Williams Magnet Elementary

WME Family and Friends,

Please find attached a link to Williams Magnet Elementary's Family and Parent Engagement packet. This information is also shared in your scholar's individual classroom.

Parent and Family Engagement Handbook
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ub6eC90WJYIUlOmvW7eVR3aGhUcuWZQzTYy7vJUYdP8/edit?usp=sharing

Parental Involvement Plan
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ub6eC90WJYIUlOmvW7eVR3aGhUcuWZQzTYy7vJUYdP8/edit?usp=sharing

Mon, Sep 15, 2025 – Wed, Oct 15, 2025
What is the Hispanic Heritage Month and why is it celebrated?
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is observed from September 15 to October 15 in the United States, unlike other heritage months celebrated during a singular calendar month. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson, as a way to pay tribute to the Hispanic and Latin communities’ contributions to the nation, and was enacted into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 as an entire month. The date of September 15 was chosen to commence HHM because it coincides with the independence days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, while Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on the 16th and 18th, respectively. It was expanded into October to recognize Día de la Raza, or “Day of the Race,” which celebrates the countries and people colonized by Spain and other European colonialists.

The HHM theme for 2025 is “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.” This month is an opportunity to recognize and learn about the history, journeys, and achievements of the Hispanic and Latine American communities while spotlighting the unique voices and experiences of those who continue to pioneer change and shape the future.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

About Arkansas Peace Week
Arkansas Peace Week: Make Peace our “Natural” State!

September 14 – 21, 2025

Our Mission: Arkansas Peace Week is a program of activities with a mission to educate and promote peacemaking in our society and raise awareness of organizations working to build a lasting peace in Arkansas.

Who We Are: Arkansas Peace Week is conducted by a coalition of local, national and international organizations, faith groups and individuals, with a mission to promote peace and justice. Arkansas Peace Week is planned in coordination with the nationwide Campaign Non-Violence Week of Actions.

Why We Do It: Arkansas Peace Week celebrates non-violence as a means to instill justice, build stronger communities, alleviate poverty, promote ecological stewardship, end war, and eliminate the scourge of violence in our society; while seeking respect, inclusion and fair treatment of all people. The lessons learned and relationships formed during Arkansas Peace Week create a foundation for sustainable peace in our society throughout the year.

What We Do: During the third week of September, in observance of the United Nations International Day of Peace, Arkansas Peace Week includes events hosted by dozens of organizations throughout the state. These events feature education, service, dialogue and outreach activities promoting our mission. We invite all like-minded groups and organizations to plan an event during Arkansas Peace Week.

☕✨ Java with Jermall kicks off this week! Join LRSD Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright on this Wednesday at Southwest High between 7:45 and 8:45 a.m. for coffee, refreshments, and great conversation with parents, staff, and community members. Can’t make it this time? Mark your calendar for October 8 at Mann Magnet Middle and November 12 at Terry Elementary. 💙 Everyone is invited!

Hello Wonderful Williams Families,
There will be a mandatory parent meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 5:30 pm for all who are interested in learning about Destination Imagination.
Destination Imagination (DI) is a creative problem-solving program that teaches students how to think divergently by providing six new competitive, open-ended problems yearly. Teams of 2-7 students work together to solve both long-term and short-term problems using their creative problem-solving skills. By tapping into creativity, and through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems, both great and small, for a lifetime. During DI practices, students learn to depend on each other as they learn to work together as a team. Students in 1st - 5th grades are eligible to participate in WMS DI.
If you would like to view more information about DI before our meeting, go to https://www.destinationimagination.org/.
In order for a student to be able to try-out, a parent or guardian must attend this mandatory parent meeting.
Thank you,
Susan Jackson & Alex Wakelyn

Be on the look out for this flyer in your scholar's folder! Join us for Muffins with Mom and Donuts with Dad on Wednesday, August 27th from 7:05-8:00! Please RSVP by this Friday, August 22nd using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Wflayl_KAP0QTm205OmyuPhkSoOffoe4Rrfvrvx2DAg/viewform?edit_requested=true

UPDATE: Please review/comment on Proposed LRSD School Board Zone Map Option 4: https://lrsd.mydistricting.com/comments/plan/14/31.
Zones 1 & 7 are switched; slight changes have been made to Zones 4 & 6.
School attendance zones are NOT affected. Thanks for your support!

📚✏️ Get ready to save, LRSD families! The Arkansas Sales Tax Holiday kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025. During this time, you can purchase school supplies, clothing, instructional materials, and even electronics — tax free! 🛍️📅 Mark your calendars and stock up for back-to-school!

Important: 2025-2026 School Year Check-In Information

Dear Families,

We are excited to prepare for another successful school year at Williams Magnet! As part of our back-to-school process, all families are required to complete the Check-In process for each scholar.

Check-In Dates & Times:
• Wednesday, July 30, 2025
• Thursday, July 31, 2025
• Friday, August 1, 2025
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (each day)

During Check-in, families will:
• Verify and update scholar information
• Complete important forms, including the Lunch Application

Please Note:

Filling out the Lunch Application is critical, even if you do not plan to use school meal services. This form directly impacts our school’s eligibility for federal funding and other important resources that support all students.

We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to making this a great school year for all scholars. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our main office.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Williams Magnet community!

Warm regards,
Williams Magnet Administration

Dear Families, We are excited to prepare for another successful school year at Williams Magnet! As part of our back-to-school process, all families are required to complete the Check-In process for each scholar. Check-In Dates & Times: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Thursday, July 31, 2025 Friday, August 1, 2025 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (each day) During Check-in, families will: Verify and update scholar information Complete important forms, including the Lunch Application Please Note: Filling out the Lunch Application is critical, even if you do not plan to use school meal services. This form directly impacts our school’s eligibility for federal funding and other important resources that support all students. We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to making this a great school year for all scholars. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our main office. Thank you for being a valued part of the Williams Magnet community! Warm regards, Williams Magnet Administration

📢 Reminder: All schools and offices in the Little Rock School District will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day. We wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday weekend as we honor those who have served our country. ❤️🤍💙 #MemorialDay #ReimaginingLRSD

📘✨ Yearbooks Are Here! ✨📘 The 2024–2025 Williams Magnet yearbooks have arrived and are on sale now for just $35! 🎉 Scholars can purchase their copy on Thursday during school hours and on Friday between 8 am - 2 pm. Don't miss your chance to own a keepsake filled with memories, smiles, and milestones from this amazing school year. 📸 Hurry—yearbooks are limited!

Hello Wonderful Williams Families! Yearbooks are coming home today if you places an order. We do have some left to sell if you missed ordering! They are $35 each and payment has to be cash at this point in the year.

Dear Parents/Guardians, As we approach the final days of the school year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for your continued support and trust in us as we’ve had the privilege of guiding your scholars this year. It’s been a wonderful journey, and we are grateful for the partnership we’ve shared in helping your children grow, learn, and succeed. A BIG thank you to our amazing PTA Board for all of their support and care throughout the year! Their dedication to our scholars and staff has made such a positive impact, and we are truly grateful for all the ways they have contributed to our school community. As we prepare for the summer break, we encourage all our scholars to keep their minds engaged and continue practicing key skills in reading, writing, and math. A simple yet effective way to do this is by setting aside at least 20 minutes each day for reading. Afterward, scholars can write a short reflective piece—whether it’s a summary of what they read or a drawing inspired by the story. Additionally, we recommend practicing math facts, especially multiplication, to help keep their skills sharp. For our returning scholars, we can’t wait to see you in the Fall and continue the exciting learning journey together. To those moving on to the next chapter in their education, we wish you all the very best and know you will continue to thrive. Finally, today scholars will be bringing home all of their personal items, so we kindly ask that backpacks remain at home for the last two days of school. Thank you again for your unwavering support throughout this school year. Wishing “The Best and Brightest” a restful, fun-filled summer! Darian L. Smith, Principal

WME Family and Friends, Good day. We're looking forward to having a blast tonight at our 2nd annual Sneaker Ball. Please note, admission is $5 cash only per each student and $5 only per each adult. Scholars will need to be in attendance with an adult. Put on your shades, shoes, and snazzy clothes and come out and enjoy yourself. It's a family affair!

***LRSD Board Meeting and Public Comment/Employee Hearing Thursday, May 15, 2025 – Starting at 5:30 p.m. LRSD Boardroom, Admin Bldg. - 810 W. Markham Agenda: https://lrsd.diligent.community/Portal/ Watch Live: www.lrsdlive.com