A Magazine by Ascension Public Schools | Fall 2020
ASCEND
This QR Code links to a National Public Radio (NPR) story featuring our cover model, 2020 graduate Emma Cockrum. She was interviewed by NPR during the COVID-19 school closures in regards to her valedictory address, as well as her experience with online learning and plans for the future.
CORE VALUES L E A D E RS H I P LE A RN I NG S E RV ICE T E A M WO RK
W
e had a very unusual end to 2019-20. COVID-19 may have interrupted traditional learning, but because of the support of our community, we were one of the few school districts in Louisiana able to shift quickly to serve students remotely. Through direct feedback from our students and parents, we are refining our distance learning programs so that we can better serve those who choose an online format. This will also improve any short-term shifts to online learning in the future due to the pandemic or other unforeseen crises that may emerge. We are also excited to be opening two new schools this year: Bluff Middle and Bluff Ridge Primary. Bullion Primary is entering its second year of operation and Sugar Mill Primary will open in 2021-22. We are building new schools because of growing enrollment, but this will also help with the need to reduce the number of students at schools to follow health guidelines. In addition, with the support of voters in August we plan to build a new high school to relieve overcrowding at Dutchtown High, East Ascension High, and St. Amant High schools. This along with school improvements across the entire parish will allow us to provide students with the learning facilities they deserve. In closing, we know we are going to face many challenges in 2020-21. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. It is only through the hard work of our dedicated teachers, staff, and students, along with the support of our parents and community, that we can overcome any challenges faced. We are committed to providing high-quality daily experiences to students while being an excellent steward of the resources entrusted to us. We are proud and honored to be YOUR school system!
Ascension parish School Board Taft Kleinpeter Board President District 5, Seat B
Troy J. Gautreau, Sr. Board Vice President District 7, Seat A
Robyn Penn Delaney District 1
Scott Duplechein
District 2
Julie Blouin District 3
Marty Bourgeois District 4, Seat A
John D. Murphy District 4, Seat B
John DeFrances
District 5, Seat A
Jared “Boo” Bercegeay District 6, Seat A
Louis Lambert District 6, Seat B
Patricia Russo District 7, Seat B
David Alexander Superintendent
www.apsb.org Ascension Parish Schools Social icon
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Ascension Public Schools Ascension Schools Ascension Public Schools An Equal Opportunity Employer 4 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
ASCEND
A MAGAZINE BY ASCENSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS Table of Contents
Featured Stories
By the Numbers Pages 6-7
Duplessis Primary Receives $50,000 NIET Founder’s Award Pages 10-11
District, State, and National Honors Pages 16-19
Ascension is Work Ready Pages 22-23
Excellence in Fiscal Management Pages 24-25
Ascending Together | 8-9
“Don’t Stand By, Stand Up!” Pages 26-27
The Future is Now Pages 32-33
Employee Highlights Pages 34-37
School Calendar Page 38
School Directory Page 39
Unprecedented Times | 12-15
Publication Staff Editor Jackie Tisdell
Graphic Design Danielle Evans
Photography
Partner Spotlight - EATEL | 20-21
Danielle Evans Caitlyn Little Misty Leigh McElroy Jackie Tisdell Provided Photos
Writers
Monika Arnold Emma Cockrum Jana Rausch Coffey Courtney Hughes Jackie Tisdell
New Schools on the Bluff | 28-31 Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 5
Ascension Public Schools
$258 million
30 Schools
with 1 More Under Construction
General Fund Operating Budget
SCHOOL BUS
95%
306 buses
Run 484 Routes Each Day
School Attendance Rate
80-85% Dedicated to Salaries and Benefits
AA
Credit Rating
2 million+
Meals Served Last Year
10,000+ maintenance Work Orders Completed Last Year
3,600,000 sf Maintained by Custodians
$37,525,078
in GOODS (750,259 Items) Purchased and Delivered in a Year
$35 million
in Federal Grants
FACILITIES
BUDGET
IMPACT
TECHNOLOGY
$421 million
28,000+
Student Devices
Contributed to the Local Economy
One-to-One
$25.7 million
Student Computers in 1st -12th Grade
Generated in Sales Tax Each Year
70% of people
said Schools were the Most Important Reason They Chose to Live in Ascension
4,688 Jobs SUPPORTED
by Ascension Public Schools Operations
6 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
2.5 Million +
Unique Website Views
2.5 Million
Facebook Reach
878 Trees & 7.5 Million Sheets of Paper Saved with Peachjar Digital Flyer System
Ranked #4
3000 Employees
Overall
(Largest Employer in the Parish)
#2 Mastery+ in All Subjects #2 Top Growth for Economically Disadvantaged Students
#3 Mastery+ and Top Growth
for Students with Disabilities
20 Graduates
1000+
of Teach Ascension Academy
Support Staff
1,638 Teachers
all schools
91 Teacher Leaders*
Earned “A” and “B” Grades for Progress
22 schools
Earned Top Gains Awards
9 schools
Earned Equity Honoree Awards
RANKINGS
STUDENTS
80 Principals, Assoc.,& Asst. *Master, Mentor & Teacher Coaches
EMPLOYEES
ACHIEVEMENTS
23,409 students
88.1%
48% Female; 52% Male
Graduation Rate 70% of graduates Enroll Directly into College
45% Minority 56% Economically Disadvantaged
20.3 Average
3% En glish Learners
ACT Composite Score
931 Enrolled 2,700 Students with Disabilities
in Early Childhood (PreK)
2,000+ college credit Courses Offered at High Schools
225+ years of college
or 6,858 College Credit Hours Earned
4,482 Industry Based Credentials Earned Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 7
Ascending Together Ascension Public Schools takes pride in its mission to prepare students to succeed in an ever-changing world, and according to the state’s annual performance measurements the school system is succeeding in that endeavor. Since the creation of the state’s letter grade system, Ascension has maintained an “A” rating and is the largest school district in the state to earn the top rating. “It is because of the work that takes place each and every day in our schools that Ascension continues to achieve an “A” rating in the state’s accountability system. This achievement is the result of the commitment of our students to pursue academic excellence as well as the hard work and commitment of our classroom teachers who directly support, encourage, and motivate students to achieve high standards. In addition, we want to recognize all those who work hard each and every day to ensure that these quality classroom experiences positively impact student success – school and district leaders, as support staff includeing operational and administrative services! It takes everyone, every day, to ensure students are served well. This is what happens when you have a public school system that works together as a team and is supported by its community,” said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander. Out of the district’s 27 schools, 11 earned “A” grades, 10 earned “B” grades, three earned “C” grades, and three earned “D” grades. For the second time since its implementation, Ascension also excelled in the state’s progress index, which measures student academic growth. All 27 schools measured in 2019 earned “A” or “B” grades in this measurement with 22 schools earning “Top Gains” designations. Nine of the district’s schools also earned the state’s “Equity Honoree” designation. That means they outperformed 90% of all schools across the various student subgroups: Black/African American,
“It takes everyone, every day, to ensure students are served well.” Superintendent David Alexander Economically Disadvantaged, English Learners, and Students with Disabilities. “Last year, the state implemented more rigorous standards for measuring academic achievement and added a new measurement for growth. We are especially proud that our work continues to accomplish the mission of growing students academically,” said Alexander. Students in Ascension Public Schools consistently performed well above the state averages, and the district is ranked among the top five in Louisiana in almost every measure, including subgroup data.
PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE Although proud of the work that is measured by the state, Ascension Public Schools believes it is more than a letter grade. “We are responsible for educating the whole student and that goes beyond just academics,” said Alexander. “We want our graduates to be successful in postsecondary educational pursuits, including job skills, social and emotional maturity, and responsible citizenship.” To strategically work towards this goal, Ascension created a Portrait of a Graduate that articulates the attributes students need to “Ascend to Excellence.” It includes being solution seekers, creative innovators, effective communicators, noble citizens, and determined and resilient learners.
For a complete listing of scores, visit www.louisianabelieves.com or www. louisianaschools.com. You can use the QR code to access more information on Portrait of a Graduate. Below is a summary of how Ascension performed in the state's accountability system including state rank.
ALL STUDENTS:
• • • • • •
54% Mastery+ in All Subjects, Grades 3-12 (#2); 62% Mastery+ in ELA, Grades 3-12 (#2); 53% Mastery+ in Math, Grades 3-12 (#3); 47% Mastery+ in Social Studies, Grades 3-12 (#2); 57% Top Growth in ELA, Grades 3-12 (#1); 52% Top Growth in Math, Grades 3-12 (#2);
• • • • • • • •
39% Mastery+ for Black/African American Students (#3); 43% Mastery+ for Economically Disadvantaged Students (#4); 22% Mastery+ for Students with Disabilities (#3); 13% Mastery+ for English Learners (#17); 50% Top Growth for Black/African American Students (#1); 51% Top Growth for Economically Disadvantaged Students (#2); 50% Top Growth for Students with Disabilities (#3); 49% Top Growth for English Learners (#13);
SUBGROUPS:
Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 9
Duplessis Primary
Receives $50,000 NIET Founder’s Award
Superintendent David Alexander and Principal Jennifer Board (center) celebrate Duplessis Primary winning the 2020 NIET Founder’s Award with school and district staff. You can use the QR code to watch a video of Duplessis Primary’s win.
School honored for making educational excellence the framework for student success
The National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET) announced today that Duplessis Primary School in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, is the recipient of the 2020 NIET Founder’s Award and its $50,000 grand prize. Duplessis earned this award because of its work to improve student performance through using the TAP System for Teacher and Student Advancement, which is a comprehensive approach to strengthen instruction and advance 10 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
student learning. Since implementing TAP, students have excelled – in some cases posting double-digit gains – and the school has been recognized by the state of Louisiana for its improvement. The NIET Founder’s Award will be used to support Duplessis’ teachers and leaders in their development as effective educators. For 20 years, NIET has worked with more than 8,500 schools, districts, states, and universities to establish structures of leadership, development, and support to ensure that all students have effective teachers. NIET’s partner schools have achieved sustained progress by out-
performing similar schools and having greater teacher retention. The Founder’s Award was created by NIET Chairman and Founder Lowell Milken to acknowledge one school annually for exceptional implementation of NIET’s principles to make excellent teaching the cornerstone of student learning. NIET Chairman and Founder Lowell Milken and CEO Dr. Candice McQueen surprised the Duplessis school community with the honor during an online recognition. “Duplessis Primary School has built an infrastructure of support for teachers that has produced powerful results
for students,” NIET Chairman and Founder Lowell Milken said. “Strong and stable leadership, a capable and dedicated staff, and a sharp focus on achievement growth for all have made continuous improvement a daily reality. I congratulate Principal Jennifer Board and her team, as well as Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander for their leadership and guidance to place instructional excellence at the core of student success.” “Duplessis Primary’s teamwork and focus on every child create a setting where students and teachers can thrive,” said NIET CEO Dr. Candice
A Duplessis Primary teacher aids a student with an assignment. Photo from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching.
McQueen. “That is exactly what we all want to see in every classroom across the country.”
About Duplessis Primary
NIET’s foundational support and the school’s unifying motto of “The Patriot Way” have helped Duplessis students – of whom half are minority and 61% are economically disadvantaged – meet and exceed benchmarks. “Fidelity to the NIET framework is the key to our success,” said Principal Jennifer Board. “We are a highly reflective culture. Without the framework, we wouldn’t be where we are. Since Duplessis
became an NIET partner school, we have continued to grow every single year.” “The Duplessis leadership team meeting is a place I know where I can go bring my work,” Master Teacher Shelley Farmer said. “There will be a team of people behind me helping me figure out what I need to do for students.” On the most recent Louisiana state exam, students’ academic index score increased from 62.5 in third grade English language arts to 89.5 in fourth grade. In social studies, teachers grew those same students from 45.5 in third grade to 64 in fourth grade. Overall, Duplessis achieved a state letter grade
of “B” in 2018 and 2019, and during the same time, the school earned an “A” in student progress. In 2019, the school was named a top gains honoree on the Louisiana state report card.
About the NIET Founder’s Award
Duplessis Primary School was selected among five finalists throughout the country. Fellow finalists, each receiving $10,000, were Chinle Elementary School (Chinle Unified School District, Arizona); Desert View Elementary School (Gadsden Elementary School District #32, Arizona); Slaton High School (Slaton Independent School District, Tex-
as); and Slaughter Elementary School (East Feliciana Public Schools, Louisiana). Founder’s Award recipients are determined by NIET based on their efforts to prioritize instructional excellence; coordinate ongoing professional learning tailored to the specific needs of teachers and students; create a collaborative, reflective environment for all to thrive; and maximize skills, knowledge, and experiences of teacher leaders and administrators to drive student achievement growth. For more information about NIET, visit www.niet.org.
Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 11
unprecedented times
12 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
On March 13, 2020, the students of Ascension Parish woke up and went to school like any other day. They had no idea how much their school year was about to change. Rumors had been drifting throughout the state that soon, schools would have to close in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but no one thought it would come as soon as it did. By 1:00 that afternoon, students were having meetings with their teachers, in which they were given instructions on how to approach the online learning system that would be implemented while under quarantine. By the following Monday, school, as well as seemingly every other facet of life, had changed. Students, teachers, and parents across Ascension began working to adjust to what would become the “new normal” in learning. Classes would now be held online, and all assignments came from Google Classroom. At first, there was a bit of an adjustment period because of all the uncertainty of the situation. However, slowly but surely, students began to establish their own routines that best allowed them to be successful with their coursework. “At first, I was worried I would procrastinate about my work due to a lack of motivation; I feel I do my best work within the classroom. However, this has not been the case! I love feeling relaxed and being able to do my schoolwork on my own time,” said Courtney Hughes, a senior at Dutchtown High School. As quarantine and online learning continued, students were afforded the opportunity to reflect on how the COVID-19 outbreak had impacted themselves, their family, and the world, as well as how they saw the world changing in response to this global pandemic.
Class of 2020 Some would say that this year’s graduating seniors had a particularly unfortunate reality to face in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdowns: a uniquely bittersweet ending to their last year of high school. Seniors never thought that March 13th would be their last day of traditional high school. It almost seemed like just when senior year was reaching its most exciting time, everything imploded. Seniors missed some of the biggest milestones that they had looked forward to for so long. Luckily, Ascension graduates were able to have a graduation ceremony, despite the COVID-19 outbreak. While it may not have been traditional, it allowed seniors the opportunity to celebrate their high school careers and to be together as a class one last time. “Overall, I’ve tried my best to keep my head held high and maintain a positive attitude,” said Julissa Hatem, a senior at East Ascension High School.
Child nutrition Beginning on March 26th, Ascension held daily meal distributions. Breakfast and lunches were served to Ascension families in a drive-thru style pick-up line. Many Ascension employees, such as child nutrition staff, maintenance staff, custodians, bus drivers, and others, worked tirelessly to serve and support students and their families during the COVID-19 school closures. You can view a special video by using the QR Code to the right to open a link to our YouTube page.
New Habits Most students seized online learning as an opportunity to adopt new hobbies and have spent more time developing their old ones. With the flexibility of creating one’s own school schedule, students found more time to learn new things that couldn’t necessarily be taught in a classroom. “Throughout this pandemic, I have learned new things about myself that I didn’t realize before,” said Kevin Singleton, a senior at Donaldsonville High School. Some students utilized their time in between coursework to become stewards of their own extracurricular educations. “I’ve been learning guitar and have taken up woodworking,” said Josh Law, a senior in the RPCC Early College Options program. “I have more time to study, and, in my free time, I can explore new hobbies that I would not have had time to do otherwise. I’m learning to play chess, I am reading more, and I have more time to relax,” said another student about their experience with online learning.
Living through a Pandemic While it is sometimes easier to focus on the negative aspects of the COVID-19 school closures, parents, teachers, and other Ascension Parish employees alike have come together during this time to create the very best learning environment possible for all students. As society continues to adjust to the new reality that has been thrust upon them by the outbreak of the coronavirus, one can only hope that with cooperation and courage, communities will emerge from this time stronger than ever before. “I find myself so blessed to be a member of a community that is so resilient and can overcome any trial it faces,” said Catherine North, a senior at St. Amant High School. Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 13
St. Amant High School 2020 graduates throw confetti, celebrate, and enjoy their final moments together as a class, following commencement.
Implementing Online Learning Responding to the rapid closing of schools in midMarch took more than just sending computers home with students. The technology infrastructure that made online learning possible in Ascension Public Schools started with a vision back in 2005. Knowing technology integration would be crucial in the future of education, the Ascension Parish School Board went to voters in 2005 for permission to establish a dedicated millage to fund technology. The 8 mills passed and has generated an average of $9 million annually to fund the purchase of student computing devices, teacher and staff computing devices, classroom technology such as smart boards, robust Internet, storage, and security measures. “Technology is an ever-changing field. What was cutting-edge is outdated in about 18 months. The ability to keep up with the latest advances takes considerable resources. The community support that provides this dedicated funding source allows our district to educate students with state-of-the-art technology,” said Ascension Public Schools Director of Information Technology Jake Ragusa. When the order to close schools was made on a Friday afternoon, Ascension was prepared to send computing devices home with not only the fifth through twelfth graders who normally take devices home, but also third and fourth graders. Additionally, the district made devices available to kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders who did not have a device at home. Furthermore, the district purchased mobile hotspots to assist families who did not have access to the Internet. The district started using the Google Suite platform in 2012. Google Classroom launched in August 2014, and teachers in Ascension began using it almost immediately. By 2018, virtually all teachers were using Google Classroom so teachers and students were used to working in a digital platform. This was an important factor in shifting 14 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
to remote learning quickly. What was new and called for a considerable adjustment was teachers connecting with and teaching students using live video conferencing. “We have about 1,600 teachers in our school district who are responsible for teaching more than 23,000 students. Their ability to quickly adapt and provide high quality learning experiences in a very unusual and stressful situation is nothing short of inspirational,” said Ascension Public Schools Chief Instructional Director Edith Walker. “It may not have been perfect, but we have grown as a school district considerably in our ability to shift to a distance learning environment. That will be critical as we face a new school year during a global pandemic.” Following the end of the 2019-20 school year, the district surveyed students about their experiences with distance learning. The responses were overwhelmingly positive: • 95% of students said their teachers provided work every week • 94% of students said their teacher set up opportunities to see and talk to him/her and classmates • 92% of students knew where to find their assignments and teacher videos • 89% of students said they had everything they needed to learn and get their work done • 86% of students said they fully understood what they were expected to do on assignments • 84% of students said teachers allowed them to correct or redo work • 82% of students said teachers regularly checked their work and provided feedback • 81% of students said having their work graded made them work harder • 77% of students said they were able to complete assignments on their own • 75% of students said the amount of work was “just the right amount” These survey responses are being used to refine plans for the new school year. Although the goal is to return to
a traditional school setting, the district must be poised to make quick shifts to distance learning if ordered by state and local officials. Should the state be in Phase 1, the district will likely be doing remote learning. Phase 2 may call for some face-to-face learning in school buildings and a hybrid of online and in-person for middle and high schools. The goal for Phase 3 will be all students back in school buildings, but some of the largest schools may need to integrate online learning in order to comply with safety guidelines. “We know there will be some parents who may not want their children to return to a school building in the fall. Ascension has offered an online program option since 2013 and wants to continue to provide the excellent level of education all students deserve either in a traditional setting or an online format,” said Walker. ONLINE LEARNING In Ascension Parish, for parents who choose to continue their child’s education from home this fall, Ascension Public Schools offers online learning for grades K - 12. These comprehensive, flexible programs are all online, all community-based, and all tuition-free. In addition to the online Blended Learning Program (BLP) offered in the district since 2013, there will be a new online option for the 2020-21 year. BLP is a flexible program administered and monitored through the APPLe Digital Academy in which students engage in learning at any time throughout the day with video recordings and assignments through an online format. Within this program, the student is still considered a student at their home school and has all of the same advantages as a student on the home school campus. However, the student’s learning and instructional support is provided through the teacher at APPLe. Available hours are set at APPLe for BLP students to attend for instructional support and testing. Participation guidelines and goals are set that the student must adhere to in order to meet school attendance requirements. A parent or
guardian is responsible for assisting the student with staying on track and meeting deadlines. This online option is ideal for students and parents that want the advantage of more flexibility as to when a student must be engaged in their coursework. The new online program is called Home-Based Virtual Learning. Instruction will be provided by and monitored by teachers at the student’s home school and is more closely aligned to the learning experience provided in our “traditional” school setting. The flexibility as to when the student will be able to complete assignments will be limited in this online instructional setting and may vary by school as schools work to meet the needs of their particular students. This online option is ideal for students and parents who prefer the home school learning experience and wish to remain connected to their home school. These online programs are available tuition-free to all students who reside in Ascension Parish. For more information you can use the QR code, visit www.apsb.org/ online or www.apsb.org/2020-21. Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 15
DIstrict Honors STUDENTS OF THE YEAR FIFTH GRADE Jaxson Williams Bullion Primary
Elizabeth Delaney Central Primary
Lacie Gulino
Duplessis Primary
Callie Mudge
Dutchtown Primary
Sophia Collins Galvez Primary
Nyla Wenzy
Gonzales Primary
Camryn Bennett
G.W. Carver Primary
Skyla Fields
Lake Elementary
Britain Hernandez Lakeside Primary
Kae’Lynn August Lowery Elementary
Elijah Haven
Kadyn Williams
Gabiel Denley
Luvly Clark
Caroline Johnson
Landri Domingue
Malaysia Alexander
Cooper Cheatwood
Oak Grove Primary Pecan Grove Primary Prairieville Primary Sorrento Primary
Lake Elementary Lowery Middle
Prairieville Middle St. Amant Middle
Shrey Shah
TWELFTH GRADE Laura Gutierrez
Donaldsonville High
Hiba Hasan
Dutchtown High
Emma Cockrum East Ascension High
Matthew Norris St. Amant High
Spanish Lake Primary
Amelia Garvin
St. Amant Primary
EIGHTH GRADE Tanner Stanga Central Middle
Grant Guillory
Dutchtown Middle
Sarah Faulkner Galvez Middle
Sarah Wraight Gonzales Middle
From left: District winners Galvez Primary’s Sophia Collins, Dutchtown Middle’s Grant Guillory, and Dutchtown High’s Hiba Hasan.
PRINCIPALS & TEACHERS OF THE YEAR PRINCIPALS Laurent R. Thomas Lakeside Primary
Michelle Bourque Galvez Middle
Marvin Evans
Tayla Songe
Alexis Perry
Auburn Cain
Ana Liza Montesa Shea
Victoria LaCroix
Candace McKay
Donaldsonville Primary Duplessis Primary
Primary School
Hannah Brewer
Tabitha Adams Bullion Primary
Sandrica Fisher Central Primary
16 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
Prairieville Primary
Dutchtown Primary
Janice Galindo
Ascension Head Start
Oak Grove Primary
Pecan Grove Primary
Blaire Hanna
Donaldsonville High
Stacy Allen
Lowery Elementary
Galvez Primary
Gonzales Primary
LaDazha Ford
G.W. Carver Primary
Angela Quebedeaux Lake Elementary
Ashli Wall
Lakeside Primary
From left: District winners Lakeside Primary’s Laurent R. Thomas, Galvez Middle’s Michelle Bourque, and Donaldsonville High’s Marvin Evans.
Support Employees OF THE YEAR Primary School Teaishonda Sowell Ascension Head Start
Lori Zeringue Bullion Primary
Tabatha LaBauve Central Primary
Niocha Claiborne
Donaldsonville Primary
Stephanie Conerly
Elizabeth Tran
Katherine Cohn
Kenneth Cureau
Courtney Duhe
Sandy Harvey
Chermette Harris
Marlene Fuller
Anthea Robert
Mary Parms
Trudy Falgoust
Diann Rogers Joseph
Alanda Diggs
Erin McDermott
Christy Hebert
Dutchtown Primary Galvez Primary
Gonzales Primary
G.W. Carver Primary Lakeside Primary
Lowery Elementary
Oak Grove Primary Pecan Grove Primary Prairieville Primary Sorrento Primary
Revia Hammond
Duplessis Primary
Lake Elementary Lowery Middle
Prairieville Middle St. Amant Middle
High School Karen Reddix
Spanish Lake Primary
APPLe Digital Academy
Toni Boe
Mark Grant
St. Amant Primary
Middle School
Donaldsonville High
Shirley Kirby
Dutchtown High
Ajoraica Bassett-Parker
Diane Law
Macy Delaune
Tony Tran
Consuela Hampton
Stephanie Templet
Central Middle
Dutchtown Middle Galvez Middle
Early College Option East Ascension High St. Amant High
Cornell Williams
District winners will be announced in the fall of 2020 due to COVID-19 closures. We look forward to honoring these amazing support personnel.
Gonzales Middle
Jamie Hudson
Olivia Bubrig
Stephanie Jardin
Erika K. Poarch
Zach Hall
Courtland Joshua
Laura M. Theriot
Casey Sevario
Stephanie Kaltenbacher
Michelin Bertin
Spanish Lake Primary Sorrento Primary St. Amant Primary
Middle School Trina T. Trosclair
Lake Elementary Lowery Middle
St. Amant Middle
Renee Landry
Erica Ikerd
Galvez Middle
Farrah Piazza Gonzales Middle
St. Amant High
Patricia Saber
High School
Candice Dennis
Early College Option
East Ascension High
Prairieville Middle
Central Middle
Dutchtown Middle
Dutchtown High
APPLe Digital Academy and Career Training Center
Shawancy Joseph Donaldsonville High
From left: District winners Bullion Primary’s Tabitha Adams, Prairieville Middle’s Michelin Bertin, and East Ascension High’s Erika Poarch. Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 17
STATE HONORS
Tabitha Adams Bullion Primary
Swimming and Soccer Sydnie Duncan
Blythe Babin
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Soccer
Future Farmers of America
Sophia Latino Dutchtown High
East Ascension High
St. Amant High
State Winner in All Divisions of the National Chapter Awards
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Soccer Truli Levy
Aubrey Dwane
Jennifer Gautreau
Star of Stars Volleyball
Jordan Cangelosi
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Volleyball
Shell Science Lab Challenge Regional Winner
Star of Stars Bowling
William Ensminger
Central Middle
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow State Finalist
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Baseball
Central Primary
Carli Francois
Speech Language Department
Emma Cockrum
Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalist; National Association of Secondary School Principals 2020 State Principal of the Year
Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (LSHA) “Public School Program of the Year” Award for 2019
Louisiana Teacher of the Year Semifinalist St. Amant High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Soccer Dutchtown High
Pennies for Patients Top Fundraising School East Ascension High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for 18 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
St. Amant High
Dutchtown High
Dutchtown High
Lake Elementary
Rajenae Harkless Dutchtown High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Soccer
Ascension Public Schools
East Ascension High
Reese Lipoma St. Amant High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Baseball Trent Mahoney
East Ascension High
Star of Stars Wrestling; LHSAA Division 1 State Wrestling Champion for 170-pound Weight Class Robert Martin Dutchtown High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Track
Ascension Public Schools won the Louisiana Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Public School Program of the Year. Pictured are Ascension’s speech and language pathologists.
Simone Mixon Dutchtown High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Track Lucien Naquin St. Amant High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Football and Wrestling Alyssa Romano St. Amant High
Star of Stars Softball and Basketball Candace Sharper
St. Amant Middle
Louisiana School Counselor Association Middle School Counselor of the Year Melisse Speligene East Ascension High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Soccer and Tennis Tyler Theriot
East Ascension High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team
for Baseball Ashley Townsend Oak Grove Primary
Shell Science Lab Challenge Regional Winner; LACUE Elementary Teacher of the Year Reagan West St. Amant High
Star of Stars Track Jessica Wilson
lenge Regional Winner Zoe Wooten Dutchtown High
LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team for Volleyball We also want to acknowledge all the sports, clubs, and others who were unable to compete during the Spring 2020 closure. You’re all winners to us!
St. Amant High
Shell Science Lab Chal-
National HONORS Lighting 2019, “America Celebrates Display” Dutchtown High
The National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Strength Of America Award East Ascension High Dutchtown High won The National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Strength of America Award. This award recognizes high schools that represent the gold standard in strength and conditioning programs.
Business Department Central Office
Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Duplessis Primary
National Institute for Excellence in Teaching Founder’s Award Winner Dutchtown High
National Christmas Tree
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School Award Britne’ Edmonston Lake Elementary
Kami Hero for exceptional use of technology in the classroom Becky Fritchie
Spanish Lake Primary
Civil Air Patrol Educator
of the Year Award for its Southwest Region
Lake Elementary
Model Professional Learning Community School by All Things PLC Lindsay Seely Dutcthown High
GIS teacher video challenge winner by ERSI St. Amant High
National Athletic Trainers’ Association Safe Sports School Award St. Amant High Cheer
National High School Cheerleading Championships’ Large Varsity Non-Tumbling Game Day Title Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 19
Outstanding Partner in Education Spotlight – EATEL
Connecting the Future EATEL has been connecting Ascension Parish to the world for over 85 years. Throughout the years, the company has become a key partner in education, by providing one of the only 100% fiber-to-the-home networks in the country, EATEL enables speed to knowledge in the classroom and beyond. The company is committed to supporting education not only through its core services as a premiere telecommunications company but also through a host of programs that directly impact Ascension Parish schools and its thousands of students including direct scholarships, fundraising, grant initiatives, sponsorships, and volunteer programs totaling over $150,000. Here are a few highlights.
Graduations EATEL filmed and streamed the 2020 Ascension Parish high school graduations, covering St. Amant, East Ascension, Dutchtown, and Donaldsonville high schools. With stadium capacity limited to 25% and vulnerable populations encouraged not to attend, this in-kind service provided an alternative way for family and friends to experience the special milestone.
School Athletic Sponsor & Game of the Week EATEL is a proud sign and scoreboard sponsor at many area schools and highlights local athletic events on EATEL Channel 4 with the Game of the Week program. Look for this to Geaux-Live soon too!
Discounted Services Student Lite Internet The $25 Student Lite Internet is available to help those households without internet service get through home schooling during this time of distance learning. 20 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
Adopted School Since 2000, EATEL has been the school adoptor of Gonzales Primary School, donating nearly $30,000 for school initiatives. Employees volunteer at school events and assist faculty with school programs and fundraisers.
Reach-A-Kid Teach-A-Kid Grant The Reach-A-Kid Teach-A-Kid grant program provides teachers with funding for innovative teaching projects. Each year a total of ten $500 grants are funded to promote creative educational programs. Past grants have funded everything from new keyboards and reading clubs to building and launching rockets. The sky is the limit for creativity in the classroom!
Spartan-Gator Shout-Out & Shoot-out Sponsorships with East Ascension & St. Amant The Annual Spartan-Gator Tailgate Shout-Out helps raise funds that are shared by East Ascension and St. Amant booster clubs to fund programs at both schools. EATEL is a title sponsor of this event that involves students, staff, alumni and fans gathering to cheer on their schools the day before the annual rivalry football game with all proceeds from the event donated to both schools’ athletic programs.
The Shoot-out is a rivalry golf game that is sure
to give bragging rights. Alumni teams compete for the chance to win for their alma mater. All funds raised from this event are donated as well.
School Tools & Volunteer Ascension EATEL was one of the founding sponsors of the Volunteer Ascension organization and continues to
be a major contributor. Its employees participate in fundraising efforts including the “Uniform Jam” by selling jambalaya lunch plates. Last year they teamed up with the Jambalaya King himself, Wally Taillon, with all proceeds earned going to school uniforms for those in need. School Tools Corporate Challenge is hosted at EATEL annually and employees participate by donating and volunteering for the cause through their EATEL Cares program. Challenging all local Ascension Parish businesses, industry, organizations and local municipalities to contribute by collecting school supplies and dropping them off at EATEL the day of the event. EATEL employees also serve on the Volunteer Ascension Board of Directors, Monika Arnold serving currently.
Ascension Fund Established in 1991, the Ascension Fund was started to promote teaching excellence and fund creative and innovative classroom activities in Ascension Parish schools. EATEL donated $50,000 to begin the fund and, after 15 years, it has generated over $950,000 in funding dollars. The resources make a difference in the classroom by enhancing the learning experience and making the curriculum more fun and interesting. Applications for the Ascension Fund are submitted each January and evaluated by teams of readers representing the community, local businesses and educators. Whether donating mousepads to new computer labs, coloring books to the library or filling candy bags for the carnival, EATEL is there for our students. Realizing the importance of education and our youth, the company continues to lend support and give back. Special thanks to EATEL for connecting with us on so many levels. For more information about EATEL, visit www.eatel.com. Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 21
ASCENSION IS WORK READY Business Industry partnerships Ascension Parish is an official “Work Ready Community.” The nationally recognized designation by ACT was made possible through a partnership between Ascension Public Schools, the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, and the Ascension Economic Development Corporation. It drives economic growth by building common frameworks that link, align, and match education efforts with workforce needs. Here’s how it works: Students in Ascension Parish high schools have the opportunity to take the ACT WorkKeys Assessment. This skills assessment measures foundational skills in applied math, analyzing workplace documents, and understanding written and graphic information, thus helping employers hire and develop a quality workforce. Currently, there are 61 employers in our area that support and recognize the merits of this initiative. “Being an ACT WorkReady Community has proven beneficial to students, community members, educators, and members of business and industry. In the past year, a large number of Ascension Parish students have demonstrated that they have the skills and 22 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
knowledge that employers are looking for. This has led to employment opportunities as well as a pay raise for some,” stated Ronda Matthews, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education. In Ascension Parish, juniors and seniors are given the opportunity to take the WorkKeys assessment. Students who are successful on this assessment earn an ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate. Students benefit in that they are able to: • Build confidence that their skills meet the needs of employers; • Show prospective employers concrete proof of the skills they have; • Apply classroom lessons to real-world situations; • Determine skill improvement and training needs; and • Improve the opportunities for career changes and advancement. Additionally, students who have earned a National Career Readiness Certificate are paid a higher rate than other students by some of the participating employers.
About the Work Ready Initiative A Work Ready Community is a community-based institution that links
Above is the Ready...Set...Success Guide that offers students guidance as they explore their college and career options. Use QR Code to access.
workforce development to education, matches individuals to jobs based on skill levels, and aligns with the economic development needs of its community. As an ACT Work Ready Community, Ascension Parish is helping: • Business and industry realize exactly what foundational skills they need for a productive workforce, as well as easily communicate these needs; • Individuals understand what skills are required by employers and how to prepare themselves for success; • Policy makers consistently measure the skills gap in a
timely manner at the national, state and local levels; • Educators close the skills gap, via tools integrated into career pathways with stackable industry-recognized credentials; and • Economic developers use an on-demand reporting tool to market the quality of their workforce. ACT has awarded Ascension Parish “Gold” status, one of the highest designations. Employers seeking to join this initiative or learn more should visit www.workreadycommunities.org or email Ronda. Matthews@apsb.org or Mia.Edwards@apsb.org.
Apaché Industrial Services provides instruction and equipment for students to be trained in various technical skills on the campus of APPLe Digital Academy in Sorrento.
Ascension Parish’s Work Ready Business & Industry Partners: State Farm Insurance Agent
Adam McCarty State Farm Insurance Agent
Bourg Insurance Bourque Chiropractic
iLoveKickboxing - Gonzales Iron Workers Union
Apaché Industrial Services
Cajun Industries LLC
Kajun Martial Arts
Ardent Services
Carli-Co Café
Lofton Staffing & Security Services
Ascension Chamber of Commerce
Child Advocacy Services
Louisiana Federal Credit Union
Ascension Parish Assessor’s Office
City of Donaldsonville
Marty’s Lawn Service
Ascension Parish Library
Comfort Inn/ Suburban Extended Stay
MawMaw Tootsies LLC
Specialty Welding and Turnarounds SWAT
Moore Industries
St. Michel Day Spa
Notary Light in Transit
Starlite Espresso Café
OLOL Physicians Group
Structural
On-Site Medical Solutions
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel
Port Barrow Café
The Advocate Newspaper Business Offices
Ascension Parish School Board Ascension Parish Sheriff ’s Office Ascension Roofing & Fabrication Atlas Dermatology BASF Baton Rouge Physical Therapy – Lake Beard Logistics Black Vanity
Don’s Seafood EATEL Economy Brick Sales Elle Hair Studio LLC Express Employment Professionals Serving the River Region
Premier Lanes
S & L Quickstop Sharon Hebert & Associates Sims Motors LLC Smith Tank & Steel
The Bug Man
Game On Closeouts
Quality Inn Donaldsonville
GSA Engineers Inc.
Riskwise Safety Consulting LLC
The Church United For Community Development
Hughes Insurance Services
Ryan Rayburn -
Zen-Noh Grain Corporation Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 23
Excellence IN FISCAL MANAGEMENT national and International Recognitions
Pictured above from left to right are in front are Superintendent David Alexander, Senator Edward Price, Director of Business Services Kimneye Cox, former Director of Business Services Diane Allison, and the rest of the Business Services Department staff.
The Ascension Public Schools Business Services Department has received both national and international recognition for strong fiscal management. For five consecutive years (2014-2018), the department earned the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). In addition, GFOA awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award to Ascension for six consecutive years (2013-2018). Impressively, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) bestowed a Certificate of 24 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
Excellence in financial reporting to Ascension from 2015 to 2019. “The Ascension Parish School Board is extremely proud of these awards because it demonstrates that we are good stewards of the resources entrusted to us,” said Board President Taft Kleinpeter. “Not only are we providing our community with excellent educational opportunities, but we are also accountable to the taxpayers who support our schools.” Ascension has an annual operating budget of $352 million (all funds), which supports 30 schools. With 3,000 employees, approximately 80% of general fund expenses support personnel costs.
Perfect School Audits Strong fiscal management in Ascension does not stop at the district level. Many of Ascension’s schools have also exhibited strong financial practices by achieving perfect audits for the 2018-19 school year. These schools include: • Donaldsonville High; • Duplessis Primary; • Dutchtown High; • Dutchtown Primary; • Early College Option; • Gonzales Primary; • Lakeside Primary; • Oak Grove Primary; • Pecan Grove Primary; • Prairieville Middle; • Sorrento Primary; • St. Amant Primary
“Congratulations to the many dedicated employees who work hard every day to responsibly manage funding at the school and district levels,” said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander. “Director of Business Services Kimneye Cox and her staff are to be commended not only for their award-winning efforts, but also for the training and support systems that allow our schools to operate successfully.” More information about Ascension’s Business Services Department, including the award-winning budget reports, can be found at www.apsb.org/ page/business-services.
About the Business Services Department This department processes and records financial transactions in all funds of the Ascension Parish School Board by providing the School Board, Superintendent, administrators, and the public with financial information that is timely, relevant, understandable, and high quality. The three major areas of the Business Services Department are: •
Accounting & Financial Reporting-budgeting, financial reporting, federal and state grants, general ledger, investments, and school activity funds;
•
Accounts Payable-processing invoices for instructional supplies, curriculum, textbooks, etc. as well as document imaging and filing;
•
Payroll-processing employees’ payroll, garnishments, and compensation payments.
This department also prepares the annual budget, works with the independent auditor on the annual audit, prepares the comprehensive annual financial report, and oversees the school activity funds. The Business Services Department works with the School Board’s Budget, Policy, and Strategic Planning Committees, and manages the health care and debt service funds.
Above (top right) is the Annual Operating Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Below is the 2020-2021 Salary Schedule (bottom left) and the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 (bottom right). Each of these books are produced yearly, and these are the most current versions for the 2019-2020 school year. All can be accessed by QR codes.
Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 25
“Don’t Stand By, Stand Up!” Kindness Campaign
The Ascension Parish Sheriff ’s Office and Ascension Public Schools partnered to create the “Don’t Stand By, Stand Up!” anti-bullying campaign.
The “Don’t Stand By, Stand Up!” campaign was a year-long effort of collaboration between the Ascension Parish Sheriff ’s Office and Ascension Public Schools. In-depth research and planning was conducted with the goal to encourage students to stand up for others when witnessing conflicts or bullying. Prior to the creation and launch of this campaign, a committee of employees 26 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
from both the Sheriff ’s Office and Ascension Public Schools conducted student focus groups at the primary, middle, and high school levels in order to evaluate student knowledge of bullying and how best to address it. The campaign aimed to reach 23,000 students on a personal level and empower them to stand up for their classmates. The members of the Kindness Campaign
Committee were Allison Hudson and Lt. Coy Daigle with the Ascension Parish Sheriff ’s Office; Linda Lamendola and Josette Guillory with the Student Services Office of Ascension Public Schools; Jackie Tisdell and Danielle Evans with the Public Information Office; Dr. Latatia Johnson, Supervisor of Federal Programs and Primary Schools support partner; Amy Dunn, Primary Schools Instructional
Supervisor; Dr. Jamie Williams, Middle Schools Instructional Supervisor; and Karen Buratt, High Schools Instructional Supervisor. The committee planned a multi-layered approach to encourage the students. The six elements that made up the campaign were: assemblies at primary schools with the Ascension Parish Sheriff ’s Office, wristbands with the slogan “Don’t Stand
By, Stand Up!” on them, grade level specific posters placed in schools, grade level specific screensavers on all student devices, a video written by a student and performed by high school students to be played at all middle and high schools, and diversity training for select teachers and students from all four high schools, Early College Option, and APPLe Digital Academy. The campaign focused on the role of the bystander during acts of conflict and bullying. There are typically three roles regarding bullying: the victim, the aggressor and the bystander. The campaign was launched on October 7, 2019, with a joint press conference from the Ascension Parish Sheriff ’s Office and Ascension Public Schools. Speakers at the event included Sheriff Bobby Webre, Superintendent David Alexander, Assistant Superintendent A. Denise Graves, Director of Secondary Schools Mia Edwards and High School Student Courtney Hughes. The press conference showcased the anti-bullying video written by the 2019 Ascension Parish Student of the Year Reace Dedon. Courtney Hughes, a senior at Dutchtown High School, shared, “From the perspective of a student in the Ascension Parish School System, this campaign has the power to
Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre speaks at a press conference about the involvement of the Sheriff ’s Office in the anti-bullying campaign. Below is one of the anti-bullying posters used during the “Don’t Stand By, Stand Up!” campaign.
shape how children view one another. Similarly, it can change attitudes towards education, as feeling accepted and valued can drastically change one’s appreciation for learning within the classroom.” An evaluation of the success of the campaign was conducted by comparing bullying reports from the previous school year to this school year, when the campaign was launched. These
comparisons were put in a spreadsheet chart and analyzed by part of the committee that planned this campaign. Ascension Parish’s middle schools had a total of three bullying-related incidents in the second quarter of the 2018-2019 school year. However, in the second quarter of the 2019-2020 school year, there was only one. The data did not show any significant changes in primary
and high schools. Although the campaign ended with the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year, the initiatives established set a standard of how to treat one another within the classroom. Likewise, the encouraging message can go beyond the walls of a school, emboldening students with the power to speak up. Use the QR code above to access the “Don’t Stand By, Stand Up!” video. Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 27
New Schools on the Bluff A Constructive Conversation
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Dawn Williams Alston
PRINCIPAL Matthew Monceaux
PRINCIPAL Rhonda Gillard
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Jeanne Daigle
“Our faculty, staff, and students will set the foundation for our school’s culture and academic success for many years to come.” PRINCIPAL RhonDa GILLARD
With the opening of two brand new schools this fall, we took a few minutes to interview Bluff Ridge Primary Principal Rhonda Gillard and Bluff Middle School Principal Matthew Monceaux:
What are some things students can expect to see and experience this year at your school? PRINCIPAL GILLARD: Bluff Ridge Primary students can expect to see a beautiful, well-designed school that is filled with love. We plan to educate the whole child by providing experiences that meet the diverse needs of all our students. We will identify and nurture student interests through various clubs and enrichment classes, such as 4-H, Beta, Robotics, News Team, STEAM, and Physical Education. It is through these opportunities and experiences that students can discover their natural talents and passions that will help build a better world -- one student at a time. PRINCIPAL MONCEAUX: Students at Bluff Middle can expect to experience a modern school that looks very different from what they have been used to in the past. Bluff Middle features an open two-story concept, a media center that is open on the bottom floor, and a large staircase at the end of the media center that doubles as a sitting area. We also have two gymnasiums on our campus.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year? PRINCIPAL GILLARD: I am most excited to be a
part of all “the firsts” at Bluff Ridge Primary. This year will mark the beginning of our school’s history, and that alone is extremely exciting. Our faculty, staff, and students will set the foundation for our school’s culture and academic success for many years to come. I am excited and honored to be a part of the start of Bluff Ridge Primary’s journey.
PRINCIPAL MONCEAUX: Our staff is very excited
about creating a strong culture at Bluff Middle School in which diversity, instruction, and collaboration are valued. We are thrilled about coming together and working with students to create the “Bluff Middle way.” We have so many great ideas and can’t wait to open our doors.
Tell me about the makeup of your new school staff? PRINCIPAL GILLARD: Bluff Ridge Primary is made up of teachers and staff with a wide range of experiences. We are excited to have the majority of our faculty and staff coming from both Spanish Lake Primary and Dutchtown Primary. Having these familiar faces on our new campus will help our students and families transition into their new environment. Our teaching staff will consist of a combination of both new and veteran passionate teachers that are enthusiastic and ready to teach our Falcons.
“Our staff is very excited about creating a strong culture at Bluff Middle School in which diversity, instruction, and collaboration are valued.” PRINCIPAL matthew MONCEAUX Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 29
Above is a model of the design Bluff Middle. To the right are pictures of Bluff Middle’s groundbreaking ceremony (top) and Superintendent David Alexander pointing to the Bluff Middle Bear mascot (bottom).
PRINCIPAL MONCEAUX: Bluff Middle School is very excited about the amazing staff we have put together! We have 13 teachers from Prairieville Middle, 14 teachers from Dutchtown Middle, two teachers from other Ascension Parish Schools, two teachers from East Baton Rouge Parish, and three additional new hires Along with our amazing support staff and office administrators, Bluff Middle is ready to serve our community. What makes your school unique? PRINCIPAL GILLARD: I have been asked by many people about the meaning behind our school name, Bluff Ridge Primary. Our name is actually one of the things that make us unique. Ascension Parish has a history of naming schools based on historical or geographical landmarks. Although not located on Bluff Road, our school site is connected to an elevated ridge that makes up the “Bluff ” area. PRINCIPAL MONCEAUX: Our school features an open concept with our media center being at the center of the building. The media center is not a separate room like at most schools, but sits in the middle of the building and has no walls or doors. There is also a set of large steps with outlets that will allow students to plug in their electronic devices for independent work or group study sessions. This unique concept really opens up 30 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
space and creates so many options for what can happen in our media center.
Why did you want to become the principal of this new school? PRINCIPAL GILLARD: In 2011, I had the pleasure of opening Sorrento Primary as an assistant principal. Alongside Principal Robin Anderson, we were able to establish a positive school culture where both students and employees loved to come to learn and work. It is an experience I will forever treasure. My career in Ascension Parish started at Dutchtown Primary School. I taught there for four years prior to becoming a teacher coach at Prairieville Primary. I then moved on to become the Assistant Principal at Sorrento Primary with hopes to one day return to the Prairieville/Geismar community. After serving as Principal of G.W. Carver Primary for the past two and a half years, the opening of Bluff Ridge Primary has afforded me the
Above is a model of the design Bluff Ridge Primary (BRP). To the left are pictures of BRP’s groundbreaking ceremony (top) and Dutchtown Primary Principal Sandra Alfred, Director of Primary Schools Elizabeth Stafford, and Spanish Lake Primary Principal Laura Gilbert holding the BRP Falcon mascot (bottom).
opportunity to return to the community in which I live. I feel as though my career in Ascension Parish has now come full circle. I am so grateful for this opportunity to open a new school again, this time alongside Mrs. Jeanne Daigle, and I cannot wait to serve the students and families of Bluff Ridge Primary.
PRINCIPAL MONCEAUX: I have served students in every feeder system in this parish and have learned so much from each area. The opportunity to open a school and create a culture from the beginning was very appealing. I am very excited about working with the students and staff to make Bluff Middle an outstanding school. How can parents or community members engage with your school? PRINCIPAL GILLARD: Parents and community members can engage with Bluff Ridge Primary School by joining our parent organization, The NEST -“Nurturing
Educators & Students Together.” The goal of this organization is to bridge the gap between parents, teachers, community members, and staff. We want everyone to get involved in our students’ educational journey through strong collaborative partnerships that will benefit our students for years to come. Anyone interested in partnering with us can email their contact information to bluff.ridge.nest@apsb.org. You may also stay up-to-date with what is happening at Bluff Ridge Primary by following our school’s Facebook page. We are looking forward to forming strong, positive relationships with our parents, community members, and staff.
PRINCIPAL MONCEAUX: Our parents and community members can access information about Bluff Middle School on our webpage through www.apsb.org/ BluffMiddle. We also have a Facebook page for Bluff Middle School that we regularly update with important information. We will also utilize SchoolMessenger to send out important information using the most recent parental contact information in PowerSchool. To learn more about these two new schools you can vist our website www. apsb.org. To view virtual tours of the new schools, you can use the QR code for the link to our YouTube page. Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 31
THE FUTURE IS NOW
Projects on august 15th ballot
2020 MAJOR BOND PROJECTS
Above is a map of the locations of the projects on the August 15th ballot. If the bond extension passes, Ascension Public Schools plans to complete many construction projects around the parish.
Ascension Public Schools will be investing $140 million in capital improvements across the parish including building a new high school if voters approve the extension of a dedicated millage for school construction on August 15, 2020. In the last 10 years, enrollment in our schools has grown on an average of 375 students every year. Enrollment in our three east side high schools alone has increased by 1,566 students -- that is the size of a new high school! “We are fortunate that our community has supported our efforts in the past to build new 32 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
schools and expand existing facilities. The opening of a new primary school last year, and a new primary school and middle school this year, will be critical to our ability to serve students in our buildings under the new guidelines this year. A new high school is no longer something that can be done in the future. The future is now,” said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander. The dedicated millage has funded school construction projects for 40 years and will not result in a new tax or a millage rate increase for citizens.
In the last 10 years alone, the 15.08 mills have funded 138 construction projects across the district with improvements at every campus. In addition to a new high school in Prairieville, the current proposal will fund a complete makeover of East Ascension High School, playing surface upgrades with artificial grass at all high school stadiums, extension of the Commons at Donaldsonville High School, renovations at Gonzales Middle School and classroom improvements at St. Amant Primary, St. Amant Middle, and Dutchtown Middle. There are also
plans to build a new Information Technology Center for the district, improve parking and roofing at Donaldsonville High School, roofing replacements at St. Amant High School, install a rear access road at Dutchtown High School to improve traffic and provide Lowery Middle School with library and professional development room upgrades, as well as continued security improvements across the district. For more information about the election and capital improvement plans, visit www.apsb. org/2020bond.
2020 BOND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: New High School in Prairieville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$79,550,000 East Ascension High School Makeover . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27,000,000 Playing Surface Upgrades with Artificial Grass at All High School Stadiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,590,000
Ascension Public Schools plans to build a new high school in Prairieville.
Gonzales Middle School Renovations and Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,000,000 St. Amant Primary School Classroom Addition . . . . . . $4,470,000 St. Amant Middle School Classroom Buildings A & B Renovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4,000,000 Dutchtown Middle School Classroom Buildings A & B Renovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,600,000 Information Technology Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,370,000 Donaldsonville High School Commons Area Expansion and Parking Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,360,000
East Ascension High School will receive a full makeover, including modern facilities, classrooms with greater technological access, and outdoor spaces that encourage student collaboration.
Roofing Replacements at Donaldsonville High School and St. Amant High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,060,000 Dutchtown High School Rear Access Road . . . . . . . . . . $1,500,000 Lowery Middle School Library and Professional Development Room Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500,000 Property Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500,000 Additional Security Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500,000
New surfacing with artificial grass will be added to the existing four high school stadiums as well as the proposed new high school stadium.
Total Investment $140 million with NO Increase in Millage Rates
To VIEW The Future is Now - Ascension Public Schools 2020 Bond Extension Video, please scan the QR Code above. Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 33
Staff notes 2019-2020
ISSP, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from University of Louisiana Monroe in May 2020 Lindsay Colligan Central Primary
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Louisiana State University - Shreveport in May 2020 Gerald Colwart St. Amant High
Special education teacher/ assistant coach, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northwestern State University in December 2019 Chantal Correll Gonzales Middle Congrats to the recipients of the district’s Core Values Medallions: Shauntrakie Anderson, Jamie Andrews, Scott Arceneaux, Laurie Bastin, Kim Boudreaux, Penny Boudreaux, Toni Brown, Shernette Carter, Lisa Caruso, Lori Charlet, Alva Childress, Jody Delatte, Danielle Evans, Latrisa Bennett Franklin, A. Denise Graves, LaToyia Green, Jill Gros, Jenny Guidry, Billy Hertzel, Erin Holley, Deshonna Jackson, Jennifer Jones, Danielle Louque, Heidi Maul, Cassie Millet, Amie Navarre, Joyce Nicholas, Sherri Palmer, Brent Ramagost, Michael Sharper, Danita Stewart, Dorothy Thompson, John Tullos, and Michelle Williams.
Congratulations to our teachers and staff who earned postsecondary degrees and credentials during the past year and new leadership positions!
Rebecca Acosta Dutchtown Middle
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019 Tabitha Adams Bullion Primary Teacher, renewed National Board Certification in November 2019 Timothy Amedee Central Office
Appointed Supervisor of Maintenance Martha Mendoza Babin G.W. Carver Primary
Appointed Principal 34 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
Donna Baudoin Duplessis Primary Teacher, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University - Shreveport in August 2019 Michelin Bertin Prairieville Middle Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019 Candace Binning
Bluff Middle
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
instruction from Northwestern State University in December 2019 Kirsten Bourg
Spanish Lake Primary Teacher, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Nicholls State University in December 2019
Jase Broussard Central Middle
Teacher, earned a bachelor’s degree in middle school education from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019 Christina Carter St. Amant High
Deirdre Bordelon
Appointed Associate Principal
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and
Timmy Chiquet
Dutchtown Primary
Donaldsonville High
Teacher, earned a aster’s degree in educational leadershi from Louisiana State University in May 2020 Amy Creed
Dutchtown Primary
SBLC Facilitator, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Louisiana at Monroe in December 2019 Kimneye “Kim” Cox Central Office
Appointed Director of Business Services Jeanne Daigle
Bluff Ridge Primary
Appointed Assistant Principal Leslie Davidson Bullion Primary
Teacher, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 2020 Dina Davis Central Office
Appointed Director of Middle Schools
Marquee DeLaune
Latoyia Green
Teacher , earned an addon certification in library science from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 2020
Appointed Principal
East Ascension High
Christy Dixon
Dutchtown Middle
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019 Dorcas Falodun
St. Amant Middle
Jennifer Gros
Prairieville Middle
Teacher , earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Nicholls State University in December 2019 Valerie Hall
St. Amant High
Appointed Assistant Principal
Lowery Middle
Jeremy Hamlet
Monicker Ford
Special education teacher, earned a master’s degree in public administration from Louisiana State University in May 2020
Teacher, earned doctorate in Urban Forestry from Southern University in December 2019 G. W. Carver Primary
Lowery Middle
ISSP Presider, earned a master’s degree in educational technology leadership from University of Louisiana at Monroe in December 2019
Matthew Herring
Marcie Frazier
Appointed Principal
Lowery Middle
Master Teacher, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University in October 2019
St. Amant Middle
Appointed Assistant Principal Michael Hilton Lowery Middle
Appointed Principal
Amanda Hufft
Sandi Gautreau
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
Appointed Assistant Principal Matthew Geraci Prairieville Middle
Appointed Principal
Erica Kraemer Central Primary
Appointed Principal Rebecca Graugnard
Daniel Lambert
Special education teacher, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction Louisiana State University - Shreveport in December 2019
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
Bluff Ridge Primary
St. Amant Middle
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
Gonzales Primary
Special education teacher, earned master’s in special education early intervention from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 2019 Schillesci Lewis Bluff Ridge Primary
Librarian/SysOp, earned a master’s degree in educational technology leadership from University of Louisiana at Monroe in December 2019 Dawn Love Central Office
Supervisor of TAP and Teacher Development, earned a doctorate in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
East Ascension High
Theresa Landry Bullion Primary
Bluff Middle
Appointed Principal Elise Moore
Sorrento Primary
Glenda Mora
Dutchtown Primary
Instructional Coach/ Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019 Ashley Murphy
East Ascension High
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Louisiana State University in May 2020 Joseph Nassar St. Amant High
Secondary Assistant Band Director, renewed National Board Certification in March 2020 Brandee Orgeron Gonzales Primary
Teacher, earned at graduate certificate in school librarianship from Louisiana State University in December 2019
Galvez Primary
Teacher/Librarian, earned librarian certification from Northwestern State University in May 2020
Rhonda Gillard
Callie LeBlanc
Donaldsonville High
Hope Gautreau
Prairieville Middle
Matthew Monceaux
Demetrious Howard Teacher, earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from University of Louisiana at Lafayette in May 2019
Ascension Head Start
Librarian, earned an addon certification in library science from McNeese State University in May 2019
Jeff Parent
Central Office
Chad Lynch Central Office
Appointed Chief Operations Director Erin Madere
Sorrento Primary
Special education teacher/ assistant coach, earned a master’s degree in special education from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 2020 Adrina Million
Donaldsonville Primary
Appointed Assistant Principal
Appointed Supervisor of Planning and Construction Desiree’ Petite Sorrento Primary
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019 Elise Rau
Spanish Lake Primary
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Nicholls State University in December 2019
Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 35
Laura Remy
Brittany Rogers
Erin Schwartzberg
Teacher, renewed National Board Certification in October 2019
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
SBLC Facilitator, earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from University of Louisiana Monroe in May 2020
Prairieville Primary
Paige Richard
Prairieville Middle School
Spanish Lake Primary
Central Middle
Paraprofessional, earned bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 2020
Brynna Rogers
Natasha Sheldon
Teacher, earned bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Louisiana State University in May 2019
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in elementary education studies from Johns Hopkins University in May 2020
O’neil Robinson
Terrilyn Scarbrough
Margarita Stephens
Teacher , earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in July 2019
Teacher , earned ESL Certification Add-On from Louisiana State University - Shreveport in August 2019
Donaldsonville High
Assistant Principal, earned doctorate in science and mathematics education from Southern University in December 2019
Oak Grove Primary
Prairieville Middle
Donaldsonville Primary
Central Primary
Porcha C. Thompson Prairieville Primary
Teacher, earned Juris Doctor (JD) in law from SULC-Southern University Law Center in May 2020 Floriane Vice Dutchtown High
Teacher, earned teaching certificate from ITeach Louisiana in June 2020
2019-2020 RETirees thank you for your service
Collin Andrews
APPLe Digital Academy
Denee Bourque Babin
Claudene D. Cockrum
Mentor Teacher
Secondary Teacher
Elementary Teacher Sorrento Primary
School A Secretary
Elementary Teacher Catherine M. Dean
School B Secretary
Special Ed. Teacher
Elementary Teacher Joseph Albert
Dutchtown Middle
Custodian
36 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
St. Amant Primary
Dutchtown Primary
Glenda Badeaux
Gregory Doyle
School B Secretary
Paraprofessional
Dutchtown High
Krisie N. Bardsley
Vickie Stovall Dupuy
Elementary Teacher
Bus Driver
St. Amant Middle
Central Primary
Prairieville Primary
Caroline Bach
Galvez Primary
Florastine G. Alexander
East Ascension High
Jane M. Culivan
Dutchtown High
Joann Achord
Secondary Teacher
Donna D. Babin Prairieville Primary
Coordinator of Student Services Linda Lamendola retired with 32 years of service this past year.
Elizabeth Cataldo
Central Middle
St. Theresa Avila
Gregory Barnes
Kathy Edmonston
Bus Driver
Parent Facilitator
Donaldsonville High
LeBlanc Special Services
Carolyn G. Bourque
Ann Ewing
Elementary Teacher
Special Ed. Teacher
Elementary Counselor
Sorrento Primary
Robin Anderson
David Brown
Emily N. Fall
Head Custodian
Technology Helpdesk Admin
Sorrento Primary
Elementary Principal
APPLe Digital Academy
Galvez Primary
APSB Technology Dept
cation in mild-moderate grades 5-9 from Teach Ascension Academy Koral Wells
G.W. Carver Primary
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational technology leadership from University of Louisiana at Monroe in December 2019 Mariam Whiddon Edith Walker
Central Office
Appointed Chief Instructional Director
Central Primary
Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
Dawn Williams Alston
Anna Whitman
Central Office
Duplessis Primary
Mentor Teacher, earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019 Londyn Whittaker Sorrento Primary
Assistant Principal, earned
Teacher, earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019
Mary Lee Geismar
Gary Andrew Kling
Destin S. Miller
Gifted Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Counselor
Leslie Watts
Dutchtown Middle
Special education teacher, earned certifi-
Galvez Primary
Tachelle White Galvez Middle
Gonzales Middle
Nancy Granier
Lisa B. Kolb
Paraprofessional
Paraprofessional
Dutchtown Primary
Gonzales Primary
Larry Grant
Linda Lamendola
Supervisor of Transportation
Coordinator of Student Services
Debbie Guthrie
Virginia Lamotte
APSB Transportation Dept
Prairieville Middle
Paraprofessional Michael Heath
APSB Maintenance Dept
Fleet Services Foreman Cynthia Heck
Lakeside Primary
Elementary Teacher Dianne B. Huey
APSB Office of Student Services
Prairieville Middle
Custodian
Tina Lamoureaux Dutchtown Primary
Elementary Teacher Dean Paul LeBourgeois APSB Maintenance Dept
Carpenter
Dwight Marquette
APSB Maintenance Dept
Dutchtown Primary
Lisa Morin
Spanish Lake Primary
Paraprofessional Karen Olivier St. Amant High
Bluff Middle
Appointed Assistant Principal Jaimee Williams Supervisor, earned doctorate in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University in December 2019 Aubrey Yates Central Office
Appointed Supervisor of Transportation *Please note staff degree updates are self reported and not official.
Melissa Schexnayder APPLe Digital Academy
Bus Driver
Tamara Schexnaydre Sorrento Primary
Kindergarten Teacher Lorrie Simpson
Cued Speech Transliterator
Paraprofessional
Vanessa Oubre
Charlene Sutton
Food Service Technician
Food Service Technician
Sorrento Primary
Dutchtown Primary
Central Primary
Sandra Redden
Julie Taylor
Special Ed. Teacher
School A Secretary
Dutchtown High
Galvez Primary
Karen Rock
Christine J. Whitlow
Bus Driver
Special Needs Counselor
St. Amant High
East Ascension High
Chiquita Rome
Tony Williams
Elementary Counselor
Facility Manager
Bus Driver
Grounds Maintenance Helper
Beverly J. Irvin
Huey Martin
Kathy Sandow
Chad Young
Paraprofessional
Maintenance Helper
Elementary Teacher
Facility Manager
East Ascension High
Dutchtown High
APSB Maintenance Dept
Lakeside Primary
Oak Grove Primary
Prairieville Middle
Galvez Primary
Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 37
SCHOOL CALENDAR 2020-2021
Official Opening of School Monday, August 3, 2020
Professional Preparation Days
Monday, August 3, 2020 & Tuesday, August 4, 2020
1st Day Students Attend Monday, August 10, 2020
Staff Development
(Student Holiday) Friday, September 18, 2020
Staff Development
(Student Holiday) Friday, January 15, 2021
Last Day Seniors Attend Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Last Day Students Attend Friday, May 21, 2021
Official Closing of School Monday, May 24, 2021
HOLIDAYS Labor Day
Monday, September 7, 2020
Fall Break
Monday, October 12, 2020 & Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Election Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 23, 2020 Friday, November 27, 2020
Christmas Holidays
Monday, December 21, 2020 Friday, January 1, 2021
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Monday, January 18, 2021
Mardi Gras Holidays
Monday, February 15, 2021 Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Easter Holidays
GRADING PERIOD ENDINGS
(Block schedule grading periods to be announced by schools)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS
1st Grading Period
Dutchtown High
Friday, October 7, 2020
St. Amant High
3rd Grading Period
Donaldsonville High
4th Grading Period
East Ascension High
Friday, March 1, 2021
Friday, May 21, 2021
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE DAYS
(Primary Schools - Students Off) Monday, October 19, 2020 Monday, March 22, 2021
38 | ASCEND | Fall 2020
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
2nd Grading Period
Friday, December 18, 2020
QR
Friday, April 2, 2021 Friday, April 9, 2021
Thursday, May 13, 2021 Friday, May 14, 2021 Friday, May 14, 2021
SCHOOL DIRECTORY 15464 Bluff Road, Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-2000
Galvez Middle (6-8) 42018 Hwy 933 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6350
Prairieville Primary (PreK-5)
Bluff Ridge Primary (PreK-5)
Galvez Primary (PreK-5)
Sorrento Primary (PreK-5)
Bluff Middle (6-8)
40228 Parker Road Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-7400
14191 Hwy 73, Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-2050
16093 Henderson Bayou Rd. Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6600
42211 N. City Parc Dr. Sorrento, LA 70778 (225) 391-6900
Bullion Primary (PreK-5) 17005 Sills Dr., Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6950
Gonzales Middle (6-8)
1502 W. Orice Roth St. Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6450
Spanish Lake Primary (PreK-5)
Central Middle (6-8)
Gonzales Primary (PreK-5)
St. Amant High (9-12)
13323 Bluff Road Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-7650
14101 Roddy Road Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6400
521 N. Burnside Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6700
12035 Hwy 431 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-6000
Central Primary (PreK-5)
G.W. Carver Primary (PreK-5)
St. Amant Middle (6-8)
41469 Hwy 621 Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-7700
Donaldsonville High (9-12) 100 Tiger Drive Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7900
Donaldsonville Primary(PreK-5)
11310 Legacy Oaks Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6800
Lake Elementary (PreK-8) 14185 Hwy 431 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-6550
16500 Hwy 431 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-7750
Duplessis Primary (PreK-5)
Lowery Elementary (3-5)
Dutchtown High (9-12)
Lowery Middle (6-8)
Dutchtown Middle (6-8)
Oak Grove Primary (PreK-5)
Dutchtown Primary (PreK-5)
Pecan Grove Primary (PreK-5)
13165 Hwy 73 Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-6200
13078 Hwy 73 Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-7800
13046 Hwy 73 Geismar, LA 70734 (225) 391-7850
East Ascension High (9-12) 612 East Worthy Street Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6100
St. Amant Primary (PreK-5)
LeBlanc Special Services & Federal Programs 611 North Burnside Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-7211 (225) 391-7381
Ascension Head Start 603 Lee Avenue Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7351
APPLe Digital Academy 9697 Airline Highway Sorrento, LA 70778 (225) 391-6850
Early College Option River Parishes Community College 925 W. Edenborne Pkwy. Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 743-8747
44365 Hwy 429 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-7950
Lakeside Primary (PreK-5)
38210 Hwy 3089 Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7600
38101 Hwy 621 Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-6650
44317 Hwy 429 St. Amant, LA 70774 (225) 391-6500
OTHER PROGRAMS
2389 B Hwy 1 S. Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7500
2389 A Hwy 1 S. Donaldsonville, LA 70346 (225) 391-7550
17550 Old Jefferson Hwy Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6750
1712 S. Pecan Grove Ave. Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 391-7450
Prairieville Middle (6-8)
16200 Hwy 930 Prairieville, LA 70769 (225) 391-6300
Fall 2020 | ASCEND | 39
1100 Webster Street Donaldsonville, LA 70346 Phone: (225) 391-7000 or (225) 257-2000 www.apsb.org