway

The Little Rock School District, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), will host Flu Immunization clinics in schools to provide flu vaccine for students, parents, and staff.  Visit www.lrsd.org for info on the clinics.  Special thanks to the Jefferson Elementary family for allowing us to showcase this wonderful health initiative to promote wellness throughout our District.  Thanks also to health director Jackie McEuen (fondly called "Nurse Jackie") and her team, as well as ADH, for making sure our students and staff have these convenient onsite opportunities.

International Day of Celebration Held at Adult Education Building

The International Day of Celebration was held at the Adult Education Building this week. The day celebrates the students' cultures and allows them to speak about where their native countries. Students and staff also had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal together.

Christmas Comes Early for One of our LRSD AP Environmental Science Teachers

Christmas came early for one of our AP Environmental science teachers. Ms. Rachel Butler-Green from Parkview received a $1,000 grant for lab equipment from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. She had asked for the money for her lab wish list and said she was shocked to see that she was awarded the funds. Now that she is a recipient, Ms. Butler-Green plans to purchase much-needed supplies so her class will get more hands-on experience using technology. One thousand dollars is the largest grant the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education can give.

Congratulations to Ms. Butler-Green!

It's the Holiday Season! LRSD Partners With KARK/Fox 16 for a Gift Drive!

In the true spirit of the Holiday Season, the Little Rock School District is partnering with KARK/Fox 16 for Santa's Holiday Gift Drive! You can bring any new and unwrapped gift donations through December 12th to the District's Administration Building, 810 W. Markham, to give to families who may need a little extra help this holiday season.  We appreciate your participation in this year's Holiday Gift Drive!

Chief of Police Youth Advisory Council 

Sign-Ups Underway

Sign-ups for the Little rock Police Department's Chief of Police Youth Advisory Council is now underway. To apply, you must be between the ages of 14 and 24. Members of the council will be able to communicate concerns, propose, ideas, and participate in community service. If you would like to apply, scan the QR Code above. 

Kick off the Holidays in Little Rock with the Bright the Night Festival

Make plans to go to the Capitol Plaza this Saturday as the Downtown Little Rock Partnership will light up downtown with its Bright the Night festival. Families will be able to meet Santa, sing carols, and even enjoy snow! They'll also enjoy free hot chocolate and Community Bakery Cookies while the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra helps spread some cheer. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. 

GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo!

The GloWild Lantern Festival has returned to the Little Rock Zoo this Holiday Season. There, you will be able to walk through three different spaces that will showcase animals in a whole new light. The first section will be filled with mystical creatures. The second will feature insects, and the third will include jungle animals that can be found across the globe. The event will run from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. through January 7th. Tickets for the general public are $20 and can be purchased at the gate. Parking is free!

Calling All Cheeseheads!
Cheese Dip Championship is Tonight

Held annually in October, The World Cheese Dip Championship attracts contestants from across the four corners of Arkansas and beyond as they battle for the title.  The competitors are divided into professional and amateur divisions, and each attendee can cast a vote for their favorite. This year's festival is breaking from an afternoon tradition and being held tonight, November 17th, at Dickey Stephens Park.  

Admission - $10 for Children (15-U); $15-40 for Adults

Link to purchase tickets

Need to Get Rid of Some Stuff?

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.