Friday, April 26, 2024

Friday Highlights 4.26.24

 

April is:

National Volunteer Month
National Poetry Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Awareness Month
National Autism Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month

Important Dates: 

April 26:  Parkview Community Celebration
April 29-May 3:
 School Nutrition Employee Week
April 29: Superintendent's Citation Program
                Central High Celebration (Henderson Teaching and Learning Center)
May 3: School Lunch Hero Day
May 6: Crystal Awards (Teacher/Employee of the Year)
             Personnel Policy Committee Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
May 7: National Teacher Appreciation Day
May 8: National School Nurse Appreciation Day
May 9: School Board Work Session (5:30 p.m.)
May 17-18: Black Male Educator Summit

Happening Tonight!  Calling All Poetry Lovers! 
LRSD's Voices & Verses Open Mic Poetry Slam

Calling all poetry enthusiasts! Tonight, come support our talented student poets at LRSD's Voices and Verses event at Little Rock Southwest High School! Admission is free, so let's pack the house and cheer on our incredible young performers!

U.S. Secretary of Education Shines Spotlight on FAFSA at Central High School Visit

Central High School had the honor of hosting U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona for a chat with students and parents about the importance of completing the FAFSA form. The discussion centered on how filling out this crucial document can open doors to higher education and alleviate financial barriers. Thank you, Secretary Cardona, for taking the time out to speak to our students!

LRSD Students Wow Judges at Ralph D. Vines Public Speaking Contest

LRSD students stood out among 40+ speakers in the 15th Annual Ralph D. Vines Public Speaking Contest last weekend. Congrats to Fulbright Elementary's Jamie Schildknect for winning a $600 first-place prize in her division and the overall title—Winthrop P. Rockafeller Grand Prize recipient, taking home $1,500! Additional LRSD winners will be posted on the District‘s website.

Parkview High Choirs Sweep ArkCDA State Festival with Superior Performances

Parkview High School's Choir achieved remarkable success at the ArkCDA State Choral Festival. All four participating choirs received the highest honor, earning a Division 1 rating. Additionally, they were honored with the Sweepstakes Award for excellence in both performance and sight-reading. The Lab Singers and the Tenor/Bass Chorus distinguished themselves by receiving the Best in Class Award. Lab Singers also claimed the Best Overall distinction. Congratulations to all involved!

LRSD Safety & Security Chief Helps Lead Charge in National School Safety Initiative

Congratulations to Ron Self, LRSD's Safety and Security Director, for his pivotal role in the founding of the National Council of School Safety Directors. Serving as Chair of the Membership Committee, Self is spearheading efforts to establish a national standard, certification, and advocacy for school safety directors. The NCSSD aims to foster collaboration among safety leaders to ensure the well-being of students, faculty, and staff nationwide.

Pulaski Heights Middle School Students Volunteer at LR Nursing Home

Pulaski Heights Middle School students have been making a big impact at Briarwood Nursing Home through volunteer efforts. As part of the Future Business Leaders of America, these students have been organizing engaging activities for the residents. Their Community Service Project will be showcased at the upcoming FBLA State Leadership Conference on April 29, where they hope to share the positive outcomes of their initiative. See news story here

Celebrating Victory: Central Champions Honored by State Legislators

In a special ceremony, the Little Rock Central High School basketball teams received recognition from state senators and a representative. Principal Nancy Rousseau joined lawmakers, including Sens. Clarke Tucker, Linda Chesterfield, and Fred Love, alongside Rep. Denise Ennett, in applauding the teams' achievements. Congratulations to the teams and supporters on this well-deserved honor!

Brushing Brilliance: Local Artist Inspires Students at Chicot Elementary

CEO of A Different Stroke of Art Lorria Grant-Eubanks worked with students in the 21st Century Program at Chicot Elementary and Early Childhood Center. She provided art lessons which helped open doors to creativity and self-expression. Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion with our students!

LRCH Student Joins Exclusive Group of U.S. Presidential Scholar Semifinalists

LRSD is proud to recognize Ananya Uddanti, LRCH, who just learned that she is one of only 625 semifinalists to advance to the final round of the 2024 US Presidential Scholars competition.  Quite the accomplishment!  The Commission on US Presidential Scholars will review the applications of the semifinalists, and the winners will be announced by Dr. Miguel Cardona, US Secretary of Education, in mid-May.  Good luck, Ananya!  

Pinnacle View Mathletes Excel at State
ACTM Contest

Pinnacle View Middle School's Mathletes showcased their brilliance at the State ACTM competition. Jake Hu soared to the top in Algebra 1, while Daniel Chen earned an Honorable Mention in Algebra 2, earning recognition for their outstanding achievements. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and accomplishments!

Ella the Banker Brightens Minds: Young Arkansas Author Inspires Financial Literacy in Elementary Schools

In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month, Economics Arkansas teamed up with young author Liam Sprinkle to donate copies of "Ella the Banker" to the media centers at LRSD schools. Supported by Encore Bank, First Community Bank, U.S. Bank, and the Women's Foundation of Arkansas, students at Wakefield Elementary and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership and Language Academy not only received the book but also a tailored lesson plan and special bookmarks. Liam, and his sister, the book's namesake, read and presented the book to the students. Economics Arkansas also gave students DIY savings boxes to help create a fun way to introduce financial literacy.

Happening Tonight!  Calling All Poetry Lovers! 
LRSD's Voices & Verses Open Mic Poetry
Slam

Calling all poetry enthusiasts! Tonight, come support our talented student poets at LRSD's Voices and Verses event at Little Rock Southwest High School! Admission is free, so let's pack the house and cheer on our incredible young performers!

LRSD/UA-Little Rock Partnership Means More Continuing Ed Opportunities for Employees

LRSD is excited to partner with UA-Little Rock to provide opportunities for our employees to start or finish an undergraduate degree while continuing their careers.  Click on the link below to learn more.

https://ualr.edu/admissions/little-rock-school-district/

LRSD Student and Staff Artwork Showcased Through 'The Creative Collective II' at the Thea Foundation

The Creative Collective II at the Thea Foundation in North Little Rock presents an exciting showcase of over 70 pieces of artwork by faculty members and students from Parkview and Central High School. This vibrant exhibition celebrates the talent and creativity within our school community. Don't miss the chance to experience this inspiring collection on display until May 24th.

Registration Now Open! Renowned Speaker Robert Jackson to Headline Inaugural Black Male Educator Summit


Join us on May 17-18th for LRSD’s Black Male Educator Summit, a pivotal event aimed at empowering black male educators and students. From engaging panels to cutting-edge workshops, this summit offers invaluable insights and tools for fostering community growth and improving outcomes. Former NFL player, classroom teacher, award-winning author, and motivational speaker Robert Jackson will provide the keynote address.  Secure your spot now and be part of this impactful movement. Register today here: www.lrsd.org/BMES2024. The first 250 registrants will receive an invitation
to the opening reception.  

Make Plans to Get Your Tickets and Support Horace Mann Middle School!


Gibbs Magnet's International Fest Returns for an Evening of Cultural Celebration

Join us at Gibbs Magnet School on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for the highly anticipated return of our annual International Fest! Experience the richness of cultures from around the globe through captivating performances, delectable international cuisine, and an array of activities for all ages. Purchase your $10 wristbands online by May 2nd to enjoy the festivities, or pay $15 at the gate. Children 3 and under enter free. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate diversity and unity.

Parkview High School Presents the
Spring Dance Show

Over 250 high school students from Parkview will take center stage on May 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM for the annual Spring Dance Show. This hour-and-a-half showcase promises to be a dazzling display of talent, featuring a blend of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and more. Don't miss out on this fantastic night of entertainment!

LRSD Announces Revised 2024-25 Calendar and Employee Workday Resolution

A revised 2024-25 student calendar has been approved during a recent Board of Education meeting, pending final approval by the State Board of Education. Additionally, the LRSD Board has passed a resolution regarding compensation for employees affected by school closures due to inclement weather in the 2023-24 school year. Employees can find more details in the Superintendent's Memo or by reaching out to their supervisors or the LRSD Human Resources Department. Your support and patience are greatly appreciated as we navigate through these important processes together.

Important HR Update


Save the Date!
A One-Night-Only Engagement at Carver
This event promises to be an evening of creativity, inspiration, and celebration of the arts. Carver STEAM Magnet Elementary students have worked diligently to prepare performances and displays that reflect their passion and commitment to the arts.

Drama teacher Deborah Ramsey says, "We believe that fostering a strong arts program not only enhances students' academic performance but also enriches their lives and nurtures their creativity. Your support and attendance would mean the world to us as we strive to cultivate a vibrant arts community within our school and district."  Let's be sure to support these talented students!

Let's De-Stress Together During LRSD's Stress-Less Challenge


Get ready to prioritize your well-being with LRSD's April Stress-Less Challenge! Throughout Stress Awareness Month, we're inviting everyone to join in and take self-care selfies. It's a simple yet powerful way to remind ourselves to pause, breathe, and take care of our mental and physical health. Snap a selfie, tag us @LRSD, @mylrsd, and use #LRSDFit and #ReimaginingLRSD to share your moments of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Let's make April a month of less stress and more self-care together!

Unlocking Potential: Little Rock School District Offers More Opportunities for Kids

LRSD and Caissa Continue Second Phase of Recruitment/Retention Partnership

The Little Rock School District continues phase two of its strategic partnership with Caissa, a leading educational organization focused on student recruitment and retention. Community members may recall LRSD’s pilot project with Caissa last summer that included phone calls, texts, and surveys, seeking feedback to better meet the needs of families. Caissa implements a diverse range of tools to showcase the assets of the districts with which they work to get students back in classrooms and to keep them there. If you get emails or calls/texts from 501-503-3168, 501-512-1656, or 501-260-7244 -they are legitimate communication from LRSD.

Download the New App



Principal Pool Application Process Now Open


Click on this link to read the flyer and get information on applying.


Pretty Woman: The Musical to be Performed at the Robinson Center

Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, springs to life at the Robinson Center this weekend. The performances will run through April 28, 2024. You can buy tickets here.

Join Williams Library for a Block Party
on May 4th!


Get ready for a day of excitement as Williams Library throws a free neighborhood block party! On Saturday, May 4th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the community is invited to join the festivities at the Williams Library Reopening Celebration. From captivating tours to lively demonstrations, there's something for everyone. Indulge in delicious vegan treats from H.O.M.E. Vegan and savory delights from Mr. Keith's Kettle Corn while enjoying video games, face painting, and more. Don't miss special performances by the Dunbar Middle School Band, the Gamma Gamma Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a charcuterie demonstration.

Watch Talented Artists Transform an Alley
at MuralFest

The Downtown Little Rock Partnership is excited to bring the first-ever MuralFest to SoMa! Join them in downtown Little Rock's SoMa neighborhood to watch talented artists transform the space in the alley behind 1501 S. Main Street LIVE on May 4th. The event will be inside the footprint of 501Fest, which features live music, vendors, food trucks, and more!


Ballet Arkansas Presents Snow White: A Show for the Whole Family

Dive into a world of magic and wonder with Ballet Arkansas' enchanting production of Snow White, tailored especially for young audiences and their families. With interactive elements, captivating storytelling, and sing-alongs, this hour-long performance promises an unforgettable experience for all. Plus, don't miss the special Mother's Day treat and photo opportunities with Snow White and the charming cast of characters. Join us on May 11th at 12:00 pm or May 12th at 2:00 pm at UA-PTC CHARTS for a heartwarming adventure that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. Secure your tickets today!

Little Rock Zoo to Display Dragon Kingdom!

Opening Saturday and running through September, guests of the Little Rock Zoo can enjoy a new exhibition called the Dragon Kingdom. Learn the similarities and connections between animals of the natural world and mythical creatures. Come face-to-face with dragons that mirror characteristics of enormous lizards, snakes, and other creatures. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss! To learn more and get tickets, click on the following link: https://www.littlerockzoo.com/events/spring-break-2024/.

Help Find the Cure at the 4th Annual
Be A Part of the Cure Walk

UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute is excited to celebrate its 4th annual Be A Part of the Cure Walk. ​​​​​​​Register today as an individual or create a team, share the information with your friends and family, and help us get the word out! Enjoy the Kids Discovery Zone, local entertainment, patient stories, the chance to win some great prizes (must be present to win), and walk for the cure along a 1k or 5k course. Complimentary food will be available. Experience a morning of fun and camaraderie on May 4th, 2024, at War Memorial Stadium. Gates open at 6:30am, with a special Survivor & Family “Seed of Hope, Gather & Celebrate” with light fare at 7:15 am and vendor booths. Get involved here!

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