Back to School 2018

Reserve Library: July 30 at 5 pm End of Summer Reading Program Party for all ages Central Library: July 31 at 2 pm Lady Chops for all ages Reserve Library: Aug 2 at 5 pm Back to School Craft for ages 8+ Garyville Library: Aug 3 at 2 pm Tech Class for Teens for tweens and teens

B ACK TO SCHOOL Best Along the River Since 1913

brooke.robichaux@lobservateur.com

July 28, 2018 | Saturday | Weekend EDITION

PAGE 1B

SCC opens year with campus renovations Special to L’Observateur

LAPLACE — After nearly three years of construction noise and displaced classrooms, students and teachers will begin the school year by enjoying a completely renovated and expanded St. Charles Catholic High School.

“The newly renovated school and gym, as well as the beautiful new Chapel at St. Charles Catholic High School, ensures that the young people of our local community, present and future, will have access to wonderful facilities for many years to come,” Dr. Courtney Millet said.

The renovated building and new Chapel were completed in the Spring of 2018 and the incoming students will be greeted not only by their teachers’ smiles but also with the stability and normalcy

St. Charles Catholic High School students Julia Gilberti, Ishan Iyer and Cade Pregeant are looking forward to entering through new front doors and a start of school without the noise of construction, locked front doors and orange cones.

that comes with a completed project.

The renovations and new Chapel meet the educational needs of current students and future generations. St. Charles Catholic High School has had its worn-out build-

ing renovated using a host of standard design principles to ensure that the building is both functional and flexible.

The $5.7 million renovation included vibrant upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the school, security

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enhancements, major gym improvements and a new 126seat Chapel on campus.

Exterior improvements to the school building are more than cosmetic, they are transformational.

The unappealing blue metal siding was replaced with new windows, brick and stucco.

Two architecturally aesthetic towers make the two front entrances a great place for all who enter.

The new commons entrance was dedicated in honor of war hero and 9-11 Pentagon victim Robert Hymel ’64 and local Knights of Columbus councils.

Features completed also include a renovated and expanded student commons area intended to serve as a focal point of the school, a student lunch area, a forum

inside 2B STEM Magnet High School 3B – Riverside Academy 5B - St. Joan of Arc Catholic School 6B - Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School 7B - St. Peter Catholic School 8B - St. James High 9B- St. Charles Parish Public Schools 10B – • The Power of YOU • West Bank Civic Association • Backpack Extravaganza

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| L’OBSERVATEUR |

Page 2B

Saturday, July 28, 2018

L G, III Assessor

Best of luck to all students this school year!

St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools thanked everyone who came out July 21 to help get the STEM Magnet High School Program campus ready for the start of school during a call to service day.

STEM Magnet High School Program begins Special to L’Observateur

TAKE�IT�SLOW Speeding is always dangerous, but it’s especially risky when young children may be present. When classes are back in session, more children are walking, cycling or riding scooters to and from school.

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RESERVE — Science, technology, engineering and math education will get a boost in St. John the Baptist Parish beginning with the 2018-19 school year with the addition of a new STEM Magnet High School Program in St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.

The program will focus on college preparatory mathematics, science and English language arts courses to serve students focused on a STEM career, as well as provide classes in career pathways such as digital design and pre-engineering.

These classes will include robotics, engineering design, programming, digital storytelling, web design and photography, motion graphics and video.

Students will also be able to earn college credit while taking these classes focused on a STEM career.

Two of the state’s leading universities have partnered with the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District to provide unique opportunities for students in the St. John STEM Magnet High School Program.

Louisiana State University has partnered with the program for the school’s pre-engineering, digital design and, in the future, biomedical sciences classes, which will follow curriculum developed by Louisiana State University.

Math and science teachers at the STEM Magnet High School will also receive additional training through LSU. This summer, the district also developed a partnership with Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy that will allow St. John students to take specialized courses focused on the medical field, while also participating in career-focused activities and clubs offered by the university.

“Like the cases of digital design and engineering, there exists a huge interest in the medical fields among our students,” St. John STEM Magnet High School Principal Terran Perry said.

“Xavier University has a stellar reputation and ranking when it comes to the number of students that go on to complete medical school, and we are thankful that our kids are able to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.”

These partnerships also mean that dual enrollment classes students

The new STEM Magnet High School Program will operate on the old Leon Godchaux Junior High School campus on River Road in Reserve.

take at the high school will earn them college credit that will directly transfer to these universities and others.

Students must meet selective eligibility criteria for admission to the St. John STEM Magnet High School Program.

In its first year, 261 students in grades 8 through 10 were accepted.

Grade levels will be increased each year until the program is a full 8th through 12th grade school.

“Our mission is to make sure every student is prepared for the careers that will await them after graduation,” Superintendent Kevin George said.

“We plan to increase the number of students and opportunities in the program each year and create a powerhouse of STEM education in St. John the Baptist Parish.”

The STEM Magnet High School Program is located on the former Leon Godchaux campus in Reserve.

Displaying the banner, from left, are School Board President Albert ‘Ali’ Burl III, WSJH assistant principal Kendria Spears, mentor teacher Belinda Bailey, principal Claude Hill, Superintendent Kevin George and School Board member Charo Holden.

T

he St. John the Baptist Parish School Board recently presented West St. John High School with a banner recognizing its achievement of being named a bronze school by U.S. News and

World Report.

It is the second year in a row the school has made the national list, which ranks schools based on its performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college.

| L’OBSERVATEUR |

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Page 3B

Recently completed projects include a new elementary playground, above, and LED welcome sign where messages and reminders can be seen by motorists.

Riverside changes enhance educational environment Special to L’Observateur

RESERVE — Riverside Academy was built by the hands of volunteer parents and members of the community, but over time has seen various additions and updates.

Since its opening in 1970, our beautiful school has developed into a campus with many facilities for the arts, academics and athletics currently covering 20 acres and consisting of 13 permanent buildings.

We are committed to providing our students with an exceptional academic program and an educational environment conducive to learning.

Riverside will have several new changes across campus for the 201819 school year.

As an independent, private school, any and all updates are a result of fundraisers or donations.

Our Capital Improvement Project has enabled Riverside to make the necessary modifications our current and new families will see upon returning to school in August.

The first projects completed on the agenda were our brand new elemen-

The Riverside Academy Color Guard racked up many awards during their recent week at MA Color Guard Camp at Grace King High School. The team received invitations to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Citrus Bowl Halftime show in Orlando, Fla.

tary playground followed by the LED welcome sign where messages and reminders can be seen by everyone driving past the school.

Each of our first through fifth grade classrooms received new Collaborative Learning Desks as well as Promethean Boards. These stateof-the art touchscreen boards will

allow our teachers to take their lessons to the next level energizing the learning environment.

The safety of our students is a top priority in the classroom and across school grounds.

Our security system has been revamped and upgraded with more cameras, alarms and emergency pro-

tocols, and all outside doors have been replaced to ensure a locked campus.

The driveway leading to the back of school has been given a facelift as the asphalt was resurfaced for smoother access to facilities.

Over the years, normal wear and tear takes its toll; ergo, we have replaced cafeteria tables as well as our courtyard benches for students to enjoy during recess and lunch.

Lastly, for a more productive use of the gymnasium, an electrical dropdown gym divider has been installed.

In the near future, our softball field will have new bleachers and the Band Hall will be extended for our ever-growing Marching Pride of Riverside Rebel Band.

As we approach our 49th school year of Riverside Pride, we cannot help but be incredibly grateful for the past, present and future community support that has allowed Riverside to become the wonderful school it is today.

We are Riverside.

We are One. Go Rebels!

SCC: School mass & assemblies upgraded with newly renovated gym From Page 1B

to be used for smaller presentations and community events, and a host of other activities.

“Comet pride emanates throughout our new facilities, and our faculty and students are excited for a year without construction noise and displacement,” English teacher and alumna Melanie Lohfink said.

“I am always excited to begin a new school year, but this year seems more special as we will enter our beautiful school knowing that all our attention will be focused on what SCC does best: Preparing our young people for the future, both academically and spiritually. My favorite place is the beautiful new chapel; I look forward to the opportunities for quiet reflection and devotion.

“I am also looking forward to the first day of school mass and assembly in our newly reno-

The new Chapel will be used for class Mass as well as prayer services. In addition, for the first time, the football team will have Mass every Friday in the new Chapel. At right, students and teachers will also use two, new state-of-the-art computer labs.

vated gym, seeing all the new faces and looking at the senior class as our new leaders.

SCC may have gotten a facelift, but the traditions of faith, family and education remain.

As an alumna, as well as faculty member, I am so proud of our school.”

Besides the many upgrades to the school exterior, the students and teachers are happy about the two new stateof-the-art computer labs.

The computer labs are used for the multimedia and digital design classes as well

as the dual enrollment math classes.

When asked about starting the school year without construction noise, orange cones, and class displacement, Freshmen Class President Allison Powell commented, “With the school no

longer under construction, I can finally say that SCC is as beautiful on the outside as it has always been on the inside! I am excited to continue on my journey as a comet in our new and beautiful home.”

“I am excited about the future of St. Charles

Catholic High School and its permanence to serve the River Parishes for continued years for the spiritual and education growth of our students,” said Principal Drew Cupit. “This will be a landmark that the River Parishes can be proud of.”

St. Charles Catholic High School 2018-19 Calendar August 13 – Faculty Retreat 14 – Teacher Professional Development 14 – New Student and Parent Orientation, 6 p.m.

15 – Teacher Professional Development 16 – Class Retreats (Mandatory) 17 – Book Day/Orientation, Full Uniform

20 – Classes Begin 25 – Back-to-School Dance 29 – Back to School Night for Parents September 3 – Labor Day Holiday October 5 - Homecoming 8 – 11 – Exams 9 – College Fair

November 5 – Open House for Prospective Students 5 – Day of Reflection, Archdiocese of New Orleans 19 - 23 – Thanksgiving Holidays December 17 – 20 – Exams 21 - January 4 – Christmas Holidays

January 7 – Students Return to School 21 – Martin Luther King Holiday

February 8 – In-Service Day for Teachers 9 – Carnival Ball

March 4-8 – Mardi Gras break 18-21 – Exams

April 19-26 – Easter Holidays 27 – Prom

May 2, 3, 6, 7 – SR Exams 11 – JR Ring Mass 11 – Athletic Banquet 17 – Graduation 27 - 30 – Exams 31 – Teacher’s Record Day * Please note that dates are subject to change.

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| L’OBSERVATEUR |

Saturday, July 28, 2018

REGISTER NOW

forasuccessful 2018-19school year!

Students should register at their school. Applications are available at www.stjohn.k12.la.us under the Parents/Students tab. Documents needed to complete registration include: Up-todate Immunization Records, Original Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Last Report Card and Two Proofs of Residence.

SUPPLIES School supply lists are available on the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s website: www.stjohn.k12.la.us Saturday, July 28, 2018

FIRST DAYS Aug. 6 First Day for Teachers Aug. 8 First Day for Grades 1-12 Aug. 14 First Day for Kindergarten Universal PreK/LA4 Aug. 21 First Day for HeadStart

SUMMER READING Summer reading assignments are available on the St. John the Baptist Parish School District website and at St. John the Baptist Parish libraries.

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Page 5B

St. Joan of Arc teaches spiritual, academic growth Special to L’Observateur

Kindergarten students Kasey Batiste, from left, Molly Beadle, Landon Tribe, Brooklyn Williams, Andru Bourgeois and Brayden Smith sing “Our God is an Awesome God.”

Julia Creppel, from left, Lily Lohfink, Trace Foulon and their classmates perform for their family members.

LAPLACE — St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is planning a school year that will enable our students to grow in various aspects.

Spiritually, we want our students to understand the importance of how they treat others so our theme will focus on being kind.

We will also be implementing an anti-bullying program to teach students what constitutes bullying and how to address it.

Academically, we will focus on students establishing academic goals and working to see improvements in their academics.

Students will be rewarded in the

The 5th grade students completed the D.A.R.E. program through the St. John Sheriff’s Office. Each student had to write an essay explaining what was learned. The top essay winner in each class read to the group. Winners from spring were, from left, Faith Williams and Blake Weber. Pictured with them are Deputy Trystin Williams, “Darren” the D.A.R.E. Lion, Sheriff Mike Tregre, Lt. Marshall Carmouche and Sgt. Danielle Falgoust.

Accelerated Reader program for reaching and surpassing reading goals, and after-school test prep classes will be

offered to help students prepare for test taking.

STAR Reading and Math will also be used to help teachers track

data and assist students in meeting their goals.

As far as extra-curricular interests, students will be offered many opportunities to accomplish goals in clubs, sports and band.

The campus has also added additional security features to ensure the safety of our students.

As with every year, our focus is on our students — helping them to grow spiritually, challenge themselves academically, and find something they enjoy outside the classroom, all with the support of the faculty and staff.

St. Joan of Arc is located at 412 Fir St. in​ LaPlace.

For more information about St. Joan of Arc, call 985-652-6310.

421 Belle Terre Blvd | LaPlace

Mon - Fri: 7 am to 6 pm Sat: 8 am to 1 pm

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Saturday, July 28, 2018

Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School

Incoming third and fourth graders Lennix Lewis, Madelyn Hoffman, Kenton Hill and Brayden Drexel show mixed emotions about changing classes next year.

3rd, 4th graders taking on departmentalization Special to L’Observateur

LAPLACE — The end of summer is quickly approaching as Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School prepares to open its doors on Aug. 8.

Meanwhile, Principal Toni Ruiz works on reviewing and approving class schedules as teachers are organizing classrooms and curriculums for incoming students.

In an effort to increase the

development of interpersonal skills and prepare students for middle school transition, AOL will departmentalize third and fourth grade classes beginning this school year.

“Third and fourth grade students will experience departmentalization for the first time this school year,” Ruiz said. “There will be a three-person team ... ELA, Math, and Science/Social Studies ... teaching all stu-

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dents. This will allow teachers to focus on specific subjects, which will provide a greater level of understanding.

“Students will also get to experience different teaching styles and positively interact with several teachers.”

Shannon Cosse has been a fourth grade teacher for many years.

“I am excited about the movement that will be taking place in the third and fourth

grade hallway,” Cosse said.

Through mutual teacher support, equal ownership of students and the opportunity for teachers to teach what they love, Ascension expects to see a successful transition.

AOL School Counselor Christine Escobar is geared up and ready for a new year.

“My work as a school counselor is a connection to hope and positive change,” Escobar said. “To see a glimmer of that is what gets me

out of bed the next day and continues to inspire these students!

“My hope for this school year is that each student knows they are loved and that we as Crusader staff really care. Empathy within a school is so important and I hope to spread that around campus this year.”

The entire Ascension of Our Lord Catholic School family is excited and ready for a blessed year.

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Saturday, July 28, 2018

St. Peter Catholic School

Page 7B

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The St. Peter Catholic School cheerleaders and pep squad members perform in front of the church as part of the parish’s Independence Day celebration.

Christ’s love reflected in worship, prayer & service Special to L’Observateur

RESERVE — St. Peter Catholic School has been educating children in the River Parishes for almost nine decades.

We believe the message of the love of Christ is reflected through worship, prayer and service. Our faculty and staff seek to foster the spirituality, leadership and academic excellence of each student.

Our primary objective is to help you raise and educate the future leaders of our community and nation.

Beginning with our 18 months and continuing through to our 7th grade students, we are all a part of “ONE” family.

Our curriculum focuses on the whole student by providing excellent academic programing and extra-curricular classes such as Spanish, art, computer, computer test prep (3rd and 4th grade), library and physical education.

We also offer an extensive reading program with the assistance of our reading specialist.

Free tutoring in all subjects is also available.

Our “Little Rams” (Daycare) join us in morning assembly, lunch and weekly Mass.

Our daycare teacher provides a patient, loving, compassionate classroom that provides a stable and age appropriate learning environment.

Our objective is assisting the development of social skills through play, art, reading, science, music and mathematics.

We give each child a secure base from which to explore and learn about the world around them. As a child joins the “family” of St. Peter through our Daycare Program, he is involved in a program, which becomes special experiences in the life of the family and the child.

Our Pre-k program offers a handson learning experience that provides students with the opportunity to grow spiritually, socially, developmentally and academically throughout the year.

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985-653-4700 St. Peter School student Kaydence Hoover received a Respect Award at 4-H Camp.

Our Pre-k students grow and learn through our focused, child-centered approach to learning. School readiness is at the core of our Early Childhood Programs.

As students progress through our primary grades and middle-school, they continue to learn from a cadre of experienced educators who are experts in their field, providing a quality education in an environment that is reflective of the family atmosphere experienced at St. Peter.

With a fully-equipped science lab available for all classes, this provides a hands-on experience for studying the elements of science, technology, engineering and math that prepare our students for high-school, college and career.

As St. Peter nears its ninetieth year of operation, we are blessed to have so many alumni who call St. Peter home.

Through the efforts of dedicated alumni, St. Peter continues to offer a quality Catholic education for families in the River Parishes that was the vision of its founder Msgr. Eyraud.

W O N R E ay REGIST er thru M

Receiving the plaque are, front row from left, athletic foundation members Robin Bailey, Germaine Roussel, Billie Dinvaut-Duncan, Bridget Dinvaut and Bonnie Dinvaut; back row from left, Darryl Isom, Superintendent Kevin George, School Board member Charo Holden, foundation member Michael Sander and School Board President Albert “Ali” Burl III.

Dinvaut Foundation delivers for WSJH

T

he St. John the Baptist Parish School Board presented the Rudolph G. Dinvaut Athletic Foundation with an appreciation plaque for its support of the West St. John High School athletic program.

Each year, the Rudolph G. Dinvaut Athletic Foundation raises money to support the athletic program and scholarships at the high school.

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Page 8B

Saturday, July 28, 2018

Grand opening of St. James High celebrated Special to L’Observateur

VACHERIE — The grand opening of the new St. James High School took place Tuesday.

The ribbon cutting was followed by a meeting of the St. James Parish School Board, which included a historical review of West Bank education. Tours and refreshments were offered.

“I envision this school recreating Louisiana 20 into Main Street USA,” St. James Parish School Superintendent Dr. Ed Cancienne said. “This sentiment echoes what I hear from others who believe that the school will help to build the west bank into one community with one heart and one voice. I envision this school being used to bring people together for many meaningful purposes.”

St. James Parish School Board President George Nassar said the new school marks an incredible and historical day in St. James Parish.

“It has taken many people to make this day possible and we are grateful to all who were involved,” Nassar said. “A special thanks is extended to the voters of St. James Parish for having the confidence in the St. James Parish School Board to pass a bond issue in order to make this dream a reality. St. James High School will be a state-of-theart learning institution for years to come but can also be the nucleus for economic and residential growth on the West Bank. Imagine east and west bank students sharing a School of Performing Arts, a broadcast studio, and other programs at St. James High School.

For example, Nassar said Career and Technology Center students in Lutcher have the opportunity to take classes focusing on technical workplace skills.

Science and Math Academy students have the opportunity to engage in advanced math, science and technology allowing them to attend the university of their choice.

Gramercy Magnet students will continue their performing arts classes at St. James High. St. Louis Reading and Math Academy students will focus their attention on reading and mathematics, “assuring that they are ready for a robust high school experience,” Nassar said.

“Moreover, STEM will reach down to the lower grades, so that students exiting Sixth Ward Elementary will be ready to take advantage of high levels of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and the arts as they walk through the new doors of St. James High School,” Nassar said. “This is a new wave of thinking as we enter into a new era in the new home of the St. James High Wildcats. We have an opportunity in the St. James Parish School System to be a leader in public education statewide and I know we will.”

St. James High principal Michael Kennedy said the facility is a tangible representation of the spirit and sense of community of the entire West Bank.

“In small towns, the success of the school is a strong indicator of the future health of the community,” Kennedy said. “As educators, we are thankful for the gifts we have been given, a state-of-the-art facility and very capable and talented students.

The combination of the two means the future is bright for the west bank of St. James Parish.”

In 2015, Yuhuang Chemical Co. offered to purchase the 46-acre St. James High School site in St. James for $10.1 million, to be used as part of the 1,300-acre site of its proposed $1.85 billion methanol manufactur-

ing complex.

Parish voters approved $20 million in general obligation bonds in Sept.

2015 and $36 million in 2016 to help finance the new schools, as well as renovation projects at the other parish schools. General fund monies were used to purchase the land for the new school and build the football stadium.

The cost of the entire school campus thus far, including the property, the school and furnishings, athletic facility, stadium, football and baseball fields with turf and lighting, the relocation of utilities and turning lanes is $45,008,102.

Located near the intersection of Highways 3127 and 20 in the heart of Vacherie, St. James High contains several features to identify it as a school for the performing arts. The 800-seat auditorium has a full lighting rack, recording booth, and fully equipped stage.

Across the hall is a smaller black box theater which can be configured according to use. The performing arts area also contains space for teaching drama, dance, choral music, choir and more.

St. James High houses seventh through 12th grades. Five wings extend from the center hexagonal hub. The left wings are administrative offices, classrooms and gym for the junior high and right wings are for the senior high students and staff.

On the floor of the hexagon entry is a large Wildcat. Just beyond that area to the left is the library and the cafeteria. The high school gym is across from the auditorium.

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M C Y K

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Page 9B

St. Charles Public Schools ready for 2018-19 Special to L’Observateur

LULING — St. Charles Parish Public Schools has been at the forefront of education and a leader among public schools in Louisiana since the mid 1970s.

Led by Superintendent Felecia Gomez-Walker and eight school board members, the school system is home to more than 9,800 students and 1,700 employees.

Fifteen schools and six centers serve the community of St. Charles Parish with classes ranging from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, early head start and head start, adult education and community education.

The close knit community of St. Charles Parish takes pride in its Triple “A” school system focused on academics, athletics and the arts and its rich history, which is evident through its commitment with 94 percent of students in the area attending St. Charles Parish

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Public Schools.

Our students and staff have been honored with numerous awards on the local, state and national levels, and the district continues to be ranked among the top in the state.

The district is excited to start the 2018-2019 school year. The summer was a busy one with many teachers and staff members participating in professional development and trainings.

The buildings have been cleaned, buses inspected, building improvements made, and instructional materials and textbooks purchased.

The school system welcomes you to visit at any time to view the great things taking place in classrooms and across the district. This school year promises to be a great one.

For more information on St. Charles Parish Public Schools, visit the district’s website at www. stcharles.k12.la.us, follow on Facebook and Twitter, or download the district’s mobile app.”

Luling Elementary School Principal Sam Buhler and staff, Hahnville High Principal Brian Lumar, Superintendent Felecia Gomez-Walker and School Board Member Ellis Alexander enjoyed participating in the Killona Community Center’s back to school event last weekend.

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Page 10B

Saturday, July 28, 2018

West Bank Civic Association recognized for its support The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board presents the West Bank Civic Association with a plaque of appreciation for its support of West Bank schools.

Accepting the plaque are, front row, from left, St. John the Baptist Parish Registrar of Voters Russell Jack, West Bank Civic Association member Mary Elizabeth Johnson, President Ronnie Feist and member Warren Coleman. Presenting the plaque, back row, from left, are School Board President Albert “Ali” Burl III, Superintendent Kevin George and School Board member Charo Holden. The West Bank Civic Association supports West St. John Elementary, West St. John High and the entire school district by volunteering, raising money for scholarships and numerous other efforts in support of students.

SJSO joins Backpack Extravaganza St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre and officers Denise Bertrand, Trystin Williams and Danielle Falgoust helped children prepare for their return to the classroom at Blessed to be a Blessing’s annual Backpack Extravaganza July 21 at New Wine Christian Fellowship in LaPlace.

Tregre and the officers gave out SJSO bags filled with personal safety coloring books, pencils and cups as families visited the SJSO table. The SJSO is among the sponsors of the annual event.

St. John administrators embrace ‘the POWER of YOU’ Special to L’Observateur

RESERVE — The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s administrative team kicked off the 2018-19 school year by embracing “The Power of You” at its annual Administrative Institute.

“We wanted everyone to understand the power they have as an individual to impact a child’s life,” Superintendent Kevin George said.

“If you do your job well just imagine how you can change a child’s life.

Everybody, individually, and as a team can make a difference.”

The Administrative Institute is held each July to plan, share information and build excitement for the new school year.

Participants include central office staff, principals, assistant principals and master teachers.

George said particularly exciting in the upcoming school year is year 2 of TAP: The System for Teacher and Student Advancement after learning much in the first year of implementation.

“We are set up to have tremendous gains in year 2,” he said. “We have found the gaps in the curriculum and standards and understand how to address them. We are having training throughout the summer and throughout the school year to set ourselves up for success.”

Created by the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), TAP supports teacher effectiveness and student outcomes through multiple career paths for teachers, instructionally focused accountability, ongoing, applied professional growth and performance-based compensation.

George participated throughout the summer as a NIET Teach Factor Fellow, sharing stories of success through TAP in teacher leadership and proven methods that have led to increased student achievement in the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District with fellow educators, national political leaders and others throughout the country.

School for students in the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District begins for students on Aug. 8.

Director of Child Welfare and Attendance Cory Butler speaks during the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s Administrative Institute.

WSJH principal Claude Hill listens to a speaker during the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s Administrative Institue.

Walk-In Care for Minor Illnesses & Injuries and Occupational Health Issues

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