WELL,SORT OF
SEE INSIDE FOR THE BREAKDOWN.
2022-2023 PCSSD REGISTRATION OPEN Registration for the 2022-2023 school year is now open for new and returning students to the Pulaski County Special School District. PCSSD’s mission is to provide equity and excellence for all students through rigorous college and career readiness instructional strategies. We serve 26 schools across Pulaski County which include 16 elementary schools, four middle school campuses, one junior high campus, four high school campuses and an online K-12 school. RETURNING STUDENTS Current PCSSD families can submit a letter of intent to return to the District next school year. The letter of intent will replace the need for returning students to re-register this year. The letter of intent can be found at bit.ly/PCSSD-22-23LOI. NEW STUDENTS Parents of students who are new to the district can register their children through the online registration portal. The NEW STUDENT registration portal is only for students K-12 who did not attend a PCSSD school in the 2021-2022 school year and reside in the PCSSD attendance zone. The online registration portal can be found on the PCSSD website.
PRE-K The PCSSD Pre-K program is part of the Arkansas Better Chance program and supported by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. It provides students with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to build on through kindergarten and into elementary school. Students must meet certain requirements. Contact prek@pcssd.org for more information.
SCHOOL CHOICE For families who do not live within the PCSSD school zone but wish to attend one of the schools, the Arkansas School Choice Act is an option. The Arkansas School Choice program enables a student in kindergarten through grade 12 to attend a school in a nonresident district. School choice applications are being accepted through May 1 this year. If you have specific questions related to registration and school choice within PCSSD, please contact the Office of Equity and Pupil Services at 501-234-2021.
ABOUT PCSSD Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly
REGISTER NOW pcssd.org/register
skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 26 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927. PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.
MARCH 2022 ACTIVITIES & FUN
DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS!
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?
March 2
There is! And it’s his birthday. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Fun fact: “Green Eggs and Ham” started as a $50 wager between Dr. Seuss and his publisher, who bet the author that he couldn’t write a book using 50 or fewer words.
PARTY EN POINTE March 5, 6-10 p.m.
“Confetti,” Ballet Arkansas’s 10th Annual Turning Pointe Gala, supports world-class programs and performances that uplift, enrich and inspire more than 30,000 Arkansans each year. Attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception and silent auction with live music from JAZZ R US, a seated dinner with live auction, signature performances by the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas in the Wildwood Theater, plus dessert, dancing and a moonlit farewell with live music by the Dizzy 7 Band. Black-tie optional.
March 5
SO CHEESY Hooray for National Cheese Doodle Day (or cheeze to be more accurate). Are you team puffed or crunchy? And why isn’t there an Andy Capp’s Hot Fries Day?
March 10
OLD SCHOOL National Landline Telephone Day Push button or rotary — you choose.
HBD, MOD! March 11
This date marks the 95th anniversary of Museum of Discovery’s founding. In addition to a birthday bash at its Science After Dark (6-9 p.m., March 31) event, it’s celebrating with: a goal of receiving 1,000 $95 donations and 95 $1,000; an inaugural Bernie Babcock Brunch on June 11, in honor of MOD’s founder; and membership giveaways.
IF YOU HEART ART . . . Pulaski Heights Picassos
YOUTH NEWS FROM AMFA The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 Teen Advisory Board. TAB participants learn about the inner-workings of the museum, plan and organize student-centered activities, and serve as the youth voice for many AMFA initiatives. Talk about a resume builder! Formed in 2020, TAB is open to all high school students in the Greater Little Rock area. Applicants should be in grades 9-12 in the upcoming 2022-23 school year and able to meet twice a month (virtually or in-person) starting this August. Selected applicants will receive certified volunteer hours, industry connections and a year of artistic opportunities. The deadline for applications to the AMFA Teen Advisory Board is April 1, 2022. For more info, visit arkmfa.org.
LET THERE BE LIGHT!
March 12, 6:30-9 p.m.
A magical night of music, food, drinks and stellar art — Picassos, the popular fundraiser for Pulaski Heights Elementary, returns to The Museum of Discovery in downtown Little Rock for its 19th year. This adults-only event includes opportunities to bid on art in both a silent and live auction.
March 20
GO GREEN
March 17
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The one day on the calendar that everyone gets to claim Irish heritage (and pinch people).
Spring Equinox Celebrate this first day of spring by taking a mindful walk in nature, reading a picture book about spring (this Kevin Henkes one is a favorite), planting seeds or getting a jump on eating Easter candy.
The N
servan ature Con
Ferncliff
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The Little Rock Zoo
THE SPRING BREAK BREAKDOWN BY KATHERINE WYRICK
A
s we did a year ago, we find ourselves posing the question: What will spring break look like? This time, the answer is (dare we say) a bit brighter. Though we’re still in the midst of a pandemic, getting out and about safely feels possible. There are some international travel restrictions still in place, but people are more willing (read desperate) to venture to far-flung destinations. Being the trepidatious type, however, I’m focusing on three options closer to home: day camps, a day trip and a road trip. Because complex times call for simple solutions. Wherever you go, make sure to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s online COVID data tracker and get up to speed on the latest numbers and guidance. And, of course, get vaccinated and mask up.
DAY CAMPS As of this writing, many places are still ironing out the details. Check social media for updates. The Athletic Clubs March 21-25 Times and costs vary Ages 5-12 Three different camps at three different locations, all of them fun. The North Little
Rock Athletic Club, Little Rock Racquet Club and Little Rock Athletic Club each offer an action-packed week. Kids will keep busy with gym games, arts and crafts and field trips. Registration is open. lrac.com/ happenings/spring-break-camps. Central Arkansas Library System Spring Break week will happen at four locations; alas, it is still in the planning stages. Grab-and-go meals, grab-and-go activities
and story times will continue to be available throughout the week. cals.org. Ferncliff March 21-25 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Grades 1-5 Cost: Price varies depending on tier chosen Spring Break Day Camp is for kids who want to enjoy some outdoor fun in a peaceful, natural setting. Expect a week full of
R E V O C S I D THING NEW
CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
SOME T
Looking for new adventures for your family and friends? Come together at Arkansas’s 52 state parks and experience endless possibilities.
TOT COS SA ATE T RIVER S K R A P
Pick up your FREE PASSPORT at the nearest state park today.
Plan your adventure at
ArkansasStateParks.com.
summer discovery camps ages 6-13
unicorn biology
mess makers junior zoologist
code bots
awesome activities where campers can play outside, make friends and “grow in faith.” Kids will play games, make crafts, hike, fish, explore creeks, visit the garden and farm, take aim on the archery range, slide down the 120-foot Shady Chute slide and more. Convenient options for extended hours (drop-off and pick-up) are available. Registration ends at noon March 18. The cost starts at $249, but there is a tiered pricing system. ferncliff.org The Little Rock Zoo Zoofari Camp March 21-25 Zoofari Camp is a go! Details TBA. We do know that you can opt for a half day or whole day, and that campers will get lessons with certified teachers on science, animal health and zoos, and will enjoy special encounters with animals. Spring break is celebrated throughout the whole Zoo for all guests March 18-27, so even if you don’t participate in the camp, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere. The theme of the week is “cruise ship.” We’re envisioning penguins playing shuffleboard, one of the red river hogs in a captain’s hat, and a bush dog working a buffet, but we could be wrong. littlerockzoo.com Museum of Discovery MOD says TBA. Camps are happening; details forthcoming. museumofdiscovery.org
see more at museumofdiscovery.org
RIDE FOR LITERACY
Saturday, Saturday,April April30, 30,2022 2022| |11 11am am
Cheryl Tidwell, Cheryl Tidwell, FIC FIC 501-590-4528 501-590-4528
Register at www.BikeReg.com/tour-de-toad ||Learn www.facebook.com/TourDeToad/ Register at www.BikeReg.com/tour-de-toad LearnMore Moreatat www.facebook.com/TourDeToad/
The Nature Conservancy Spring Break Adventure Camp 2022 March 21-24 Grades 9-12 Mississippi River State Park, Marianna TNC is offering an awesome adventure for teens at beautiful Mississippi River State Park in Marianna. It’s sure to be an enriching experience. Here’s a preview: Monday, drive to park and set up camp. Tuesday, paddling with the Quapaw Canoe Company. Wednesday, horseback riding and fishing. Thursday, paddling and head back home. Contact Devan Mayer to reserve your space and for more information, devan.mayer@tnc.org. Coronavirus safety protocols will be followed. All participants must be fully vaccinated and boosted. A negative COVID test, taken within 72 hours of the start of camp must be presented when you arrive Monday morning. $100 registration, space is limited. Sign up deadline is March 11. Wildwood Spring Break Jr. Naturalist Camp In Partnership with the Central Arkansas Master Naturalists March 21-25 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages 7-11 Bill Toland, a certified Arkansas Master Naturalist and an NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, leads the naturalist programming with additional certified Central Arkansas Master Naturalists. Campers will enjoy a week of fun, hiking Wildwood’s winding trails, playing outdoor games, and engaging in hands-on instruction. Topics include lake ecology, reptiles and insects native to Arkansas. They will also learn how to stay safe in the woods. Drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m.; pick-up begins at 4 p.m. and goes until 4:30 p.m. wildwoodpark.org.
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, HERITAGE AND TOURISM
2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION FOR PRE-K
Petit Jean Cedar Falls Trail
For more details:
TO DO AROUND TOWN: Lake Life Lake Nixon, which has an outdoor preschool and popular summer day camp, does not have a spring break camp, BUT did you know it allows (encourages!) visitors to come for FREE? You can hike, bike and boat to your heart’s content. Follow a 1.5-mile loop hiking trail around the lake or take a kayak, paddleboard or paddleboat for a spin. The camp is in the process of building 6-7 miles of mountain bike trails that will be open to the public. If you’re going with more than five people, they suggest signing up at lakenixon.com. As mentioned, visiting is free, but they do appreciate donations, which go to support their programs. Lake Nixon also offers facility rentals for birthday parties and other gatherings. The setting is so pretty, and the vibe gives you all the pleasantly nostalgic camp feels (without the homesickness).
Arkansas State Parks Arkansans are fortunate to have an abundance of beautiful, accessible state parks. This year, some are offering special spring break programming that every member of the family will enjoy. Check back closer to break time for specific schedules at Pinnacle, Petit Jean and other locations. We can tell you that there will be guided nature hikes, games, tours, stories and s’more. arkansasstateparks.com
http://www.lrsd.org/earlychildhood
We’re saving a seat for you! • FULL DAY SESSION • AGE-APPROPRIATE LEARNING ACTIVITIES • BREAKFAST, NUTRITIOUS SNACKS, AND LUNCH PROVIDED • CDC GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED If you have any questions please contact us at:
ECC@LRSD.ORG 501-447-7366 (English) or 501-447-7364 (Español)
WEEKEND TRIP: St. Louis We spoke to a family man who knows and loves this city. This father of a 12-year-old son gave us the lowdown.
Cit y Mus
Aquarium | St. Louis
eum | St.
Louis
To do: Catch a Cardinals game; wander the grounds of Laumeier Sculpture Park, one of the largest sculpture parks in the country, free and open daily; or spend the whole day at the City Museum. Housed in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company, the City Museum is a creative combination of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion and architectural marvel made out of found objects. An added bonus: They sell beer and snacks on the rooftop playground. It costs extra for admission but is worth it for the insane installations and views of the city. Or you can grab a pint and a bite at The Sliced Pint nearby after your visit. Magic House is also a must, and, of course, the St. Louis Zoo is famous — and free! Our insider said, “The whole park that the zoo is in [Forest Park] is interesting, too, with places to visit and play.” It has the advantage of also being within walking distance of the Delmar Loop. Areas of interest: The Hill is an old Italian neighborhood that’s fun to explore. And there are great old-school Italian restaurants where you can grab dinner. The Delmar Loop is, in the words of our man on the ground, “a beautiful stretch of urban delights — restaurants, shops, people watching, etc.” He recommends Fitz’s, a place that makes and bottles their own soda; Corner 17, an Asian noodle place where they make fresh noodles right in front of you; and Blueberry Hill, a family joint that has “the most bonkers celebrity autographed photo hall I’ve ever seen. In one photo the owner is with Chris Rock and Burt Reynolds AT THE SAME TIME.” As if that’s not enough, there’s also a funky grocery store selling strange foreign candies, a cool comic book store and several vintage/ thrift stores. The Grove is a centrally located, buzzworthy district that stretches nearly a mile along Manchester Avenue. It’s a bustling scene with over 50 businesses — places to eat and drink, grab coffee or beer, shop, people watch, in general just hang. There are mercifully no chain restaurants in this groovy section of town. There is craft beer, barbecue, soul food and over-the-top ice cream and a gastro pub. Very of the moment. Downtown at Union Station has the giant enclosed ferris wheel, lit up at night and always festive. There’s also the Aquarium, not too big with lots of hands-on stuff. The Gateway Arch is another must-see and has an excellent gift shop. (And, as we know, not all gift shops are created equal.) You have to reserve tickets for the Arch, but it’s usually not too busy. Busch Stadium, with Ballpark Village next door, is a classic, family-friendly venue if you’re looking for an all-day immersive experience. It’s near some fun restaurants and historic Dred Scott Way as well as some lovely public gardens. To stay: Hotel St. Louis is a hip/historic place that is nice but is located in a kind of urban desert. As our insider pointed out, St. Louis’ city center, like Little Rock’s, feels a bit like a ghost town. It is, however, safe. At night, his family walked from their hotel through Civic Center to Union Station to ride the ferris wheel and reported that “the only thing we saw was an army of rabbits ... . Yes, there are tons of bunnies hopping around the green spaces in downtown St. Louis at night.” So not so deserted after all. The Moonrise is a cute boutique hotel located on the Loop. You can even bring your dog! And it has a great rooftop. Our insider said he’s yet to discover a good place to stop en route, though we hear that Sikeston is a possibility.
Memphis Botanic Garden
MEET DENA: ARTIST, CAR ENTHUSIAST, DRIVEN WOMAN “When I overheard that women my age don’t really walk again after this type of injury, I thought: Just watch me.” READ MORE ABOUT DENA PECKHAM AT SNELLARKANSAS.COM
RESTORING MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE SINCE 1911
Little Rock n Bryant n Conway n Fayetteville n Fort Smith n 800-342-5541 Hot Springs n Mountain Home n North Little Rock n Pine Bluff n Russellville
A QUICK TAKE ON A DAY TRIP: Memphis We have it on good authority from a mother of three who’s originally from Memphis and returns often that these spots are not to miss: To do: Visit the Memphis Zoo (they have pandas!), Rainbow Lake Playground at Overton Park (not-your-average-setup and surrounded by shady trees), My Big Backyard (a family garden) at Memphis Botanic Garden, The Children’s Museum of Memphis and the Fire Museum (downtown) if you have a real firetruck enthusiast. Sun Studios and the National Civil Rights Museum both warrant visits but would be appreciated more by older kids. And then there’s Graceland. And don’t forget Stax Museum of American Soul Music. There’s also Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, and, though she was loath to admit it, our Memphis connection said it should be included. Did you know that it houses the world’s tallest freestanding elevator and 13 lanes of underwater-themed bowling?! You might want to plan your trip around the much anticipated opening of “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” on March 25 at Graceland Exhibition Center. We heard rave reviews from someone who saw it in New York. To eat: Café Eclectic, Central BBQ, Memphis Pizza Café (four locations) and Muddy’s Bake Shop (worth the drive from LR for the cupcakes alone). Round things out with a paleta from La Michoacana on Summer Avenue.
SAVVY kids PUBLISHER BROOKE WALLACE | brooke@arktimes.com EDITOR KATHERINE WYRICK | katherinewyrick@arktimes.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS
FIND MORE AT SAVVYKIDSAR.COM