LRSD News

A time of lords and ladies, damsels in distress, knights in shining armor, wizards and castles -- the medieval times were very interesting indeed! Books are still written and movies are still made about this fascinating period of history.

Students at David O. Dodd Elementary also took interest in the Medieval Age during a special Summer Enrichment Camp. They learned about medieval homes, lifestyles, trades and games (including chess), all the while strengthening their math and literacy skills for the coming school year.

The camp culminated with a special "commencement ceremony" where the students demonstrated what they learned during the camp. Projects, including castles built out of found objects, coats of armor and stained glass, were on display for all to see, and Queen Katina Ray (otherwise known as principal) presided over the proceedings, regally decked out in crown and cape!

All campers received a Certificate of Participation, and the two winners of the camp's Chess Tournament, Ricky Westbrook (1st place, right) and Lexie Welborn (2nd place, left), received a special gift.

The Medieval Summer Enrichment Camp was coordinated by Lady Jennifer Thomas and Lady Jennifer Welborn. All the participating teachers, Lady Gent, Lady Johnson, Lady Wallace and Lady Jenkins, deserve a special thank-you for devoting their time to providing enrichment activities for these students.

More photos coming soon!

Tamika N. Gore, a teacher at David O. Dodd Elementary, was honored as the winner of the 2011 Marian G. Lacey Educator of the Year award at the Little Rock School District’s annual Crystal Awards banquet at the Embassy Suites Hotel on May 2.

Gore, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Dodd, loves working with these very young students and instilling within them a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives. She says, “I love the conversations children have, the laughter and love they bring to the room, and their eagerness to learn.”

Also honored at the banquet were Shannon L. Smith of Terry Elementary, who was named Elementary School Teacher of the Year; Elizabeth K. McFadden of Pulaski Heights Middle School, who received Middle School Teacher of the Year honors; and Debra Murray of Parkview Magnet High School, who was honored as High School Teacher of the Year.

The Little Rock School District values its teachers, and the Crystal Awards banquet is one way educators are honored and rewarded for their dedication to educating the students of Little Rock. Teachers from every school in the district were recognized during the banquet and received commemorative trophies. The LRSD teachers who were honored at the Crystal Awards banquet are listed below.

Central High School: Chris Dorer, Susan Garner, George West
J.A. Fair High School: Christina Cereghini, Brenda Hullum, Sue Nelson
Hall High School: Jennifer Diggs, Aminah Eddings, Jessi Sharp
McClellan High School: Anita Henson, Lanniece Lewis, Maragret Reed
Parkview High School: Carla Jurgensmeyer, Debra Murray, Ryan Parson
Accelerated Learning Center: David J. Ahne               
Felder Alternative Learning Center: Patrick Donovan
Hamilton Alternative Learning Center: Brenda Anderson-Smith, Richard Reynolds
Metropolitan Career-Technical Center: Carla L. Wilkins 
Cloverdale Middle School: Chris Ishmon, Shirley Walker
Dunbar Middle School: Melony M. Phillips, Alicia Sexton
Forest Heights Middle School: Audrey Kirby, Shalon R. Nichols         
Henderson Middle School: Christine A. Cannon, Tawanna R. Pinkard
Mabelvale Middle School: Cristen Wynne Barnett: Pamela G. Wallace
Mann Middle School: Deborah C. Desjardin, Daryl Newcomb
Pulaski Heights Middle School: Elizabeth K. McFadden, Ardell Thomsen        
Bale Elementary: Leigh Moravec
Baseline Elementary: Diane Marie Jordan                    
Booker Elementary: Patricia Jackson               
Brady Elementary: Shelly R. Oliver                  
Carver Elementary: Linda K. Corrigan            
Chicot Primary: Esther Yvonne Jones              
Dodd Elementary: Tamika N. Gore                 
Fair Park ECC: Kathleen Runder                    
Forest Park Elementary: Miranda McDiarmid              
Franklin Elementary: Richard Horton               
Fulbright Elementary: Laura Ross                    
Geyer Springs Elementary: Amy Hunter           
Gibbs Elementary: Katrina Long                      
Jefferson Elementary: Karyn Wortsmith           
M.L. King Elementary: Richelle L. Thomas                  
Mabelvale Elementary: Sheryl B. Jackson                    
McDermott Elementary: Felicia R. Hayes                    
Meadowcliff Elementary: Becky Epperson                  
Otter Creek Elementary: Caroline Mason Bryant
Pulaski Heights Elementary: Mary Lou Chilcote           
Roberts Elementary: Carman McBride            
Rockefeller Elementary: Debbie Gross            
Romine Elementary: Ryan Westin                    
Stephens Elementary: Pamela K. Jones           
Terry Elementary: Shannon LaShel Smith                    
Wakefield Elementary: Keli Collins
Washington Elementary: LaDonna Joy Oates               
Watson Intermediate: Scott Bassham              
Western Hills Elementary: Stacey Cox             
Williams Elementary: Lori Benson                   
Wilson Elementary: Kristy S. Mosby               
Woodruff ECC: Shanon L. Wallace