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St. Martin Parish Schools

eNewsletter

Moving Forward with Team;
Enhancing the Vision!

March 2015

Message from the Superintendent

"Learn to adjust yourself to the conditions you have to endure, but make a point of trying to alter or correct conditions so that they are most favorable to you." ~William Frederick Book (1873-1940) Educator

     A few weeks ago, I joined four St. Martin Parish School Board Members at the 2015 Louisiana School Board Association's (LSBA) Annual Spring Conference in Shreveport. The conference proved to be quite informative and afforded school board members across Louisiana an opportunity to revisit education laws while earning credits towards the required continuing learning sessions as per state law.  Additionally, there were several exciting sessions--including one that showcased the gubernatorial candidates: Scott Angelle, (Republican), Jay Dardenne, (Republican), John Bel Edwards (Democrat), and David Vitter, (Republican) and another that highlighted the winners of the LSBA's Video Competition. Vanel Porter, a St. Martinville Sr. High student, submitted a video that addressed her experiences while enrolled in a traditional public school system. Vanel's video was one of three videos selected for a monetary award of $2500.  Two additional awards were presented to students enrolled in West Baton Rouge Parish and St. Tammany Parish.  The three winning videos were selected from 47 entries.  Upon accepting this award on behalf of Vanel, I was filled with emotion and pride knowing that Vanel's video brought recognition to our school district and St. Martinville Sr. High School.  
     The gubernatorial debate afforded those in attendance an opportunity to listen to candidates as they addressed their educational philosophies.  Three of the four candidates (Angelle, Edwards, and Vitter) stated their opposition to Common Core and stated they favor Louisiana-developed standards. One candidate (Dardenne) held to his support of Common Core Standards.  All candidates indicated their support of parental choice and communicated that charters and vouchers will likely remain.  To quote one candidate, "choice is the new norm." I concur with his assessment. I support choice. We merely want to ensure choice options are offered when there exists a "level" playing field relative to sound educational opportunities for all students.
     As we move forward to student PARCC assessments beginning on March 16th, I want to thank our educators and students for enduring the challenges presented to them.  It is no secret there were implementation issues relative to the Common Core standards, teacher attrition, and limited to untimely guidance from the Louisiana Department of Education; however, our educators and students are capable of remaining competitive with their counterparts in other school systems.  I ask that everyone performs at his or her maximum capability--taking the exams seriously.  Much has been reported in the media that there are no punitive consequences for students, so I suspect there are those who are aware they have no "skin in the game." Teachers and administrators must communicate the critical importance of students performing at their best.
     I also appreciate the attitudes of many who have "learned to adjust to the conditions you (we) have to endure."  The good news is that we all possess the opportunity to try "to alter or correct conditions so that they are most favorable to you (us)" as advocated by William F. Book.  We must remain diligent, committed, and passionate while providing quality educational experiences for our students.  Superintendent John White and BESE will propose adjustments to some of the reform initiatives.  Please stay informed and involved.  Best wishes for successful student outcomes!
BOARD UPDATE
 
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:
Mrs. Betty Thibodeaux, Breaux Bridge Elementary Teacher Assistant, was presented a plaque for having been selected as the February, 2015 Employee of the Month.  Parish Science and Math Fair student winners were acknowledged.  Winners in the Knights of Columbus Essay Competition and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Essay Competition were recognized.  Parish Fair facilitators were acknowledged for their efforts.  Courtesy Automotive Representatives were on hand to highlight the Courtesy Video Competition.  There are three awards--first, second, and third place with first place receiving a monetary award of $18,000 or a choice of a 2015 Ford Fusion or 2015 Chrysler 200; a second place award of $1000, and a third place award of $500. The videos receiving the most votes will emerge as winners in the aforementioned categories. The contest deadline is April 3, 2015.   Ms. Vanel Porter, a SMSH student, received a $2500 check from LSBA for a video highlighting her experiences within a traditional public school.  Click here for complete agenda.
 
In This Issue
  • Message from the Superintendent
  • Board Meeting Update
  • BESE Update
  • Employee of the Month
  • Testing Information
  • Financial News
  • Prayer Invitation
  • Math & Science Fair
  • Social Studies Fair
  • AHEC of A Summer
  • Dad's Day
  • Writing Winners
  • LSBA Video Winner
  • Al Berard Foundation Donation
  • School News
  • Condolences

Click here to view the 2014-2015 District Calendar.
NEXT SCHOOL BOARD MEETING  
April 1, 2015
5:00  P.M.

St. Martin Parish School Board
Department of Administration
625 Corporate Dr.
Breaux Bridge

 
For the most up to date information regarding testing for Grades 3-8, click here.
A prayer service will be held at noon at Parc Hardy, Rees Street, in Breaux Bridge on Thursday, March 12, 2015.  The purpose of the prayer service is to lift up our Louisiana educators and students in prayer for successful outcomes on required exams within Louisiana's school accountability system.  The pubic is invited to attend.
Vanel Porter, St. Martinville Senior High School SENIOR, received $2500 from LSBA for a video highlighting her experiences within a traditional public school. 
 Veterans of Foreign Wars Writing and Art Contest Winners


Knights of Columbus


Click here for a complete list of winners.

Al Berard Family Makes a Donation to the St. Martin Parish School Board
Nearly 300 students from across St. Martin Parish participated in the annual Parish Social Studies Fair.  The activities encompassed rally testing for junior high and high school students, quiz bowl for junior high students, and projects for grades 4-12.  First, second, and third place project winners have the opportunity to compete at the regional level on Saturday, March 21st at Blackham Colisium in Lafayette.  Click here for a complete listing of Parish winners.
On Saturday, February 28th St. Martin Parish celebrated the importance of Dad’s with our 17th annual Dad’s Day celebration.  This year the event was held at Cecilia Senior High School.  We are excited to report that we had over 400 in attendance for our event.  Children were treated to a great performance by Harvey the Rabbit and friends.  Dads were motivated by special guest speaker, Dr. Dana Andrus who is known as Dr. Truth.  Again we have to give a huge thanks to the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Department for donating hot dog lunches for all that attended.  Coca-Cola bottling company in Lafayette donated soft drinks for everyone.  We also had a poster contest for students in grades PreK-K, a poetry contest for students in grades 1-2, and an essay contest for students in grades 3-4. Click here for complete listing of parish winners.
This event would not be possible without the many volunteers from our participating schools and central office staff. 


 
 
St. Martin Parish School Board would like to extend condolences to the families of Mary Alice Guidry and Marion Angelle.

ADMINISTRATORS
2014-2015

Breaux Bridge Primary
Lydia Capdepon, Principal
Lisa Thibodeaux, Asst. Principal

Breaux Bridge Elementary
Joy Cormier, Principal

Breaux Bridge Junior High
Denise Frederick, Principal

Breaux Breaux Bridge High
Louis Blanchard, Principal
Ronald Poland, Asst. Principal
Katherine Freshley, Asst. Principal

Cecilia Primary
Suzanne Leboeuf, Principal
Jill Bozeman, Asst. Principal

Teche Elementary 
Latonia Cretian, Principal
Angela Watson, Asst. Principal

Cecilia Junior High
Charee Theriot, Principal
Eileen Rowe, Asst. Principal

Cecilia High School
Daniel Leboeuf, Principal
Nicole Usie, Asst. Priincipal

Catahoula Elementary
Annette Baudoin, Principal

Parks Primary
Julie Laviolette, Principal
Tassala Jones, Asst. Principal

Parks Middle School
Dr. Wanda Phillips, Principal
Cheryl Mitchell,  Asst. Principal

Early Learning Center
Jessica Landry, Principal

St. Martinville Primary
Sarah Allen, Principal
Tashonna Hypolite, Asst. Principal

St. Martinville Junior High
Elizabeth Thibeaux-Clay, Principal
Devin Baltazar, Asst. Principal

St. Martinville Senior High
Michael Kreamer, Principal
Ginger Francis, Asst. Principal
Kevin Dugas, Asst. Principal

Stephensville Elementary
Bryan Staton, Principal

JCEP
Shirley Thibodeaux,  Asst. Principal
CENTRAL OFFICE
 ADMINISTRATORS
2013-2014
 
Dr. Lottie Beebe, Superintendent
Al Blanchard, Dir. of Human Capital
Dr. Gail Dalcourt, Dir. of Curriculum & Instruction
Kara Meaux, 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
Bonnie Thibodeaux, 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
Pamela Jordan, Title I Supervisor, 5-8
Melanie Taylor, Title I Supervisor, K-4
Nicole Angelle, Supervisor of Early Childhood and Family Involvement
Leah Hebert, Special Education Supervisor, PK-4
Mike Hebert, Special Education Supervisor, 9-12
Bridget Bergeron, Special Education, Supervisor, 6-8
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The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)  will convene in Baton Rouge at the Claiborne Building on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6th.  Agendas are  accessible at the following website: http://bese.louisiana.gov
Important policy recommendations will be discussed relating to the teacher evaluation program (COMPASS).  Many education stakeholders are planning to attend the meeting to seek guidance regarding Opt-Out (of testing) requests and ask for relief on the assignment of letter grades.  According to the Sunday, March 1, edition of the Advocate, two of the four contenders for governor, "Democrat John Bel Edwards and Republican Scott Angelle--said that "the grade law was a mistake or should be shelved for an overhaul."  The meeting minutes and videos are  accessible at the following website: http://bese.louisiana.gov.
Mrs. Betty Thibodeaux, Breaux Bridge Elementary Teacher Assistant, is the recipient of the February, 2015 Employee of the Month award. Mrs. Thibodeaux has been an employee of the school district for approximately 18 years.   Ms. Betty was nominated for this prestigious honor because of her untiring efforts working with students, her compassion, and the  dedication she displays in her role at Breaux Bridge Elementary School.
 
For the 2014-2015 school year MFP funds were increased 2.75% per district, which amounted to $713,052 for St. Martin.  Of that amount 50% was dedicated to be divided amongst certificated classroom teachers, this year the board has voted to distribute the other 50% amongst all other permanent St. Martin employees (those eligible to receive sales tax supplements).  The payment will be a one-time supplement which will be distributed as a separate payment later this month.  The preliminary calculation is approximately $550 for certificated classroom teachers and $500 for all other employees.  This is subject to change based on the exact number of employees eligible for the supplement.    
AHEC OF A Summer Program
AHEC of a Summer is a 2-3 week summer program for high school students who are interested in a career in health care.  Students can earn a ½ unit of elective credit.
The program will be conducted at the St. Martin Hospital in Breaux Bridge from June 1-June 12.  Ms. Amy Windsor, BBH teacher, will supervise the students.
AHEC is a very competitive program.  Students must complete an application, get recommendations from teachers and get Letters of Reference.  All of the gathered information is reviewed by hospital staff members to select the participants. 
Selected students receive a set of scrubs at no cost.  They take field trips to Health Care and Career Prep Facilities and learn about the current work force.
Congratulations to all participants.  Click here for a listing of winners.

St. Martin Parish Science Fair

     The 2015 St. Martin Parish Science Fair was held at St. Martinville Senior High School on January 30, 2015.    Click here for a complete list of the winners. U-LL 2015 Region VI Science Fair Winners
     The 2015 U-LL Region VI Science Fair was held Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Blackham Coliseum. Students who placed 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at the Parish Fair were given the opportunity to compete in the Region VI Fair.   St. Martin Parish winners are:  Kristin Lee-1st, Trinity Catholic; Daijna Patt-2nd, Cecilia JH; Khayman McWilliams-2nd, St. Martinville JH; Landon Laviolette-2nd, Parks Middle; Leryn Quintana-3rd, Catahoula Elem.; Miguel Huval-1st, Breaux Bridge JH; Riley Dorsey-3rd, Catahoula Elem.; Hayden Simon-3rd, Parks Middle; MacKensie Cormier-2nd, Parks Middle; Steven Champ-2nd, Trinity Catholic; Eric Stoval-3rd, Trinity and Kaan Dere-2nd, Cecilia High.
These students will compete in the State Science Fair.  Congratulations!  Good luck! 
 


 

Cecilia High School

The CHS Speech Team earned 2nd Place Sweepstakes Honors at the Kaplan High Contraband Classic Speech Tournament in February.  Abbie Duncan (far left) placed 1st in Oratory, 1st in Duo with Seth Latiolais (2nd from left), and 3rd in Duet with Jessica Duncan (far right).  Seth also placed 1st in Extemporaneous Speaking, 1st in Humorous Interpretation, and earned the tournament's prestigious Renaissance Award.  Brannigan Harman (third from left) placed 1st in Oral Interpretation. Daphne Charles and Noah Segura (fourth and fifth from left) placed 1st in Duet Acting.  Grace Baum (second from right) placed 2nd in Duet with Seth.  Jessica Duncan (far right) also placed 2nd in Declamation.

The Cecilia High Speech Team placed 2nd in Sweeps at the Acadiana High Speech Tournament.  Seth Latiolais (far left) placed 3rd in Declamation. Jessica Duncan (2nd from left) placed 1st in Declamation, Brannigan Harman (middle) placed 3rd in Oral Interpretation and 2nd in Declamation, Abbie Duncan (second from right) placed 1st in Oral Interpretation, and Dilan Patin (far right) placed 2nd in Dramatic Interpretation and 1st in Duo Interpretation with his partner Seth Latiolais.
 
Breaux Bridge High School 
The Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance program makes contributions to schools who have been nominated by a local ExxonMobil gas station. The funds from the grant are to be used exclusively in the math and science departments. Local ExxonMobil Representative Linda Dore from the Pennywise store on 2086 Rees Street presented a $500.00 grant to Breaux Bridge High School Principal Louis Blanchard and Math Department Head Deborah Broussard.
 
  
FBLA District V Leadership Conference 2015 – Results
Congratulations go out to all BBHS FBLA Members who worked so hard to represent the school and FBLA chapter at the District V Leadership Conference! The results represent individuals as well as teams!  Click here for complete listing of results.
3 Students Placed 1st Place Individually
11 Students Placed Superior
9 Students Placed Excellent
2 Teams Placed Superior
2 Teams Placed Excellent
STATE LIVESTOCK SHOW
Six exceptional Louisiana youths were recognized Saturday, February 21 for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities as they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Award at the 80th annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center here.
 
Devin Leblanc is pictured with LA Commissioner of Agriculture, Mike Strain and chancellor of the LSU Agcenter, Dr. Bill Richardson.  Devin was this year’s top winner for Swine Premier Exhibitor in the LSU AgCenter’s Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Program.
 

 
Camryn Hebert is pictured with her father, Cody Hebert.  She was named Champion Intermediate Showmanship Market Goat for the 2015 LSU AgCenter State Livestock Show.
ESU Shakespeare Competition 
On March 1st, Cortlun Melton won 2nd place at the ESU Shakespeare Competition at Tulane University. Coached by Jan Erin Corzo, he won 1st at the school level, International and then at the state level. We were well represented as both a school and a parish by this tenacious sophomore. He plans to win next year and compete at the National level in New York at the Lincoln center. Bravo, Cortlun Melton!
Breaux Bridge Junior High
Miguel Huval of Breaux Bridge Junior High attended the Regional Science Fair on Saturday, February 28, 2015 and was awarded 1st Place in Environmental Science. He will compete in the State Science Fair on March 23, 2015.  He also received the Award of Excellence by  Gulf Coast Safety and Training Group and was invited to present his project at their July meeting which will be held at the Petroleum Club in Lafayette.  Hat's off to Miguel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Catahoula Elementary 
 Mia Foti, a 7th Grade Student at Catahoula Elementary has been notified by the National Geographic Society that she is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2015 Louisiana National Geographic State Bee, sponsored by Google and Plum Creek. The contest will be held in Baton Rouge on Friday, March 27, 2015.
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