STATE SUPERINTENDENT VISITS LIVE OAK ELEMENTARY TO GAIN INSIGHTS ON SCHOOL’S SUCCESS

State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley recently visited with school leaders and faculty at Live Oak Elementary to get a first-hand understanding of the school’s formula for success.

He visited five classrooms to observe teacher instruction and then met with faculty and school administrators to gain greater insight into the school’s teaching strategies and focus on student performance.

“We were very honored to have our campus chosen as a model for observation and review,” Live Oak Elementary Principal Michelle Crochet said. “We know that what we are doing on our campus makes a positive impact on our students every day. But it’s always nice to have others recognize our efforts.”

Live Oak Elementary students have consistently shown growth over the past six years, according to the state’s accountability reports. The 2026 LEAP results showed significant increases in the percentages of students performing at the Mastery and Advanced levels. In math, the percentages improved by 10%; science scores grew by 13.4%, and social studies scores grew by 11.4%.

Joining Dr. Brumley on his visit were members of the Louisiana Department of Education’s top administrative team and Board of Elementary & Secondary Education (BESE) Ronnie Morris.

 

BELOVED CROSSING GUARD KATY WELLS HONORED

Livingston Parish leaders and schools recently honored crossing guard Katy Wells who was fatally struck in April while directing traffic outside Gray’s Creek Elementary School.

The Livingston Parish Council designated October 16 as “Mrs. Katy Wells Day” and a section of Highway 16 was renamed the “Katy Wells Memorial Crossing Corridor” to commemorate her service.

Since her death, speed limits on roads surrounding Gray’s Creek Elementary have been reduced. Memorials, including a mural outside Seventh Ward Elementary, have been dedicated to Wells who worked as a crossing guard for four decades.

 

 

 

DOYLE HIGH SCHOOL HOLDS EVENT TO WELCOME BACK FOOTBALL

Leaders for Doyle High School recently unveiled the architectural renderings of a new football field and athletic fieldhouse that is set to be constructed over the coming year as the school’s efforts to rebuild its football program continues.

Students, school and Town of Livingston leaders and former Doyle High School football alumni gathered for a breakfast meeting to see the renderings and to learn more about the plans to move the program forward.

“There’s a lot of excitement about bringing football back to our community. That support and excitement is helping to move our efforts forward at a great pace,” said Doyle High School Principal Ashley Sharp. “Now that we are getting the engineering designs in place, we are looking forward to finalizing our plans to begin construction on the new facilities.”

Sharp said the new football facility will seat 1,500 people and include a fieldhouse that contains locker rooms, a weight room and other training facilities for student athletes. The new facilities will be located to the westside of the existing Jimmy Sartwell park, with the entrance located off McLin Road.

 

TALENTED ARTS PROGRAM TO PERFORM ROSIE THE RIVETER!

The Livingston Parish Talented Arts students will step back in time to 1942 to bring history alive with their production of Rosie the Riveter!

The full-length play features the story of when male workers receive draft notices and auto parts manufacturing freezes at Eddie’s Auto Parts Factory. The factory’s secretary, Rosie O’Connell, proposes changing the business to manufacture airplane parts via a government contract. Rosie rolls up her sleeves and recruits local women, overcoming social resistance from traditionalists to become the iconic image of female empowerment.

Performances will be held Nov. 5-8 at the Livingston Parish Event and Engagement Center, located at 30740 Hwy. 43 in Albany. Show times are at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 5-7; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. The show runs for approximately two hours with a 15-minute intermission.

Tickers are $10 and can be purchased at the box office or online.

 

 

LPPS LEADERSHIP SHOWCASED AT CONFERENCE

Livingston Parish Public Schools was proudly represented at the Louisiana Association of Principals (LAP) 75th Annual Fall Leadership Conference, where educational leaders from across the state came together to connect, collaborate, and share ideas.

The theme of the event, which was held in Baton Rouge, was “Leading with Lagniappe: Empowering Louisiana Principals for Excellence.”

Superintendent Mr. Jody Purvis helped to welcome leaders from across the state, while Live Oak High School Principal Gary Jones and Denham Springs Junior High School Principal Justin Wax made presentations.

 

SCHOOL CAFETERIAS PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK

School cafeteria workers and nutrition technicians across the parish recently participated in the National School Lunch Week, Oct. 12-16, to highlight the importance of nutrition teams and promote balanced and nutrient-dense food options for students.

This year’s theme was “Cafeteria Circus: Where Nutrition Takes Center Stage.” Workers dressed in matching T-shirts and circus costumes, as well as decorated the school cafeterias in their theme colors and designs.

“This week always offers our staff a fun and engaging way to remind our community that the school cafeteria staff play a vital role in our students’ health, growth and academic success,” said Sommer Purvis, LPPS Director of Nutrition.