Volume 35, Number 4 June/July, 2010 Distinguished Partners in Education

Willie King, Jr. nominated by Ray D. Molo, JJ Johnson, TH Watkins, Kennedy Elem

Proud Supporters of Quality Education

Sasol NA nominated by Westwood Elementary and Western Heights Elementary

Westlake Chemical nominated by Maplewood Middle

Savoy Named Vice-President of LASS Calcasieu Parish Superintendent of Schools Wayne Savoy has been selected as Vice President of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents. LASS has 69 members that help build coalitions with policy makers across the state on educational issues. The organization was born following determinations by school superintendents that they could best be represented by joining together on common educational issues and not be dependent upon others being their voice. By accepting the call, superintendents have placed themselves in unique positions to shape the educational course for generations to come.

Secretary of State Jay Dardenne Dolby Elementary and W.W. Lewis Middle schools were treated to a special visit on April 26th from Secretary of State Jay Dardenne. He spoke to 4-5th graders and 7-8th graders about the importance of voting and getting your voice heard.

Counselors of the Year Calcasieu’s Outstanding Counselors of the Year are Raedonna Person, St. John Elementary; Lee Richard, W.W. Lewis Middle; and Cindy Dowers, DeQuincy High. Raedonna Person also won Calcasieu Parish Counselor of the Year.

Students of the Year This year’s Students of the Year are: Tyler Jude Welch, Prien Lake Elementary; Olivia Anne Vincent, W.W. Lewis Middle School; Brandon Paul Guillory, Iowa High School.

All Children are Important to Us. Produced by the Office of Public Information Charlene Chiasson, PIO

Board Spotlight

R.L. Webb District 1

Fredman Hardy District 2

Clara F. Duhon District 3

Annette Ballard District 4

Dale B. Bernard District 5

Bill Jongbloed, V. Pres. District 6

Mack Dellafosse District 7

James W. Pitre District 8

Randall Burleigh District 9

James Karr, Sr. District 10

Elray Victorian District 14

Brian LaRocque District 15

Chad Guidry District 11

Joe A. Andrepont, Pres. District 12

Billy Breaux District 13

DeQuincy Ribbon Cutting The community of DeQuincy celebrated the opening of the new DeQuincy Elementary School with a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. Pictured, from left, are Senator John Smith; DeQuincy Primary Principal Claude LeCompte; CPSS Construction Manager Harold Heath; DeQuincy Mayor Lawrence Henagan; Architect Ray Fugatt; Superintendent of Schools Wayne Savoy; DeQuincy Elementary Administrative Intern Bridget Craft; DeQuincy Elementary Principal Carol Ann Shelton; District 10 Board Member James W. Karr, Sr.; DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce representative Grover Smith; Dorothy Smith; CPSS Administrative Director of Elementary Schools Dolores Hicks; Senator John Smith’s staff member Nickie Wall; DeQuincy Chamber of Commerce Manager Lillian Karr and Pat Williams Construction Project Superintendent Mike Perkins and Contractor Jason Williams.

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Ward 1 Community Park Ward 1 Community Park groundbreaking ceremonies were held on May 7th. This is phase one of the new baseball and softball complexes which will also have playground areas, restroom and concession building, and new parking areas. Pictured left to right are Wayne Savoy, Superintendent of Schools, David Moss with Moss Architects, Harold Heath-Construction Manager CPSS, State Representative Brett Geymann, Senator Willie Mount, School Board Members Fred Hardy and Bryan LaRocque, Mike Sewell with Pat Williams Construction and Joe Hill with Congressman Boustany office.

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Literary Extravaganza Art Winners Among the many students who entered the Panhellinic Council Literary Extravaganza Art Competition in Calcasieu Parish, these students from Reynaud Middle School were designated winners. Pictured from left to right are Detarius Stanley, 2nd Place winner,6th grade; Afonso Ross, 1st place winner, 7th grade; and Delvecchio Scott, 1st place winner, 6th grade. Their artwork featured AfricanAmerican Military Leaders. — Julie Groth Tech Camp The Region V LACUE Tech Camp 2010 is slated for July 12-16 from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. weekdays at the Calcasieu Parish School Board’s (CPSB) Technology Training Center at 1724 Kirkman St. The CPSB and Region V Technology Staff are gearing up for a multimedia excursion that is sure to excite and tantalize all participants at this year’s Tech Camp, iCamp. Tech Camp is open to students completing Grades 2nd– 7th in May 2010. This year offers cutting-edge technologies as camp participants receive an iPod Nano to utilize in the camp experience. Students will utilize technologies as tools in inquiry-based, projectoriented activities that will stretch the mind and promote collaboration and cooperation, simulating real-world experiences. During camp, campers will encounter learning projects that include video and audio podcasts, graphics, and video production. These tools can empower students of almost any age to produce personal masterpieces—complete with the look and sound of authentic productions. It’s also a snap to share the finished product on DVD, the web, and virtually anywhere else. Campers will be captivated as they go on compelling virtual experiences at Tech Camp 2010! Registration forms can be found on the web: www.cpsb.org/techcamp. The deadline to register is Wednesday, May 19; and, the tuition of $275.00 includes a camp T-shirt, daily snacks, and an iPod Nano to keep!!! Applications with a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 are due Friday, May 19, and the balance of $175.00 is due by Wednesday, June 16. Camp enrollment will be filled on a first-come, first-admitted basis with limited registration.

Braille Challenge Winner D.S. Perkins student Donovan Chasson won first place in the Braille Challenge at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired on February 24th. Donovan is a first grader. Everyone at Perkins is very proud of Donovan. He is an inspiration to all of us. — C. Grimmett Green Matters Exhibit College Oaks Elementary School Art Club members participating in the “Green Matters” exhibit at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in March and April were Aleya Joseph, Janna Matthiesen, Tyshane Thomas, Adriel Vizina, Destiny Bell, and Darian Vizina, and Volume 32, Number 1

Courtney Leblanc. In the “Green Matters” exhibit students brought multimedia, threedimensional, and kinetic masterpieces illustrating the importance of conserving our natural resources and reducing waste around the globe. In the Museum Annex Gallery, “Earth Counts” continued the theme, with works by the Calcasieu Parish Art Educators. The display included over 40 circular paintings and sculptures, each with a written artist statement about the piece. College Oaks Elementary Art Specialist Pam Templeton participated in the “Earth Counts” exhibit. — Jeanette Webre

DARE Students of the Year D. S. Perkins DARE Students of the Year Skylar Wheeler from Vincent’s class Samuel Wills from Stevens’ class — C. Grimmett

Day Ceremony on May 7th. The Calcasieu Bar Association presented a booklet aimed at educating/reminding young men and women of laws that are important to them as they approach and enter adulthood. Hunter and Heather were challenged to show leadership my making an announcement about the booklet to their classmates. — Peggi Flowers

D. S. Perkins 4th Six Weeks Top Dogs Every teacher at D. S. Perkins selects one student every six weeks who demonstrates outstanding character traits. Top Dog students work hard, help others, and demonstrate good character. These are the Top Dog students for the 4th Six Weeks. Students from left to right are: Tan Constance, Breanna Landry, Danielle Edigo, Kayla Saucier, Hunter Domingue, Kira Richard, Jaedlyn Hayes, Krystal Darbonne, Skylar Wheeler, Aliya Young, McCaelan Arabie, Gage Taylor, Franklin Bumgarden, Daniel Kennedy, Lottie Wilks, Maleek Reado, Trent Cathay. — C. Grimmett

2009-2010 DARE Essay Winners at Perkins Elementary Kenani Guillory from Vincent’s class Gina Landry from Stevens’ class — C. Grimmett Westlake High receives awards at FBLA District Conference The Westlake High Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) attended the 2010 FBLA District Conference at McNeese State University on January 28. The club received 4 First Place and 10 Superior Ratings. Pam Johnson is the organization’s sponsor. — Kerry A. Onxley

DARE Graduation at Perkins Students and officers pause in a moment of silence after the pledge. D.S. Perkins 5th graders held their DARE graduation on February 19th. — C. Grimmett

Wild Thing D.S. Perkins first-grader Zachary Gibbons’ art project, “Wild Thing” was selected by Anne Shirley, art teacher, to be displayed at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum Spring Art Show. — C. Grimmett Law Day Ceremony Hunter Prejean and Heather Morrissey represented Sam Houston High at the Law

Oratorical Contest Winner Kathyrn Reeser, 10th grader at Westlake High School, won 2nd place in the high school division at the 2010 Oratorical Contest. The contest was sponsored by the City of Lake Charles on February 27 at Central School of the Arts and Humanities Center. She was awarded $250.00 for her speech on “It takes a Village - Community Involvement.” Reeser is a theatre student of Kerry Onxley’s and child of Jason and Jennifer Reeser. — Kerry Onxley Elizabeth Bruns Award Winner Renee Grantham of Lake Charles has won the 2010 Elizabeth Bruns Award by the Louisiana Library Association. The award is presented annually to a school librarian to recognize a program that demonstrates exemplary library usage. Grantham, who has served as a Calcasieu Parish school librarian for 24 years, has a master’s of education in instructional technology, a bachelor’s in business education with school library certification and an MLIS from LSU. A leader Page 3

within the Louisiana Library Association, Grantham is also a member of the American Library Association, the American Association of School Librarians and the Louisiana Association of School Librarians. Grantham received her award in Baton Rouge on March 12 while attending the Louisiana Library Association’s 84th annual conference. — Kerry A. Onxley Westlake High School participates in Read Across America Westlake High School participated in the Read Across America program sponsored by the National Education Association. Over 20 Westlake High students read to children at Westwood and Western Heights Elementary Schools during the week. Renee Grantham, Westlake High School Library Media Specialist, sponsored the local event. — Kerry A. Onxley

Wonderland of Play Quality Day Wonderland of Play held their Quality Day on March 17th. Pictured here is Laura Phenice, Quality Mentor, with kids showing their quality binders. — Schel Ruiz

LSBA Art Competition Winners Annually, the Louisiana School Board Association holds an art contest. There are three categories, K-4, 5-8 and 9-12. This year we had two honorable mentions and one first place winner. Pictured with their certificates are: K-4 Category Honorable Mention-Hunter Hoosier, Barbe Elementary; 5-8 Category First Place winner Jake Adaway, Henry Heights Elementary and 9-12 Category Honorable Mention Shawn Nunez, Sulphur High School. Art teachers are Mark LeBeauBarbe Elementary, Deborah Fontenot-Henry Heights Elementary and Mike Danos-Sulphur High School. Art Supervisor for K-12 is Daniel Vidrine. — Schel Ruiz

Academic All-State Students At the March School Board Meeting many students were recognized for their achievement in academics. Following is the list of students and schools. SULPHUR-2009 LHSAA Academic All-State Volleyball Composite Team: 5A-Sulphur:Allison Callahan, Maggie Cooke, Kelli Mancil; 5A Honorable Mention: Page 4

Mandy Prejean; 2009 LHSAA Academic AllState Football Team Composite Offense:Kai Ackley – Kicker; 2009 LHSAA Academic AllState Football Team Composite Defense: Blake Sanner–Defensive End, Kyle Bourgeois–Punter; Offense Honorable Mention: Ryan Wells– Offensive Line, Robert Dalton–Offensive Line, Stephen Pennick–Offensive Line, Alex Onxley– Offensive Line, William Hassien–Wide Receiver, Garrett McCain–Quarterback, Calvin Peco– Running Back; Defense Honorable Mention: Ryan Perez–Linebacker, Justin Johnson– Defensive Back, Jared Constance–Defensive Back; BARBE-2009 LHSAA Academic All-State Volleyball Honorable Mention: Quiana Griffin; 2009 LHSAA Academic All-State Football Team Composite Offense: Nicholas George– Offensive Line; Offense Honorable Mention: Jared Bellow–Offensive Line, Chance Fayko– Offensive Line; Defense Honorable Mention: Dylan Hamolka–Defensive Back, Cobie Davis– Defensive Back, Jacob Holleman–Defensive Back, Dedrick Bartie–Defensive Back; Offense Honorable Mention: Chris Jackson– LaGrange-Running Back; SAM HOUSTON4A Honorable Mention All-State Volleyball: Kimberly Kennedy, Pamela Wainwright; 2009 LHSAA Academic All-State Football Team Composite Offense: Nick Caldarera–Wide Receiver; 4A Offense: Kavik Bulter–Offensive Line, Orlan Lockhart–Quarterback; Offense Honorable Mention: Cristhian Perez–Offensive Line, Jay Cook–Offensive Line, Caleb Bass– Offensive Line, Kip Carter–Running Back; 4A Defense: Dylan Dozart–Defensive Back, Dyllon Johnson–Defensive Back; Defense Honorable Mention: Kevin O’Neal–Linebacker; Iowa Volleyball Honorable Mention: Carmen Ishee and Kortni Bradley; Offense Honorable Mention: Chance Curlee–Wide Receiver; Defense: Raymond Laughlin–Defensive Line, Dylan Armentor–Defensive Line; Defense Honorable Mention: Anthony LeBlanc– Linebacker; WESTLAKE-Offense Honorable Mention: Donavon Borel–Wide Receiver; Defense: Jesse Bruce–Defensive Line; Defense Honorable Mention: Grant Nordberg– Quarterback, Ricky Irvin–Linebacker; DeQuincy Offense: Michael Suchanek– Offensive Line. — Schel Ruiz

N.J. The Send My Teacher Web site received an overwhelming response with more than 1,300 teachers applying. The selection panel based their decision on your qualifications, dedication to inspiring students at an early age and your overall commitment to enhancing the teaching profession. The Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy was launched in 2005 to provide third-through fifth-grade teachers tools to enhance curricula, an opportunity to network with other educators and discover innovative ways to teach math and science to students. Since its launch, more than 2,000 teachers have attended the Academy and shared their experience with more than 40,000 students nationwide. — Charlene Chiasson Green Matters Student Exhibit “Green Matters” was an exhibition of K-12 student work from the Calcasieu Parish School System. The greenthemed exhibit was featured at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum from March 19-April 23. Pictured is Hannah Herman with her art work. Hannah’s teacher is Martha Ward, Westlake High School. — Daniel Vidrine

Earth Counts Exhibit Earth Counts was an exhibit at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum from March 19-April 23 and featured works by CPSB art teachers. The exhibit was done in conjunction with the students exhibit, “Green Matters”. Pictured is Bobbi Yancey’s artwork. — Daniel Vidrine

Crayola National Art Competition Jasmine Baker, 4th Grade student at J. D. Clifton Elementary, is one of 39 winners of Crayola’s Annual Juried Children’s Art Exhibit, titled Visual Voices: Speak Up for Creativity. Her entry was chosen from thousands of submissions received across the US and Canada. Jasmine’s winning artwork will soon be on display at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. and its offices around the country. — Schel Ruiz National Academy Selection Marla Baldwin Selected for National Academy On behalf of the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy, I’m pleased to inform you that you have been selected to attend the 2010 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy! This year’s Academy is scheduled for July 18 - 23 at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City,

We Are Counted Students of Wonderland of Play Head Start participated in Census activities all week long to let everyone in the parish know that, “WE ARE COUNTED”. Head Start parents were provided with a seminar discussing employment with the Census Bureau. Students and parents also worked together on home learning activities including counting all of the people in their houses and counting all of the stores in Lake Charles that sell toys. It was a great week for us to show that Wonderland of Play “counts”. — Ashley Ivey-Atkins

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other students well. The award was presented by Karen Delpapa of the Kiwanis. — CGrimmett

Guest Speaker Debbie Silver The annual Partners in Education luncheon was held on March 25 at Treasures of Marilyn’s. There was 250+ attendees which included school board members, principals, departmental staff and business liaisons. Guest speaker was Debbie Silver, a former Louisiana Teacher of the Year and a recipient of the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus award from the College of Eduation at Louisiana Tech University. — Schel Ruiz

Boys and Girls State John David Broussard, Daulton Huber, Carrie Glynn and Jessica Miglicco will be representing Sam Houston High at Boys State and Girls State held June 27-July 3, at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. The objective is to educate our youth in the duties, rights, and responsibilities of American Citizenship. Participants learn to the practical mechanics of government by actually performing the functions of local and state government. Applications of the principles of democratic government are made in every possible way. The Constitution and the statutes of the state of Louisiana are the pattern from which the fundamental low has been developed. Boys/Girls State should be regarded as being the fifty-first state with a constitution, statutes, and ordinances constructed by its citizens to govern themselves. — Peggi Flowers

Adam Bumgarden, PreK student, is a Dr. Seuss fan! — CGrimmett

Gumbo Gator Helps Celebrate Gumbo Gator visited D.S. Perkins Elementary for the 4th Six Weeks AttenDance. Students invited to the dance had no unexcused absences, tardies, or early checkouts. — CGrimmett

Cat in the Hat visits D. S. Perkins D.S. Perkins Elementary students were visited by the Cat in the Hat during Family Night. Students received Cat in the Hat treats. — CGrimmett

Spring Fundraiser D.S. Perkins students that sold three or more boxes of chocolate bars in the Spring Candy Fundraiser enjoyed an all-you-can-eat ice cream pig out party as part of their rewards. — CGrimmett

Golden Rule Award D.S. Perkins first grader Kylee Nassar won the Calcasieu parish Golden Rule Award given by the Kiwanis of Southwest Contraband. She was nominated by her teacher, Denton, for showing kindness toward others and treating Volume 32, Number 1

D. S. Perkins Honors Party D.S. Perkins students that had Honor Roll/ Banner Roll for the 4th Six Weeks participated in an Honors party. Pictured here first grader Danielle Edigo receives cookies from Charlotte Flores. — CGrimmett

Family Night D.S. Perkins students and their parents were invited to attend Family Night. The theme of the night was Dr. Seuss. Parents and students learned reading strategies and learned new ways to read together as a family. 2nd grader Patience Tauzin uses a Promethean board during Family Night — CGrimmett

Parents and children read together in Menou’s 3rd grade class. — CGrimmett

SWLA Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Shoebox Float Contest Winners Sisters Breanna Landry, Grade 4, and Elizabeth Landry, Grade 1, participated in the SWLA Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Shoebox Float Contest. They won Second Place. — CGrimmett

Westlake High Students attend Library Seminar “Making a successful transition from high school to university library” was presented to Westlake High School seniors by Jessica Hutchings and Tracy Hall, McNeese Reference and Instruction Librarians on April 15 and 16. Renee Grantham is the Westlake High Librarian at Westlake High School. — Kerry A. Onxley

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festive atmosphere. Each student, who met his/her six weeks goal received a special “Cat in the Hat” AR button as well as a cookie and lemonade provided by McAlisters, one of our Partners-in-Ed. There were 130 students who attended the celebration. — Jeanette Webre

We Will We Will Rock You Students at D.S. Perkins had their very own cheering section when LeBlanc cheerleaders led them in a pep rally to inspire them to do their best during testing week. — CGrimmett

Special Guest at D. S. Perkins Guest Jennifer Watts from Neighborhood Mini Storage presented trophies, certificates, and t-shirts to students during the Top Dog Breakfast for the 5th Six Weeks. Neighborhood Mini Storage is one of Perkins’ Partners in Education and makes the Top Dog program possible by providing shirts and awards for the students. We thank them for their support and participation. — CGrimmett Rock the Test D. S. Perkins Students Will Rock the Test Stine’s purchased light up Rock the Test dog tags for students to wear during testing week. We thank them for their donation and their support of the D.S. Perkins’ students and staff. — CGrimmett

5th Grade Top Dogs D. S. Perkins Top Dogs for the Fifth Six Weeks The fifth six weeks Top Dog Students enjoyed breakfast with their parents. These students were chosen by their teacher for having good character traits such as honest, hard work, and kindness to others. The students listed from left to right are: Lyndie Alegre, Payton Doucet, Lupita Lopez, Elizabeth Clyde, Dillon Smith, Morgan Brooks, Brianna Harrison, Nathaniel Mouton, Angela Collins, Nicholus East, Christopher Davis, Kylie Myers, Zachary Gibbons, Anthony Randle, and Gabriel Ford. — CGrimmett A total of $734.55 was raised among grade levels to collect change for Autism. Fifth grade students came in first place and fourth grade second for raising the most money. Autism para-professionals Monica Benoit and Susan Landry organized the event for the Autism Society. — Tanya Eubanks

Tiffany Guidry’s Class planted a garden at Gillis Elementary Calcasieu Parish Schools are celebrating literacy and numeracy through a digital presentation that will be made available on Blackboard for all staff and students to view. Three special education teachers were selected to demonstrate with their class how they are engaging in literacy and numeracy activities. Christe Pettis, a speech therapist at LaGrange High, presented a lesson from the Unique Learning Series. Some of her students were able to actively participate in the lessons by using alternative methods of communication. Sherri May, a special education teacher at Moss Bluff Middle, also uses the Unique Learning Series and a Promethean ActivBoard to keep her students engaged in the learning process. Tiffany Guidry, a special education teacher at Gillis Elementary created a cross curricular lesson, incorporating science knowledge, organizational skills, and writing activities. The video will be submitted to the State Literacy and Numeracy Celebration on May 11 to represent Calcasieu Parish. — Anita Murphy

School Recieves Grant Vinton Middle School is the recipient of a $750 grant from Exxon Mobil. The grant will help Vinton Middle to purchase a new copy machine. — Peggy Paige “Reading is Wonderful Stuff!” At College Oaks, for the fourth six weeks, the theme for the AR event was a Dr. Seuss celebration entitled “Reading is Wonderful Stuff!” The celebration’s decorations featured bright primary colored table runners accented with red and white Seuss hats. Colorful Dr. Seuss characters and books added to the Page 6

Mighty Mu Math Selected students from grades 3-5 at Westwood Elementary attended the Mighty Mu Math Tournament at Barbe High School on March 6th. 3rd grader Josh Guidry took home an

honorable mention, and 5th grader Breanna Benoit took home 7th place in the individual category. — Karen Ashworth

Westwood students and teachers working overtime! School was in session Saturday for Westwood 4th graders! Many of them turned out for the first of two LEAP Super Saturdays. The sessions are designed to provide small group assistance to prepare the students for the spring LEAP test. Phyllis Hess, Westwood principal, would like to commend the students who gave up their Saturday to improve their skills, as well as dedicated teachers Frances Burgin, Kara Clour, Angelle Larson and Susan Prejean. — Karen Ashworth Congratulations Westwood 4th grader Cole Conrad was recently named “Best Boy Junior Deputy” during the Junior Deputy graduation. He was selected from all participants from the Westlake and Sulphur areas. — Karen Ashworth AR Celebration College Oaks had 146 students, including 14 Kindergarteners, who attended the fifth six weeks AR celebration. Sparkling stars adorned the tables and stage. Each student, who met his/her goal for the fifth six weeks received an “AR Super Star” button and enjoyed cookies and lemonade provided by McAlisters, the Accelerated Reader sponsor for College Oaks. — Jeanette Webre

Congratulations Westwood 2nd grader Allie Turner recently competed in the State Braille Challenge competition in Baton Rouge. She and her family traveled to Baton Rouge where she met lots of new friends from around the state who had gathered at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired. The Braille Challenge is a national reading and writing competition in Braille. Students test their skills in reading comprehension, Braille speed and accuracy, proofreading, spelling and reading tactile charts and graphs. Hundreds of students from first through twelfth grades participated in the Preliminary Round across the United States. The top-scoring twelve students in each age group are given a free trip to Los Angeles in June for the Final Round—two days of competition and fun. Everyone at the state competition was impressed with Allie’s intelligence, great personality, and her amazing performance in Braille. Even though it was Allie’s first time to enter this competition, she did extremely well and placed second in her age group. We are all very proud of Allie for this very prestigious honor and accomplishment. The preliminary results will be released in May, and we will keep our fingers crossed that maybe she will earn a free trip to Los Angeles. — Karen Ashworth SHARE

Kiwanis Golden Rule Award Westwood fifth grader Reagan Richard was awarded the Kiwanis Golden Rule Award. She was recognized for following the Golden Rule and always treating others as she would like to be treated. Reagan was nominated by her teacher, Jenifer Fontenot who wrote the following about Reagan: Reagan is one of the sweetest and funniest girls I have ever taught. I look forward to her smile every day. She brightens up everyone’s morning. She is never negative and is a very hard worker. One of the things I am most impressed with is how she treats her peers. She truly cares about them. She volunteered to show a new student around our school. She wanted to sit with her during lunch to make her feel welcome. Another time she got a group of students to make welcome cards for a new student. Reagan is always the first to volunteer to help someone when they need it and she does it with a smile on her face. She enjoys making others feel welcome and accepted. Reagan received a certificate and a bag of treats and prizes. Westwood staff and students are proud of Reagan for this great accomplishment. Pictured is Kiwanis Golden Rule winner Reagan Richard and Angela Pierson from the Kiwanis organization. — Karen Ashworth

Read Across America Read across America was celebrated during the week of March 1-5. Book trivia questions were read each morning during announcements. Classes submitted correct answers to the library to receive a bookmark. On March 2 community readers from Sasol and the Westlake High School Key Club read to all classes. Wednesday, March 3 students participated in Turn off your T.V. and Read night. On March 5, students and faculty dressed as a book character of their choice. — Karen Ashworth

Art Award Westwood fourth grade student, Lexi Peck and fifth grade student, Baleigh Derouen recently had art work accepted into “Louisiana”; A K-12 juried art exhibit. The Louisiana exhibit featured works created for the 2010 Louisiana School Boards Association art competition and was held at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum January 29 - February 27. Both Lexi and Baleigh are students of Melinda Harrell, art teacher at Westwood Elementary. — Karen Ashworth

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HOLLYWOOD sign, stars hanging from the ceiling, and the walls covered with the teen stars of Hollywood. The students had a chance to take photographs in front of the Hollywood sign, as well as in front of the posters of their favorite stars. Our outstanding behavior is shining bright at College Oaks. — Jeanette Webre

Westwood Parent Receives School Volunteer Award Westwood parent Chantal Iles was recently recognized by the Calcasieu A+PEL (Association of Professional Educators of Louisiana) Chapter as the recipient of the 2009-2010 School Volunteer Award. Iles was surprised with the honor at a special reception at Pujo Street Café on April 26th. She will be honored at a Calcasieu Parish Board Meeting in May and also at a special reception at the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge in June. Iles was nominated by Westwood principal, Phyllis Hess, who praised her for serving as a leader among other volunteers in the school. She has implemented and oversees a group of workroom volunteers in addition to volunteering as needed for a wide range of events throughout the school year. Iles is married to Wilber Iles, and together they are the proud parents of Xavier, a 4th grader, and Alexandra, a 1st grader. — Karen Ashworth

Rotary Club Awardees Winners of the Rotary Club of Lake Charles’ Employee Excellence Awards and their nominators are: Phyllis Marcantel-Bus Driver-DeQuincy Middle; Dece TrahanFederal Funds Coordinator-Federal Programs; Nancy Rougeau-Administrative AssistantTechnology; Wilma Jones Terry-Special Needs Coordinator-Transportation; Brenda Benoit-Cafeteria Manager-S J Welsh; Sylvia Guillory-Paraprofessional-Molo Middle; Perry Miles-Janitor-Molo Middle; Patsy ByrleySecretary-College Oaks; Donald Fontenot-Pupil Appraisal-St John Elementary; Billy MillerShop Foreman-Transportation; Sandy KramerOffice Manager-Warehouse. — Schel Ruiz

State Music Festival The 2010 State Music Festival was held the week of April 26-30th. Several of our schools were in attendance from elementary to high school. Pictured here is LeBlanc Middle School after their performance. — Schel Ruiz Zanner-Bloser Handwriting Winners There were four state winners this year in the Zanner-Bloser State Handwriting Contest who have demonstrated that they have mastered penmanship in the keys to legibility shape, slant, spacing and size. They are: Alexis ViziaBrentwood Elementary-Teacher is Theresa Fondel; Paige Guillory-Nelson ElementaryTeacher is Kim Burchman; Kaiya Clark-TS Cooley Elementary-Teacher is Margaret DeClouette; and Katelyn Jackson-Nelson Elementary-Teacher is DeaAnne Kay. — Schel Ruiz

Rotary Club Donation Westlake Rotary Club purchases trike The Westlake Rotary Club recently purchased an adaptive trike for Westwood student Tanner Turner. The school had been searching for funding for the trike with no success. When the Rotary Club heard about the need, they immediately acted upon it and fully funded the purchase of the trike and all necessary adaptive components. Pictured with Tanner is Westlake Rotary members Jared Maricelli, Dr. Ken Eastman, and Kathleen Leonards. — Karen Ashworth PBS In March, College Oaks Elementary PBS students walked the red carpet for outstanding behavior during the 4th six weeks of school. The students entered the room walking the red carpet, dressed as their favorite movie character, posing while they were being photographed by the paparazzi. The children then received popcorn and juice while enjoying a movie. The room was decorated with a

John W. Harris Leadership Award DeQuincy High School senior Amanda Rossetter has been selected as the 2009-2010 recipient of the John W. Harris Leadership Award by the National Beta Club. This award is one way that the National Beta Club recognizes outstanding leadership exhibited by its junior and senior members. Amanda will receive a leadership award, certificate and paid tuition to attend a Broyhill Leadership Conference the following summer. — Schel Ruiz

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Barbe State Champion Boys Bowling The Barbe State Champion Boys Bowling team are Christopher Lockette, Mark Minton, Joseph Borel,Trevor Fontenot,Hoang Nguyen, Aaron Newman, James Rathke, Paul Beglis, and James Smithers. Coaches are James E. Kelly, Jr. and Candie Witherspoon. — Schel Ruiz

All Parish Quiz Bowl Team All Parish QuizBowl Team winners are: Daniel Garner, Sulphur High; Christopher Barclay, Barbe High; Kaitlyn Gallegos, Sulphur High; and Chance Tarver, Sulphur High. — Schel Ruiz Mighty Mu Math Tournament A team of College Oaks’ third - fifth grade students participated in the fourth annual “Mighty Mu Math Tournament” sponsored by Barbe High School’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, a national math honor society. Maddison Shaw placed in the top twenty for third grade and Joshua Botts placed fifth for fourth grade in the individual competition. The fourth grade team placed second in the team event! The students from third grade who participated were Maddison Shaw, Jonah Mulsow, Lila LeGros, Ian James, Ezra Wright, Emerald Williams, Kealan Conn, Jordan Marshall, and Alex Brown. The fourth grade participants were Cerenity Malveaux, Destiny Bell, Kelsey Glover, Catherine Zwingmann, and Josh Botts. The fifth grade students who represented College Oaks were Aleya Joseph, Jordan Mulsow, De’kari Gray, Tabitha Sonnier, Angel Stevens, and Janna Matthiesen. — Jeanette Webre

PBS Store Westwood Elementary students were treated to their last school wide visit to the PBS Beehive Store on May 11 and 12th - where they were allowed to spend their hard-earned Kid Cash. The students pictured together purchased large items and should be commended for earning and saving their Kid Cash all year: (bottom row) Tanner Turner – High School Musical DVD, Katie Duplechin – High School Musical DVD, Hailey Bankston – Ripstik, Christian Abraham – CD player, Ernest Dodd – MP3 player, Andrew Treme – IPod Alarm Clock. (absent – Brayden Winn who also purchased an IPod Alarm Clock.) (top row) Matthew Amos – Ripstik, Jena Johnson – MP3 player, Kenedee Morris – Hannah Montana MP3 player, Hannah Cates – Nintendo DS, Abby Brumett – High School Musical wall Page 8

décor. Congratulations to all of Westwood’s students who participated and bought items with their Kid Cash! We are so proud of you for your good behavior all year! Miss Parker would like to thank her parent volunteers for helping out students with their purchases – Cherie Benoit, Michelle Dronet, Tonya Foy, and Tina Laughlin. Our school would like to thank the following persons, businesses, and/or organizations for their donations: Sasol – Nintendo DS; Bobby Letard – Ripstik; Kenny and Dee Cochran/Jesco – High School Musical DVD; Barry King – Ripstik; F. Miller Construction – High School Musical DVD; Cameron State Bank – Nintendo DS; Kiwanis Club – Hannah Montana MP3 player; and the Westwood Elementary PTO – CD player, 2 MP3 players, and 2 IPod Alarm clocks. We all here at Westwood Elementary appreciate your generosity, especially our students! — Karen Ashworth

Family Reading Night College Oaks principal Dr. Cathy Severns announces the book character costume winners at Family Reading Night. On April 27, College Oaks sponsored a Book Character Dress-up Day followed by a Family Reading/ Book Fair Shopping Night. Both students and faculty participated in book character costume contests and winners were announced at the night event. Book characters such as Pippi Longstocking, Max (from Where the Wild Things Are), Viola Swamp, Fancy Nancy, Cat in the Hat, Waldo, Amelia Bedelia, Mrs. Frizzle, Junie B. Jones, Olivia, and so many more truly made books come alive! First and second place student winners as well as honorable mentions won book fair shopping certificates. Faculty winners received gift cards to local restaurants. Special guests for the evening were Mary LeCompte, a local storyteller who shared exciting and funny Louisiana stories; Clifford the Big Red Dog, who visited with all of the boys and girls; and Ginette Evans, a librarian from the Calcasieu Parish Public Library, who encouraged students to sign up for the reading program they provide in the summer for children of all ages. — Jeanette Webre

Body Walk Karen Hayes shares heart information during the Body Walk. College Oaks hosted its first Health Fair on May 10th-14th under the guidance of Coach Aaron Stanley and his committee. The purpose of the Health Fair is to have students in grades K-5 research the human body and its systems while participating in meaningful engaged learning activities. Students prepared project boards to display the results of their research and displayed them in a central location to share with parents, guests, and all of the classes. Kindergarteners studied bones and first grade

studied the digestive system. Second graders studied the heart and circulatory system. Third graders studied the respiratory system. Fourth graders studied muscular system, and fifth graders studied the brain and nervous system. On Monday, class sports and games competitions took place. On Tuesday, a trainer from GiGi’s led students in each grade in a fitness routine. On Wednesday, the Human Body Walk from the LSU Ag Center gave students a first-hand look at the body from the inside. On Thursday, Dr. Eric Sanders’ Dentist Office provided dental health information and lively tooth care demonstrations for the students. On Friday, all students participated in Field Day activities and competitions. — Jeanette Webre

Rotary Club Award Winner College Oaks is very proud to announce that Patsy Byrley, College Oaks secretary, was a winner of the Rotary Club of Lake Charles’ Employee Excellence Award. She was nominated by Dr. Cathy Severns, Principal, and five COE teachers. — Jeanette Webre Colors of the Rainbow John J. Johnson II Elementary School students placed “Silver” at the “Colors of the Rainbow” dance competition held May 14, at Bulber Auditorian at McNeese. The girls and boys were so very excited and grateful for the opportunity to compete and perform before an audience of family members, Johnson faculty, staff and friends. Johnson Elementary’s Dancing Classrooms Culminating Event was held on March 17th. The fifth grade classes enjoyed ten weeks of dancing instructions under direction of Steven White, dancing instructor. Dancers performed the Merengue, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, Swing, Waltz and Polka. Josephine Berard’s dancing students were Dante Bilbo, Kyla Bradford, Joshua Bradley, Jaylon Carter, Joseph Collins, David Deruso, Jr., Brooklyn Dowell, Camille Fox, Demarriay Haynes, KeAnga Jones, Kiara Joseph, Tommie Kinchen, Jr., Tilden Leger, Angelic Miller, Tytianna Syas, Raelynn Thomas, Brooklyn Washington and Bryinna Williams. Cathy Cooks’ student dancers were Kiara Anderson, Annie Bias, John Carter, Jr., Keyonna Chalk, Jaquerrious Crump, Darren Fontenot, Janquise Frank, Breanna Groothoff, Sirdayln Hickman, Joshua Hill, Aaliyah Jack, Eric McCree, Gregory Montgomery, Derranea Morgan, Shaniesha Reed, Melissa Ross, Nathaniel Smith,Jr., Brianna Stevens, Destanee Thomas and Anthony Williams. Student Lainie Bellow served as disc jockey for the event. Students also performed a Line Dance, the Merengue and Macarena. They were joined on the dance floor by parents and teaching staff in performing the Stump and Cha Cha Slide. Brianna Stevens, Nathaniel Smith, Eric McCree, Kiara Joseph, Raelynn Thomas and Brooklyn Dowell read essays they wrote about their wonderful Dancing Classrooms experience. Johnson’s Dancing Classrooms was funded through a grant from the Arts and Humanities Council of SWLA, the Division of the Arts and the Whistle Stop and the city of Lake Charles. Johnson Elementary faculty, staff, parents and students are grateful for the opportunity of having the Dancing Classrooms experience. — Gloria E. Jackson

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Brown, AP World History; Nicole Fontenot, AP US Government; Julie Sanders, AP World History. The AP teachers who participate in the AP Reading describe the experience as an intensive collegial exchange, in which they can receive professional support and training. These teachers meet colleagues, exchange ideas, and discover new teaching approaches. More than 10,000 teachers and college faculty participated in the 2009 Reading. We are thrilled that four teachers from CPSB will represent our district in the 2010 Reading. — June Burke

Golden Rule Winner Destiny Bell, winner of the Kiwanis Club Golden Rule Award is shown with her proud parents. College Oaks is very proud of Destiny Bell, a fourth grade student, who was selected as the Kiwanis Club Golden Rule winner for the 2009-2010 school year. — Jeanette Webre

Student Council Field Trip Frasch Elementary Student Council Field Trip The student council members from Frasch Elementary took a 3-day educational field trip to Dallas and College Station, Texas. In Dallas, they visited The Sixth Floor Museum and learned a wealth of information on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and in College Station, they visited the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Student council sponsors are Ashley Guidry, Katie Dupre, and Tara Fusilier. — Katie Dupre

Counselor Recognized Rachel Crum, Sam Houston High Counselor Rachel Crum was honored recently at the Calcasieu School Counselors Association banquet, held at Pat’s of Henderson. This tribute was extended to Rachel Crum for her outstanding record during 30 years of education, and her impending retirement at the end of this school year. Rachel Crum served as a business teacher before becoming a high school counselor. She became a member of the faculty of Sam Houston High School in 2001, after serving at Leesville High School. Rachel Crum is a Nationally Certified counselor and has been an inspiration to everyone she has come in contact with. She will be genuinely missed. Pictured with Rachel is Raedonna Person, past President of CSCA. — Peggi Flowers Perfect Attendance The Calcasieu Parish School System is pleased to announce Sam Houston High’s senior with K-12 perfect attendance: Peter Joseph Rubin. Parents are Donna and Peter Rubin of Lake Charles. — Charlene Chiasson Perfect Attendance

Frasch Students take 2nd Place at the Region V Social Studies Fair Two 5th grade students from Frasch Elementary took 2nd place honors at the Region V Social Studies Fair on April 20, 2010. Tristan Baggett placed 2nd with his project titled “The Amazingly Abundant Agriculture of Louisiana” and Will Lavergne placed 2nd with his project on “The Battle of Vicksburg”. — Katie Dupre AP Teachers Participate in Evaluation In June, AP teachers and college faculty members from around the world gather in the United States for the annual AP Reading where these selected teachers evaluate and score the free-response sections of the AP Exams. In the summer of 2009, two of CPSB Advanced Placement Teachers participated in the AP Reading for the AP World History Exam – Julie Sanders and Michelle Brown. For the 2010 summer, CPSB will have four teachers participating in the AP Reading: Elaine Billedeaux, AP Calculus; Michelle Volume 32, Number 1

The Calcasieu Parish School System is pleased to announce Westlake High’s senior with K-12 perfect attendance: Desiree Latrice Eaglin. Parents are Ella and Reynard Eaglin of Westlake. Her brother and father both also had 12 years of perfect attendance.

security purposes, webcam use is closely monitored by school librarians. — Helen Curol

PIE Donation Moss Bluff Elementary would like to thank their partner in education, Richey’s 3D Foam and Insulation, for providing snacks and drinks to all fourth grade students during LEAP testing and subway sandwiches for the teachers. Also, Moss Bluff Elementary would like to thank Melanie Perry’s State Farm office for donating pencils for testing week. — Sherina Snead

New Teacher Academy The New Teacher Academy showcased Title I New Teacher Project and the Transition to Teaching Program at the Louisiana Association of Supervisors of Federally Assisted Programs (LASAFAP) annual conference held in Baton Rouge on April 22nd. The CPSS New Teacher Academy provides preparation, support, leadership, and autonomy as well as an integrated, comprehensive solution to the challenges of retaining new teachers in highneeds schools in Calcasieu Parish. The Transition to Teaching program provides assistance to uncertified teachers through a federal grant. The Title I New Teacher Project provides assistance for certified teachers by means of AARA funds. Presenters were Cindi Creel, Director of Federal Programs, Johna Rion, New Teacher Academy Supervisor, Lauren Beckham, Lisa Dietz, and Marve Sevier, Instructional Coaches, and new teachers Tammy Pettis from Iowa High and Domonica Fresch from Ralph Wilson Elementary. — Lisa Dietz

— Charlene Chiasson Web Cams in the Library School librarians have been busy utilizing new webcams for a variety of purposes. Camilla Croxdale at Gillis Elem has created an electronic story hour which the Pre-K students love as a different format from time to time. Tish Martinez at LeBlanc Middle has partnered with Phyllis Stine at FK White Middle to utilize webcams for book discussions among students of the two schools. Cynthia Smith at Washington-Marion has offered the webcam’s availability to the school’s Career Fair guests to introduce students to corporate offices. All librarians have participated in webcam meetings to discuss pertinent issues without having to leave school campuses. For

Golden Rule Winner Lucy Bellon, a Kindergarten student at Moss Bluff Elementary, received the “Golden Rule Award.” This award is given by the Kiwanis Club of Southwest Contraband for students who live by the values of the Golden Rule. Lucy was honored with the award at school in April. — Sherina Snead Page 9

JJJ Suddenlink Celebration John J. Johnson II Elementary School salutes its students achievers for their recent honors. For the fourth six weeks period, 11 students earned Banner Roll, 68 made Honor Roll, and 101 had Perfect Attendance. For the fifth six weeks period, 26 students earned Banner Roll; 64 earned Honor Roll, and 132 had perfect attendance. Johnson’s Partner In Education, Suddenlink, always provide an “Honor Roll Celebration Party” at the school following each six weeks period to recognize the Honor Roll and Banner Roll achievers. Johnson’s faculty and staff are very proud of these hard workers and extremely grateful for Suddenlink’s ongoing support of our school. — Gloria E. Jackson Read Across America College Oaks celebrated Dr. Seuss Read Across America Day on March 2 with administrators and teachers sharing their favorite Dr. Seuss stories with the students. As a special treat, Ginette Evans, a special guest from the Calcasieu Public Library System, read Oh the Places You’ll Go and Green Eggs and Ham to the first grade boys. — Jeanette Webre LEAP Saturday Review On March 3, fourth grade students enjoyed a day of fun at College Oaks’ LEAP Saturday review day. Upon arrival, students ate a breakfast donated by Sonic. Afterwards, they rotated classes and participated in games such as “Social Studies Around the World” with Bradley, “Science Jeopardy” with Verret, “ELA Race” with Verdin, and “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?” and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” with Pentecost. Students left with the thrill of being in a race, becoming millionaires, and having traveled all over the world. — Jeanette Webre

JJJ and Kiwanis Club’s BUG Program The Kiwanis Club of South Lake Charles sponsored the Bring Up Grades (BUG) Honor Roll Recognition/Celebration at John J. Johnson II Elementary at the end of each six weeks period. Third, fourth, and fifth grade students set goals at the beginning of the six weeks to pick up a least one grade, and maintain or improve the remaining grades from the previous six weeks period. Fourth six weeks BUG Honor Roll honorees include Alexus Bias, Laken Chambers, Gabriella Cook, Exploria Crump, Evan Douglas, Daijuan Duncan, Dasia George, Breonna Papillion, Charles Siverand, Margo Stevens, Deandre Duruseau, Nathaniel Cherry, D’andre Jones, Ke’Auntay Trent, Zyshawn Richardson, Sequoia Hickman, Raymond Joubert, Ravyn Celestine, Myranesha Harrison, Angelina Walker, Mila Bradley, Derek LeDoux, Patriana Gibbs, Jade Bryant, Ramon Alfred, Sanaya Page 10

Hardman, Sean Solomon, Lainie Bellow, Destiny Charles, Aaliah Grant, Wil’Asia Joubert, Jasmine Scott, Samantha Hypolite, Domonique Lastrapes, Javon Thibodeaux, Keyonna Chalk, Janquise Frank, Eric McCree, Melissa Ross, Shawn Montgomery, Nathaniel Smith, Anthony Williams, Brianna Stevens, Raelynn Thomas, Bryianna Williams, Kyla Bradford, Angelic Miller and Camille Fox. Super BUGs, (students who are BUGs and who also helped a fellow student to become a BUG) include Gabriella Cook, Breonna Pappillion, Charles Siverand, Nathaniel Cherry, Myranesha Harrison, Domonique Lastrapes, Javon Thibodeaux, Camille Fox, Brianna Stevens and Tyrek Carter. Fifth six weeks BUG Honor Roll honorees include Gabriella Cook, Laken Chambers, Breonna Papillion, Margo Stevens, Charles Siverand, Devonta Young, Raymond Joubert, Myranesha Harrison, Marcus Ross, Paige Nelson, Sanaya Hardman, Ja’Marlin Lafleur, Sean Solomon, Jarvis Taylor, Joseph Siner, Daylen Stewart, Christian Lemelle, Troymequeountay Breaux, Jasmine Scott, Javon Thibodeaux, Destiny Charles, Damaria Mason, Darius Lewis, Derranea Morgan, Shawn Montgomery, Tilden Leger, Dante Bilbo, Demarriay Haynes, Joseph Bradley, Kiara Joseph, Lainie Bellow, Raelynn Thomas, Camille Fox, Tommie Kinchen, and Trevis Dean. Super BUGs include Laken Chambers, Charles Siverand, Wil’Asia Joubert, Brianna Stevens, Eric McCree, Melissa Ross, Keonna Chalk. The BUG Program is in its second year at Johnson Elementary. Johnson Elementary’s faculty, staff, parents and students are appreciative of the generosity extended by the Kiwanis Club of South Lake Charles and J and J Exterminating Co., Inc. — Gloria E. Jackson

Art teacher Sarah Smith and “Recycled Runway” John J. Johnson II Elementary School students, Keyona Chalk, Melissa Ross, and Annie Bias created “Recycled Runway”, under the direction of the art teacher, Sarah Smith. The model, wearing a woven garbage bag dress, was the talk of the town at the Calcasieu Parish School Board Exhibit, “Green Matters.” To complete the ensemble the girls formed jewelry from aluminum foil, a handbag of candy wrappers, slipper shoes made from newspaper, flowers cut from soda cans, and a wrap made from packing material. This was such an exciting, fun, and cause-worthy project. Smith says to parents, “do not let the kids sit on the couch all summer . . . try something like this! It’s all garbage!” — Gloria E. Jackson

Students Perform T.H. Watkins Elementary Colors of the rainbow team performed at McNeese State University Friday, May 17th. The team won a gold medal for their performance and moved on to the finals on Saturday where they received a bronze medal. Team members for

the Merengue- Mckeithan & Ladaysia...Foxtrot Team- Cole & Tyra....Rumba Team- Keryton & Dandre....Tango Team- Jordan & Makayla.... Swing Team- Cedric & Aaliyah...CaptainsMalik & Kamren. Dancing Artist was Angela Reeves and teachers Shellie guidry, Julie Ortego and Wendy Boyett. — Shellie Guidry Chess Winner Frasch Elementary Chess Club student Jace Benoit placed 2nd in the K-3 division at the Parish Tournament on March 6th. — Katie Dupre

Mardi Gras Bead Donation College Oaks participated in its 2nd annual Mardi Gras Bead donation drive. For two weeks students brought in unwanted beads, and the autistic classes counted and sorted all of them. The final total was 11,320 beads. These beads will be sold back to krewes and the proceeds will be used to help the Southwest chapter of the Autism Society. College Oaks teachers participated in “Jeans for Autism,” and the school collected $230 for autism awareness. — Jeanette Webre

Frasch 5th Graders Get a Special Science Lesson On May 19th KPLCtv meterorologist Wade Hampton visited Frasch Elementary to give the 5th grade students a special science lesson. Wade Hampton talked to the students about the weather, how hurricanes form, and he discussed how meteorologists are able to make weather predictions. — Katie Dupre

ESGR Seven Seals Award Presenting the Seven Seals Award are Chief Petty Officer Harry Cormier (USN/Ret.) and Captain Joe Hill (USN/Ret). Receiving awards, from left, are CPSB Assistant Superintendent Leo Miller, Jr.; Ward 3 Marshal Joey Alcede; CPSB Assistant Superintendent Gary Anderson; Sheriff Tony Mancuso; and CPSB Superintendent of Schools Wayne Savoy. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) will present the Calcasieu Parish School Board and the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Office with the Seven Seal Award. The Seven Seals award is presented to those employers who have signed a Statement of Support expressing his/her/their support for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. In addition they have been nominated and received a Patriot Award from a service member and have continued to demonstrate support for our Guard and Reserve service members. — Charlene Chiasson SHARE

Banner Performance MSU Banners Presents Johnette Downing McNeese State University Banner Series and Partners, State Farm Insurance worked together to offer the PreK-3rd grade students of Brentwood Elementary a wonderful treat. Johnette Downing came to the school to not only sing songs based off of her popular Louisiana themed books, but also find some potential American Idol stars in the audience. Students were allowed to participate on stage to assist Downing with bringing her songs to life. — Willona Jackson W.T. Henning Teachers Rock & Roll for Teacher Appreciation A fun filled luncheon was provided by Partner in Education, Certain Teed, May 7th. Teachers enjoyed old fashioned hamburgers, fries, onion rings and delicious ice cream created by Dairy Barn. They were entertained by fifth grade students and the Leader of the Pack, Greg Whiteard, principal. Fifties music and karaoke was provided by Roxanne Nutt, a Henning grandparent volunteer. — Tanya Eubanks

DARE Students of the Year On May 13th Frasch Elementary hosted the 2010 DARE Graduaton ceremony for the 5th grade students who participated in the DARE program this school year. There were over 100 students being honored. Pictured are the 2010 DARE Students of the Year Heather Misse, Laura Williamson, Cullen Burton, Carleigh Garcia,and Katelyn Leone along with Principal Tony McCardle and DARE Instructor Officer Chad Theriot. — Katie Dupre

Frasch Chess Club Competes in the Parish Tournament Frasch Elementary Chess Club members Jace Benoit, Will Lavergne, Gian Thornton, and John Lewis Thornhill recently competed in the Parish Chess Tournament on March 6th. They are shown here with Chess Club Sponsors Felipe Nah and Allison Brown. — Katie Dupre PBS Prize Drawing John J. Johnson held its End of the Year PBS prize drawings on May 27. Breonna Papillion and Tristan Poullard were winners of new bicycles, and Zyshawn Richardson was the winner of a $60 gift card to the Simon Mall. The winners’ names were drawn from a collection of all PBS tickets earned by students for good behavior during the school year. Congratulations JJJ Winners! — Gloria E. Jackson

Volume 32, Number 1

Law Signature School Following a year-long application process, the Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning has earned the distinction of being named a Law Signature School. Being named as a Law Signature School also qualified the LCB Academy to be a recipient of a $15,000 grant from the Louisiana Bar Foundation for the construction of a courtroom on campus. The LCB Academy has been developing plans to offer a career cluster in Government and Public Administration with the area of concentration in Criminal Justice and Law & Order. Courses included in the curriculum will be Law Studies I, Intro to Criminal Justice, Criminal Courts, Computer Forensics, and Forensic Science. — Charlie Adkins PBS Eagle Store The newest store to open for business is located on the campus of Brentwood Elementary! The PBS Eagle Store officially opened the door to over two hundred students based on their good behavior and following of the school SOAR rules for the fourth six weeks. Using Eagle Bucks, students made purchases of candy, toys, games, and other items. All of the store merchandise came from parent donations, community donations, teachers, and school PBS funds. The students really enjoyed shopping and showing off their purchases! Members of the 2009-2010 PBS team are: Nancy Frank, Melanie Bradberry, Gwen Daniel, Amanda Guillory, Patricia Clemons, Corry Allen, Theresa Fondel, Lori Dugas, and Vicky Broussard. — Willona Jackson

VSE Students Working with Junior Achievement Leaders, Arceneaux and Ellender Second grade students at Vincent Settlement Elementary recently completed the Junior Achievement program sponsored by their Partners in Education, Westlake Chemical. Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. — Lori Young Yearbook Winners Guillory’s class had a Raising Cane’s time as they enjoyed chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s. They received this special treat for

having the largest number of yearbook sales for the 2009 - 2010 school year. — Phyllis Godfrey

Johnson Cox Donation From left: Betty Sims, principal of John J. Johnson II Elementary School, is joined by Student of the Year, Camille Fox, Christian Lemelle, Collin South, and Raelynn Thomas in a exciting moment after receiving a $5,000 donation from Partner In Education, Cox, Cox, Filo, Camel and Wilson Law Firm. Attorney Richard Wilson, shown on right, represented the firm and presented the generous donation which will be used for playground equipment. — Gloria E. Jackson State Handwriting Winner Alexis Vizia, first grade student in Theresa Fondel’s classroom was honored on May 11, at the CPSB Board Meeting. Alexis was recognized as the first grade Louisiana State Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Winner. She received a tote bag of prizes as well as her teacher received prizes too. Congratulations goes out to both Alexis and her teacher. — Willona Jackson

Testing Pep Rally Brentwood held a “Testing Luau” for students on April 9. Students participated in the testing limbo, and Are You Smarter than a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader as testing draws near. Students had a luau of a time as they showed what they know. — Phyllis Godfrey

Teacher AR Party Brentwood Elementary teachers reap the benefits of students showing off their reading skills. The following teachers’ classes earned a 90% or higher in Accelerated Reader for the fifth six weeks: Nansel, Saucier, Fuselier, Watson, Dugas, Fondel, Frank, Guillory, Metoyer, Williams, and McDaniel. They had a “raising” good time as they enjoyed chicken fingers from Raising Cane’s. — Phyllis Godfrey

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Brentwood Elementary’s Technology Showcase

On April 28th and 29th, Brentwood Elementary participated in the Technology Parish Tour as a Technology Showcase School. Visitors from all over Calcasieu Parish were invited to see students actively engaged in the learning process through the use of various tech tools such as flip cams, MP3 players, Palm handhelds, Promethean boards, and ACTIV expressions. They were given the “red carpet treatment” upon entering the school and were surprised by the “papparazzi”, our very own KBES EAGLE News Team. EAGLE news team members are: Darlene Johnson, Kristyl Malone, Kyndon Navarre, and James Daniel. The Technology Showcase teachers are: Megan Fuselier, Nancy Frank, Pennie Dupree, Amanda Guillory, Stephanie Landreneau, Jessica Rivero, and Audrette Metoyer. — Willona Jackson

Kathy works with students at Sulphur and DeQuincy High Schools as a mentor to prevent dropouts and encourage leadership and career development. She was recognized as number one in the nation for “Alternative Education Graduation Rate and Positive Outcomes”. Sheila Kratzer

U.S. Navy. Ensign Faulk successfully completed four years of intensive academic, physical, and professional training, resulting in a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Aerospace Engineering. As a graduate of the Naval Academy, Ensign Faulk completed a fouryear, total immersion program where a strong, balanced academic program, focused on the educational needs of the Navy and Marine Corps, is superimposed on a strict, professional military training environment emphasizing the development of leadership skills. Following graduation, Ensign Faulk has been assigned to Pensacola, Florida where she will continue training in Naval Aviation as a Navy Pilot. Ensign Faulk is a 2006 graduate of A. M. Barbe High School, Lake Charles, LA.

“The Connected Classroom Project”

Forensics Tournament

The Calcasieu Parish School System 2010 Middle School Forensics Tournament was held at W.W. Lewis Middle School with 14 schools and over 200 students participating. Sweepstakes trophies were awarded to F.K. White, first place; S.J. Welsh, second place; and Ray D. Molo, third place. Original Oratory winners were Hannah Hebert, first place, Bell City; Olivia Vincent, second place, W.W. Lewis; and Dante Conner, third place, F.K. White. Individual winners in the Prose category were Marcus Hughes, first place, F.K. White; Alyiah Dargin, second place, Oak Park; and Kristen Norris, third place, S.P Arnett. In the Poetry category, Jordan Babineaux, first place, Ray D. Molo; Raven Dobbins, second place, F.K. White; and Taylor Gordon, third place, Vinton. Winners in Dramatic Interpretation were Matthew Carroll, first place, F.K. White; Dylana Smith, second place, Moss Bluff; and Victoria Herline, third place, Vinton. Humorous Interpretation winners were Brian Lazo, first place, S.J. Welsh; Tiara Harrison, second place, Oak Park; and Deija Vitatoe, third place, Oak Park. In the Duo Interpretation category winners included Aungelina Chapman and Bailey Bridges, first place, F.K. White; Madeline Curry and Sophia Hartley, second place, Maplewood; and Nicholas Walling and Summer Eason, third place, F.K. White Middle. Debate winner was Hannah Morris, first place, S.J. Welsh. Jennifer Young, Maplewood, was runner up. Highest speaker points went to Christian Dennis, S.J. Welsh and DiAndre Matthews, Ray D. Molo. In the Extemporaneous Speaking category winners included Matthew Martin, first place, DeQuincy; Brianna Lee, second place, J.I. Watson; and Andrew Tramonte, third place, DeQuincy. JAG High Performing Program

Kathy Keever, a JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) Specialist in Calcasieu Parish was presented with the JAG High Performing Alternative Program award at the National Training Conference July 15. Page 12

During the 2010-2011 school year, the Technology Training Department in conjunction with Title 1 have been involved in what has been deemed the “The Connected Classroom Project”. This project has been made possible though the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act)/Stimulus Project funds and EETT (Enhancing Education Through Technology) federal grant funds. Technology equipment and professional development was provided at 35 Title 1 schools in Calcasieu Parish. Equipment included 205 Connected Classroom packages which consisted of a Promethean board, laptop, projector and slate, 60 Promethean boards, 85 laptops, 24 projectors, 446 sets of ActivExpressions/ ActiVotes, 246 slates, 248 netbooks, 29 digital cameras, 19 digital camcorders, and 37 mp3s. All participants that received equipment were provided with 8 hours of professional development that focused on ways that these items could be used to improve student achievement. Project participants will each submit two flipcharts that showcase the various ways they are using the equipment to enhance learning and impact student achievement.

Haiti Project

Mary Ann Lacefield handing a check for $315 to Becky Derise at the American Red Cross for the people of Haiti to help with their losses. This check comes from the Washington-Marion High School Spanish club.

Louisiana Principal of the Year

Naval Academy

United Sates Navy Ensign Laura Rosanne Faulk, daughter of Jeff and Vickie Faulk, graduated from the United States Naval Academy with Merit in Annapolis, MD on Friday, May 28, 2010 and was commissioned as an Officer in the

Margaret G. Goode, Maplewood Middle School principal, was selected by the Louisiana Department of Education as the state middle school principal of the year. She was honored during the Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Symposium. Goode has been an educator for 34 years and has served as principal of Maplewood Middle School since 2003. Borrowing the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, she believes that “the secret of education lies in respecting the pupil.” Education must be personalized: We know that every individual student has the capacity to grow, develop, and learn; we must discover the elements of an individual’s learning styles and interests through building relationships; and we must design interactive lessons focused on the individual’s needs in order to put together the puzzle pieces that show us the personalized picture of helping our pupils achieve their goals.

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Congratulations Ashton Abshire, 6th grade student at W. W. Lewis Middle School, won third place in the state Environmental Education Commission Awareness contest, language arts division. The topic of the contest was Carbon Footprints: Tread Lightly on Louisiana. Ashton won in the 11-13 age group, in which there were over 160 entries. Ashton will receive his $75.00 prize award at a reception to be held in the Governor’s Mansion in Baton Rouge on June 22. He and his family, his teacher Anne Farrar, and principal Tony Dougherty are all invited. In addition, Ashton’s writing will be published in the 2010 calendar published by the Environmental Education Commission. Henry Heights would like to congratulate Jake Adaway on winning 1st place in the Calcasieu Parish “Louisiana” Art Contest in the 5th -8th grade division. This win qualified him to show his work in a state competition where he won 1st place in the 5th-8th grade division for the Louisiana School Board Association Art Contest. Jake received a plaque, ribbon and a certificate. His work will also be on display for a year in Baton Rouge at the LA. Department of Education office. Congratulations Jake! — Anna Allen 5th grade student, Reagan Lacy from W.T. Henning placed 3rd in the History division at the Region V Elementary Social Studies Fair. He is the student of Donna Duplichan, social studies teacher. — Tanya Eubanks The Calcasieu Parish Reading Council announces their winners for the Young Authors contest and Newspaper in Education contest. All winners will be honored at a reception in May at Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur. Young Authors:Grade 2 - 1st Place Fiction- Kelsey Broussard - St. John Elem. (also placed 1st in state competition); 2nd Place Fiction - Jillian Elliott - Westwood Elem. Grade 3 - 1st Place Fiction - Jazmine Lucero - Westwood Elem. Grade 4 - 1st Place Fiction - Antonia Lubrano - St. John Elem. 1st Place Non-Fiction - Rachel Proffitt -St. John Elem. Grade 10 - 1st Place Fiction - Heidi Fields Sulphur High; Grade 12 - 1st Place Poetry - Madeline Gibson - Sulphur High; 1st Place Fiction - Madeline Gibson - Sulphur High (also placed 2nd in state competition) Newspaper in Education: Grade 2 - 1st Place - Sydney O’Blanc - Frasch Elem. 2nd Place - Elizabeth Hunt - Moss Bluff Elem. Grade 3 - 1st Place - Kevin Atkinson - Frasch Elem. Grades 9-12 - 1st Place - Daniel Garner -Sulphur High; 2nd Place - Jennifer Petersen - 9th Grade Campus. Calcasieu Parish Reading Council Teacher Awards: Librarian of the Year - Susan Gardebled - Sulphur High School; Teacher of the Year - Rhonda Ney - R.W. Vincent Elem. — Susan Gardebled Two teams went to the Battle of the Brains at McNeese on Saturday. Sulphur 1 won first and Sulphur 2 was second. Team 1:Greg Garner (captain), Chance Tarver, Jessica Tarver, Daniel Garner. Team 2: Zach Silva (captain), Kerry Beth Richardson, Beth Warner, Alexis Naquin, Tyler Brumback. — Lora Perkins Sierra Jackson, LaGrange High Senior, was selected as a Gates Millennium Scholar out of 20,500 applicants. Of the 1,000 selected, Sierra was recognized for her strong leadership, community service and academic achievements that distinguish her as a Leader for America’s Future. — Charlene Chiasson The Calcasieu Parish Reading Council state level winners in the Louisiana Reading Association Young Authors contest. Kelsey Broussard, a second grader at St. John Elementary, won first place in fiction. Madeline Volume 32, Number 1

Gibson, a senior at Sulphur High School, won second place in fiction. — Charlene Chiasson Talented art students taking classes at the Lake Charles-Boston Academy have received awards in the Louisiana Junior Duck Stamp competition. Caleb Darbone placed 3rd in his age division, and Stephanie O’Blanc, Alisha Patel, Callie Breville, Jacoby Carvin, and Anais Lafleur received honorable mentions in their age division. Caleb will receive an additional award and his artwork will be displayed around the state for the year. There were 287 entries juried by 5 jurors ranging from two previous National Duck Stamp competition winners, an artist, a wood carver, a refuge manager and a state biologist. — Charlene Chiasson Ruthie Paris, Moss Bluff Elementary school librarian, was published in The School Librarian’s Workshop periodical, Spring 2010. Her article was titled Telling the Story – Digitally. — Charlene Chiasson Prien Lake Elementary and Paula Bruchhaus were selected as the Picture of Health winners, sponsored by Prevention magazine. A video of the students is projected to be shown on an upcoming segment of The Doctors and Bruchhaus will be on the show. The airing, titled Colors of Your Health, is set for May 13th on Fox’s KVHP. — Charlene Chiasson Kayla Tolbert, a student at WMHS and a member of the Youth Action Forum, has been selected to participate in a trip to Baton Rouge for a day at the Legislature, which includes: meeting with elected officials and touring the Senate and House of Representatives. YAF is a program of The Leadership Center, through Family and Youth, and its goal is to engage youth,from local area high schools, in career exploration and civic participation. — Angela Henley LaGrange NJROTC celebrated their accomplishments during the 2009-2010 school year with an awards banquet hosted by Lake Charles American Legion Post 1. LaGrange NJROTC has served the community well since its inception in 2003 and was awarded a Unit Achievement this year for its accomplishments. 6 schools were selected for this award from a group of over 50 NJROTC units spanning an area to include West Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. LaGrange NJROTC provides a team environment and an alterative to gym class for students seeking to expand their educational experience. NJROTC cadets are not in the military and are not in anyway obligated for military service. Leadership training is the main emphasis in NJROTC. Students wear military uniforms, march, perform color guard duties, participate in community service activities, visit military bases, visit college campuses, and host guest speakers with varying backgrounds. NJROTC also competes in various competitions across the region to include athletic, drill, air rifle, and academic competitions. Two years in NJROTC earn a student the required physical fitness and health requirements for graduation. Additionally, the NJROTC program attracts over $25,000 per year in direct support of NJROTC students. Additionally, LaGrange NJROTC is the first JROTC in Louisiana to start a Civil Air Patrol Unit which is sponsored by the Air Force. Some NJROTC cadets are given the opportunity to learn about aerospace topics and flying. Additionally, Civil Air Patrol Cadets get to fly in airplanes at no cost to students. LaGrange NJROTC and Civil Air Patrol have received funding to purchase an FAA approved flight simulator costing over $10,000. With this simulator, students can

log time towards an FAA flight certificate. Additionally, Civil Air Patrol Training prepares cadets to take the FAA Private Pilot Test and instills self discipline in its cadets. Exciting opportunities are available to LaGrange students, opportunities that are not available in most schools in Louisiana. LaGrange Civil Air Patrol also sponsors a FlyA-Teacher program designed to take teachers flying and encourage teachers to incorporate aerospace education topics into school curriculum. — Lt. Robert Null Matthew Cormier graduated from St. Joseph’s Seminary May 7th. He was a resident of Sulphur and attended D.S. Perkins during his elementary years. Linda Portie, Curriculum Coordinator at Vinton Elementary had the privilege of having Matthew in her classroom when Matthew was in second and third grades. She traveled to Covington for his graduation. The seminary is located in a secluded, wooded section of Covington and its beauty is breathtaking. The church at the Abby is located on the grounds and that is where the graduation ceremony was held. Keynote speakers included the Bishop from New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Just to have been a spectator at this solemn, beautiful ceremony in the centuries old church would have been sufficient. But, there was also a reception for all the graduates and their family and friends following the ceremony. The bountiful reception was held under the covered pavilion where the graduates, faculty, family, and friends gathered. Linda Portie has stated that she is proud of all her students; however, she knew there was something special about Matthew after meeting him the first time. — Linda Portie At College Oaks, Sandra Lanier’s second grade class received root beer floats for recognition in entering the Easter Art Coloring Contest sponsored by CSN magazine. Kailey Alfred was the winner of the contest and received a giant Easter basket and other gifts. — Jeanette Webre College Oaks Elementary School 5th grader and DHH student Aaron Earl was one of ten student artists parishwide who will have art work on display at City Hall. Lake Charles Mayor, Randy Roach, has asked for ten pieces of student work to be framed and hung in his City Hall Office for a full year. After that period of time the framed work will be returned to the students. It is an honor for Aaron to be selected, and he will receive recognition for his participation in the art display. — Jeanette Webre Moss Bluff Elementary was well represented at the Regional Social studies Fair this year. Cheyenne Leleaux and Lexi Reed won first place in Geography and runner up in division 1 overall group winner. Also, Breanna Burkhead and Kacie Reed won fourth place in Sociology. The school is proud of these students’ accomplishments. — Sherina Snead The faculty, staff, and students of John J. Johnson II Elementary School congratulate Indiana Rideaux, school secretary and bookkeeper, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies from McNeese State University on May 15th. The Johnson Elementary family is very proud of her accomplishment. — Gloria E. Jackson Calcasieu School System’s National Merit Finalists and Semifinalists include Robert Dalton, Sulphur High, Semifinalist and Finalist; Gregory Garner, Sulphur High, commended student; Christopher Barclay, Page 13

Barbe High, Semifinalist and Finalist; and Sierra Jackson, LaGrange Senior High, Semifinalist and Finalist. Megan Baldassari, Sulphur High, received a Special Merit Scholarship from PPG. More than 1.5 million juniors in about 22,000 high schools entered the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Competition by taking the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U. S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. To become a Finalist, a Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the high school principal, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. The Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, which includes the student’s essay and information about the Semifinalist’s participation and leadership in school and community activities. Approximately 15,000 Semifinalists advance to the Finalist level and it is from this group that all National Merit Scholarship winners are chosen. Merit Scholars designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference. Three types of National Merit Scholarship awards are offered and each finalist competes for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships that are awarded on a state representational basis. About 1,000 corporate-sponsored scholarships are provided by approximately 270 corporations and business organizations for Finalists who meet their specified criteria, such as children of the grantor’s employees or residents of communities where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 200 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 4,700 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for Finalists who will attend the sponsor institution. — Charlene Chiasson

Jacob Dudley, 5th grade student at WT Henning has been selected to attend the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. in July 2010. He is the son of Roland Dudley of Sulphur. He was nominated by his teacher, Janie Broussard. — Tanya Eubanks At the Region V Science Fair, Dolby Elementary received the “Best Elementary School” award based on the number of projects that received recognition. Eighteen students received awards. Jana Guidry, fifth grade teacher, was the sponsor. The Dolby Elementary Chorus, under the direction of Wava McClain, received the Sweepstakes Trophy at both the District and State Chorus Festivals for superior ratings in sight-reading and performance. Solasse Kennison, Dolby Elementary fourth grade, won first place at the State Social Studies Fair in the Geography category. Nyah Harmon, third grader, received the Kiwanis Club Golden Rule Award. She was nominated by her teacher, Kate Valentine. Dolby Elementary Dancing Classroom Finalists competed in the Colors of the Rainbow competition at Bulber Auditorium. The Dolby Team won gold in the semi-finals and silver in the finals. Team members are Bailey Dugas, Dajia May, Caroline Ritter, Emily Corman, Seana Flood, Haleigh Harrington, Aaron LeMelle, Kenan Fontenot, Michael Anderson, Austin Corley, Korey London, Jimmy Vo, and Treylon Carrier. Team sponsor is Michele McGee. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding accomplishments! Writing Contest: William Albrecht & Aagrika Neupane tied for 1st place. Brian Giang placed 2nd and Reginald Larkins came in 3rd. In the primary division, Ali Ali placed 1st. Poster Contest: Jessenia Ortiz came in 1st place. Alex Albrecht placed 2nd and Sohomia Irfan came in 3rd. — Leslie Comeaux

Students at Nelson Elementary participated in a school-wide handwriting contest. The following students won in their grade levels and went on to represent Nelson in the parish contest. 5th-Colby Rozas; 4th-Katelyn Jackson; 2nd-Paige Guillory. Katelyn Jackson and Paige Guillory were parish winners! — Leslie Comeaux Leslea Mudd, first grade teacher, received a QSM grant for her “Geometry Scavenger Hunt” Project. Brandi Soileau, second grade teacher, was selected as an I-TEC Teacher by the CPSS Technology Department. The Calcasieu Parish School System, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, would like to congratulate Victoria Hand for receiving her degree, Doctor of Philosopy in Educational Leadership, from the University of New Orleans,December 20th. She will be presenting her dissertation research data to the Louisiana Education Research Association on March 4 and 5, 2010. — Patrick Deaville The LaGrange Speech and Drama team competed at the McNeese State University Speech and Play Rally on March 12th. The team won numerous awards and we have many students that were chosen to compete at the State level. Raven Evans received the Excellence in Acting Award, Marshadee Bushnell received the Most Promising Actress Award. Three of our students were given $1000.00 scholarships to the McNeese Theatre Department. These students were Raven Evans, Marshadee Bushnell, & Tracy Ryan. In the category of Speech, Raven Evans placed 1st in Interpretation, Dria Heidenreich placed 1st in Extemporaneous, and Courtney Brown placed 3rd in Impromptu Speaking. The following students will compete on a State Level: Faith Garner, Raven Evans, Jermerro Ryan, Ricky Ryan, & Dria Heidenreich. The Drama Team will also compete at the State level. — Shelly Buller

Partners in Education The faculty and staff of Brentwood Elementary have many people to thank for the donations and expressions of appreciation shown to them during the week of Teacher Appreciation. The following businesses and community friends provided food and door prizes for the week and our annual luncheon: Sybil Coleman and family, Great American Cookie Company, Sonic’s, Pizza Hut, Piccadilly’s, Popeye’s, Seafood Palace, Johnny Carino’s, Faye Lockett, State Farm, Northrop Grumman, Sandra Richard, Kyoto’s Japanese Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Zydeco Crawfish, Smoothie King, CiCi’s Pizza, Chili’s, Logan’s Roadhouse, Dairy Barn, and IHop. Live entertainment was provided by fourth grade students, Cheyenne Fontenot and Kyla Smylie. — Willona Jackson Vincent Settlement Elementary PIE, Westlake Chemical will be recognized by the State of Louisiana as a Distinguished Partner

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in Education on June 16th followed by a reception at the Governor’s Mansion. Westlake Chemical has been part of the Vincent Settlement family for fourteen years. — Lori Young Vincent Settlement Elementary is proud to announce that they will be partnering with a new local business for the upcoming school year. Rain Carbon II has stepped up to the plate to partner with VSE. Vanessa Courville, a representative for the local plant, visited the school and toured the campus. VSE Faculty and Staff are excited about their new business affiliation. — Pamela LeDoux College Oaks Partners in Ed provided the following treats for our teachers and staff for Teacher Appreciation Week: on Tuesday, First National Bank gave chicken salad sandwiches and Verizon provided chips; on

Wednesday, Raising Canes provided chicken and Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzels gave pretzels; on Thursday, Cancun provided enchiladas and side dishes; and on Friday, Cameron State Bank provided sandwiches. McAllister’s rewarded Pentecost’s 4th grade class with a cookie platter for having the most students in attendance for McAllister’s night. McAllisters provided cookies, fruit punch, and lemonade for the AR celebration in March and April. Rain CII provided ice cream for the Honor Roll/ Banner Roll Party for the fifth six weeks. Rain CII donated snack cakes and ribbons to our Banner / Honor Roll students. First National Bank donated the postage for our upcoming care packages to our soldiers in Iraq. Also, Cameron State Bank donated money needed for an upcoming event at our school. The newest PIE, Cancun Mexican Restaurant gave certificates for weekly drawings. Sonic Drivein provided breakfast for LEAP Saturday. — Jeanette Webre

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In the Schools Clean Campus Contest The students of Brentwood Elementary are doing their part to help beautify their school. Students from Pre-K through 5th grade took an active part in preparing Brentwood’s campus for the Clean Campus Contest which was held on April 23, 2010. As we anxiously await the results of the contest, students enjoy spending time in Brentwood’s Eagles Nest , or in the outdoor reading corner near first grade classrooms as they learn new things. Our students have truly shown pride in their school. — Phyllis Godfrey Dolby Elementary Gifted Center This year the Dolby Elementary Gifted Center has implemented a community service program. This community service program is called “Reach out and Touch”. “Reach Out and Touch” is a cohesive group of gifted students that has collaborated with others to establish trust and a deep sense of connection between their peers and their community. This program has served as a tool that has been intended both to strengthen each child’s senses of civic engagement and nationalism , and to help him/her achieve their educational, developmental and social goals The Calcasieu Parish School System gifted students at the Dolby Elementary Gifted Center had a distinctive prospect to support pediatric patients hospitalized in our community. The program has assisted students in developing social and emotional skills. Students were empowered with a sense of responsibility, caring, and concern for the well being of others, as well as themselves. This has flowed into all aspects of their education and supported the development of productive community citizens. Learning this can be said to touch both the ‘head’ and the ‘heart’ and result in students who are more inspired and classrooms that excel. This year the gifted community service program focused on the following holidays: Halloween, Christmas and Easter. During these holidays the gifted children at the Dolby Elementary Gifted Center created personal greeting cards for pediatric and infant patients at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Lake Charles Memorial Women’s Hospital Gauthier Campus, St. Patrick Hospital, and Women’s and Children’s Hospital. For Halloween the gifted students made 175 Halloween goodie bags for the hospitalized children and babies at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. “Reach Out and Touch” also participated in “Healthy Halloween” at Lake Charles Memorial passing out Halloween trinkets, books, crayons and play-doh. “Reach Out and Touch” also passed an additional 85 sugar free candy goodie bags to local children in Lake Charles who are diabetic. All Halloween goodie bags and cards were handed out on Halloween day. For Christmas, ‘Reach Out and Touch” donated 115 new toys to the KPLC Community Christmas drive. The Dolby Elementary gifted students were featured on the 6’oclock news at Wal-Mart on Nelson. In addition to the donation, the program passed out 55 new toys to the hospitalized children at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Lake Charles Memorial Women’s Hospital Gauthier Campus, St. Patrick Hospital, and Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Every child received a hand made Christmas card from our gifted students in addition to their gift. ‘Reach Out and Touch” passed out 15 infant gifts to the NICU babies at Women’s and Children’s and Lake Charles Memorial Women’s Hospital Gauthier Campus, with a babies first Christmas card. All toys and cards were passed out Christmas Eve. For Easter, “Reach Out and Touch” donated 15 Easter baskets to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Women’s and Children’s Hospital to hospitalized children. The community service program also passed out 15 stuff bunny rabbits for the NICU babies at Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Lake Charles Memorial Women’s Hospital Gauthier Campus. Each child / baby also received an Easter card from the gifted students. In addition, “Reach out and Touch” donated 15 new toys to the pediatric play room at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. All Easter items were passes out the Saturday before Easter.

Volume 32, Number 1

The gifted students at Dolby Elementary Gifted Center has worked every hard throughout these holidays to make sure each hospitalized child/baby received something on the above mentioned holidays. The gifted teacher and the Dolby Elementary gifted Center are very proud of the gifted students for devoting many hours towards this program. A special thank you goes out to the gifted parents who made this program a success. Without their support and encouragement this program would not be what it is today. Our program is moving forward as a center and has become partners with Lake Charles Memorial Hospital in an effort to provide essential items for children, their parents and siblings. In 2010 -2011 school year our program will work very closely with the pediatric floor personal and the CEO at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. — Mikie Ferguson Skylar Cormier, student at SP Arnett Middle School, has been selected to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference this summer in Washington, D.C. She was nominated by her teacher, Teri Sugandi, who recognized her as one of a select group of students with the scholastic merit, maturity and strength of character to represent SP Arnett at this unique leadership program for exceptional 5th and 6th graders. -Linda Cormier Dolby Elementary had their first day of “Leader in Me” training on May 31st. The “Leader in Me” Program is based on Steven Covey’s Seven Habits for students. The program develops leadership skills in elementary students. Training, which is funded by a grant from the SW Alliance, will continue in August. — Pam Quebodeaux Katelyn Jackson was selected as KVHP’s Student of the Month for April. Katelyn is a 4th grade student in Kay’s classroom at Nelson Elementary. Congratulations Katelyn! — Leslie Comeaux Vincent Settlement Elementary students participated in the annual St. Jude’s MathA-Thon raising over $1,100.00. The students surpassed this year’s goal of $1,000.00. Since VSE has started participating in Math-AThon 10 years ago, they have raised almost $20,000.00 to help St. Jude’s find a cure for childhood cancers. — Paullette Szymanksi Two teachers from Frasch Elementary were recently awarded the H.C. Drew Grant. Third and fourth grade teachers, Millie Clement and Shirleen Lawrence were awarded grant money to assist in providing the newest technology and software available to enhance student learning in the classroom. — Katie Dupre Students at WT Henning were challenged to pass at least 10,000 tests during the current school year. They more than doubled their goal reaching 21,963 tests passed. Greg Whiteard, principal will now camp out on campus to acknowledge their fantastic achievement. — Tanya Eubanks Camille Fox and Bryianna Williams, two fifth grade students with the highest grade point averages at John J. Johnson, were presented a special certificate and a $5.00 gift card from 52 Aces Humanity Group and K.P.C. #141 on April 9. The presentation was made by Dereck Gradney of 52 Aces, a local humanitarian organization. 52 Aces is dedicated to inspiring the children of our community to always strive to do their best and let them know their accomplishments do not go unrecognized. Johnson’s faculty, staff, and parents are grateful for the kindness expressed by 52 Aces and K.P.C. #141. — Gloria E. Jackson Moss Bluff Elementary celebrated Louisiana’s history and culture during the last week of April. Through out the week, students were taught about Louisiana across the curriculum.

On Friday, all students participated in Cajun dancing and music, Louisiana foods, exhibits demonstrating animals found in the state, a visit from the Contraband Buccaneers, and frog races. — Sherina Snead Moss Bluff Elementary teachers and students participated in a school wide math day. The students were exposed to multiple grade level expectations and a variety of instructional methods at the school. All involved, had a great time and learned valuable math skills. — Sherina Snead Moss Bluff Elementary students collected phone books for the “Team Green of Southwest Louisiana Contest.” The students donated enough books for the recycling project that were recognized as the eighth place winner. Lori Comeaux, a second grade teacher at the school, organized the project for the students. — Sherina Snead On March 17, College Oaks’ Kindergarten classes concluded their IIM study on St. Patrick’s Day with a celebration featuring Irish music and games. Special shamrock cookies and green punch were enjoyed by all. The walls were decorated with a giant rainbow with a lucky pot of gold and the Irish IIM projects from each class. Their St. Patrick’s Day booklets featured facts they had learned about the holiday. — Jeanette Webre At College Oaks, the theme for the PBS celebration for the fifth six weeks was “Jolly Ranchers and Jeans.” Students with outstanding behavior were rewarded with free play outside and tasty treats. — Jeanette Webre Students in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades recently took the last Scantron test for the school year. This computerized test allows us to compare the growth that students have had since the beginning of the school year. Before the tests were administered students were told about the Scantron incentives that were available. They were also told that their Scaled Score and their gains could result in some nice rewards. Students who have a certain Scaled Score or a substantial growth would be eligible for an extra free recess. If scores and gains were a little higher, they would be eligible for the free recess plus a free dress day. If both of their Math and Reading scores met the criteria they would get two free recesses and two free dress days. Those students who had the highest Scaled Scores or the most gains will be treated to the free recess, free dress, and a Pizza party with the Principal. Once all tests were completed and the reports printed, it was obvious that the gains were phenomenal. Thanks to all the students who worked so hard. The week of May 17th begins the reward incentives. - Linda Portie Whitney Hurlbut and Mandy Benoit will represent WW Lewis Middle school at the Keystone Institute this summer in Keystone, Colorado. The Keystone Institute seeks to solve our society’s most challenging environmental, energy, and public health problems. Participates will take part in environmental projects and research. The institute is sponsored through the local refinery W.R. Grace. — Whitney Hurlbut Washington-Marion HS held a Haiti Super bowl. Students were allowed to dress in their favorite team clothing-Indianapolis or New Orleans. Just like the Super bowl, the SAINTS won. Funds collected from this event AND the Spanish class/club donations totaled $775.00. These monies will be given to the American Red Cross for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Sponsors of the events were Jassaland Kelly-Demease, super bowl, and Mary Ann Lacefield, Spanish club. — Angela Henley

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Noteworthy The Westlake High Vocational Classes are sponsoring a Career Day & Fair on Friday, April 23. Featured during this day, will be motivational speakers, seminars and a career fair specializing in various careers. Motivational speaker Bruce Hamilton will open the day. HighTech Grant The CPSB Technology Training Center is implementing a federally funded technology grant to improve student achievement by utilizing instructional technology tools and strategies with high school students at Bell City High. The HighTech grant encompasses a job-embedded professional development approach whereby the technology facilitator, Sharon Fontenot, leads justin-time professional development and instructional modeling that directly addresses the goals and strategies outlined in the schools’ improvement and technology plans. Utilizing a team approach, the teachers regularly engage in professional development and collaboration to design lessons encompassing research-based, effective technology strategies to support and enhance the state-endorsed Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum in core subject areas. In conjunction with the grant, Mrs. Fontenot is directly working with ninth through twelfth grade teachers and students in a pilot 1:1 computer initiative using netbook computers. Each high school student at Bell City High has their own netbook, provided by this federal grant. The Region V Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center, located in the Calcasieu Parish Technology Department, services the five surrounding parishes: Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis, in addition to the Dioceses of Lake Charles, approved Brumfield vs Dodd non-public schools and McNeese State University. Joshlyn Foreman and Mitzi Comeaux are the TLTC facilitators for Region V. The TLTC staff has provided training in web 2.0 tools, webcams, flip cameras, MP3s, Promethean, Intel initiatives, Thinkfinity, Blackboard, Discovery Education, and Proficiency Express to over 2,000 participants for the 20092010 school year.

Mitzi George from J. I. Watson. Daniel Light, the lead researcher, found the teachers very knowledgeable and deeply emerged in enhancing classroom instruction with web tools. The student observations, technology products and interviews validated the impressive work by Calcasieu educators as they incorporate technology integration by communicating, collaborating and conducting research electronically. Each of these teachers represented our district with exemplary teaching skills and impressed the visitors with their insight, knowledge, vision and focus on student outcomes. Sloan Hunter from Sulphur High successfully passed the CompTia Network+ industry based certification. The CompTia Network+ exam is an industry based certification that is internationally recognized, vendorneutral and proves a technician’s competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure. A passing score on the exam is 720 and 900 is a perfect score. Sloan’s score was 875. Sloan is a Networking Basics student at Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning. — Charlene Chiasson Congratulations to Nelson Elementary’s dance team! They recently competed with other elemenatry schools at McNeese State University where they showcased their dancing skills. Nelson’s dance team took home gold! The members of the dance team are Madeline Ellis and Riley Hartley, Lindsey Fontenot and Ryan Mellard, Mary Amanda Bell and Logan Fontenot, Valeria Faria and Logan Shaughnessy, Dasha German and Reginald Larkins, along with Dance Captains Mallory Walker and Luis Ortiz. — Leslie Comeaux Ericka Murray, a fifth grade teacher at Moss Bluff Elementary, received a grant provided by Wal-Mart. The funds she received were to purchase supplies used for science instruction in the classroom. The grant amount was one thousand dollars. — Sherina Snead

During the 2009-10 school year, 1902 students in Calcasieu Parish middle & high schools were successful in reading at least 25 library books, a 24% increase in student participation over the previous school year. “Stayin’ Alive with 25!” – a reading campaign for middle & high school students in Calcasieu Parish Public Schools – has proven successful for its 4th consecutive year, according to Helen Curol (Library Consultant). The promotional campaign was initiated TLTC and Education Development locally by middle & high school Center librarians, based on advice from Dr. The Calcasieu Parish School Board was Sally Clausen (Commissioner of Higher selected to participate in a research Education in Louisiana). Dr. Clausen study May 10th and 11th conducted encourages middle & high school by the Education Development Center students to read at least 25 books each (EDC) located in New York. EDC is school year if they plan to participate internationally known for their vision in higher education following high and research in the field of educational school graduation. The campaign technology. The Region V Teaching, also assists school librarians in their Learning, and Technology Center cooperation with teachers to promote facilitator Joshlyn Foreman coordinated Accelerated Reading (AR) as well as the research visit for the team. The their diligence in promoting a love of selected teachers who opened their life-long reading among students. Due classrooms up to the researchers and to differences in student populations provided insight into the utilization among schools, success ratings are of web 2.0 tools from a teacher’s and based on statistics from year to year @ student’s perspective were: Ashleigh each school. Schulz and Meg Reed from Moss Bluff Elementary, Brandi Hearnsberger According to data, the top 3 readers in from Sulphur High, Arlene Cain from middle schools during the 2009-2010 the LCB Academy of Learning, Terri school year are: Marquis Guy (205 at Simpson from Maplewood Middle and Oak Park Mid); Derrick Carter (183 The Region V Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center facilitator Mitzi Comeaux provided professional development for over 100 teachers participating in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) project across the state. The professional development supports STEM educators in creating lessons with a connection to the comprehensive curriculum and Bloom’s Taxonomy.

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at Reynaud Mid); and Darrius Simon (144 at Molo Mid). Librarians (Angela McManemin & Rhonda Foy) at SJ Welsh Middle led the district in number of actual participants among middle schools with 237 students. Adrienne Oakley (librarian) at JI Watson Mid recruited 148 students to rank highest in percentage of increase (886.67%) over the previous school year. Other increases are celebrated at Arnett (Sue White, Librarian), DeQuincy Mid (Lisa Boyer, Librarian), LeBlanc Mid (Tish Martinez, Librarian), Oak Park Mid (Melony LeMay, Librarian), Reynaud (Patti Fontenot, Librarian), Vinton Mid (Peggy Paige, Librarians), and FK White (Phyllis Stine, Librarian). Top 3 readers among high school students are: Felicia Rainwater (424 at DeQuincy HS); Cheyenne Sonnier (201 at Sam Houston HS); 164 books each for Cody Dennis (Sulphur 9th), Clayton Stanley (Sulphur HS), and Courtney Dartez (Sam Houston HS). Barbe HS (Kayla Little & Sheryl Swift, Librarians) tied with Sulphur HS (Susan Gardebled & Kristi Tyree, Librarians) for total number of reading participants at 50 each. This represented an increase of 16% for Barbe & an increase of 92% for Sulphur HS over the previous school year. Other schools showing increases were DeQuincy HS (Joy Mitchell, Librarian), Washington-Marion (Cynthia Sam, Librarian), Westlake HS (Renee Grantham, Librarian), and Sam Houston HS (Connie Degenhardt & Vickie Barto, Librarians). Vinton HS (Jeannie Breaux, Librarian) ranked highest in rate of student participation with an increase (183%) over the previous year. — Helen Curol College Oaks received a Drew Grant to provide a mobile laptop lab for classrooms to study a different career each month during the next school year. — Jeanette Webre Barbe High School French Immersion students first place winners at the Louisiana Association of High School French Clubs are Marissa Fraser and Charity Labby, Banner Art competition; and Hannah Carter, Advanced Quiz Bee on French culture. Braden Ryder won a scholarship to study French in at Université de Moncton in New Brunswick, Canada, for five weeks this summer as did Sulphur High’s Tyler Hartjen. The scholarships include room, board, classes and excursions. The whole weekend was conducted in French as were all of the competitions. — Charlene Chiasson The following Sam Houston High students are now Adobe Certified Associates in Visual Communication using Adobe Photoshop CS4. This certification is sponsored by Adobe Systems Incorporated: Cody Barnhart, Justin Chesson, Logan Derks, Justin Dufrene, Kensie Fletcher, Sydney Fontenot, Nicole Harmon, Jay McGee, Michael Oliver, Cristhian Perez, Morgan Porteau, Jason Richards, Kelsey Rousseau, Billy Sommers, Ginger Van Winkle, Brittany Verret, and Tate Young. The teacher is Marie Coleman who also received certification. — Charlene Chiasson Children participating in Calcasieu Parish School System’s early childhood education PreK Programs are better prepared for kindergarten and future success, according to a report released by the Cecil J. Picard Center for Child Development and Lifelong Learning at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The report also noted that

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4-year-old students in the parish surpassed the national average on test scores at the conclusion of their PreK experiences. Calcasieu Parish schools served approximately 1,400 4-year-old students during the 200809 school year through a variety of PreK programs, including the Title I Prekindergarten Program, 8(g) Student Enhancement Block Grant Program, and the state’s nationally acclaimed early childhood program, the Cecil J. Picard LA 4 program. — Charlene Chiasson Principal Brent Washington and NNPS committee members, Kerra Pappillion and Gwen Daniel presented on the topic: Parenting at the year end inservice held on May 14th at the St. Charles Retreat Center. The presentation gave insight into some of the events held throughout the school year in order to offer tips and support to our parents. An overview of our onsite parenting center was also shared. — Willona Jackson The following students received their Adobe Certified Associate in Web Communication using Dreamweaver: Chris Dugas, Barbe High Junior; Jamarick Valerie, LaGrange High Senior; and Lori Childress and Aaron Miller, Sulphur High Juniors. These are the 1st students in the parish to receive this certification. The students are in Web Design/Digital Media at Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning. — Charlene Chiasson Renee’ Ryan Fiser, Web Design/ Digital Media Instructor at Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning has received Adobe Certification (ACA) Educator status in Web Communication using Dreamweaver, Visual Design using Photoshop, and Rich Media Communication using Flash. To receive this nationally accredited certification you must pass a certification exam in each of the three categories and teach the approved curriculum for two or more years. She is the first teacher to receive any one of these certifications in Louisiana. — Charlene Chiasson The Board of Regents and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education has appointed LeBleu Settlement Elementary Principal Jill Portie to serve on a committee that is being formed to examine the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education policy that requires 124 or more credit hours for a baccalaureate degree in teacher education. The work of this committee is very important for higher education and teacher preparation. — Charlene Chiasson The Lake Charles-Boston Academy of Learning middle school Music Mastery students earned a “Sweepstakes” trophy with Superior ratings awarded by all judges in both concert performance and sight reading at the District Band Festival. The high school Music Mastery students also earned a “Sweepstakes” trophy for their top rated performance and sight-reading at the festival. The coordinator of the LCB Academy music mastery course is Bruce Lambert. All CPSB band directors participate in instruction and logistical support for the course during the spring semester. — Charlene Chiasson The Assistant Principals and Administrative Interns participated in four meetings this year. At the beginning of the school year, members gave input as to topics they would like addressed. Three meetings consisted of professional development provided by guest speakers. Topics included RTI, Negotiated Settlement, Discipline,

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School Finances, Kindergarten Alignment with State Accountability, Elementary Quality Deployment Plan, Legal Updates, and the Fourth Grade Transitional Program. One of the four meetings was a “Technology Visit” to two elementary schools to observe the integration of technology by teachers and students. The schools selected by the members were Moss Bluff Elementary and Dolby. A special thanks is extended to Charles Caldarera and Dr. Pam Quebodeaux for graciously permitting their schools to participate in this worthwhile activity. Cameron State Bank was the Partner in Education for this group of educators. They provided treats to members at the meetings. Arlene Hobaugh was the coordinator of the activities for the Assistant Principals and Administrative Interns. — Arlene Hobaugh On April 20-21 Debora Garrick, Elementary Curriculum Consultant, presented a two day training on RTI and Differentiated Instruction to teachers at J.J. Johnson Elementary School. While acquiring pertinent information, teachers were meaningfully engaged in “hands-on” activities. — Arlene Hobaugh The Calcasieu Parish Reading Council announces their state level winners in the Louisiana Reading Association Young Authors contest. There is a separate contest for each grade level in the categories of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Kelsey Broussard, a second grader at St. John Elementary, won first place in fiction. Madeline Gibson, a senior at Sulphur High School, won second place in fiction. — Charlene Chiasson The Educational Development Center (EDC), a New York based educational technology research company, collected data from the classrooms of Ashleigh Schulz and Meg Reed from Moss Bluff Elementary, Brandi Hearnsberger from Sulphur High, Arlene Cain from the LCB Academy of Learning, Terri Simpson from Maplewood Middle and Mitzi George from J. I. Watson. — Charlene Chiasson Donna Little’s second grade class at Gillis Elementary is featured in the March 2010 Reflector magazine with Partner in Education Christine Bailey’s State Farm Agency. Bailey’s team read a book entitled The Snowbelly Family of Chillyville Inn to the class. A photographer from Chicago photographed the event for the national magazine. — Charlene Chiasson Kathyrn Matte, of Sulphur High and The Children’s Theatre Company, was elected chairperson for the 20102011 State Student Board (SSB) of the Louisiana Thespian Society. — Charlene Chiasson The Calcasieu Parish School System has been selected as a presenter for the Super Summer Institute in late July. The event is sponsored by the State Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education in partnership with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. — Charlene Chiasson TSTAR is an acronym for Targeting Success Through Alternative Resources. It was conducted under the leadership of Dolores Hicks, Administrative Director of Elementary Schools, Dr. George Reado, Elementary Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Arlene Hobaugh coordinator of the program. It was designed for the specific purpose

of providing academic assistance to overage fourth grade students in the elementary school setting. Nine students in this pilot program were from schools in Academic Assistance and were recommended by the principal of each school based on the following criteria: a student must be one or two years behind his/her required age and appropriate grade level requirements. Selection was also based upon students’ scores from multiple data sources. It began in November and ended after state testing. The program was piloted at no additional cost to the school system. It was housed at C.A.S.E.S., and students were taught by a teacher already assigned to C.A.S.E.S. All 9 students passed the 2009-2010 LEAP test administered this year. We are extremely proud of the efforts of Jeanna Bure, TSTAR teacher, students, parents, and all parties involved in helping our students to accomplish this level of academic success. A special thanks is extended to Marva Davis, principal, and her staff. — Arlene Hobaugh Phyllis Hess, Westwood Elementary Principal, and Margaret Goode, Maplewood Middle Principal, have been named 2011 regional principals of the year in their categories. They will compete at the state level this summer. — Charlene Chiasson Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach has selected Ty Fullington, 6th Grade S.J. Welsh, and Nelson Gage Rodgers, 6th Grade S.J. Welsh, to serve on his Junior Team Green committee. — Charlene Chiasson The Calcasieu Parish School System 2010 Middle School Forensics Tournament was held at W.W. Lewis Middle School with 14 schools and over 200 students participating. Sweepstakes trophies were awarded to F.K. White, first place; S.J. Welsh, second place; and Ray D. Molo, third place. — Charlene Chiasson A Wall Street Journal article titled, African Teachers Come to the Rescue of Cajun Country: Imported Francophones Help Revive a Culture; Savoring ‘Le Gumbó’, featured Moss Bluff Middle School French Immersion teacher Cyran Hounnou, He is from West Africa and teaches seventh grade. — Charlene Chiasson The LaGrange NJROTC was awarded a Unit Achievement for its accomplishments. Six schools were selected from a group of over 50 NJROTC units spanning an area that includes West Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. — Charlene Chiasson Alicia Jones, gifted teacher at Westlake High, was selected as Regional Teacher of the Year and will move on to state competition. — Charlene Chiasson Rich Media Communication certification in Flash CS were awarded to Chris Dugas, Barbe High, Web Communication and Rich Media; Jamarick Valerie, LaGrange High, Visual Communication, Web Communication and Rich Media; Aaron Miller, Sulphur High, Visual Communication, Web Communication and Rich Media; Lori Childress, Sulphur High, Visual Communication, Web Communication and Rich Media. All were designated as Adobe Certified Associates. They are students of Renee’ Ryan Fiser of the Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning. — Charlene Chiasson

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Quality Corner Quality Corner Site Visits The Continuous Improvement Compass rubric is a tool that was used to establish baseline data by individual schools during Quality site visits during January, February, and March. The rubric addressed the following areas: • School Focus on Data Folders • School and Classroom Bulletin Boards • Dashboard and GPS • Classroom Focus on Data Folders • Bonus: Evidence of Other Quality Processes Upon conclusion of each site visit, the school received an Exit Report based on student and teacher interviews and observations during classroom visits. Each school received a rating of Not Evident, Emerging, Operational, or Highly Functional. Lists of commendations as well as one to three recommendations for continuous improvement were included in the report. The data was utilized in determining professional development needs and school specific support. The graph below indicates the results of the site visits. The rubric has been revised to include specific indicators that will enable each school to move forward in its continuous improvement efforts. A new category, Stakeholder Focus on Data Folders, has been added. The new rubric will be implemented in the 2010-2011 school year. A Summer Leadership Workshop will be held the first week of June. Each school team will review the site visit rubric from 2009-2010. Then, using the new rubric, leadership teams will set goals and develop an action plan to address the goal.

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