Friday Highlights 8.28.20

 Important Dates

August 24-28.2020 - Dads Matter FB Contest Entry Deadline/ Voting will take place August 31 - September 3.

Beginning August 31, 2020 - In-person Classes Begin All 5 Days

September 3, 2020 -  Virtual Open House Events for Elementary Campuses

September 10, 2020 -  Virtual Open House Events for Middle School Campuses

September 13, 2020 - Grandparents Day

September 15, 2020 - Virtual Open House Events for High Schools
National School Security Officer Appreciation
Hispanic Heritage Month

September 16, 2020 - Grandparents Facebook Sweepstakes Contest Begins

September 17, 2020 - Virtual Community Advisory Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Highlights/Events

Printed Calendars Coming Soon

We know you've received a lot of inquiries about one of your "favorite" LRSD documents - the printed calendar.  Printed Calendars have been delayed due to date changes.  Never fear, they're coming soon!  Meantime, access calendar information on the website for now- it's the first thing you see when you go to lrsd.org.  Thanks for your patience!  

LRSD, State, City, Education and Community Leaders
Kick off Initiative to Reengage Students

LRSD, in partnership with Graduation Alliance launched an effort this week to help reengage students who might otherwise slip through the cracks to help them find pathways to  return to the educational process.  If you know of a student who needs these services, have them call 1-888-615-6115.

Lots of Love Shared with LRSD Students on the First Day

Dads/Father Figures Matter!

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER OUR 2020 Dads Matter Facebook Contest at https://tinyurl.com/2020DadsMatter !! Dads and father figures: Snap a photo of you with your current In-person or Digital LRSD student(s) on this first week of school, and upload a photo between August 24-28. Voting will take place August 31 - September 3.

Supt. Mike Poore Receives First-Ever JA Educator Award

Congrats to Supt. Mike Poore who will be among the honorees recognized during Junior Achievement's annual Legacy Awards celebration.  Poore will be the inaugural recipient of the "Educator Award" during the virtual event on September 22. 

Several LRSD Schools Among 20 in Arkansas to Score
 STEM Grants

Congrats to Meadowcliff. Otter Creek, Pulaski Heights and Terry Elementary, four @mylrsd schools selected to participate in the STEM+C2 Project!

STEM+C2 is a five-year, $2.5 million project funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Jacob K Javits Gifted and Talented Students program. The Project is based in the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and partners with Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP).

The selection process considered several factors including support from the superintendent, the principal, classroom teachers, and the Gifted and Talented specialist. Meadowcliff Elementary and Otter Creek Elementary were two of only 20 schools in Arkansas to be selected.

STEM+C2 identifies and serves academically promising Grade 2 and 3 students with an evidence-based model which includes universal screening, teacher talent-spotting, gifted and talented services in STEM, including computer science, and creativity. The Project also develops a school STEM+C2 toolkit for dissemination and replication of the new information empowering other schools and districts to implement the project with fidelity.

In the Community...

Coming Soon - Nomination Deadline

Click on link below for details:

https://www.littlerockfamily.com/promotions/little-rock-familys-amazing-educators

Do you know a teacher who makes education fun and inspires their students to learn?

Nominate them for the Little Rock Family Amazing Educator Award! Nominations open Dec. 27, 2019 and the deadline to nominate a teacher is Sept. 11, 2020.

A panel of judges will select a winning teacher in each category:

• Elementary School
• Middle/Junior High School
• High School
• Special Needs

Private and public school teachers in Benton, Bryant, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Maumelle, North Little Rock and Sherwood are eligible.

Winners will be recognized in the January 2021 issue of Little Rock Family and receive a prize package from our sponsors.

ABI Blood Drive This Saturday at Outlets of Little Rock 

 All Donations Tested for COVID-19 Antibody

The Arkansas Blood Institute will host a blood drive tomorrow from 9 a.m. - 4:30  p.m. at the Outlets of Little Rock.  Blood mobiles will be located in the parking lot for walk-ups and appointments. Social distancing will be in effect.    For more information, https://www.yourbloodinstitute.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/340224 

Friday Highlights 8.21.20

  Important Dates

First Day of School:  August 24, 2020
Pre-K attend M-F
Virtual attend M-F
In-person A-M attend M and Thursday only this week

In-person N-Z attend Tuesday and Friday only this week

No Face-to-Face classes on Wednesday this week

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Highlights/Events

Click on link below to see update:
Important Reminders from Supt. Mike PooreBack-to-School Details

Dads and Father Figures 
Don't Forget Our Annual Campaign

Schools, Buses and Health Teams Prepping for New School Year

Buses as well as schools across LRSD have been working diligently to prepare for the new new school year, cleaning, sanitizing and prepping sites, surfaces and spaces in accordance with CDC guidelines.   Click on the following for more about the District's overall Ready for Learning,  Check with your individual schools about plans specific to your site.  

School Start Times & Menu Prices

Professional Development LRSD-Style

Going to Schoology!

Schoology Ambassadors are fanning out across the District to offer support to students, staff and parents. Town halls hosted on Facebook Live this week in English and Spanish.

Parent University to Support Spanish-Speaking Parents

Devices have been picked up by parents of English Learners. They are ready for learning at Parent Tech University.

Don't Forget Our Role in Supporting the Census

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In the Community...

Driveway Mural Contest

Families have until August 28th to create and submit driveway chalk art as part of Metroplan's sidewalk mural contest for Ozone Action Days (OAD).  The goal of OAD is to protect air quality. Turn in submissions via photo to LStewart@Metroplan.org 

Friday, September 11^th ABI will host a blood drive at the Simmons Bank Arena. In addition to the drive, ABI will also be collecting convalescent plasma. There has been a significant increase in the demand to help treat patients struggling with the coronavirus.

Friday Highlights 8.14.20

 Important Dates

Schoology Town Hall (English) :  August 18, 2020, 5:30 p.m.
Schoology Town Hall (Spanish): August 19, 2020, 5:30 p.m.

Community Advisory Board Meeting: Thursday, August 20, 2020 5:30 p.m.

First Day of School:  August 24, 2020

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Highlights/Events 

Convocation 2020 - Reminds Us About the "Power of US" Working Together to Build a Strong Foundation

Victor Settle was surprised to learn that his name was pulled as the winner of the beautiful LAGOS bracelet from Sissy's Log Cabin.  In addition to the fine jewelry,, winners received up to $500 in cash prizes, fine dining and department gift certificates, gift baskets, ear pods and more.

Special Thanks:

 Sissy's as our signature sponsor; Carpenter's Produce, Trio's Restaurant, Arkansas State Teachers Association, Little Rock Education Association, Mike and Marianne Poore

Another highlight of the day was the professional development session offered by Just Communities - Amber McCoy Booth and Donald Wood

PPE on the Way to Schools

Warehouse full of PPE headed to

@lrsd

schools. Among the items, millions of masks, hand sanitizer, and other sanitization items. Additionally, laptops purchased for teachers already delivered. Schools have scheduled distribution days for parents to pick up students' devices.

Congrats to our  Life Changer Spirit Award Winner

Nicolas Williams, Mann

August 13th, 2020 – Little Rock, AR – Nicolas Williams, a sixth grade English teacher at Mann Magnet Middle School, has been selected as the 2019-20 LifeChanger of the Year Spirit Award winner. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership . The Spirit Award specifically honors the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination.

To read more about Williams:  http://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/nomination_detail.cfm?NominationID=3511&NominationYear=2019

To submit questions in advance: www.lrsd.org/schoologytownhall

In the Community

Movie Night at Dickey-Stephens Park  

“Finding Nemo” will be the featured family move at Dickey-Stephens Park tonight. Social distancing will be in effect, of course!

Seating options: general admission or reserve a 10’x10’ square of the field.
Gates open at 6, movie starts at 7:30

For tickets:  https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Team.asp?SponsorID=14397#.Xzb6Y-hKiUm

 Squiggly Wiggly -

The Wiggle Worms are Back

Kids 6 and under can enjoy Wiggle Worms at the Museum of Discovery’s Great Hall.  Social distancing will be observed and those 10 and older are required to wear masks.10:30 a.m. this Saturday, Museum of Discovery in the River Market on Clinton Avenue.

Nearby and Neighborly - Your Local Farmers Markets

Saturday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. , River Market Pavilions, 400 President Clinton Avenue

Bernice Gardens Market

Sunday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. , Bernice Gardens, 1401 S, Main

 

 Upcoming book signing - August 18th, 10 am and 3 pm featuring Hall Alum & NBA Hall of Famer Sidney Moncrief

facebook.com/sidney.moncrief.9    

 The G.R.I.T. Factor in Embracing Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion  - "Taking Ownership of  Creating a Better World" 

To Register:  https://mailchi.mp/46350e40a654/mark-your-calendars