March, 2005 - Maplewood Elementary

Volume 30, Number 2
March 2005
Inside this issue:
Cathy Severns Named 2005 Louisiana Assistant
Principal of the Year
Board Spotlight
2
Partners in Education
4
Congratulations
6
Noteworthy
7
In the Schools
8
Quality Corner
12
Proud Supporters Of
Quality Education
Moss Bluff Middle School Assistant Principal Cathy
Severns has been named 2005 Louisiana Assistant
Principal of the Year by the Louisiana Association of
Principals. Severns has been an educator for 25 years. She
began her teaching career in Texas, before moving to
Louisiana in 1991. Severns earned a Bachelor of Science
and Master’s in Education from Stephen F. Austin State
University. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in
Educational Leadership at University of New Orleans. As a
classroom teacher Severns achieved National Board for
Professional Teaching Certification, received the Presidential award for Mathematics
Teaching, and was named 1998 Louisiana Elementary Teacher of the Year. She has
served as assistant principal for curriculum and instruction for five years at Moss Bluff
Middle School in Calcasieu Parish. Her special interests in professional development
and at-risk learners have resulted in new programs at the school. Severns currently
serves on the Calcasieu District Improvement Task Force, McNeese State University
Teacher Advisory Council, and Calcasieu First Insight New Teacher Induction Team.
She is a former member of the governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Teacher Quality.
The Assistant Principal of the Year Award was presented at the Louisiana Assistant
Principals Conference in Lafayette. A representative of Graduate Sales Corporation of
Louisiana presented Severns with a $1,000 check. There will be an additional
recognition at the Louisiana Association of Principals Annual Conference in Marksville
in April.
Prien Lake Elementary artwork for the Fall 2004
Original Works Art Honor Roll
The Original Works Art Institute has selected Prien Lake Elementary artwork for the
Fall 2004 Original Works Art Honor Roll. This award is given to Prien Lake’s art
educator, Christy Blalock – who was selected from art educators from across the
country who demonstrated a high degree of artistic excellence and creativity across all
grade levels. This year the honor was bestowed on less than 5% of the schools reviewed
by Original Works Art Institute.
The creativity, technique and consistency in the artwork submitted reflects a high
degree of inspiration and dedication on the part of the teacher, Christy Blalock,
Principal Irene Greathouse, and Prien Lake Elementary students.
Hicks Selected President of Library Board of Trustees
Agen
Dolores Hicks, Calcasieu Parish School System Administrative
Director of Elementary Schools, was recently selected as President of
the Calcasieu Parish Public Library Board of Trustees. This is Hicks’
second term on the board. She has 36 years of experience with the
school district.
The Library Board establishes rules and regulations for its own
government, elects and employs the director, fixes salaries and
compensation for library employees, adopts the annual budget,
authorizes expenditures, and establishes library policy. The Library
Board consists of eleven members, five of whom are nominated by the Mayor of the City
of Lake Charles and four of whom are named by the President of the Police Jury. Two
ex-officio members are the Police Jury President or his representative and the Mayor of
Lake Charles.
Providing a Quality Education for
All Students
A publication of the
Calcasieu Parish School System
Jude W. Theriot
Superintendent of Schools
Charlene Chiasson
Public Information Officer
School Board Spotlight
R.L. Webb
District 2
Congratulations to Iowa High School
for receiving $7,610.08 for
demontrating Exemplary Academic
Growth.
Congratulations to Bell City High School students of
the year: Elementary -Raimee Miller, fifth grade;
Middle School - Elle LeLeux eighth grade; and High
School - Michael Chavez, twelfth grade.
The 8th grade students in Tammy Fontenot’s class
are participating in the Great American Mail Race at
Moss Bluff Middle School.
Sheral A. LaVergne
District 2
Congratulations to Gillis Elementary
Student of the Year Taylor DeVillier.
Congratulations to Moss Bluff Middle
Beta Club, placing 1st in Quiz Bowl
and 2nd in Public Speaking at Beta District
Convention.
Clara F. Duhon
District 3
Bruchhaus for participating in the Lyondell 5K Race
in mid January.
Benton attended the annual Kindergarten
conference in Baton Rouge.
Reading and Math night was a great success at
Henry Heights Elementary School.
E.K. Key Elementary has new stage curtains in their
mini-gym; Thanks CITGO.
Fairview Elementary received a new reading program
called the READ 180 Program which is a scholastic
comprehensive reading intervention used for
targeting third, fourth, and fifth graders.
E.K Key Elementary students participated in the
Safety Drawing Contest and two drawings were
selected to be displayed at Citgo during the month of
March and April.
John M. Falgout
Vincent Settlement Elementary 4-H Club received
$250 from the Farmers’ Rice Mill Association for
being the Outstanding Club.
District 7
Congratulations to Oak Park
Elementary first grade teacher Monica
Chaddick, a published author. Publish
America has announced the release
date of March 10, 2005 for Chaddick's
book, A Teacher's Thoughts in Poem!
Pearl Watson's spelling bee winners are Keanna
Trahan, third grade, Tatyana Ceasar, fourth grade,
and Shauniqua Guillory, fifth grade. Thanks to Ms.
Shelton who coordinated the event.
Congratulations to Judith Washington from T.S.
Cooley. She was elected as the President Elect for
SPALS (Speech Pathologist and Audiologist in LA
schools).
James W. Pitre
District 8
Myiesha Moore is Pearl Watson’s 20042005 student of the year. She is a
member of the BETA club, the 4-H
club, the Girls Scouts, and Camp Fire.
Dolby teachers and students will
participate in a pilot of performancebased assessment in conjunction with
the CPSB Technology Department and
the Louisiana Center for Educational
Congratulations to Lake Charles-Boston High School
for receiving $7,044.67 for demonstrating Exemplary
Academic Growth.
Technology.
Congratulations to T.S. Cooley students Trevor
Duhon, Alexander Yu and Rachel Rust for
participating in the Regional Spelling Bee contest on
March 19, 2005
The Original Works Art Institute has selected Prien
Lake Elementary artwork for the Fall 2004 Original
Works Art Honor Roll. This award is given to Prien
Lake’s art educator, Christy Blalock.
Gregory P. Robert
M.J. Kaufman collected $428.68 for the Tsunami
Disaster Relief Fund.
District 4
Alexis Jones fifth grader from Dolby
Elementary received Honorable
Mention in the Superintendent's
Christmas Card Contest.
Congratulations to Prien Lake second grade
students and teachers for raising $1,491.00 for the
Tsunami relief effort.
Pearl Watson sponsored a workshop for dads called
"Donuts & Decimals." Dads went to their child's
classroom and participated in a math activity with
their child. Over 30 dads were present for the
workshop.
Congratulations to Barbe Elementary School for
receiving $4,018.98 for demonstrating Exemplary
Academic Growth.
Dale B. Bernard
District 5
Lisa Dietz and Missy Bushnell made a
presentation --"A Day in a Quality
Classroom" at the National Quality in
Education Conference in Chicago.
M.J. Kaufman teacher Judi Welch attended a 2 day
workshop in Baton Rouge entitled "Teacher As
Assessor, Developing Constructed-Response Items".
Congratulations to Oak Park Elementary Spelling
Bee winners Mar'Tya Thurman, third grade; Timothy
Davis, fourth grade; and Ashley Prudhomme, fifth
grade.
Philip Tarver
District 6
Congratulations to Prien Lake
Elementary School Running Club
members and sponsor Paula
Page 2
Congratulations to Cheyenne Roebuck, 4th grader at
Henry Heights Elementary, for representing her
school at the Regional Spelling Bee Contest on
March 19th, 2005.
Dr. Edward Stephens
District 9
Westlake High School scored 112.9 on
LEAP up from last year 97.2, receiving
the growth label "Exemplary Academic
Growth" and $7,946.27.
Congratulations to Terri Johnson at DeQuincy
Elementary school for receiving the 2005 I-TEC
grant.
James W. Karr, Sr.
District 10
Congratulations to DeQuincy High
School for receiving $4,920.57 for the
LEAP/GEE rewards.
Mrs. Carl Shelton, DeQuincy
Elementary School curriculum coordinator, has
earned her profession's top honor by achieving
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards,
one of only 91 teachers in Louisiana who have
earned this distinction.
On Arbor Day DeQuincy Elementary School
students and staff planted two trees in front of the
school in honor of the late Mayor Buddy Henagan.
Jay L. Duhon
District 11
Vincent Settlement Kindergarten
teachers Glenda Carson, Elizabeth
DeWoody, Lisa Allain and Jennifer
Joe A. Andrepont
District 12
For the third year in a row, the SHS
Chess Team placed 1st in the Parish
Chess Tournament.
E. K. Key students, faculty, and
community collected money for the
Tsunami Relief Fund and donated $860.98 to the
American Red Cross.
Sulphur High School’s cheerleading squad received
1st place at the Cheerleading Association of
America’s Fiesta Open in San Antonio.
D.S. Perkins had a successful Family Night in early
February with approximately 200 students and their
families attending.
Congratulations to the Sulphur High Quiz Bowl
team for advancing to regional competition.
With the institution of LeBlanc Middle Schools’
Perfect Attendance incentive, “Everybody Counts”,
their attendance has increased by 7 %.
Billy Breaux
District 13
Lindsay Doucett, senior, placed 1st at
state in the 800 meter relay.
Maplewood Elementary and Middle
school students collected new baby
blankets for the children in Sri Lanka which was hit
by the tsunami.
Maplewood Middle School’s Parents as Partners
heard from Scott Riviere during their last meeting.
Rev. J.L. Franklin
District 14
Congratulations to Oak Park
Elementary third grade student
Katelyn Pappion, who is the 2005 Deb
Miss Black Heritage.
Fairview Elementary held a Grand Opening
Celebration on December 14, 2004, for the
completion of our renovations, new cafeteria and
new library. The Pre-K and Kindergarten classes
gave a special Christmas performance.
M.J. Kaufman collected $428.68 for the Tsunami
Disaster Relief Fund.
Bryan LaRocque
District 15
Construction has begun on a new
multi-purpose room for Gillis
Elementary. Other improvements will
include renovations to the office area,
library and restrooms.
Congratulations to Cathy Severns, Assistant
Principal of Moss Bluff Middle, for being named to
Who's Who Among America's Teachers.
Congratulations to Emily Stephens, an 8th grader at
Moss Bluff Middle School, and Chris Barbee, her Art
teacher, for the Honorable Mention in the American
Spirit Poster Contest on February 25 in New
Orleans.
SHARE
Chester Moses'
Family Consumer
Science classes
displayed their
finished clothing
projects at Molo
Middle School in
January. The
students used their
Chester Moses, Jamie
sewing skills to create
Morgan, Devin Ledoux colorful vests, aprons,
stuffed animals,
pillows and door covers. In the textile unit the
students interpreted pattern markings, pattern
layout diagrams and outlined safety procedures
for the sewing lab. School Board representative
Sheral Lavergne was in attendance to enjoy the
display.
— Eve Carpenter
The Vincent Settlement Elementary 4-H Club
received $250 from the Farmers' Rice Mill
Association for being the Outstanding Club. The
4-H members voted to donate the money to the
Red Cross for Tsunami Relief. The club's
generous donation was featured on KPLC TV.
— Pat Carr
Louisiana Thespians, a
component of the
Educational Theatre
Association, awarded
Casey Barrett a $750.00
scholarship during the
2005 Louisiana Thespian
Conference at
Northwestern State
University. Additionally,
the Northwestern State
University theatre
department awarded
Westlake High
Barrett an additional
School actor Casey
$1,000.00 for ranking first
Barrett wins
place in musical theatre.
scholarship
Louisiana Thespians is an
organization dedicated to the theatrical training of
junior and high school Louisiana students. The
organization hosts an annual state conference for
Louisiana thespians in which workshops and
productions are presented. Barrett is a theatre
student at Westlake High School directed by
Kerry A. Onxley. His parents are Terry and
Linda Barrett.
— Kerry A. Onxley
The Westlake High School Theatre hosted the
opening season for the McNeese State
University 2005 Banners Series. The act
presented was the Trio Voronezh. The three
musicians play traditional Russian instruments a double-bass balalaika, bajan and domra. The
Banners Series is a series of music, lectures,
readings and artwork that takes place primarily
at McNeese. It is organized by a committee
consisting of McNeese staff and faculty and
community members. Kerry A. Onxley is
Director of Theatre. Westlake High Theatre is
located at 1000 Garden Drive.
— Kerry A. Onxley
the Bell City High School community, is nearing
completion. Although final work will continue on
bleacher canopies, the first softball game was
played on the new field on March 3. Formal
opening ceremonies are scheduled for March 31,
when both the baseball and softball teams will
play.
— Cynthia Nunez
The Middle School Chess
Team from Maplewood
School won first place in
the Southwest Louisiana
Scholastic Chess
Championship on February
19. Members of the team
are Matt Stewart, Luke
Loukas, Ethan Fontenot,
Bobby Dalton, Taylor
Zachary, Cody Edwards, Billy Christian, and
Cole Gunter. Don Catlon is sponsor for the
team.
St. John Elementary Ambassadors
Paula Bruchhaus, a teacher at Prien Lake
Elementary School, organized a running club for
fourth grade students. Mrs. Bruchhaus chose
fourth grade because she wanted it to serve as a
stress reliever for the students who take the LEAP
test. Some research has shown that the most
immediate approach to stress reduction is to
make time for exercise. Exercise improves the
ability to relax, sleep and concentrate while also
promoting self-esteem. Exercise is also proven to
enhance energy and memory. The increasing
prevalence of childhood obesity throughout the
United States has led policy makers to rank it as
one of the most critical public health threats of
the 21st century. Obesity now affects one in five
children in the United States. The Running Club
meets every Monday after school. The students
graph their miles from the previous week, discuss
upcoming races, have guest speakers, and then
spend the last thirty minutes running together on
the school campus. When students reach twenty
five mile increments, they are awarded prizes.
Sponsors generously have given money to provide
these prize incentives. Hopefully, school programs
such as this will help with childhood obesity and
promote lifelong, healthy physical activity
patterns. The following students from Prien Lake
Elementary Running Club participated in the
Lyondell 5K Race on Saturday, January 15, 2005:
Clay Henry, Shane Fontenot, Conner Karam,
Tanner Helms, Jace Little, Amanda Hancock,
Timmy Heffer, Alexandra Kiritsis, Bailey
Bruchhaus, Katie Mefford, Hannah Mayeaux,
Kristen Hanchey, John Lemke, Mason
Mayeaux, Meagan Vezinot, Kennedy Smith,
Daniel Bruner, Elizabeth Courville, Katie
Janca, Ann Marie Mefford, Sarah Courville,
Austin Huffman, Alaina Thomas, Bethany
Mathieu, Nikki Thibodeaux. The Prien Lake
Elementary Running Club gives special
recognition to the following Running Club
members who have run at least twenty five miles:
Everett Bergstedt, Amanda Hancock, Kayleigh
Heard, Christiana Simon, Alaina Thomas,
Austin Woods, Daniel Bruner, Aaron Foreman,
Kristen Hanchey, Sara Casiday, Conner
Karam, Bethany Mathieu. Congratulations to
the following Running Club members who have
run fifty miles: Bailey Bruchhaus, Joshua
Joseph, Alexandra Kiritsis, and Jace Little.
The club has run over 1,200 miles.
For three weeks Gillis Elementary hosted two
French Immersion student teachers,
Mademoiselle Audrey Modica and Monsieur
Daneil Sarfati, both from French Guyana.
Kindergarten and 5th grade French Immersion
students were introduced to the unique culture of
French Guyana through French lessons in math,
science and social living.
— Tim Savoy
The Miller Alexander Sports Complex, a joint
effort of CPSB board member R.L. Webb, partner
in education Sweetlake Land and Oil Company,
Calcasieu parish police juror Tony Stelly, and
Volume 30, Number 2
— Jason Doyle
— Ann Miller
— Shirlene Clark
Sports Complex Nears Completion
first year to be competing with both boys and
girls. The co-ed team performed well at nationals
and received 1st place in the co-ed partner stunt
competition. The partnership included Jeff
Goudeau, senior, and Kasha Leo, freshman. The
cheerleaders did very well this year at nationals
and are very excited about next year. Having a coed squad brought a different perspective to the
squad and allowed them to be more broad with
ideas for dances and stunts. Devin Kinney
provided the following: "It was a fun, and
interesting experience. Because we were co-ed
this year, it was on a different competition level
and it was exciting."
Sulphur High started a new tradition this year by
having a co-ed cheerleading squad. The squad
received 1st place at the Cheerleading Association
of America's Fiesta Open in San Antonio on Feb.
13th, which was excellent considering it was the
St. John Elementary has formed a new student
organization, The St. John Ambassadors. This
organization was formed to represent the school
during special functions and aid with school and
community service. The leadership of these
fourth and fifth grade students serving as
Ambassadors will help students within the school
as well as people in need. The Ambassadors have
already led an effort school-wide to raise money
for victims of the recent Tsunami disaster. Their
efforts helped to raise a $1,300.00 contribution to
the Red Cross. The Ambassador Organization is
made up of fourth and fifth grade students who
were nominated by their teacher. The students
were nominated based on specific academic and
character trait criteria. The following fourth
grade students were selected to serve as
Ambassadors: Brandon Robert, Bryce Richmond,
Kaylyn Mitchell, Maddie Gaspard, Cydney Creel,
Conner Mier, Quinn Burkhalter, Blake
Gaspard, Daniel Breaux, Shawn Thibodeaux,
Taylor Gary, Shelby Spann, Kelly Jeffers,
Madelyn Crador, Ashleigh Hargis, Brooklynn
Bertrand, Tory Lewis, Andrew Arabie, Spencer
Salvador, Katelynn Harrington, Rose Owens,
Cindy Labra, Louis Duhon, Clayton Fontenot,
Matthew Fontenot, Tyler Thompson, Laiklyn
Potts, Carly Farmer, Harlie Behrman, Ryan
Nolen, Jordan Polito, Michael Polito. The
following fifth grade students were selected to
serve as Ambassadors: Jalen Lewis, Drew
Heaton, Katelyn Mouhot, Morgan Esparza,
Erin Ivey, Nikki Hudson, Keeslon Fontenot,
Taylor Thomas, Laken Bobo, Emily Doty,
Morgan Lowin, Joseph Burris, Leann Perrodin,
Logan Basden, Baylie Lee, Jessica Corley,
Germaine Synigal, Chace Champagne, Allison
Ross, Kai Lognion, Emily Hinton, Natasha
Harrington, Avery Darbonne, Donavon
Dominque, Makayla Johnson.
— Tara Owens
Maplewood's
elementary and
middle school
students joined
together to collect
new baby blankets
for the children in
the country of Sri
Lanka which was
hit by the
Maplewood Collects Blankets tsunami. The
blankets, which
for Tsunami Relief
will be used as
pallets or for light cover, will be shipped to the
National Child Protection Authority in Sri Lanka.
Pictured are Mikha Romero, Marietta Campaga,
Laura Sherwood, Hannah Authement, and
Mallory Miller with some of the blankets.
— Ann Miller
Soon, Gerald Conner, SHS principal, will be
saying goodbye to Sulphur High as he plans to
retire at the end of this school year. He has been
in this profession for 40 and a half years and has
(Continued on page 5)
Page 3
Partners in Education
the months of March and April. The winners were:
second grader, Kayla Sherer, and fourth grader,
Chloe Nikolakopulas.
— Norma Foster
Partners in education are an important part of
community involvement at Moss Bluff Elementary.
The school is proud to have so many caring
supporters. Thanks to Wendy’s, Melanie PerryState Farm, Mike Clary-Allstate, Jeff Davis Bank,
Sonic and Beauregard Electric.
— Sherina Snead
Fairview Elementary fourth grade French students
brought Christmas cheer to the school’s Partners in
Education on December 17, 2004. Students visited
PIE businesses so they could sing Christmas carols
in French. The students had a great time, and the
partners enjoyed the caroling along with the tray of
goodies put together by the Fairview staff. Partners
include Logan’s, Wal-Mart, Cameron State Bank,
Lake Charles Toyota, Sonic, Check into Cash,
Wendy’s, Bernard’s Muffler Shop, Lake Charles
Nissan, and M Simon Furniture.
— Chandra Broussard
Thanks to CITGO, there are new stage curtains
hanging in E.K. Key's mini-gym. Citgo also
purchased custom mini-blinds for the office of the
Curriculum Coordinator. In the third grade hall,
there is a beautiful Louisiana mural that depicts
some endangered species. Citgo helped fund this
painting that was done by Kelly Long. E.K. Key
students participated in a Safety Drawing Contest
and two drawings were selected by Citgo to be
displayed on the billboard entering the plant during
Page 4
T. S. Cooley would like to thank Lisa Hilton,
Marketing Director from the Sleep Disorder Clinic,
for participating in the school’s Career Fair and for
helping in the selection of Student of the Year.
— Fanny Odom
Troy Miller from Wal-Mart presented Louana
Broussard, Principal Fairview Elementary, and the
Partners In Education chairperson, with a check for
$500 to better the school’s technology department.
The check is from a grant written at the beginning of
the year. Wal-Mart is one of Fairview’s partners.
— Chandra Broussard
Westlake High School’s Partner In Education,
ConocoPhillips is assisting the school during LEAP
testing. LEAP testing is March 14-18. On Monday,
March 14 at 7:15AM, ConocoPhillips provided
breakfast for all students. The breakfast was held in
the school’s cafeteria.
— Kerry A. Onxley
Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. (LPC) has been a
Partner-in-Education with Washington-Marion
Magnet High School since the early 1990’s when
the plant was built. The partnership became less
active in the late 1990’s. In 2002 Louisiana Pigment
renewed its dedication to be a good partner to
Washington-Marion. Louisiana Pigment has had
the opportunity to assist in all aspects of the school.
They have supplied painting materials to repaint the
cafeteria and provided 50 pairs of safety glasses for
the wood shop class. The school has benefited from
350 reams of paper, 3000 pencils, 900 ink pens, and
150 binders for LEAP. LPC has provided comfort
mats for teachers and is continuing to purchase
them for the teachers. Tutors have been provided 3
days a week at mid day for Biology and 3 days a
week after school for Math and Science for four
weeks. Louisiana Pigment has reworked the
chemistry lab chemical inventory (removed unused
chemicals and supplies), and provided needed
chemicals, supplies and equipment. They have
delivered and set-up 20 personal computers with
monitors, keyboards, with operating systems
installed. Twelve classrooms will receive custom sets
of shelves and two custom tables. Louisiana Pigment
also provides $3000 per year for REACT academic
achievement awards, and have helped present
awards to students.
Alcoa’s Bobby Padgett, environmental health and
safety manager; and Carole Blair community
relations representative, recently presented a check
for $5,000 from the Alcoa Foundation to Henry
Heights Elementary for their science lab. Alcoa has
been the primary funder for the science lab for the
past three years.
SHARE
(Continued from page 3)
worked in Sulphur for 39 years. For 11 years,
Connor has been principal at Sulphur High. He
was inspired by an old high school coach and
patterned himself after Billy Moses, former
principal of Sulphur High School. Billy Moses
hired Mr. Conner as assistant principal 30 years
ago. So, what does this man of so much
responsibility plan to do with all of the extra time
when he retires? He plans to spend a lot of time
golfing, hunting, and fishing. He is also thinking
of getting a part-time job to keep himself busy. Of
all of the things that come along with being a
principal, Connor said he will miss the
relationships with the students and staff the
most. He said, "It's been a great career and if I
had to do it over again, I'd do it the same way.
The longer I stayed in it, the harder it is to break
away. I've had opportunities to go to other schools
but couldn't pull myself away from this place. It's
such a great place to work and live. It's a very
enjoyable and fulfilling profession."
— Jaclyn Dowers
Maplewood
Middle
School's
Parents as
Partners
organization
was privileged
to hear from
Scott Riviere,
licensed
professional
counselor
specializing in
children and
Scott Riviere Speaks to MMS
adolescents,
Parents as Partners
during its last
meeting. Riviere spoke on the topic of positive
behavior management. Background information
to understand positive behavior management was
given, including the foundational needs of
children, the development of communication, the
setting of limits, and the understanding that
struggle means growth. Strategies shared for
positive behavior management can be
implemented by parents at home and by teachers
in the classroom. The session ended with
questions directed to Riviere.
— Ann Miller
Mrs. Broxson's second grade class made Reading
Renaissance Model Classroom. They will soon be
a Reading Renaissance Master Classroom. Mrs.
Broxson's class has taken 2,881 tests this school
year. Students passed 2,749 of these tests. The
class has a 2.9 Reading Level with an 88.6%
correct. There are no students "at risk" in her
room. Ten students have made Independent
Reader, seven are Super Readers and there is one
Advanced Reader. Both the teacher and students
are doing a fabulous job!
— L. Veazey and J. Trouth
Oak Park Elementary sponsored a Family Math
and Science Clinic/Title I Open House on
January 25th,
which over 200
students and
parents attended.
Each classroom
provided a handson math or
science activity for
the families to do
together.
Designated
Paige Sterling and Alisha
students managed
Lartigue assist students and
the booths and
parents.
provided
assistance as
needed. The school provided complimentary
spaghetti dinners to all families who attended.
— Jeanette Webre
Principal Brent Washington has begun a
“Principal Outreach Program.” This program
allows Mr. Washington to meet with parents
outside of school. He meets with Brentwood
parents at different apartment complexes to
Volume 30, Number 2
discuss various school issues. Brentwood
Elementary staff had 100% participation in the
United Way Campaign. Teacher Bettye Gullion
and Curriculum Coordinator Wynetta Proctor
received update training on LAT, AAP Mentor
Portfolio for Mentoring and Assessing new
teachers. Brentwood Elementary has begun
“LEAP Saturday.” Saturday tutoring is being
offered by faculty members for parents and
students in preparation for LEAP testing.
— Vicky Broussard
Mrs. Thibodeaux's
Kindergarten Class celebrated
the 100th day of school on
February 1. Students climbed
a coconut tree while counting
by 5's. 100 day cupcakes here
a hit with the students; they
decorated them with icing and
Mrs.
candy to form the number 100.
Thibodeaux's
The students also brought 100
Class 100th Day
of the same item to practice
Project
counting by ones and tens.
migration that occurred on March 7, 2005,
Discontinuation of WINS service and its impact
on Window 95/98 computers, Windows 95/98
upgrade plans for the district, At the end of the
meeting, copies of the Windows XP Service Pack 2
CD were distributed and door prizes were drawn
from the participants.
— Scott Schonefeld
Emily Stephens,
an 8th grader at
Moss Bluff Middle
and her Art teacher
Chris Barbee, were
invited to a
winner's reception
for the 2004-05
American Spirit
Poster Contest on
Emily Stephens and her Art
Feb. 25 in New
teacher, Chris Barbee
Orleans at the
National D-Day Museum. Emily received an
Honorable Mention for State with her entry.
— Jo Abshire
— Melinda Thibodeaux
Craig MacFarlane, a motivational speaker, spoke
to students at Moss Bluff Middle in celebration
of February Career Month. Mr. MacFarlane
earned national championships in blind
competitions that include wrestling, water skiing,
track and field, and downhill skiing. Since the age
of 2, he used other senses to "see" the world
around him.
— Jo Abshire
Moss Bluff Middle School 8th grade students in
Tammy Fontenot's class are participating in the
"Great American Mail Race". Students are writing
letters to other 8th graders in five different states
and will continue to correspond as pen pals.
Students also sent a Christmas package,
including gift items and letters, to soldiers
stationed in Iraq. Letters from soldiers were
shared with the class. Students also researched
inventions from the 1800's and presented reports
to the class. Some students made replicas of the
invention and told how they would modify or
improve it.
— Jo Abshire
To celebrate Dental Health week Mrs.
Duplechain, and Mrs. Roach's Pre-K, along with
Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Thibodeaux, Mrs. Bellow,
and Mrs. Pitman's Kindergarten classes had a
visit from Dr. Eric A. Sanders' Dentist office. The
children had a
good session in
learning about
brushing their
teeth, flossing,
and having
regular dental
check-ups. We
received goody
bags that
included a
toothbrush,
Dental Health Week
sample of
toothpaste, pencil, calendar, sticker and growth
chart.
— Nichole Thibodeaux
A Tech Contact meeting was held on February 17,
2005 in the board room at Kirkman Street. There
were over 100 contacts in attendance at the
meeting representing the schools and
departments in the district. Major topics of
discussion at the meeting were: CPSB WAN
Upgrade Update on the 50 sites being upgraded
this year to 100
megabit
connections,
State
Technology
Survey Update,
Windows XP
Service Pack 2
rollout plans
for the district,
Exchange email
Victims of the tsunami disaster in Asia are getting
a helping hand from
the students and
staff at Ralph
Wilson Elementary
School. Monies are
being collected
through the month
of January to
provide relief via the
American Red
Ralph Wilson collects money Cross. Donations
for Tsunami Disaster
may be made by
contacting the
school at 436-7103. Pictured, from left, are
teacher Helen Daniel, Mayor Randy Roach, and
Principal D. Kim Broussard.
— Helen Daniel
Fairview Elementary is proud to announce Carli
Hood, as our Student of the Year Representative.
Carli is in Lisa Baggett’s 5th grade class.
— Mary Adams
Fairview Elementary third grade classes all
celebrated Black History Month by making
PowerPoint presentations on famous African
Americans
throughout history.
They chose a
famous African
American to
research and used
given websites and
reference materials
to find their
information. The
Fairview 3rd Graders
students then
Working
on Black History
presented their
Month Power Points
research power
points to the class.
— Chandra Broussard
Fairview Elementary held the D.A.R.E.
graduation with many parents and family
members in attendance. The
graduates were from Mrs.
Baggett’s, Mr. Gazaway’s,
Mrs. Taylor’s, and Mrs.
Sonnier’s 5th grade classes.
All of the graduates were
presented with a D.A.R.E.
Graduation Certificate by
D.A.R.E. Officer Tracey
James from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s
Office. Special awards were given for essay
winners, and D.A.R.E. student of the year. The
essay winners were: Dillun Bush, Mrs. Taylor’s
class; Kiara Smith, Mr. Gazaway; and J’Shuna
Babineaux, Mrs. Baggett’s class. The D.A.R.E.
students of the year were: Carli Hood, Mrs.
Baggett’s class, Eboni Jackson, Mrs. Taylor’s
class, Joseph Price, Mr. Gazaway’s class.
— Mary Adams
Page 5
Congratulations
Prien Lake Elementary sends congratulations to
Michaela Fontenot, a 5th grader in Ms.
Lemoine’s class, who is a “Grand Prize” winner
in the American Spirit Poster Contest. Blane
Edwards, a 3rd grader in Shauna Shamsie’s
class, won 1st place in the third grade division of
the same contest. Both girls have been invited to
the Winners’ Reception in New Orleans.
— Shirlene Clark
Colin Hyatt, Maplewood eighth grader, was
named Calcasieu Parish Middle School Student of
the Year First Runner Up. Colin is a member of
the school's Beta Club, Student Council, Quiz
Bowl, and MathCounts. He is also president of
The Way, and he was an MMS football player this
year. Colin is a member of chorus and is a threeyear Honor Chorus member. He wrestles with the
Sulphur High School Junior Team. Colin is the
son of Nanci and Hank Hyatt. Maplewood Middle
School's Teacher of the Year Dawn Fox was
named Second Runner Up in the Calcasieu Parish
middle school division. She was presented a
plaque at a recent School Board Meeting. Fox
teaches eighth grade social studies. In addition to
her classroom duties, she is the Lead Technology
Contact and Webmaster for the school. Allison
Dalton, Maplewood Elementary Chess Club
member, won a second place trophy at the Henry
Heights Chess Tournament on January 22, 2005.
Other participants from the team were Daniel
Garner, Ananias Bellow, Haley Campbell,
Shannon Dalton, and Hailey Fisher. Club
Sponsor is Martha Dalton. Maplewood Middle
School's MathCounts team earned a top-level spot
as Second Runner Up at the DeRidder Junior
High School/Mead Westvaco MathCounts
competition on February 10, 2005. Students on
the team are Jessica Casey, Gregory Garner,
Colin Hyatt, and Bhavik Jeriwala. Martha
Dalton is their sponsor.
— Ann Miller
St. John Elementary Student of the Year is
Keeslon Fontenot. Finalists were Jasmine
Reese, Allison Haley, Morean Lowin, Taylor
Hayes, Taylor Thomas, Joseph Burris, Bethany
Fruge, Lakyn Bobo, Chace Champagne, Bailey
Lee, Drew Heaton, Katelyn Mouhot, and Erin
Ivey. Brant Jones and Diego Pimentel of St.
John Elementary both placed First in chess
tournament at Henry Heights. St. John
Elementary Chess Team placed third in the chess
tournament at W.W. Lewis on February 19, 2005.
— Tara Owens
"Louisiana Artwork" by Gillis Elementary
students Brittany Campbell and Rachell
Ronquille was featured at the Old City Hall.
Rachel Ronquille's painting won 3rd place. Linda
Borel is their art teacher.
— Tim Savoy
Congratulations to the following Gillis 4H
students for their achievements at the District
Livestock Show at Burton Coliseum: Lindsey
Caldwell, a 4th grade student in Mrs. Fuselier's
class placed 3rd in Showmanship with her pig;
Cody Guilbeaux, a 3rd grade student in Mrs.
Fillion's class received the following awards for
two of her goats: Percentage Breeding Doe-Overall
Reserve Grand Champion, Louisiana Bred Grand
Champion, 3rd Place-9 Year Old Showmanship,
Market Goat Division II, Louisiana Bred Grand
Champion
— Tim Savoy
Congratulations to the following Gillis students
for placing in the Science and Social Studies Fair:
Environmental Science: 1st Place, Jordon
Mayeaux "Eutrophication", 2nd Place, Zach
Farque and Chauncey Rupf "Oil Spill Clean-Up",
3rd Place, Genaro Barbato "The Ants Go
Marching On...or Not?"; Earth and Space: 1st
Place, Kaleb Womack "Got Rich Soil", 2nd Place,
Page 6
Tyler Vidrine and Zack Kinser "Why Do
Volcanoes Erupt?", 3rd Place, Trent Touchstone
"Volcanoes Erupting"; Physics: 1st Place, Chase
Walker "Why Do Some Things Float and Some
Things Sink?", 2nd Place, Joey Bailey "Melting
Ice in Different Environments", 3rd Place, Coye
Huber "Bottle Organ"; Medicine and Health: 1st
Place, Michaela Touchstone "Optical Illusions",
2nd Place, Ashley San Angelo "How Do We
Control Diabetes?"; Chemistry: 1st Place, Kyle
LaPointe & Derek Stewart "Which Paper Towel is
More Absorbent?", 2nd Place, Zachary Romain
"Cooking With Chemistry"; Zoology: 1st Place,
Dalton Miller & Hayes Jones "Test Flight";
Science Best of Show: Jordon Mayeux
"Eutrophication: Too Much of a Good Thing";
Social Studies: 1st Place, Coye Huber "Ancient
Egypt", 2nd Place, Brigette Prunty "Poverty
Point", 3rd Place, Michaela Touchstone
"Tsunami, Big Wave."
— Tim Savoy
Johnson, and Jordan Chavis. Overall winner
was Alexis Wilmore. T.S. Cooley held its annual
Lip Sync contest. 1st place winners were Kaley
Guillot, Megan Hebert, Emily Keeley, Caitlyn
Fontenot, and Jessica Wells. Overall winners
were Laura Bowers, Morgan Smith, and Erin
Wiese.
— Fanny Odom
Fairview Elementary participated in the
Southwest Louisiana TEAM GREEN “Telephone
Book Recycling Contest” sponsored by UPOne
Publishing and the City of Lake Charles. Fairview
collected and donated over 5,000 phone books
winning 4th Place and was awarded $300.00.
There was a contest held in the school for the
class collecting the most phone books. The
winning class was Angel Fontenot’s 2nd graders
who collected 250 phone books and received a
fruit party.
— Mary Adams
E. K. Key had a very exciting spelling bee this
year. The 3rd grade participants went 30 rounds,
eventually ending with Mercedes Salter, from
Mrs. Turner’s class, as the overall 3rd grade
winner. Brittney Williamson is the alternate. The
4th graders went 28 rounds, with Tyler Morgan,
from Mrs. Harmon’s class, emerging the victor;
his alternate is Hailee MacAllister. The 5th grade
winner, Erin Dalrymple, from Miss Wilson’s
class, won the contest in 7 rounds. Her alternate
is Dustin Darbonne. E. K. Key is proud to
announce the school’s 2004-2005 Student of the
Year. D. C. Ezernack is an outstanding student
in all areas. He is an honor/banner-roll student,
who also excels at sports, personal character, and
leadership. D. C. is a strong leader and an
exceptional example to other students.
— Angie Cancellieri
Carol Shelton, DeQuincy Elementary School
curriculum coordinator, has earned her
profession's top honor by achieving National
Board Certification in 2004, according to the
National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards. This is an elite honor. There are only
91 teachers in Louisiana who have earned this
distinction. Reagan Dougay’s, Kylee Perkins’,
Jayce Dorman’s, Dustin Sellers’ and Seth
Benoit’s poems will be published in the
Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans. There
are in Melonie Streams' fourth grade class at
DeQuincy Elementary School.
— Rita Mazilly
Congratulations to 3rd Grade Spelling Bee Winner
from LeBleu Settlement, Ryan Lyons. 5th grade
students from LeBleu Settlement entered a
drawing when they attend the Clementine Hunter
Exhibit at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. Vicky
Johnston, 5th grade teacher, and 2 students,
Kelsy Doucet and Lori Lasha won a tour of the
Magnolia and Melrose plantations and dined on
Creole cuisine.
— S. Mhire
Rachel Richardson has been accepted to the
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago
Art Museum School. She studied this past
summer at the Savannah College of Art and
Design (SCAD). While attending SCADS, she was
awarded an academic and portfolio scholarship.
She is currently taking art classes with Martha
Ward and photography class from Sulphur High.
She is the daughter of Patrick and Karen Kirby
of Westlake.
— Kerry Arthur Onxley
The following students will represent T.S. Cooley
at the regional Spelling Bee on March 19th:
Trevor Duhon (3rd grade), Alexander Yu (4th
grade), Rachel Rust (5th grade). T.S. Cooley held
its annual Oratorical Contest on Feb. 22nd. 1st
place winners were Alana Glaspie, Wesley
Moss Bluff Elementary will be sending three
outstanding students to the parish spelling bee in
March. Janie Lunn, Sam Pavlovich, and
Jordan Nocosia will proudly represent their
school this year.
— Sherina Snead
Myeisha Moore is Pearl Watson's student of the
year. She is a fifth grade student in Mrs.
LeJeune's classroom. Myeisha is 11 years old
and a member of the BETA club, the 4-H club,
the Girl Scouts, and Camp Fire. Her hobbies are
talking on the phone, art, singing, and
gymnastics.
— JoAnn Mayo
Winners of the Zaner- Bloser Handwriting
Contest were 1st grade, Bailee Miller; 2nd grade,
Johnathan Savoy; 3rd grade, Imron Javed; and
4th grade, Connor Caswell.
— S. Mhire
Angel Fontenot’s 2nd grade class at Fairview
Elementary entered the Fire Department Safety
Poster Contest. The entire class received
certificates for participation, but the following
students received a dinner with the firemen as a
reward for their posters. First Place went to
LaShawnda, Second Place went to Jasmine, and
Third Place went to Christopher.
— Mary Adams
Congratulations to Michelle LeBlanc's 7th-8th
grade classes at Vinton Middle for successfully
using Inspiration software and unitedstreaming
to explore landforms! Michelle entered the
Inspiration software lesson plan challenge and
her lesson plan can be viewed at the following
website: http://view.exacttarget.com/?ffcd16
fec217175620275fe29167076d0c731074#com
munity.
— Peggy Paige
Michelle LeBlanc, Karen Andrews and Kathryn
Engel at Vinton Middle were accepted as Quality
presenters at the LMSA Conference in Baton
Rouge held in April.
— Peggy Paige
Fifth grade teacher, Sherry Snider, has been
selected to be honored in Who’s Who Among
America’s Teachers. She is a valued member of
the faculty at Moss Bluff Elementary. The school
is immensely proud of her award and her
continued dedication to the progress of her
students.
— Sherina Snead
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Noteworthy
This year a family in our school, and our
school experienced a terrible tragedy.
Leighanne Mangrum was a Pre-K student at
E.K. Key. She died January 22, 2005. She
came in every morning with a smile and left
each after noon with an "I love you". Her
parents gave a beautiful plaque to the school in
appreciation of the faculty and staff. The Pre-K
class collected money to donate library books
in her memory. She is truly missed.
— Julia Trouth
Principal Melinda Hardy designated the
following teachers to represent Oak Park
Elementary at the NCTM Conference held in
New Orleans in early November: Wendy
Walters (Kindergarten), Kimbia Jones (First),
Jennifer Bartek (Second), Kaylyn Fruge
(Third), Jennifer Roberts (Fourth), Willie
Grayson (Fifth), Monica Chaddick (Resource),
and Freddie Marie Maxie (Curriculum
Coordinator). The teachers learned innovative
techniques for teaching math that can be
applied across the curriculum. To benefit the
faculty, the attendees set up displays and
presented ideas they gained from the sessions
they attended.
— Jeanette Webre
Julee Spann and Sandy Desadier presented
at the Calcasieu Reading Council Meeting in
October. Presentation was "Project Success:
An Exciting Approach to Teaching Writing".
They are teachers at St. John Elementary.
Sonia Miller and Nicholle Guillory presented
at the NECC 2004 conference held in New
Orleans during the month of June. Their
presentation consisted of a making connections
lesson plan created by the duo. The title of the
lesson was "Volcanoes Tech Action". The lesson
was a technology enhanced cross curricular
unit plan. The students created PowerPoint
shows, graphs, charts, emergency evacuation
kits, analyzed experiments, created volcanoes
and researched various volcanoes around the
world. The pair will be presenting during the
NECC 2005 conference being held in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June.
— Mary Adams
workshop at St. Charles Retreat Center on
Feb.21, 2005.
— Fanny Odom
Terri Johnson, 5th grade teacher at DeQuincy
Elementary School, received the 2005 I-TEC
grant.
— Rita Mazilly
Congratulations to Matt Milanowski and
Chris Brown who placed first in Moss Bluff
Middle Chess Club Games. Second place
winner was Rob Warden.
— Jo Abshire
Moss Bluff Elementary Kindergarten teachers
attended the sixth annual conference for
Louisiana Kindergarten Teachers in Baton
Rouge. The conference was provided by Staff
Development for Educators. It offered relevant
teaching techniques that will enhance
instruction and further student ability.
— Sherina Snead
Judith Washington, Speech Pathologist
serving T.S. Cooley and Combre Fondel
Schools, was elected as the 2005 President
Elect for SPALS (Speech Pathologist and
Audiologist in LA Schools). The SPALS
Convention was held in Baton Rouge on Dec.
8-9, 2004. T.S. Cooley's Counselor Brenda
Weeks and PTO president Debra Bozeman
attended the "Hardest-to-Involve Parents"
— Tara Owens
Michelle LeBlanc, Karen Andrews, and
Kathryn Engel were accepted to present at the
LMSA Conference in Baton Rouge in April.
— Peggy Paige
Moss Bluff Elementary second grader Mallory
Snider is to be commended for her display of
citizenship. She was awarded the Golden Rule
Award in February. Mallory’s friends in
Tammy Wright’s class are proud of her
accomplishment.
— Sherina Snead
Tatyana Colston, student at College Oaks
Elementary won 1st place in the LOUISIANA
juried art exhibit held at the 1911 Historic City
Hall.
“Miss Rose” presents awards to the top performing schools in the
Orthopedically Handicapped donation campaign.
National Art Education Conference
Sally Babin - Curriculum Specialist, Dr. Daniel Vidrine – Art Supervisor,
and Bobbi Yancey – art teacher at College Oaks presented to the NAEA
Convention in Boston.
Winners of the Louisiana School Boards Association - LSBA are: Category
9-12, 3rd Place, Danny Lavine, 12th Grade, LaGrange High, Art TeacherLarry Dziekan; Category 5-8, 3rd Place, Lori Lasha, 5th Grade, LeBleu
Settlement Elementary, Art Teacher-Vickie Gruca; Category, 1st Place,
Tatyana Colston, 3rd Grade, College Oaks Elementary, Art Teacher-Bobbi
Yancey.
Mayor Randy Roach, Senator Willie Mount and Superintendent Jude
Theriot attend the opening of the Brown Bag Art Exhibit.
Volume 30, Number 2
State Indoor Track Meet Winners from Barbe and Sulphur High were
recognized at the School Board meeting.
Page 7
In the Schools
The Westlake High School Future Business
Leaders of America (FBLA) attended the FBLA
District Conference at McNeese State University
on Thursday, February 3, 2005. 57 students of
Westlake High School participated. The mission
of FBLA is to bring business and education
together in a positive working relationship
through innovative leadership and career
development programs. The club is sponsored by
Mrs. Pam Johnson. The following students
ranked 1st place over the entire district in the
following categories: Mr. FBLA, Jared Ward; Ms.
FBLA, Ashley Predium; Job Interview, Rebecca
Briley; Business Math, Sami Richmond; and
Desktop publishing (Team Event), Lauren
LeBouef and Veronica Walling. The following
students were ranked superior in the following
categories: Business Calculations, Jacob
Appleby, Lance Hess; Computer Applications,
David Bertrand; Computer Concepts, Whitney
Pettijohn; Current Events (Team Event), Lance
Hess, Jared Ward and Antonio Rougeau;
Entrepreneurship (Team Event), Jared Bankens,
Moses Walker and Chris Clinkenbeard; FBLA
Principles & Procedures, Sami Richmond and
Jason Thibodeaux; Introduction to Business,
Ana Castro and Sarah Hermann; Marketing,
Brittany Morvant; Networking Concepts, Sarah
Ferguson; Network Design (Team Event), Adam
Burleigh, Josh Rowell, Sarah Ferguson; Public
Speaking 2, Ashley Predium; and Word
Processing 1, David Bertrand and Antonio
Rougeau.
— Kerry A. Onxley
Dana LeJune, Prien Lake Elementary student
in Ms. Lemoine’s 5th grade class, won first place
for flag design for the Louisiana Association of Art
Educators Youth Arts Month. Aksheta Jain,
Prien Lake Elementary student in Mrs.
Bourgeois’ 5th grade class, received honorable
mention. They will receive awards from state
legislators at the Louisiana Capitol. Blane
Edwards, a Prien Lake Elementary third grade
student , won second place in the Louisiana
School Board Association Art Contest. She was
presented with an award from Mayor Randy
Roach and Superintendent Jude Theriot.
Blane’s teachers are Christy Blalock, art teacher,
Madame DeBois, French teacher, and classroom
teacher, Ms. D. Shamsie. Prien Lake Elementary
fourth graders paired up with Christus Saint
Patrick’s Hospital to celebrate National Home
Health Care and Hospice Month. Several
employees of Home Health Care and Hospice
visited Prien Lake students. They talked with the
students about what their jobs entailed and
discussed ways they helped the sick and elderly.
After the presentation, fourth grade students
wrote essays about what they learned. Finalists in
the essay contest were selected. Judges from St.
Patrick Hospital chose the winning essays. First
place went to Nikki Thibodeaux, second to
Bailey Bruchhaus, and third place went to Jace
Little. Students were invited to lunch to present
their essays. Prien Lake Elementary students
held a drive to collect funds for the Children’s
Miracle Network. Students contributed pennies
throughout the month of January. Children could
raise money by paying to wear a hat ($1.00)
and/or a pair of slippers ($1.00) to school on
Fridays. Prien Lake Elementary students are
collecting Mardi Gras beads for the Southwest
Louisiana Autism Society of America. The Autism
Society will use funds from the resale of these
beads to aid and support needs of area children
with autism. Prien Lake Elementary School
second grade teachers and students held a one
week school wide pickle and picklesicle sale to
raise money for victims of the recent tsunami
disaster. Parents donated pickles and plastic
bags. The money raised and donated ($1491.00)
was wired directly to Sri Lanka. This year’s Prien
Lake Elementary Honor Chorus students are:
Anne Marie Bono, Layton Begstedt, Lauren
Breaux, Allison Chavanne, Trenton Cook,
Brady Estes, Karli Freeland, Megan Gomes,
Brittany Granger, Danielle Heffer, Aksheta
Jain, Molly Jones, Marci Kidder, Allison
LeJeune, Dana LeJeune, Tyler Marks, Mason
Mayeaux, Nicholas Mayeux, Morgan Miller, and
Janey Reeves.
— Shirlene Clark
Page 8
History came to life at the Imperial Calcasieu
Museum as Gillis Elementary School 5th
graders listened as Lake Charles actress Carol
Ann Gayle, dressed as folk artist Clementine
Hunter, taught them about the art work of the
deceased Louisiana folk artist. On Feb. 4th,
French Immersion and French Second Language
classes were visited by Hitomi Fujii from Kyoto,
Japan. Hitomi is an interpreter who specializes
in the Korean Language. She shared stories
about Japanese culture, geography and life with
the students. This was also a great lesson in
language interpretation because Hitomi does not
speak English and the students do not speak
Japanese. As a result, Hitomi and the students
communicated in French. Hitomi remarked how
well the students communicated in French and
how polite they were.
— Tim Savoy
The students at Sulphur High School recently
donated money on four consecutive blue jean
days to give relief to tsunami victims. Clubs at
SHS collected the money and donated it to the
Red Cross. The students gave $2,000.00 the first
week and $663.55 the next. The following Fri.'s
total was $465.60 and $897.83 was collected on
the last Friday in January. Altogether the
donations came to $4,027.01, which will be given
to those who were devastated by the tsunami to
give them a little bit of hope and help.
— Leigh Gentry
For the first time in recent memory, E. K. Key is
sending students on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to
explore the nation’s capitol. Those traveling will
include student council officers, representatives,
parents, and faculty. The students will be working
very hard to raise money for this trip. Several
fundraisers are planned.
— Julia Trouth
Vincent Settlement Kindergarten teachers
Glenda Carson, Elizabeth DeWoody, Lisa
Allain, and Jennifer Benton attended the
annual Kindergarten conference in Baton Rouge.
They attended workshops on Brain Based
Research, Assessment Using Music, The Caring
Classroom, and Literacy Centers.
— Pat Carr
Fourth grade students at J.F. Kennedy
Elementary had the opportunity to work with
Principal Dinah M. Robinson. Students watched
a portion of the "The Wiz", Emerald City and
learned to record descriptive notes. Robinson
enjoyed working with the students on Descriptive
Essay Writing that would help identify important
information.
— Martha Gray
M.J. Kaufman held a Skate Night February 15th
at Skate City. Parents, students, and staff
(including principal, teachers, and support
workers) attended. $350 was raised for the
Children's Miracle Network.
— Tammy Adair
Oak Park Elementary presented "A Tribute to
Black History: Music Throughout the Decades on
February 25. Students in grades PreK through
second performed musical presentations and
skits, which featured outstanding African
American achievements within each decade from
slavery through the 21st Century. The program
also featured a special performance by the
Washington Marion Choir. Special test
preparation events at Oak Park Elementary
included a LEAP Pep Rally featuring a
performance by Morris Brothers of California on
March 10, two LEAP Super Saturdays with
emphasis on English Language Arts and
Mathematics on February 19 and March 5, and a
Family Focus on February 22 featuring test
preparation for grades K-5. Donuts for Dads,
which featured keynote speaker Rev. Abbie
Monroe, pastor of Travelers' Rest Baptist Church,
was held on February 15. He emphasized the vital
role fathers play in the lives of their children and
the importance of taking on the responsibilities of
being a father.
— Jeanette Webre
The students at Fairview Elementary brought in
spare change over the course of 8 days helping to
raise $1,200.00 to donate to the Tsunami victims
of Southeast Asia. This project helped to teach
the children the importance of good citizenship,
compassion, generosity and empathy. Our school
was featured on KPLC - TV on Friday, January
28th to salute our efforts. Thanks to all the
students, parents, and teachers that helped to
make our project a success.
— Mary Cole
Fairview Elementary received a new reading
program this year. The READ 180 Program is a
Scholastic comprehensive reading intervention
program that Fairview is currently using for
targeted third, fourth, and fifth graders and is
taught by Sandy Matthews. The READ 180
classroom meets the needs of students having
difficulties in reading through a research-based
structure that has proven to be highly successful.
All READ 180 students are working very hard and
progress is being made in reading skills. This year
at Fairview Elementary, the CAI Lab received all
new computers, with updated and innovated
programs that service grades K-5. Each child
works on the computer at their own individual
functioning level in Reading, Math, and Spelling.
The lab is used to reinforce and master skills
already taught in the classroom. The lab is
managed by Janice Cormier.
— Mary Adams
DeQuincy Elementary School held their first
Annual Geography Bee. Students in the 4th and
5th grades participated. Winners were Olin
Browning, Garrett Vallery, Garrett Shoemake,
Martin Simien, Alex Reed, Thomas Darson,
Shilah Gintz, Tyler Royer and Devin Bertrand.
— Rita Mazilly
Moss Bluff Elementary teachers Donna Reed,
Debbie Buckley, Bonita Theriot and Karen
Williams have submitted an application for a
grant. The grant would improve technology
opportunities at Moss Bluff Elementary through
funding.
— Sherina Snead
A special "Congratulations" to the students
chosen by Coach Carl White to represent Pearl
Watson School in the parish Fitness Day at
Burton Coliseum. The students are Darrian
Holland, Ronnie Hendrix, Shane Haley,
Donavon Mitchell, Mercedeze Garcia, and
Raven Williams.
— JoAnn Mayo
T.S. Cooley students participated in the Math-AThon for St. Jude's Research Hospital. The
students collected over $4,000.00. Second grader
Tyler Istre collected $1,000.00. February was
Career and Technical Education month. T.S.
Cooley had a Career Fair on February 25th. Local
businesses, parents, and partners in education
shared their careers with students.
— Fanny Odom
Debbie Lemonier’s 2nd grade class began the
school year with Quality. The students in her
class decided to call themselves the “Believers”,
because they believe anything is possible. They
have been very busy learning new skill and
concepts in 2nd grade. During the month of
October, they had the opportunity to meet
firefighters and discuss the importance of fire
safety. Lemonier’s class also participated in the
Food Drives that were held in the Months of
November and December. The class is looking
forward to a successful second half of the year.
— Debbie Lemonier
Fairview Student of the Year nominees, Alex
Cormier, Carli Hood, Nia Keys, Bianca Orsot,
Kevin Peterson, and Jesse Wright were treated
to a congratulations lunch out with Principal
Louana Brown.
— Mary Adams
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In the Schools
Area Schools Win Cross Country State Championships
Krewe de Classique brought a little
Mardi Gras excitement to Brentwood
Elementary School.
Barbe High School Girls’ Cross Country State
Championship Team
Iowa High School Girls’ Cross Country State
Championship Team
The Barbe High School 2004 Class 5A Girls’ Cross Country State Championship Team was recognized at
the board meeting. Students: Jana Barrow, Kara Brady, Adrienne Burgoyne, Amy Guinn, Jessica
Gurley, Kate Leithead, Lolly Plummer, and Lydia Woodward were recognized and received certificates.
Head Coach: Steven Richard, Assistant Coach: Wade Haymark.
The Iowa High School Class 3A 200r Girls’ Cross Country State Championship Team was recognized.
Team Members: Courtnie Anderson, Lauren Ardoin, Janessa Doucett, Elizabeth Hill, Irma Johnson,
Jennifer LaValley (State 3A Overall Champion), Chaqua Manuel, O’Neill Pollinque, and Laura Talbot
were recognized and presented with certificates. Head Coach: Brendon Gilroy, Assistant Coach: Charles
Avery.
Fairview Receives Money for Technology
Brentwood Elementary School
Student of the Year and Spelling Bee
Champion, Mercedes Graves.
Eliza Brignac of Sam’s Club presented to LouAna Brown, Principal of
Fairview Elementary a $1,000.00 grant on behalf of the teachers and
students for the school's technology department
Fairview Celebrates Mardi Gras
Fairview Elementary held a Mardi Gras parade on February 1, 2005.
The 12th Night Revelers and the Krewe de la Famille came to help
make a super Mardi Gras parade for the students and families to enjoy.
Mrs. Roach had her Pre-K class dress up in special costumes. They
were the Krewe of De’Animals. Many parents arrived dressed in
costume to add to the festive atmosphere.
5th Grade students from Brentwood
completed the requirements for
DARE and received their certificates
from Officer Conner.
E. K. Key Forms Student Council
E. K. Key has newly formed a student council for the 2004-2005 school year. The council includes 4th
and 5th grade officers and representatives. Although this organization is a new one at Key, it has been
very active throughout the year.
E. K. Key’s student council holds regular
meetings twice a month and discusses ways
to improve the school and community.
Several things planned for the year were a
food drive, tsunami relief fund, and afterschool tutoring.
But the most exciting thing the student
council has to look forward to is the trip
planned to Washington D. C. in May of this
year. This will be the first time E. K. Key
sends students on a trip of this magnitude.
Students will visit the memorials, White House, museums, and numerous other exciting places that
Washington D. C. has to offer. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students.
E. K. Key plans to continue the student council, and some plans are already being made for next year.
Volume 30, Number 2
Brentwood Elementary School Pre-K
celebrated the Mardi Gras holidays
with an old-fashioned rendition of a
chicken run and then finished off
with a chicken and sausage gumbo.
Brentwood Elementary Pre-K
students played in tons of snow right
here in Louisiana. They took a
winter field trip to the Carencro
Hockey Plex where they built
snowmen.
Page 9
LEAP/GEE Rewards
Exemplary Academic Growth
Barbe High — $27,231.25
Barbe Elementary — $4,0188.98
DeQuincy High — $4,920.57
Key Elementary — $6,952.98
Henry Hts. Elementary — $5,959.70
Iowa High — $7,610.08
Clifton Elementary — $4,706.64
LaGrange High — $15,311.85
Lake Charles-Boston — $7,044.67
LeBleu Settlement — $4,706.64
Pearl Watson Elem.— $6,204.20
Ralph Wilson Elem. — $4,706.64
Reynaud Middle — $4,935.85
R.W. Vincent Elem. — $6,020.83
Sam Houston High — $16,717.72
Sulphur High— $28,453.75
T. H. Watkins Elem. — $4,000.00
Vinton High— $4,538.54
Washington-Marion — $10,605.21
Western Hts. Elem. — $5,088.67
Westlake High — $7,946.27
Westwood Elementary — $8,404.71
Page 10
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LEAP/GEE Rewards
Recognized Academic Growth
Bell City High — $4,900.00
College Oaks Elem. — $3,382.26
DeQuincy Elementary — $6,407.95
Dolby Elementary — $3,575.82
Frasch Elementary — $4,625.14
J. J. Johnson Elem. — $3,687.88
St. John Elementary — $6,204.20
T. S. Cooley Elem. — $3,097.01
Vinton Middle — $2,465.38
Alfred M. Barbe High
Barbe Elementary
DeQuincy High
E. K. Key Elementary
Henry Heights Elementary
Iowa High
Jessie D. Clifton Elementary
LaGrange High
Lake Charles/Boston High
LeBleu Settlement Elementary
Pearl Watson Elementary
Ralph F. Wilson Elementary
Reynaud Middle
Richard W. Vincent Elementary
Sam Houston High
Sulphur High
T. H. Watkins Elementary
Vinton High
Washington/Marion Magnet High
Western Heights Elementary
Westlake High
Westwood Elementary
Bell City High
College Oaks Elementary
DeQuincy Elementary
Dolby Elementary
Frasch Elementary
John J. Johnson II, Elementary
St. John Elementary
T. S. Cooley Elementary Magnet
Vinton Middle
Volume 30, Number 2
$27,231.25
$4,018.98
$4,920.57
$6,952.98
$5,959.70
$7,610.08
$4,706.64
$15,311.85
$7,044.67
$4,706.64
$6,204.20
$4,706.64
$4,935.85
$6,020.83
$16,717.72
$28,453.75
$4,000.00
$4,538.54
$10,605.21
$5,088.67
$7,946.27
$8,404.71
$4,900.20
$3,382.26
$6,407.95
$3,575.82
$4,625.14
$3,687.88
$6,204.20
$3,097.01
$2,465.38
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Exemplary Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Recognized Academic Growth
Page 11
Quality Corner
The follow up Quality training day for the October
4 in-service is scheduled for April 14 for
Elementary Schools and April 15 for Middle and
High Schools. More information will be available
soon. Please plan on attending this Quality
workshop if you attended the initial training on
October 4.
Thanks to all of the teachers who have submitted
forms for “The Q Files” CD. With your help, we
have compiled over 150 documents on the First
Edition and are now working on the Second
Edition, which will be ready in May. If you would
like to have your Quality samples included in the
second edition of “The Q Files” please email them
to us by April 29. Be sure to include your name
and school on each document you submit.
Each school was asked to submit a person to
serve as the Quality Contact at each school.
Thanks to all schools for submitting the
information. If your school has not yet
designated a Quality Contact, please do so by
emailing the Mentors with the Quality Contact
person’s name, position, school, email address,
school phone number, and administrator’s name.
We promise to keep you abreast of the latest
Quality information our office receives.
In April, Dr. Mary Hooper from Jim Shipley and
Associates will offer a specialized “Train the
Trainer” in-service for identified teachers in the
district. In May, she will return to work with
district Administrators in implementing Quality
and applying the Baldrige criteria to all school
processes.
The Quality Mentors have submitted a proposal
to present at the annual National Quality in
Education conference (NQEC) to be held next
November in Miami. The proposal, titled “Q3:
Quality Mentors, Quality Corner, and the Q
Files,” outlines how the mentors have facilitated
the implementation of Quality in Education
throughout Calcasieu Parish.
The Mentors also submitted a proposal to present
at the annual SACS conference next December in
Dallas. Thanks to Mrs. Veronica Harts, Assistant
Page 12
Principal of St. John Elementary, for inviting and
encouraging us to submit a proposal detailing the
efforts our district has made in implementing and
applying the Quality in Education principles to
the classroom.
We would like to offer a huge and sincere thank
you to Mrs. Pam Quebodeaux and all the teachers
and students of Dolby Elementary for always
opening their doors to us and allowing us to
collect sample materials and video footage.
Thank you especially to Mrs. Tammy Stephens
and her kindergarten class, Mrs. Lisa Dietz and
her second graders, Mrs. Terry Romero and her
third graders, Mrs. Becky Faul and her fourth
graders, and Mrs. Angela Ardoin and her fifth
graders for allowing us to go in and videotape
their Student Led Conferences. The video
captured will be used to share with other schools
how to conduct Student Led Conferences.
We would also like to thank Mr. Tony McCardle
and Mrs. Jean Hernandez at Vincent Settlement
Elementary for honoring our requests for
additional Quality documentation.
The Quality Mentors have worked closely with
many schools in the district and are very proud of
the commitment the teachers and administrators
have in implementing Quality in their schools.
The mentors have been invited to work with these
schools this year:
•
Barbe Elementary
•
Brentwood Elementary
•
College Oaks Elementary
•
Combre-Fondel Elementary
•
DeQuincy Elementary
•
Fairview Elementary
•
J. J. Johnson Elementary
•
J. F. Kennedy Elementary
•
LeBleu Settlement Elementary
•
Nelson Elementary
•
Oak Park Elementary
•
D. S. Perkins Elementary
•
T. H. Watkins Elementary
•
Pearl Watson Elementary
•
Western Heights Elementary
•
Westwood Elementary
•
LeBlanc Middle
•
W. W. Lewis Middle
•
Moss Bluff Middle
•
Oak Park Middle
•
Reynaud Middle
•
Vinton Middle
•
Bell City High School
Thank you to these principals and teachers for
allowing us to share in your journey towards
continuous improvement!
The Quality Mentors welcome the opportunity to
work with all schools in implementing Quality in
Education. We can meet with the faculty as an
entire group, by grade level or content area, and
on an individual basis. Our work schedule takes
us through June 30, so if you would like any
assistance, or to schedule training opportunities
for your faculty, please email us soon to schedule
an appointment!
[email protected]
[email protected]
We thank you all for your continued support and
dedication to Quality in Education. We look
forward to the opportunity to work with you all as
you continue your journey of continuous
improvement.
Sincerely,
Missy Bushnell and Lorette Bass
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