Little Rock Central High School’s wrestling program is celebrating major statewide recognition! Laila Jordan and Markita Harper were named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s AR Preps Wrestling Team, which honors the top wrestlers across all classifications in Arkansas. Laila Jordan was also named Female Wrestler of the Year, and Central’s coach, Aaron Butler, received the title of AR Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year. Congratulations to these outstanding athletes and their coach on this incredible achievement!
Students from Little Rock Central High School’s journalism program earned top honors at the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association State Convention held April 5 at Bryant High School. Representing all three of Central’s award-winning student publications—The Tiger newspaper, Labyrinth literary magazine, and The Pix yearbook—students took home dozens of awards for writing, photography, design, and multimedia storytelling. Several entries were named “Best of ASPA,” and the newspaper, also swept the Arkansas Press Women contests. Congratulations to all the students and advisers for their outstanding achievements!
Pulaski Heights Middle School had an outstanding showing at the Arkansas Middle Level FBLA State Leadership Conference. All competing teams placed in the top 10, with several advancing to Nationals. PHMS was also recognized as the largest local chapter in the state, and 24 students earned LEAD award certificates. Congratulations to our Panthers on their hard work and success!
Parkview High’s choir students represented their school with pride at the Arkansas State Choral Festival on at the University of Central Arkansas. The Advanced Treble Chorus, Lab Singers, and Madrigals received Superior Division I ratings and earned the coveted Sweepstakes award, while the Tenor/Bass Chorus received an Excellent Division II rating. A special shoutout to senior Aniya Foster, who was awarded the Gary & Myra Morris Choral Excellence Scholarship after earning a spot in the All-State Choir all four years. Way to go!
The Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy Lions made history by winning the championship in their very first soccer season. With a hard-fought 2-1 victory, the team remained undefeated and showed incredible teamwork, determination, and school pride. Congratulations to the Lions on an unforgettable season!
The Little Rock School District is proud to announce that four outstanding students will be recognized at the upcoming Delta Presents Awards. Hosted by the Little Rock Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this event celebrates academic excellence and leadership. Congratulations to Omarai Williams, Nicolas Collier, Cohen Hughes (Southwest High), and Collin Sproles (Central High) on this well-deserved honor!
LRSD seniors from Central, Southwest, Hall, Parkview, and Metro took a major step toward their futures during the Be Pro Be Proud Draft Day at Arkansas Virtual Academy. This hands-on hiring event connected students with top employers like Union Pacific, Baptist Health, and Central Arkansas Water. With resumes in hand and confidence in tow, our students showcased their professionalism and readiness for life after graduation.
Several LRSD educators and support staff were honored at the State Board of Education meeting as recipients of the 2025 MLK Service in Education Awards. Presented by the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, these awards recognize individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, dedication, and service in their schools and communities. Honorees were selected based on community nominations and reflect Dr. King’s vision of servant leadership and educational excellence.
Over 70 professionals from across Central Arkansas visited all LRSD middle schools as part of the Career Speaker Series, hosted by the LRSD CTE Department in partnership with Junior Achievement of Arkansas. Eighth-grade students had the opportunity to explore future careers, gain real-world insights, and hear inspiring stories directly from industry leaders. Special thanks to the incredible volunteers for helping to prepare our students to be future-ready!
Hamilton School recently completed a full-scale Code Adam Drill with the support of the Little Rock Fire Department, Police Department, and MEMS to maintain its status as an Arkansas Heart Safe School. The drill, which takes place every two years, ensures the school’s Cardiac Emergency Response Team is prepared to respond quickly to any cardiac event. With CPR-certified staff ready at a moment’s notice, Hamilton continues to prioritize the health and safety of its students and staff.
LRSD is committed to providing students with more choices to help them thrive. From innovative career and technical programs to strong academics and arts, LRSD is opening doors to a brighter future. Watch our new video to see how LRSD is preparing students for success—no matter their path!
This morning, the Little Rock School District hosted the Youth Business Entrepreneurial Expo at LR Central High School's Eddie Boone-Oliver Fitzpatrick Fieldhouse. Students showcased their creativity and innovation, marketing and selling products they've designed and created. The event highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of our young minds, offering them a platform to shine and connect with the community.
LRSD students from Metro Career Tech and Pinnacle View Middle School also had their talent on display at the Jolt Cyber Challenge. Competing against over 100 professionals and college students, Central High’s team earned an Honorable Mention for their impressive performance in the physical challenges, while PVMS 8th grader Anay Pandit was recognized as “Most Likely to Fulfill the CEO’s Vision.”
This week, LRSD proudly celebrates Assistant Principals Week by recognizing the hard work, leadership, and dedication of our incredible assistant principals. Their support helps students thrive, teachers succeed, and schools run smoothly every day. Thank you, APs!
The Men of Mabelvale Gentlemen’s Club from Mabelvale Middle School recently visited Colonel Glenn Nursing and Rehab Center for a day of connection and learning. Guided by teachers, students engaged with residents through games, conversations, and birthday celebrations. The visit also included career insights from staff, encouraging students to think about their futures and the steps to success.
Every child deserves access to books that spark imagination and inspire a lifelong love of reading. That’s the focus of the Reading in the Rock initiative, combined with improving literacy rates - in partnership with the City of Little Rock. The goal is to provide elementary students with books over spring break and into the summer, helping to build home libraries and prevent the summer slide. The community is encouraged to help us provide more books by making a financial donation. No amount is too small—every contribution helps put books in the hands of our students. Thank you in advance for your support!
here is the kickoff news conference:
or Mail a check to:
The Arkansas Community Foundation
5 Allied Drive, Suite 51110, Building 5, 11th Floor
Little Rock, AR 72202
(Memo: "LRSD Promise for the Future Fund")
A huge thank you to the University of Arkansas Panhellenic community for donating books to every student at Terry Elementary! Thanks to this generous partnership, students will head into summer with new books to enjoy and grow their love of reading.
There’s still time to submit for the Little Rock PTA Council awards and student contest—entries are now due by Friday, April 11th (except scholarships). Don’t miss this chance to honor outstanding students, teachers, and PTA units! 🎉 Submit to council.lrpta@gmail.com.
The LRSD Professional Development Department invites YOU to join the April STRESS-LESS Challenge! This month, prioritize self-care and wellness with daily tips and activities designed to help you de-stress. The April Stress-Less Challenge Calendar is filled with daily ideas to keep you on track, PLUS Flex PD sessions focused on wellness! Let’s make April a month of mindfulness, movement, and motivation. Together, we can stress less!
Through Arkansas School Choice
Looking for a school district where your child can thrive from infancy through graduation? It’s ONE-STOP shopping at the Little Rock School District! From award-winning academics and cutting-edge STEM programs to championship-winning athletics and vibrant arts opportunities—LRSD has it all!
Join the One Team, One Dream movement and discover why LRSD is the best choice for your family. School Choice Enrollment is happening now through May 1st! Don’t wait—explore your options at LRSD and secure your seat today for the kind of programs you WON’T find anywhere else!
Visit our website or call us at 501-447-2950 to learn more. More opportunities for kids, it’s what sets Little Rock School District apart!
School Choice applications are now open for LRSD’s award-winning Early Childhood Program! Our Pre-K programs offer certified teachers, age-appropriate learning activities, and full-day sessions that include breakfast, snacks, and lunch. Families living outside the district can apply through the Arkansas School Choice Act. Visit LRSD.org/Pre-K to apply by May 1, 2025, and give your child a strong start!
Looking for a flexible, innovative learning option? The LRSD Virtual Academy offers rigorous, guided, and independent learning experiences. Students can explore a variety of electives, join extracurricular activities, and even participate in sports. Apply through the Arkansas School Choice Act by May 1, 2025, at LRSD.org/virtual!
The Little Rock School District invites non-profits to join as Community Service-Learning partners. With community service hours now a graduation requirement for Arkansas high school students, LRSD aims to connect students with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Non-profit organizations can apply to become approved partners, allowing students to support their events and initiatives. Apply today at lrsd.org/community-service-learning or contact Stefanie Vestal at Stefanie.Vestal@lrsd.org for more information.
ESS is now hiring substitute teachers to help support student success in the Little Rock School District. With flexible schedules, no nights or weekends, and ongoing training, ESS offers great opportunities for those looking to make a difference. Apply now at ESS.com!
If you are 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.
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 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.
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.
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/
Families are invited to the Arkansas Authors’ Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the UCA Wingate Center for Fine and Performing Arts. Hosted by the Youth Advocate Resource Network (YARN), this free event celebrates 40 years of promoting literacy with author meet-and-greets, multicultural books, art demonstrations, giveaways, and more. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a day of reading, learning, and fun for all ages!
Mark your calendar for the Central Arkansas Child Care & Family Expo on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock. This free, family-friendly event brings together early childhood professionals, families, and community partners for a day full of crafts, activities, educational sessions, and valuable resources. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the joy of learning and connect with local support services!
Hadestown, the Tony Award-winning musical, is coming to Little Rock’s Robinson Center from April 25-27, 2025. This stunning production brings to life the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone with an innovative blend of folk, jazz, blues, and gospel music. Known for its powerful storytelling and mesmerizing performances, Hadestown takes audiences on a journey to the underworld that is both timeless and fresh. Don’t miss this chance to experience one of the most celebrated musicals of our time right here in Little Rock. Get your tickets today for a night of unforgettable theater!
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Join Ballet Arkansas on April 26th for a magical performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, set to Felix Mendelssohn’s iconic score. Experience Shakespeare’s timeless tale of love, mischief, and enchanted forests brought to life by a community cast of talented dancers. Don’t miss this beautiful display of romance, comedy, and magic. Get tickets here.
Wrap up National Volunteer Week by giving back to Little Rock at Impact The Rock: A Day of Unity & Service on April 26, 2025, at 9 A.M.! Join neighbors and friends to beautify parks, clean up streets, care for animals, and strengthen our city through meaningful projects across all seven wards. Whether you join a planned project, create your own, or work in your adopted area, your efforts will make a lasting impact. Let’s come together to serve, connect, and celebrate the power of community!
Join the Little Rock community for Jazz in the Park, a free concert series held every Wednesday in April and September at the River Market Pavilions. Experience a vibrant mix of jazz and R&B performances by local talent, featuring everything from smooth vocals to powerful instrumental solos. Bring your family, friends, and pets for a relaxed evening of great music, food, and drinks. With proceeds benefiting the Art Porter Music Education scholarship fund, it's a perfect way to enjoy soulful sounds while supporting local artists.
April 16 – Jacksonville High School Jazz Band, Parkview High School Jazz Band, Southwest High School Jazz Band
April 23 – Dino D and the D Train
April 30 – DeeDee Jones
May 7 – The Rod P Outfit
Concerts run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the River Market Pavilions or First Security Amphitheater. In case of rain, the concerts will move to Ottenheimer River Market Hall.
Join us for 501FEST, a vibrant celebration of the spirit and energy that powers our community! On May 2-3rd in the River Market District, 501FEST brings together families and friends for an exciting weekend of live performances, local vendors, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. This annual festival, recognized as 501 Day by city officials, not only showcases local talent and entrepreneurship but also supports positive change in central Arkansas.
