Friday, August 13, 2021

Friday Highlights 8.13.21

August is National Back to School Month
National Sandwich Month
National Catfish Month
International Peace Month
August 16 - First Day of School and Dads Take Your Child To School Day
August 19 - Special Board Meeting @5:30 p.m.
August 21 - Celebrate Back to School at Little Rock Southwest High School Part II (See below)
August 26 - LRSD Board Meeting @ 5:30 p.m.

Dads Take Your Child To School Facebook Photo Contest!



Calling all dads! Snap a photo with you and your current LRSD student(s) during the first week of school and upload it between August 16-27 for a chance to win! Dads of all students, both in person and digital, are eligible to participate! Happy sharing! 


Important Ignite Update


Application Deadline for IGNITE Digital Academy or request to return to in-person instruction following initial IGNITE application:  August 15th!   As a reminder, students enrolling in IGNITE will be required to stay in the program for a minimum of one semester. 

Back-to-School Convocation Photo Recap!

LRSD employees were welcomed back to the 2021-22 school year with the annual Convocation.  Virtual again this year, the celebration featured student and staff speakers, LRSD's 2021 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Colton Gilbert, music performances by our talented students - and of course, lots of prizes! A huge thank you to everyone who played a role in making this event a success, including sponsors:  LREA, RMI along with Supt. Mike Poore and wife, Mrs. Marianne Poore.

 



  

Bobby Portis Foundation Hosts its Annual Bobby Portis Foundation Weekend!


LRSD and LR Hall Alum Bobby Portis and the Bobby Portis Foundation are back with the 2nd Annual Bobby Portis Foundation Weekend! To register for events go to www.bobbyportis.com. Spaces are limited so first come, first served. Please visit the Bobby Portis Foundation's Instagram for more details!

Stephens Back to School Community Site Drive-Thru!


Celebrate Back-to-School with LRSD and United Arkansas!

Little Rock Southwest High School
9715 Mabelvale Pike (OFF 1-30 HWY)
Little Rock, AR  72103

LRSD and United Arkansas will be hosting a 2nd dose COVID-19 vaccination clinic at LR Southwest High on August 21, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. First doses will also be available with advance registration! In addition to the administration of vaccinations, applications will also be accepted for the EBT/SNAP program, early childhood registration, and much more! Please come out and participate, we can't wait to see you!  Meantime, check out pictures from the 1st dose vaccination clinic held on July 31st! 




Register: https://bit.ly/regforbts or CALL: 479-763-2822

Peace Week Youth Art and Essay Contest! 

Please visit www.arkansaspeaceweek.com for SEVERAL additional Peace Week events! 

LRCH Tiger Academy was a Success!


Little Rock Central High held its summer 2021 Tiger Academy and it was a success! The popular program was held in 2 separate sessions from 9am until noon each day. It gives students new to Central the opportunity to socialize with their peers and get a jump start on being a new Central Tiger. Most importantly, Tiger Academy teaches students how to be a successful high school student. The program sets students up to have a strong foundation as they enter the new school year. We are so excited that LRCH was able to host yet another successful Tiger Academy this summer and we're wishing you all an amazing and safe upcoming school year! Go Tigers! 

Introducing SchoolCash Online - A New Platform for School Fees and Items


Little Rock School District is switching from OSP to SchoolCash Online for all school items and activity fees, including insurance, spirit wear, fieldtrips, donations, etc. SchoolCash Online will help our school district in many ways: parents can manage all school fees and items for their students in one location and have the convenience of a secure online payment platform, and the schools will improve safety and reduce risk by minimizing cash and check payments at our schools

We encourage all parents to register now, so you’ll be ready to make online payments as our schools add more items to the catalog. Registering for SchoolCash Online is free and easy. Create an account today!


Important Update for Central High National Historic Site Visitor Center

As a result of the elevated risks related to the COVID-19 virus, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site visitor center will temporarily close to the public beginning Saturday, August 7, 2021. No public access to the visitor center, exhibits, park interpretive film, restrooms, or Jefferson National Parks Association bookstore will be allowed. 
 
No public/in-person programming will be conducted during this facility closure; all scheduled ranger-guided tours and streetscape tours are cancelled for the foreseeable future. The site’s commemorative garden, the Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench, waysides outside the visitor center and the front grounds at Central High School will still be accessible to the public; Central High School is a functioning high school and unauthorized access is not permitted. 

Please use the park’s website (nps.gov/chsc) and the National Park Service Mobile App (nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm) to assist you during this facility closure. We will keep you updated on any changes via our website and our social media accounts (@CentralHighNPS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram).  

CALS Little Rock Children's Business Fair

September 18 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Williams Library
1800 Chester Street
Little Rock, AR. 72206

Experience young minds marketing, selling, counting money, and feeling accomplished! Come be a shopper and help Little Rock’s young entrepreneurs launch their business.

CALS What'chu Eatin' Wednesdays


August 18 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Central Arkansas Library System
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR. 72201

The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square has a tasty new reason to visit Library Square – What’chu Eatin’ Wednesdays! There will be a different food truck every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until sold out). After you've enjoyed a delicious lunch, CALS invites you to take a quick lunchtime stroll through the galleries or browse the shelves of the bookstore. Things are slowly opening back up and CALS is ready to see you!

Bright Cub - Family Friendly Night at Painting with a Twist 


Sat, Aug 28, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Painting with a Twist
400 N Bowman Rd Ste 32
Little Rock, AR 72211

While Painting with a Twist welcomes painters of any age, this painting is recommended for ages 6 & up. Adults, don't be shy! Family Friendly classes are not just for kids! These classes are often made up of groups of kids and adults, so come join the pARTy!

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Friday, August 6, 2021

 

August is National Back to School Month

National Sandwich Month

National Catfish Month

International Peace Month 


August 7-8 - Tax-free Weekend
August 9    - LRSD Back-to-School Convocation 8:30-9:30 a.m.
                   - 
Extension of Debt Town Hall - Parkview Magnet High School @5:30
August 12  - LRSD Board Agenda Meeting (Public Comment)
 

Important IGNITE Update


LRSD Continues to Evolve with the Times with its Ignite Digital Academy Launch! During the height of the pandemic LRSD had to adapt to the digital learning landscape in order to best meet the needs of the families and students it serves. Last school year, plenty of students thrived learning virtually and we would like to continue to provide and maximize that option for them. 

Due to substantial increased interest by students and parents in IGNITE, all parents enrolling their students after August 7, 2021, midnight, will be placed on a waiting list so LRSD may make staffing adjustments to accommodate students.  Students on the waiting list will be notified and reassigned as staffing adjustments are made.  Meantime, if a family selected IGNITE and wishes to return to in-person instruction, they may also contact IGNITE staff to inform them of the desire to return to the classroom.  August 15, 2021 still remains the deadline for enrollment.  As a reminder, students enrolling in IGNITE will be required to stay in the program for a minimum of one semester. 


Welcome to the Family, New LRSD Employees! 







LRSD hosted a New Employee Orientation today at LR Southwest High School.  The District is proud to welcome approximately 200 new certified and classified staff.  Special thanks to Principal Marvin Burton and team for hosting.

That's Not All for LR Southwest
More than 1,000 attended the Back-to-School Celebration jointly hosed by LRSD and Arkansas United.  Over 500 backpacks were given away, and most importantly, approximately 200 students/parents rolled up their sleeves for theCOVID-19 vaccine!
Special "SO to siblings, Aurion and Zion (Mabelvale Middle), along with their mom, Tray Brooks who received the vaccine as family.  

More Cause to Celebrate

Following Saturday's back-to-school event, the LRSD "All City" Band joined forces with Art Porter Music Education, Inc. (APME) for a concert featuring current and former students.  The non-profit APME awards scholarships to deserving seniors.  This year's recipient was LRCH's own Tania Kelley, aka to American Idol fans as "Nia Renee."  Tania also performed at the event.  
Back-to-School Convocation
LRSD #UnitedbythePowerofUS 

LRSD employees will be welcomed back to the 2021-22 school year with the annual Convocation.  Virtual again this year, the celebration will feature student and staff speakers, LRSD's 2021 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Colton Gilbert, music performances by our talented students, including Nia Renee - and of course, lots of door prizes!


Last Town Hall Meeting of Series Planned for this
Monday at Parkview
Scenes from Earlier Meetings
LR Southwest

LR Hall
LR West at Pinnacle View
LR Central
These Town Hall discussions are designed to share LRSD's proposed list of projects and gather public input regarding a proposed extension of debt.  

LRSD Board Votes to Pursue Lawsuit 
to Reinstate Mask Mandate
Earlier this week, LRSD's Board voted to pursue legal action to overturn Act 1002 governing the wearing of masks. Friday, Judge Tim Fox granted a temporary injunction while the case is being heard. Meantime, the LRSD Board will further discuss and outline next steps at a meeting this Thursday, August 12th at 5:30 p.m.  The public may watch the meeting on LRSD's YouTube channel: www.lrsdlive.com and provide public comment, using this link: https://lrsd.jotform.com/203496938448067 

Bobby Portis Foundation Hosts its Annual Bobby Portis Foundation Weekend! 

LRSD and LR Hall Alum Bobby Portis and the Bobby Portis Foundation are back 
with the 2nd Annual Bobby Portis Foundation Weekend! To register for events go to www.bobbyportis.com. Spaces are limited so first come, first served. Please visit the Bobby Portis Foundation's Instagram for more details!

Stephens Back to School Community Site Drive-Thru!

Booker Arts Magnet student Major Banks appearing in episode of Arkansas PBS show, Blueberry's Clubhouse!



Arkansas PBS and the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Children's Theatre have teamed up for Season 2 of Blueberry's Clubhouse.  This exciting show will be part of Arkansas PBS "Rise and Shine" on Fridays at 9:07 am beginning Friday, June 23rd-Friday, August 13th.  Booker Arts Magnet's very own Major Banks the 4th will be playing the part of Miles in the August 13th episode, "The Bothersome Brother".
Episodes will also livestream at myarpbs.org/watchlive and be available on demand at myarpbs.org/blueberry and youtube.com/myarkansaspbs, as well as in the Engage Arkansas PBS app and PBS Video app.

Attention LRSD Parents, Meal Applications Now Accepted! 

 


See Details in flyer above or visit: http://myschoolapps.com

Know a Student Interested in Military Service?

 
Do you know a student interested in military service? Our renowned ROTC programs are the perfect jumpstart to a military career! Respected throughout the community, our ROTC programs can provide 
students with scholarship opportunities, leadership development, and much more! Reach out to Central/Parkview counselors to learn more!


J.A. Fair K-8 Prep Academy Enrolling Now!




Check out LRSD's new JA Fair K-8 Prep Academy - Enrolling Now! See details in flyers above.



Eche un vistazo a la nueva Academia de preparación para k-8 de la JA Fair de LRSD: ¡Inscríbase ahora! Consulte el folleto a continuación para obtener más información.

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


Fill out this media request form: https://form.jotform.com/201056269402044   
Remember, the deadline for each week's submissions is Thursday, noon.



Important Update for Central High National Historic Site 
Visitor Center

As a result of the elevated risks related to the COVID-19 virus, the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site visitor center will temporarily close to the public beginning Saturday, August 7, 2021. No public access to the visitor center, exhibits, park interpretive film, restrooms, or Jefferson National Parks Association bookstore will be allowed.  


No public/in-person programming will be conducted during this facility closure; all scheduled ranger-guided tours and streetscape tours are cancelled for the foreseeable future. The site’s commemorative garden, the Elizabeth Eckford Bus Bench, waysides outside the visitor center and the front grounds at Central High School will still be accessible to the public; Central High School is a functioning high school and unauthorized access is not permitted.  

Please use the park’s website (nps.gov/chsc) and the National Park Service Mobile App (nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm) to assist you during this facility closure. We will keep you updated on any changes via our website and our social media accounts (@CentralHighNPS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram). 
 

 Little Rock Central High School NHS visitor center temporarily closing on August 7, 2021 - Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet


“Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet” is public art with a purpose, featuring 26 beautiful globes that vividly present solutions to climate change and make it clear…we can solve this. Each of the massive globes was created by a different artist, including four brand new globes designed by local creatives. The globes will be displayed throughout the Clinton Presidential Park.

“Cool Globes” is a public art exhibition designed to raise awareness of solutions to climate change. Founder Wendy Abrams announced “Cool Globes” as a Commitment to Action during the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in 2005. The exhibit premiered in Chicago the next year and has since been displayed in dozens of cities throughout the country and around the world.

             Mobile Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic!


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