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

Link to purchase tickets

Need to Get Rid of Some Stuff?