Make the Grade 2018

TERREBONNE, LAFOURCHE SCHOOL CALENDARS PA G E 8 CONTACT YOUR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

PA G E 3 0

2018

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Wednesday, August 1, 2018

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Q&A: PHILIP MARTIN

Terrebonnne schools chief shares some thoughts

even those who don’t admit to it do. We’ve never lost a student from changing schools; Is there anything new Terrebonne everyone has survived it. students should be aware of for My No. 1 thing would be the coming school year? that if you have a question, ask The only thing someone. Sometimes that has changed kids feel like they’ll be is that the Legisembarrassed if they lature has allowed ask a stupid question, students to use but if you have a quesbullet-proof backtion, others probably packs. I don’t think do as well. If you have it’s going to have questions or concerns, a major impact, ask someone. No one but that’s the only Philip Martin will get angry or upset thing that’s new in for asking a question. terms of student The transition is regulations and guidelines. a scary time for many kids. I think probably the scariest is What is your message to students going into high school; that’s who are transitioning to new probably the most daunting schools? change for kids. I hear kids It’s perfectly normal to feel in their graduation speeches apprehensive and nervous remembering their first day of about it. Everyone feels that, high school and how nervous

By Scott McLendon

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they were, and that’s normal.

is bothering a parent or a child, convey that to the schools. Our goal is for parents and kids to be content in their school. If something is causing that not to be, we need to work to correct it.

How should students prepare for the upcoming school year with what’s left of the summer?

Just be prepared to start school positively with great expectations of good things to come and be willing to go in with 110 percent. Continue to foster a positive outlook on school and everyone will be successful.

What would you like to see from the students in the new school year?

What changes can parents expect for the upcoming school year?

There are no changes of which parents should be aware. My only suggestion to parents is that if they have issues or concerns about their child, contact the school and speak to someone. The school may already be aware of it or the school may have a very simple solution. If something

All you have in terms of effort. Just give us your all and every kid will be successful.

Give an honest days’ work, as the expression goes, and good things will come. Come to school prepared and willing to learn.

The beginning of the school year is an exciting time for students, teachers, staff and superintendents. It’s an exciting time for all involved and we are looking forward to a great school year.

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MAKE THE GRADE 2018| Wednesday, August 1, 2018 MAKING THE GRADE 2018 55

Q&A: JO ANN MATTHEWS

Lafourche Parish schools superintendent offers advice

By Scott McLendon Staff Writer

Is there anything new Lafourche students should be aware of for the coming school year?

Jo Ann Matthews

Students should be aware of new school take in and dismissal times, as well as the bus schedules. These new times are posted on the Lafourche Parish School Board website, lpsd.k12.la.us. We will also post the new bus routes on the website.

To help our school community in these changes, we are scheduled to run a mock bus run on the morning of Aug. 8. Our buses will actually run their morning routes at approximately the same time they would run when school opens, and they will stop at the designated bus stops.

This will give parents an idea of the time of pick-up in the morning.

What is your message to students who are transitioning to new schools?

What changes can parents expect for the upcoming school year?

I would ask those students to take the opportunity to visit their new school and become familiar with the site. Review the school information, which is usually on the individual school’s website.

Contact the administration at the school with any questions that you may have.

How should students prepare for the upcoming school year?

I think the big thing for most students is to begin transitioning back to that take-in time. As the lazy days of summer have been in for a while, students are not getting up early in the morning. It takes them a little while to adjust once school starts. As the start gets closer, I would encourage parents to start working with them and start transitioning them to those early starts.

What would you like to see from the students in the new school year?

I would like to see the students take advantage of the academic and the extracurricular opportunities offered by the district. We strive to have a variety of offerings to encourage students to have them participate. They should be aware of disciplinary consequences for inappropriate behavior. We want all of our students to have a wonderful, fulfilling school year. We have been working very hard during the summer to ensure that our schools are prepared for students and our teaching staff. We wish everyone to have a great year.

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NEED TO KNOW

This aerial shot shows the completed turf surface at Central Lafourche High School’s football stadium in Mathews. All three Lafourche public high schools — the others are Thibodaux High and South Lafourche — have new artificial turf football fields for the first time this season. [SUBMITTED]

KIDS NEED VACCINES Louisiana law requires children ages four or older and entering kindergarten, pre-K or Head Start programs to have proof they received the following shots: • 1 booster dose against polio.

• 2 doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

• 3 doses of hepatitis vaccine.

• 2 doses of chickenpox vaccine.

• 1 booster diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis.

Kids 11 or older entering sixth grade must have proof they received all immunizations above, as well as the following: • 1 meningitis vaccine.

• 1 additional diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine.

Source: Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

WHERE TO FIND BUS ROUTES You’ll find bus routes and schedules online at the Terrebonne Parish public school system’s website, tpsd.org, and Lafourche’s website at lpsd.k12.la.us.

Both school systems provide bus service to the area’s Catholic schools, as well.

Both websites offer all kinds of information to help parents and students. Some of what you’ll find: • Detailed school calendars.

• Lunch menus.

• Contact information for School Board members, schools, administrators and others.

• School policies and procedures.

• A schedule of start and dismissal times at each school.

• Agendas for each School Board and committee meeting.

WORKS IN PROGRESS • All school buses in Terrebonne will have air conditioning for the start of classes.

• Southdown Elementary in Houma is still under construction and is planned to be finished in January.

• Thibodaux High is upgrading its computer cables.

• Bayou Blue Elementary has demolished Building 3 but the school is still open.

• Golden Meadow Middle School's annex received a new roof.

• The air-conditioning units at Golden Meadow Upper Elementary are being replaced.

• The Fletcher Tech building on St. Charles Street in Houma has been acquired by the Terrebonne school system, but the building's future use has yet to be determined.

• The new Chackbay Elementary is set to be open by the first day of school.

• All three of Lafourche's public high schools have new artificial turf football fields.

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 7

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DATES TO KNOW

TERREBONNE y (No students) Aug. 2: Records da ng Aug. 3: Staff traini first day Aug. 6: Students' holiday Sept. 3: Labor Day k ea br ll Fa : Oct. 5-8 ng Oct. 9: Staff traini s end Oct. 12: Nine week giving holidays ks an Th Nov. 19-23: s end Dec. 21: Nine week ristmas holidays Ch 4: n.

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LAFOURCHE Aug. 6-7: Staff training Aug. 8: Teachers' records day Aug. 9: Students' first day.

Sept. 3: Labor Day holiday Sept. 4: Professional developmen t day Sept. 11: Progress reports sent home Oct. 8: Fall break Oct. 9: Professional developmen t day Oct. 15: End of first marking peri od Oct. 18: Report cards sent hom e Nov. 14: Progress reports sent home Nov. 19-23: Thanksgiving holidays Dec. 21: End of second marking peri od Dec. 24-Jan. 4: Christmas holiday

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MEET THE PRINCIPAL

Meet Jason Corbin

By Scott McLendon Staff Writer

H

ouma Junior High is one of a few schools in Terrebonne to be welcoming a new principal this school year. Jason Corbin has served five years as assistant principal at the school. Corbin comes with 20 years in education, including 15 years teaching and coaching at Andrew Price, Ellender High, East St. John and South Terrebonne.

What made you interested in becoming a principal?

I was drawn to education for the same reason as many people in the profession. I wanted to assist students in realizing their potential. Teaching and coaching offer a great the opportunity to do that. What lured me into administration was watching

James Corbin

all of the ones I was under as a student. I was lucky enough to have some very strong role models. I remember watching Luther Fletcher [former H.L. Bourgeois High principal] thinking, “There is someone that really enjoys his job.” It was obvious he had the staff and all of the students focused on bettering themselves and the community.

What are your goals for the school year?

We want every facet of the school of function smoothly so that the students here excel academically and socially. We have an exceptional staff and faculty. The truly dedicated people we have here are going to make that happen. Houma Junior High is a cornerstone of the city, and we want to work in conjunction with Terrebonne High and our feeder schools to make sure our students are ready to hit the ground running once they graduate.

NEW PRINCIPALS Darrell Dillard — Ellender High in Houma Kenneth Delcambre — East Thibodaux Hiram Bailey — Raceland Middle Alyce Callahan — Sixth Ward Middle Choctaw Sharri McGuire — Legion Park Elementary in Houma

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Tips to motivate your child to

“We need to help our kids understand that failure is a stepping stone on a journey and not an end result.

Everybody fails, and not just once.

What is great about failure (although it does not seem so at the time) is that we learn from it and we try again.”

FREEPIK.COM

Joan M. Rooney

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

T

alking to a child about why it’s important to get good grades in school can be met with nods of agreement or rolled eyes. It doesn’t matter if kids know you want them to succeed, they have to have the motivation to do it for themselves.

“Motivation is one of the biggest challenges in education. Many factors combine to encourage us to work hard, pursue goals or aim for success, or to do the opposite,” said Joan M. Rooney, vice president for instructor management at The Princeton Review and Tutor.com.

External factors like income level, subjects being taught, the ability of the teacher and other social influences play a role but don’t make a big difference.

“The one factor that is most influential in helping us to succeed is confidence,” said Rooney, a former classroom teacher and parent of an adult son.

She’s not referring to an unrealistic sense of self-worth but rather a belief that if students

work hard and do their best, they are capable of succeeding. A student needs to have the knowledge that he will not succeed at everything, but if he doesn’t try, how will he know what he is capable of, she said.

“I would advise parents to do whatever they can to foster in their children this perspective: that what is important is that I work hard and that I try,” Rooney said.

“Foster this attitude toward their studies, school and life in general. In current terms, this is what is known as promoting a growth mindset and sense of self-efficacy.”

Sharing past stories of failures in and out of school and failure stories of famous people helps children understand that failure can be a helpful part of life, Rooney said.

Fail until you succeed

Make it relevant

“We need to help our kids understand that failure is a stepping stone on a journey and not an end result. Everybody fails, and not just once. What is great about failure (although it does not seem so at the time) is that we learn from it and we try again,” Rooney said.

“Relevance is a critical part of successful learning. We achieve deeper learning when what we are learning has some meaning for us,” Rooney said.

Stay abreast of what your child is studying in class and find ways to incorporate what you can into everyday activities.

• In the car: How many miles to school? What is that in terms of kilometers? Are we getting good gas mileage?

• The grocery store provides lots of opportunities to discuss science, nutrition and math. Which of these soups has less salt, and why doesn’t it say “salt”? How much will this cost if it is 15 percent off? Should we buy the liter bottles or the ounces?

• Home-improvement projects offer opportunities to calculate perimeter and area for new rugs or paint; discuss chemicals in lawn or garden products.

• Vocabulary words can be a challenge for the whole family to use during dinner.

• Events in the news are sources of discussion on topics like voting rights or crime and punishment.

“Activities such as these help kids see that there is in fact a real-world connection to what they are learning, and they also make learning fun and often inspire a desire to learn more,” Rooney said.

Avoid bad attitudes What is not helpful for kids is if a parent says, “I was never good at math, either” or “I am terrible at foreign languages.” These types of statements create “a fixed mindset, which sets us up for failure rather than success,” Rooney said.

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 13

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When one child is a

BETTER STUDENT

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

H

ow families react to children’s performance in school can have lasting consequences on a child’s development and self-esteem, according to experts. What should a parent do when one child is a better student?

“In some ways it’s complicated, and parents’ perceptions are not always accurate,” said Alexander Jensen, assistant professor at Brigham Young University’s School of Family Life.

In a 2015 study, Jensen asked parents which of their children was better at schoolwork.

Turns out, parents believed their firstborn was smarter — unless the firstborn was a son and the second was a daughter. In that case, the daughter was deemed smarter. Between two siblings of the same sex, parents believed the firstborn was smarter. Between female and male siblings, parents on average believed girls were smarter in school regardless of birth order.

While the study didn’t ask why, “it may have been that parents conflate age with natural ability.

Then, there’s the gender issue,” Jensen said. “Parents tend to view older siblings as more capable, but on average older siblings are not doing better in school than their younger siblings.”

Regardless of who’s smarter, the social comparison of grades between siblings has negative implications for kids.

“It’s linked to depression, increased fighting,”

JJe nsen e ssaid. aid. d. P a en ar ents ts sshould houl ho uld d mini iniimize miize ccomom mJensen Parents minimize parisons as much as possible, he said.

“Chi hild ld i il iin comparisons, i d “Children are vigilant and it can backfire and be a negative. Parents need to be aware of that,” said Susan McHale, distinguished professor of human development and family studies, professor of demography and director of the Social Science Research Institute at Pennsylvania State University.

A child can be smart, but if a brother or sister is seen as smarter, “that can have implications as far as future goals and plans, their sense of self, and it can affect their everyday performance,” she said.

When a child is seen to be second-best (or third- or fourth-) academically, she may withdraw rather than compete, McHale said. Instead she focuses her efforts toward a different way to compete: If one child is “the smart one,” another may be “the sporty one” or “the musical one” or “the one on the debate team.”

“It minimizes opportunities, and you really want to avoid this,” McHale said.

Parents need to help kids see beyond who’s getting better grades. ◗ Pick and praise “Focus on what the ‘less better’-performing child is doing right versus wrong, so to speak,” said licensed marriage and family therapist Lisa Bahar. “They are excelling at something — figure that out and nurture it. Focus on their character development versus performance. Build them up on their attributes from small to big

th thin ings gs. Re Reme memb mber err ttheir h ir aactions he ctions in the past that things.

Remember had a positive effect on the family and you.”

All ll ki kid d h diff ff h and d kids have di different strengths, they need to hear their parents recognize them for it, Jensen said. ◗ Praise effort, not achievement “Parents should praise a child’s effort rather than the outcome,” such as grades, Jensen said. That will make the grade comparison conversation come up less often, he said.

Work effort is something that all children can change, while top grades are not always achievable for all students.

“Reinforce kids for what they’re doing. If their work ethic is terrific, tell them,” McHale said. ◗ Motivate positively Parents may think comparing grades will spur kids to do better, but it’s not effective.

“It may generate motivation, but the longterm effects are mostly negative,” Bahar said.

Remember that you’re the parent of more than one child, McHale said. Both kids hear what you say to them and their siblings, and that gives them a sense of who they are.

“It’s hard for parents to not notice or think about differences between their children; it’s only natural,” Jensen said. “But to help all children succeed, parents should focus on recognizing the strengths of each of their children and be careful about vocally making comparisons in front of them.”

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 15

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THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 17 BIG FUN ON THE BAYOU | MAKING www.bigfunonthebayou.com Wednesday, August 1, 2018

A LOOK BACK

◄ Sharla Comeaux talks about the past school year May 24 with her third-grade students at the Bayou Community Academy in Thibodaux. It was the last day of school in Lafourche Parish. [ABBY TABOR/ STAFF — DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

Here are some scenes from campuses around Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes during the past school year. They offer a glimpse of some of the activities awaiting this year's students.

▲ Graduates prepare to receive their diplomas May 23 at Terrebonne High’s graduation at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. [JED LEVRON/CORRESPONDENT —

▼ Evergreen Junior High social studies teacher Lakisha Nelson, standing, helps Mallory Chiasson from left, 13, Kenia Flores, 13, Ramonte King, 14, and Markell Cheavis, 14, with an exercise on their computers Oct. 26 at the Houma school. [CHRIS HELLER/STAFF — HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

Construction work continues May 25 on the new Southdown Elementary School in Houma. The school is expected to open later this year. [CHRIS HELLER/STAFF — HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

► The Vandebilt Catholic High volleyball team celebrates on center court after defeating St. Michael the Archangel in four games in the Division III state championship Nov. 11 at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. The Houma team won its first-ever state title. [ABBY TABOR/ STAFF – HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET]

▲ E.D. White High junior Samuel Pitre, left, 17, and freshman Matthew Ledet, 15, play Dec. 8 on the Thibodaux school’s football field during a rare snowfall in the area. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF – HOUMATODAY/ DAILYCOMET]

17

18 Wednesday, August 1, 2018 18 2018 | BIGMAKING FUN ON THE THE GRADE BAYOU | www.bigfunonthebayou.com

ABOUT OUR SCHOOLS

Kristy Siitan, a kindergarten teacher at Bayou Community Academy, paints lockers July 24 in preparation for the coming school year. School starts for Lafourche Parish students Aug 9. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

TERREBONNE PARISH Here is a list of Lafourche and Terrebonne public and private schools, followed by enrollment, principal, state letter grade (available for public schools only), address and telephone number.

ELEMENTARY ACADIAN State letter grade: C Address: 1020 Saadi St., Houma Phone: 876-0612 Grade levels: Pre-K-4 Principal: Monica Breaux Enrollment: 770 BAYOU BLACK State letter grade: C Address: 4449 Bayou Black Drive

Phone: 872-2460 Grade levels: Pre-K to 6 Principal: Melynda Rodrigue Enrollment: 196 BOURG State letter grade: A Address: 4413 St. Andrew St. Phone: 594-3663 Grade levels: Pre-K to 4 Principal: Jennifer Blanchard Enrollment: 460 BROADMOOR State letter grade: A Address: 1010 Broadmoor Ave.,, Houma Phone: 879-1042 Grade levels: Pre-K to 6 Principal: Melissa Soileau Enrollment: 602

COTEAU-BAYOU BLUE State letter grade: C Address: 2550 Coteau Road, Houma Phone: 868-4267 Grade levels: Pre-K-6 Principal: Tess Daigle Enrollment: 756 DULARGE State letter grade: A Address: 621 Bayou Dularge Road, Houma Phone: 879-1629 Grade levels: Pre-K to 6 Principal: Cheryl Degruise Enrollment: 362 EAST HOUMA State letter grade: D Address: 222 Connely St., Houma Phone: 872-1990 Grade levels: Pre-K-3 Principal: Melanie Wallis

Enrollment: 389 GIBSON State letter grade: D Address: 6357 S. Bayou Black Drive, Gibson Phone: 575-3260 Grade levels: Pre-K-6 Principal: Lacest Campbell Enrollment: 207 GRAND CAILLOU State letter grade: B Address: 3933 Grand Caillou Road, Houma Phone: 879-3001 Grade levels: Pre-K-4 Principal: Amanda Callahan Enrollment: 516 HONDURAS State letter grade: C Address: 530 Grand Caillou Road,

Houma Phone: 872-5695 Grade levels: Pre-K-4 Principal: Anita Dufrene Enrollment: 246 LEGION PARK State letter grade: D Address: 710 Williams Ave., Houma Phone: 876-2272 Grade levels: Pre-K-6 Principal: Sharri McGuire Enrollment: 381 LISA PARK State letter grade: B Address: 6639 Lisa Park Ave., Houma Phone: 876-1055 Grade levels: Pre-K-6 Principal: Terez Leblanc Enrollment: 640

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 19

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Grade levels: 9-12 Principal: Mark Torbert Enrollment: 1009

MONTEGUT State letter grade: B Address: 1137 La. 55 Phone: 594-3657 Grade levels: Pre-K-4 Principal: Andrea Rodrique Enrollment: 268

TERREBONNE State letter grade: A Address: 7318 Main St., Houma Phone: 879-3377 Grade levels: 9-12 Principal: Scotty Dryden Enrollment: 968

MULBERRY State letter grade: A Address: 450 Cougar Drive, Houma Phone: 872-5328 Grade levels: Pre-K-6 Principal: Gwen Ferguson Enrollment: 934

TERREBONNE CAREER AND TECHNICAL Address: 3051 Patriot Drive, Houma Phone: 851-1163 Grade levels: 9-12 Principal: William Simmons Jr.

OAKSHIRE State letter grade: B Address: 5459 Vicari St., Houma Phone: 876-1007 Grade levels: Pre-K-6 Principal: Dawn Fleniken Enrollment: 718 POINTE-AUX-CHENES State letter grade: B Address: 1236 La. 665 Phone: 594-2131 Grade levels: Pre-K-4 Principal: Cindy Chauvin Enrollment: 138 SCHRIEVER State letter grade: C Address: 2052 West Main St., Schriever Phone: 868-1199 Grade levels: Pre-K-3 Principal: Miranda Babin Enrollment: 527 SOUTHDOWN State letter grade: C Address: 1124 St. Charles St., Houma Phone: 872-9429 Grade levels: Pre-K-6 Principal: Kanika Smith Enrollment: 294 UPPER LITTLE CAILLOU State letter grade: B Address: 4824 La. 56, Chauvin Phone: 594-4071 Grade levels: Pre-K-4 Principal: Trisha Melacon Enrollment: 544

MIDDLE AND JUNIOR HIGH CALDWELL State letter grade: B Address: 445 La. 311, Schriever

PRIVATE AND CATHOLIC COVENANT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Address: 144 Rue Des Affaires, Houma Phone: 851-7567 Grade levels: K-12 Principal: Jason Hutchinson The E. D. White Catholic High drumline practices July 20 for upcoming events at the Thibodaux school. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

Phone: 868-2565 Grade levels: 4-6 Principal: Ronald Foret Enrollment: 370 ELYSIAN FIELDS State letter grade: C Address: 700 Hibernia Place, Houma Phone: 876-2041 Grade levels: 5-6 Principal: Markita Grant Enrollment: 404 EVERGREEN State letter grade: B Address: 5000 West Main St., Houma Phone: 876-2606 Grade levels: 7-8 Principal: Kelly Burlette Enrollment: 710 HOUMA State letter grade: C Address: 315 St. Charles St. Phone: 872-1511 Grade levels: 7-8 Principal: Jason Corbin Enrollment: 1035

LACACHE State letter grade: B Address: 5266 La. 56, Chauvin Phone: 594-3945 Grade levels: 5-8 Principal: Mark Thibodeaux Enrollment: 379 MONTEGUT State letter grade: A Address: 138 Dolphin Drive Phone: 594-5886 Grade levels: 5-8 Principal: Jennifer Pitre Enrollment: 545 OAKLAWN State letter grade: D Address: 2215 Acadian Drive, Houma Phone: 872-3904 Grade levels: 7-8 Principal: Torrey Carter Enrollment: 420 VILLAGE EAST State letter grade: C Address: 315 Lafayette Woods, Houma Phone: 868-4900 Grade levels: 4-6 Principal: Roneka Coleman Enrollment: 232

GRAND CAILLOU State letter grade: C Address: 2161 Grand Caillou Road, Houma Phone: 563-4488 Grade levels: 5-8 Principal: Judy Gaspard Enrollment: 348

HIGH SCHOOLS H.L. BOURGEOIS State letter grade: A Address: 1 Reservation Court, Gray Phone: 872-3277 Grade levels: 9-12 Principal: Matthew Hodson Enrollment: 1508 ELLENDER MEMORIAL State letter grade: B Address: 3012 Patriot Drive, Houma Phone: 868-7903 Grade levels: 9-12 Principal: Darrell Dillard Enrollment: 1011 SOUTH TERREBONNE State letter grade: A Address: 3879 La. 24, Bourg Phone: 868-7850

HOUMA CHRISTIAN Address: 109 Valhi Blvd., Houma Phone: 851-7423 Grade levels: K-12 Principal: Jimmy Champagne MARIA IMMACOLATA CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY Address: 324 Estate Drive, Houma Phone: 876-1631 Grade levels: Pre-K-7 Principal: Prissy Davis ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY Address: 309 Funderburk Ave., Houma Phone: 872-3854 Grade levels: Pre-K-7 Principal: Lydia Landry ST. FRANCIS DE SALES CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY Address: 300 Verret St., Houma Phone: 868-6646 Grade levels: Pre-K-7 Principal: Brenda Tanner ST. GREGORY BARBARIGO CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY Address: 441 Sixth St., Houma Phone: 876-2038 Grade levels: Pre-K-7 Principal: Genevieve Gottschalk

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 21

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22 Wednesday, August 1, 2018 22 2018 | BIGMAKING FUN ON THE THE GRADE BAYOU | www.bigfunonthebayou.com

Lafourche School Board member Al Archer signs up July 20 for the Nov. 6 election with the help of Tara Ledet in the parish Clerk of Court’s Office. Several school board seats are up for election in Lafourche and Terrebonne. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

ST. MATTHEW’S EPISCOPAL Address: 266 Gabasse St., Houma Phone: 872-5573 Grade levels: Pre-K-7 Principal: Myers McAllister VANDEBILT CATHOLIC HIGH Address: 209 S. Hollywood Road, Houma Phone: 876-2551 Grade levels: 8-12 Principal: David Boudreaux

LAFOURCHE PARISH

BAYOU BOEUF State letter grade: B Address: 4138 La 307 Phone: 633-2352 Grade levels: Pre-K-5 Principal: Kenn Robichaux Enrollment: 303

GALLIANO State letter grade: A Address: 148 W 158th St. Phone: 632-7211 Grade levels: Pre-K-5 Principal: Ragan Lorraine Enrollment: 440

CHACKBAY State letter grade: A Address: 101 School Lane Phone: 633-2348 Grade levels: Pre-K-5 Principal: Robby Lee Enrollment: 360

GOLDEN MEADOW LOWER State letter grade: B Address: 118 Alcide St. Phone: 475-7385 Grade levels: Pre-K-2 Principal: Kelly Adams Enrollment: 235

ELEMENTARY BAYOU BLUE State letter grade: B Address: 1916 Bayou Blue Road Phone: 879-4378 Grade levels: Pre-K-4 Principal: Becky Plaisance Enrollment: 910

CUT OFF State letter grade: B Address: 177 W 55th St., Cut Off Phone: 632-3116 Grade levels: Pre-K-5 Principal: Kristine Collins Enrollment: 492

GOLDEN MEADOW UPPER State letter grade: B Address: 124 North Third St. Phone: 475-7669 Grade levels: 3-5 Principal: Buffy Boura Enrollment: 222

W.S. LAFARGUE State letter grade: D Address: 700 Plantation Road, Thibodaux Phone: 447-9292 Grade levels: 2-3 Principal: Monica Tauzin Enrollment: 494 NORTH LAROSE State letter grade: B Address: 175 Richardel Drive Phone: 693-3445 Grade levels: Pre-K-5 Principal: Celeste Leboeuf Enrollment: 283 SOUTH LAROSE State letter grade: A Address: 154 West 25th St. Phone: 693-7597 Grade levels: Pre-K-5 Principal: Holly Bouzigard Enrollment: 361

LOCKPORT LOWER State letter grade: A Address: 1421 Crescent Ave. Phone: 532-2846 Grade levels: Pre-K-2 Principal: Myra Ougel Enrollment: 465 LOCKPORT UPPER State letter grade: A Address: 201 School St., Lockport Phone: 532-3223 Grade levels: 3-5 Principal: Ann Hodson Enrollment: 375 RACELAND LOWER State letter grade: C Address: 144 Bowie Road Phone: 537-6837 Grade levels: Pre-K-2 Principal: Rebecca Werner-Johnson Enrollment: 437

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 23

24 Wednesday, August 1, 2018 24 2018 | BIGMAKING FUN ON THE THE GRADE BAYOU | www.bigfunonthebayou.com

VIRTUAL ACADEMY OF LAFOURCHE State letter grade: D Address: 639 Harrison St., Thibodaux Phone: 446-2877 Grade levels: K-12 Principal: Julie Bourgeois Enrollment: 489

RACELAND UPPER State letter grade: C Address: 3759 La. 308 Phone: 537-5142 Grade levels: 3-5 Principal: Tina Guidry Enrollment: 363 ST. CHARLES State letter grade: A Address: 1690 La. 1, Thibodaux Phone: 446-6862 Grade levels: Pre-K-5 Principal: Andrea Pitonyak-Delcambre Enrollment: 195 SOUTH THIBODAUX State letter grade: D Address: 200 Iris St., Thibodaux Phone: 446-8471 Grade levels: 4-5 Principal: Diane Smith Enrollment: 467 THIBODAUX State letter grade: D Address: 700 East Seventh St. Phone: 446-6116 Grade levels: Pre-K-1 Principal: Robin Bourgeois Enrollment: 628 BAYOU COMMUNITY ACADEMY CHARTER State letter grade: A Address: 800 East Seventh St., Thibodaux Phone: 446-3011 Grade levels: Pre-K-8 Principal: Melanie Becnel Enrollment: 476

MIDDLE AND JUNIOR HIGH EAST THIBODAUX State letter grade: C Address: 802 East Seventh St. Phone: 446-5616 Grade levels: 6-8 Principal: Kenneth Delcambre Enrollment: 314

CATHOLIC HOLY ROSARY ELEMENTARY Address: 12925 E. Main St., Larose Phone: 693-3342 Grade levels: Pre-K-8 Principal: Scott Bouzigard

David “Peanut” Doiron prepares July 19 for the St. Gregory Music Festival by cutting grass near the stage.

The festival, July 21, raised money for the Catholic elementary school in Houma. [ABBY TABOR/STAFF — DAILYCOMET/HOUMATODAY]

GOLDEN MEADOW State letter grade: B Address: 630 South Bayou Drive Phone: 475-7314 Grade levels: 6-8 Principal: Hennessy Melancon Enrollment: 366 LAROSE-CUT OFF State letter grade: B Address: 13356 West Main St., Larose Phone: 693-3273 Grade levels: 6-8 Principal: Samantha Lagarde Enrollment: 495 LOCKPORT State letter grade: B Address: 720 Main St. Phone: 532-2597 Grade levels: 6-8 Principal: Ashleigh Landry Enrollment: 372 RACELAND State letter grade: B Address: 3737 La. 308 Phone: 537-5140

Grade levels: 6-8 Principal: Hiram Bailey Enrollment: 353 SIXTH WARD State letter grade: A Address: 1865 Choctaw Road, Choctaw Phone: 633-2449 Grade levels: 6-8 Principal: Alyce Callahan Enrollment: 258 WEST THIBODAUX State letter grade: C Address: 1111 East Twelfth St. Phone: 446-6889 Grade levels: 6-8 Principal: Gregory Cook Enrollment: 444 BAYOU BLUE State letter grade: B Address: 196 Mazerac St. Phone: 851-1952 Grade levels: 4-8 Principal: Andre Adams Enrollment: 448

HIGH SCHOOLS CENTRAL LAFOURCHE State letter grade: A Address: 4820 La. 1, Mathews Phone: 532-3319 Grade levels: 8-12 Principal: Jarod Martin Enrollment: 1342 SOUTH LAFOURCHE State letter grade: A Address: 16911 East Main St., Cut Off Phone: 632-5721 Grade levels: 8-12 Principal: Gaye Cheramie Enrollment: 1036 THIBODAUX State letter grade: B Address: 1355 Tiger Drive, Thibodaux Phone: 447-4071 Grade levels: 8-12 Principal: Glenn Haydel Enrollment: 1407

HOLY SAVIOR ELEMENTARY Address: 201 Church St., Lockport Phone: 532-2536 Grade levels: K-8 Principal: Tricia Thibodaux ST. GENEVIEVE ELEMENTARY Address: 807 Barbier Ave., Thibodaux Phone: 447-9291 Grade levels: Pre-K-7 Principal: Chris Knobloch ST. JOSEPH ELEMENTARY Address: 501 Cardinal Drive, Thibodaux Phone: 446-1346 Grade levels: Pre-K-7 Principal: Gerald Rodrigue Jr. ST. MARY’S NATIVITY ELEMENTARY Address: 3492 Niles St., Raceland Phone: 537-7544 Grade levels: K-9 Principal: Marissa Bagala E.D. WHITE HIGH Address: 555 Cardinal Drive, Thibodaux Phone: 446-8486 Grade levels: 8-12 Principal: Michelle Chiasson

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 25

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music

FREEPIK.COM

Studying with

Is it helpful? Depends on the student

“Certain music would certainly distract from learning. Music the student is familiar with may cause the student to sing along versus concentrating on work. Some individuals may be distracted by any noise on the headphone and prefer silence.

Some students may react claustrophobically to headphones.”

Nancy Gretzinger

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

W

hether they’re studying for a world history final or concentrating on programming homework for coding class, students are often plugged in and listening to music on headphones.

Enter a library or homework space and it seems studying with music is the norm rather than the exception.

But should your child study with music? It depends.

The effect of background sound on task performance has been studied in depth for the past 40 years “in a phenomenon known as the irrelevant sound effect,” said Dr. Nick Perham, a lecturer in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff, U.K. “The Mozart effect” theory is often dumbed down to “listening to music will make you smarter,” but studies do show that music can improve memory and attention, pump you up or slow you down, among other things.

One study from the Stanford School of Medicine showed that music engages the areas of the brain involved with paying attention, making predictions and updating the event in memory.

Helpful types of music Sound affects performance in a variety of ways, Perham said.

If a task requires some mental arithmetic, such as recalling a list of items in order, background sound that contains acoustical variation will impair this.

“Most sounds do this. Someone speaking is an example of acoustically varying sound,” Perham said.

On the other hand, a task that requires information to be processed semantically, such as reading comprehension, is impaired by music with lyrics.

“Nonspeech sounds don’t impair reading comprehension compared to quiet, but speech does. Same for lyrical and nonlyrical music,” Perham said.

Many people listen to music to help them concentrate, but it really depends on the kind of music that’s playing and what effect you want that music to

have, said Benjamin Hardy, a writer at Medium.com and doctoral candidate at Clemson University. For many, listening to music while doing another task — including academics — has a positive effect on performance, creativity, motivation and concentration, said Hardy, author of “Willpower Doesn’t Work: Discover the Hidden Keys to Success.”

To banish the distraction of music while studying, choose songs that are highly repetitive, ambient sounds or classical music, said Hardy, who often writes while listening to one song on repeat.

“It allows you to dissolve into the noise, stops your brain from wandering and allows you to focus on the task at hand,” he said.

Keep it positive All students are different and have different study skills and strategies.

Whether music works is up to the individual, said Dr. Joseph Cardillo, author of “Body Intelligence: Harness Your Body’s Energies for Your Best Life.”

Music permeates every part of the brain and can exert its influence over the brain’s control systems, said Cardillo, an expert in attention training and creative thinking.

“This means that music can influence your memory, speed of recall, perceptions, emotions, organization, neurochemistry and behavior — all of which can extend positive influence over studies,” he said.

Paired with study correctly, music can “block out extraneous noise and allow the student to focus on the task at hand,” said Nancy Gretzinger, a retired educator in Ohio and Arizona with 40-plus years of experience.

It all depends, though.

“Certain music would certainly distract from learning. Music the student is familiar with may cause the student to sing along versus concentrating on work. Some individuals may be distracted by any noise on the headphone and prefer silence. Some students may react claustrophobically to headphones,” Gretzinger said.

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 27

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Easing the

transition FREEPIK.COM

Areas of stress for young students, tweens, teens

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

T

he unknown is stressful for students entering a new school or a new school year.

It’s never easy transitioning from one environment to another, but parents can help with the adjustment.

The best way is to offer plenty of patience, understanding and support, said J. Spencer Clark, assistant professor of curriculum studies in Kansas State University’s College of Education.

Allowing your child to make her own choices in areas that may be important to her will help her feel more powerful and confident, said Lori Levin, assistant professor of elementary literacy in Kansas State University’s College of Education. A student will feel a sense of ownership in the process of preparing for school if he is allowed to choose what to bring for lunch or eat in the school cafeteria, for example.

“Any time kids have a choice,

it’s freeing. Choice is a huge motivator for children and teens alike,” Levin said.

Long days for little ones Creating a household routine can ease the transition for students going into full-day kindergarten or first grade. They may come home from school tired, irritable, fussy and hungry for the first few weeks of full school days, whether they go to day care afterward or come straight home, Levin said. It may take some time to get adjusted to the high level of activity that the school day brings.

To help prepare them for long days, Levin recommends having children go to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until they reach the ideal bedtime, using blackout window shades if necessary.

Elementary-age children need 10 to 11 hours of sleep per night to function at their best, Levin said.

Mornings are important as well. The professors advise offering healthy breakfast foods or having high-protein granola

“Studies show that the No. 1 thing that helps kids be resilient through middle school is knowing they have one adult in their life, whether it’s a parent, teacher, coach or clergy member, who they can rely on.”

Lori Levin

bars on hand that children can eat on the way to school.

“It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but they do need to have something in their tummies before they head off to school for hours of learning,” Levin said.

Older kids, different challenges For middle-school students, the transition also includes changing bodies and moving into adulthood.

“Studies show that the No. 1 thing that helps kids be resilient through middle school is knowing they have one adult in their life, whether it’s a parent, teacher, coach or clergy member, who they can rely on,” Levin said.

Levin advises parents to share honestly with their children about their school experiences, including the fun times, the challenging times and how they overcame difficulties. Also, it is key for parents to ask about and acknowledge their children’s feelings about school.

“Listening attentively and without judgment is so important,” Levin said.

Teens look to future Students entering high school have to cope with the pressure of how their decisions at school will affect their futures, as well as balancing activities and homework, Clark said.

Parents can help by discussing the teen’s schedule, helping teens decide when they should work on homework, and assisting them in selecting extracurricular activities that relate to their strengths and goals, Levin said.

“Studies of feedback from high schoolers show they are under tremendous pressure, which they put on themselves and feel from parents to get good grades, be in a sport and get into a great college,” Levin said. “Having reasonable expectations is important. So many teens try to do it all and get overwhelmed.

Having some downtime without technology is really important.”

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 29

Last Dip in the Pool Before School Santa Fe has teamed up with Hampton Inn Book a Staycation at Hampton Inn & Receive $10 off any meal at Santa Fe with proof of a room key!

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30 Wednesday, August 1, 2018 30 2018 | BIGMAKING FUN ON THE THE GRADE BAYOU | www.bigfunonthebayou.com

District 4: Debi Benoit, 493-2563 District 5: Brenda Babin, 876-7947 District 6: L.P. Bordelon, 876-3305 District 7: Roger DeHart, 879-1329 District 8: Donald Duplantis, 873-8239 District 9: Vicki Bonvillain, 381-1501 Superintendent: Phillip Martin 876-7400 School Board Office: 201 Stadium Drive, Houma

JUST THE FACTS

LAFOURCHE Enrollment 14,323 students

2018-2019 budget Revenue: $165 million State sources: $68 million Local: $79 million Federal: $18 million Spending: $169 million Instruction: $76 million Debt: $14 million

Classes start Aug. 6 in Terrebonne and Aug. 9 in Lafourche. [THE COURIER AND DAILY COMET/FILE]

PUBLIC SCHOOLS BUDGETS AND BOARD MEMBERS

T

errebonne and Lafourche each operate about 30 public schools, and combined, the two parishes enroll nearly 33,000 students.

In addition, the Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux enrolls about 5,500 students at 13 schools, and several other religious and private schools serve students in the area.

Here’s a quick look at the two parishes’ public school systems, based on data from local school boards and the state Education Department.

Included is a list of elected school board members who set policy and help constituents with concerns.

TERREBONNE Enrollment 18,640 students

2018-2019 budget Revenue: $191.3 million State sources: $97.4 million Local: $67 million Federal: $26.8 million Spending: $185.5 million Instruction: $155 million Debt: $1 million

School Board members The following list of board members will serve through Dec. 31.

School board seats in Terrebonne and

Lafourche are up for election Nov. 6.

In districts with three or more candidates, one must receive more than half the vote to win. Otherwise, the top two finishers will compete in a Dec. 8 runoff election.

In Terrebonne, Roger Dale DeHart is the only School Board incumbent re-elected without opposition. Seven board incumbents face challengers.

District 5 board member Brenda Leroux Babin chose not to seek re-election; two candidates are seeking that seat.

Current board members: District 1: Roosevelt Thomas, 876-7612 District 2: Gregory Harding, 876-0393 District 3: Richard Jackson, 868-1657

School Board members Six of the 15 Lafourche School Board members will serve another four-year term starting Jan. 1 after signing for the Nov. 6 elections up unopposed.

They are Brooke Huddleston, Marian Fertitta, Mary Breaud, Clyde “Joey” Duplantis III, Al Archer and Ray C. Bernard. In addition, two newcomers will serve on the board after no one signed up to run against them: Dennis Guillot and Barry Plaisance of Lockport.

Five members chose not to seek re-election: Richmond Boyd Jr., Gregg Stall, Gary Foret, Raymond Toups and Dennis Jean Chiasson.

Current board members: District 1: Donald Johnson, dojohnson@ mylpsd.com District 2: Brooke Huddleston, 227-0075 District 3: Richmond Boyd Jr., 447-6691 District 4: Marian Fertita, 447-6691 District 5: Mary Breaud, 447-1534 District 6: Greg Stall, 441-2019 District 7: Gary Foret, 537-3433 District 8: Raymond Toups, rtoups@ mylpsd.com District 9: Julie Breaux, 532-6283 District 10: Dennis Chiasson, 532-5758 District 11: Clyde Duplantis, 857-9143 District 12: Ann Sanamo, 693-3082 District 13: Al Archer, 632-3094 District 14: Ray Bernard, 632-2312 District 15: Calvin Duet, 475-5524 Superintendent: Jo Ann Matthews, 446-5631 School Board Office: 805 E. Seventh St., Thibodaux

MAKING THE GRADE | Wednesday, August 1, 2018 31

Back to school, Back to after school snacks!

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