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.