District reports early third-grade testing growth and celebrates student recognitions

District leaders told the board that testing season has begun and that early third-grade results show signs of growth. Presenters said results are arriving faster than in past years (within roughly 48 hours), and that the district will return with fuller data when available.

"We've been getting some good news," one assistant superintendent said, noting that the district is watching incoming data closely and will report complete results once all testing windows close.

The board also heard a series of recognitions: Ridge Road Elementary students presented Black History Month reports and shared PBIS and reading-incentive achievements (the district reported more than 150,000 reading minutes districtwide in a Read-to-Feed competition); multiple grade-level basketball teams were recognized for undefeated seasons and MVPs; the North Little Rock Special Olympics team returned with honors; and several students and staff were honored for awards and community service.

The board praised third-grade teachers for their work preparing students for the Atlas assessments and staff said celebrations and follow-up reporting will come as results are finalized.