Friday, February 25, 2022

Friday Highlights 2.25.22

 

February is

Black History Month

American Heart Month

National Children's Dental Health Month

National Library Lover's Month

February 25 - Registration Deadline for April ACT
February 25 - Deadline to enter Moms Matter Facebook Contest
February 28 - Superintendent's Citation
February -      Please frequently check www.lrsd.org/superintendentsearch for latest on search
                         for new LRSD Superintendent
March 1 -        FREE ACT Exam (Paper-based) 
March 2 -        Ash Wednesday Start of Lent
March 5 -       Little Rockers Kids Marathon



Please be sure to visit www.lrsd.org/superintendentsearch to stay in the loop about the search for LRSD's new Superintendent.  The webpage outlines multiple ways you can be involved and share input.  Also, please share the link with other LRSD stakeholders.  Thanks for your participation and your support. 

Kroger Donates $10,000 to Poore Man on the Roof and $2500 to LRCH Band



Wednesday, during the Highway 10 Kroger re-grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremony LRSD and LRCH band were presented with a total $12,500! We are so grateful for our community partners who are willing to go above and beyond to support our initiatives, schools, and district at large. This special ceremony consisted of performances by the talented LRCH band and speeches from Supt. Mike Poore, Mayor Frank Scott, and Kroger executives. We are so appreciative of this considerable donation and want to extend a huge thank you to Kroger! You can watch the ceremony here: 


Today is the Deadline for Moms Matter 2022 Submissions


#LRSDMomsMatter because their love, patience, and guidance empowers our students to show up at school prepared, confident, and ready to give it their all. The Moms Matter sweepstakes opened last Thursday 2/17. Students are encouraged to submit photos with their mom and tell us why their #LRSDMomMatters. See instructions below:

What it Means When We Say Student-Athlete!

Proud of these awesome LRCH basketball players. Click here to watch a video on why they are being recognized for more than just sports!

AAA to Host 6A Basketball Tournament at LR Southwest's Gryphon Arena!






This is a tournament you don't want to miss! The Arkansas Activities Association is hosting its 6A State Tournament March 1-5 at LR Southwest Gryphon Arena! Here's a look at the tentative tournament bracket. Head over to the tournament webpage for additional information on tickets, the concession stand menu, bracket info and more!


LRSD Educators Shine as
Teach Plus America Policy Fellows

      Crystal Braswell                                                                               Iesha Green
       Leron McAdoo

     
Perla Andrade

 The Fellows are wrapping up their research and projects on how to implement practical ways to retain educators, adequately address the social-emotional needs of our students, provide meaningful learning and mentoring experiences for educators, and elevate early education educators.  Shout outs to:  
  • Perla Andrade (Baseline Elementary) - selected to serve on the 2022-2023 Teach Plus National Policy Advisory Board.; a nonpartisan group of current classroom teachers who help inform decisions at the federal level to help build a teacher leadership movement for educational equity.
  • Cloverdale Middle School's Assistant Principal, Crystal Braswell - recently served as a thought partner and critical friend to the Teach Plus Arkansas working groups. Her feedback was extremely helpful and greatly appreciated by all.
  • A few months ago, Iesha Green (Brady Elementary) published an op-ed entitled I Am a Black Teacher, and I wear Ralph Lauren; also recently selected as a 2022-2023 Senior Research Fellow with Teach Plus and American University. As a Senior Research Fellow, her work will focus on increasing teacher diversity. It will also involve doing a case study on Jacksonville North Pulaski School District's participation in the Equity Leadership Institute.  
  • Leron McAdoo (Little Rock Central High School) has worked with the Teaching Truth campaign, published an op-ed entitled From Delinquent to Distinguished: I Want to Help My Students Like a Teacher Helped Me, and was selected to serve alongside Perla on the 2022-2023 Teach Plus National Policy Advisory Board, where he, too, will help inform decisions at the federal level around building a teacher leadership movement for educational equity.

You are Invited to the Cloverdale Middle Gymnasium Dedication Ceremony
In Recognition of a Special Coach



Jefferson Elementary Students Showcase
STEM Opportunities 







Student Book Recommendation of the Month



We continue our student reading initiative where we will be sending a student book recommendation to every elementary school media center each month. Students are encouraged to email Superintendent Mike Poore and pitch him their book suggestion. A photo like the one above will be displayed in a visible area in the media center to help get our students develop a love for reading. 

Teachers and parents, help get your students excited about the possibility of having their picture and book recommendation featured in their schools' media center for an entire month!  Additionally, the selected student's recommendation will also be prominently featured at the Hillary Clinton Children's Library.

This month's book recommendation, "The War That Saved My Life", is by 4th grade Roberts Elementary student Zoey Brock. In the video below, Zoey explains in her own words what she loves about "The War That Saved My Life" and what got her interested in this New York Times Best Seller, historical fiction book. 

Watch the video below to hear more from Zoey about her recommendation:



Happy Black History Month

 

This week's BHM #locallegned is Samuel Massie, a renowned American chemist who trailblazed research & teaching in his field. Massie worked on the Manhattan Project and was the first U.S. Naval Academy African American faculty member. He is a North Little Rock native and a Dunbar High School grad!

Feet to the Seat Speech Contest
Deadline This Monday!


Please contact Nicolas Williams with questions regarding the contest: nicolas.williams@lrsd.org
Please contact Kelly Shuffield with questions regarding Flipgrid: kelly.shuffield@lrsd.org

Application Deadline for the
2022 Ralph D. Vines, II Public Speaking Contest Tuesday, March 15


If you have a passion for public speaking, the Ralph D. Vines Public Speaking Contest might be the perfect opportunity for you. During his childhood Mr. Vines, Kesser International founder, struggled with a speech impediment that made him realize the importance of being able to effectively communicate. As a result, he started this contest to encourage youth to test and demonstrate their public speaking skills. Last year's winner was LRSD's very own, Ethan Gong. This year's grand prize winner has the chance to bring home $1000! If you're interested, applications must be submitted by school counselors no later than Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Winners will be announced on their website on Sunday, April 24, 2022. Click here for details: https://ralphvinesendowment.com/


#DoItForAlyssa
NLR Officer Turns Tragedy into Support for Young People Struggling with Addiction


We're Hiring for Substitute Teachers!




The Little Rockers Kids Marathon is a non-competitive program/event that offers children 1st through 6th grades the opportunity to enhance their physical activity by following a fun, simple running and/or walking program while focusing on reaching a goal.

Participants run or walk at least 25.2 miles in the weeks leading up to race weekend. On race day, March 5, 2022, they complete their marathon on the official Little Rock Marathon course. 

For more information visit the Little Rock Marathon website.

Spring 2022 HBCU College Fair


Earn Classroom Supplies and Support AHA


In honor of Heart Month, the American Heart Association is launching a new opportunity for teachers to earn classroom supplies while helping save lives! Teachers and staff can create a personal page to share with friends and family. If you raise donations (levels listed below), you can earn classroom supplies! The best part is if you have donated for a Go Red shirt, that $25 will count towards your donations!

STEP 1: Text DHCLRSD to 71777

STEP 2: Create a personal page

STEP 3: Share your page with friends & family to raise donations for the American Heart Association for the chance to earn supplies!


BUNDLE LEVELS INCLUDE:
RAISE $100: Earn 1 Bundle
RAISE $250: Earn 3 Bundles
RAISE $500: Earn 5 Bundles
RAISE $1000: Earn 10 Bundles

The final day for donations is April 8th!

Mark Your Calendars for Kids Fest


Kids Fest Little Rock comes to the Statehouse Convention Center on Friday, April 15th, and Saturday, April 16th! Featuring minifigure displays, bounce houses, costumed heroes, princesses, community organizations, video games, tabletop games, a nerf battle maze, photo ops, and so much more!

Click here for tickets!

Little Rock Zoo Presents Breakfast with a Twist


The Little Rock Zoo's Breakfast series, Breakfast With a Twist, has returned! Guests will enjoy a boxed continental breakfast at the Elephant Stage and a special keeper talk on a featured animal. After breakfast, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a painting session with Painting with a Twist staff! Following that, all guests are invited to stay and explore the Zoo. 

*All guests must be 6 years old or older. 

April 9- Orangutan

May 14 - Colobus Monkey

June 11 – Baby Rhino calf, Kevin, and mom, Andazi 

July 9 - Tiger

August 13 – Macaw

September 10- Penguins

Email:  Zooevents@littlerock.gov for price and other details



Art Porter Education Music Scholarship
Now Accepting Applications!



Friday, February 18, 2022

Friday Highlights 2.18.22

February is

Black History Month

American Heart Month

National Children's Dental Health Month

National Library Lover's Month

February 17 - Parent Conference Day (After School - 3 Hours)
                         Enter Moms Matter Facebook Contest
February 18 - Students Out 
                         Parent Conference Day 2
February 19 - Deadline for Superintendent Search Survey
February 21 - Students Out
                         Professional Development
                         President's Day (Offices Open)
                         Online Community Forum - Superintendent Search -
                         see www.lrsd.org/superintendentsearch
February 23 - 
Special Board Meeting/Superintendent Search Firm Presentation
February 24 - LRSD Board Meeting @ 5:30
February 25 - Registration Deadline for April ACT
February -      Please frequently check www.lrsd.org/superintendentsearch for latest on search
                         for new LRSD Superintendent

Deadline to Participate in Superintendent Profile Survey -
Saturday, Feb. 19th!


Please be sure to visit www.lrsd.org/superintendentsearch to stay in the loop about the search for LRSD's new Superintendent.  The webpage outlines multiple ways you can be involved and share input.  Also, please share the link with other LRSD stakeholders.  Thanks for your participation and your support. 

 Now Accepting Submissions
for Moms Matter 2022



#LRSDMomsMatter because their love, patience, and guidance empowers our students to show up at school prepared, confident, and ready to give it their all. The Moms Matter sweepstakes opened this Thursday 2/17. Students are encouraged to submit photos with their mom and tell us why their #LRSDMomMatters. See instructions below:


What it Means When We Say Student-Athlete!


Congrats to the above-referenced LRCH basketball players for their recent achievements at the annual Science Fair as noted in the photo!



TONIGHT @ 6pm…Lady Patriots @ Sylvan Hills!!! 🏀 Come out to support! Varsity Boys Game to follow at 7:30pm!
Let’s Go Patriots!!🔴⚪️🔵

AAA to Host 6A Basketball Tournament at LR Southwest's Gryphon Arena!


This is a tournament you don't want to miss! The Arkansas Activities Association is hosting its 6A State Tournament March 1-5 at LR Southwest Gryphon Arena! Here's a look at the tentative tournament bracket. Additional details coming soon.


Dunbar Middle Selected to Run Pilot Program on Financial Literacy


How many times have you heard someone say, "There should be a class on adulting?". You know, those mundane but necessary tasks that you have to get done in order to be an accomplished and successful adult. Unfortunately, not every child has the privilege of having this information passed down to them to help them navigate making huge life decisions. That's why this financial literacy class at Dunbar, led by Economics Arkansas and the Arkansas Securities Department is so important. So far, eight students each from grades 6-8 have volunteered to participate in the class twice a month. 

With help from Dunbar teachers Mike Harris and Bill Delsa, guest speakers from the banking and investment fields will discuss topics ranging from budgeting and savings to fraud and scams. If successful, financial literacy may become an elective class in the future. 

Two Don Roberts Mathletes Teams 
Take Home Top Prizes


Don Roberts Elementary had two of their teams place first and second in the Little Rock School District Elementary Mathletes competition! Major shoutout to their coaches, Mr. Wesley Keener and Mrs. Brittany Napper, for leading these amazing students to victory!

Also, a hearty congratulations to participating teams from all schools, including Pulaski Heights Team which claimed 3rd place!  


LRCH Students Awarded Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Award

 

Congratulations to Amna Khan and Bhavana Sridharan on winning the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute award for outstanding cancer research! We are so proud of these two young ladies as we know how much hard work and dedication went into their research. Ladies, the future before you is very bright and we can't wait to see you go on to conquer the STEM world!

STEM Science Fair at LR Central


Little Rock Central High held a science fair that featured over 150 student entries -  judged last Friday by 56 members of the local scientific community. Students, family, and friends attended the Open House on Saturday, and the event wrapped up on Monday with a ceremony where over 75 awards were presented. 

In addition to Bhavana Sridharan, and Anna Khan, the overall winner of the Science Fair, Anu Iyer earned the Melissa Donham Science Research and Innovation award. Other prizes such as Central water bottles, speakers, and portable battery packs were provided by Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority. Check out these pictures from the event!




LRSD Students Shine at
Career Technical Education Day

 

Two LRCH JAG students, Tyler Mitchell and Kayla Kelleybrew, got the opportunity to speak at the Arkansas State Capital for Career Technical Education Day! Both students were able to speak with Governor Asa Hutchinson and other state representatives about their experiences with JAG and the Career Coach program. According to college and career coach Mrs. Kimberly Brasfield, Tyler and Kayla represented LRCH well.

Student Book Recommendation of the Month


Superintendent Mike Poore has started a student reading initiative where we will be sending a student book recommendation to every elementary school media center each month. Students are encouraged to email Mr. Poore and pitch him their book suggestion. A photo like the one pictured above will be displayed in a visible area in the media center to help get our students excited about reading. 

Teachers and parents, help get your students excited about the possibility of having their picture and book recommendation featured in their schools' media center for an entire month!  Additionally, the selected student's recommendation will also be prominently featured at the Hillary Clinton Children's Library.

This month's book recommendation, "Wayside School", is by 5th grade Gibbs Magnet student Abigail Edwards. In the video below you can hear Abigail explain in her own words what she loves about "Wayside School" and how she got the courage to approach Supt. Mike Poore directly to suggest this book for other students her age. 

Click on the link to hear more from Abigail about her recommendation:



Happy Black History Month

 

This week's Black History Month spotlight is #LocalLegend Charlotte Andrews Stephens who was the first African-American teacher in the Little Rock (Pulaski County) school district. She worked as a teacher for 70 years and is the person for whom Stephens Elementary was named in 1910.

Feet to the Seat Speech Contest
Deadline Approaching

#DoItForAlyssa
NLR Officer Turns Tragedy into Support for Young People Struggling with Addiction


Little Rockers Kids Marathon

 

The Little Rockers Kids Marathon is a non-competitive program/event that offers children 1st through 6th grades the opportunity to enhance their physical activity by following a fun, simple running and/or walking program while focusing on reaching a goal.

Participants run or walk at least 25.2 miles in the weeks leading up to race weekend. On race day, March 5, 2022, they complete their marathon on the official Little Rock Marathon course. 

Registration open now through February 21 for $25/child participant.

For more information visit the Little Rock Marathon website 




Earn Classroom Supplies and Support AHA


In honor of Heart Month, the American Heart Association is launching a new opportunity for teachers to earn classroom supplies while helping save lives! Teachers and staff can create a personal page to share with friends and family. If you raise donations (levels listed below), you can earn classroom supplies! The best part is if you have donated for a Go Red shirt, that $25 will count towards your donations!

STEP 1: Text DHCLRSD to 71777

STEP 2: Create a personal page

STEP 3: Share your page with friends & family to raise donations for the American Heart Association for the chance to earn supplies!


BUNDLE LEVELS INCLUDE:
RAISE $100: Earn 1 Bundle
RAISE $250: Earn 3 Bundles
RAISE $500: Earn 5 Bundles
RAISE $1000: Earn 10 Bundles

The final day for donations is April 8th!

Mark Your Calendars for Kids Fest


Kids Fest Little Rock comes to the Statehouse Convention Center on Friday, April 15th, and Saturday, April 16th! Featuring minifigure displays, bounce houses, costumed heroes, princesses, community organizations, video games, tabletop games, a nerf battle maze, photo ops, and so much more!

Click here for tickets!

Little Rock Zoo Presents Breakfast with a Twist


The Little Rock Zoo's Breakfast series, Breakfast With a Twist, has returned! Guests will enjoy a boxed continental breakfast at the Elephant Stage and a special keeper talk on a featured animal. After breakfast, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a painting session with Painting with a Twist staff! Following that, all guests are invited to stay and explore the Zoo. 

*All guests must be 6 years old or older. 

April 9- Orangutan

May 14 - Colobus Monkey

June 11 – Baby Rhino calf, Kevin, and mom, Andazi 

July 9 - Tiger

August 13 – Macaw

September 10- Penguins

Email:  Zooevents@littlerock.gov for price and other details

Application Deadline for the 2022 Ralph D. Vines, II Public Speaking Contest is Tuesday, March 15


If you have a passion for public speaking, the Ralph D. Vines Public Speaking Contest might be the perfect opportunity for you. During his childhood Mr. Vines, Kesser International founder, struggled with a speech impediment that made him realize the importance of being able to effectively communicate. As a result, he started this contest to encourage youth to test and demonstrate their public speaking skills. Last year's winner was LRSD's very own, Ethan Gong. This year's grand prize winner has the chance to bring home $1000! If you're interested, applications must be submitted by school counselors no later than Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Winners will be announced on their website on Sunday, April 24, 2022. Click here for details: https://ralphvinesendowment.com/

Last Weekend to Catch Hamilton at the Robinson Center

Robinson Center
Dates: 02/08/22 - 02/20/22
426 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR, 72201
Phone: 501-244-8800

The award-winning musical Hamilton is wrapping up its visit to the Little Rock Robinson Center this weekend! Hamilton fuses Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B and Broadway to tell the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton. This is a show you don't want to miss!


Art Porter Education Music Scholarship 

Now Accepting Applications!