Friday, May 6, 2022

Friday Highlights 5.6.22

May is

National Mental Health Awareness Month

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

Lupus Awareness Month

National Dental Care Awareness Month


May 7       -  OneRock OneBook Celebration - JA Fair
                     SAT Test
May 8       -  Mother's Day    
May 9       -  Personnel Policy Committee Meeting @ 5:30 PM
May 9-13  -  AP Exams
May 10      - LR PTA Council Meeting
May 11      - National School Nurse Appreciation Day
May 12      - Board Agenda Meeting @ 5:30




LRSD Crystal Awards 2022 Event Recap


Over 70 employees were honored  Monday, May 2nd, during the Little Rock School District's annual Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year Celebration at the DoubleTree Hotel. This sold-out event was special as it was the first in-person celebration in two years. The awards ceremony allows  district employees to be celebrated for their hard work and dedication by their supervisors, colleagues, families and friends. 

KARK weekend anchor, Gary Burton served as emcee.  The celebration included a full course meal and live musical performances by Jazz R Us, as well as Miss University of Central Arkansas 2022 and Central High alum, Tania Kelley. Remarks were made by Superintendent Mike Poore, 2021 Teacher of the Year, Colton Gilbert,  2021 Classified Employee of the Year, Patricia Brown, and Dr. Linda Watson.

Pictured above from left to right are High School Teacher of the Year, Kimberly Burleson (LR Central High School); Middle School Teacher of the Year, Nicolas DeLane Williams (JA Fair K-8 Preparatory Academy); Marian G. Lacey Educator of the Year, Kara D. McGee; Classifed Employee of the Year, Saad Sabir (Forest Park Elementary); and Elementary Teacher of the Year, Anngelica Carter (Carver Magnet Elementary).

Attendees enjoyed an evening filled with laughter, joy and celebration. A major thank you to our sponsors, First Student, US Bank, VALIC, Baldwin & Shell, EBI, Nabholz, Complete Computing and Dell, Knowledge Tree, and Kilwins for their generous donations. Congratulations again to all of our honorees! We livestreamed the entire event via Facebook Live, you can watch the full ceremony here




The Design Group Honors Stephens Elementary Teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week


Sending a huge thank you to Myron Jackson, Stephanie Jackson, and The Design Group team for their gracious donation to Stephens Elementary teachers. The local marketing firm surprised each teacher with a $100 reward to show their appreciation. Click here to watch the full video of a group of teachers being surprised by The Design Group's CEO, Myron Jackson. 

LRSD Retirement Celebration Recap


Tuesday, May 3rd,  the Little Rock School District hosted a celebration to honor 2021-22 retirees at the DoubleTree Hotel's ballroom. Thank you so much  to each retiree for the the hard work, time, and dedication you've poured into the district. LRSD Supt. Mike Poore was also recognized as a retiree.  

 

Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy Groundbreaking Ceremony Highlights


The Little Rock School District celebrated the start of construction on the new Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy Wednesday, May 4th, with a Groundbreaking Ceremony. The ceremony included remarks by Superintendent Mike Poore; Mayor Frank Scott, Jr.; Darian Smith, Executive Director Elementary Schools; Greg Adams, LRSD Board President; Cynthia Lacey, Daughter of Dr. Marian G. Lacey, along with Dr. JJ Lacey - husband of the late Dr. Marian G. Lacey; Gary Smith, LR Chamber; Chris East, Cromwell Architects; and Gerald Alley, Con-Real President. Special thank you to the students who played a major role in the ceremony by sharing remarks, reflections, and performances. We are truly looking forward to witnessing the progress of this site. You may watch the full ceremony here.

 

Notice anything particular about this Crimson Lion?

LRSD's One Rock One Book Culminating Event This Saturday



Saturday, May 7, 2022
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
JA Fair Preparatory Academy
13420 David O. Dodd 

Maybe We Should Get Some Stock Tips
from These Students!

Congrats to these Stock Market Game winners from Pinnacle View Middle School and West High School of Innovation - they were recognized by Marsha Masters of Economics Arkansas with cash prizes for their 1st place wins! 

Chicot Elementary Community Café



Save the Date - LRSD Athletic Foundation's One Rock Hall of Fame


Mark your calendars for the LRSD Athletic Foundation's One Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony luncheon, scheduled for May 19, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Little Rock. 2021 honorees include Jamaal Anderson, Lindsey Davis, John Kelley, and James Rouse. Tickets may be purchased at the organization's website: www.lrsdaf.com starting April 25th. 

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Opening Day Scheduled for
 LR Farmer's Market This Saturday

The Little Rock Farmers’ Market will open its 48th season on Saturday, May 7th, and will be open every Saturday 7am-3pm, rain or shine, through Labor Day Weekend. The last Market date will be Saturday September 3.

East Village Street Food Jam


May 7, 2022 11:00 - AM - 6:00 PM
6th and Shall Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202
501-375-0121

Join the Downtown LR Partnership for a day of live music, amazing food, and local vendors.

The Rep Presents Into the Woods

Doodle POP is Coming to Town!


The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is bringing "Doodle POP,"  a Children's Theatre production from South Korea's Bush Theatre where cartoons come to life! The production features mischievous duo Woogie and Boogie as they make magic with illustrations, scribbles, sound effects and animations. This event is perfect ages three and up. See event details below:

CALS Ron Robinson Theater
100 River Market Ave, Little Rock, AR, 72201
Pricing: $20
Phone: 501-372-4000

Little Rock Night Market


Library Square - Downtown Little Rock
June 4, 2022 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
100 S Rock St. Little Rock, AR 72201

The Little Rock Night Market is the sort of local event that has something to offer everyone. You can expect a night filled with food trucks, music, local makers and artisan vendors. The event is described as more than just a market, but a nightlife experience. What's even better, admission is FREE. Come out for a night of food, music, and shopping!

Friday, April 29, 2022

Friday Highlights 4.29.22

April is

National Financial Literacy Month

National Poetry Month

National Autism Awareness Month

National Jazz Appreciation Month

May 2-6 -   Teacher Appreciation Week
                    School Nutrition Employee Week 
                    AP Exams        
May 2    -    Teacher/Employee of the Year Ceremony (Ticketed Event - DoubleTree Hotel)
                     Ramadan Ends
May 3    -     National Teacher Day
                     LRSD Retirement Ceremony
                     Marking Period 4 Interim Reports (Available Online/Sent Home)
May 4-5 -    Scott Field Closed to Prepare for State Track Meet
May 5    -    Cinco de Mayo
May 6    -    School Lunch Hero Day
                    Registration Deadline for June ACT
May 7    -    OneRock OneBook Celebration - JA Fair
                    SAT Test

May is Mental Health Awareness Month


Please stay tuned next week for more information on how LRSD will observe
 Mental Health Awareness Month!

LRSD School Board Votes to Offer Dr. Jermall Wright a Contract for the Superintendent's Post


Following an executive session during its regular meeting on Thursday, April 28, 2022, the Little Rock School Board voted to offer Dr. Jermall Wright a contract for the LRSD superintendent's post-contingent upon approval/final clearance of Arkansas Educator Licensure requirements. Wright is currently the superintendent of the Mississippi Achievement District. A copy of the proposed LRSD contract, as well as Dr. Wright's profile may be found in news articles on www.lrsd.org. Wright will succeed Superintendent Mike Poore who is retiring at the end of the 2022 school year. Poore has served as superintendent at LRSD for six years.

Parkview Patriots Boys Track Named 2022 5A Central Boys Track Conference Champions

 

Congratulations to the Little Rock Parkview Patriots Boys Track team on winning the 2022 5A Central Boys Track Conference Championships! This talented group scored 169 points and won by 1 point over Beebe. We are so proud of you all for your hard work and dedication! 

Little Rock Central High Hosts
Athletic Signing Day for Over 25 Athletes


Little Rock Central High hosted an athletic signing day to recognize the 28 student-athletes who will go on to play collegiate sports at their respective schools of choice. We are so proud of these students as we know the last four years balancing games, training, and rigorous academic schedules was no easy feat. 



LRSD Educators Receive Alma J. Washington Educator of the Year Award

 

Sending a huge shout out to Little Rock School District educators Mary Harden, McDermott Elementary (Left) and Shanda Macon, Southwest High (Right) on being recognized as Alma J. Washington Educator of the Year Award recipients. We are so proud to have these two on our team, and congratulate them both on this amazing honor.

Support Team Poore's Fundraising Efforts for the 2022 Central Arkansas Heart Walk


Mr. Poore is a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. His advocacy in the fight against heart disease recently earned him the AHA's Worthen-Cornett award. Mr. Poore is currently supporting the American Heart Association in its fight against COVID-19 - for heart disease & stroke patients, the fight is bigger than ever. He is asking that we help for the hearts we love by donating to the Heart Walk fundraiser today!  Information about the upcoming Heart Walk may be found in this video message from Supt. Poore.

Find Out Who'll be Named
LRSD Teacher of the Year and
 Classified Employee of the Year After this Monday's Gala


Over 70 employees will be honored this Monday, during LRSD's annual Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year Celebration at the DoubleTree Hotel.  This will be the first in-person celebration in two years, and yes, it is a sold-out crowd.  We are looking forward to recognizing the top employees at LRSD and will announce the winners at the event.  BTW, you can catch the celebration live on our YouTube Channel - www.lrsdlive.com

Little Rock School District to Host
 Retiree Celebration 


This Tuesday, May 3rd,  the Little Rock School District will be hosting a celebration to honor our 2021-22 retirees at the DoubleTree Hotel's ballroom. Thank you so much in advance to each retiree for the the hard work, time, and dedication you've poured into our district and we look forward to celebrating you next week. Stay tuned for pictures and updates coming next week.

Save the Date - LRSD's One Rock One Book Culminating Event


Save the Date - LRSD Athletic Foundation's One Rock Hall of Fame


Mark your calendars for the LRSD Athletic Foundation's One Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony luncheon, scheduled for May 19, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Little Rock. 2021 honorees include Jamaal Anderson, Lindsey Davis, John Kelley, and James Rouse. Tickets may be purchased at the organization's website: www.lrsdaf.com starting April 25th. 

Dr. Marian G. Lacey K-8 Academy Groundbreaking Ceremony Save the Date


Parkview High Senior's 'Black Lives Matter' Prom Dress Goes Viral


Parkview High Senior, Jayla Keith, has gone viral after pictures of her 'Black Lives Matter' inspired prom dress took the internet by storm. During an interview with KATV, Keith said that she wanted to take this opportunity to honor the lives lost to police brutality. She recounts the moment she entered the doors for her prom and everyone's gaze fell upon her. Colby Butler, the dress designer, said the prom dress was shared on his Facebook page more than 16,000 times. Read the full story on KATV here.

LRSD Supports Autism Awareness Campaign Seeking to Send AUsome Kids to Camp!

  

Are You Contemplating Taking a Gap Year? Consider Serving with City Year

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.

Toad Suck Daze Annual Festival Scheduled for this Weekend in Conway 


April 29 - May 1

Lots of fun to be had at Toad Suck Daze! This family-friendly festival has something for all ages: concerts, shopping, carnival rides, children’s activities, and of course, the World Championship Toad Races starring our amphibious friends. (Yes, you read that right.) To top it off, admission is FREE.

Arkansas Italian Food and Cultural Festival

The Arkansas Italian Food & Wine Festival is to take place April 29-May 1, 2022, at Pennick Boys & Girls Club. There will be three days of fun & food for all. Enjoy the best Italian food offerings in Arkansas. The following restaurants will be serving up the most delicious food in the region: The Rock Brick Oven Pizza, Raduno,Vino’s, Grafitti’s, Boulevard,  Le Pops, & Repicci’s Italian Ice. 

So many activities throughout the weekend – besides great food, there will be live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and competitions galore from bocce & grape stomps daily.  You don’t want to miss the Sauce Competition on Saturday or the Waiters Race on Sunday. Of course lots of activities for the kiddos, including bounce houses & face painting. 

Friday, April 29th    4:00 PM – 8:00PM
4:00 PM – Gates open
Bocce – Open Play 
Grape Stomp sponsored by Ben E. Keith throughout the evening 
Demo Tent  – demonstrations throughout the evening. View full schedule here. 
Wine Tasting- 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM Additional Ticket Required
RELYANCE BANK STAGE
DJ   4:00 PM – 6:30 PM 
Entertainment   6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
Gates close at 8:00 PM

Saturday, April 30th   10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
10:00 AM – Gates open
Sauce Competition Starts at 8:00 AM Judging 1:45 PM
Grape Stomp sponsored by Ben E. Keith throughout the day 
Bocce  – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
Wine Tasting- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Additional Ticket Required
Demo Tent  – demonstrations throughout the day & evening. View full schedule here. 
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM – KidZone 
RELYANCE BANK STAGE
DJ –10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Big Dam Horns  6:30 PM – 7:50 PM
8:00 PM – Gates close

Sunday, May 1st   11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
10:00 AM – Mass officiated by Father Patrick Friend – free to the public
11:00 AM – Gates open
Grape Stomp sponsored by Ben E. Keith throughout the day 
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM – Bocce 
2:00 PM – Waiters Race
Demo Tent – demonstrations throughout the day & evening. View full schedule here. 
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – KidZone
RELYANCE BANK STAGE
DJ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
4:00 PM – Gates close

East Village Street Food Jam


May 7, 2022 11:00 - AM - 6:00 PM
6th and Shall Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202
501-375-0121
Join the Downtown LR Partnership for a day of live music, amazing food, and local vendors.

Little Rock Night Market


June 4, 2022 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Library Square - Downtown Little Rock
100 S Rock St. Little Rock, AR 72201

The Little Rock Night Market is the sort of local event that has something to offer everyone. You can expect a night filled with food trucks, music, local makers and artisan vendors. The event is described as more than just a market, but a nightlife experience. What's even better, admission is FREE. Come out for a night of food, music, and shopping!

Free West Central Community Center
 Summer Program


Little Rock Zoo Presents Breakfast with a Twist



The Little Rock Zoo's Breakfast series, Breakfast With a Twist, has returned! Guests will enjoy a boxed continental breakfast at the Elephant Stage and a special keeper talk on a featured animal. After breakfast, guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a painting session with Painting with a Twist staff! Following that, all guests are invited to stay and explore the Zoo. 

*All guests must be 6 years old or older. 

May 14 - Colobus Monkey
June 11 – Baby Rhino calf, Kevin, and mom, Andazi 
July 9 - Tiger
August 13 – Macaw
September 10- Penguins

Email:  Zooevents@littlerock.gov for price and other details