LRSD News

     The Little Rock School District Child Nutrition Department is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children (18 and under) without charge. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  Meals will be provided at the sites as follows:

Bale (June 6-June 29), Baseline (June 11-Aug. 2), Booker (June 11-July 26), Brady (June 11-Aug. 2), Cloverdale (June 11-July 6), Dodd (June 11-June 22), Dunbar (June 11-Aug. 2), Forest Heights (June 4-Aug.10), Franklin (June 11-July 13), Geyer Springs (June 11-Aug. 2), Hall (June 11-July 26), Henderson (June 11-July 18), J.A. Fair (June 11-June 29), Mabelvale ES (June 11-July 13), Mabelvale MS (June 5-June 27), McClellan (June 11-June 29), Otter Creek (June 11-June 29), Rockefeller (June 4-Aug. 10), Romine (June 11-Aug. 2), Stephens (June 11-Aug. 2), Terry (June 11-July 13), Wakefield (June 6-July 3), and Washington (June 11-July 13). For more information on times at specific sites, please click here.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:
USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410
or call (866)632-9992

En Español - Servicio De Comida Gratis Programa De Verano

On Tuesday November 15th, L.O.V.E. team members from Forest Heights, Hall, Henderson, JA Fair and McClellan participated in the  Annual ViPS Reading Day at Baseline Elementary. Twenty-three (23) L.O.V.E. team members and sponsors read to over three hundred seventy-five (375) students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. The L.O.V.E. to Read Initiative was a collaborative effort between the L.O.V.E. program and the LRSD Volunteer In Public Schools (ViPS) in conjunction with the LRSD Office of Dropout Prevention. The goal of the initiative was to promote literacy at the elementary level, while emphasizing how important reading is to their success in school and beyond. L.O.V.E. team members also encouraged students at Baseline to become avid readers and to exercise their reading skills daily.

The LRSD Parent Involvement Office has planned a series of Summer Parent Academies to help parents learn ways to help their children with educational activities during the summer. This will help students retain the information they learned during the school year and give them a head start on the next year. The learning process is aligned with the Arkansas Standards and Common Core.

The academy will take place on Thursday, June 23, from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. at McClellan High School, 9417 Geyer Springs Rd. Pre-registration is not required, but space is limited. Call 501-447-3358 or email kaye.rainey@lrsd.org to reserve a seat.

Additional parent academy dates: June 30, July 7 and July 14.

High school seniors in the Little Rock School District accepted more than $19 million in scholarships this year, according to the district's high school principals and counselors. This figure is for scholarships actually accepted by students, not simply offered to them. The Class of 2011 broke last year's record of $17,338,239 with a grand total of $19,610,527. Little Rock Central High School topped the list with $9,527,131 in scholarship money accepted; Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School followed with $4,614,876; Hall High School students accepted $3,000,467 in scholarships; students at McClellan Magnet High School accepted scholarships worth $1,360,629; and J.A. Fair Magnet High School students earned $1,107,424 in scholarship money.

As demonstrated at the recent Academic Signing Day where the district's top academic students "signed" with their chosen college or university in a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion, LRSD graduating seniors will attend some of the most respected colleges and universities in Arkansas and around the country, such as Princeton, University of Arkansas, UALR, Columbia, Hendrix, LSU, University of Georgia, MIT, Baylor University and Ouachita Baptist University.

Each of the LRSD's five high schools honored its top two students with the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian. If you've ever wondered exactly what a valedictorian is, it is a person -- usually the highest-ranking graduate -- who delivers the valedictory or "farewell" speech at a commencement ceremony. The salutatorian, usually the second-highest student in the class, delivers the welcoming or "salutatory" address at the ceremony.

Recognized as Little Rock Central High School’s valedictorian, David Z. Ye is the son of Wei-Wen and Jian-Hui Ye, and he is planning to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Boshan Zhao, Central's salutatorian, is the son of Zhijun Lui and Wei Zhao. Boshan will attend Stanford University in the fall.

J.A. Fair Magnet High School's valedictorian is Austin Klais, son of Christopher and Nancy Klais. Austin has plans to attend Arkansas Tech University. Keny Patel is J.A. Fair's salutatorian. Keny is the son of Pravin and Meena Patel. He plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Jamena Cash was honored to be the valedictorian for Hall High School's Class of 2011. Jamena is the daughter of Katherine Cash-Woods. She will attend Oxford College at Emory University in the fall. Hall's salutatorian is Sheridan McKisick. She is the daughter of Sherrie and Eric McKisick. Sheridan has plans to attend Wellesley College.

Amber Thomas is valedictorian for McClellan Magnet High School's Class of 2011. The daughter of Larry and Beverly Thomas, Amber will attend Southern Arkansas University next year. McClellan's salutatorian is Ebony Shelton. She is the daughter of Tony and Johnetta Shelton, and she is planning to attend UALR in the fall.

Valedictorian honors at Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School were awarded to Miriam Pearsall. She is the daughter of Tracy and Glory Pearsall, and she will attend Princeton University in the fall. Joshua Woods is Parkview's salutatorian. He is the son of Michael Woods and Sandra Stoudamire, and he will attend Columbia University.

The Little Rock School District wishes all students in the Class of 2011 best wishes and success in all future endeavors.

The top 2011 high school graduates of the Little Rock School District were honored at the 7th Annual Academic Signing Day.  This annual event was sponsored and hosted by the Public Education of Little Rock, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce and Create Little Rock at the Governor’s Mansion.  This year, 79 graduates were honored representing all five high schools, J.A Fair Magnet High School, Hall High School, Little Rock Central High School, McClellan High School and Parkview High School.  These top graduates either achieved a cumulative 4.0 grade point average from their freshman through senior years; were valedictorian, salutatorian, or ranked third or fourth in their class; or were named a National Merit Semifinalist, a National Achievement Semifinalist or a National Hispanic Semifinalist.

Thirty-five of these graduates will be attending in-state universities and colleges, while the remaining will be attending out-of-state. Some of the colleges and universities that will be attended by these distinguished graduates include Princeton University, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Columbia University, Hendrix University, Louisiana State University, University of Georgia, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Baylor University and Ouachita Baptist University.

Governor Mike Beebe was present to address these top graduates.  “You may well do what your heart and mind are set on,” said Governor Beebe, “However, recognize the fact a lot of things could change, and you need to be open-minded enough to embrace new opportunities or new directions in your life as they arise.”

This event also included welcoming greetings from Centennial Bank Board of Directors Member Barbara Graves, as well as remarks from State Senator Joyce Elliot, LRSD Superintendent Dr. Morris Holmes, and President of the Public Education Foundation of Little Rock, Joe Hilliard. 

Congratulations to the 2011 Little Rock School District High School Graduates on your accomplishments and future endeavors!

LRSD Secondary Schools
Summer Programs
2011

Click here for a table of secondary summer school programs (DOC)

Credit Recovery  
The district provides high school students grades 9 -11 the opportunity to recover course credit(s) for failed courses at each high school site; Central, Felder (held at Hamilton), Hall, Hamilton, J.A. Fair, McClellan, and Parkview (June 21 – July 1) (Holiday, July 4) (July 5 – July 20)  (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) and grade 12 to recover (1) course credit at Accelerated Learning Center (June 14 – July 8) (Holiday, July 4) ( 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) Instruction is delivered through the use of computerized-instruction programs such as NovaNET or PLATO.  Transportation will not be provided.  Tuition is listed on the announcement.

Click here for credit recovery announcement (PDF)

Central
Summer Writing Camp   This program is designed for incoming ninth graders based on data from “The Learning Institute” as needing attention in becoming proficient on the 8th grade Benchmark. The goal of this program is to teach students how to write a generative paragraph based on the Jane Shaffer model. The intent is to prepare and encourage students to enroll in Pre-AP classes. Graduates from this program will be tracked through TLI formative assessment, current teacher's grades, and continued enrollment in Pre-AP classes. (Dates:  June 25 – 29 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon)

Central High School Summer Bridge Program for Math   This program is designed for incoming ninth graders who will be enrolled in Algebra 1 for the first time, and are projected to be borderline “proficient” on the Algebra 1 End-of-course exam (data used: seventh grade benchmark, eighth grade EXPLORE score, eighth grade math grades).  The program is designed to give students “a leg up” on entering high school and entering Algebra via an introduction to the school and the high school climate, combined with engaging learning experiences designed to lay a foundation for the first grading period in Algebra 1.  The goal is to improve students’ success in Algebra 1 specifically, and high school more generally.  August 1 – 4 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon)

Geometry Summer Session   Dates, times and description TBA.

Hall
ESL Summer Institute    The Hall High ESL Summer Institute provides English Language Learners the opportunity to continue practicing English skills over the summer. The Institute provides daily practice in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English through whole group, one-on-one, and computer based instruction. The program serves incoming 9th graders through seniors who are assigned to Hall. (June 20 – July 15 from 9:00 AM. – 1:00 PM) Transportation and lunch will be provided.  Students will earn a ½ credit as an English Language Arts elective.

EYS (Extended Year Services) which are services that are provided for students with disabilities during the summer months or for all students during other periods when school is not in session.  ESY means special education and related services that are:

A)    provided to a child with a disability
B)    beyond the normal school year of the public agency
C)    in accordance with child’s IEP and at no cost to the parent of the child

The need for ESY services must be determined through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.  The services are necessary for the provision of FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) to the child.  (June 21 – July 20 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon)

Impact   
Dr. Vanessa Cleaver is contact person.  (June 10 – July 8 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  Funding source TBA.

Jump Start    
The Summer Band Program is funded through a grant to the Little Rock School District/Fine Arts from the Pulaski County Youth Services. The program was piloted last summer and was evaluated a success to continue for this school year.  Mr. Jerry Dawson, Hall band director, Mr. Marcus Johnson, Mann band director, and Mr. Michael Williamson, Dunbar band director are the instructors for the program. There will be approximately 30 students in grades 6, 7, and 8 in the program this summer.  Program dates June 21 – July 20 (Holiday July 4) from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. 

Hamilton
Living Hope    Living Hope works with students that need additional support learning to use self-control.  The summer session will allow case workers to spend extended amounts of time working on behavior modification and with cognitive therapy. Focus will be placed on appropriate behavior. Games and activities, individual and group discussion, and daily goals to help students plan and follow through with appropriate decisions are techniques that will be developed and refined. Instruction will occur in small group (1:6 ratios) settings with field trips and special outings planned for students that are able to accomplish daily goals. Living Hope also partners with families to assist with and support student progress. Program dates are June 13 – July 30 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Thursday.  A break will be taken the week of July 6.

J. A. Fair
Credit Recovery    The program is a computerized-instruction program (Nova Net) that provides high school students, grades 9 -11, the opportunity to recover course credit(s) for failed courses.  (June 21 – July 20 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) (Holiday, July 4). Transportation will not be provided.  Tuition is list amount.

McClellan    
Summer Bridge Program - Math   This program is designed for incoming 9th graders for remediation in Algebra I based on their 8th grade ACTAAP scores.   The program will help students obtain success in Algebra I and also introduce them to McClellan’s academic rigor.  The intent of this program is to prepare and encourage students to enroll in Pre-AP classes.  Graduates are tracked by EOC’s, teacher grades and SOAR data.  (June 20 – July 8 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM)

Parkview

(SMART) Summer Mathematics Advanced Readiness Training   SMART is for rising 8th and 9th graders who will be enrolled in Algebra I during the ‘2011-12 school year at a LRSD school. (June 20 – July 30 from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

Cloverdale
Summer Space Camp  
This program will serve approximately 125 of next year’s 7th and 8th grade students.   The curriculum will include a thematic approach designed to encourage proficiency and career awareness in fields of mathematics, aerospace science and other sciences. Program dates are June 20 through July 15 with July 4th being a holiday. Program hours are 9:00 – 1:00.  Transportation, breakfast, and lunch will be provided.

Dunbar
Global Village Learning Zone   
Dunbar will offer 60 students a summer program that combines both academic and enrichment activities. Students will participate in literacy and math activities daily.  The enrichment activities will offer an array of program designed around the International Studies theme.  Students will study the cultures and crafts of the world and will develop a greater understanding of their world and the people who occupy it.  Program dates are June 13 – July 8 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  Breakfast, lunch and transportation will be provided.


Forest Heights
Living Hope   
Living Hope works with students that need additional support learning to use self-control.  The summer session will allow case workers to spend extended amounts of time working on behavior modification and with cognitive therapy. Focus will be placed on appropriate behavior. Games and activities, individual and group discussion, and daily goals to help students plan and follow through with appropriate decisions are techniques that will be developed and refined. Instruction will occur in small group (1:6 ratios) settings with field trips and special outings planned for students that are able to accomplish daily goals. Living Hope also partners with families to assist with and support student progress. Program dates are June 13 – July 29 from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday – Thursday.

New Beginnings   
New Beginnings Behavioral Health Services (NBBHS) offers a comprehensive treatment program that addresses behavioral, emotional, and social skill problems exhibited by children and adolescents.  The summer program will be held June 13th – August 10th from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Thursday (8-weeks).  The program will be composed of a set of evidence-based treatments incorporated into a therapeutic day setting.  The students will be instructed by Mental Health Professionals, Mental Health Paraprofessionals and Day Technicians (1:8 ratios).  Group activities will include behavioral modification sessions which focus on treatment of problem behaviors as well as recreationally-based, age appropriate games and group activities.  Individual sessions will focus on problem solving and social skills; improving self-esteem by developing competencies in areas necessary for daily life; and developing the students ability to follow instructions.  Field trips and special outings will also take place for students who achieve their weekly goal expectations.  The overall goal of the summer program is to assist the students and parents with identifying negative behaviors and replace those behaviors with pro-social skills that can be utilized throughout the upcoming school year.  

Henderson
21st CCLC/JABG Summer Program   
Henderson will partner with Let Our Violence End (LOVE) and the Pulaski County Youth Service (JABG) to provide the Summer Enrichment Camp during the weeks of June 20 – July 8 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  The camp will serve incoming 6th graders, 7th and 8th graders.  The camp will offer a brief introduction to the subjects of English, Algebra and Science.  The program also includes an enrichment component which is geared toward character education. Recreational and enrichment activities will be offered. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

College Prep Enrichment Program (CPEP)  
CPEP reviews subject areas covered on the ACT and gives students extensive test-taking practice. There is no charge for the course, and students with good attendance who complete the course will be allowed to take an official ACT at no charge.  This program is designed primarily for 11th & 12th graders who need to raise ACT scores.  Previous ACT and Plan Test scores are required for comparison at the end of the CPEP Program.  (June 20 – July 15 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 – 9:00 PM)

Literacy Lab  
The Middle School Literacy Lab is a comprehensive professional development site with a twofold mission. The first mission of the program is to provide job-embedded professional development to novice and veteran teachers in the implementation of researched-based instructional strategies.  The focus for instruction is teaching literacy in all content areas as well as providing literacy interventions to students that are not proficient in reading, writing, vocabulary, and/or word attack skills.  The goal of this site is to create confident knowledgeable teachers that will be able to implement the strategies at their assigned school site.  The second mission is to provide students that are not proficient in reading the opportunity to receive targeted reading interventions as well as opportunities to learn strategies to help themselves comprehend text.  Each student is given a diagnostic assessment in reading and word knowledge.  Based on their results, they will be assigned to classes in which they will receive targeted interventions to address their deficit areas.  Teachers are provided with professional development and support in planning the appropriate interventions to meet the need of each individual child.  The literacy lab uses a comprehensive literacy model along with current research to provide learning opportunities for both teachers and students. (June 14 – July 7 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

ESL Summer Institute   
The Institute provides English Language Learners the opportunity to continue practicing English skills over the summer. The Institute provides daily practice in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English through whole group, one-on-one, and computer based instruction. The session begins June 14 – July 7 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Transportation and lunch will be provided.  .

Mabelvale
Navigator   
The program will provide intensive math and literacy tutoring using the America’s Choice Navigator materials. The program will feature small groups of students taught by a team of two teachers.  Enrichment and physical activities will be included.  Breakfast, lunch and transportation will be provided. (June 13 – July 1 from 9:00 AM – 1:00PM)

Living Hope   
Living Hope works with students that need additional support learning to use self-control.  The summer session will allow case workers to spend extended amounts of time working on behavior modification and with cognitive therapy. Focus will be placed on appropriate behavior. Games and activities, individual and group discussion, and daily goals to help students plan and follow through with appropriate decisions are techniques that will be developed and refined. Instruction will occur in small group (1:6 ratios) settings with field trips and special outings planned for students that are able to accomplish daily goals. Living Hope also partners with families to assist with and support student progress. Program dates are June 13 – July 29 from 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

Mann
Math Journeys   
Math Journeys is a 17 day professional development lab school for LRSD K-12 math teachers targeting below proficient, rising sixth grade students. Fractions, decimals, percents, and proportional reasoning are the focus content for the school, as these are the gateway concepts students must understand in order to successfully achieve in algebra and other higher level mathematics courses. Content, pedagogy, and assessment will be studied by teachers as they engage in over 60 hours of professional development both before the school starts and through ongoing work with collaborative study teams that meet 2 hours daily. In addition, research lessons will be implemented with students to allow teachers further opportunities to observe and discuss student thinking; specifically students’ misconceptions and strategies for solving problems as well as their developmental level of understanding of rational numbers.  (June 13 – July 1 from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

Pulaski Heights
Summer Success Camp  
The Summer Success Camp provides sixty incoming 6th graders, 7th and 8th graders with a summer experience that includes math, literacy and enrichment activities.  The sixth grade experience is designed to ease the transition from elementary to middle school. (June 13 – July 1 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Transportation, breakfast and lunch are provided.

Literacy Night Mardi Gras Style at McClellen High School saw over three hundred parents and students gathered  for an evening full of fun, great food, and most of all, learning. A carnival atmosphere was in play as participants played word games such as “Literacy Password” and “Literacy Jeopardy,” which challenged their critical thinking skills.  Literacy test-taking strategies and social studies content strategies (included in other rotation stations) helped students and parents with the Password and Jeopardy areas.

“When we sat in the bleachers Ms. Ivy got really excited about giving us ways to prepare for tests. It made me feel like she was the coach and we were the team getting ready to go out and win,” said senior Maria Hurtado. One of the big hits of the night was the “Literacy Cakewalk,” which gave students the opportunity to share their knowledge with others.

Zydeco music played while students walked around a large square until the music stopped. The winners could not get their cake until they displayed a bit of their literacy understanding. “Literary terms are a big part of the ACTAAP, so when you combine cake with information, that makes a connection. Knowledge is a piece of cake,” said senior Michael Day. Freshman Camille Cornice commented, “I enjoyed the interactive experience of the different stations with games and prizes. It made the learning aspect that much more fun.” The event was well-organized and creative, and it was a learning experience, both academically and culturally. As McClellan’s Literacy Coach Shirley Ferguson said, “It [Literacy Night] was a magnificent success.  The parents and students enjoyed rotating through the various game and strategy centers. They raved over the delicious Cajun cuisine.  The entire event was a fun-filled, collaborative experience for the McClellan parents, students, faculty, and administrators.”

This is event brings awareness to the parents concerning the ACTAAP Literacy Exam, and it gets them on campus to meet their child's teachers. It also brings a better understanding of the English department and the curriculum their child is taking in a fun, non-threatening atmosphere.  McClellan hopes this event will help motivate the students to do well on the Literacy Exams. It helps make learning fun.

Getting ready for college is first and foremost in the minds of some high school students. Others, however, may not have the information to know where to begin their college search or may lack the encouragement they need to want to go to college.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) helped out the students at McClellan High School recently with its College Fair, which was held in the McClellan gym. More than 30 UALR departments were present, giving students an opportunity to receive valuable information such as how to navigate the college admissions process, what to expect when entering college as a freshman, how to apply for scholarships, areas of study and lots more. These students now are able to make more informed decisions that will positively impact their futures.

Some McClellan students applied for on-the-spot admissions and institutional scholarships. Cleveland James, UALR's Director of Recruitment, worked with the McClellan staff to organize the fair.

Ninety-seven McClellan High School tenth through twelfth grade students were rewarded with a trip to Memphis for their outstanding testing achievements.  The high school students who earned the trip scored either proficient or advanced on benchmark and end of the course tests such as Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology and 11^th grade literacy. Students were presented with the incentive last year and this year other students preparing for the test have began to inquire about it as well. 

The Memphis trip included a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, Hard Rock Café and a walking tour of Beale Street.  The trip, which has created an air of excitement and enthusiasm throughout McClellan High School, was a great way to recognize student achievement.

The Little Rock School District is pleased to announce the final scholarship award totals of the Class of 2010. Keep in mind that these are scholarships accepted, not simply offered.

More than 1,500 students graduated from LRSD's five high schools and the Accelerated Learning Center, and those students accepted more than 1,000 scholarships totaling an amazing $19.5 million! A school-by-school breakdown is below.

Central: 586 students graduated; scholarships totaled $10,727,257.

Hall: 252 students graduated; scholarships totaled $1,637,700.

J.A. Fair: 193 students graduated; scholarships totaled $908,054.

McClellan: 135 students graduated; scholarships totaled $1,066,154.

Parkview: 240 students graduated; scholarships totaled $5,224,193.

Accelerated Learning Center: 100 students graduated.

District totals: 1,506 students graduated; scholarships totaled $19,563,358.