Friday, September 20, 2024

Friday Highlights 9.20.24

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 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
October 2: School Custodian Appreciation Day

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at LRSD
From September 15 to October 15, the Little Rock School District honors Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the rich culture, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. This month serves as a reminder of the diversity that strengthens our schools and enhances our learning environment, celebrating the unique stories and achievements of our students, families, and staff.
Got What It Takes?
Check Out Great Opportunity Below:


"Listening Tour" and Town Hall Meetings
Kick Off Across LRSD -
Make Plans to Attend the Session of Your Choice

This week, LRSD launched its "Listening Tour" and Town Hall Conversations, starting with discussions at Wakefield Elementary and Southwest High. These meetings are an opportunity for the community to engage with board members and provide feedback on key topics like the school year calendar, cell phone policies, and strategic planning. There’s still time to participate in upcoming sessions! Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of our district!  The next meeting will be co-hosted by Zone 7 Board member Norma Johnson and City Director Virgil Miller tomorrow at Dunbar Community Center - 10 a.m.  


Dunbar Magnet Middle and 
McDermott Elementary Join LRSD's 
Community Schools Network

LRSD and city leaders celebrated the expansion of the Community Schools program with the addition of Dunbar Magnet Middle School and McDermott Elementary School. These schools join six others in providing wraparound services that support student health and learning. This expansion reflects the district’s commitment to addressing the unique needs of students and families across the city. A big thank you to the City of Little Rock and our dedicated Community School Coordinators, who are being honored this week for National Community School Coordinator Appreciation Week!


Mabelvale Middle School's Community School Program Seen in Action This Week 
Providing Free Haircuts

Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright visited Mabelvale Middle School this week and witnessed their Community School program in action. Each month, barbers from Legendary Institute, Washington Barber College, and Goodfellas Barbershop volunteer to give free haircuts to students during lunchtime. Beyond haircuts, the barbers connect with students by shooting hoops and checking their well-being. Thank you for supporting our students!

LRSD Staff Named Finalists in
Mosaic Templars Trailblazers Awards

Marquis Cooper from Carver Elementary and Marcus Johnson from Parkview High School have been named Top 30 finalists in the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s 2nd Annual Trailblazers Awards. This honor recognizes individuals making a positive impact in their communities. The awards ceremony will take place on September 20th.

Nonviolence Youth Summit Inspires Students at Little Rock Southwest High School




Hosted by the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, the 2024 Nonviolence Youth Summit kicked off at Little Rock Southwest High School this week. The event featured several speakers throughout the day, including R&B legend Johnny Gill, actor Romeo, social media sensation Famous Amos, local singer Mac Royals, and Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson, Sr., who shared music or messages of courage and peace. Students were encouraged to embrace nonviolence as a way of life, inspired by the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event served as a reminder of the importance of standing up for justice through peaceful actions.
LRSD's Pamela Smith and Dr. Frederick Fields Honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards

Ms. Pamela Smith and Dr. Frederick Fields of the Little Rock School District were recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Arkansas MLK Jr. Commission. The awards were presented during the Nonviolence Youth Summit. Congratulations to both of you!

Little Rock Central High School Shines at "Hometown Fridays" Celebration

This morning, Little Rock Central High School took center stage at Community Bakery with THV11 for Hometown Fridays! The event brought together cheerleaders, dancers, flag line members, alumni, students, and staff for a spirited celebration ahead of tonight's game. It was a fantastic time for all involved! BTW, thanks to Community Bakery for hosting the Tigers and Happy 77th Birthday, Community Bakery!

LRSD Fall 2024 Back-to-School Bash: A Resounding Success!

The LRSD Fall 2024 Back-to-School Bash was a fantastic success, with many families attending and enjoying the festivities. Families participated in various activities, including receiving school supplies, haircuts, and health screenings. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this day memorable!

Washington Elementary Celebrates Arkansas Peace Week, Students Encouraged to Enter Contests

This week, Washington Elementary participated in Arkansas Peace Week by holding a peace walk, emphasizing the importance of love and kindness in everyday life. In addition, LRSD students are encouraged to enter the Art and Essay Contests for a chance to win cash prizes and have their work showcased at the Arkansas State Capitol. The deadline for submissions is September 27, 2024.

LRSD Students Encouraged to Register to Vote on National Voter Registration Day

On National Voter Registration Day, students at Little Rock Central High School welcomed members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the LR NAACP. At Hall-West High School of Innovation, members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Pi Lambda Chapter engaged with students to facilitate voter registration. These events emphasized the importance of civic engagement and encouraged students to take an active role in their democracy. Thank you to all the organizations involved for their commitment to empowering our future voters.

Terry Elementary Hosts a Wildlife Assembly 
with Carolina Critters

Terry Elementary students enjoyed a thrilling morning with Carolina Critters. Students learned about various animals, their unique features, and the habitats they call home. The interactive experience sparked curiosity and fostered a love for nature. It was a memorable event that left students excited about the wonders of the animal kingdom!


Happy National Security Officer 
Appreciation Week

LRSD Offers Support for Families in Transition

If your a family in transition, whether staying with friends, in a shelter, motel, or other temporary locations, your child may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act. LRSD provides resources like immediate school enrollment, transportation, and educational support to help ensure your child’s uninterrupted learning. For assistance, contact one of our liaisons or complete the Residency Form.

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.

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/

ONE KOREAN to Host 8th Annual
Scholarship Banquet

ONE KOREAN, led by Chang Heon Lee, will host its 8th Annual Scholarship Banquet later this year. Since 2017, the organization has awarded scholarships to 146 students, totaling $146,000. This year, the goal is to provide scholarships to 30 more students while continuing donations to local Korean schools and community members in need.

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

Bike with a Cop Event Promotes Bicycle Safety 
and Positive Connections

Join the Little Rock Police Department for the "Bike with a Cop" event on October 5th, from 9 AM to 11 AM at the 12th Street Police Sub-Station. This fun community gathering encourages positive relationships between local youth and law enforcement while focusing on bicycle safety. Register your child today to receive a free reconditioned bike.

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! ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿฅณ

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

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 360ยบ 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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