“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” ~  Theodore Roosevelt
 

     The May edition of the St. Martin Parish eNewsletter is dedicated to the district’s team!  Beginning with the April 20th Red Carpet Gala, we have been in a celebratory mode.  I couldn’t be more proud of our team---teachers, students, support personnel, administrators, supervisory staff, and school board!  There have been many who have been celebrated in recent weeks for the talent, skills, and excellence they bring to the St. Martin Parish School System.  Those who were celebrated on April 20^th are representatives of the excellence within our school district. Students, support personnel, teachers, and principals of the year were recognized for their contributions and services to St. Martin Parish Public School System.
 

     Others acknowledged during the Red Carpet Gala were school employees who earned perfect attendance. Despite the number of days (leaves) provided by school board policies and state law, many employees report to work daily.  It is a no-brainer that one who attends to designated tasks is more likely going to get the job done.  The amount of money the district spends on employee absences is significant and could definitely be better utilized.  While absences take a toll on the budget, they also have far reaching implications on students’ academic achievement.  We must continue our focus on perfect attendance and strive to change attitudes within our organization to ensure absences will occur only in extreme situations.  The amount of funds spent on absences could generate a rather large fund that could sustain salary increases.  If every employee chooses to attend work regularly, then future salary increases could become a reality.  Consequently, this is a major reason why we celebrate perfect attendance and show appreciation to those possessing an exemplary work ethic.
 

     Thanks again to Mr. Polotzola, Supervisor of Human Capital and Organizational Structures, Norma Harman, CHS Speech Teacher (announcer), Lafayette Schools Credit Union Representatives, Ted and Sylvia Uhall Photography, Leroy Frederick, videographer, Maggie Tauzin, CJH Student, Mrs.  Rita Lewis and her catering staff, the numerous business community sponsors, and all who assisted to make this RED CARPET GALA one to be cherished and long remembered. 

      Others celebrated included the COX Inspirational Heroes.  Three parish students were nominated and chosen as COX Inspirational Heroes.  These students are enrolled at Cecilia Primary, Parks Middle, and Breaux Bridge High.
 

     On Monday, May 2, 2016, an activity celebrating success and honoring our CHAMPIONS was held at the College and Career Readiness Center (CCRC) at 6:00 P. M.  The event was organized by Mrs. Laura Turpeau, Secondary Supervisor, and Mrs. Elizabeth Thibeaux-Clay, CCRC Administrator.  The focus was celebrating our students who were successful throughout the school year and those who are enrolled in the Talented Arts Program.

 

     As we celebrate our educators during this week of May 2-7, it is important that we recognize that teaching is a noble profession that obligates teachers to high standards.  It is a profession that requires teachers to wear many hats, to be mentors and role models, and to provide guidance and care for children.  It is a profession that requires us to be heroes to our students, to be advocates for their well-being, and to be fighters and champions for their future.

 

     Teachers are individuals with a calling.  Teachers have passion.  Because of this calling and passion, teachers are leaders who are often required to critique and challenge those forces in our society that threaten our children’s well-being and our community’s future.  Most teachers pursue education out of love for children and the community they serve.  In my opinion, every day should be teacher appreciation day. Thank you, teachers!

 

     In closing, attitudes are critical to success as conveyed by Theodore Roosevelt; if you “believe you can, you’re halfway there.” On Monday, May 2, 2016, great news regarding the district’s cohort graduation rate was received.  Commendations to the St. Martin Parish School District’s TEAM for improving its performance on its Cohort Graduation Rate!  There was an increase of 5.7% points and a rating of 83.1. This performance exceeded the state’s rating.  This news could not have been received at a better time—during Teacher Appreciation Week.  I recognize the efforts of many in our classrooms and beyond who as a team should celebrate this success. While we await the results of tests in grades 3-8, EOC, and ACT/WORKKEYS/CLEP, we are hopeful that we can recapture our district letter grade of B!  Thanks again to all who made this possible!  Enjoy this wonderful news and success!

BOARD UPDATE
 

The committee meetings and official board meeting are live-streamed and can be accessed during board deliberations.  If you are unable to tune in during scheduled meetings, you may view agenda items and videos at the following website: http://bese.louisiana.gov.