|
Friends,
Some Little Rock students on Spring Break this week may escape to the beach, the pool or the playground. Through the power of reading, others may be heading to Mars, Gotham City or anywhere else their books and their imaginations take them.
We are excited to be partnering with the Little Rock School District for "Reading in The Rock," a citywide initiative to improve literacy outcomes for our students and create a culture of reading across Little Rock.
We know there is power in a book to transport the reader to amazing places, and there is certainly power in embracing literacy. Studies suggest that improved literacy rates are tied to lower unemployment, lower incarceration rates, higher incomes and better health.
Literacy is an important component of sustaining and growing our City as a catalyst for the new South. We believe "Reading in The Rock" is a critical step in prioritizing literacy across Little Rock and fostering lifelong readers.
For "Reading in The Rock" to be a success and to touch as many students as possible, we are asking for your help.
Our goal is to send 10 free, student-selected books home to every LRSD elementary school student this summer. To do that, we are seeking donations from businesses and individuals within the community.
We also ask you to take the pledge! Commit to 20 minutes of reading every day as families engage in lifelong literacy habits and discover the power of reading.
Last week, we kicked off this partnership with a rally and news conference at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership and Language Magnet Academy. Literacy advocate and local TV personality Craig O'Neill emceed a program that got us all motivated for the initiative.
Sponsored by Scholastic Education, students received a Spring Break take-home package of books, a reading tip guide, and a reading log for students to log their Spring Break reading activities for a chance to win prizes.
As we look ahead to the summer, we want students to start now to build their at-home libraries. The 10 take-home books are a great foundation for that. To donate, please visit www.arcf.org/lrsdpromise today!
|
|
Exemplary Effort
On Wednesday, March 19, the Little Rock Fire Department worked to contain multiple grass fires across our City. The combination of strong winds, dry conditions and low humidity led to more than 14 fires that day and several more in the days after that. Fortunately, there was no loss of life.
As firefighters and first responders battled blazes and worked to protect life and property in many parts of our City, they demonstrated the highest values of professionalism and service above self.
The coordinated effort among LRFD, LRPD, our Emergency Management Division and our public service partners across the City was essential to keep these wildfires from spreading and to save lives. I am grateful for a job well done, especially to our firefighter heroes whose emergency response made a significant difference.
While Pulaski County remains under a burn ban, residents are not allowed to do any outdoor burning. Please keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe during extreme fire danger.
|
|
|
Sustain The Rock
For more than a decade, we have recognized and honored the contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations that work to create a more sustainable future for Little Rock with our Sustain the Rock awards.
This annual program that started in 2012 highlights the hard work and dedication of those who are making a positive impact on sustainability, whether through conservation efforts, renewable energy initiatives or community engagement.
As we consider the 2025 Sustain the Rock awards, we are asking you, our residents, to help us select this year's recipients. Nominations are now open for those individuals, businesses or organizations who are making the most significant contributions to a sustainable Little Rock. Nominees must live in the City or have their principal place of business in Little Rock.
To nominate a Sustain the Rock award recipient, visit our website.
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. We encourage nominations that reflect the diversity of sustainability efforts in our community. We want to recognize those who are working in innovative and creative ways, as well as those who are addressing environmental and social justice issues.
Together, we can create a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable Little Rock. Nominations are due by Friday, April 18.
|
|
The Week Ahead
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will set the agenda for its next regular meeting on Tuesday, March 25, at 4 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall, 500 W. Markham St. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock Facebook and YouTube pages.
- On Wednesday, March 26, at 3 p.m., the Little Rock Sustainability Commission will meet at Centennial Bank, 1301 Rebsamen Park Road. The Sustainability Commission promotes environmental and economic health throughout the City.
- The Little Rock City Beautiful Commission will meet Thursday, March 27, at 4 p.m. in the Board Room at City Hall.
- The Department of Housing and Neighborhood Programs will host another session of its Residents Academy on Thursday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St. This free program is open to anyone who wants to learn more about the City's code enforcement division and the services provided by team members in code enforcement.
|
|
As always, stay up to date with what's happening in the City on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram via @citylittlerock. You can also email me at mayorscott@littlerock.gov or call my office at 501.371.4744.
I appreciate you!
|
|
|
|
