Friday Highlights 4.5.24

  

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 8: Schools/Offices Closed for Eclipse
April 9: LR PTA Council Meeting (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
April 11: School Board Work Session (5:30 p.m.)
April 14-20: National Volunteer Week
April 16: Evening for the Stars - ViPS Annual Celebration
April 23: School Bus Driver, Aide and Monitor Appreciation Day
April 24: Administrative Professional Appreciation Day
April 25: School Board Meeting (5:30 p.m.)

Reminder: Schools and Offices To Close for Next Week's Total Solar Eclipse

Unlocking the Future: Totality STEM Event Sparks Innovation and Collaboration

The Totality STEM event was a resounding success, uniting students and educators from LRSD, JNPSD, NLRSD, and PCSSD for a day of learning and inspiration. With engaging talks from experts like NASA's Dr. K. Renee Horton, author/speaker Dr. Chris Jones, and Innovation Hub's Elizabeth Whitley, as well as interactive demonstrations by students, attendees experienced firsthand the power of collaboration and innovation in STEM education. The event left participants energized and excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Check out the speakers in the video below:

More eclipse-related activities are listed below in the "community section."

Bearcats Leaving Impressive Tracks

We are proud to recognize Mann Magnet Bearcats students for their outstanding achievements at the FBLA District conference. Their dedication and hard work have resulted in remarkable successes, and we congratulate them for their accomplishments. These students have demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise in their respective categories, and as a result, they will move forward to compete in the state conference:

• Avery McElderry - 1st place, Running an Effective Meeting
• Avory Withers - 1st place, Miss FBLA
• Aidan Shine - 3rd place, Leadership, 3rd place, Mr. FBLA
• Evan Adams - 3rd place, Exploring Technology
• Grayce Johnson & Zariah Loring - 4th place, Business Graphics
• Khayden Weathers - 4th place, FBLA Concepts
• Delaney Davis- 5th place, Public Speaking
• Kamari Bailey- 5th Place, Timed writing
• Logan Gary - 5th place, Business Etiquette
• Naiyah Hatchet - 5th place, Exploring Economics
• Mariah Walker - 5th place, Keyboarding Applications
• Anthony Spratt - 5th place, FBLA Concepts

Of the 38 students who participated in the competition, an impressive 30 placed in the top 10. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the talent, dedication, and commitment to excellence within our school community.

Double the Honor, Double the Pride! Pinnacle View Students Win NJHS Award

Pinnacle View Middle School is beaming with pride as two of its exceptional students, Daniel Chen and Amelia Trabanco, have been honored with the National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award. Out of 500 winners nationwide, they have stood out for their remarkable commitment to scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Their dedication not only reflects positively on themselves but also on the school community as a whole. Congratulations to Daniel and Amelia for this well-deserved recognition of their hard work and excellence!

In Other News from the "View"

The Pinnacle View Middle School Induction Ceremony was held on Thursday, March

28th, inducting 51 new members (7th & 8th graders) and 24 second-year

members (8th grade). The ceremony was led by the NJHS Club, including the NJHS

candle-lighting ceremony. Congrats to the 2024 inductees!

LRSD Schools Shine Bright at the
2024 EAST Conference

LRSD schools left their mark at the 2024 EAST Conference, with Don Roberts Elementary School and Pinnacle View Middle School each earning Judges Choice Awards. Don Roberts Elementary also secured two "Difference Maker Awards," while Pinnacle View Middle School received one. At Central High School, Kevin Durden's outstanding achievements stole the spotlight, winning multiple awards, including the prestigious Lindsey Parker EAST Leadership Award. Carver Steam Magnet School celebrated La'Ryiah Williams and Major Banks for their notable contributions. These accolades underscore the commitment and talent within LRSD, showcasing their dedication to innovation and excellence.

LRSD Celebrates Our Assistant Principals! 

It's National Assistant Principal's Week, and we're shining the spotlight on the incredible leaders who help keep our schools running smoothly and support our students, teachers, and staff every day! From managing schedules to mentoring students, from fostering a positive school culture to ensuring academic success, our assistant principals play a vital role in shaping the educational experience for all. Let's give a huge round of applause to our dedicated assistant principals across the Little Rock School District! Your hard work, passion, and commitment make a real difference in the lives of our students and community. Thank you for all that you do!

Strumming Unity: Chicot Elementary's Aaron Farris Receives Grant for Music Education

Congratulations to Chicot Elementary's Aaron Farris for winning The Arnold Shultz Grant from the International Bluegrass Music Association Foundation! This grant acknowledges teachers' dedication to fostering bluegrass music among minority students. Mr. Farris, a Korean American bluegrass musician and teacher at Chicot, leads the afterschool program, which will now expand thanks to this support. Here's to empowering more students to explore and excel in the world of bluegrass music!

Little Rock Educators Share Strategies for Empowering Communities Though
Community Schools

Little Rock's presence at the recent Arkansas Coalition of Community Schools Convening in Batesville was nothing short of impactful. Nicole Chandler, Community School Coordinator at Chicot Elementary and Early Childhood Center, along with Jennifer Glasgow, the City of Little Rock's Chief Education Officer, took the stage as panelists, sharing insights on "Empowering Communities through Community Schools." In a best practices breakout session, Chandler and Steven J. Young, Community School Coordinator at Mabelvale Middle School, joined forces with partners from City Year Little Rock to discuss the transformative role of student success coaches in community schools. Their participation underscored Little Rock's commitment to innovative approaches to education and community empowerment.

Registration Now Open! LRSD's Inaugural Black Male Educator Summit To Drive Positive Impact

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. 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.  

Calling All Student Poets!

 Calling all students!  LRSD proudly presents the "Voices and Verses" Open Mic Night on April 26th!  Get ready to shine on stage and share your unique talents. A sign-up link will be shared this Tuesday! Spots are limited, so keep an eye out for your chance to secure your performance slot. See you at the mic!

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!

In Other Health News...

LRSD and Caissa Begin 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.

Let's Pawwwwty! Barkus on Main to be
Held This Sunday!

Barkus on Main, presented by Hounds Lounge Pet Resort & Spa, is set to be held this Sunday, April 7th, from noon until 5 p.m. Located on the 400 Block of Main Street, this event promises to be Little Rock’s premier Mardi Gras celebration for dogs and their owners alike! The parade kicks off at 2:30 p.m., starting at the corner of 6th and Main, and will proceed north to 4th and Main. Following the parade, the Barkus block pawty will take over Main Street from 3rd Street to Capitol Ave, starting at noon and continuing post-parade. Expect a lively atmosphere with entertainment, gumbo, a crawfish boil, and local vendors offering irresistible products for both you and your beloved furry friends.

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Hosting a Three-Day Concert Series Ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse

To celebrate the total solar eclipse on April 8, the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting a three-day concert series at First Security Amphitheater in the River Market. Don't miss listening to free performances from The Machine, Ward Davis, and Rodney Block Collective & All-Star Friends, with food and drink available for purchase. Looking for more ways to dive into lively beats? The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will be performing "Holsts' The Planets -The Solar Eclipse Concert" at Robinson Center, commemorating the English composer with magnificent music and embracing eclipse-themed fun.

City of Little Rock Eclipse-Related Activities

Southwest, West Central, and Dunbar Community Centers are giving away "Watch Party Boxes" while they last.  

Visit the City's website for more "totality" fun!

Baby Shark's Big Broadwave Tour to Sail Into the Robinson Center

Join Baby Shark and his fincredible friends on an undersea adventure filled with oceans of fun! To save their beloved Party Puddle Theatre, Baby and the squiddos must dive into action to create a Broadwave sensation, and they need your help to put on the biggest show ever! Jam-packed with catchy music, heartwarming characters, and tidal waves of laughter, this interactive live show will make kids of all ages shake their tail fins with delight. For tickets, click here. 

Wind Down Wednesdays with
Jazz in the Park

Enjoy free live music each Wednesday at 6 p.m. during the month of April as LRCVB's Jazz in the Park spring series returns to the Little Rock River Market. LRCVB hosts Jazz in the Park each April and September.  And, yes, unless it's storming, they do have inclement weather contingency plans.   

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/.

Enjoy Great Music While Supporting a
Special Cause

LRCH's Jazz Band will be featured during a special fundraiser benefiting the renovations at the Florence B Price Auditorium at Dunbar Magnet Middle School.  See details in flyer.

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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Remember, the deadline for each week's submissions is Thursday at noon.