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CPSB LAUNCHES UNIVERSAL PRE-K PROGRAM In a move to provide more children in the parish with a quality education, the Calcasieu Parish School Board began offering a universal pre-k program on Aug. 20. The program is now tuition free to all enrolled participants, and immediately placed the more than 500 children on the pre-k waiting list into classrooms at no cost. The new program employs a district-wide curriculum in all pre-k classrooms. Creative Curriculum, which is already in use in the CPSB’s Head Start programs, is aligned to the new Louisiana Birth-5 Standards. State Superintendent John White has praised CPSB as a leader in early childhood education in the state. The school board, Head Start programs, and childcare providers in Calcasieu parish, one of the 15 parishes chosen to participate in the early childhood education network pilot program, are working together to move toward placing all four year olds in Calcasieu in a pre-k program in order to boost preparedness. CPSB’s universal pre-k now has 2,500 students enrolled in schools across the parish. “When Mr. Savoy informed me that the new program would be adopted by our schools this year, I was overcome with emotion; as were many of my colleagues,” said Sheryl Piper,
CPSB director of early childhood education. “Since I was assigned to the job as district coordinator of pre-schools in 1998, I have always been very passionate about my vision to see all children, regardless of income status, receive a quality education that will prepare them for kindergarten. That vision has become a reality.” For more information, please contact Mrs. Piper at Sheryl.Piper@cpsb.org.
CPSB WELLNESS PROGRAM BEGINS WITH SUCCESS In an effort to encourage healthier employees, the Calcasieu Parish School Board established an employee wellness program; led by Skylar Giardina, risk manager for the school board and fitness enthusiast. “Making a commitment in your
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life to better living not only improves your health, but also changes your attitude in the classroom or office and boosts camaraderie among fellow teachers and staff,” Giardina said. In partnership with CHRISTUS St. Patrick, CPSB held their first Health and Wellness Fair, offered introductory fitness classes, and rolled out the new fitness incentive program, which rewards participants for regularly attending a fitness center. Additionally, Wellness Warriors have volunteered to be responsible for encouraging healthier living and distributing wellness information to employees at each school and office location. On November 2, the school district will hold the “From the Classroom to a 5K” race at the Lake Charles Civic Center for all CPSB employees and their immediate family. The event is free for all runners and walkers. After the conclusion of the 5K, a 1-mile fun run will take place for children and adults. Race-day registration will be from 6:307:20 a.m.