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.