Friday, December 18, 2020

          

Friday Highlights 12.18.20



   Important Dates

Dec. 21-Jan.4 - Winter Vacation
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day
Dec. 26 - Jan.1 - Kwanzaa




Please be advised that the COVID POC team will continue working and sending out reports throughout the Christmas break with the exception of a few days.  The District will be closed during the dates listed below and no daily reports will be generated during this period.  Updates and information will be reported on the dates listed:
 
12/24 - 12/27 - Closed - Information will be reported on the 12/28 report
12/31 - 01/02 - Closed - Information will be reported on the 01/03 report

However, should you need to file a report over the holidays or have questions, please email covidpoc@lrsd.org.

Congrats to our Winners of the Arvest Bank "We Love Teachers" Campaign!





We are forever thankful to our community partner
Arvest Bank
for their continued commitment to education and support of our students and teachers. Above are winners from the bank’s “We Love Teachers” campaign. Each of these educators gets a $500 cash award to use as needed for her classroom:
Katelyn Leisenring (top left) - Robert’s
Trish Blair (top right) - Fulbright
Ophelia Holloway (bottom left) - Washington
Chastity Moore (bottom right) - Washington
Congrats, ladies!


Stephens Stars Definitely Have a Unique Spin on this Year's 

Poore Man on the Roof Prediction


Click on the image above to see the prediction and the students' take on the "Poore Man's" version of a "Christmas Carol".



Season's Greetings from the 

Central High Madrigals 


Parkview Arts Magnet Choir 

Parkview Arts Magnet Choir 

Also Spreading Holiday Cheer




Enjoy the beautiful renditions of Christmas music from Parkview Arts/Magnet High School’s choir. Students recorded the concert after school over two days, standing 6 feet apart while masked, and rotating every 30 minutes to safely sing. Thank you to our hardworking students!



Our National Merit Semifinalists, Commended Scholars and Principal's Scholars along with their families enjoyed  Virtual Scholars Ceremony in their honor.  In lieu of our in-person reception, each student honoree received a restaurant gift certificate. 

We are so proud of our Scholars from our high schools!  (West High School of Innovation does not have a senior class, yet.)

Reminder: 

All Schools Will Go Virtual On Fridays After The Holiday Break. 



After the holiday break, all schools will go all virtual on Fridays. The above video outlines what that will mean.  




Interested in Computer Science?
Hall STEAM Magnet is the place to be!
Is your student is interested in computer science? Hall STEAM Magnet High School has the most comprehensive CS program of any high school school in central AR. Hall offers CS Programming, AP Computer Science Principles, Mobile App Design & Robotics



Principal Kasi Davis, Brady Elem., got her staff into the holiday spirit with a 12 Days of Christmas Activity Letter!

What a way to spread a little holiday cheer!




Happy Holidays from the LRSD!



Watson Elem. Students Collect $700 to Support Arkansas Food Bank!


Watson Elem. students give back.  Understanding the importance of helping others, Watson students rallied together to support the community by collecting and donating $700 to donate to the Arkansas Food Bank. Way to go, Watson!

Speaking of Watson...

Watson Angel Tree


To help parents for the holiday season during the pandemic, Watson Elementary hosted an Angel Tree, which was spearhead by third-grade teacher, Takessa Hood. With the support of Watson's administration and staff, The Mercy Church, Rose City Church of Christ, Unity Bible Baptist Church, and  help from the community, all 59 students represented on the tree were adopted and received great gifts.   

 

CAUGHT DOING GOOD


Nurse Assistant Syreta Bush (center)  recognized this week for her role at 
Roberts Elementary LRSD
 in supporting the nursing team and students. In the words of one of the parents, “We ❤️ Ms. Bush”! Congrats on a job well done, Ms. Bush!



Going above and beyond the call of duty is a natural inclination for Fulbright special needs teacher Cheryl Woodruff, who says it is her special calling. For her efforts, she was “called out” by her principal, Sherkeyer Jackson, and Supt. Supt. Mike Poore.  Ms. Woodruff is standing next to Mr. Poore.

Coming in 2021 - Helpful Social, Emotional Learning Videos
Check out the preview below:












Hanukkah Dec. 10-18



I

Santa Saturdays 
with Mr. & Mrs. Claws at the Zoo

Don't forget to see Mr. and Mrs. "Claws" in our Christmas Wonderland before Santa comes to your house! They will be located in the Civitan Pavilion every Saturday of December before Christmas. Because Santa is so busy this year, he sent his furry helpers to spread some cheer and warm you up with complimentary hot cocoa, while you snap a family photo. Big kids—little kids—they want to hear all your wishes so they can report to Mr. Claws himself
! You will also be able to take socially-distanced pictures with your own cell phone. Come visit them every Saturday before Christmas from 9am to 11am, and join the fun and a FREE cup of  hot chocolate, while supplies last!
For more info, go to:










A Cantrell Christmas

Take a drive through our light portal and end up in the north pole. You never know who you will meet along the way! While you're doing a little Christmas Shopping, why not take a photo with Santa and have a cup of delicious hot coco with Mrs. Claus. 
19921 Cantrell rd, Little Rock, AR, 72223
Pricing: $25 per Vehicle
Every Friday and Saturday 
from 6pm-9pm 
Dec. 11th-Jan 02.



The Watershed is hosting its annual food and clothing drive a little differently this year due to COVID-19.  The public may drive up and drop off donations without going inside the building - a staff member will come out to you.  You may also make donations online.  The Watershed relies on the generosity of supporters to provide toys, food, and clothing to families in need.  You may remember the organization was the beneficiary of collected items from Poore Man on the Roof last year.

Ballet Arkansas Announces a Digital Broadcast with SoNA
“Sleighride Together” 
Premieres December 21st


Little Rock — Ballet Arkansas is pleased to announce two world-premiere holiday works
created for digital broadcast in artistic partnership with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
(SoNA) .
Ballet Arkansas and SoNa will present Sleighride Together , a virtual broadcast performance
that will be released on Monday, December 21st. Sleighride Together will be accessible at
more information about Ballet Arkansas and its 2020-21 Reimagined Season, visit



Time to Sign Up for Annual Speech Competition

(Link is inactive - this is just a photo of  Past Ralph Vine Public Speaking Contestant/Winner Ethan Gong



Visit link to sign up and for more contest info: ralphvinesendowment.com






Friday, December 11, 2020

         

Friday Highlights 12.11.20



   Important Dates

Nov. 30-Dec. 11 - 2020-2021 Open Enrollment

Dec. 14
- Virtual Scholars Reception @ 5:30pm & Virtual Citation Program @ 6:15pm (Watch Live on Facebook)

Dec. 17 -
LRSD Board Meeting @ 5:30pm
Nov. 30-Dec. 18 - Pre-K Open Enrollment
Dec. 10-18 - Hanukkah
Dec. 15-18 - Semester Exams
Dec. 21-Jan.4 - Winter Vacation
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day
Dec. 26 - Jan.1 - Kwanzaa



New LRSD Board Members Retreat



Newly-elected LRSD board members spent time getting to know each other at a retreat.

Some participated virtually in the limited in-person session, while others joined in via Zoom.



 Over the next few days, they will be officially sworn into office and the first board meeting will be held Thursday, December 17th at 5:30 p.m.

The public may view the meeting on LRSD’s Facebook page, Comcast Channel 4/U-verse Channel 99, or lrsdtv.org.


Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Interview with Dr. Sufna John, UAMS (Revised)
This video addresses Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) designed to support students, families and staff, and is the first in a series of videos that will be shared on LRSD platforms. These messages are brought to you by LRSD's Mental Health Dpt. of Student Services.

Friday, Dec. 11th is the LAST Day for Open Enrollment for Early Childhood and Magnet Schools for the 2021-2022 School Year! 

Open Enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year begins November 30-December 11, 2020. In an effort to enhance customer service district-wide, LRSD composed a fact sheet to help answer all questions parents or staff may have.

Open Enrollment benefits P3/P4 students, and any student applying for a magnet/specialty school.

If you have a K-12 student currently enrolled in LRSD, you DO NOT have to register, he/she will automatically roll up to his/her attendance zone school for the 2021-2022 school year.


How to register if you are new to the District:

  • Complete online registration, at registration.lrsd.org 
  • Provide supporting documents to the Student Registration Office (Supporting Documents:  birth certificate, social security card, two forms of proof of address. Samples of proof of address: current lease agreement, current utility bill, vehicle registration, insurance card, landline phone, cable bill)

*Remember:  Students who are currently attending an LRSD school and do not wish to make any changes in their assignments, DO NOT have to complete registration during Open Enrollment.

 

How to apply for a magnet school:

If your student is currently enrolled in an LRSD school:

  • Go to schoolchoice.lrsd.org 
  • Log in using the student's ID# as the username, and the student's date of birth as the password.

If your student is not currently enrolled in an LRSD school:

  • Complete online registration for the District at registration.lrsd.org 
  • Provide supporting documents to the Student Registration Office (Supporting Documents:  birth certificate, social security card, two forms of proof of address. Samples of proof of address: current lease agreement, current utility bill, vehicle registration, insurance card, landline phone, cable bill)
  • Once registration is complete, the parent will be contacted with an ID number and will then be able to apply at schoolchoice.lrsd.org 

*Students who are currently attending magnet/specialty schools DO NOT need to reapply, unless the student is currently a P3/P4 student.

  • Current K-4th grade students do not need to reapply for their magnet school seats.
  • Current 6-7th grade students do not need to reapply for their magnet school seats.
  • Current 9-11th grade students do not need to reapply for their magnet school seats.

P3/P4

  • P3 students MUST apply for a P4 seat, they will not automatically be assigned during the roll up.
  • P4 students will roll up to kindergarten at their attendance zone. If the student is currently attending a P4 program at a magnet school, a magnet school application must be submitted for a kindergarten seat.
  • P3/P4 registration can be completed online at www.lrsd.org/earlychildhood.  For more assistance call 501-447-7360.” 

Change of Address 

During the Open Enrollment period, parents are encouraged to complete change of address forms if they have moved. A change of address can be submitted at the current school, or at the Student Registration Office.

  • Students will be allowed to remain in the school of origin after an address change for the remainder of the school year WITHOUT transportation. However, during the roll-up, they will be assigned to a new school based on their physical address of record.
  • The required documents include a completed "Change Form" and two forms of proof of address (current lease agreement, current utility bill, vehicle registration, insurance card, landline phone, cable bill)

If you have additional questions that were not answered in these FAQs, please email sro@lrsd.org and a Student Registration staff member will be happy to follow up with you.  


 Visit: www.LRSD.org/EarlyChildhood




New Meaning to "Let's Go Krogering"


Can't say thank you enough to the Central and Eastern Arkansas Kroger teams for their support of LRSD students!  Together, their employees donated more than $11,000 in school supplies.  Just in time to prepare our students for the second half of the school year!  Several store managers showed up to help load the supplies into the vehicles of school counselors, who formed a pickup caravan several cars deep.  Thanks also LRSD counselors for showing up and showing out! :)   #FinishStrong

p.s. Also must give a shout out to ViPS team Tammy Blaylock and Jackie Merrell for their extraordinary organizational skills and support!


Supt. Mike Poore & Deputy Supt. Dr. Jeremy Owoh Explain New "Full" Virtual Day

After the holiday break, all schools will go all virtual on Fridays.  The above video outlines what that will mean.  




Way to go Central Students in the VFW Contest!!!


Sgt. Dishoungh White presented students with their cash prizes.



Big Reveal and Delivery of Little Libraries Constructed by Excel Construction Students 
for Community Distribution 




The Excel Construction Students designed, built and painted Little Libraries to donate to The Virtual Circle of United Methodist Women Organization. 

The free Little Libraries will allow families to safely acquire books. Each one is chartered by the original Little Free Library organization and will be on the map with over 100,000 Little Free Libraries worldwide. 

Little Free Libraries have been shown to build community and make neighborhoods friendlier.

Special thanks to Home Depot for donating materials for EXCEL Construction students to build six outdoor libraries to provide community libraries to support literacy. And Home Depot donated buckets of supplies to create safe spaces!




Bicycle Bonanza



Special Thanks to Reverend Bennie Johnson and Bank of America for their continued support of our students during the holidays with the annual bike donation to students. Wakefield and Romine students will be be pedaling away to good health!


Congratulations to our Gingerbread Extravaganza Coloring Contest Winners!




Booker Elementary Top AR Readers for First Semester

Congratulations to BTW's Top AR Readers!

Courtni Key
Crystan Gilbert
Katelyn Lee
Lamiya Dunn
Angel Needham
Jahaylee Shavers
Ikhiah Williams
Madden Abraham
Bryson Clark
Ryan Williams
Deshaun Austin
Emmanuel Moralesbetran
Makhi Collins 
 

The AR Top Readers were recognized by Booker's Media Specialist and also by Nickelodeon during  their broadcast December 4th. Students achieved their rewards by reading and taking the AR assessment which gave them the top word count for this semester. Each student received a certificate and a special gift from Nickelodeon.



CAUGHT DOING GOOD

Ms. Shryletta Wilson (left of Supt. Mike Poore)

Meadowcliff teacher Shryletta Wilson truly represents what it means to go all out for students - understanding the various technology challenges her students and parents face,  was not to be outdone. She took it upon herself to host a virtual night for her parents/students on Monday nights to ensure that they are getting the help they need. Can't say thank you enough, Ms. Wilson. Thanks for all you do!







Tis the Season!
Ronald Self, Director of Safety & Security
spreading a little holiday cheer with his Santa face mask while hard at work keeping the LRSD safe and secure during this holiday season. 


Hanukkah Dec. 12-18









Ugly Sweater Race

It's ugly holiday sweater time! Create a new family tradition with a healthy dose of physical fitness by joining in on the the "Ugly Sweater Race" which is Part of the Run Local Race Series. 
Saturday, December 12th
Outlets of Little Rock
For more info go to: http://uglysweaterrace.com/



Santa Saturdays 
with Mr. & Mrs. Claws at the Zoo

Don't forget to see Mr. and Mrs. "Claws" in our Christmas Wonderland before Santa comes to your house! They will be located in the Civitan Pavilion every Saturday of December before Christmas. Because Santa is so busy this year, he sent his furry helpers to spread some cheer and warm you up with complimentary hot cocoa, while you snap a family photo. Big kids—little kids—they want to hear all your wishes so they can report to Mr. Claws himself
! You will also be able to take socially-distanced pictures with your own cell phone. Come visit them every Saturday before Christmas from 9am to 11am, and join the fun and a FREE cup of  hot chocolate, while supplies last!
For more info, go to:


A Cantrell Christmas

Take a drive through our light portal and end up in the north pole. You never know who you will meet along the way! While you're doing a little Christmas Shopping, why not take a photo with Santa and have a cup of delicious hot coco with Mrs. Claus. 
19921 Cantrell rd, Little Rock, AR, 72223
Pricing: $25 per Vehicle
Every Friday and Saturday 
from 6pm-9pm 
Dec. 11th-Jan 02.



Santa Paws 

Join us in the Landmark clubhouse for pet photos with Santa Paws! 
Everyone is welcome! 
FREE Admission
Photos are $5



Ballet Arkansas Announces a Digital Broadcast with SoNA
“Sleighride Together” 
Premieres December 21st


Little Rock — Ballet Arkansas is pleased to announce two world-premiere holiday works
created for digital broadcast in artistic partnership with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
(SoNA) .
Ballet Arkansas and SoNa will present Sleighride Together , a virtual broadcast performance
that will be released on Monday, December 21st. Sleighride Together will be accessible at
more information about Ballet Arkansas and its 2020-21 Reimagined Season, visit