Friday, June 24, 2022

Friday Highlights 6.24.22


June is National Safety Month

National Pride Month

Men's Health Month

African-American Music Appreciation Month 

National Caribbean American Month

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month


July 4 - Independence Day (Offices Closed)
July 8 - Welcome Reception - Dr. Jermall Wright (See below for more details)
July 11 - Personnel Policy Committee Meeting @ 5:00 PM
July 14 - LRSD Agenda Meeting @5:30 PM
July 16 - ACT Test



Who Said Summer School Was Boring?!

The 3-week 21st Century War Eagle Summer Camp just wrapped up, but not before K-12 students expanded their horizons, exploring music, robotics, mountain biking cooking, math and more.  Special shout out to team leaders at Hall STEAM Magnet High School and Forest Heights STEM Academy for making it happen - Ms. Candy Smith, site coordinator,  and Ms. Tyronza Thames-Walker, program director.  


Welcome to LRSD and Administration!









Xavier Hodo, Sr. 
                                Dannisha Stroud

LRSD's Board of Education approved the selection of Xavier Hodo, Sr., as interim principal at Little Rock Southwest High School.  Hodo will succeed  Mr. Marvin Burton who has been tapped to serve as LRSD's Administrator on Special Assignment.  A 14-year educator, Hodo began his administrative career at the age of  24, serving as the youngest 6A principal at Greenville High School, the city's largest, with 1,600 students.  He currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Alternative Education in the Mississippi Achievement School District.  

A nearly 20-year educator, Ms. Dannisha Stroud has been named principal at Stephens Elementary following the departure of Mr. Phillip Carlock.  Carlock was recently selected as deputy superintendent for Pine Bluff School District.  Stroud is a certified PK-12 Building Level Administrator and has worked in the  District since 2005.  She began her career as an elementary teacher and since that time has served as a math interventionist, college/career readiness coach, K-8 facilitator, assistant principal, and athletic director.

Elsewhere at LRSD:
 Principal Wendy Minor moves from Otter Creek to King Elementary
Former Meadowcliff Principal Cynthia Collins transitions to Otter Creek as Interim Principal
Former Bale Principal Roxie Browning transitions to JA Fair as Assistant Principal 
Bale Principal TBA

Congratulations!

Need a Good Summer Read For
Your Student(s)?
Nyah Anderson Has a Recommendation!

FHSA 1st grader Nyah Anderson strongly recommends reading "Hoops - Digging Deep." Nyah says if you ever need a lesson on what it means to be a team player, pick up this book for your students!  Right now, you can hear more from Nyah on LRSD's Facebook page, but next week, her interview with LRSD Executive Director for Elementary Education, Mr. Darian Smith on our YouTube channel  For easy access:  www.lrsdlive.com

Juneteenth Arkansas Festival Recap


Last Saturday, the Little Rock School District participated in the Juneteenth Arkansas Festival. The holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Most also take the opportunity to celebrate African American culture and its contributions to society. 

LRSD Professional Development Director Celebrated Following Completion of  Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVII


Please join us in congratulating LRSD professional Development Director Dr. Ericka McCarroll on being selected as a member of Leadership Greater Little Rock's (LGLR) 37th class. LGLR was established in 1985 and is a nine-month community leadership program committed to enhancing and connecting leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and government. We are so proud of Dr. McCarroll for her commitment and for leading by example. 

LRCH Coach Featured in 2022 Arkansas Business 20 In Their 20s Edition


Join us in also sending a huge congratulations to LRCH basketball coach Caleb Surly on being selected as one of this year's Arkansas Business 20 In Their 20s! Each year, a group of young, talented leaders in Arkansas' business and nonprofit community are recognized for making an impact and displaying leadership qualities in their communities. 

Mann Magnet Teacher Receives Project Learning Tree's Leadership in Education Award


Horace Mann Magnet Middle teacher Jackie Scott was recently awarded Project Learning Tree's Leadership in Education Award. We are so proud of Ms. Scott for her latest achievement and ask our LRSD family to join us in sending her a huge congratulations. 

Three 2022 Grads Benefit from Veteran Educator's Longstanding Tradition of
Gifting $2 Bills


A Little Rock School District teacher's kindness, beginning with the simple act of gifting two-dollar bills, has multiplied in ways she never imagined.  Following Nona Whittaker's retirement ceremony -  50-plus years with LRSD - district officials surprised the educator by awarding not one, but three scholarships in her name.  Watch the video to see more on this inspirational story, then read more about how Nona Whittaker started the generous tradition, in her own words.

Be Sure to Mark Your Calendars for a Few Important Upcoming Events 

Welcome Reception for New LRSD Supt. Dr. Jermall Wright


Due to space limitations, this is a ticketed event.  More info, including dates for additional meet-and-greets/community meetings, will be shared via LRSD's website, social media, ParentLink and traditional media partners.

LRSD Back-to-School Convocation


Support LRSD Excel's Chapter of Educators Rising in the 2022 Summer Cereal Drive


LRSD Excel’s chapter of Educators Rising is participating in the 2022 Summer Cereal Drive hosted by KTHV11 and the Arkansas Foodbank. We would like your support in making the efforts of Educators Rising successful. If you would like to donate, you may click the link below, which goes directly to the Foodbank. You may also contribute cereal in boxes, cereal in bags or cereal bars. A drop-off box is located in the lobby of the LRSD administration building, 810 W. Markham. For more information about LRSD’s participation, please contact LaDonna.Oates@lrsd.org. Thanks for your support.

Donation Form: (donorperfect.net)
Deadline Reminder - July 7th

Important Reminder


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.



CALS Count Up Summer Stem 

June 27 @ 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Children’s Library
4800 W 10th St
Little Rock, AR. 72204
501-978-3870

CALS' Count Up tutors will be offering hands-on math themed activities this summer. They are inviting you to join whether you’re a math whiz or not: no proficiency level required.

Grades K-3 from 1-2:30pm, Grades 4-8 from 3-4:30pm

Songs of Freedom: Stories from the Civil Rights Movement


Join the Jazz Ambassadors at LRCH National Historic Site for a FREE jazz concert this Friday, June 24 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. 

CALS Kids Bee club


June 28 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Children’s Library
4800 W 10th St
Little Rock, AR. 72204
501-978-3870

Meet at the observation hive inside Children’s Library to learn about our friends the bees! Activities include going outside to explore the world of the honey bee and other pollinators. Space is limited to 12 participants. Sign up at the desk or call Patrice at 501-978-3878.


48th Annual Farmers Market Offers Tasty Locally Grown Options


Don't forget you can pick up some delicious local favorites from the downtown Farmers Market at the
 River Market

Friday, June 17, 2022

Friday Highlights 6.17.22

 

June is National Safety Month

National Pride Month

Men's Health Month

African-American Music Appreciation Month 

National Caribbean American Month

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month


June 17 - Registration Deadline for July ACT
June 19 - Juneteenth Observance
              -  Father's Day
June 23 - School Board Meeting 5:30pm 


Mark Your Calendars for a
Special Welcome Reception for New LRSD Supt. Dr. Jermall Wright



Be Sure to Also Save the Date for Convocation



Happy Early Father's Day to
Our Fantastic Fathers


The Little Rock School District would like to wish all fantastic fathers/father figures a happy early Father's Day! Father's Day is holiday created to honor fatherhood and celebrate the contribution of fathers to their families and society at large.

On this day, LRSD also likes to recognize the fathers in our district for the vital role they play in the lives of our students. Involved fathers provide a positive male role model for their children and help to promote better mental, emotional, educational, and social outcomes. 

Juneteenth Weekend is Quickly Approaching


Happy Early Juneteenth! Although Juneteenth became a federal holiday just last year, it has been celebrated annually on June 19th since 1865. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Most also take the opportunity to celebrate African American culture and its contributions to society. 

If you are looking for ways to celebrate, join LRSD at the Juneteenth Arkansas Festival this Saturday. Event organizers are promising a full day of community, fun, and education with food, vendors, a parade and more!

Juneteenth Arkansas Festival



Interstate Park
3900 South Arch Street Little Rock, AR 72206

Students Celebrate Cultural Diversity at Terry Elementary Camp Can Do


This past week at Terry Elementary was spirit week at Camp Can Do and the teachers and students came together to celebrate cultural diversity. LRSD is proud of its cultural diversity and excited to see it on full display. 

Mike Poore Educator Legacy Award Ceremony


Last Friday at the Clinton Center, District stakeholders came together for a roast and toast to celebrate Superintendent Mike Poore's legacy as he prepares for his well-deserved retirement. Guests enjoyed an evening of live music, food, and good old roasting while collectively reminiscing on Mr. Poore's successful career. 

During the ceremony four educators, Toyoshima Gray, LRSD, Sharon Stuthard, PCSSD, Shirley Billings, NLRSD, and Heather Bracesly, JNPSD, from each surrounding district received awards and cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding contributions to career tech education. Two students, Porsha Boston, 2022 Central grad, and Kalynne Browning, 2022 LR Southwest grad, also received scholarships.  

Our host, Craig O'Neil, did an amazing job carrying the ceremony, making it an evening full of laughter and  even a few tears. Thank you to our sponsors and each individual who made the evening possible and to all of our guests for helping us send Mr. Poore on the next leg of journey the LRSD way. 




ALL Arkansas Preps Award Banquet Recap


Last Saturday at the Statehouse convention Center, an impressive number of LRSD student-athletes were recognized at the All Arkansas Preps Award Banquet. All Arkansas Preps celebrates high school athletes from across the entire state and their remarkable accomplishments.  Major League Baseball player and Pine Bluff native Torii Hunter (above right) was the guest speaker at the event. Join us in congratulating the following LRSD athletes and coach:

Little Rock Central High
Jack Henry Forest - Boys Swimmer of the Year
Mary Jo Heye-Townsell - Swim Coach of the Year
Vincent Bryan - Boys Wrestler of the Year
Stefan Tudoreanu - Boys Tennis Team
Alex Wells - Boys Tennis Team
Caroline Lasley - Girls Tennis
Khushi Patil - Girls Tennis
Youssef Bahgat - Boys swim/Dive Team
Ainsley Jenkins - Girls Swim/Dive Team
Annor Boateng - Second TeamBoys Basketball
Jordan Marshall - Underclassmen Girls Basketball Team
CHI St. Vincent Health Award - Abagail Wells

Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High
James Jointer - First Team Offense Football
Kyndall McKenzie - Second Team Offense Football
Tayvion Haney - First Team Defense Football
Alex Martin - Top Underclassmen Defense
Omarion Robinson - Top Underclassmen Defense
Dallas Thomas - Underclassmen Boys Basketball

LRSW Principal Selected as Member of Arkansas School Safety Commission


Governor Asa Hutchison issued an executive order to reinstate the Arkansas School Safety Commission in response to recent events across the country. We are proud to see Little Rock Southwest Principal Marvin Burton on the task force. The commission will also include a representative from the Arkansas Attorney General's office, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management, the Arkansas Department of Education, and the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy, in addition to a public school teacher, counselor, and superintendent. 

Over 100 Adult Students Earned Their GED Through LRSD's Adult Ed Program



Sending a huge congratulations to the students who earned their GED through Little Rock School District's Adult Education Center. We are so proud of these graduates for their hard work and dedication. 

LRSD Student Lands Amazing Job Opportunity With Nabholz Construction Corporation


Thanks to a great partnership between our Metro Career Tech campus and Nabholz Construction Corporation, LRSD's Leonardo Lopez, junior, already has an apprenticeship and future job lined up. This is what real-world learning experiences in the classroom can do. 

Important Reminder


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.



Mosaic Templars' Juneteenth In Da Rock

Painting With a Twist Hosts Pick Your Favorite Puppy - Kids' Camp


400 N. Bowman Rd. Ste 32 Little Rock, AR 72211
Thursday, Jun. 23
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
$29-$37 per person

The Shape of Home: Multimedia Works of Diane Harper


June 17 @ 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
CALS Roberts Library
401 President Clinton, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Pricing: free
Phone: 501-320-5790

Diane Harper is a mixed-media expressive artist whose work is heavily influenced by her own, personal history. Her exhibition, The Shape of Home, explores the idea of weighted memories and the emotional imprint of cultural and personal history. Make sure you stop by Roberts Library to check it out! 

CALS Summer Reading Club Presents Stephin Booth - Drumming Workshop


June 17 @ 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Children’s Library
4800 W 10th St Little Rock, AR. 72204
Phone: 501-978-3870

Join instructor Stephin Booth as he provides a hands-on musical experience with Afro Caribbean Drumming. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about traditional instruments and rhythms and will also be able to practice what they learn.