September is National School Success Month

Suicide Prevention Month
Blood Cancer Awareness Month

Hispanic HeritageMonth
Library Card Sign-up Month

September 10 - Grandparents Day
September 12 -   LRPTA Meeting, 11 a.m.
September 13 -   Grandparents Sweepstakes Contest Begins
September 15 -   Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
September 16 -   Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration/Plaza Frida
September 21 -   LRSD Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
September 28 - Fifty Fantastic Fathers/Father Figures Luncheon (Invited guests)

Important Calendar Update - Yom Kippur

Attention LRSD Families - the wrong date was inadvertently placed on the printed calendar for Yom Kippur. It will be observed September 24-25th, not in October. We sincerely regret any confusion this may cause. The correct date is now reflected on the online version of the printed calendar. Thank you for understanding.

LRCH Teacher Named Among Yale University 2022 Educator Award Recipients

LRCH Teacher Michelle Chiu (left) shown with past Brain Bee Contenders

The Yale University Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to announce that a member of the community at Little Rock Central High School, Mrs. Michelle Chiu, has been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Yale Educator Award.

This award, sponsored by the Yale Office of Undergraduate Admissions, recognizes educators from around the world who inspire and support their students to perform at high levels and to achieve excellence. Of this year’s 385 nominees, who represent 43 states and 28 countries, 80 teachers and 32 counselors were selected to receive the award.

Students entering the Yale Class of 2027 were asked to nominate outstanding educators who have deeply impacted their lives. Mrs. Chiu was nominated for the award by Aaron Liu, then selected as a winner by a committee in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. As the committee reviewed the submissions, Ms. Chiu's nomination stood out. The committee shared that members were "constantly reminded of the unique and critical role that exceptional educators play in shaping their students’ futures by encouraging them to pursue their goals."
Congrats Ms. Chiu - your LRSD family is proud of you!

LR Southwest's Renny team members were the honorees for the Grand Re-opening of the Walmart location on Baseline Road. Over the past year, the Renny Team, led by Advisor Kristina Peterson, has partnered with the Walmart locations in the community and with the Walmart Foundation to become their host school. The Renny Kidz were presented a check for $25,000.00, providing funding for improving the climate and culture of their school and community. The team was part of a global recognition this summer at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Dallas, TX, and are well on their way to the Platinum Award level in the near future. Catch these initiatives and more from the SW Renny Team, and mark your calendar for their annual Trunk or Treat hosted at LR Southwest on Oct.31st.

King Commission Enlists Star Power to
Drive Message of Student Success

Special thanks to the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission for bringing actor Romeo Miller to speak with FHSA middle school students during their advisory period this week. He shared a very impactful message about the importance of staying in school, being focused, and making good grades.

Metro Rotary Club Visit by the Superintendent

@DrJermallWright

was a big hit with the LR Metro Rotary Club this week. Wright shared a District update with the group. Thank you, Stephen Maxwell, for the invitation. We need all of our partners to help us #reimagineLRSD.

Even Rabbits Love Reading!

Jefferson Elementary students have a reading buddy - Dewey the rabbit. Dewey is in "chill" mode in his new habitat in the media center as a young reader shares a book with him.

Coming Soon to a Cafeteria Near You
They're Back.....
Wing Wednesdays at LRSD!!!

LRSD's Child Nutrition team will begin serving wings for grades 6-12 on September 13^th and will serve them at p-K-5 sites beginning on September 20^th.

Peace Week Art Contest, Essay Contest
& Lesson Plans

Arkansas Peace Week (September 17-24, 2023) offers great youth programs for schools and youth programs.

Peace Week Essay Contest – Essay Contest for 7th – 12 Grade Students

Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners in each grade.
Entry Deadline September 6, 2023
Winners are invited to read their essays at the Arkansas State Capitol on September 23.

Peace Week Art Contest – Art Contest for 1st -12th Grade Students

Cash Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners in each grade.
Entry Deadline September 6, 2023
Finalists will be displayed at the Arkansas State Capitol. September 17-23.

School and Group Lesson Plans and Resources

Lesson plans and resources developed in partnership with LRSD and Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS). We invite all Arkansas schools and youth groups to participate and present these lessons teaching peacemaking skills to the youth in our state.

Please share this with children and organizations you know. Schools, teachers, faith groups, and other youth organizations are encouraged to sponsor and guide students with their submissions.

Peace Week began our school programs in 2017 when Pax Christi Little Rock (PCLR) worked with school counselor Mildred Calhoun to develop a peace curriculum for Little Rock’s Rockefeller Elementary. The following year the organization worked with Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) and Little Rock School District to expand these non-violence lesson plans and resources for elementary-age students. Today over 15,000 students participate in Arkansas Peace Week from all over the state.

Please visit our website, www.arkansaspeaceweek.com or the Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/arkansaspeaceweek for the latest information. Email arpeaceweek@gmail.com with questions.

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 at noon.

Important Community Announcement
for Tornado Victims

In response to the March 31 tornado that impacted this community, Southern Bancorp has a relief program available to help individuals and families cover home repair costs in our area.

Up to $12,000 is available to those who:
Were affected by the March 31, 2023 tornado
Own a home that is their primary residence and is permanently affixed to a foundation
Have damage repairs not covered by insurance
Meet income eligibility requirements

These funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are the result of grant funding from FHLB Dallas – it is straightforward home repair assistance, not a loan that needs to be paid back.

Important Traffic Info Shared by
City of Little Rock