Friday, April 29, 2022

Friday Highlights 4.29.22

April is

National Financial Literacy Month

National Poetry Month

National Autism Awareness Month

National Jazz Appreciation Month

May 2-6 -   Teacher Appreciation Week
                    School Nutrition Employee Week 
                    AP Exams        
May 2    -    Teacher/Employee of the Year Ceremony (Ticketed Event - DoubleTree Hotel)
                     Ramadan Ends
May 3    -     National Teacher Day
                     LRSD Retirement Ceremony
                     Marking Period 4 Interim Reports (Available Online/Sent Home)
May 4-5 -    Scott Field Closed to Prepare for State Track Meet
May 5    -    Cinco de Mayo
May 6    -    School Lunch Hero Day
                    Registration Deadline for June ACT
May 7    -    OneRock OneBook Celebration - JA Fair
                    SAT Test

May is Mental Health Awareness Month


Please stay tuned next week for more information on how LRSD will observe
 Mental Health Awareness Month!

LRSD School Board Votes to Offer Dr. Jermall Wright a Contract for the Superintendent's Post


Following an executive session during its regular meeting on Thursday, April 28, 2022, the Little Rock School Board voted to offer Dr. Jermall Wright a contract for the LRSD superintendent's post-contingent upon approval/final clearance of Arkansas Educator Licensure requirements. Wright is currently the superintendent of the Mississippi Achievement District. A copy of the proposed LRSD contract, as well as Dr. Wright's profile may be found in news articles on www.lrsd.org. Wright will succeed Superintendent Mike Poore who is retiring at the end of the 2022 school year. Poore has served as superintendent at LRSD for six years.

Parkview Patriots Boys Track Named 2022 5A Central Boys Track Conference Champions

 

Congratulations to the Little Rock Parkview Patriots Boys Track team on winning the 2022 5A Central Boys Track Conference Championships! This talented group scored 169 points and won by 1 point over Beebe. We are so proud of you all for your hard work and dedication! 

Little Rock Central High Hosts
Athletic Signing Day for Over 25 Athletes


Little Rock Central High hosted an athletic signing day to recognize the 28 student-athletes who will go on to play collegiate sports at their respective schools of choice. We are so proud of these students as we know the last four years balancing games, training, and rigorous academic schedules was no easy feat. 



LRSD Educators Receive Alma J. Washington Educator of the Year Award

 

Sending a huge shout out to Little Rock School District educators Mary Harden, McDermott Elementary (Left) and Shanda Macon, Southwest High (Right) on being recognized as Alma J. Washington Educator of the Year Award recipients. We are so proud to have these two on our team, and congratulate them both on this amazing honor.

Support Team Poore's Fundraising Efforts for the 2022 Central Arkansas Heart Walk


Mr. Poore is a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. His advocacy in the fight against heart disease recently earned him the AHA's Worthen-Cornett award. Mr. Poore is currently supporting the American Heart Association in its fight against COVID-19 - for heart disease & stroke patients, the fight is bigger than ever. He is asking that we help for the hearts we love by donating to the Heart Walk fundraiser today!  Information about the upcoming Heart Walk may be found in this video message from Supt. Poore.

Find Out Who'll be Named
LRSD Teacher of the Year and
 Classified Employee of the Year After this Monday's Gala


Over 70 employees will be honored this Monday, during LRSD's annual Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year Celebration at the DoubleTree Hotel.  This will be the first in-person celebration in two years, and yes, it is a sold-out crowd.  We are looking forward to recognizing the top employees at LRSD and will announce the winners at the event.  BTW, you can catch the celebration live on our YouTube Channel - www.lrsdlive.com

Little Rock School District to Host
 Retiree Celebration 


This Tuesday, May 3rd,  the Little Rock School District will be hosting a celebration to honor our 2021-22 retirees at the DoubleTree Hotel's ballroom. Thank you so much in advance to each retiree for the the hard work, time, and dedication you've poured into our district and we look forward to celebrating you next week. Stay tuned for pictures and updates coming next week.

Save the Date - LRSD's One Rock One Book Culminating Event


Save the Date - LRSD Athletic Foundation's One Rock Hall of Fame


Mark your calendars for the LRSD Athletic Foundation's One Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony luncheon, scheduled for May 19, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Little Rock. 2021 honorees include Jamaal Anderson, Lindsey Davis, John Kelley, and James Rouse. Tickets may be purchased at the organization's website: www.lrsdaf.com starting April 25th. 

Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy Groundbreaking Ceremony Save the Date


Parkview High Senior's 'Black Lives Matter' Prom Dress Goes Viral


Parkview High Senior, Jayla Keith, has gone viral after pictures of her 'Black Lives Matter' inspired prom dress took the internet by storm. During an interview with KATV, Keith said that she wanted to take this opportunity to honor the lives lost to police brutality. She recounts the moment she entered the doors for her prom and everyone's gaze fell upon her. Colby Butler, the dress designer, said the prom dress was shared on his Facebook page more than 16,000 times. Read the full story on KATV here.

LRSD Supports Autism Awareness Campaign Seeking to Send AUsome Kids to Camp!

  

Are You Contemplating Taking a Gap Year? Consider Serving with City Year

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would Like Featured in Our Blog?


Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?  
Remember, the deadline for each week's submissions is Thursday, noon.

Toad Suck Daze Annual Festival Scheduled for this Weekend in Conway 


April 29 - May 1

Lots of fun to be had at Toad Suck Daze! This family-friendly festival has something for all ages: concerts, shopping, carnival rides, children’s activities, and of course, the World Championship Toad Races starring our amphibious friends. (Yes, you read that right.) To top it off, admission is FREE.

Arkansas Italian Food and Cultural Festival

The Arkansas Italian Food & Wine Festival is to take place April 29-May 1, 2022, at Pennick Boys & Girls Club. There will be three days of fun & food for all. Enjoy the best Italian food offerings in Arkansas. The following restaurants will be serving up the most delicious food in the region: The Rock Brick Oven Pizza, Raduno,Vino’s, Grafitti’s, Boulevard,  Le Pops, & Repicci’s Italian Ice. 

So many activities throughout the weekend – besides great food, there will be live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and competitions galore from bocce & grape stomps daily.  You don’t want to miss the Sauce Competition on Saturday or the Waiters Race on Sunday. Of course lots of activities for the kiddos, including bounce houses & face painting. 

Friday, April 29th    4:00 PM – 8:00PM
4:00 PM – Gates open
Bocce – Open Play 
Grape Stomp sponsored by Ben E. Keith throughout the evening 
Demo Tent  – demonstrations throughout the evening. View full schedule here. 
Wine Tasting- 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM Additional Ticket Required
RELYANCE BANK STAGE
DJ   4:00 PM – 6:30 PM 
Entertainment   6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
Gates close at 8:00 PM

Saturday, April 30th   10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
10:00 AM – Gates open
Sauce Competition Starts at 8:00 AM Judging 1:45 PM
Grape Stomp sponsored by Ben E. Keith throughout the day 
Bocce  – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
Wine Tasting- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Additional Ticket Required
Demo Tent  – demonstrations throughout the day & evening. View full schedule here. 
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM – KidZone 
RELYANCE BANK STAGE
DJ –10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Big Dam Horns  6:30 PM – 7:50 PM
8:00 PM – Gates close

Sunday, May 1st   11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
10:00 AM – Mass officiated by Father Patrick Friend – free to the public
11:00 AM – Gates open
Grape Stomp sponsored by Ben E. Keith throughout the day 
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM – Bocce 
2:00 PM – Waiters Race
Demo Tent – demonstrations throughout the day & evening. View full schedule here. 
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – KidZone
RELYANCE BANK STAGE
DJ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
4:00 PM – Gates close

East Village Street Food Jam


May 7, 2022 11:00 - AM - 6:00 PM
6th and Shall Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202
501-375-0121
Join the Downtown LR Partnership for a day of live music, amazing food, and local vendors.

Little Rock Night Market


June 4, 2022 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Library Square - Downtown Little Rock
100 S Rock St. Little Rock, AR 72201

The Little Rock Night Market is the sort of local event that has something to offer everyone. You can expect a night filled with food trucks, music, local makers and artisan vendors. The event is described as more than just a market, but a nightlife experience. What's even better, admission is FREE. Come out for a night of food, music, and shopping!

Free West Central Community Center
 Summer Program


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. 

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

Friday, April 22, 2022

Friday Highlights 4.22.22

April is

National Financial Literacy Month

National Poetry Month

National Autism Awareness Month

National Jazz Appreciation Month

April 22 -    Earth Day
April 23 -    Passover Ends
April 25 -    Superintendent's Citation - In-person - 5:30 PM
April 27 -    Administrative Professional Appreciation Day
April 26 -    LRSD Special Board Meeting - 5:30 PM
April 28 -    School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
                    LRSD Board Meeting @ 5:30 PM

Happy Earth Day


Happy Earth Day! Earth Day was conceived in the 1960s by Senator Gaylord Nelson who wanted to bring environmental issues to the forefront of the political arena. Thanks to his efforts , the government responded to Earth Day with environmental legislation. Today, we continue the tradition of celebrating Earth Day by demonstrating support for protecting the environment. Here are a few simple ways you can go greener at home:

  • Switch your lightbulbs to energy efficient types.
  • Turn off lights when you leave the room.
  • Open your curtains and use natural light. 
  • Get reusable grocery bags.
  • Purchase reusable water bottles.
  • Combine as many errands as you can in one trip.
  • Walk or ride a bike for errands two miles or closer.
  • Go paperless, and receive bills, statements, and letters online.
  • Unplug unused chargers and appliances.
  • Use cloth instead of paper to clean.

Support Team Poore's Fundraising Efforts for the 2022 Central Arkansas Heart Walk


Mr. Poore is a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. His advocacy in the fight against heart disease recently earned him the AHA's Worthen-Cornett award. Mr. Poore is currently supporting the American Heart Association in its fight against COVID-19 - for heart disease & stroke patients, the fight is bigger than ever. He is asking that we help for the hearts we love by donating to the Heart Walk fundraiser today!  Information about the upcoming Heart Walk may be found in this video message from Supt. Poore.

Save the Date - LRSD's One Rock One Book Culminating Event


Speaking of Money - Romine ECC Raises $3,600 to Donate to Our House!


Romine ECC celebrated their amazing students, staff and parents for working together to raise $3617.70 to donate to Our House. Students worked really hard and earned a pizza party as a result of their hard work.

 1st place - Ms. Dreher’s Class Raising $1110.13 
2nd place - Ms. Broadway’s Class Raising  $606.77
3rd place - Ms. Wilson’s Class Raising  $458.83
4th place - Ms. Jerome’s Class Raising  $431.27
5th place - Ms. Rodriguez Raising  $410.52
6th place - Ms. Buffalo’s Class Raising  $375.27 
7th place - Ms. Bennett’s Class Raising  $224.91

Not Just Another "Day in the District" With LRSD Superintendent Candidates

 


LRSD outlined a “Day in the District” schedule to allow the school community and the public to hear more from the superintendent candidates. Dr. Jermall Wright, Mississippi (Left) paid his visit on April 18, 2022 and Dr. George “Eric” Thomas, Virginia (Right) visited on April 20, 2022. The agenda included focus groups with central office and administrators, certified and classified staff, parents, students, and community leaders

The candidates also got the opportunity to visit a few schools, meet Mayor Frank Scott, and present to the Little Rock School District Board of Education. Check out pictures and get caught up on each candidates by watching the community forum videos below. Also, please remember Tuesday's Special Board Meeting at 5:30 p.m., when Board members will discuss the candidates. You can watch live at  www.lrsdlive.com.


A Day in the District Day One: Dr. Wright

A Day in the District Day Two: Dr. Thomas

LRSD VIPS Hosted Its Annual "An Evening for the Stars" Awards Ceremony 

 

Little Rock School District is big on volunteerism and to express our deep gratitude for our volunteers, the LRSD Volunteers in Public School team hosts an annual award ceremony affectionately know as "An evening for the Stars". During this ceremony we recognize the individuals and entities who support our district for their outstanding efforts. The winner of the overall, Jane Mendel award is also named during the ceremony. 

This year was the first year back hosting an in person ceremony, and boy was there an awesome turnout. The Museum of Discovery served as the perfect venue for discovering the science of service. Attendees were able to tour the museum and interact with its exhibits followed by a touching ceremony filled with tears, laughter, and celebration. Congratulations to the 2022 award nominees and the overall Jane Mendel award winner Ms. Denise Persons! We are so thankful for all the work, time, and services you pour into LRSD. You can watch the full ceremony here.

 

 
 

 

 Congratulations Chamber of Commerce Stephens Award Recipients


This past Monday LRSD students and teachers were honored with a reception at Little Rock Chamber of Commerce's AT&T Auditorium. These outstanding individuals were among the recipients of the 2022 Stephens Award made possible by the City Education Trust. Students were awarded with $5,000 scholarships and educators received $5,800 cash awards. Help us congratulate the following individuals:
Students: Zane Alsebai, Central High School Richard Liu, Central High School Raga Mandali, Central High School Dylan Patel, Parkview Magnet High School
Teachers: Mr. Patrick Foley, Central High School Ms. Lori Schaffhauser, Central High School

Little Rock Central High Boasts Two U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists


Congratulations to Richard Liu (Left) and Akshay Padala (Right) on qualifying as semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students! The program was established in 1964 to recognize our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors including students who excel in the visual, creative and performing arts as well as those accomplished in career and technical education. Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, and we are so proud that two of our district's students are included in those numbers. Please help us in extending a huge congratulations to Akshay and Richard as this accomplishment is no small feat. 

Save the Date - LRSD Athletic Foundation's One Rock Hall of Fame


Mark your calendars for the LRSD Athletic Foundation's One Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony luncheon, scheduled for May 19, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Little Rock. 2021 honorees include Jamaal Anderson, Lindsey Davis, John Kelley, and James Rouse. Tickets may be purchased at the organization's website: www.lrsdaf.com starting April 25th. 

Williams Magnet Racks Up Awards at Arkansas State Destination Imagination Tournament


The State Tournament for Destination Imagination took place on April 2, 2022 at LISA Academy. Teams from across the state brought their long-term challenge solutions as they competed for the chance to attended the 2022 Global Finals in Kansas City, MO.

Williams Magnet School's teams all placed in the top three in their problems! The Amazing Six placed first in the elementary division for the Project Outreach Challenge, For the Future. Regal Eagles placed second in the elementary division for the Technical Challenge, Daring Escape. Wakelyn's Warriors placed third in the elementary division for the Fine Arts Challenge, Tricky Tales. We are so proud of these students! Also, special shout to the following LRSD schools who also attended and placed at the tournament in the following categories:

Up Close, Elementary Level
Gibbs Magnet - Gibbs Imagination Station 3rd place
JA Fair Prep 4th place

Tricky Tales, Middle Level
Horace Mann Magnet - Airplane Mode 1G

Join LREA for a Spring Clean-Up Day at Your LRSD Neighborhood School

LRSD Supports Autism Awareness Campaign Seeking to Send AUsome Kids to Camp!


Are You Contemplating Taking a Gap Year? Consider Serving with City Year

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would Like Featured in Our Blog?


Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?  
Remember, the deadline for each week's submissions is Thursday, noon.

East Village Street Food Jam


May 7, 2022 11:00 - AM - 6:00 PM
6th and Shall Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202
501-375-0121
Join the Downtown LR Partnership for a day of live music, amazing food, and local vendors.

Little Rock Night Market


June 4, 2022 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Library Square - Downtown Little Rock
100 S Rock St. Little Rock, AR 72201

The Little Rock Night Market is the sort of local event that has something to offer everyone. You can expect a night filled with food trucks, music, local makers and artisan vendors. The event is described as more than just a market, but a nightlife experience. What's even better, admission is FREE. Come out for a night of food, music, and shopping!

Free West Central Community Center Summer Program


Be Sure to Catch the Final Jazz in the Park Show Next Wednesday

Where: History Pavilion Riverfront Park
400 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202
Pricing: FREE
Contact: 501-320-3503

Baby Shark Live 2022 Splash Tour


Event Information
Simmons Bank Arena
1 Simmons Bank Arena Dr., NLR, AR 72114
Phone: 501-975-9000

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