Friday, September 13, 2024

Friday Highlights 9.13.24

 

September is:
National Campus Safety Awareness Month
National School Success Month
Attendance Awareness Month
Self-Care Awareness Month
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Blood Cancer Awareness Month
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
Baby Safety Month

Important Dates: 
September 15: National Security Officer Appreciation Week
September 15: Hispanic Heritage Month begins
September 16:  National Community School Coordinator Week
September 23: Superintendent's Citation Program (5:30 p.m.)
September 26: School Board Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
September 30: Parent Teacher Conferences for Elementary and Secondary (12 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
September 30: Students Out

LRSD Hosts Listening Tour and Town Hall Conversations Across the District

The Little Rock School District invites families and community members to attend the upcoming Listening Tour and Town Hall Conversations. These meetings provide an opportunity to engage with LRSD board members on important topics such as the school year calendar, cell phone policies, and strategic planning. Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of LRSD. Members of the City of Little Rock Board of Directors will jointly host some meetings. Childcare will be available.  Check the schedule to find the event closest to you and join the conversation!

Central High's Alundra Dickson Wins the 
Bessie B. Moore Award

Central High School’s Alundra Dickson has been selected as the Bessie B. Moore Award recipient by Economics Arkansas. This award recognizes Arkansas teachers who excel in creating innovative economic and personal finance projects for their students. As part of her recognition, Ms. Dickson received a $1,000 prize, a gift basket, and the coveted "Bessie" trophy. Congratulations!

LRSD's In-School Bank Program Reaches $100K
Milestone Across Four Schools

The Little Rock School District’s In-School Bank Program has hit a significant milestone, with students from Stephens Elementary, Washington Elementary, Gibbs International Magnet School, and J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory Academy saving over $100,000. Now in its eighth year, the program partners with First Security Bank to teach students financial literacy and money management skills. Students also gain hands-on experience as bank tellers, handling transactions and providing customer service. This initiative helps students manage their finances and exposes them to career opportunities in banking.

LR Central Senior Recognized by State Board of Education for His Nonprofit, Fostering Friendships

Jackson Jones, a Little Rock Central High School senior, was recognized this week by the Arkansas State Board of Education for his nonprofit, Fostering Friendships. The organization connects high school students with children in foster care, providing them with opportunities for friendship through shared activities. Jackson’s initiative has inspired many peers to join him in making a difference. The Little Rock School District is proud of Jackson’s leadership and commitment to supporting foster children in our community.

LRSD High School Seniors Named National 
Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Seventeen Little Rock Central High School seniors have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. These students are part of an elite group representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors. They now have the opportunity to compete for nearly $26 million in scholarships, with winners to be announced next spring. We are proud of their hard work and dedication to academic excellence!

Pinnacle View Middle School 7th Grader 
Takes 1st Place at LR XC Meet

Pinnacle View Middle School’s Tessa Corbitt won 1st place in the girl's division at the LR XC Meet this past weekend. Of 287 runners from 28 schools, Tessa finished 31 seconds ahead of her closest competitor. This remarkable achievement highlights her dedication and hard work. Congratulations to Tessa and all our runners on a fantastic start to the season!

More than 400 Students Earn Prestigious 
AP Scholar Awards

LRSD is proud to celebrate the 400 LRSD students who earned the coveted AP Scholar Awards from the College Board, recognizing their outstanding performance on Advanced Placement (AP) exams. These awards celebrate students who have excelled in college-level coursework across various subjects. The AP Scholar distinctions come in multiple levels, highlighting varying degrees of academic achievement. Congratulations to the students.

Two Central High Students 
Earn Perfect ACT Scores

Little Rock Central High School students Eric Tang and John Henry Roberson scored 36 on the ACT, placing them among the top students in the nation. In addition to excelling academically, John is also a talented baseball player for the school. The Little Rock School District is proud of these "perfect" students! Congratulations!

Story Time with Pastors Kicked Off at 
Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-9 Academy

The annual Story Time with Pastors event began this week at Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy. Our faith-based partners are promoting literacy and a love of reading among our elementary students. This initiative highlights our joint commitment to fostering a reading culture within our schools. Special thanks to Denise Persons and the Volunteers in Public Schools team for their efforts in organizing these monthly sessions!

Little Rock Southwest High School Gryphon Gear Now Available at Walmart

Little Rock Southwest High School t-shirts and hoodies are now available for purchase at the Walmart on Baseline Road. Whether you’re a student, parent, or alumni, this is an excellent opportunity to show your school spirit. Stop by and pick up your gear today! Special thanks to Dr. Mary Perkins-Jacobs for spearheading this effort on behalf of the school.

LRSD Students Invited to Participate in Arkansas Peace Week Art & Essay Contests

Students across LRSD are encouraged to enter the Arkansas Peace Week Art and Essay Contests, open to grades 1-12. Contest winners will receive cash prizes, and selected entries will be featured at the Arkansas State Capitol this November. The deadline for submissions is September 27, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your creativity and share your message of peace!

Big Game Alert!
Parkview Patriots to Face Off Against
Bryant Hornets at War Memorial Stadium

The Parkview Patriots will take on the Bryant Hornets at War Memorial Stadium tonight, Friday, September 13, 2024, with kickoff at 7:00 PM. Gates open at 5:30 PM, and all tickets must be purchased online in advance through GoFan for $7. Fans should arrive early; no entry will be allowed after 8:00 PM. For more details, visit here.

Speaking of Sports...
LRSD Partners with GoFan for Ticketless 
Entry to Athletic Events

We're taking our ticket game to the next level! LRSD is teaming up with GoFan to provide a seamless, paperless experience at all athletic events. Fans can now purchase tickets online or on their phone by visiting GoFan.co, searching for their school, and selecting the event. Paper tickets will no longer be available for purchase at the events. See you at the games! Read more in this article.

Celebrate Grandparents Day with 
LRSD's Photo Sweepstakes

The Little Rock School District is excited to announce its Grandparents Day Sweepstakes, running from September 13 to September 27, 2024. To enter, simply snap a photo with your LRSD grandchild and upload it to our Facebook photo contest page at www.LRSD.org/2024-GRANDPARENTS. Grandparents with multiple grandchildren can submit multiple entries. Winners will be randomly selected so celebrate your special bond with us!

Broadway Sensation 'What the Constitution Means to Me' to Support LRSD Speech and Debate Teams

Heidi Schreck's groundbreaking play, What the Constitution Means to Me, is coming to the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church from September 11-21. This critically acclaimed production, which received two Tony Award nominations, humorously and poignantly explores the impact of the U.S. Constitution across generations of women. The play also supports LRSD speech and debate teams; using a unique school code at checkout will donate $5 to teams from Central High, Parkview High, Hall-West, and Pinnacle View Middle. The show is recommended for audiences familiar with PG-13 content and promises a deeply engaging and thought-provoking experience. Click here to get tickets.

You're Invited!
But Encouraged to Register First 
Click on the following link to learn more:  


Click on the following link to learn more:  https://tinyurl.com/lrsdb2sevent


Explore College-Level Learning with LRSD's Advanced Placement Program

The Little Rock School District offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program, allowing students to take college-level courses in high school. With 38 courses across 20 subjects, students can earn college credit by scoring 3 or higher on the national AP exams. AP classes not only provide academic challenges but also enhance college applications.

LRSD Supports Gifted & Talented 
Students Grades 6-12

LRSD continues supporting gifted and talented students beyond elementary school through advanced class offerings, monthly affective needs meetings, and competitions. For more information, contact your school's Gifted Facilitator or visit the LRSD Advanced Academics webpage.

LRSD Partners with UA Little Rock to 
Simplify College Admissions

The Little Rock School District is excited to announce a new partnership with UA Little Rock to streamline the college admissions process for our students. This collaboration offers waived application fees, direct transcript submissions, and automatic financial aid consideration, making it easier than ever for LRSD seniors to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Learn more about this fantastic opportunity here: https://ualr.edu/admissions.

In Other Partnership News: LRSD/UA-Little Rock Connection Also Means 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/

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

Experience the Magic of Peter Pan 
at Robinson Center

Peter Pan takes the stage at the Robinson Center this weekend, inviting families on a whimsical journey to Neverland. This new adaptation of the classic musical, featuring direction by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price and choreography by Lorin Latarro, promises to enchant audiences with beloved songs like "I’m Flying" and "I Won’t Grow Up." With its blend of adventure and timeless tunes, this high-flying show is perfect for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic — tickets are now on sale!

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 
Across the City - Starting This Weekend

There will be events happening all month to honor Hispanic Heritage Month! Beginning this Saturday, the public is invited to Fiesta de Independencia Hispana at Plaza Frida, the Hispanic Heritage Festival on September 21 at Argenta Plaza, Fiesta en SoMa on October 4 (see more in a post below), and the River Market Live! Hispanic Heritage Celebration on October 5! 🎶🥳

Discover the Magic of Books at the
2024 Six Bridges Book Festival

Dive into the world of literature at the 2024 Six Bridges Book Festival from September 22-29! This premier event, hosted by the Central Arkansas Library System, offers engaging workshops, vibrant parties, and opportunities to connect with authors. Explore new stories and celebrate the power of words at this must-attend literary festival. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Arkansas’s most exciting book celebration!

Fall Series of Jazz in the Park Continues Throughout the Month of September

Join the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for the Grand Opening of Stella Boyle Smith Music Center

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra invites the community to the grand opening of the Stella Boyle Smith Music Center on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The celebration includes a downtown parade, outdoor festivities, and a full lineup of free concerts starting at 11:00 a.m. Families can enjoy activities and performances throughout the day, with a special Masquerade Party in Morgan Hall in the evening. All events are free and open to the public.

North Little Rock Hosts Free 
Shred & Recycle Event

The 6th Annual North Little Rock Free Shred & Recycle Event is set for Saturday, September 21, from 9 AM to 12 PM at First Orion in Argenta. This event offers a convenient way to responsibly dispose of items like plastic and glass bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. Participants are encouraged to ensure bottles and cans are rinsed before recycling.

Get Excited for the Downtown 
Food Truck Festival!

The 13th Annual Downtown Food Truck Festival is set to bring even more excitement this year with a new location on Capitol Avenue. On Sunday, September 22nd, from 11 am to 6 pm, over 60 food trucks, vendors, and live music will line the streets, serving up delicious bites and good vibes. This year’s event, hosted by the Downtown Little Rock Partnership, promises a fun-filled day with an expanded kid zone and plenty of room to enjoy all the festival has to offer. Don't miss out on this local favorite—come hungry and ready to explore!

Fiesta en SoMa: Celebrate Latino Cultures with a 
Colorful Evening of Fun and Flavors

On Friday, October 4, 2024, from 4 to 9 p.m., Little Rock's SoMa neighborhood will come alive with Fiesta en SoMa. This lively event is a celebration of Latino cultures, featuring music, dance, art, and cuisine from various Latin American countries. Attendees can look forward to an exciting Tamale Taste-off, where competitors will vie for cash prizes. With amazing vendors, mouthwatering food, and entertainment for all ages, Fiesta en SoMa promises an unforgettable evening for the entire community.

Save the Date for the 2nd Annual Arkansas 
Tiny Desk Contest Showcase!

On Saturday, October 5th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, The Hall in Little Rock will host the 2nd Annual Arkansas Tiny Desk Contest Showcase. This exciting event will feature performances from Auralai, Sonder Ponder, and Mr. Orange, the top 3 favorites from the NPR Tiny Desk Contest. Tickets go on sale September 1st. Don’t miss out on celebrating the artistry of these talented Arkansas musicians!

Enjoy a Night of Jazz at Depaul USA's 
2nd Annual Evening of Jazz

Get ready for an evening of jazz on October 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Venue at Westwind. This exciting event will feature live performances by Grady Nichols Band, Rodney Block Collective, Jonathan Karrant Trio, and Cyrus Chestnut. All donations will support Depaul USA's programs in Arkansas. Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while soaking in the music — click here to buy tickets.

NAWIC Greater Little Rock Chapter Hosting a Block Kids Building Competition

Click here to register: https://5il.co/2vjvl.

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in 
Little Rock Through October 31

Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience is a 360º digital art exhibition inviting you to enter the universe of the Dutch genius Vincent van Gogh. This captivating experience, a previous winner of USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards, is brought to you by the organizers of a collection of widely successful exhibitions in cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. 

For Tickets: https://feverup.com/m/133055


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