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St. Martin Parish Schools

eNewsletter

Moving Forward with Team;
Enhancing the Vision!

OCTOBER 2016

Message from the Superintendent

"Great thing is this world is not so much where we stand, but in what direction we are moving."` Move Me Quotes

Everyone has been quite busy addressing the resources—the guidebooks--that have been provided by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). Along with these resources, professional learning opportunities are being offered at both the state and district levels. One thing is certain--there is a sense of urgency to improve student achievement within the St. Martin Parish School System. We recognize that our students are just as capable as those located in other school systems across the state and nation and we are making every effort to improve student outcomes. At the district level, the monthly professional development academy has been implemented. Focus areas include science engagement, talk move strategies, social studies engagement, the writing process, and small groups in the middle school.

The St. Martin Parish Ed Leadership Academy has been revived to focus on leadership and school improvement. There are approximately thirteen individuals from across the district who are participating in the Ed Leader Program. They are as follows: Kelli Alexander, CP teacher, Kevin Bonhomme, BBJH Assistant Principal, Ashley Cressionie, BBJH teacher, Airon Duplechien, BBJH teacher, Ciji Hollis,TE teacher, Johnathan Lane, SMSH teacher, Corky Matthews, SMSH teacher, Nicole Melancon, TE teacher, Maureen Molbert, SMSH, Rebekah Rimes, BBH teacher, Dawn Richard, Special Services, Tonia Smith, TE teacher, and Jennifer Stelly, SMJH teacher. Kudos to these individuals for their desire to enhance their leadership skills. Mr. Polotzola, Supervisor of Human Capital, is sharing the knowledge he acquired during his 13 months of professional learning in the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL). Mr. Polotzola indicated NISL has provided some powerful knowledge and experiences for him and strongly recommends the program. (I sat in on the first session and felt rejuvenated and energized from the information presented.) Please contact Mr. Polotzola ASAP if you are interested in participating in the Academy.

Moving forward, we are anticipating a November release of 2015-2016 school performance scores. We recognize that we have no control over past results: however, we are currently in control of the 2016-2017 school performance. Site support visits have been ongoing and it is evident that great teaching and learning are taking place within our schools. While we are seeing great things in many of our classrooms, we must continue our efforts to increase expectations and to teach to those expectations. While it is common knowledge, there are those students who may lack motivation; yet, we must continue to seek ways to interest them in learning. Student achievement and public education comparisons will continue to be scrutinized.

Recent reports reveal that Louisiana ranks 49^th for academic achievement among public school students. We, as educators within our district and schools, continue to be judged by letter grades. There is no escaping the comparisons among schools and districts, and frankly, few seem interested in discussing poverty and all other societal ills that are responsible for less than equitable playing fields. Well, that is until the recently-aired Louisiana Public Broadcast (LPB) segment. Panelists, including Representative Patricia Smith, Scott Richard, Executive Director of the Louisiana School Board's Association (LSBA), and Michael Faulk, Superintendent of Central Community Schools, shared their concerns about school reform efforts and recognize that greater resources should be afforded to the most impoverished school systems. During the LPB program, John White, Louisiana Superintendent of Education, acknowledged the state is not where it needs to be. He referenced the need for quality teachers in the classroom and expressed concerns relative to teacher preparation programs and the need for year-long internships that allow for mentoring.

The debate for education reform continues with the most recent polling where Louisiana residents were asked to rate public education. The responses were as follows: 35% rated Louisiana’s education system as C; 22% rated it a B; 22% rated the system a D; 13% rated it F; and 4% gave public education in Louisiana an A. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, folks tended to rate their local districts more favorably—30% gave their districts a B; 28% rated their local districts a C; 19% gave their districts an A; 12% gave their district a D; and 10% rated their districts-F. Sixty-nine percent (69%) had no clue of what is their district letter grade; 48% of those surveyed favor vouchers and 46% oppose vouchers. While these opinions may serve some for good talking points during education reform discussions, the criterion of least concern for those surveyed was teacher quality—only 3% indicated teacher quality was of utmost concern. There is some obvious misalignment in public opinion and the opinion of Superintendent John White. However, in this instance, I am in full agreement that teacher quality is and will always be of great concern when it comes to school reform efforts.

On a lighter note, while no one can deny there is tremendous stress within the education arena, there are those events that surface that remind us of the joys within the profession. I recently picked up a newspaper on Thursday, September 22, and read an article written by Smiley Anders, an Advocate columnist. Anders shared a story provided by Steve Parrill, an assistant superintendent within the Livingston Parish Public Schools. The Livingston Parish School System was significantly impacted by the Great Flood of 2016. The school district just recently resumed classes. Despite the numerous stressors resulting from the floodwaters and damages to schools, the school official felt compelled to share some humor with the Advocate's readers. He stated, "at one elementary school, one little fella missed the bus, despite all the labels placed everywhere and the care of the teachers." "He did not get on the Bear Bus, the Turtle Bus, the Green Bus, the Eagle Bus, or any other bus." When asked what bus he rode, the student responded, "I ride the Blue Bus." His teacher asked, "Why did you not get on it?" His reply was "They were all yellow." The student's response is one that softens the hearts of educators--you gotta love our kids!

In closing, regardless of our standing within the public education comparisons, it is important for us to start moving to where we want to be. We are better than a C and B; we could be an A district. We must keep our eyes on this goal and continue to believe---Together We CAN!
Thanks to all of the hardworking employees and students within the St. Martin Parish School System!

NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
November 2, 2016

5:00 P.M.
St. Martin Parish
School Board
Department of Administration
625 Corporate Dr.
Breaux Bridge

BOARD UPDATE

Update from the October 5th St. Martin Parish School Board Meeting:

The St. Martin Parish School Board meeting was called to order by Mark Hebert, Board President. The prayer and pledge of allegiance were offered by Dr. Lottie P. Beebe, Superintendent. Accolades were presented as follows: Mr. Anthony Polotzola, Supervisor of Human Capital and Organizational Structures, completed a thirteen month program with the National Institute for School Leadership. Mr. Polotzola is now a certified NISL trainer with the completion of this program .

The board unanimously approved the firm of Reliant Investment Management, LLC as an investment advisor to address surplus funds. The Board also unanimously approved the awarding of supplements for the 2016-2017 school year. Board members voted to provide the supplements of $1000 for professional staff and $715 for support personnel in November, 2016 and May, 2017 with two additional supplement awards of $425 in January, 2017 and March, 2017. The $425 supplements will be distributed to all employees. The Board also approved the expansion of a 1:1 pilot and the purchase of interactive boards. The recommendation offered by the superintendent was as follows: For Phase 1 of the Interactive Display System project, classes for Smart Boards and Promethean boards will be offered in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each series of classes can accommodate up to 15 participants per device type—30 per semester. Teachers must complete the series of classes offered before a board is purchased for their classroom. If all classes are filled each semester with the maximum boards purchased, 45 of each type will be purchased. Maximum cost is as follows: Smartboards--$$253,630.80 and Promethean Boards, $226,920.60. Total expenditure for the interactive boards is $480, 551.40. A total of 21 carts of 35 Chrome books will be purchased for 6^th graders across the district. Additionally, 3 carts of 35 laptops will be purchased with one cart issued per high school. The total cost of this purchase is $292,293.84. The grand total of both projects is $772,845.24.

Ms. Casey Broussard, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), provided an update on quotes received for renovations to the recently purchased Pellerin Building. Plans are underway for the School Board Executive Staff and clerical staff to occupy the Pellerin Building in January, 2017. The existing facility located at 625 Corporate Blvd., Breaux Bridge, will house Federal Programs and Technology staff—thus, it will be referred to as the Federal Programs and Technology Annex. (Board meetings will continue to be held at the 625 Corporate Blvd. location). Special Services employees that are now housed at the Special Services facility located at West Bridge Street will be relocated to the 625 location. The anticipated date of relocation of offices is the latter part of January—early February, 2017. For the full agenda, click here.

Update from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) is scheduled to meet at 9:00 A. M. on October 11^th for its committee meetings with the official BESE meeting on October 12^th at 9:00 A. M. Agendas are accessible at the following website: http://bese.louisiana.gov

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

In This Issue

Message from the Superintendent
Board Meeting Update
BESE Update
Job Openings
LDOE News
Employee of the Month
Grants
1:1 Pilot Expansion
PD Academy
Interactive Board Training
School News
Condolences

Click here to view the 2016-2017 District Calendar.

Visit the Human Resources Page on our District Website for more details.

Click here for grant opportunities.

St. Martin Parish School Board Bids Farewell to a Retired Educator

Delores Ann McGee passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2016. Ms. McGee taught in the St. Martin Parish School System for 34 years. In her many years of teaching, she gave many of her students the tools they needed to survive and be successful. Ms. McGee will be remembered for her sense of humor, strong faith, and courage.

The St. Martin Parish School Board and employees would like to extend condolences to the families of Mrs. Wynde Frederick.

ADMINISTRATORS
2016 - 2017

Breaux Bridge Primary

Jill Bozeman, Principal
Tashonna Hypolite, Asst. Principal
Breaux Bridge Elementary
Joy Cormier, Principal
Lisa Thibodeaux, Asst. Principal
Breaux Bridge Junior High
Denise Frederick, Principal
Kevin Bonhomme Asst. Principal
Breaux Bridge High
Louis Blanchard, Principal
Ronald Poland, Asst. Principal
Andria Navarre, Asst. Principal
Cecilia Primary
Suzanne Leboeuf, Principal
Chennevial Washington, Asst. Principal
Teche Elementary
Latonia Cretian, Principal
Angela Watson, Asst. Principal
Cecilia Junior High
Charee Theriot, Principal
Tiedra Hawkins, Asst. Principal
Cecilia High School
Daniel Leboeuf, Principal
John Chevalier, Asst. Principal
Nicole Usie, Asst. Priincipal
Catahoula Elementary
Tiffany Francis, Principal
Parks Primary
Julie Laviolette, Principal
Tassala Jones, Asst. Principal
Parks Middle School
Dr. Wanda Phillips, Principal
Vacant, Asst. Principal
Early Learning Center
Jessica Landry, Principal

St. Martinville Primary
Sarah Allen, Principal
Ashley Gary Higginbotham, Asst. Principal
St. Martinville Junior High
Edward Boyd, Interim Principal
Katherine Freshley, Asst. Principal
St. Martinville Senior High
Michael Kreamer, Principal
Ginger Francis, Asst. Principal
Kevin Dugas, Asst. Principal
Stephensville Elementary
Bryan Staton, Principal
St. Martin Parish College & Career Readiness Center
Elizabeth Thibeaux-Clay, Principal
JCEP
Chicora Shelton, Asst. Principal

CENTRAL OFFICE
ADMINISTRATORS
2016-2017

Dr. Lottie Beebe, Superintendent
Al Blanchard, Dir. of Human Capital
Dr. Gail Dalcourt, Dir. of Curriculum & Instruction
Pamela Jordan, Dir. of Federal Programs
Casey Broussard, CFO
Anthony Polotzola, Supervisor of Organizational Structures and Human Capital
Henry Derouselle, Supervisor of Operations
Christine Foster, Supervisor of Computer Services
Phyllis Landry, Supervisor of Elementary Education
Laura Turpeau, Supervisor of Secondary Education
Redell Louis, Supervisor of Educational Technology
Kellie Leblanc, Supervisor of Virtual Learning
Frederick Wiltz, Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance
Mary Journet, Truancy Coordinator
Khristy Hulin, Safe & Drug Free Schools Coordinator
Adrienne Huval, Health Centers Coordinator
Clair Blanchard, Supervisor of School Nutrition
Bridget Bergeron, Title I Supervisor, 5-8
Melanie Taylor, Title I Supervisor, K-4
Nicole Angelle, Supervisor of Early Childhood and Family Involvement
Shirley Thibodeaux, Special Services Supervisor, 6-8
Mike Hebert, Special Services Supervisor, 9-12
Cheryl Mitchell, Special Services, Supervisor, Pre-K-5

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Mrs. Pamela Stelly (Pam) has been selected as the September Employee of the Month. She was nominated by CHS Principal, Daniel Leboeuf. In his nomination letter, Mr. Leboeuf acknowledged Mrs. Stelly for her efforts at Cecilia High and described her as “a hard-working, indefatigable instructor with a wealth of knowledge and experience with teaching as well as technology.” Mr. Leboeuf further stated that Mrs. Stelly “has chaired and improved CHS’s Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) and put into place a rewards system. At the same time, she developed a database program for our school to keep track and document student assignments to in-school. Over the summer, she accepted the position as CHS’s new IT facilitator and has worked tirelessly to improve the technological structure of our school.” She is greatly appreciated. Congratulations to Mrs. Stelly! Mrs. Stelly has fourteen (14) years of experience within the teaching profession. She is to be commended for the professionalism, excellence, patience, and compassion that she brings to Cecilia High School and the entire school system. Her efforts are greatly appreciated.

1:1 Pilot Expansion Moves to Cycle II

As a result of action taken at Wednesday's School Board Meeting, all sixth grade students and teachers will soon enjoy teaching and learning in a 1:1 environment. Cycle I of the 1:1 Pilot Expansion began with teacher preparation in March 2016 and deployment to fifth grade students in September. Cycle II teachers can expect to begin preparation in late October, with anticipated deployment to sixth grade students in February.

St. Martin Parish PD Academy

The St. Martin Parish PD Academy has been revived for the 2016-2017 School Year. Each session should afford teachers to leave empowered with tools and information that will ultimately lead to increased performance. The sessions are held on selected Tuesdays of each month at the St. Martin Parish Department of Administration in the Board Room. Click here for registration and additional information.

INTERACTIVE BOARD PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

In an effort to increase digital literacy and improve and increase student achievement in St. Martin Parish, we are now offering interactive whiteboard classes. Teachers have the option to select professional development using the SMARTboard or Promethean Board. Teachers who successfully complete the 12-hour course will receive and interactive board to utilize in their classroom. Click here for registration and additional information.
*Sessions are limited to 15 teachers per semester.

BREAUX BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

Breaux Bridge High School Algebra III students in Ms. Deborah Broussard's honors dual enrollment class are now utilizing Chromebooks for their LSU MyMathLab Math 1021 coursework.

ST. MARTINVILLE JUNIOR HIGH

SMJH students, faculty, and administration recognize Yellow Ribbon Week (September 5-September 9) by wearing yellow shirts and participating in suicide awareness and prevention activities.

Beta students, sponsors, and administration at SMJH prepare for elections of Beta Club officers for the 2016-2017 School year!

ST. MARTINVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

St. Martinville High received Dictionary/thesaurus from KATC Tools for Schools for use during EOC testing.