Friday, November 17, 2023

Friday Highlights 11.17.23

 

November is:

National Native American Heritage Month
National Diabetes Month
National Lung/Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
National Adoption Month
National Career Development Month
National Military Family Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Gratitude Month

Important Dates: 

November 20-24:    Thanksgiving Holiday
November 27:         Classes Resume
                                 Open Enrollment Begins
                                 Superintendent's Citation Program

Happy Thanksgiving to Our LRSD Family!



#OptimizingLRSD Meetings Are Wrapping Up -Spanish Version After the Thanksgiving Break 


 #OptimizingLRSD meetings, which have allowed community members, students, staff, and parents to give their insights on the unique needs of our LRSD community, will wrap up Monday, November 27, at 7 p.m. with a presentation for our Spanish-speaking families. The final meeting will be held at the Southwest Community Center, 6401 Baseline.

During the open discussions, those in attendance listened, gave opinions, and voted on several proposals that were submitted. The feedback gathered in these meetings will now be evaluated for consideration in helping to set the vision and future of LRSD. Thank you to all of those who attended the meetings!

Thank You to All Who Made the #LRSDSpiritfest a Hugh Success!

Last Saturday, #LRSDSpiritfest invaded Park Plaza. Hundreds came out to learn about our schools and programs, to watch student performances, and to win prizes. Thank you to all who attended and volunteered to make the event a GREAT success! If you would like to see more information about what the District has to offer, check out our online #Spiritfest gallery here: https://tinyurl.com/et8jp6se

Hundreds of Volunteers Share Their Love of Reading During ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day

We witnessed volunteers in action during ViPS Jane Mendel Reading Day! The Volunteers in Public Schools program hosts the annual event to inspire students and promote the love of reading.  Hundreds of volunteer readers stepped into our elementary school classrooms to read to students and encourage positive reading habits. Many of the volunteers incorporated props and visuals, and used character voices to keep the students engaged. We want to thank all volunteers who took the time to invest in our students and schools!

Preparing for the Future! LRSD Students Participate in 3rd Annual Career Expo


The Academies of Central Arkansas hosted the 3
rd Annual Career Expo at the Statehouse Convention Center this week. Around 1,500 students from LRSD joined their peers from surrounding districts and were able to interact with over 100 business and industry professionals. Students learned about career options in central Arkansas and surrounding areas.  

Central High Basketball Stars Make Plans to Take their Game to the Next Level

We want to give a BIG congratulations to Central High School's very own Annor Boateng and Jordan Marshall. They signed their letters of intent to play college basketball this week during an event. Annor will be playing for the University of Missouri and Jordan will be playing for Louisiana Tech. We are so proud of you both and wish them well in their college careers as athletes and scholars!

See -  It Didn't Hurt! 
LRSD Flu Clinics Underway


The Little Rock School District, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), will host Flu Immunization clinics in schools to provide flu vaccine for students, parents, and staff.  Visit www.lrsd.org for info on the clinics.  Special thanks to the Jefferson Elementary family for allowing us to showcase this wonderful health initiative to promote wellness throughout our District.  Thanks also to health director Jackie McEuen (fondly called "Nurse Jackie") and her team, as well as ADH, for making sure our students and staff have these convenient onsite opportunities.

International Day of Celebration Held at Adult Education Building

The International Day of Celebration was held at the Adult Education Building this week. The day celebrates the students' cultures and allows them to speak about where their native countries. Students and staff also had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal together.

Christmas Comes Early for One of our LRSD AP Environmental Science Teachers

Christmas came early for one of our AP Environmental science teachers. Ms. Rachel Butler-Green from Parkview received a $1,000 grant for lab equipment from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. She had asked for the money for her lab wish list and said she was shocked to see that she was awarded the funds. Now that she is a recipient, Ms. Butler-Green plans to purchase much-needed supplies so her class will get more hands-on experience using technology. One thousand dollars is the largest grant the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education can give.
Congratulations to Ms. Butler-Green!

It's the Holiday Season! LRSD Partners With KARK/Fox 16 for a Gift Drive!


In the true spirit of the Holiday Season, the Little Rock School District is partnering with KARK/Fox 16 for Santa's Holiday Gift Drive! You can bring any new and unwrapped gift donations through December 12th to the District's Administration Building, 810 W. Markham, to give to families who may need a little extra help this holiday season.  We appreciate your participation in this year's Holiday Gift Drive!



Chief of Police Youth Advisory Council 
Sign-Ups Underway

Sign-ups for the Little rock Police Department's Chief of Police Youth Advisory Council is now underway. To apply, you must be between the ages of 14 and 24. Members of the council will be able to communicate concerns, propose, ideas, and participate in community service. If you would like to apply, scan the QR Code above. 

Kick off the Holidays in Little Rock with the Bright the Night Festival

Make plans to go to the Capitol Plaza this Saturday as the Downtown Little Rock Partnership will light up downtown with its Bright the Night festival. Families will be able to meet Santa, sing carols, and even enjoy snow! They'll also enjoy free hot chocolate and Community Bakery Cookies while the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra helps spread some cheer. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. 

GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo!

The GloWild Lantern Festival has returned to the Little Rock Zoo this Holiday Season. There, you will be able to walk through three different spaces that will showcase animals in a whole new light. The first section will be filled with mystical creatures. The second will feature insects, and the third will include jungle animals that can be found across the globe. The event will run from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. through January 7th. Tickets for the general public are $20 and can be purchased at the gate. Parking is free!

Calling All Cheeseheads!
Cheese Dip Championship is Tonight


Held annually in October, The World Cheese Dip Championship attracts contestants from across the four corners of Arkansas and beyond as they battle for the title.  The competitors are divided into professional and amateur divisions, and each attendee can cast a vote for their favorite. This year's festival is breaking from an afternoon tradition and being held tonight, November 17th, at Dickey Stephens Park.  

Admission - $10 for Children (15-U); $15-40 for Adults


Need to Get Rid of Some Stuff?




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.


Friday, November 10, 2023

Friday Highlights 11.10.23

 

November is:

National Native American Heritage Month
National Diabetes Month
National Lung/Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
National Adoption Month
National Career Development Month
National Military Family Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Gratitude Month

November 11 -      Veterans Day
                               LRSD Spiritfest (11 a.m.)
November 13-17  American Education Week
November 14 -     VIPS Jane Mendel Reading Day
                              LR PTA Council Meeting (11:30 a.m.)
November 16     - School Board Meeting (5:30 p.m.)


Happy Veterans Day to All Who Have Served!



Don't forget to make plans to 
join us for Spiritfest this Saturday!



Just one more day 'til #LRSDSpiritfest!  Come check out our schools and have some fun!  Plus, you may be the lucky winner of a prize, including a flat-screen TV!


Parkview Patriots Show They Are More Than Just Football Players


Fresh on the heels of victory, our Parkview Patriots are giving back. Some of the freshman football players went around the entire campus today and picked up trash for our custodial staff.  Proud of these young men.  Oh, and they shut out Alma 35-0.  Woo-hoo!


Share Your Thoughts - Make Plans to Attend 
The Remaining Community Meetings
#OptimizingLRSD
The first of several #OptimizingLRSD meetings were held this week, allowing community members, students, staff, and parents to give their insights on the unique needs of our LRSD community. 

During an open discussion, those in attendance were able to listen, give opinions, and vote on several proposals that were submitted. 

To accommodate a variety of schedules, we will continue to have follow-up community meetings next week in person and virtually to discuss your proposals, which we hope will help inform the vision and future of LRSD. The remaining meeting dates are listed in the flyer below.



Check out the video above to see what happened in the first meeting this week: 

JAG State Leadership Academy/Competition



When you see Zion McDaniel, please congratulate him on winning 2nd Place for Prepared Speaking in the statewide JAG event. He will be traveling to St. Louis, MO, in April 2024 to compete nationwide.

Ahanti Norful, Miss Little Rock Southwest High School Homecoming Queen, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. She did an outstanding job!

The following scholars served as volunteer student leaders for the JAG Conference and received a volunteer letter and volunteer trophy:

Omarai Williams

Deonta Mitchell

Sydney Arrietta

Zion McDaniel

Karol Hernandez

Madisyn Woods

Evelyn Valencia

Jonthan Worrell Jr.

Ashanti Norful

Thanks to the LRSWHS teachers who volunteered as Room Leaders and Judges.


Share Your Love of Reading with
LRSD Students 

S

Calling all volunteers, check out the above video, and sign up today to read to LRSD elementary students on Jane Mendel Reading Day, Tuesday, November 14, 2023.  

See -  It Didn't Hurt! 
LRSD Flu Clinics Underway


Starting this week, the Little Rock School District, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), will host Flu Immunization clinics in schools to provide flu vaccine for students, parents, and staff.  Visit www.lrsd.org for info on the clinics.  Special thanks to the Jefferson Elementary family for allowing us to showcase this wonderful health initiative to promote wellness throughout our District.  Thanks also to health director Jackie McEuen (fondly called "Nurse Jackie") and her team, as well as ADH, for making sure our students and staff have these convenient onsite opportunities.

 
Make Plans to Attend the LPN Practical Nursing Interest Meeting
Attention rising 2024-25 juniors & seniors! Metro is partnering with Baptist Health College Little Rock to launch a Practical Nursing pathway for students. Pending approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, the program will launch in the Summer of 2024. Those involved with the launch are inviting students, parents, and community members to an interest meeting. It will be held on November 14, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Baptist Health College on Colonel Glenn. You can attend in person or on Zoom. For more information about the program itself or to learn more about the meeting, click here

BEST Robotics Win for LRCH and Parkview!


The Little Rock School District had big wins at last Saturday's Little Rock BEST Robotics hub! Little Rock Central High School took first place in the BEST award showcase, and Parkview Magnet High took second. Teams competed with their robots, display boots, marketing presentations, engineering notebooks, and team spirit to place for the BEST award. The winning teams are now invited to compete at the Texas BEST Regionals that will be held in Dallas in December. Thank you to all of the students, parents, and sponsors who helped achieve the winning spots!


Little Rock Central High School Students Earn National Journalism Awards


Several Central High School students traveled to Boston for the National High School Journalism Conference this month. While there, the school's student newsmagazine, The Tiger, earned Sixth Place Best of Show. More than 4,800 high school journalists and advisers attended the convention, with the National Scholastic Press Association and Journalism Education Association as hosts. The Tiger was judged among newsmagazines from schools with student populations of over 1,800.

Six Central journalists also placed in the National Scholastic Media Contest. In all, 1,453 students competed in photo, broadcast, graphic design, literary magazine, design, and writing contests.

There were 601 students recognized, with 92 superior, 183 excellent, and 326 honorable mention awards.


We want to say congratulations to those student journalists!



Parkview Basketball Star Signs with Clemson During National Signing Day!




After multiple college offers, Parkview's Dallas Thomas signed with Clemson this week during National Signing Day. Known for his exceptional skills on the court and unwavering dedication to the game, he is poised to make a substantial impact at the collegiate level. The announcement generated tremendous excitement not only within the Parkview community but also among college basketball enthusiasts nationwide. During the singing, Thomas was surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and his teammates. We want to send a HUGE congratulations to him and wish him well when he takes on the role of being a Tiger following his senior year as a Patriot.

LRSD Congratulates the Students Honored at This Year’s #Scholars2023 Celebration 


Little Rock School District students, families, and staff gathered this week for the 2023 Scholars Celebration. The event highlighted the achievements of academically gifted students: National Merit Semifinalists, Commended Scholars, and Principals Scholars. 

Congratulations to all!




Make Plans to Attend the UAMS 
Lung Cancer Screening Day


Free Turkey/Thanksgiving Meals -
While They Last!

Free Turkeys and Thanksgiving Food Box

Monday, November 13th, 6-7:30 PM
TAG Church 11120 Cantrell Rd Little Rock


FREE Movie!


Sharing on behalf of our partners - The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center & Jefferson National Parks Association: FREE screening of the movie "Till," Thursday, November 16th, 6PM, at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 501 W. 9th Street. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. LRSD attendees with the most students from a school
will a receive a pizza party.

Calling All Cheeseheads!
Cheese Dip Championship Right 
Around the Corner


Held annually in October, The World Cheese Dip Championship attracts contestants from across the four corners of Arkansas and beyond as they battle for the title.  The competitors are divided into professional and amateur divisions, and each attendee can cast a vote for their favorite. This year's festival is breaking from an afternoon tradition and being held Friday evening, November 17th, at Dickey Stephens Park.  

Admission - $10 for Children (15-U); $15-40 for Adults


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.

Friday, November 3, 2023

Friday Highlights 11.3.23

 






November is:

National Native American Heritage Month
National Diabetes Month
National Lung/Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
National Adoption Month
National Career Development Month
National Military Family Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Gratitude Month

November 5 -    Daylight Saving Time Ends
November 6 -    Personnel Policy Committee Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
November 7 -    Election Day
November 9 -    Board Work Session/Special Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
November 11 -  Veterans Day


Don't Forget - Daylight Saving Time Ends
This Sunday



Share Your Thoughts - Make Plans to Attend Upcoming Community Meetings
#OptimizingLRSD



We invite all community members to actively participate in shaping the future of LRSD by submitting proposals pertaining to our enrollment, programming, and facilities. Your insights are invaluable, and we are particularly eager to hear from parents, students, staff, and community members.

This open process will help us better understand and address the unique needs of our LRSD community. Your input can have a meaningful impact on our District’s growth and future. Please review the documents shared on this page, then submit your proposals using this link.  The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. today! (Friday, November 3rd)

To accommodate a variety of schedules, we will have follow-up community meetings in person and virtually to discuss your proposals, which we hope will help inform the vision and future of LRSD. The meeting dates are listed in the flyer above.


 
Don't forget to make plans to join us for Spiritfest


Just one more week 'til #LRSDSpiritfest!  Come check our schools and have some fun!  Plus, you may be the lucky winner of a prize, including a flat-screen TV!  

What Makes Carver STEAM So Special? 
The Students Will Tell You!


Carver STEAM Magnet also getting in on the early recruitment train!  Click on the arrow above to see their cute video invitation.  


 LRSD Schools Highlighted in State
School Recognition Program

The Arkansas Department of Education announced that $6,950,900 will be awarded to 163 schools through the Arkansas School Recognition Program. Three LRSD schools are among them:  Roberts, Jefferson, and Forest Park.  Awards are based on student assessment results from the 2022-2023 school year and graduation rates from the 2021-2022 school year. Congrats, again, to our schools!  Your LRSD family is proud of you!       

Kroger and Coca-Cola Team Up to Support
Our Schools & Community
As part of Kroger's reopening and remodeling of local stores, the food retailer made generous donations to community partners.  Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School was the fortunate recipient of a $10K gift!  Thanks, Kroger and Coca-Cola, for investing in the lives of our students.  BTW, the Patriot's band did an exceptional job performing at three of the events.  

Tigers on the Prowl for Students!
LRCH students and lead Tiger Nancy Rousseau held a Recruitment House Thursday night, and as you can tell from the photos, lots of folks are interested in becoming part of the Tiger legacy!

How To Be H.I.P.!
Check out this video of LRSD student leaders participating in training sessions to help their peers.  This video was captured during a Health Information Project (H.I.P.) training.  High school students who are interested in participating or learning more should contact their counselors. 


LRSD Staffer's Daughter Crowned
 Little Miss Beauty Queen

Proud for Ms. Kimberly Brasfield, a college/career coach at LRCH.  Her daughter, Kyndal, was recently named Little Miss UAPB!  Congrats!


LRCH Teacher Recognized by Arvest Bank

As part of its "We Love Teachers" campaign, Arvest Bank hosted its 8th annual event, and our very own Ms. Kimberly Burleson of LRCH was the lucky recipient of a $500 cash prize. The campaign is designed to recognize and support teachers across the Arvest footprint. This year, Arvest is awarding a total of 144 gifts of $500 to individual teachers throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We're proud of you, Ms. Burleson! 

See -  It Didn't Hurt! 
LRSD Flu Clinics Underway


Starting this week, the Little Rock School District, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), will host Flu Immunization clinics in schools to provide flu vaccine for students, parents, and staff.  Visit www.lrsd.org for info on the clinics.  Special thanks to the Jefferson Elementary family for allowing us to showcase this wonderful health initiative to promote wellness throughout our District.  Thanks also to health director Jackie McEuen (fondly called "Nurse Jackie") and her team, as well as ADH, for making sure our students and staff have these convenient onsite opportunities.  


Holiday House is Underway! 
Guess Who Helped Kick it Off?
Special shout-outs to Jordan Givens, Parkview, and LR Southwest's Jazz Ensemble for helping kick off Junior League of LR's Holiday House.  Some of the proceeds from Holiday House benefit our students and schools.  Special thanks to the league for their ongoing support! 



Share Your Love of Reading with
LRSD Students 

S
Calling all volunteers, check out the above video, and sign up today to read to LRSD elementary students on Jane Mendel Reading Day, Tuesday, November 14, 2023.  


Don't Miss This Show Tonight!


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.





Free Turkey/Thanksgiving Meals -
While They Last!

Free Turkeys and Thanksgiving Food Box


Monday, November 13th, 6-7:30 PM

TAG Church 11120 Cantrell Rd Little Rock

FREE Movie!
Sharing on behalf of our partners - The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center & Jefferson National Parks Association: FREE screening of the movie "Till," Thursday, November 16th, 6PM, at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, 501 W. 9th Street. Seats available on a first-come, first-served basis. LRSD attendees with the most students from a school
will a receive pizza party.


Are You're Gonna Eat Cornbread?
(Do You Know Which Movie Features that Line?)

Buy Tickets at the Festival - $20


River Market Live presents the ๐“•๐“ช๐“ถ๐“ฒ๐“ต๐”‚ ๐“•๐“ช๐“ต๐“ต ๐“•๐“ฎ๐“ผ๐“ฝ๐“ฒ๐“ฟ๐“ช๐“ต ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿ‚๐Ÿงก
Enjoy family fun along with the flavors of the season in the River Market District for the Family Fall Festival Saturday, November 4th,11 a.m.- 4 p.m. 
๐Ÿ“ Located in the River Market Pavillions & River Front Park
๐ŸŽŸ️ ๐€๐ƒ๐Œ๐ˆ๐’๐’๐ˆ๐Ž๐ ๐ˆ๐’ ๐…๐‘๐„๐„