Back to school 2013

• Teachers bring technology to classrooms • Culinary arts taught in River Region • Student, school safety remains top priority • Schedules, bell times, more Special publication of L’OBSERVATEUR

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

St. Charles Catholic chemistry teacher Hailey Levin uses the Promethean board as another tool to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Her students use the iPad to write lab reports and abstracts at SCC.

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St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools’ students use a host of technologies in their day-to-day learning activities and lessons at school.

Teachers using technology in classroom

BY MONIQUE ROTH L’OBSERVATEUR

LAPLACE — Reading, writing, apps and iPads?

While core subjects taught in St. John the Baptist Parish haven’t changed drastically in the past decades, the way in which they are being taught, and how parents are receiving information about their students, looks much different than it did 20 years ago.

Bonnie Dinvaut, coordinator of education technology with St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools, said the district recently launched the SJBP App, a free mobile application that brings vital district and school information directly to smartphones and mobile devices.

She said the app, which has been

in the design and development phase for about a year, keeps community members connected wherever they are, offering mobile access to district news, calendar, schedules, staff directory and more. Parents and students can download the app, developed by Blackboard Inc., for free through the Apple iTunes and Google Play app stores.

“Everyone loves it,” Dinvaut said.

“It makes it easier for parents to get information related to their child.”

As far as other technological advances for the district go, Dinvaut said the 2014-2017 Technology Plan, which was adopted on June 5, was approved by the Louisiana Department of Education and includes several goals for the district to tackle over the next three years.

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Three of the most important goals, Dinvaut said, are to establish student-safe email accounts, develop a 1:1 technology initiative for all grade levels and ensure all schools use web-based lesson plans.

The email accounts, Dinvaut said, would be used primarily for students to email homework to teachers, while the 1:1 technology ratio has the goal of ensuring all district students have their own personal laptop, iPad or similar electronic notebook to work from.

The web-based lesson plans, Dinvaut said, are desired for teachers to communicate more effectively with parents and provide them with access to information relative to student learning.

Superintendent Kevin George said technology innovation is a hallmark

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“Too often, school systems are seen as large, bureaucratic vessels that take an eternity to change directions,” George said. “That’s not the case here in St. John the Baptist Parish Schools. We not only fulfill our students’ current needs, but we also envision the needs of the graduates of 2025.”

George said the district’s technology staff stays abreast of the latest digital trends, and the curriculum staff marries those trends with teaching methods to create a 21st century learning environment.

“Our children are digital natives, and we understand that our schools must embrace the technological advances of today and tomorrow,” SEE TECHNOLOGY, PAGE 5

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Taking part in the lab are soon-to-be SCC seniors, from left, Cameron Torres, Michael Roberts and Brittany Jacob. The students use the iPad to record, graph and organize data.

TECHNOLOGY: 1:1 ratio work FROM PAGE 3

George said.

For example, Dinvaut said, there are pilot classrooms within the district stocked with different technologies, including iPods and iPads. She said those technologies only enhance computer use.

St. Charles Catholic High School is one of the schools in St. John Parish currently operating with a 1:1 iPad program, meaning every student is issued an iPad at the start of school and they retain that iPad on and off campus.

Director of Instruction and Institutional Advancement Dr. Courtney Millet said during school hours, the iPads are typically used for note taking, online research, electronic textbooks, sharing documents with faculty and science and math projects.

Millet said SCC Chemistry teacher Hailey Levin, who received her bachelors degree in chemistry from Purdue University and her masters degree in chemistry from Tulane, has her students use their iPads to write lab reports and abstracts in class.

“Mrs. Levin’s use of interactive technology prepared me well for all of the interactions between teachers and students in my classes at Cal Poly,” said Andre’ St. Martin, a 2013 SCC graduate now entering his second year as a civil engineer student at California Polytechnic State University.

“We actually use similar technology, and because of my experiences at SCC, I knew what to do.”

Millet said another example of iPad use in class is with physics students in Shawn

Madere’s class. Madere has students use a rollercoaster-building app to see how kinetic and potential energy change over the ride’s duration, as well as G-forces, acceleration and velocity. Students custom-built coasters of their own and then insert screenshots into reports in which they analyzed the physics of their coasters.

“Implementing the iPads is a responsible step in making sure that our students graduate having had the opportunity to experience this type of learning tool, problem solving and to embrace the possibilities for future use and application of this technology in their later careers,” Principal Andrew Cupit said, adding an increasing number of universities and employers are requiring advanced knowledge of newer technological practices.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Davis finds place with students

BY MONIQUE ROTH L’OBSERVATEUR

Angela Davis of Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School was a teacher of the year finalist.

GARYVILLE — The 2013-14 school year was a big one for Angela Davis.

First, her school, Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School, picked her as a teacher of the year.

Then she was named St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s elementary school teacher of the year.

Then Davis, who just completed her second year of teaching in May, was named a finalist for 2015 state teacher of the year.

Davis was one of only 10 teachers in Louisiana to receive the state recognition. She was honored along with the other finalists and semifinalists July 12 at the 8th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Symposium and Celebration in Baton Rouge, where the state winner was announced.

Davis was joined at the symposium

by her husband, LaVanta Davis, who is a teacher and coach at West St. John High School. Also in attendance were Superintendent Kevin George, his wife and other district employees close to Davis.

“I felt so validated as an educator,” Davis said of the symposium.

“Sometimes it’s easy to think no one is appreciative.”

Although she didn’t win the honor, Davis said the awards show was an invaluable experience she’ll always remember.

The road to Davis becoming a teacher began five years after she graduated high school, while she was working for the U.S. Postal Service.

“I always wanted better for myself and I wanted to start a career where I was touching more lives,” Davis said.

Davis said that’s the best part about her job — changing lives.

“Mrs. Angela Davis is a remarkable teacher with the ability to diagnose her students’ needs and then create a plan to address those needs,”

Superintendent Kevin George said.

“When you see Mrs. Davis in the morning, you cannot help but smile because she greets everyone with a warm, caring and beautiful smile.”

George said the dedication and love Davis has for her students is displayed by the work she does in the classroom.

Still, Davis has her doubts sometimes about her efforts.

“I’m always questioning myself, thinking ‘Did I do enough today?’”

Davis said.

Many people, including George, think Davis is doing a fine job.

“She sets high expectations for her students and accepts no excuses,” George said. “She sets the bar and tells her students that they can reach their goals through persistence and hard work.”

This past school year, Davis received a grant from Dollar General Foundation after she wrote a grant SEE DAVIS, PAGE 7

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

PAGE 7

DAVIS: It’s about student success FROM PAGE 6

proposal outlining her plan to build reading levels in her students through technology. The grant’s award resulted in Davis being able to purchase 24 Nooks for her classroom.

“As Superintendent of St. John the Baptist Schools, I could not be more proud of one of our teachers,” George said. “She has an invaluable skill set that she willingly shares with her colleagues throughout the district.

“She makes us a better system and we are thankful for her efforts.”

Davis received her bachelor of science in elementary education from Southern University in Baton Rouge, and is set to graduate from again from Southern in December with her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, with a reading specialist certificate. Davis said the advanced degree will qualify her to become a master teacher or principal in the future.

“Pursue your goals and dreams and never stop,” Davis said she would tell

any aspiring teachers. “Education is a challenging career, but it is very rewarding.”

She said she hopes students remember her as a teacher who pushed them to be the best they could be.

Davis said one day last school year a student came up to her and told her, “It’s because of you I love to read.”

Davis said she is looking forward to the upcoming school year, which will be her third teaching. She said she has enjoyed additional on-the-job training, open communication and high expectations that have implemented during the last few years in the district.

“It’s all about student success,” Davis said of the St. John Public Schools, adding it makes her feel confident and comfortable teaching in the district.

Davis will be teaching fourth grade at GMMS for the 2014-15 school year, where she will have the opportunity to teach the third graders she had during the 2013-14 school year.

“Pursue your goals and dreams and never stop. Education is a challenging career, but it is very rewarding.”

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St. John Bell Times 2014-15

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

St. Charles Catholic 2014-15 Calendar AUGUST 12 – Freshmen Orientation 14 – Class Retreats (Mandatory) 15 – Book Day (Full Uniform) 18 – Classes Begin 27 – Back to School Night SEPTEMBER 1 – Labor Day Holiday OCTOBER 6 -9 – Exams 8 – Open House for Prospective Students 31 - Homecoming NOVEMBER 24 - 28 – Thanksgiving Holidays DECEMBER 15 -18 – Exams 19 - Jan. 2 – Christmas Holidays

JANUARY 5 – Students Return to School 19 – Martin Luther King Holiday 23 – Teacher Professional Development – No School for Students 24 – Carnival Ball FEBRUARY 16 – 20 Mardi Gras Holidays March 9 - 12 – Exams APRIL 3 - 13 – Easter Holidays 11 - Prom MAY 5 - 8 - SR Exams 16 – JR Ring Mass 22 – Senior Graduation 25 - 28 – Exams 29 – Teacher’s Record Day

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

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PAGE 9

St. Charles leads way in student safety

BY STEPHEN HEMELT L’OBSERVATEUR

St. Charles Parish Public Schools’ Agency Coordination Training Exercises, commonly known as an ‘active shooter drill,’ was part of an effort that earned the school district a 2014 National School Safety Award. Staging for the exercise is shown from above.

LULING — St. Charles Parish Public Schools has conducted first Agency Coordination Training Exercises since 2006.

Commonly known as an “active shooter drill,” the safety exercise earned the district a 2014 National School Safety Award.

Given by the School Safety Advocacy Council, the award recognizes individuals, agencies and districts that go above and beyond in efforts to keep students and schools safe.

Kade Rogers, the district’s coordinator of safety, security and emergency preparedness, said the training exercises test a multilevel response by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, beginning with emergency calls for help to the 9-1-1 Communications Center from the school and actions taken by the first

responding deputies, the Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team and command staff.

Rogers said the relationships district personnel have with the Sheriff’s Office and local school board are core reasons why safety planning has been so effective.

“The Board dedicates $200,000 annually in funding for safe school capital improvements,” Rogers said.

“Some examples of these improvements include, but are not limited to, new locks on classroom doors, fencing, cameras, a building lettering system and visitor vestibules.”

Superintendent Felecia GomezWalker said the district’s planning and participation in the training of their magnitude demonstrates how the partnerships it has in St. Charles Parish contribute to the safety of all involved.

“It is an honor to receive this SEE SAFETY, PAGE 11

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Each ‘active shooter drill’ training exercise provides new lessons that strengthen the emergency response and crisis management plans for the district and participating agencies by identifying areas of vulnerability, resulting in improvements to physical building security.

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SAFETY: Training provides lessons that strengthen emergency response FROM PAGE 9

award that recognizes the efforts of those involved in conducting the training exercise, which is a model for school systems across the country,” Gomez-Walker said.

Each “active shooter drill” training exercise provides new lessons that strengthen the emergency response and crisis management plans for the district and participating agencies by identifying areas of vulnerability, resulting in improvements to physical building security.

However, Rogers said the drill is just part of a comprehensive approach to safety and security within the district.

Safe school audits are conducted annually and implemented in three phases: teacher/administrator interviews, student interviews and walkthroughs. First responder agencies participate in the walk-through phase of the audit.

“Actions taken from these audits have consistently shown decreases in safety deficiencies,” Rogers said. “In addition, the St. Charles Parish Public School

System established a uniform visitor Rogers said the significance of safety screening and access control protocol at and security is seen in one of the district’s all schools and district offices. This proCustomer Excellence Standards, which tocol outlines standards for sign-in and creates an expectation of safety by everysign-out, enforcement, one. training and conseIt is included on “Actions taken from these quences, along with each employee’s job dealing with large description and annuaudits have consistently groups and delivery al evaluation. shown decreases in safety personnel. The proto“Nothing is more deficiencies.” col facilitates visits by paramount than the parents, community safety of our chilmembers and all other dren,” Rogers said.

KADE ROGERS members of the gen“It is evident that St. Charles Parish Schools eral public.” the St. Charles Parish The school district Public School System developed an online has made safety a safety-training modtop priority through ule to enable training its commitment to throughout the year. The module contains training, staff development and capital a library of school-focused courses that improvements. allows for everyone in the district to be “These proactive measures, along with trained. continued dialogue, planning and practice The courses offered monthly average with external agencies is the key to prebetween 25 and 30 minutes and can be venting such occurrences from happening completed at school or at home. in our schools.”

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

St. James opens cosmetology for multiple parishes

Brandi Gaudet, a senior at Lutcher High School, works on a mannequin as part of the St. James Parish School District cosmetology program.

BY STEPHEN HEMELT L’OBSERVATEUR

LUTCHER — Looking your best in St. James Parish can lead to good grades and a rewarding career.

The district’s Career and Technology Center focuses on five programs: construction, medical, cosmetology, welding and culinary, and it’s the cosmetology program that is doing more than turning heads.

“Right now, we’re bursting at the seams and that is why we brought in another teacher,” said Tracy Elliott Zeringue, director of the Career and Technology Center.

Zeringue said the district’s cosmetology program has two licensed instructors who are helping students attain the hours necessary to be a licensed cosmetologist in Louisiana.

Students can start in the program at the age of 16, as long as they SEE ST. JAMES, PAGE 13

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PAGE 13

ST. JAMES: Cosmetology program started in ’09, 80 students this year FROM PAGE 12

are in at least tenth grade. They learn exactly what anyone would learn in a traditional tuition-based cosmetology school.

The St. James program, which serves students from its home parish, as well as Ascension and St. John parishes, includes a salon, lab and lecture room.

“It’s a pretty good program we have back here,” Zeringue said.

“We work in cooperation with Ascension Parish, and we’re trying to get St. John Parish to send students here.

“With East St. John (High) not being back up and running, they are a little stressed. We have opened it up to students from St. John who have a 2.0 GPA to come out here and take our cosmetology classes.

“It wouldn’t cost the students anything if the district registers them through the Supplemental

Course Academy.”

St. James Superintendent Dr. Alonzo Luce said school districts across the state are given money to provide dual-enrollment courses and career and technology courses for their students to push highwage, high-demand opportunities.

“We’re actually on both sides,” Luce said. “We are a course provider. Others can actually take our Internet-based courses or some of our career and technology based courses.”

St. James’ cosmetology program started in 2009, and Zeringue said the district anticipates approximately 80 students utilizing it this year.

Classes start in the fall and again in the spring.

If students stick with the program and finish 1,500 hours of instruction, they earn a cosmetology license.

To meet growing demand, the district is expected to open its first

public-service salon during the 2014-15 school year.

“We’re taking it to the next level,” Zeringue said.

“We’re going to start opening our salon to the public to give the kids more practice. Right now, they basically practice on themselves and other students who are back here at the Career and Technology Center, but we’re going to start opening it up to other people to come.

“I do not know the exact date. We’ve got to line up some things through the Louisiana Cosmetology Board. Then we’ll be opening up the salon probably for a half-a-day two days a week.”

Zeringue, who has worked for the district since 1985 and with the Career and Technology Center since 2012, is excited about the potential cosmetology has because not everyone wants to be a welder or in construction.

“We have an interest from the

students,” she said. “Hairdressers make really good money.”

Aleshia Smith, who is licensed to teach in any cosmetology school in the state, serves as the lead instructor. Chanda Gill recently became licensed as an instructor to serve another class in the afternoon because of program growth.

Interested students from Ascension, St. James and St. John parishes can register through their school district’s Supplemental Course Allocation Fund.

“It would be no charge to the student,” Zeringue said.

“The school districts all have this money. If they don’t spend their money registering kids for supplemental courses, they will lose their money.

“All of us can’t run a cosmetology school. We’re not big enough to run it in isolation, but with the three (parishes) put together, we can really have this program grow.”

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

St. James Parish Calendar 2014-2015

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

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St. Charles Parish Calendar 2014-2015

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PAGE 16

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Gridiron battles expected in River Region

BY RYAN ARENA L’OBSERVATEUR

LAPLACE — It’ll be a season of change on the field for many teams on the football gridiron this fall, but only time will tell if that change will extend into the win-loss column for a number of teams boasting proud tradition.

In St. John Parish, all four teams will each be dealing with varying degrees of adjustment, with a slew of new faces taking over for 2014 senior graduates at East St. John, West St. John and St. Charles Catholic, while Riverside must overcome its own key loss at a very important position.

Indeed, the unexpected loss of Riverside sophomore quarterback Deuce Wallace has cast a net of intrigue over the Rebels’ upcoming season: specifically, how will Riverside adjust to losing a player

who, over his 21 total games as Rebels starter, has passed for 5,238 yards and 61 touchdowns against 28 interceptions?

Wallace is returning with his family to Tennessee, where he grew up, and explained earlier this summer the move is for family reasons, as he and his brother, Chase, want to spend time with his ill grandfather.

The loss was a shocker for the Rebels, who have been expected by many to contend seriously for the Division III championship. Those hopes have not been dashed. Coach Bill Stubbs still has a championship pedigree through his time at Salmen, and Riverside is stacked with talent: receivers Herb McGee, Von Julien and Darrion Cook are among the state’s most productive receiving trios, and the Rebels also boast a terror of a defensive line, anchored by end Joe Anderson and tackle Richie George.

Answering the bell at quarterback will be vital. Freshman quarterback Jordan Loving figures to be in the mix to win the job, and the team could perhaps turn back to McGee, who led the Rebels to a 2-0 record last regular season in his starts at quarterback.

East St. John sent a whopping 15 seniors to the college ranks on National Signing Day, including all four of its starting defensive lineman from last season. The Wildcats must find answers there and on the offensive line; line play was perhaps the team’s biggest strength a season ago, when ESJ went 7-5 and advanced to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs.

Offensively, Xavier Lewis and Nigel Anderson return at quarterback and tailback respectively — and, at time, vice versa, as was the case a year ago. Lewis recently recommitted to LSU while

Anderson has received plenty of Division I attention. Defensively, defensive back Antonio Parks is another high D-I commitment, while safety Amani Martin returns off of a season that saw him chosen

by L’OBSERVATEUR as St. John Defensive MVP. St. Charles Catholic must replace 15 starters, nine of those on defense.

The Comets have always found a way under coach Frank Monica and his staff and churned out another eight-win campaign last season.

Offensively, Austin Weber and Erron Lewis carry the load. Weber enters his third season as Comets starting quarterback, while Lewis has earned high praise from Monica following a dominating junior season that saw him top 1,200 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns.

Defensively, Eric Lewis leads the SEE GRIDIRON, PAGE 19

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

East St. John High School’s Xavier Lewis, No. 3, once again leads the way on the football field for the Wildcats in 2014. (Photo by Chris Cox)

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

PAGE 19

GRIDIRON: West St. John went 10-3 last season, reached semifinals FROM PAGE 16

secondary and the stop unit as a whole. Monica likes his team’s skill weapons and believes the team will be faster defensively, particularly at linebacker, than it’s been in recent memory.

West St. John went 10-3 last season and reached the state semifinals for the third straight year. The Rams will look to break through to the state championship game for the first time since 2011, but must do so with a new quarterback and starting running back.

Bradley Borne and Lamore Boudoin have each played plenty, however, despite backing up former Ram Jeremy Jackson at tailback.

At quarterback, Austin Howard has moved on, with Jemoine Green stepping in to take over for Howard.

Defensively, DBs Trey Nathan and Jimmy Connor lead a veteran secondary. Jordan Gauthier brings a strong presence in the middle of the defense at linebacker, while big defensive tackle Quantae Gaudia

provides the muscle in the middle of the defensive line at 6’, 245 pounds.

In St. Charles Parish, Destrehan comes off a state semifinal appearance and has reclaimed its place as a state power under coach Stephen Robicheaux.

Hahnville, meanwhile, will have a new coach on the sidelines after the departure of longtime head coach Lou Valdin.

Nick Saltaformaggio is now the man in charge after leading East Jefferson to its first-ever state championship and a 15-0 season.

In St. James Parish, St. James will debut in its new stadium for its season opener against West St. John, fresh off a season that saw the Wildcats make a Cinderella quarterfinals run following two winless seasons.

At Lutcher, expectations are always high, and the Bulldogs will look to improve on their five-win campaign from a year ago — LHS is just two seasons removed from setThe St. Charles Catholic defense has had to reload, but if history is any indicating an undefeated regular season tion the Comets will be ready to roll on Friday nights. mark.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Volleyball spikes in

BY RYAN ARENA L’OBSERVATEUR

As another volleyball season quickly approaches in the River Parishes, hopes are high as a number of schools look to take successful 2013 campaigns further this time around.

West St. John, for one, finds itself in new territory. The Rams put together their most successful season ever on the volleyball court last season, finishing 14-9 and reaching the second round of the Division V postseason after hosting a playoff game for the first time in round one (a sweep of Patrick Taylor). West St. John returns all but one regular starter from last year’s squad, with Kaieonne Sorapuru and Treshaun Trench among those leading the way.

Riverside Academy, meanwhile, attempts to build upon a successful run. The Rebels have reached the Division IV semifinals the past two

seasons and established themselves as a top state program. Gone is twotime parish MVP Kendra Turner, a Tennessee signee, but All-Parish selections Toni and Dani Hebert return to lead the way.

St. Charles Catholic also returned to the ranks of postseason winners last season, moving on to the second round for the first time since 2008 with a five-game win over St. Katharine Drexel. Alyssa Arceneaux, a returning All-Parish player, anchored the defense as a sophomore last season and returns again in 2014. East St. John struggled in district play after a strong start last season. Juniors Jessica Scioneaux and Melinda Perrilloux will be among those asked to a lead an especially young Ladycats squad this season.

Lutcher, Destrehan, Hahnville and St. James round out the local teams ready to hit the floor for the upcoming season, with Lutcher coming off of a state semifinals appearance in Division III.

is the key that opens the door to success.

welcome all new and returning students back for a successful 2014-15 school year!

Register Now Students in PreK3 through 8th grades should register at the central office at 118 West 10th St. in Reserve. Students in 9th through 12th grades should register at East St. John High School or West St. John High School. Documents needed for registration include the following:  Up-to-date Immunization Records  Original Birth Certificate  Social Security Card  Last Report Card  Two Proofs of Residence For more information, contact the Registration Office at 985-536-1106 or 1-800-296-1106.

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

School Supply Lists School supply lists are available in the Parents & Students section of the district’s website:

www.stjohn.k12.la.us

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