Friday, November 19, 2021

Friday Highlights 11.19.21

November is:

National Native American Heritage Month 

National Family Literacy Month

National Scholarship Month

National Career Development Month


November 22-26 - Schools & Some Offices Closed (Employees with a 12-month contract work)
November 25-26 - Schools & Offices Closes
November 25th - Thanksgiving Holiday
November 28 - Hanukkah Begins at Sunset
November 29 - Superintendent's Citation Program, 5:30 p.m.
November 29 - December 10 - Open Enrollment P3-12





Introducing "Lil Roo" with a
 Special Thanksgiving Rap


 Principal Nancy Rousseau enjoys entertaining her kids. 
Check out her message by clicking on link above photo.  

LRSD Vaccine Clinics for 5-11 y/o
Have Been a Success 



LRSD leads the way in making vaccines accessible by hosting vaccine clinics for 5-11 year-olds across the district all week! We are so pleased to see this age group presented with the opportunity to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccine. Thanks to the joint efforts of our district, the City of Little Rock, and the Department of Health we have been able to "do our part" in closing the gap of exposure for some of the youngest children in our district. We were paid a special visit from the White House representatives Dr. Cameron Webb, Senior Policy Advisor and Dr. Aaliyah Samuel, U.S. Department of Education, earlier this week that included panel discussions for parents and teachers to highlight the collaborative work of the above mentioned groups to combat the pandemic. 




Check out this personal testimonial from one elementary student who shares why he got the vaccine:



LRSD Has a Queen Amongst Its Ranks



Congrats to LRCH's Imani Jolie Carpenter - Named Miss Arkansas Teen in the National Diamond USA Pageant.  She also took home the top award for High Fashion and Evening Gown. Your LRSD family is proud of you, Imani! 

Parkview's Real Steel Robotics Team Cleaned Up at BEST Robotics Competition!


Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School's Real Steel robotics team performed extremely well at this year's BEST Robotics Competition! We are so proud of this team and all of their hard work, we look forward to seeing you all do well in the regional championship!

4th place Engineering Notebook
4th place Robot Performance
2nd place Exhibit Booth
2nd place Marketing Presentation
2nd BEST AWARD (overall)

They have earned a spot in the Texas BEST Regional Championship!

LR Hall High Also Leaves BEST Robotics Competition with a Significant Recognition


We also want to give a special shout to the Hall Robotics team for advancing through the wildcard round of the BEST Robotics competition this past weekend! They also earned 3rd place in critical design review and this is only their first year competing! With such an amazing performance during their first year, we are eagerly sitting at the edge of our seats with anticipation for what's to come.

Congrats are in Order to
LRSD Board Member Ali Noland 


Congrats to Little Rock School District Board Member Ali Noland on her selection for the 2nd class of the Public Service Academy, sponsored by The Arkansas Bar Association and the U of A Clinton School of Public Service, in association with U of A Little Rock Bowen School of Law. The Academy was established to provide service-minded lawyers and law students the tools they need for service in both elected office and as volunteers. Congrats Mrs. Noland, we are so proud of you for your most recent achievement!

Congrats to Pinnacle View's Mr. Graham Goodloe


Congratulations, Mr. Goodloe, on your highlight in the SIFMA Foundation's Thankful for Our Teachers campaign. We are so proud to have esteemed educators like you in our district! Such an amazing highlight for an amazing educator! 

ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day


ViPS 2021 Jane Mendel Reading Day was a success! From pigs, cows, and even Lady Liberty, our special volunteer guests really showed up and out for our schools. This year, the ViPS team worked extremely hard to ensure there was a method of volunteering that fit everyone's needs. Volunteers could donate books, read to students virtually, or visit classrooms in person to read to the students. Literacy is such an important foundational skill for children and Jane Mendel Reading Day is the perfect way to encourage students to get excited about reading. Check out this great video saluting our guest readers:



Carver Magnet Literacy Night


Carver Magnet Elementary hosted its Literacy Night on Tuesday. Parents were presented with valuable information in the most entertaining way! Third and fourth grade students in Reader's Theater, with direction from the art teacher Stephanie Crowell, performed a piece dedicated to veterans. The students along with many of the parents were able to share stories and acknowledge loved ones who are/were veterans. THE STUDENTs DID A PHENOMENAL JOB!

I Love a Parade!
Click on link below to watch the Western Hills Elementary Book Parade on Facebook:

See Your Taxpayer Dollars at Work!



Members of the Southwest/McClellan community will be able to see their taxpayer dollars at work soon! The sign above is posted in the community to celebrate this vision's transformation into a reality - a brand new K-8 campus coming soon. If you happen to ride and see the sign, be sure to snap a picture and tag us, as this is the #PowerofUs on full display! 

LRSD Central Office Takes the Lead for Shirts and Blood Pressure Checks!
Don't forget to be an early bird and get yours today!




Shoutout to LRSD Central Office for being in the lead for shirts and for blood pressure checks! We’ve already raised $475 and 13 employees have marked that they’ve had their blood pressure checked! It's not too late to order your shirt! 

HOW TO ORDER: Text DHCLRSD to 41444 


Deadline Reminder: 
Feet to the Seat Video Contest


WhoKindergarten - 12th Grade Students
When: All videos must be submitted by November 29 @ 5:00pm
What: Create a video explaining why it is important to have your "Feet to the Seat"
How: Students will submit videos using the links below:


In the meantime, check out this video to hear what former Hall High student and NBA player Bobby Portis has to say about school attendance. 

$100 Gift Card Winner from EBi

Congrats to Monica Jackson, Carver Elementary 
Photos coming next week of the final round of winners:  Telecia Ratliff, Mabelvale ES and Kathleen Runder, Pulaski Heights Elementary School)
Special thanks to EBi for the wonderful incentive and thanks, employees, for getting it done!  

#CaughtDoingGood

ViPs and PIE Coordinator, Tammy Blaylock (L), ViPS Specialist, Jackie Merrell (C), Supt. Mike Poore (R)

This weeks #CaughtDoingGood goes to the undeniably talented and creative ViPS dynamic duo, Tammy Blaylock (ViPS and PIE Coordinator) and Jackie Merrell (ViPS Specialist). Supt. Mike Poore informs our Facebook live audience that Tammy and Jackie's most recent undertaking, Jane Mendel Reading Day, is what landed the phenomenal pair this recognition. The ViPS team put an incredible amount of work in to meet the diverse needs of our volunteers and schools. They worked so hard to ensure opportunities to serve were easily accessible by giving volunteers an option to donate books, read to students virtually, or come in person to read to a class. Thank you so much Tammy and Jackie for all you do! And doing it, as director of Communications Pamela Smith says, "in the spirit of excellence".  

Substitute Teaching Opportunity


Think You're Ready to Get Behind the Wheel?

NEW RULES!
STOP!  Before you show up to take your test, you must make an appointment.  Use your camera to click on the QR Code for more info!  

Bright the Night Presented by Simmons Bank


Join the holiday festivities on Capitol Plaza, at the corner of Capitol Ave. and Main St., where we will light up downtown with our Bright the Night festival! Presented by Simmons Bank, Bright the Night is a fun, family friendly event for all ages! Come meet Santa, sing some carols, and enjoy the snow! The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will be there, too, to help spread the cheer. The event is on November 22, at 5:30pm and is free and open to the public. The holiday lights will be on display through the New Year.

The 19th annual Little Rock Marathon, our city’s signature event. Typically we are the first weekend in March, but due to Covid, we have had to move race weekend to November 20 – 21, 2021.

We ask for your continued understanding and support by cheering on the athletes as they pass through your area on our spectator friendly courses.

So that we can accommodate all the athletes, streets that are part of the race course are closed to vehicular traffic as follows:

Saturday (November 20)

5:00 am to 1:00 pm

Sunday (November 21)

3:00 am – 3:00 pm

Course information for all events can be found here.

The Sweet Tastes and Sounds of the Season

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 2 – 5 p.m. 

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, located on the corner of Broadway and historic Ninth Street in downtown Little Rock, has for years, been host to two special December events: Cocoa and Carols and the Say It Ain't Say's Sweet Potato Pie Contest. This year, these events are combined into one Holiday Open House extravaganza.

Join the fun for music, crafts and a certain Jolly Old Elf (aka “Black Santa”), for a festive Sunday at the museum. Loblolly Creamery is sponsoring the cocoa at the event.

And if you’re in the area before Dec. 3, feel free to drop off a new unopened toy for the Robert “Say” McIntosh Stop the Violence Toy Drive in partnership with Central Arkansas Library Systems.  

A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Rep



For Girls Interested in Pursuing STEM Opportunities -
Don't Forget the Women of Water Presents:

Here's the link to register


Ballet Arkansas Nutcracker Spectacular Coming Soon....


A holiday tradition for families across Arkansas, "The Nutcracker Spectacular" is the largest and longest-running holiday production in the state - reaching more than 10,000 in a single weekend! Performances include live accompaniment from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a community cast of more than 250 singers and dancers. Student Matinee performances available for reservation.

Showtimes
December 10th | 7:30 pm
December 11th | 2:30 & 7:30 pm
December 12th | 2:00 pm

Student Matinee Registration Now Open

Performance Details

Run Time: 75 minutes w/ 5 minute intermission. Includes an educational behind the scenes discussion.
Dates: December 9th & 10th @ 10:30 am
Tickets: K-12 Students $8 Educator $10
Venue: Robinson Performance Hall - 426 West Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201
Eligibility: K-12 Public/Private School & K-12 Homeschool Groups

Reservation Details

Please carefully review the Student Matinee packet prior to making a reservation for your group, as many policies have been updated this season. Due to the reduced capacity and social distancing, Ballet Arkansas cannot guarantee it will be able to accommodate changes to attendance numbers. To request a change to your reservation, please email education@balletarkansas.org prior to November 23rd. 

**STUDENT MATINEES ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AND ARE RESERVED FOR K-12 STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS IN PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND HOMESCHOOL SETTINGS. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY AN EDUCATOR OR SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE. REDUCED CAPACITY SEATING, SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND MASKS REQUIRED. ALL PUBLIC/PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AT LEAST 1 CHAPERONE PER 50 STUDENTS, AND THERE MAY NOT BE MORE THAN 1 CHAPERONE PER EVERY 5 STUDENTS. HOMESCHOOL GROUPS MAY HAVE A RATIO OF 1 EDUCATOR TO 1 STUDENT. 


GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo


For more information, click here.  For FAQs, click here

See the Little Rock Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest interactive light festivals featuring handcrafted silk-covered lanterns all aglow with over fifty- thousand LED lights! This outdoor light experience will be Little Rock’s premier light festival and be the first themed lantern light event of its kind covering Zoo grounds and offering guests an immersive encounter like no other.
We invite you to create new traditions for you and your favorite people during GloWILD!

$17 Zoo Members
$20 General Public
Kids under the age of 3 are admitted for free

Parking is free during GloWILD!
Train/Carousel $3

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Friday Highlights 11.12.21


November is:

National Native American Heritage Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Scholarship Month 
National Career Development Month


November 14 - LRSD Board Work Session 3:00-5:00pm
November 15 - LRSD Board Work Session 5:30-7:30pm
November 15-19 - American Education Week
November 16 - ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day
                        - Marking Period 2 Interims (Available Online/Sent Home)                                                 
November 18 - Board Meeting 5:30pm

LRSD Students Have a Special Message for the Community of Little Rock

Click below to watch: 


Deputy Supt. Dr. Keith McGee Featured in Soiree's Men on a Mission

Our deputy superintendent Dr. Keith McGee was featured in Little Rock Soiree's inaugural class of Men on a Mission. Soiree characterizes these men as gentlemen who are changing the way people do business and life together in central Arkansas. Dr. McGee is more than deserving of this recognition and we look forward to both witnessing and being apart of the impact he will undoubtedly continue to have on the Central Arkansas region. Read the full profile on Dr. McGee here.

LRSD Schools Rewarded for High Academic Performance



The Arkansas School Recognition Program was created to provide financial awards to public schools who achieve high student performance, academic growth, and high graduation rates. Public schools and public charter schools who rank in the top 5% in the above mentioned categories are eligible to receive rewards in an amount up to $100 per student. Up to $50 per student enrolled is awarded to public schools or public charter schools between the top 5% and the next 5% of all public schools in Arkansas in student performance or student academic growth. We are so proud of our school on achieving this amazing goal in the midst of a global pandemic. 

LRSD Scholar Reception Recap

 

 

We had a blast this past Monday celebrating the achievements of our 2021-2022 scholars of Little Rock Hall, Parkview, and Southwest high schools. During this touching ceremony, we were able to recognize the cream of the crop from the 2021-22 senior class, and learn from a more personal perspective what this achievement means to the students and their families. We laughed, we cried, and we cheered on our scholars. We are so incredibly proud of this group and all they will achieve. Click here if you'd like to watch the full reception.

Happy National School Psychology Week


Happy National School Psychology Week! Thank you school psychologists for your dedication to our students, staff, and families! 

Important Ignite Digital Academy Reminder


LRSD is swiftly approaching the end of the first semester for the 21/22 school year. We want to be proactive and ask you to begin thinking about whether or not your student will continue with virtual learning through our IGNITE Digital Academy or return to in-person learning after the holiday season in January.

If your student decides to return, please log onto the Student Registration page of lrsd.org, click on the Virtual Icon, and complete the Google document. The sign-up period will be November 1 through 12, 2021. Once you submit the Google document, you will be officially enrolled in person at your 21/22 assigned school beginning January 4, 2022.

LRSD Grandparents Rock!



If you can recall, last month we celebrated LRSD grandparents with our annual Grandparents Sweepstakes Drive-Thru Lunch. We asked our grandparents to submit photos with their current LRSD students to enter our Facebook Photo Sweepstakes and they showed up and showed out. Of the grandparents in attendance, we did a drawing for a $100 Kroger gift and Ms. Dewana Phillips was selected as the winner! Congrats again Ms. Phillips and thank you for being a grandparent who rocks!


Published High School Researchers from LRCH


Congrats to Central's Anu Iyer, 11th grade, and Akshay Padala, senior, who just received word that their papers will be published in the Journal of Student Research!

Journal of Student Research (JSR) is an Academic, Multidisciplinary, and Faculty-reviewed Journal (Houston, Texas) devoted to the rapid dissemination of current research published by high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

https://www.jsr.org/index.php/path

LRSD Central Office Takes the Lead for Shirts and Blood Pressure Checks!



SHOUTOUT to LRSD Central Office for being in the lead for shirts and for blood pressure checks!
We’ve already raised $475 and 13 employees have marked that they’ve had their blood pressure checked! It's not too late to order your shirt! 

HOW TO ORDER: Text DHCLRSD to 41444 

Feet to the Seat Video Contest

Who: Kindergarten - 12th Grade Students
When: All videos must be submitted by November 29 @ 5:00pm
What: Create a video explaining why it is important to have your "Feet to the Seat"
How: Students will submit videos using the links below:

In the meantime, check out this video to hear what former Hall High student and NBA player Bobby Portis has to say about school attendance. 

$100 Gift Card Winner from EBi

Congrats to B. Bobbie Sanders, Adult Ed
One of 2 winners in last week's prize drawings by EBi

Chicot Community Drive-Thru CafĂ©
Next Week!

Tuesday, November 16th
Chicot Elementary Bus Loop
5:00 - 6:00PM

Join Chicot for their November Community Café. They'll have another drive-in movie featuring Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving and Garfield's Thanksgiving. Dinner is free from Smackey's BBQ. Plus, goodie bags with treats and information from Chicot Health Clinic, CALS, and the City of Little Rock.

The event is free and open to anyone. Please wear a face mask. The event is drive-thru, and walkers are welcome


Western Hills Elementary 
2nd Annual Books on Parade!

K-5 classes will create a float based on their class’s favorite book. Each float will be decorated with scenes or characters from the book. Please plan to join us as we celebrate our creations with a socially-distanced book parade! Way to Go !

Romani Thurman 16-Year-Old Volleyball Standout
Shares Benefit of Experience with Mann Middle School Players


Horace Mann Volleyball Team hosted an awards ceremony last week and Romani Thurman, local volleyball phenom, was the guest speaker.  

Romani, who orally committed to play volleyball for North Carolina, shared  with the students what it takes to be successful on and off the court, and how she has maintained a 4.0 as an Elite volleyball player. Romani mentioned how volleyball has opened so many doors for her because of hard work and determination. Lastly, Romani mentioned the importance of being humble, focused, and dedicated to reaching your goals. 

Talent runs deep in her family.  Romani, who attends LR 
Christian is the daughter of U-of-A basketball great and Parkview coach, Scotty Thurman. 

#CaughtDoingGood

Fine Arts Director Dr. Danny Fletcher (C), C&I Director Shana Loring (L), and Supt. Mike Poore (R).

This week's #CaughtDoingGood is Dr. Fletcher who is not only a veteran educator, he is a military veteran, having honorably served our country for 42 years. Supt. Mike Poore expressed his gratitude for the work Dr. Fletcher does for all of our students and schools. Curriculum and Instruction director Shana Loring reflects on having Dr. Fletcher as a former educator and affirms how great of an asset he is to the district team. Communications director Pamela Smith raves that he is a consummate professional who loves kids and pours his heart and soul into our children to ensure they have a strong foundation in the arts. Thank you Dr. Fletcher for all you do and congrats! 

Substitute Teaching Opportunity 


LRSD's Tania Kelley Still Doing Big Things!




LRSD Students' Exhibition to be Featured during Second Friday Art Night

Second Friday Art Night
November 12, 5PM to 8PM

Here are some of the highlights:
  • The Old House will host Charlotte Taylor on their front steps
  • Crying Weasel Vintage will be featuring artist Dea Self
  • UA Little Rock Downtown will be serving light refreshments and featuring an exhibit of 1960s and 70s movie posters and handbills
  • Bella Vita will be holding their Holiday Open House
  • The Galleries and Bookstore will feature a live pottery demonstration by Celia Storey, an exhibition by LRSD students, and author Janis F. Kearney will be signing copies of her books.
  • The Historic Arkansas Museum will have live music with Brian Nahlen and will demonstrate how some Arkansans made beer in their tea kettles.

Holiday House Junior League of Little Rock


Bright the Night Presented by Simmons Bank


Join the holiday festivities on Capitol Plaza, at the corner of Capitol Ave. and Main St., where we will light up downtown with our Bright the Night festival! Presented by Simmons Bank, Bright the Night is a fun, family friendly event for all ages! Come meet Santa, sing some carols, and enjoy the snow! The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will be there, too, to help spread the cheer. The event is on November 22, at 5:30pm and is free and open to the public. The holiday lights will be on display through the New Year.

The 19th annual Little Rock Marathon, our city’s signature event. Typically we are the first weekend in March, but due to Covid, we have had to move race weekend to November 20 – 21, 2021.

We ask for your continued understanding and support by cheering on the athletes as they pass through your area on our spectator friendly courses.

So that we can accommodate all the athletes, streets that are part of the race course are closed to vehicular traffic as follows:

Saturday (November 20)

5:00 am to 1:00 pm

Sunday (November 21)

3:00 am – 3:00 pm

Course information for all events can be found here.

LRSD Students are Invited...

A Charlie Brown Christmas at The Rep


Click here for Ticket Info

Ballet Arkansas Nutcracker Spectacular Coming Soon....


A holiday tradition for families across Arkansas, "The Nutcracker Spectacular" is the largest and longest-running holiday production in the state - reaching more than 10,000 in a single weekend! Performances include live accompaniment from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a community cast of more than 250 singers and dancers. Student Matinee performances available for reservation.

Showtimes
December 10th | 7:30 pm
December 11th | 2:30 & 7:30 pm
December 12th | 2:00 pm

Student Matinee Registration Now Open

Performance Details

Run Time: 75 minutes w/ 5 minute intermission. Includes an educational behind the scenes discussion.
Dates: December 9th & 10th @ 10:30 am
Tickets: K-12 Students $8 Educator $10
Venue: Robinson Performance Hall - 426 West Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201
Eligibility: K-12 Public/Private School & K-12 Homeschool Groups

Reservation Details

Please carefully review the Student Matinee packet prior to making a reservation for your group, as many policies have been updated this season. Due to the reduced capacity and social distancing, Ballet Arkansas cannot guarantee it will be able to accommodate changes to attendance numbers. To request a change to your reservation, please email education@balletarkansas.org prior to November 23rd. 

**STUDENT MATINEES ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC AND ARE RESERVED FOR K-12 STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS IN PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND HOMESCHOOL SETTINGS. RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY AN EDUCATOR OR SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE. REDUCED CAPACITY SEATING, SOCIAL DISTANCING, AND MASKS REQUIRED. ALL PUBLIC/PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AT LEAST 1 CHAPERONE PER 50 STUDENTS, AND THERE MAY NOT BE MORE THAN 1 CHAPERONE PER EVERY 5 STUDENTS. HOMESCHOOL GROUPS MAY HAVE A RATIO OF 1 EDUCATOR TO 1 STUDENT. 


GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo


For more information, click here.  For FAQs, click here

See the Little Rock Zoo in a whole new light as you enjoy one of the largest interactive light festivals featuring handcrafted silk-covered lanterns all aglow with over fifty- thousand LED lights! This outdoor light experience will be Little Rock’s premier light festival and be the first themed lantern light event of its kind covering Zoo grounds and offering guests an immersive encounter like no other.
We invite you to create new traditions for you and your favorite people during GloWILD!

$17 Zoo Members
$20 General Public
Kids under the age of 3 are admitted for free

Parking is free during GloWILD!
Train/Carousel $3