Live Oak Senior Named Louisiana’s Student of the Year

Victor Rushing, a senior at Live Oak High School, has been named the Louisiana’s 2015 Student of the Year by the State Department of Education.  Rushing is the son of Dana and Jodi Rushing of Watson.  He is an accomplished musician, playing the piano since he was in first grade. He has received dozens of superior ratings and various honors at prestigious state and district music competitions. Victor is a member of Beta Club, Student Council, National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Mu Alpha Theta, Future Business Leaders of America, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and is the Senior Class and Student Council President and Chaplain for FCA. For the past four years, he has been a volunteer for the Special Olympics. Victor wants to study political science and business and enter the Marine Corps and earn a Juris Doctorate.

Livingston Parish Recognizes Top Students of the Year

The Livingston Parish School Board and Superintendent John Watson on May 7 recognized all parish students in grades 5, 8 and 12, who were awarded Student of the Year honors at their respective schools.  The parish’s top three 2015 Student of the Year winners were Live Oak Senior Victor Rushing, North Corbin Junior High School 8th Grader Emily Seighman, and Live Oak Elementary 5th Grader Carson Jones.

LPPS 2015 Elementary Students of the Year

Those 5th grade Student of the Year winners included, pictured from left to right: (front row) Sophie Kelly, North Live Oak Elementary; Rita Lind, Walker Elementary; Gavin Reine, Maurepas Elementary; Breelyn Voivedich, South Live Oak Elementary; Bryce Onellion, Eastside Elementary; Carson Jones, Live Oak Elementary; Luke Lebourgeois, Holden Elementary; Elise McElroy, Seventh Ward Elementary; Abrielle Ochsner, Albany Middle; Carson Pittman, Denham Springs Elementary; Kierra Barrera, North Corbin Elementary; (back row) Cameron Cockerham, Lewis Vincent Elementary; Nicholas Pendleton, Gray’s Creek Elementary; Madelyn White, Doyle Elementary; Matthew Larpenter, Springfield Middle; Haley Hoover, Southside Elementary; Ana Hardison, South Walker Elementary; Shane Easley, Levi Milton Elementary; Alicia Stanga, French Settlement Elementary; Hayden Hand, Freshwater Elementary; Brady Forbes, South Fork Elementary; Kate Price, Northside Elementary; Alexa Ardoin, Frost Elementary; and Ethan Quebodeaux, Juban Parc Elementary.

2015 LPPS Middle School Students of the Year

Those 8th grade Student of the Year winners included, pictured from left to right,: (front row) Sara Anne Martin, Live Oak Middle; Andrew Larpenter, Springfield Middle; Mayce Balfantz, Doyle Junior High; Emily Seighman, North Corbin Junior High; Codie Hicks, Juban Parc Junior High; Collin Bueche, Denham Springs Junior High; (back row) Melanie Tircuit, French Settlement Junior High; Cameron Mangus, Westside Junior High; and Alyssa Blount, Holden Junior High. Not pictured are Michael Diez, Frost Junior High; Ava Borskey, Maurepas Junior High; and Collin Turner, Southside Junior High.

2015 LPPS High School Students of the Year

Those 12th Grade Student of the Year winners included, pictured left to right: Alexis Ferguson, Maurepas High; Ryan Miller, Walker High; Morgan Rea, Denham Springs High; Victor Rushing, Live Oak High; Megan Lanoy, Holden High; Cheyenne Reyes, Doyle High; and Jacob Pettigrew, Albany High. Not pictured is Christen Wall, Springfield High.

Holden High School Freshman Competes in National Braille Challenge

Holden High Freshman Chloe Ashford will represent the blind and visually impaired high school community in Louisiana this summer in the National Braille Challenge, which will be held June 20 in Los Angeles, California. Ashford competed against about 70 to 80 other students from all over the state, according to Blanche Faulk, outreach coordinator for the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired.  She said the Braille Challenge includes both transcription of an audio passage in Braille, with grading based on speed and accuracy, and reading comprehension in Braille. Ashford will be traveling to Los Angeles for the second time to compete in the National Braille Challenge.  She has said she has a good feeling about her chances this year, since she knows what to expect. Ashford participates in the regular classroom at Holden High School, where her Braille teacher translates her assignments into Braille so she can attend classes with her peers.  She said her experience has allowed her to learn a lot about the “sighted world,” and her sighted peers have learned a lot about her world.

Voters Asked to Renew 7 Mills Dedicated to School Maintenance on May 2

The Livingston Parish School Board is asking voters to renew a 10-year, 7.0-mill property tax on May 2 that is dedicated to funding maintenance projects for every school building in the school district.  The ballot proposition is NOT a new tax.  It is a renewal that will NOT increase the amount of taxes currently paid by taxpayers.

Voters in Livingston Parish first created the dedicated maintenance tax in the 1950s and have supported its continuous renewal for more than 60 years.  The 7.0-mill assessment currently generates about $3.2 million each year for school repairs, maintenance and improvements.  These funds are distributed parish-wide.

Two Livingston Parish Students Named Finalists for Louisiana’s Student of the Year Awards

Live Oak High School Senior Victor Rushing and North Corbin Junior High School 8th Grader Emily Seighman have been named regional finalists in the state’s annual Student of the Year competition.

The Louisiana Department of Education released the names of the state’s 18 finalists last month, including one 5th, 8th and 12th grader from each of the state’s six regions, representing public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools across Louisiana.  The top winner for each grade level will be announced on April 22.

Rushing is the son of Dana and Jodi Rushing of Watson.  He is president of his senior class and is a member of several school clubs and teams, including BETA, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FBLA, Boy’s State, and the LOHS baseball and football teams.  Rushing is also a studio pianist, having participated in the Louisiana Music Teachers Association District Rally for 12 consecutive years, earning a Superior rating each of those years. Rushing serves on the school’s student council and is an Eagle Ambassador.  He attends Live Oak Methodist Church where he is a special music performer and serves as the audio-visual technician for the church’s 10 a.m. off-site service.

Seighman is the daughter of Jeff and Tallie Seighman of Walker.  She participates in 4H, Beta, Library, Yearbook, Photography, and the Book Club.  She is a percussionist in the school band, and has represented NCJH in both Parish and District Honor Bands for the past two years.  She also is a three-year starter for the NCJH Lady Bears basketball team and has participated in Cross Country and Track.  She also is very involved in her church, where she participates in the youth group and volunteers in kid’s church.  Seighman also has been on a mission trip to serve the people of Swaziland and Mozambique, Africa.

Livingston Parish Schools will recognize all its Student of the Year nominees from each of the schools across the parish at a special ceremony on May 7.

School Board’s Refinancing Efforts Saving Millions for Taxpayers

Over the last three years, the Livingston Parish School Board has been prudent to refinance outstanding bonds across the district, resulting in a projected savings of nearly $2 million over the life of the bonds. The board refinanced construction bonds in the Denham Springs School Tax District this month, decreasing the interest on payments by nearly 2 percent overall, to create a projected savings of $740,000.

Last year, the board refinanced bonds in the Walker School Tax District, taking advantage of a much lower interest rate as well, creating an anticipated savings of $562,000.  These cost savings are added to the projected $698,000 saved when the board refinanced bonds in the Live Oak School Tax District in 2012.

“I want to applaud our board members for being good stewards of the taxpayers’ monies.  There are very diligent to seek ways to take advantage of cost savings at every level,” Superintendent John Watson said.

Denham Springs Junior High Earns “No Place for Hate” Designation

Students at Denham Springs Junior High have successfully completed activities that promote respect and an anti-bias atmosphere on campus to earn the designation of “No Place for Hate” for their campus for the 2014-2015 year.  The “No Place for Hate” program is sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League and has been launched in hundreds of schools nationwide.  The initiative provides schools and communities with an organizing framework for combating bias, bullying and hatred, leading to long-term solutions for creating and maintaining a positive climate.  “No Place for Hate” schools receive their designation by:

• Building inclusive and safe communities in which respect is the goal, and all students can thrive
• Empowering students, faculty, administration and family members to take a stand against hate and bullying by incorporating new and existing programs under one powerful message
• Engaging schools and communities in at least three anti-bias activities per year, which the Anti-Defamation League helps  to develop
• Sending a clear, unified message that all students have a place to belong

DSJH Counselor Laura Green said the school completed at least four anti-bullying/random acts of kindness activities throughout the year, and the whole school signed an anti-bullying pledge.  The school will be awarded a banner to proudly hang at the school’s entrance, she said.

Southeastern Offers Career Program This Summer

Junior high and high school students can experience a variety of career fields at Southeastern Louisiana University this summer through “Zoom into Careers” workshops.  “Zoom into Careers” programs include computer science, environmental sciences, animation, automotive technology, industrial and engineering technology, photography, television, and theater.

“Zoom into Careers” is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for June 15-18.  Registration will be limited in each workshop to small groups, some as low as six participants.  Registration will continue through June 4 and will soon be available online at www.southeastern.edu/zoom. The workshops are $280 prior to May 7, and $295 until June 4.

LIVINGSTON PARISH AUTOMOTIVE PROGRAM HOSTS CAR SHOW

The Livingston Parish Automotive Service Technology Program will host a Car Show on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Literacy and Technology Center, located at 9261 Florida Boulevard in Walker.  Program Director Joshua Murphy said the show will feature a wide variety of antique cars, trucks, motorcycles and “tricked out” cars on display for everyone to see.  In addition, the show will feature a car simulator and an open house tour of the automotive center.  Lunch plates will be on sale.

The entry fee for cars to participate is $10 per vehicle, and all entrees will be eligible for prizes.   All proceeds from the show will go to support the parish’s automotive program, which is a dual enrollment program that offers students an opportunity to get hands-on experience identifying and repairing real automotive problems, while earning up to 20 hours of college credit.

MAUREPAS HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY CLUB WINS CONTESTS AT STATE CONVENTION

Pictured are members of the Maurepas High School Library Club, from left to right: (standing) Courtney Fontenot, Sharon Wascom, Alexis Ferguson, Sarah Hess, Katie Balfantz, Chaz Montaldo, Cassie Wesley, Kaleigh Kuykendall, Landon Delatte, Megan Alexis, Randi Carber, (kneeling) Justin Raffray and (sitting) Cayla Breland

The Maurepas High School Library Club received several awards at the Louisiana Teenage Librarians Association’s Convention, which is sponsored by the Louisiana Association of School Librarians.  The club received 1^st place in the bulletin board contest, 2^nd place in the t-shirt contest, 2^nd place in the scrapbook contest, and 2^nd place in the electronic scrapbook contest.

In addition, Sarah Hess received 3^rd place in the essay contest for her essay of the topic “If you could make one book ‘real,’ which one and why.  Sharon Wascom and Chaz Montaldo received 3^rd place in the drawing contest for their poster that illustrated a cover for the newest book, “Wax,” by convention guest speaker Gina Damico.  Courtney Fontenot and Hess presided over this year’s convention.  They will attend the Louisiana Librarians Association Annual Conference this month in Shreveport.

PARISH STUDENTS WIN WRITING CONTESTS

Pictured from left to right are Livingston Parish Fair President Lynn Sibley presenting Maurepas 8th Grader Ava Borskey with a $150 check for winning 1st place in the 2014-2015 Louisiana Fairs and Festivals Essay Contest.

Pictured from left to right are Walker Elementary students Ryleigh Carnegie and Lexie Evans, with their teacher Dee Ann Hasse.

Maurepas 8th Grader Ava Borskey won 1st place in the Louisiana Fairs and Festivals Essay Contest, earning a $150 cash prize.  Borskey’s essay was titled “How do fairs and festivals economically impact Louisiana’s tourism industry?”

Two third-graders from Walker Elementary have been named winners in this year’s Capital Area Reading Council’s (CARC) Young Author’s Writing Contest.  Both students won in the fiction category.  Lexie Evans took 2nd place in the competition, and Ryleigh Carnegie won 3rd place.

LIVE OAK HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPETE AT FBLA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Congratulations to the Live Oak High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members who successfully competed at the District VI Leadership Conference at Xavier University in New Orleans in February.

The following students earned a rating of “Superior” and qualified to compete at the State Conference this month:  Kaycie Bennett – Business Law; Kaylee Jones – Business Procedures; Joey Carrol, Victor Rushing and Josh Stafford – Entrepreneurship; Ethan Brooks – Word Processing; Dakota Alphonso and Casey Melerine – Business Communication; Corley Chutz, Kaylee Jones and J’Lynn Shelby – Hospitality Management; Victor Rushing – Mr. Future Business Leader; Joey Carroll – Impromptu Speaking; and Cameron Seals – Introduction to Business Communication.

Those winning First Place in their events, which also qualified them to compete at the State Conference, were: Mary Kate Andrepont, Casey Melerine and Laura Staub – Marketing; Kaycie Bennett – Business Communication; Joshua Higdon, Ethan Phillips, and Katie Hammerschmidt – Business Ethics; and Mary Kate Andrepont – Job Interview.

Those students who earned a rating of “Excellent” included: Katie Hammerschmidt – Business Law; Colt Nolan and Scotty Smith – Business Math; Kennedi Johnson – Introduction to Business Communication; Cierra Kable – Introduction to Business; Laura Staub – Ms. Future Business Leader; and Josh Stafford – Public Speaking II.

Live Oak High School’s FBLA sponsors are Kathy Aucoin, Wanda Jenkins and Paiton Achord.

Those Live Oak High School students participating in this year’s FBLA Conference, pictured left to right, included: (first row) Ethan Brooks, Casey Melerine, Mary Kate Andrepont, Laura Staub, Kaylee Jones, Austin Shaffett, Ethan Phillips; (second row) Scotty Smith, Colt Nolan, Josh Stafford, Kaycie Bennett, Joey Carroll, Victor Rushing, Corley Chutz, Cierra Kable, Katie Hammerschmidt, J’Lynn Shelby, Cameron Seals, Kennedi Johnson, Andrea Cook, Dakota Alphonso, and Joshua Higdon.

THE LOUISIANA MERMAID SPLASHED INTO DOYLE ELEMENTARY FOR AN “UNDER THE SEA” LITERACY NIGHT

Doyle Elementary students and siblings Jacob, Jeremiah, Katie, Emilie, and Lanie McQueary visit with Venessa the Louisiana Mermaid on Literacy Night.

Doyle Elementary hosted its annual Literacy Night and Book Fair on March 3.  This year’s theme was “Under the Sea,” which produced literacy-themed activities such as “Beachy Blends,” “Diving for Digraphs” and “Sea-rious Comic Strip Fun.

Students provided art work and writing samples to help elaborately decorate the campus for the annual event.  More than 600 students and their parents visited the 18 stations in which students participated in literacy based activities.  Students were especially excited to meet Venessa, The Louisiana Mermaid, who made a special appearance where she posed for pictures and signed autographs.  Jambalaya was provided by Mr. Andy Rushing.

THREE LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOLS MAKE REPEAT APPEARANCE ON BEST IN NATION LIST

Holden, Maurepas and Springfield high schools have once again been named among the nation’s best public high schools, according to this year’s rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The three schools were among 85 high schools in Louisiana to be nationally recognized for their academic performances in 2014.

All three Livingston Parish schools earned a Bronze Medal, which is given to those schools that excel at a variety of measurable performance outcomes.  The designation is based on a key principle that high schools must serve all students well, not just those bound for college.

Students at all three schools scored high proficiency levels.  Holden’s students scored 95 percent proficient in both English and Algebra; Maurepas’ students also scored 95 percent proficient in English and 85 percent proficient in Algebra; and Springfield’s students scored 95 percent proficient in English and 81 percent proficient in Algebra.  Each of these scores is an improvement from last year’s performance.

NEW ROAD ACCESSING DSHS PARKING LOT OPENS

Pictured from left to right are: (back row) DSHS Agri-Science Teacher Gary Jones; Alvin Fairburn & Associates, Inc., Architect Gene Eleazar; Livingston Parish Schools Asst. Director of Maintenance Jimmie Willson; Livingston Parish Schools Asst. Director of Maintenance John Varnado; (front row) DSHS Asst. Principal Lee Hawkins; DSHS Asst. Principal Brandi Aucoin; DSHS Asst. Principal Shana Giddens; Denham Springs Mayor Gerard Landry; DSHS Principal Kelly Jones; Retired Livingston Parish School Board Member Milton D. Hughes, Livingston Parish School Board Member Buddy Mincey, Jr., Livingston Parish School Board Member Karen Wax-Schmitt, Livingston Parish School Board Member Jan Benton, Denham Springs City Police Chief Scott Jones, and Livingston Parish School Superintendent John Watson.

Livingston Parish School Officials opened a new 510-ft., concrete-paved road this month connecting the student parking lot of Denham Springs High School with Robbie Street, which is located directly north of Jacket Stadium.

School Board Member Buddy Mincey, Jr., said the new road will improve traffic flow to and from the campus during morning and afternoon rush times, as well as before and after large events on the campus.

Denham Springs High School Principal Kelly Jones said the parking lot holds nearly 350 cars on any given school day.  Currently, student drivers must access the parking lot in the morning via Yellow Jacket Drive, which is also used by carpool drivers and school busses.  In the afternoons, student drivers leaving the parking lot must exit onto Range Avenue, which is one of the city’s main thoroughfares, causing much congestion during midday.  Jones also said the new connector road will help to alleviate congestion following home football games and other large events on the campus.

The new road will be managed as a one-way route – accessible only to traffic going to the campus in the mornings and prior to large campus events, and accessible only to departing traffic in the afternoons and after events.

A computer generated depiction of the new road accessing the DSHS campus, created by Alvin Fairburn & Associates, Inc., shows the road extending off Robbie Street and curving around the north end of Jacket Stadium to connect to the northeast corner of the DSHS student parking lot.

HOLDEN GRADUATE BECOMES FIRST LSU STUDENT TO WIN PRESTIGIOUS GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP

Zachary Fitzpatrick

LSU Senior Zachary Fitzpatrick, a graduate of Holden High School in Livingston Parish, has become the first student in LSU’s history to receive the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Fitzpatrick received one of 40 full scholarships, which will allow him to pursue a fully funded Master of Philosophy degree in Clinical Science, with a specialization in Rare Diseases, at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England.

Fitzpatrick is an Ogden Honors College and College of Science senior majoring in biochemistry, with minors in political science and chemistry. He has conducted research on gene therapy techniques in rare diseases medicine at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; the Pasteur Institute in Lille, France; and Harvard Medical School. He is writing his Honors Thesis on the use of non-pathogenic viruses for therapeutic gene transfer and the ethical implications of gene therapy implementation, and expects to graduate from LSU with College Honors in 2015.

“Clearly, Zachary is a talented and motivated student who is taking full advantage of his educational opportunities to pursue a meaningful career.  We are proud to have played a part in his educational path, and we certainly continue to wish him the best in all his endeavors,” Holden High School Principal Paula Green said.

REFINANCING OF CONSTRUCTION BONDS TO SAVE TAX PAYERS

The Livingston Parish School Board has agreed to refinance construction bonds that were used to fund the construction of Juban Parc Elementary and Juban Park Junior High, as well as improvement at other schools in the Denham Springs School District, in order to save thousands of dollars to local tax payers.

Voters in School District 1 approved the $26 million bond issue in 2007, agreeing to pay off the bonds with an increase in the local millage rate through 2027.  Since that time, the millage rate has decreased as the debt has been paid down and more assessed property value has been added to the local tax rolls.  School board members will refinance up to $18.5 million of the remaining balance at a new lower rate, which underwriters estimate will save as much as $60,000 per year through 2027, and still allow the district to continue decreasing the millages each year.

LIVE OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL GYM TO BE A DESIGNATED RED CROSS SHELTER

The Livingston Parish School Board has agreed to team up with the parish government to secure money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make improvements at the old Live Oak High School gymnasium, which will allow the building to serve as an emergency shelter.  A total of $1.9 million will be spent to provide a new roof and floor for the gym, beefing up storm protection and giving the gym FEMA certification to be a Red Cross staging area and shelter for the area in disasters.  The school system will only have to pay a quarter of the cost of the improvements. The parish will pay the majority of the cost, using funding from a FEMA grant. The old LOHS campus, where the gym is located, is being renovated into a 7th and 8th grade campus and will become Live Oak Junior High.  The current Live Oak Middle School campus will only house 5th and 6th grade students upon the transition.

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS LEARN STRATEGIES TO INSPIRE STUDENTS TO ACHIEVE MORE

The parish’s middle school teachers returned from their New Year holiday early to attend a day-long professional development conference at the Literacy & Technology Center on January 9 that featured several education speakers who specialize in middle school curriculum and understanding adolescent behavior.  The conference, which was titled “Inspire Middle Minds to Achieve More,” featured five guest speakers – Jack Berckemeyer, Mark McLeod, Debbie Silver, Sharon Faber and Kim Campbell.

Jack Berckemeyer speaks to middle school teachers in Livingston Parish about simple strategies and actions they can incorporate in their day-to-day teaching environment to better engage students. Berckemeyer is a nationally-recognized presenter, author and humorist who currently owns and directs “NUTS and BOLTS” – Ready to Lead, Teach and Learn Conferences located in Destin, Fla. and Sandusky, Ohio.

LIVINGSTON PARISH SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN STATE’S EARLY CHILDHOOD PILOT PROGRAM

Livingston Parish Public Schools is among a network of 33 school districts who are participating in a Louisiana Department of Education pilot program to unify a set of standards for early childhood programs, including child care, Head Start and pre-kindergarten.  Superintendent John Watson said the district plans to enroll children for the fall of 2015.  “We are excited for the opportunity to participate in this pilot program.  Our goal is to identify qualifying children by June 30, 2015,” Watson said.

The 33 new pilots will receive more than $3 million to bring together publicly-funded early childhood programs and commit to:

• Training teachers and leaders to use high standards for children
• Using shared tools to evaluate teachers and assess children’s progress
• Ensure all teachers have access to professional development and receive ongoing feedback and coaching
• Use a coordinated enrollment process for all programs for fall 2016
• Identify all at-risk infant-to-age-five children in the community in need and plan to serve all eligible four-year-olds by June 30, 2016

Livingston Parish Schools is receiving $150,000 to implement its program.

LIVINGSTON PARISH PUSHING FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Livingston Parish School Board has agreed to give 12.3 acres of undeveloped land to the state in exchange for a community and technical college.  Under the terms of the cooperative endeavor agreement, the school board will transfer a tract of land behind the Livingston Parish Literacy and Technology Center in Walker for the construction of a Northshore Technical Community College campus.

The National Center for Higher Education Statistics has determined Livingston Parish was ripe for a new college campus.  NTCC Chancellor Will Wainwright says the study determined the area would benefit from training in fields like health science, advanced manufacturing and nursing.

SECURITY UPGRADES MADE AT SEVERAL DENHAM SPRINGS AREA SCHOOLS

Security upgrades have been made at several schools in the Denham Springs area, including new front entrance control measures at Denham Springs Junior High, Eastside Elementary, Freshwater Elementary, Northside Elementary and Southside Elementary.  At the same time, an improved intercom system has been installed at Denham Springs High School.

School Board Member Buddy Mincey, Jr., said the improved front entrance security measures are designed to divert anyone accessing the campus to enter the office area first.  He noted those measures were made where the campus layouts allowed the changes, and were made in collaboration with school administrators.  Mincey said the upgrades were paid with available monies in the Denham Springs School District Fund.

LONG-TIME SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS RETIRE

Two long-time members of the Livingston Parish School Board will retire at the end of this school year, collectively taking 72 years of experience with them.  Dr. Milton D. Hughes of Denham Springs completes 44 years of service on the board, and Keith Martin of Springfield ends a 28-year stint.  Their seats will be filled by two political newcomers – Jan Benton of Denham Springs and Jim Richardson of French Settlement.  Both newcomers have extensive experience in the school system, having served as teachers, principals and school administrators.

Retiring board member Dr. Milton D. Hughes and Keith Martin were recently honored by their fellow board members at a special celebration. Pictured left to right are Livingston Parish School Board Members James Watson, Kellee Hennessey, Jeff Cox, Hughes, Martin, Malcolm Sibley, Buddy Mincey, Jr., Sid Kinchen and Karen Wax-Schmitt.

SPECIAL INTERNET RATE AVAILABLE TO FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN RECEIVING FREE SCHOOL LUNCH

Cox Communications has teamed with Connect2Compete, a program that brings affordable Internet service to qualifying households, to offer home Internet service to Livingston Parish families with at least one child enrolled in the school’s free lunch program for a rate of $9.95 per month.  The whole family can go online for school assignments, job searches, email and more for the one set price.  Some restrictions apply.  Livingston Parish families interested in the offer should visit Connect2Compete.org/Cox or call 1-855-222-3252 to determine if they are eligible and learn details.

KEEP YOUR CHILDREN PROTECTED DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The holiday season is a joyful time of year, but it’s also a time of year when parents need to be extra cautious when out and about with their children.  Between frenzied trips to the mall for holiday shopping, crowded airports, and holiday parties, it can be hard to keep track of little ones in the crowd.

Here are some tips to help parents ensure their children stay protected:

• Talk to kids before an outing and make a rule that you must always be able to see them or they must be able to see you.
• Use the “two giant steps” rule – that your kids can’t be more than two giant steps away from you.
• Teach your kids that if they become separated from you, they should look for a “safe stranger,” such as a police officer or store clerk.  With older children, agree to a “meeting place” ahead of time in case you become separated.
• Dress your child in brightly colored clothes to make them easier to spot.
• Always bring young children into the restroom with you.  If an older child does go to the restroom alone, then stand outside the entrance and call in as your child enters, “I’m right out here if you need me” to signal to anyone hanging around that there’s a parent close by.
• Discuss age-appropriate safety issues with your child in a calm, non-fearful manner. Replace the word “strangers” with “tricky people” and explain that it’s not what people look like that make them unsafe, but what they ask a child to do that is of concern.  It’s important they know the warning signs, because kids have been known to leave with strangers because they “seem nice.”
• Make sure your child knows your cell phone number.

LOCAL STUDENTS REEL IN STATE BASSMASTER CHAMPIONSHIP

Kody Kelly of Walker High School and Dillon King of Denham Springs High School formed their own Livingston Parish High School Fishing Team this past year to compete in the newly organized Bassmaster High School Fishing Program.  Kelly and King took first place in the Louisiana Championship tournament, with a 9.89-pound weigh-in.  They advanced to the national competition, which was held at Kentucky Lake in Paris, Tennessee this past July, where they took 8th place. The students won $500 each for their placement.

Dillon King of Denham Springs High School and Kody Kelly of Walker High School compete in the National Bassmaster High School Championship Tournament, after qualifying as the Louisiana High School Team Champion.

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER OFFERS FREE PARENT GUIDEBOOKS

Parents seeking assistance on how to help their children improve in school or cope with learning issues can find a wealth of free materials and guides at the Livingston Parish Family Resource Center, which is located in the Livingston Parish Technology Center in Walker.  The center is available to parents whose children are enrolled in the district’s schools and parents of pre-kindergarten children residing in the parish. Some of the free parent guidebooks available include: “Helping Children Get Organized for Homework and Schoolwork,” “How to Help Children Do Their Best on the Test,” “Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten”  and “What to Do If Your Child has ADD/ADHD” – just to name a few.  For more information on what’s available, contact the center at 225-667-1098.

AUTOMOTIVE CLASS PREPPING STUDENTS FOR CAREERS

Joshua Murphy is the new director of the automotive service technology program at the Livingston Parish Technology Center.

High school students from across the parish are getting hands-on experience identifying and repairing real automotive problems, while earning college credit.  The parish’s automotive service technology program is a dual enrollment program offered at the Livingston Parish Technology Center that offers students an opportunity to learn everything from brakes and electrical issues to steering and suspension.

The program has a new director, Joshua Murphy, who has extensive experience as an automotive technician.  He said there is a nationwide shortage of mechanics and technicians.  The parish program steers students toward automotive careers.  They can earn up to 20 hours of college credit in the program, which spans a period of two years.  Students who enroll in the class travel to the Literacy and Technology Center to take the class after completing required classes on their home campuses.

SOUTHSIDE JUNIOR HIGH STUDENT WINS LOGO CONTEST

The Pride of the Parish Soccer Tournament Committee recently announced that Southside Junior High 7^th Grader Lizbeth Carranza is the winner of this year’s Tournament Logo Contest.

Carranza’s logo was chosen from numerous entries for its originality and artistic creativity.  It will be used in all tournament publicity and merchandise.  Carranza was awarded a $50 Raising Cane’s gift card for winning.

Koby Washington, also a 7th Grader at Southside Junior High School, received honorable mention for his design.

The soccer tournament will be held next month at the Denham Springs High School Jacket Stadium, featuring middle school teams from the parish and an independent team, LP Express.

LIVINGSTON PARISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS EARN “A” GRADE FROM STATE

The Livingston Parish Public School System received an “A” rating from the Louisiana Department of Education for the 2013-2014 school year after its grading system indicated that the district’s overall score improved nearly 12 points and the number of parish schools with “A” grades almost doubled.

Livingston Parish earned a District Performance Score of 103 points, up from last year’s overall score of 91.1 points, to rank it among the state’s top performing public school districts. At the same time, the number of individual schools receiving an “A” grade grew from 10 to 19, accounting for nearly half of all the district’s elementary, middle and high school campuses.

Superintendent John Watson attributed the growth to a number of factors. “We are very blessed to have quality individuals working with our most precious asset, our students. Our teachers and school administrators, as well as the entire staff at each school site, do an amazing job day in and day out.”

DOYLE SCHOOLS RECEIVE NEEDED EXPANSIONS

Several students at both Doyle High School and Doyle Elementary could come back to new classrooms after the Thanksgiving Holiday break, as both campuses are undergoing expansion projects that are on schedule to be completed next month.

Doyle High School has a new 8,400-square-foot building that includes a new band room, four classrooms, bathrooms and storage areas. The band hall has a large rehearsal room with 20-foot ceilings to help accommodate for the sound; an ensemble practice room, six small practice rooms, a large instrument storage room, a music library, a work room for cleaning instruments, the band director’s office and sound-rated doors and walls.  The adjoining classrooms have adequate space for up to 30 students and a teacher in each room, he said.

Doyle Elementary is receiving four new classrooms, along with extra bathrooms and storage space. The new addition is adjacent to the school’s third hallway, located near the school playground.  The new wing is expected to replace the temporary classrooms that are currently on the campus.

Doyle High School’s new addition includes a large band hall, four classrooms, bathrooms and storage areas. A large section of the building’s ceilings are 20-feet tall to accommodate the sound in the band hall’s large rehearsal area.

DENHAM SPRINGS STUDENT NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR

Morgan Rea

Morgan J. Rea, a senior at Denham Springs High School, has been named a National Merit Scholarship Program semi-finalist.  To qualify for the scholarship program, Rea had to have an outstanding academic record, be recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm her earlier performance on the qualifying test.  The nationwide pool of semi-finalists represents less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors.

LIVE OAK HIGH STUDENTS ACHIEVE TOP AP HONORS

Live Oak High School has been in the state’s Top 10 rankings for the past two years for the percent of students who have scored a 3 or higher on Advanced Placements tests and for the increase in the number of students taking AP courses. During that time, several students have earned individual honors through their achievements in AP coursework.

The following students have been granted AP Scholar status for receiving scores of 3 or higher on three or more exams: Mary Kate Andrepont, Peyton Blackwell, Kelsey Guerin, Jayse Reedy, Daryl Roberts, Victor Rushing and Laura Staub.

Giovanni Mustachia received the title of AP Scholar with Honors for receiving an average of 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams.

Three students received the title of AP Scholar with Distinction for receiving an average of 3.5 or better on all AP exams taken and for scoring a 3 or higher on five or more of the exams.  Those students include Kaycie Bennett, Samuel Johnson and Josh Stafford.  Bennett also received a commendation from the National Merit Scholar program.

BESE APPROVES NEW RULES TO ADDRESS EBOLA THREAT

The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education recently approved precautionary rules that give local school superintendents authority to dismiss schools due to an emergency that now includes “any actual or imminent threat to public health or safety, which may result in loss of life, disease or injury.”

Any student or staff member can be removed if there is reliable evidence or information from a public health officer or physician that he or she has a communicable disease considered a threat to the school population, according to the new policy.

Superintendent John Watson said school officials have been given information on symptoms and other information about communicable diseases from the Centers for Disease Control, and links to that information about Ebola and the Enterovirus D68 are on the school website.

BUSINESS PARTNERS OF COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS RECOGNIZED

School officials in the Special Education Department recently honored those local businesses and community organizations that participated this year in the district’s transitional training efforts for students with disabilities.

Those businesses recognized as training sites include: Dollar General Store in French Settlement; Walgreen’s Pharmacy, Carter’s Grocery, LaQuinta, Stine Lumber, Papa John’s and Wholly Ground Coffee House in Walker; Denham Springs High School Cafeteria, Don’s Seafood Hut, First Baptist Church and Walgreen’s Pharmacy in Denham Springs; Oak Point Fresh, Walgreen’s Pharmacy and Live Oak Methodist Church Thrift Store in Watson; Doyle High School Cafeteria, Doyle High Custodians and Livingston Parish School Food Service in Livingston; Anytime Fitness and The Learning Curve Daycare in Albany; and Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin & Strawberry Patch and Carter’s Grocery in Springfield.

Those businesses recognized for hiring community-based students after successful completion of the Community Based Program include: Albany High School Cafeteria, Southeastern Louisiana University and OPTIONS in Hammond, Winn Dixie and John’s Grocery in Walker, Sam’s Club, Open Door Baptist Church Daycare, PARDS and Subway Restaurant in Denham Springs; and the Watson Branch Parish Library.

Some of the participants in this year’s Community-Based Program include, pictured left to right: Erica Sharp, Jason Ellis, School Board Member Jeff Cox, Trudy Culler, Superintendent John Watson, (front row) Peggy Langlois, Cindy Brooks, Priscilla Jackson, Doris Collins, Barbara Giovingo, Jessica Baker, April Morgan, Leah Smith and Director of Special Education Jeanne Ebey, Ed.D.

LIVINGSTON PARISH LEADS STATE IN INCREASE OF STUDENTS SCORING 18+ ON ACT

Livingston Parish Schools had the greatest increase in the number of 12^th graders scoring 18 or better on the ACT over the testing period of 2013-2014, according to the Louisiana Department of Education’s latest report. The state reported that 143 more seniors in the parish scored 18 or better on the ACT in the 2013-2014 school year as compared to those testers who were scored in the 2012-2013 school year. That improved statistic is on top of an increase of 137 seniors scoring 18+ in the 2012-2013 school year over the previous school year. The top ACT score received by the students were used in the calculations, regardless of how many times and when the students took the exam. Superintendent John Watson said the district has made a concerted effort in the past two years to grow student ACT scores in the parish. He said all Livingston Parish high schools offer ACT Prep classes and after-school ACT tutoring.  He said the high schools are also utilizing a variety of study materials provided by ACT, including on-line practice exams. Those districts showing the greatest increase of students scoring 18+ on the ACT, from 2012-2013 to 2013-2014 included:  Livingston, 143; Jefferson, 132; Caddo, 108; East Baton Rouge, 105; and Bossier, 101. Louisiana is one of only 11 states in the nation to have 100 percent of its graduating seniors take the ACT in the 2013-2014 school year.

DID YOU KNOW? 

The number of seniors statewide earning a TOPS-qualifying score (based on their best ACT score) of 17 points or higher is up by 6,339 since 2012, according to the Louisiana Department of Education. The state requires the following ACT scores for graduating seniors to be eligible for the TOPS program – 17+ for TOPS Tech, 20+ for TOPS Opportunity & Regional Universities; 23+ for TOPS Performance & Statewide Universities; 25+ for the Flagship University; and 27+ for TOPS Honors. 

ONLY ONE SCHOOL BOARD SEAT TO BE DECIDED IN NOV. 4 ELECTION

All current members of the Livingston Parish School Board who opted to seek re-election for another four-year term have been granted their request by virtue of having no opponent sign up against them during the qualifying period for the Nov. 4 election.  Two incumbents announced they will retire after this year – Dr. Milton D. Hughes of Denham Springs and Keith Martin of Springfield. Hughes, who represents District 3, will be replaced by former school principal and curriculum director Jan Benton of Denham Springs, who was unopposed for the seat.  Only Martin’s District 8 seat will be decided by a vote on Nov. 4.  Two candidates are seeking that office – David Hoover of Maurepas and James “Jim” Richardson of Livingston.  Those incumbents returning to the board include Malcolm Sibley of Livingston, District 1; Kellee Hennessey Dickerson of Watson, District 2; Karen Wax Schmidt of Denham Springs, District 4; Albert “Buddy” Mincey, Jr., of Denham Springs, District 5; Jeffery Cox of Walker, District 6; James “Jimmy” Watson of Walker, District 7; and Sid Kinchen of Albany, District 9.  The new elected term begins in January 2015.

PARISH EDUCATORS CREATE CHILDREN’S BOOK

“Welcome Home Indigeaux,” the children’s book that tells of the adventures of a beloved Australian Shepard, is written and illustrated by two Livingston Parish educators.

French Settlement Assistant Principal Wendy Woods, and her friend and sister-in-law, Sherry Martin, a gifted and talented art teacher in Livingston Parish schools, have pooled their talents to create the children’s book, “Welcome Home Indigeaux.”  The story is based on Woods’ beloved Australian shepherd, whose imaginary adventures take the reader to several Louisiana landmarks, including Oak Alley, the State Capitol, the Mississippi River Bridge and LSU’s Tiger Stadium.  The book was released last year, and in January 2015 the two women will release a second book that continues Indigeaux’s adventures in “Yoheaux Indigeaux.” The second story is set in New Orleans and tells of Indigeaux’s adventures with pirate Jean Lafitte and his attempt to save prized treasure from a band of English Bulldogs. To promote “Welcome Home Indigeaux,” Woods and Martin regularly attend book signings.  They plan to attend the Denham Springs Elementary Fall Fair on Sept. 27, the Creole Festival in French Settlement on Oct. 19, the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge on Nov. 1, and the Livingston Book Festival at the Main Library Branch in Livingston on Nov. 15. They said their books sell at local businesses, and to date, they have sold more than 1,000 copies.

DENHAM SPRINGS FRESHMAN HIGH RECEIVES UPGRADES TO FACILITIES

The improved and expanded Denham Springs Freshman High School gymnasium will seat more than 1,000 students in a temperature-controlled environment upon its completion at the beginning of November.

Students at Denham Springs Freshman High have shared their campus with construction workers and contractors over the past month in anticipation of them completing a $1.825 million upgrade to the gymnasium by the first of November. The gymnasium will be completely renovated, including expanded restrooms and locker rooms, new air conditioning and heating units, and an increase in seating capacity.  The gym previously seated 460 students; but with the expansion, more than 1,000 students will comfortably sit inside the gym.  School Board Member Buddy Mincey, Jr., said workers have also replaced exterior windows and HVAC units in classrooms at both the Denham Springs Freshman and High schools at a cost of $250,000, making them more energy efficient and comfortable for learning.  At the same time, additional improvements have been made to the Denham Springs High School Jacket Gym.  The Jacket Gym was completely renovated for a total cost of around $200,000.  These improvements follow a recent $230,000 renovation to the Denham Springs High School old science building, where classrooms were refurbished, two computer labs were added, and the special education area was enhanced.  Mincey said the improvements are a continuation of efforts to improve the infrastructure of the Denham Springs Freshman and High School to support existing classroom space.  All improvements are the results of two educational committee recommendations and the support of local board members to improve the Denham Springs area facilities.  Improvements are being paid for with existing funding.

DISTRICT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE PERMANENT SALARY INCREASE

The Livingston Parish School Board voted in July to implement a permanent district-wide employee salary increase, starting with the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

The amount of the scheduled increase will mirror the same amount employees received in a stipend – or “13th check” – back in May, 2014.

The vote stipulated that the raise will be annualized and pro-rated depending on the number of days worked, as determined by the job descriptions of each employee.  The increases will begin with the August 2014 pay checks.

In particular, certified employees are now on schedule to receive an additional $677 over the course of the 12-month pay period for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.  Classified employees will receive an additional $500 over that same period.

14TH ANNUAL SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE HELPS 2,500 CHILDREN

The Assess the Need School Supply Drive sponsored by Livingston Parish Assessor Jeff Taylor anticipates collecting nearly $50,000 in donations this year for school supplies for needy children in Livingston Parish.  The donations are helping to provide more than 2,500 children with basic supplies for the 2014-2015 school year.

Taylor said a special “Chef’s Showcase” will be held on Sept. 18 at the Suma Hill Conference Center in Satsuma to benefit the program.  The 6 p.m. event will feature top dishes from local restaurants, live entertainment and a live auction.

PARISH SCHOOLS AMONG STATE’S TOP 10 IN ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCORES

The Louisiana Department of Education reported that the number of college credits earned in 2014 by Louisiana students on Advanced Placement (AP) exams increased significantly over results in 2013. Louisiana high school students scored high enough to earn college credit on 6,410 AP exams in 2014, compared to 5,144 in 2013 and 4,112 in 2012. Credits earned by students who score a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exams are transferable to nearly any college in the nation and all colleges in Louisiana. Studies show that students who complete AP coursework, even if they do not score 3 or higher on the exams, are better prepared for college-level work and are more likely to graduate college. Three Livingston Parish high schools are among the state’s Top 10 schools for the number of students taking AP courses in 2014 and scoring a 3 or higher on the exams. TOP 10 SCHOOLS IN AP EXAM PERFORMANCE GROWTH BY NUMBER OF TESTS SCORING 3+ FROM 2013 TO 2014, ACCORDING TO THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

SIX CLASSROOMS ADDED TO SOUTH FORK ELEMENTARY CAMPUS

A new six-classroom wing at South Fork Elementary School was constructed over the summer.

The district completed construction on a new classroom wing at South Fork Elementary this summer to help accommodate the school’s growing enrollment, which has now increased to approximately 460 students in grades Pre-K to 5.  The new wing includes six classrooms that are equipped to add technology features to enhance student  learning.  School Board Member Jimmy Watson said the addition was constructed at a cost of approximately $700,000 with existing monies in the Walker School District account that were derived from a parish-wide 1.5-cent sales tax dedicated to school maintenance.  Watson noted that South Fork Elementary will receive another four-classroom wing, new multi-purpose building that includes three classrooms and new restrooms, and additional parking in the coming year as part of the $25 million bond issue that was approved by voters in May.