In Focus: Fall 2025

Fall Edition 2025-2026

The Official Publication of the North Little Rock School District

Inside the Literacy Block NLRSD’s Third Graders Prepare for Pivotal Year

Board Elections Coming Soon

Coleman Leads Human Resources

School Choice Enrollment Period Approaching

Cell Phone Ban Dials Up Success

NBA Stars Host Camps for Students

De La Torre Elected Auditor of State at Arkansas Girls State

Kira Donn is Named National Merit Semifinalist

Amboy Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Bilingual Reading Initiative

Superintendent’s Corner

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

Superintendent’s Corner The 2025-2026 school year is in full swing! Weeks ago, our students received their first report cards of the school year, and our parents and caregivers attended the first Parent-Teacher Conference of the year. I want to thank all of our staff, students, and families for a great start of the new school year, and I am excited about how impactful this year will be for all of our scholars who are entrusted in our care.

The hum of bulldozers can be heard throughout our district as we have begun to build the brand new middle school campus. I want to commend our students and staff on those campuses on how smoothly they have adjusted to the changes we had to make there to accommodate the construction project. It has already been interesting to watch the projects begin to take shape. I cannot thank our community enough for supporting the millage campaign. You can stay updated on the progress by visiting our website.

I invite you to take the time to read through the newsletter. From the implementation of “Bell to Bell, No Cell” in our district to our efforts to a deeper understanding of the new state literacy requirements and what it means for our third graders, this edition is jam packed with information that you need to know.

Please be sure to share it with others within your circles.

Thank you for being a friend of the North Little Rock School District!

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

November 24-28 Thanksgiving Holiday Schools Closed

December 22 - January 6

Grading Period Ends

January 1

Winter Holiday Schools Closed

School Choice Enrollment Begins

January 19

February 12

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observed Schools Closed

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December 19

Parent-Teacher Conferences No School (Students)

Board Seats Up for Election On March 3, 2026, voters will decide the outcome for five of the seven seats on the North Little Rock Board of Education. Interested candidates must file the required documents with the Pulaski County Clerk of Court between noon on November 3 and noon on November 12.

The seats up for election are the following:

Dorothy Williams Zone 1

Dr. Rochelle Redus Angela Person-West Zone 3 Zone 4

Valerie McLean Zone 6

Natalie Wankum Zone 7

Act 503, signed into law earlier this year, has introduced significant changes to school board elections.

Now, all school board elections must be held only in even-numbered years. Terms for school board members are set to either four or six years. Additionally, districts must stagger elections to ensure that an equal number of seats are up for election each cycle.

Please scan the QR code to view the zones assigned to each board member.

Your Guide to Construction Updates Stay up to date with the progress of the three construction projects taking place throughout the North Little Rock School District! We have dedicated a page on our website to provide our stakeholders with the latest updates regarding the projects.

New Middle School

Renovation of Ole Main

Indoor Sports Complex

Please scan the QR code below or visit our website, nlrsd.org, for updates.

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Department Spotlight

Department Spotlight: Business & Finance Office The Business & Finance Office supports the district’s mission by managing its financial and accounting operations. The Office provides fiscal training and support to district and building-level administrators and staff, ensures the district follows federal, state, and district financial policies and requirements, and promotes efficient and responsible budgeting practices by being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

Led by the Chief Financial Officer, the Office is made up of twelve employees who oversee a budget of more than $120 million.

The Office also manages student enrollment data reporting, which is a critical factor that influences the district’s financial stability. Throughout the year, all Arkansas school districts must submit data reports, known as “cycle reports,” to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to ensure accurate funding and compliance.

For more information, contact Brian Brown, Chief Financial Officer, at (501) 771-8051 or brownb@nlrsd.org.

School Choice Enrollment Period Approaching If you’re looking for a school community where students are supported by caring educators, inspired by innovative course offerings, and enriched by a welcoming and diverse environment, then look no further than the North Little Rock School District!

The school choice enrollment period for the NLRSD will be January 1, 2026. School choice is the process of requesting a transfer for your student from the district in which you live to a district in which you do not live. Applications and the necessary documents must be submitted by May 1, 2026. Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee acceptance. Acceptance will be verified by a letter.

Applications are only accepted online on our website at nlrsd.org

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De La Torre Elected Auditor of State at Arkansas Girls State Crystal De La Torre, a senior at North Little Rock High School, is no stranger to campaigning. Last spring, her classmates elected her as Student Council Vice President.

Perhaps that experience gave her the confidence to run for another position: Auditor of State at Arkansas Girls State.

“Learning that I won the election was one of the best moments of this year. I was filled with so much excitement and gratitude because winning meant that not only did I believe in myself, but the girls at Girls State did, too. I was proud to represent my party, my city, and my hometown,” De La Torre said.

Arkansas Girls State is a week-long, immersive civics education program for girls that teaches them how to be actively involved in their communities and government at all levels. The program has been held annually since 1942.

With only a few days to campaign, De La Torre worked hard to convince the other delegates to vote for her.

Her successful campaign also taught her valuable lessons.

De La Torre said that interacting with the program’s participants strengthened her love for leadership and that the skills she gained through the experience are transferable.

“Although I am not currently set on my future career path, Girls State certainly has helped in guiding me through the process. I know that whatever field I may choose, whether communications, politics, or teaching, Girls State was a helping hand,” De La Torre said.

NBA Pros with Wildcat Roots Come Home to Train Tomorrow’s Stars This summer, North Little Rock High School became a hub for basketball development as NBA players Moses Moody and Nick Smith Jr. returned home to host youth camps.

Moody, now in his fourth season with the Golden State Warriors, held his camp July 26 at Charging Wildcat Arena with teammate and four-time NBA champion Draymond Green. Smith, entering his third NBA season and newly signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, hosted his Elite Invitational Camp on August 9, featuring top regional high school talent.

Both stars have deep roots at NLRHS. Moody helped lead the Wildcats to the 2018 Class 7A State Championship, while Smith guided them to another title in 2022.

Wes Bilon, NLRSD Director of Student-Athlete Development and Academic Engagement, coached both players and praised their continued connection to the school.

“Having Moses and Nick come back means a lot to this school and this community, but most importantly to these kids,” Bilon said. “For our North Little Rock studentathletes, being in the same space with these NBA pros motivates them to work hard and to dream big.”

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Cover Story

Inside the Literacy Block: NLRSD’s Third Graders Prepare for a Pivotal Year As the school day begins across the nine elementary campuses in the North Little Rock School District, students dive straight into literacy instruction.

The 120-minute “literacy block” is longer than what the state requires and is structured around phonics, phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and small-group instruction. Students also spend time reading independently or in whole-group lessons.

“We work on our syllables. We split words,” said Kingston Weaver, a third grader at Amboy Elementary School.

For third graders, literacy instruction carries special weight. Across Arkansas, third graders must earn at least a Level 2 on the English Language Arts portion of the ATLAS exam — the Arkansas Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System — to advance to the fourth grade. The statewide test, given each spring to students in grades 3–10, measures mastery of academic standards and helps schools identify student needs.

“Third grade is a pivotal year in a child’s reading journey,” said Carmen Langston, the district’s Coordinator of Reading, Literacy and English Language Arts. “This is the final year where ‘learning to read’ is a part of classroom instruction. Beginning in fourth grade, students are focused on ‘reading to learn.’”

The Bigger Picture The push to improve reading outcomes is not unique to the North Little Rock School District or Arkansas.

A recent article in The Atlantic highlighted national concerns, citing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) which shows that 40 percent of fourth graders across the country read below the basic proficiency level.

In Arkansas, literacy is at the forefront of the Arkansas LEARNS Act, signed into law in 2023 by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The law requires third graders to demonstrate proficiency in English Language Arts or risk being retained.

ATLAS Performance Levels: • Level 4: Advanced understanding •Level 3: Proficient understanding •Level 2: Basic understanding •Level 1: Limited understanding How Day-to-Day Instruction Looks On this day at Amboy Elementary School, third grade teacher Jill Tanner was conducting a small group with four students.

The remainder of the students were working independently, awaiting their turn “at the table.”

Small-group instruction allows teachers to focus on specific skills and provide immediate feedback, helping students build confidence and close learning gaps.

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“There’s a lot of pressure. It is my job to get them ready. Do I feel the pressure? I do. I have to prioritize. I am confident in my skills because I have been teaching for 28 years,” Tanner said.

Tanner said while she may feel pressure, she makes sure her students feel only encouragement. Each day, she introduces “success statements” to students so they know exactly what mastery looks like and what it takes to reach it.

“All of them want to be successful. They’re eager for me to grade their exit ticket. They ask ‘Did I do it today?’ And when they do it, they say ‘Yeah!’” she said with a smile. “I grade all of their exit tickets with a 4, 3, 2, or 1 so they can get used to that thinking. They work for that 3.”

Third grader Skylar Bonds said she feels nervous about the ATLAS exam but is grateful for Tanner’s support.

“I need to work on reading comprehension. She asks me if I understand, and if I don’t, she pulls me into a small group. That really helps,” Bonds said.

To prepare her class, Tanner gives practice versions of the ATLAS test and reviews the results with students.

“She [Mrs. Tanner] wants us to take it like it is the ATLAS test, so we start at the same time. I go over my answers. My last [practice] ATLAS test I got a 2, and I was two points from a 3,” Bonds said.

What Parents and Families Can Do Educators say the work done in classrooms must be reinforced at home. At a recent Parent-Teacher Conference, Tanner distributed sample reading passages and ATLAS test-style questions, encouraging families to practice with their students at home.

“I told parents to go home and have your child read this. If they cannot read this, that’s how we know they’re in trouble,” Tanner said.

Over the next several weeks, the district will notify families of third graders eligible for state-funded tutoring grants. The program provides financial assistance for tutoring through approved vendors, with sessions held in homes, libraries, or other community locations.

Langston encourages parents to foster daily reading habits, saying that consistency can make all the difference.

“Find a book your child is interested in. Keep books in the car and have them read on rides. Have conversations and use words they may not know to build their vocabulary,” she said.

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Around th

Around the District

Amboy

Fifth graders took a trip to northwest Arkansas to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum for the “Get in the Game” exhibit. The students also made a stop to tour the University of Arkansas.

Kudos to the Amboy PTA for making this trip possible!

Boone Park

Glenview

During Hispanic Heritage Month, Glenview celebrated the different cultures and customs of its students and families with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the United States from September 15 to October 15 each year.

Lakewood

Scores of Lakewood students and families filled sidewalks on Walk & Bike to School Day, which took place on October 8. This day is part of a national trend to encourage students to increase their physical activity, and the event stresses the benefits of leading active lifestyles.

Meadow Park

Indian Hills

Boone Park leaders recognized students with perfect attendance for the entire 1st nine weeks. These students were gifted with prizes for showing up every day.

Crestwood

Crestwood’s Book Fair coincided with Grandparents Week, drawing students and their grandparents to the school library in large numbers to explore and purchase books together. School leaders called the week a tremendous success.

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During Career Week, students dressed up for the professions they plan to pursue. From future doctors and teachers, to chefs and astronauts, each outfit offered a fun and inspiring glimpse into their dreams and ambitions.

Kindergartners and their parents had a fun time at the Hicks Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch! Students got a chance to grab some pumpkins and interact with the livestock.

NLR 6 Academy of Ag.

Students had a fantastic time with their grandparents in observance of Grandparents Day. “Muffins and Memories” allowed grandparents to see their grandchildren in their learning environment.

he District North Little Rock Academy

During the campus’ homecoming assembly, leaders honored students who demonstrated excellent attendance and strong academic performance during the first nine-week grading period. These students received certificates in recognition of their achievements and were encouraged to continue their outstanding efforts.

NLRHS

7th and 8th Grade Campus

The NLR Girls Tennis Team proudly claims the title of Class 6A Girls State Champions! Caroline Jones secured the singles championship, with Georgia King finishing as the runner-up. In doubles, Anna Kay Johnston and Emma McEwen earned a strong runner-up finish.

Congratulations to all for an incredible season!

Students enrolled in physical science participated in the egg drop experiment.

These scientists-in-the-making had to create devices to protect their egg when it dropped and then calculate the speed, kinetic energy, and potential energy of the drops.

Pike View

6th Grade Campus

NLR COE

To encourage outstanding attendance and positive behavior, School Resource Officer Shannon Yancey introduced the “Yappin’ with Yancey” award. During the first nine weeks, 76 students achieved perfect attendance, and Officer Yancey held a special drawing where 12 lucky students earned the opportunity to enjoy lunch with her. Congratulations to all the students, and a big thank you to Officer Yancey for fostering such a positive school community!

Senior Zechariah Haynes had the special honor of presenting his original artwork of the Little Rock River Market and skyline to Mr. Jimmy Moses, the developer behind Little Rock River Market, during the prestigious LIFE (Leadership in Free Enterprise) awards luncheon.

Students at Pike View are getting their garden beds ready for fall planting. We cannot wait to see the results!

Ridge Road

During National Principals Month, staff and students teamed up to celebrate Mr. Matthew How for his leadership and dedication to both the school and the wider community.

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The Alumni Spotlight

The Alumni Spotlight Rashad Delph serves as the General Manager of Human Resources at Chevron, the global energy corporation headquartered in Houston, Texas. Delph attended Glenview Elementary School, Lakewood Middle School, North Little Rock High School- East Campus, and North Little Rock High School - West Campus, graduating in 2000. After graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources. He has enjoyed a successful career working for multiple Fortune 500 companies, working in the areas of employee recruitment, talent management, global mobility, and diversity and inclusion.

What does a typical day at Chevron look like for you?

Every day at Chevron is a chance to live out “The Chevron Way,” a commitment to integrity, partnership, and high performance. No two days are the same, and that’s what makes the work so energizing. I start each morning focused on how I can support our people and drive impact. Whether it’s collaborating across teams, solving challenges, or helping shape the future of our workforce, I lean into our We Lead behavior framework our company has adopted, especially the Empower People and Deliver Results dimensions.

Chevron is truly in the business of human energy, and that means every interaction is an opportunity to uplift, connect, and move the needle forward.

What is the most interesting part of your work?

The most meaningful part of what I do is seeing people grow, not just in their careers, but in their confidence, their leadership, and their lives. At Chevron, we believe in developing people and leading with purpose, and I get to witness that transformation firsthand. It’s powerful to see someone start out unsure, and over time, evolve into a leader who inspires others. Supporting that journey means understanding people holistically, where they are, what they need, and how we can help them thrive in a business that’s constantly evolving. That human-centered approach is core to The Chevron Way. How did the North Little Rock School District help lay the foundation for your success?

North Little Rock, Dogtown, the Northside, is where I learned the value of community, resilience, and showing up with purpose. It’s a place filled with diverse people who share common goals. I was involved in everything: sports, karate, honors classes, and the Boys and Girls Club. Through it all, I was surrounded by mentors and educators who believed in me. That environment taught me to see the good in others and to always strive for excellence. Growing up in a town where everyone knew my grandparents reminded me that someone is always watching, and your character matters. Booker T. Washington once said, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” The North Little Rock School District didn’t just prepare me academically, but it taught me how to overcome, how to rise, and how to lead with heart. Those lessons shaped how I lead today, with empathy, accountability, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

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Kira Donn Named National Merit Semifinalist Kira Donn, a senior at North Little Rock High School, has earned the prestigious distinction of National Merit Semifinalist. This honor places her among an elite group of high-achieving seniors nationwide who have demonstrated exceptional academic excellence and outstanding performance on standardized exams. As a Semifinalist, Donn now has the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing and qualify for a wide range of scholarships.

“This is really exciting. It’s just really cool to see how all the work I’ve put in has materialized. When I think about how freshman me would feel right now, she would say, ‘Oh my gosh, finally, all of the work has materialized,’” Donn said.

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), over 1.3 million juniors from roughly 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as the initial screening exam. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.

This year, 141 Arkansas high school seniors earned a place on the exclusive National Merit Semifinalist list.

Donn, who has attended North Little Rock schools throughout her education, credits her teachers for helping her reach this milestone.

“My teachers have made sure I’ve not only learned every day but had fun and enjoyed being in classes.

That’s something people underestimate. Being excited about going to school and having fun in class, I think that’s really important,” she said.

Coleman to Lead Human Resources Shannon Coleman has joined the North Little Rock School District to serve as the Administrative Director of Human Resources. Throughout her career, having worked with two Fortune 500 companies, Coleman has developed expertise in critical areas, such as employee engagement, conflict resolution, performance management, and compliance.

Coleman comes to the district after nearly three years as the Human Resources Manager at US Foods. At US Foods, she improved the onboarding and feedback processes using data, which helped reduce employee turnover by 275% in less than two years. She also coached leaders on employee development and performance improvement plans.

Prior to her stint at US Foods, Coleman served as the Human Resources and Purchasing Assistant at Dillard’s Corporate. In this role, Coleman supported the organization’s recruitment and training functions, as well as the performance review process.

“I am excited to be a part of the North Little Rock School District. I look forward to supporting our dedicated staff members. We can all work together so that every student can succeed,” she said.

Coleman earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Henderson State University. She also holds the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources Certification, which provides foundational knowledge in key HR topics, such as hiring, compliance, and employee relations, along with the Employee Relations Internal Investigations Certification.

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Organizational Changes Set to Enhance Student Success and Operational Effectiveness

The start of each school year always brings a sense of newness: new students, new school supplies, and new procedures, just to name a few.

In the North Little Rock School District, the Superintendent’s Cabinet is made up of three veteran educators with new roles and who work closely with the Superintendent of Schools and Chief of Staff, providing strategic guidance, oversight, and support to ensure that every decision prioritizes the success and well-being of students.

“Our assistant superintendents play a pivotal role in shaping the academic vision of our district. Their leadership ensures that the teaching and learning in our schools are aligned with what students need to succeed. These accomplished educators are central to preparing our students to thrive in an ever-changing world,” said Dr. Gregory J. Pilewski, the Superintendent of Schools.

Dr. Thomas Rogers, former assistant superintendent in Memphis Shelby County Schools, serves as Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement Network (A), overseeing leadership and operations at Amboy, Boone Park, Indian Hills, North Little Rock Academy, Center of Excellence, North Little Rock High, Pike View, and Ridge Road.

Mr. Jacob Smith, Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement Network (B), manages leaders and functions at Crestwood, Glenview, Lakewood, Meadow Park, North Little Rock 6 Academy of Agricultural & Veterinary Sciences, and both middle school campuses. Smith formerly served as the district’s executive director of human resources.

Dr. LeAnn Stoll, previously the district’s executive director of special services, now serves as Assistant Superintendent of Network Support Services, overseeing Curriculum, Virtual Learning and Data, School Innovation, Wraparound Services, Student-Centered Support Services, Dyslexia, and Gifted and Talented Education.

The creation of the assistant superintendents’ roles stem from the Superintendent’s Central Office Reorganization Plan to address a $5.1 million funding shortfall while continuing to meet students’ instructional needs.

The Wraparound Services Department was created to support students and families by connecting them with resources that remove barriers to learning. With ten wraparound services specialists assigned to each campus, the department provides essential non-academic support to address critical issues, such as mental and physical health, food insecurity, housing instability, and the impact of parental incarceration.

“As a school district, our responsibility is to support the whole child. We must not only equip our students with academic knowledge, but also with the physical, mental, and emotional well-being they need to thrive.

By addressing these foundational needs, we guarantee that our students are fully prepared to succeed in the classroom and beyond,” Pilewski said.

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NLRSD Employees Recognized for Excellence in Their Craft Four North Little Rock School District employees have been honored for their exceptional service, professional excellence, and meaningful contributions to their fields.

Tonya Green Tonya Green, the NLRSD Nursing Supervisor, received the School Nurse Administrator of the Year award from the Arkansas School Nurses Association conference, which took place in Hot Springs this summer. Green will be in the running for the School Nurse Administrator of the Year by National School Nurse Association, which will be presented at its conference next year.

Smith has been with the district since 2011.

Carmen Langston Carmen Langston, the Coordinator of Reading, Literacy, and English Language Arts, served as a speaker at the Annual Conference of The Reading League, which took place in Chicago. Founded in 2016, The Reading League is a national organization of renown educators and reading experts dedicated to transforming reading instruction to ensure every student becomes a confident, skilled reader.

Langston has been with the NLRSD since 2022.

LeAnne Rhodes LeAnne Rhodes, a nurse on the high school campus, passed the National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) exam. This exam, offered by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses, is a prestigious national certification that recognizes school nurses who meet rigorous professional standards and demonstrate advanced competency in the field.

To be eligible, candidates must hold a valid RN license and have at least 1,000 hours of school nursing experience within the past three years.

With Rhodes, Arkansas now has 18 National Certified School Nurses. There are nearly 5,500 NCSNs in the country, placing Rhodes in a very elite group of school nursing professionals.

She is in her 17th year as a nurse in the NLRSD. Kim Stanley Kim Stanley, the current North Little Rock School District Teacher of the Year, was honored with the Arkansas Communication & Theatre Arts Association Teacher of the Year award at the organization’s fall conference. This prestigious award recognizes educators who champion the vital role of communication and theatre arts in empowering Arkansas students to think critically, advocate for themselves, and serve their communities through the use of ethical communication.

Stanley will be nominated for the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) Outstanding Speech, Debate & Theatre Educator award.

Stanley is in her 27th year in the North Little Rock School District. She teaches communication and debate at North Little Rock High School.

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Cell Phone Ban Dials Up Success North Little Rock High School junior Allen Mitchell dreaded the start of the 2025–2026 school year. It was not the classes, the assignments, or the grueling hours of baseball practice that bothered him. It was knowing that he would spend nearly eight hours a day without his trusted companion: his cell phone.

“I always have to have my phone. We’re so connected to them,” Mitchell said.

His frustration was not with school policy, but rather state law. In February 2025, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Act 122, known as the “Bell to Bell, No Cell” law. The law bans students in public and charter schools from using personal electronic devices during the school day, citing concerns over the impact of screen time on students’ “academic and mental well-being.”

After the first grading period, Mitchell noticed a huge change in himself.

“I’m way more focused. My grades are better. Instead of scrolling on TikTok, I’m paying attention to the teacher and doing my work,” he said.

Teachers have seen a difference in their students.

“This year, I can teach,” said Jennifer Majors, a social studies teacher at the Seventh & Eighth Grade Campus. “Students are more engaged, their grades are improving, and we’ve had fewer class disruptions.

There’s no way to video the foolishness anymore.”

The ban also extends to earbuds, tablets, smartwatches, and other Bluetooth devices. Students who bring phones must lock them in district-issued Yondr pouches at the start of the day and unlock them when the final bell rings.

Dr. Nadia Saint-Louis, principal of North Little Rock High School and the Center of Excellence, said the change has improved the school’s atmosphere.

“We’re seeing more student interaction and fewer conflicts that start on social media,” she said.

While a few students still try to sneak their phones in — and lose them when caught — Mitchell says the hallways feel different now.

“Last year, I always had my headphones on. I didn’t talk to anyone. Now, the hallways are more social and more vibrant,” he said.

It turns out, Mitchell and his classmates can survive – even thrive – without their phones.

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Amboy Elementary Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Bilingual Reading Initiative It’s not uncommon for eager guests to visit an elementary school to read to students, who excitedly gather on the carpet, eyes bright with anticipation, as the words from the page come to life.

But to hear books read in two languages – English and Spanish – makes this reading experience even more inviting for Amboy Elementary School’s Hispanic population.

Allison Rodriguez, a junior at the Center of Excellence, was among the guest readers. She and her peers, who are either taking Advanced Placement Spanish IV or are members of the Spanish National Honor Society, took turns reading to Amboy’s students.

“Growing up I didn’t hear Spanish throughout the school day. Most kids will feel represented, included, and a sense of belonging,” she said.

Hosting the bilingual readers at Amboy was part of the school’s innovative way of celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month. This annual observance takes place from September 15 through October 15 and is aimed at recognizing the impact of Hispanic influence and culture on the American way of life.

“There are so many connections. The high school students are excited to come and read. They’re practicing their Spanish. Then our students get to hear Spanish and English and connect with a book,” said Meredith Shipman, the English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Amboy.

Shipman said due to the growing Hispanic population in the school district and at Amboy, it is fitting to have opportunities like this. The school also has a bilingual library containing books with side-by-side English and Spanish text that students can take home to read.

Percentage of Hispanic students in the North Little Rock School District

2025-2026 14.77% 2024-2025 14.72% 2023-2024 13.34% 2022-2023 12.27%

“If parents [of English learners] don’t speak English or read in English, they can’t help children with homework, letters, and sounds. This is a way to get them to read to their children and to create a love for books and reading,” Shipman said.

For the students whose first language is English, the experience promotes the power of bilingualism and the ability to communicate with multiple communities.

Rodriguez understands it already.

“All my life I have had to interpret for my parents and other people. Obviously that’s a career I can expand upon,” she said.

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Vision Statement Our Community.

Our Schools.

Where Your Future Begins.

Mission Statement The North Little Rock School District will prepare all students for their future by offering a well-rounded rigorous, relevant, and innovative education that allows each child to achieve their full potential in a safe, supportive learning environment to be future-ready.

Moral Purpose As a community, our moral purpose is that all children will achieve, have a highquality teacher, have a high-quality leader, and a supportive learning environment.

We will not allow an achievement gap in the North Little Rock School District.

The Colophon

IN FOCUS is a quarterly newsletter created and published by the Communications Department of the North Little Rock School District. It is designed using Adobe InDesign and set in Franklin Gothic Heavy for headlines and Franklin Gothic Book for body text.

This newsletter is primarily distributed digitally with a limited number of printed copies at key locations to maximize visibility and engagement. The Communications Department oversees all editorial content, layout, and design to ensure an engaging and visually appealing publication.

For inquiries, suggestions, or story ideas, contact the Communications Department at communications@nlrsd.org.

NLRSD Communications Department Dustin Barnes Brooke Davis Thiphavanh “Bri” Vongvilay

nlrsd.org