Friday Highlights 7.8.22

July is National Parks Month

National Culinary Arts Month

National Ice Cream Month

National Picnic Month 

National Family Reunion Month

July 8 - Welcome Reception - Dr. Jermall Wright (Ticketed Event)

July 11 - Personnel Policy Committee Meeting @ 5:00 PM
July 14 - LRSD Agenda Meeting @5:30 PM

July 16 - ACT Test

LR Southwest Student and Teacher Participate in Arkansas All-Star Soccer Game

We are so proud of Little Rock Southwest teacher/soccer coach Garrick Moore, who was the East Team Head Coach, and Gryphon Scholar Eric Costilla, who was named to the  Arkansas  All-Star Team!

Mabelvale Elementary Highlighted by ADE for Its Awesome PLC Process

The Arkansas Department of Education recently recognized Mabelvale Elementary and its amazing Principal Kelecia Glover for the impact the PLC(Professional Learning Community) process has had on the students & staff.

Thanks to a City of Little Rock Partnership Three LRSD Schools et to Experience EAST

The partnership between the Little Rock School District and the City of Little Rock continues to reap big dividends. Washington, Mabelvale, and Stephens elementary schools will get to experience EAST as a result! EAST is an educational opportunity that combines service and technology to transform schools.  EAST programs encourage critical thinking and creative problem-solving by providing students with real-world experience.  We're excited to see the positive impact this partnership will bring these community schools.

LRCH Student Selected to Serve on AAA’s Big Red Student Advisory Council  

Join us in congratulating rising LRCH junior Mimi Abochale on being selected to serve on AAA's Big Red Student Advisory Council. She was 1 of 9 students selected in the entire state to serve. Congratulations Mimi, your LRSD family is extremely proud of you!

Important Mask Notification for LRSD Buildings Effective Monday, July 11, 2022

The Little Rock School District continues to follow CDC guidelines for all schools regarding COVID status.  Per procedures passed by the LRSD Board, because Pulaski County is now in the red zone in the number of COVID cases, beginning Monday morning – July 11th, masks WILL be required in all LRSD buildings.  Please remember that mask guidance notification is posted at the top of the District’s website each week, should you have questions about the status of masks.  Thank you for your continued support.

Be Sure to Mark Your Calendars for

 LRSD's Back-to-School Convocation

ESS/willSub Signup Meeting

Important Reminder

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would Like Featured in Our Blog?

Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?  

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

The Painted Pig Kids Art Workshops

2nd to 8th Grades

Under the Sea: July 11-15

Enchanted Forest: August 1-5

501-280-0553

Click Here for More Info

Fairy and Wizard Tea Party

Garvan Woodland Gardens

550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Magnolia Room | 3:00 

Children are the guests of honor at this mystical, fairy and wizard summer tea hosted by Garvan Woodland Gardens. Costumes ate encouraged but not required. Various teas and kid-friendly treats will be served. Click here for more details.

$15 for Children 

$36 for GWG Members

$40 for non-members

Pre-registration required | Please call (501) 262-9300 to register 

2nd Friday Art Night

2nd Friday Art Night

Downtown, Little Rock, AR

To highlight the incredible art, culture, and history of downtown Little Rock, several entities band together and host an after-hours art night every second Friday of the month. Regular hosts include Historic Arkansas Museum, Old State House Museum, UA Little Rock Downtown, Nexus Coffee & Creative, Bella Vita Jewelry, Central Arkansas Library System’s Bookstore, and Galleries at Library Square. 

Each month provides new themes and exhibits for people to explore, completely free of charge. As the area spans the Creative Corridor and River Market District, attendees are encouraged to visit several venues during the course of an evening - by car or on foot. Many locations provide refreshments, and downtown restaurants are equipped to satisfy any culture seeker's hunger.

A Work of Art 2022 Music Festival

Friday Highlights 7.1.22

 

July is National Parks Month

National Culinary Arts Month

National Ice Cream Month

National Picnic Month 

National Family Reunion Month

July 4 - Independence Day (Offices Closed)

July 8 - Welcome Reception - Dr. Jermall Wright (Ticketed Event)

July 11 - Personnel Policy Committee Meeting @ 5:00 PM
July 14 - LRSD Agenda Meeting @5:30 PM

July 16 - ACT Test

Happy Early Independence Day!

Join Us in Welcoming Dr. Wright to His Official First Day as LRSD Superintendent!

Today is dr. Wright's first day as LRSD Superintendent! While tickets to Dr. Wright's July 8th welcome reception are sold out, there are additional opportunities to meet LRSD's newest leader during the first two weeks of August. More info will be shared via LRSD's website, social media, ParentLink and traditional media partners. 

If you haven't yet, check out Dr. Wright's bio to learn more about our new Superintendent. Also, learn more about his 100 Day Plan to facilitate a smooth transition as we enter a new chapter together. 

 Little Rock Southwest Welcomes New Principal

The Little Rock School Board approved the selection of Mr. Xavier Hodo, Sr. as the new interim principal of Little Rock Southwest High School. Hodo will succeed Marvin Burton who is transitioning to a new role in the District as an Administrator on Special Assignment. 

Hodo has more than 14 years of experience as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. During his tenure, Greenville High improved its four-year graduation rate from 47% to 73%, increasing the accountability rating and preventing the school from maintaining a failing designation. His accomplishments also led to his distinction as Administrator of the Year for Greenville Public School District, and a Top 20 Under 40 professional in Mississippi by the Delta Democrat-Times.

Hodo received his undergraduate degree in Social Science Education from Delta State University and a Master’s and Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College. He is currently in the dissertation phase of his doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Belhaven University. 

Upon final approval/clearance of Arkansas Educator Licensure requirements, Hodo will begin working at LRSD on July 1, 2022. He is currently serving as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Alternative Education in the Mississippi Achievement School District

U.S. Secretary of Labor Tours Little Rock Central High 

This past Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh toured Little Rock Central High alongside Mayor Frank Scott, new LRSD Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright, outgoing LRSD Superintendent Mike Poore, and Principal Nancy Rousseau. We're so happy that Secretary Walsh decided to stop by the historic Little Rock Central High during his visit in Little Rock. 

LRSD Students Named NHSCA Academic All Americans Honorable Mention Honoree

The National High School Coaches Association announced its 2021-2022 Academic All Americans. Please join us in congratulating the following LRSD student-athletes on this amazing achievement:

Josiah Hildreth Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Makhi Mohammed Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Jaelynn Singleton Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Jashod Williams Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Tisha Auld          Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School        AR

Mya Dukes         Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Liiianna Worthen Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Taniece Johnson Sophomore Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Na'Kiya Millen Sophomore Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Ashton Jones         Junior         Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Lilly Hutchinson Senior         Little Rock Central High School         AR

Jonathan Worrell Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School AR

Jalen Waits         Freshman Little Rock Southwest High School AR

All Three Pulaski Heights Middle School Teams Perform Well at National FBLA Conference

Join us in sending a huge congratulations to the three Pulaski Heights Middle School teams who advanced to finals at the National Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Student Leadership Conference in Chicago! We are so proud of this group of students. 

Be Sure to Mark Your Calendars for
 LRSD's Back-to-School Convocation

Support LRSD Excel's Chapter of Educators Rising in the 2022 Summer Cereal Drive

LRSD Excel’s chapter of Educators Rising is participating in the 2022 Summer Cereal Drive hosted by KTHV11 and the Arkansas Foodbank. We would like your support in making the efforts of Educators Rising successful. If you would like to donate, you may click the link below, which goes directly to the Foodbank. You may also contribute cereal in boxes, cereal in bags or cereal bars. A drop-off box is located in the lobby of the LRSD administration building, 810 W. Markham. For more information about LRSD’s participation, please contact LaDonna.Oates@lrsd.org. Thanks for your support.

Donation Form: (donorperfect.net)

Deadline Reminder - July 7th

ESS/willSub Signup Meeting

Important Reminder

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would Like Featured in Our Blog?

Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?  

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

The 38th Annual Pops on the River is Back Another Year!

Mon, July 4, 2022, 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM

First Security Amphitheater

400 President Clinton Ave

Little Rock , AR 72205

Maumelle Parks and Recreation Presents: 4th Fest Parade

Independence Day Family Celebration

Saturday, Jul 2, 2022 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm

Sherwood Forest

1111 West Maryland Avenue

Sherwood, AR 72120

Schedule:

6:00pm - 8:00pm: Music

Musician Jack Seabaugh

6:00pm - 8:30pm: Kids Zone

Bounce Houses and Other Activities

Dusk: Fireworks

Enjoy the Fireworks Display at Dusk. Fireworks may also be visible from parking lots along the Hwy. 107 and West Maryland Ave. corridors.

6:00pm - 9:30pm: Food Trucks

Purchase a variety of food sold by food trucks. Free Water Provided by Bank OZK.

6:00pm - 10:30pm: Shuttle Service

Limited parking available on site. Free Shuttles from Sylvan Hills High School parking lot near 508 Bear Paw Road. Shuttles will pause 15 minutes before fireworks. Provided by First Baptist Church of Sherwood; Wheelchair-Accessible Shuttle Provided by City of Sherwood.

A Work of Art 2022 Music Festival

Friday Highlights 6.24.22

June is National Safety Month

National Pride Month

Men's Health Month

African-American Music Appreciation Month 

National Caribbean American Month

National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

July 4 - Independence Day (Offices Closed)

July 8 - Welcome Reception - Dr. Jermall Wright (See below for more details)

July 11 - Personnel Policy Committee Meeting @ 5:00 PM
July 14 - LRSD Agenda Meeting @5:30 PM

July 16 - ACT Test

Who Said Summer School Was Boring?!

The 3-week 21st Century War Eagle Summer Camp just wrapped up, but not before K-12 students expanded their horizons, exploring music, robotics, mountain biking cooking, math and more.  Special shout out to team leaders at Hall STEAM Magnet High School and Forest Heights STEM Academy for making it happen - Ms. Candy Smith, site coordinator,  and Ms. Tyronza Thames-Walker, program director.  

Welcome to LRSD and Administration!

                             

Xavier Hodo, Sr.                                 Dannisha Stroud

LRSD's Board of Education approved the selection of Xavier Hodo, Sr., as interim principal at Little Rock Southwest High School.  Hodo will succeed  Mr. Marvin Burton who has been tapped to serve as LRSD's Administrator on Special Assignment.  A 14-year educator, Hodo began his administrative career at the age of  24, serving as the youngest 6A principal at Greenville High School, the city's largest, with 1,600 students.  He currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Alternative Education in the Mississippi Achievement School District.  

A nearly 20-year educator, Ms. Dannisha Stroud has been named principal at Stephens Elementary following the departure of Mr. Phillip Carlock.  Carlock was recently selected as deputy superintendent for Pine Bluff School District.  Stroud is a certified PK-12 Building Level Administrator and has worked in the  District since 2005.  She began her career as an elementary teacher and since that time has served as a math interventionist, college/career readiness coach, K-8 facilitator, assistant principal, and athletic director.

Elsewhere at LRSD:

 Principal Wendy Minor moves from Otter Creek to King Elementary
Former Meadowcliff Principal Cynthia Collins transitions to Otter Creek as Interim Principal

Former Bale Principal Roxie Browning transitions to JA Fair as Assistant Principal 

Bale Principal TBA

Congratulations!

Need a Good Summer Read For
Your Student(s)?

Nyah Anderson Has a Recommendation!

FHSA 1st grader Nyah Anderson strongly recommends reading "Hoops - Digging Deep." Nyah says if you ever need a lesson on what it means to be a team player, pick up this book for your students!  Right now, you can hear more from Nyah on LRSD's Facebook page, but next week, her interview with LRSD Executive Director for Elementary Education, Mr. Darian Smith on our YouTube channel  For easy access:  www.lrsdlive.com

Juneteenth Arkansas Festival Recap

Last Saturday, the Little Rock School District participated in the Juneteenth Arkansas Festival. The holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Most also take the opportunity to celebrate African American culture and its contributions to society. 

LRSD Professional Development Director Celebrated Following Completion of  Leadership Greater Little Rock Class XXXVII

Please join us in congratulating LRSD professional Development Director Dr. Ericka McCarroll on being selected as a member of Leadership Greater Little Rock's (LGLR) 37th class. LGLR was established in 1985 and is a nine-month community leadership program committed to enhancing and connecting leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and government. We are so proud of Dr. McCarroll for her commitment and for leading by example. 

LRCH Coach Featured in 2022 Arkansas Business 20 In Their 20s Edition

Join us in also sending a huge congratulations to LRCH basketball coach Caleb Surly on being selected as one of this year's Arkansas Business 20 In Their 20s! Each year, a group of young, talented leaders in Arkansas' business and nonprofit community are recognized for making an impact and displaying leadership qualities in their communities. 

Mann Magnet Teacher Receives Project Learning Tree's Leadership in Education Award

Horace Mann Magnet Middle teacher Jackie Scott was recently awarded Project Learning Tree's Leadership in Education Award. We are so proud of Ms. Scott for her latest achievement and ask our LRSD family to join us in sending her a huge congratulations. 

Three 2022 Grads Benefit from Veteran Educator's Longstanding Tradition of
Gifting $2 Bills

A Little Rock School District teacher's kindness, beginning with the simple act of gifting two-dollar bills, has multiplied in ways she never imagined.  Following Nona Whittaker's retirement ceremony -  50-plus years with LRSD - district officials surprised the educator by awarding not one, but three scholarships in her name.  Watch the video to see more on this inspirational story, then read more about how Nona Whittaker started the generous tradition, in her own words.

Be Sure to Mark Your Calendars for a Few Important Upcoming Events 

Welcome Reception for New LRSD Supt. Dr. Jermall Wright

Due to space limitations, this is a ticketed event.  More info, including dates for additional meet-and-greets/community meetings, will be shared via LRSD's website, social media, ParentLink and traditional media partners.

LRSD Back-to-School Convocation

Support LRSD Excel's Chapter of Educators Rising in the 2022 Summer Cereal Drive

LRSD Excel’s chapter of Educators Rising is participating in the 2022 Summer Cereal Drive hosted by KTHV11 and the Arkansas Foodbank. We would like your support in making the efforts of Educators Rising successful. If you would like to donate, you may click the link below, which goes directly to the Foodbank. You may also contribute cereal in boxes, cereal in bags or cereal bars. A drop-off box is located in the lobby of the LRSD administration building, 810 W. Markham. For more information about LRSD’s participation, please contact LaDonna.Oates@lrsd.org. Thanks for your support.

Donation Form: (donorperfect.net)

Deadline Reminder - July 7th

Important Reminder

Do You Have an Event/Information You Would Like Featured in Our Blog?

Fill out this media request form: https://lrsd.jotform.com/201056269402044?  

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

CALS Count Up Summer Stem 

June 27 @ 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Children’s Library

4800 W 10th St

Little Rock, AR. 72204

501-978-3870

CALS' Count Up tutors will be offering hands-on math themed activities this summer. They are inviting you to join whether you’re a math whiz or not: no proficiency level required.

Grades K-3 from 1-2:30pm, Grades 4-8 from 3-4:30pm

Songs of Freedom: Stories from the Civil Rights Movement

Join the Jazz Ambassadors at LRCH National Historic Site for a FREE jazz concert this Friday, June 24 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. 

CALS Kids Bee club

June 28 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Children’s Library

4800 W 10th St

Little Rock, AR. 72204

501-978-3870

Meet at the observation hive inside Children’s Library to learn about our friends the bees! Activities include going outside to explore the world of the honey bee and other pollinators. Space is limited to 12 participants. Sign up at the desk or call Patrice at 501-978-3878.

48th Annual Farmers Market Offers Tasty Locally Grown Options

Don't forget you can pick up some delicious local favorites from the downtown Farmers Market at the
 River Market