Properly Communicating Concerns and Issues

from Back to School Information Guide: 2023-2024

School Attendance

The North Little Rock School District strives to best serve all of its stakeholders with the highest level customer service and hospitality. We know that, at times, concerns may arise and stakeholders will want to bring those concerns to the district’s attention. The North Little Rock School District has developed a Chain of Command system, which serves as an effective tool to guide stakeholders when reporting incidents to school staff.

We ask that all stakeholders first communicate with the staff member that is nearest to the situation. Please see the chart below. The names of the points of contact listed below can be found in the directory listed on our website, nlrsd.org.

Progression for Addressing Concerns and Issues

Academic (Pre-K through 5th Grade)

Academic (6th through 12th Grade)

Teacher Building Administrator (Principal or Asst. Principal)

Teacher Building Administrator (Principal or Asst Principal)

Athletic Coach Building Administrator (Principal or Asst Principal)

Child Nutrition Building Administrator (Principal or Asst. Principal)

Discipline (Pre-K through 5th Grade)

Teacher or Building Administrator (Principal or Asst. Principal)

Dyslexia Services Teacher or Building Administrator (Principal or Asst. Principal)

Child Nutrition Director

Executive Director of Elementary School Performance

Executive Director of Secondary School Performance

Director of Student-Athlete Development and Academic Engagement

Executive Director of StudentCentered Support Services

Deputy Superintendent

Executive Director of Elementary School Performance

School-Based Dyslexia Interventionist

Executive Director of StudentCentered Support Services

District-Level Dyslexia Specialist

Deputy Superintendent

Executive Director of Special Services

Mental Health Services Counselor Building Administrator (Principal or Asst Principal)

Special Education (Pre-K through 5th Grade) Teacher Building Administrator (Principal or Asst Principal)

Special Education (6th Grade through 12th Grade)

Teacher Building Administrator (Principal or Asst. Principal)

Technology Media Specialist School-Building Technology Support

Transportation Building Administrator (Principal or Asst Principal)

Executive Director of StudentCentered Support Services

Special Services, Elementary Coordinator

Special Services, Secondary Coordinator

Information Technology Manager

Transportation Director Executive Director of StudentCentered Support Services

Virtual Academy Teacher Coordinator of Innovative Virtual Learning Programs

Executive Director of Curriculum Innovation and Design

Deputy Superintendent

Executive Director of Special Services

Deputy Superintendent

When a concern or issue cannot be resolved at the first-contact level, then it should be taken to the next level in the Chain of Command. After utilizing the progression for addressing concerns, further questions may be addressed to the Superintendent of Schools.

The North Little Rock Board of Education is responsible for the operation of the North Little Rock School District. Per Board Policy, the administrative functions of the school district are delegated to the Superintendent, who shall be responsible for the effective administrative and supervision of the school district.

Please follow the Chain of Command chart that is listed above. Since the Superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school district, the Board of Education, if contacted by someone, will redirect the issue or concern to the appropriate school/district staff member. Please give staff members time to address issues and concerns before contacting board members.

Department Tidbits

Child Nutrition

The North Little Rock School District will continue to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2023-2024 school year. This means that all enrolled students in our district are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge to their household. Your student(s) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.

Students and families can view lunch menus by school by visiting the Child Nutrition page on our website, nlrsd.org. There is also an app available to view menus. Please download the LINQ Connect app from the App Store or Google Play.

Communications

The Communications Office is committed to providing effective communication to students, staff, families, and the community. This office takes pride in supporting students and staff by highlighting successes from across the district on the district website – nlrsd.org – and on its social media channels -- Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Vimeo. Each school has a Facebook page. Give them a follow as well!

We use Thrillshare, a system through our website provider, Apptegy, to reach families by email, calls, and text. Aside from school announcements, these messages will also include the Superintendent's Weekly Update (“Top 5”), Board Briefs, Superintendent Spotlight interviews, notifications about school closings or delays, or emergency notifications.

In order to receive communication from our schools and the district, all families are encouraged to maintain accurate contact information. Please contact your child's school office to make sure the information is correct. Remember, if your information changes, we will not know unless you make us aware.

Parent & Family Engagement

Parent and family engagement is crucial in our collective effort to ensure that every student has the resources they need to reach their full potential. When parents, families, and schools work together, students thrive. When this happens, our communities benefit.

Do you have a burning desire to be a part of our schools? Do you want to work with school and district staff to put on programs for students? Do you want to help with lunch duty? Do you want to mentor some students and encourage them to make the right choices? You're in luck! We have a place for you! For more information, please visit the Office of Parent & Family Engagement on our website, nlrsd.org, or call (501) 771-8013 for more information.

Transportation

Transportation services shall be provided to eligible students to and from their assigned bus stop and school. Bus routes are available on our website, nlrsd.org. Bus stops shall be determined by the Transportation Department and assigned based on the proximity from a student’s primary residential address in eSchool. Eligible students include those living within their school’s attendance zone, but outside the two mile walk zone (secondary students), one mile walk zone (elementary students).

Bus Rider Eligibility

Only those students enrolled in an NLRSD school and living outside the walk zone are eligible to ride a bus. All students must be at least 5 years of age (K-12).

Bus Assignments

Students will only be assigned to a route and allowed to ride the bus to and from the address on file in eSchool. Elementary students must live in their school attendance zone to be eligible for transportation. In the event that there is no availability for an enrolling student at the elementary school within his/her attendance zone, transportation will be provided to a school outside the student’s attendance zone. The school assignment will be made by the Office of Student-Centered Support Services.

Change of Address

If a student moves, the parent or guardian must submit proof of address to the student’s assigned school. Proof of address should include a utility bill in the parent or guardian’s name or lease agreement or mortgage. A light, water, or gas bill is the only acceptable utility bill accepted.

Unless a transportation supervisor directs otherwise, all students should ride their assigned bus and get on and off the bus at their stop.

Mental Health

Mental health can affect a student’s energy level, concentration level, and self-esteem. These issues, if not addressed early, can have long-term consequences, including their career potential and overall health. Our district has partnered with local mental health agencies to provide on-site therapy and intervention at our campuses. Please visit nlrsd.org to see our Approved Mental Health Providers.

The Suicide and Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 and is for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The number to call is 988.

School Uniforms

There is no school uniform policy in the North Little Rock School District; however, we expect our students’ attire to be appropriate and free of distraction. The dress policy can be found in the NLRSD Parent-Student Handbook. In addition, students may use only clear or mesh book bags to transport books and supplies.

School Supplies

School leaders have compiled a list of supplies that students will need for the year. These supplies are available on our website, nlrsd.org.

Water Bottle Filling Stations

In the essence of health and safety, all water fountains have been turned off. However, all schools have water bottle filling stations. Students and staff are encouraged to bring water bottles, and they can be refilled throughout the day.