October 7: Child Health Day
October 10: School Board Work Session (5:30 p.m.)
October 11: Work Day/Data Day (Students Out, Offices Open)
The Little Rock School District announced its plans for the $14.2 million Magnet School Assistance Program grant received from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant will support programs at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Carver elementary schools and Dunbar and Horace Mann middle schools over the next five years. These funds will enhance each school's specialty programs and themes, including STEAM, leadership, languages, business, and digital communications. The grant also allows LRSD to invest in new technology, curriculum improvements, and resources to serve students and families better. Special shout out to LRSD's lead grant writer, Ms. Linda Young, who says we've been awarded more than $40M this year for various programs to support students/schools!
This week, LRSD hosted two successful Town Hall meetings at McDermott and Terry Elementary, where community members shared their valuable input on key district topics. We appreciate everyone who came out to join the conversation to help shape the future of our schools. Thank you for your engagement and thoughtful feedback! The Listening Tour continues later this month — attend the upcoming meetings and make your voice heard!
This week, Stephens Elementary opened its new Promise Academy. The academy focuses on academic, behavioral, social, and emotional support for students, ensuring individualized and inclusive care. The program aims to uplift the "whole" child by extending these services to families and communities. We are excited about this program and what it will do for LRSD's students!
Perry Initiative Workshop at UAMS
Parkview High School senior Akasha Morris has been accepted to the prestigious Perry Initiative Workshop at UAMS. As an Engineering and Industrial Pathway student, Akasha received mentorship from women surgeons and engineers. She also had the chance to participate in hands-on surgery modules, gaining valuable experience in medicine and engineering. LRSD is proud to celebrate her accomplishments!
Last week, Dr. Janice Mixon’s 6th grade Science class at Dunbar was delighted to host author and Little Rock native, Lana Williams, as part of the CALS Six Bridges Book Festival. Now residing in Oakland, California, Lana owns the Tender Gardener, a plant shop and design company. She gave an engaging presentation on container gardening, sharing tips on potting techniques, plant care, and plant selection. Sixteen students were selected to receive autographed copies of her book, The Container Garden Recipe Book, leaving a lasting impression on the class. Williams's visit was part of CALS annual Six Bridges Book Festival.
Chicot Elementary recently hosted a vibrant Hispanic Heritage Program and Parade, bringing together students, families, and staff for the celebration. The event featured colorful performances filled with music and dance, showcasing the rich cultures of the community. Parents came out in full support, adding to the joy of the occasion. Awesome job to everyone who worked together to create a truly memorable experience.
In a heartfelt demonstration, Carver STEAM students and staff were joined by friends from Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership and Language Magnet Academy to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Wednesday, October 2, everyone wore pink to honor a cherished Carver staff member. The event brought the schools together in a powerful display of unity and awareness. Together, they proudly “gave cancer the boot!”.png)
Carver STEAM Magnet School's counselor, Marquis Cooper, was recognized as one of Mosaic Templars Cultural Center's top 15 Trailblazers. This honor celebrates his leadership, innovation, and service within the community. Mr. Cooper's dedication continues to positively impact students and families at Carver. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!
Minority Business Awards Luncheon
Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School's Ambassadors and administrators recently attended the Little Rock Regional Chamber's 42nd Annual Minority Business Awards Luncheon. Representing the school's business and entrepreneurship pathways, these students had the opportunity to hear inspiring stories and advice from this year’s honorees. Their participation highlights LRSD's commitment to nurturing future leaders in the business community. We look forward to seeing these ambassadors achieve their own successes in the years to come!
Gibbs Elementary School students kicked off the start of National Bullying Awareness Month and the Red Ribbon Campaign 2024 with a special assembly featuring local author Wesley Peters. Peters shared his book Bullies, engaging students in an interactive storytelling experience. Thanks to our Partners in Education, Respectfully Social, LLC, each 3rd-grade student received a copy of the book and one for every classroom. The event highlighted the importance of kindness and respect, setting a positive tone for the month ahead.
Pinnacle View Middle School EAST students joined forces with Little Rock Parks and Recreation on National Public Lands Day to celebrate the reopening of Rock Creek Trail. This collaborative event highlighted the importance of public lands and community engagement.
The Little Rock School District invites students and families to the 50th Annual College Night on October 8, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Jack Stephens Center. This event offers a unique opportunity to meet with college representatives, connect with alumni, explore military options, and attend a financial aid workshop. Be sure to register for your barcode at StriveFair.com to receive personalized information from colleges!
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The Little Rock School District would like to remind our community that the deadline to register to vote in Arkansas is October 7th. Participating in elections is a vital way to make your voice heard and influence the future of our schools and students. Whether you’re a first-time voter or updating your registration, it’s important to take this step. For more details on how to register, please visit the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
If your 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 continues supporting 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/
ONE KOREAN, led by Chang Heon Lee, will host its 8th Annual Scholarship Banquet later this year. Since 2017, the organization has awarded scholarships to 146 students, totaling $146,000. This year, the goal is to provide scholarships to 30 more students while continuing donations to local Korean schools and community members in need.
Join in on the fun Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM for the Annual Turkish Food Festival at 1501 Market St, Little Rock, AR 72211. This event offers a delectable array of authentic Turkish cuisine, featuring everything from kababs and salads to mouthwatering baklava and homemade pastries. Enjoy traditional Turkish coffee and tea while mingling with fellow food enthusiasts in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Bring your loved ones and experience a culinary journey you won’t forget!
Join the Little Rock Police Department for the "Bike with a Cop" event on October 5th, from 9 AM to 11 AM at the 12th Street Police Sub-Station. This fun community gathering encourages positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement while focusing on bicycle safety. Register your child today to receive a free reconditioned bike.
On Friday, October 4, 2024, from 4 to 9 p.m., Little Rock's SoMa neighborhood will come alive with Fiesta en SoMa. This lively event is a celebration of Latino cultures, featuring music, dance, art, and cuisine from various Latin American countries. Attendees can look forward to an exciting Tamale Taste-off, where competitors will vie for cash prizes. With amazing vendors, mouthwatering food, and entertainment for all ages, Fiesta en SoMa promises an unforgettable evening for the entire community.
On Saturday, October 5th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, The Hall in Little Rock will host the 2nd Annual Arkansas Tiny Desk Contest Showcase. This exciting event will feature performances from Auralai, Sonder Ponder, and Mr. Orange, the top 3 favorites from the NPR Tiny Desk Contest. Tickets go on sale September 1st. Don’t miss out on celebrating the artistry of these talented Arkansas musicians!
Get ready for an evening of jazz on October 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Venue at Westwind. This exciting event will feature live performances by Grady Nichols Band, Rodney Block Collective, Jonathan Karrant Trio, and Cyrus Chestnut. All donations will support Depaul USA's programs in Arkansas. Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while soaking in the music — click here to buy tickets.
The Arkansas State Fair invites families to create unforgettable memories from October 11-20. Held at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock, this annual event features a vibrant midway, live music, rodeo competitions, and a variety of entertaining shows. Enjoy thrilling rides, delicious food, and exciting competitions for all ages, ensuring fun for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to experience the excitement and community spirit that the fair brings to Arkansas!
Get ready for the uplifting musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN, running from October 11-13, 2024, at the Robinson Center. This story follows high school student Evan Hansen as he navigates the complexities of fitting in, supported by a powerful score featuring iconic songs like “You Will Be Found” and “Waving Through A Window.” With its exploration of interconnected lives in today’s social media age, this show has been hailed as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by The Washington Post. Tickets are now on sale, and the musical is recommended for ages 12 and up.
The Hillcrest Harvestfest is back and celebrating its 30th anniversary on October 12th! Join the festivities for a day filled with fun, featuring over 100 vendors offering a variety of crafts and goods, delicious food trucks, live music, and activities for kids and pets. This neighborhood festival promises a fantastic experience for the whole family. Don't miss out on being part of Little Rock's premier fall event—opportunities for vendors and volunteers are available!
Click here to register: https://5il.co/2vjvl.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a 360º digital art exhibition inviting you to enter the universe of the Dutch genius Vincent van Gogh. This captivating experience, a previous winner of USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards, is brought to you by the organizers of a collection of widely successful exhibitions in cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
For Tickets: https://feverup.com/m/133055
Get ready for the Arkansas Cornbread Festival on Saturday, November 9, 2024, in Little Rock's vibrant SoMa neighborhood! Since 2011, this award-winning festival has delighted visitors with a delightful mix of food, music, and art. Enjoy the cornbread competition featuring talented home cooks and chefs, as well as live performances from incredible local artists. With free admission and a variety of tasty offerings, it's a perfect day of fun for everyone, including the little ones in the Cosmo Kids Zone!
Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?
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