Nellie Lutcher Honored Proud Supporters of Quality Education

Volume 33, Number 1
November, 2007
Proud Supporters of
Quality Education
McNeese Cowboys Recognized
Chamber/SWLA Quality Award
At the November School Board meeting several
members of the McNeese State University Football
team were recognized. There was a bus accident
involving MJ Kaufman children and The Cowboys were
on their way to practice when this happened. On the
scene to help were Tammy LeBlanc, fi rst responder,
and Jim Murphy, MSU trainer. The team members
recognized were Kenneth Lundy, LaDairus Key, John
Hamilton, Detrick Taylor, Travis Thibodeaux, David
Turnage, Vaalyn Jackson, Garren Jim, Tyson Sibley,
John Ledet, Bernardo Henry, Bryant Mason, Josh
Ellison, John Vigers, Geremy Pilate, Allen Nelson,
Brian Harvey and Josh Wagner.
The Chamber Foundation SWLA and the Southwest
Louisiana Quality Council held its annual Quality Day
on October 10, 2007. During the Awards Luncheon,
recipients of the Southwest Louisiana Quality Awards
were recognized. This year Dolby Elementary School
was awarded the SWLA Quality Award for Highest
Achievement for outstanding progress. They have
demonstrated excellence and continue to strive for
improvement and results based under the Baldrige
Performance Criteria. Pam Quebodeux, Principal,
along with several members of her faculty were present
to accept the distinguished award.
TOTL Grant
Calcasieu Hosts LAEA Conference
Milken Award Winner
Regional Principal of the Year
Maplewood Middle School will be the fi rst of 54 schools
in the state of Louisiana to receive laptop computers
through the Turn On To Learning education initiative.
The initiative provides Apple MacBook laptops to
two classes of sixth-grade students in each school
district in the state. Fifty students and four teachers
at Maplewood received nearly $70,000 worth of
technology.
Sabra Soileau, teacher at Moss Bluff Middle,
received $25,000 from the Milken Foundation for her
outstanding teaching abilities.
Nellie Lutcher Honored
To commemorate famed rhythm-and-blues artist Nellie
Lutcher as a product of a local school system and
to celebrate her achievements, the Calcasieu Parish
School Board has presented a plaque to the Imperial
Calcasieu Museum. Lutcher attended Second Ward
School in Lake Charles. Presenting the plaque are
Jim McGough, from left, Imperial Calcasieu board
president; Susan Reed, museum executive director;
Wayne Savoy, superintendent of Calcasieu schools;
Fred Hardy, District 2 School Board member; and
Mack Dellafosse, District 7 School Board member.
The Art Studio of the Calcasieu Parish School System
hosted the Louisiana Art Educators Association
conference this past weekend. They had over a
hundred people register and had workshops and
presentations at McNeese State University. They
ended the evening at the Isle of Capri with an Awards
Banquet.
Keith Bonin, Sulphur High School Principal, was
recently recognized at the BESE board meeting as
Regional Principal of the Year.
Parent Resource Center Opened
J D Clifton held a grand opening for their Parent
Resource Center, headed by Latisia Phillips, Bridget
Roberson and Diane Bailey. The center is a place for
parents and family to have access to and assistance
with job searches, online job applications as well as
information on child rearing. The Parent Resource
Center staff is pictured with Calcasieu Superintendent
of Schools Wayne Savoy.
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
Bill Jongbloed
District 6
Mack Dellafosse
District 7
James W. Pitre, V. Pres.
District 8
Chad Guidry
District 11
Joe A. Andrepont
District 12
Billy Breaux
District 13
Annette Ballard
District 4
Dale B. Bernard
District 5
Randall Burleigh
District 9
James Karr, Sr.
District 10
Elray Victorian
District 14
Brian LaRocque, Pres.
District 15
The School Board members had their annual retreat on Friday, November 9th.
They met at Graywood Plantation and went over the district’s vision, mission,
goals and dashboard.
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Proud parents of J.F.K. Elementary
The entire faculty and staff would like to thank all
parents for coming out to help make this school
year a more positive year. On September 5, 2007,
John F. Kennedy held its first Open House.
Parents were encouraged to come out and learn
about the many new programs. They were
impressed and excited about the new Scantron
Program, Quiz Bowl, 21st Century Lab, Read 180,
Quality, 4H Club and the Dial Homework Program.
They were also very impressed with the After School
Program, teachers, teacher assistants, and the
different strategies and techniques utilized to
prepare our students for LEAP and ILEAP testing.
Parents were able to visit all classrooms, view their
child(ren)’s work, projects, quality binders, and
discuss best strategies to help their children
prepare for rigorous testing in the spring. Working
Together We Can and Will Do Great Things for Our
Children! Again, we thank you.
Nashville, Tennessee: Janis Ehlers, RN and Mary
Guillory, RN, Calcasieu Parish School Board
Nursing Supervisors, attended the 39th Annual
Conference of the National Association of School
Nurses (NASN) June 28-July 1, 2007. Janis and
Mary were among more than a thousand other
school nurses and other experts from around the
country who address school health issues on a
daily basis.
— Alicia Zaunbrecher
Read for the Record: “The Story of
Ferdinand”
Hurricane Katrina. Attending were faculty, staff,
and other members of the community during this
presentation. The guests were treated to a red
beans and rice dinner prepared by the students at
the school. The Gulf Restoration Network sponsored
over 100 screenings that were held across
the country of Louisiana Public Broadcasting.
“Washing Away” is an award-winning documentary
by independent producer Christina Melton,
that artfully illustrates the connection between
ever more devastating hurricane damage and
Louisiana’s shrinking wetlands by telling the story
of six Louisianans struggling to recover from the
aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. In the
documentary, each of these individuals represents
a cross-section of the varied cultural and social
“gumbo” that is Louisiana yet they all rely on a
healthy coastline to support their communities,
lives, and livelihood.
— Liz Hoffpauir
DeQuincy Middle School’s New Horticulture
Class
A student and faculty program was held at the
Calcasieu Career Center last month prior to the
planting of two Bradford Pear trees in memory
of two special young men from our parish,
Christopher and Quentin Bruchhaus. Speaking
at the assembly was Pastor Jerry Snider, Coach
Shaver, and Coach Cecchini from Barbe High
School. Also attending the ceremony was
Superintendent Wayne Savoy, Leo Miller. Jr., Bill
Jongbloed, and Charlie Adkins who were introduced
by Kenny Brown, Principal of the Calcasieu Career
Center. After the assembly, guests, family, friends,
faculty, and students proceeded to the school
courtyard where Pastor Jerry Snider said a prayer
and dedicated the trees in the memory of Chris and
Quentin. Both Chris and Quentin attended Barbe
High school where they were outstanding athletes
in football and baseball. Both men attended
college and were working offshore prior to their
death. They touched the lives of so many in our
community with their friendship and awesome
athletic ability and are remembered and missed by
their family and friends. We thank Jay and Mary
Wilkinson for the donation of the two trees that
stand tall in the courtyard of the school.
— Liz Hoffpauir
Cheryl Kibodeaux of the Calcasieu Career Center
invited the public to attend the viewing of “Washing
Away” from 5-7:00p.m. on August 29, 2007, as
part of remembering the two year anniversary of
Volume 32, Number 1
TNT Conference was well represented by members
of Oak Park Elementary staff that presented
information to teachers around the parish.
— Dayna Hoffpauir
Oak Park Elementary was visited by musicians
from the Celtic Nations. Teachers and students
enjoyed their visit.
—Cathy Parnell
The ninth annual Regional Teaching aNd
Technology (TNT) Conference was held October
13, 2007 from 8 AM – 3 PM at the Calcasieu
Parish School Board Technology Training Center
and Reynaud Middle School. Sponsored by
the Calcasieu Parish School Board Technology
Department, the Calcasieu Association of
Educators, Region V LACUE and Region V TLTC,
this conference was open to all educators in
Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard and Jeff
Davis parishes. Nearly 700 attendees enjoyed the
best that technology has to offer in Southwest
Louisiana at the TNT Conference. Teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators participated in
90 sessions that empowered them to become more
productive through the use of technology in the
school and in the classroom. To see pictures and
highlights from the conference, visit the TNT web
site at http://www.cpsb.org/tnt.
— Phyllis Derise
Pre-K Parent Luncheon
This year DeQuincy Middle School added
horticulture to its options for enrichment classes.
Teacher, Honda Brown, says, “The class is going
well! In only one six weeks we have landscaped the
front of the school, built a greenhouse, and planted
lots of things.” The students love this class, and it
is a very good outside enrichment for students to
participate in. A big plus for this enrichment is
that our school looks great!
LeBlanc Middle School Student Council hosted
spirit week from October 17th through October
23rd. Students celebrated being a LeBlanc
Student by wearing Camouflage, Neck-ties with
their uniform, Crazy Socks, their favorite sports
shirt/jersey, and really decking out with school
colors. The week culminated with a Pep Rally that
celebrated the Volleyball and Football teams and
the hard work they demonstrated throughout the
season.
— Carla Craddock
J.D. Clifton Head Start participated with hundreds
of thousands of children and adults who read the
same book, The Story of Ferdinand on September
20, 2007. Jumpstart, a national nonprofit
organization, encouraged hundreds of thousands of
children and adults to read the same book on the
same day. All of the Head Start classes in
Calcasieu Parish took part in this “shared reading
experience.” The students at J.D. Clifton
participated in art projects, listening and acting out
of the story.
Deundre Hall, Chris Ledet, Kendall Steward,
Jacobie Stevenson, Jasmine Vital, Klay Williams.
— Erin Canik
Gabby is a survivor!
Gabrielle Hydle of DeQuincy Elementary was a
burn victim in a house fire last January. A team of
specialist from Shriners Hospitals for Children in
Galveston came to DES to host a re-entry program
for Gabby to return to school for all faculty and
students. The hosts were Maria Mordente; Gabby’s
nurse, Christina Holmes; Occupational Therapist,
and Meghaan Jarrell; Child Life Specialist. Gabby
is a survivor! She actively participates in every part
of our day. Gabby has lots of friends who are excited
to do anything and everything for her, but most of
the time you will notice that she would “rather do it
on her own”!
Under the direction of Erin Canik, Oak Park
Elementary Art Club Members are for 3rd grade:
Lyric Babineaux, Sapphire Meche, Kameron
Mumford, Robert Owens, Justice Smith, 4th grade:
Jacory Carter, Dennis Evans, Catherine Guillory,
Aja Jordan, Keondra Porter, David Pullard, Bashia
Rideau, Herman Semien, Kierra Thomas, Jaylon
Vital, 5th grade: Jeffery Coleman, Jalen Cullivan,
Micah Dugas, Marlana Etienne, Waylon Fontenot,
Larry Fowlkes, Henry Gatewood, Kerry Guillory,
Vincent Settlement Elementary held a Pre-K parent
luncheon on October 18, 2007. Several parents
came to enjoy fried chicken with their children.
After lunch, the parents came back to the
classroom to look at the pumpkins their children
decorated for Halloween. Everyone had a great time!
Pictured are Mrs. Tina Harris’ Pre-K students.
Sheryl Abshire, Administrator of Technology for
Calcasieu Parish Schools, was recently notified by
LATI (Louisiana Assistive Technology Initiative)
at the Louisiana Department of Education that
the Technology Department had been awarded a
state grant of $230,000 for a Regional Assistive
Technology Center. Many students with special
needs are not successful in general education
because they simply cannot fully access services
and resources. When integrated into the overall
curriculum, assistive technology (AT) provides
the means by which these students may have
full access. The need in Region V exists for a
more comprehensive approach to the delivery of
AT services to students. A regional facility will
definitely assist in addressing this need; and,
Region V (consisting of a regional consortium
among Allen, Beauregard, Cameron, Calcasieu,
and Jeff Davis Parishes, along with McNeese State
University) is committed to providing equal access
to education using tools and technology wherever
possible. Specifically, the Region V Consortium
hopes to develop tools and strategies to make
students more successful in their educational
goals. The Regional Consortium believes that by
partnering they will be able to expand the scope
and magnitude of services currently being provided.
Collaborative efforts among the five districts and
MSU will enable all districts to meet the needs of
students, regardless of the number of students in
a district and/or the degree/intensity of their AT
needs. With a comprehensive and collaborative
model in place, the districts will be able to ensure
that AT supports are available to students when
needed for them to access a “Free Appropriate
Public Education.” All participating parishes have
expressed the need to further their AT knowledge
and services within their respective parishes and
expect the outcomes of the proposed project to
fulfi ll this expectation. By incorporating AT and
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles,
teachers will empower the 6,000+ students
with disabilities to show academic and social
Page 3
improvement as a result of the services provided
from the proposed project.
— Phyllis Derise
to Cool for Drugs!” while they wore their red shirts,
sunglasses, and backwards caps.
— Trina L. Gann
field trip ended with a tour of the National World
War II Museum.
— Mary Lanier
The Body Walk
Joy Beth Williams’ Pre-K students were interviewed
during their morning routine by Pamela Dixon for
KPLC-TV. Students eagerly stated the days of the
week, months of the year, and counted to 100 by 1s,
5s, and 10s. They also identified and spelled the
primary and secondary colors.
— Arlene Hobaugh
Test Celebration
The Body Walk, a traveling exhibit, visited our
school on October 17th. The Body Walk is a unique
educational program that involved pre-k through
fi fth grade students in learning the skills and
choices for a healthy lifestyle. The Body Walk is
one of three components of the Smart Bodies
program, a comprehensive health program that
provides nutrition education and promotes
increased physical activity. Smart Bodies is
collaboration between the LSU Ag Center and Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.
Thanks to Mary Cole and Sheila Chisholm for
organizing this wonderful and educational event.
M.J.Kaufman Elementary School was a recent
recipient of the annual School Health Award,
sponsored jointly by the State Board of Elementary
and Secondary Education (BESE), the Louisiana
Department of Education, and the Pennington
Biomedical Research Center. The School Health
Award was created to recognize activities that
promote opportunities for students to develop
lifelong healthful eating and physical activity
habits.
Students made a virtual run to Disney World in
Orlando,Florida. They did all of their running on
school grounds, and added up the miles. Coach
Elaine Floyd tracked their progress using a map on
her bulletin board. Toe tokens were awarded to all
those reaching their destination.
— Marj Gustine
Test Celebration
Oak Park Elementary PTO officers are as follows:
President Willis Chretien, Vice President Alicia
Joseph, Secretary Laura Belle, Assistant Secretary
Dana Bryant, Treasurer/Bookkeeper Jacquette
Fontenot, Parliamentarian Rachel Rosado, and
School Representatives are Karen Lee and Cathy
Parnell. Wayne Savoy and Mac Delafosse were also
present at the Open House Oak Park Elementary
put on for the parents.
SJ Welsh Middle hosted an OPEN HOUSE in
September. The turnout was record breaking.
More than 1200 participants fi lled the girl’s gym
for Opening Remarks and Principal’s Comments.
This year’s Student Council President, Christian
Salvador, began the program by welcoming those in
attendance. Buzz Sarver thanked Wayne Savoy for
his attendance. Wayne Savoy shared some positive
thoughts about our school system with the parents
and students of SJW. He challenged our students
and parents to make READING a life-long endeavor.
The board members representing SJ Welsh visited
with many parents and friends that evening. We
appreciate all of these special guests for their
attendance. The parents followed their students’
schedule to visit classes as bells rang. Special
thanks to all the parents and family members
who showed their school spirit and support that
evening.
— Teresa Chance
Testing Celebration
Ms. Jeannie Miller of Levingston Engineers enjoys
the Testing Celebration Afternoon at Watkins Elem.
Levingston Engineers provided Space Walks for the
students.
The students at Vincent Settlement participated
in Red Ribbon Week, during the week of October
22nd-26th. Each day, there was a different theme
for the students. On Monday, the students were
allowed to wear sports shirts to celebrate the theme
“We’ve got better things to do!” Tuesday’s theme
was “Tie one on Against Drugs!” and the students
wore neck ties. “Join the Fight against Drugs” was
the theme for Wednesday with the students dressed
in Camouflage. The students wore crazy sock for
Thursday’s theme. On Friday the students “We’re
School Board Mambers Mack Delafosse and Elray
Victorian bought ice cream for students at Watkins
Elem. for the Testing Celebration. Both members
attended and passed out cake and ice cream to
show support.
T.S. Cooley 5th grade students have the opportunity
to choose a new enrichment class in addition to
the advanced art class and choir class, the T.S.
Cooley Tigers Typing Tattletales Newsletter Class.
The newsletter class taught by librarian, Mary
Lanier, is conducted three times a week during the
enrichment period. Eight fi fth graders comprise
the class: Carmen Lee, Kaleigh Irwin, Alex Mata,
Jacob Stump, Hunter Little, Erica Long, Daniela
Cadenas, and Hanaiah Morris. The students
are responsible for interviewing people to obtain
their information, reporting the news, writing
the articles, taking pictures, creating the layout,
editing, and publishing the school newsletter which
is distributed to the students and parents of Cooley
each six weeks. The newsletter includes a letter
from Fritzi Fralick, principal, information about
activities that take place at the school, field trips
classes take, club news, a counselor column with
tips for parents, news from the school’s Partners
in Education: Basell and the Sleep Disorder Center
of Louisiana, and parish-wide news from Dolores
Hicks, Administrative Supervisor of Elementary
Schools. Thanks to the newsletter sponsors, the
newsletter is professionally printed by KMI Printed
Products. The newsletter sponsors are: Citgo;
Lanier Plumbing, Inc.; Lou’s Monograms; Sweetlake
Land and Oil CO, LLC; and North American Land
Co, LLC. The newsletter can be accessed on the
school’s web site. The newsletter class students
recently took a trip to New Orleans to visit
WDSU television station and the Times Picayune
newspaper office to learn about two different types
of media. They watched from the set and the control
booth as the noon news was broadcasted live at the
WDSU NBC affi liate. They interviewed the weather
anchorman and were given the tour of the station
where they met on-camera reporters and other
personnel. Their host for the tour was Lisa Collins,
evening news producer and niece of Mary Lanier. At
the Times Picayune, they toured the offices of the
reporters, the printing press room, and interviewed
an environmentalist reporter. The tour guide, Ann
Isaacs, explained the origins of the newspaper and
the process by which a newspaper is produced. The
Mr. Leo Miller, CPSB Assistant Superintendent of
Curriculum and Instruction and Kay Victorian,
Principal pose for a photo at the Test Celebration at
Watkins Elem. Students were rewarded for the 14.5
index points growth.
Moss Bluff Middle School Tours Europe
In June of 2007, a group of fifteen, including
five Moss Bluff Middle School students as well
as parents, teachers, and university students,
travelled to Europe for a twelve-day tour of the
famous cities of London, Paris, and Rome. The
group explored such places as St. Paul’s Cathedral,
Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge,
and Houses of Parliament in London; experienced
the Champs-Élysées, Louvre museum, Notre Dame
Cathedral, Versailles, and Eiffel Tower in Paris;
continued on to Florence and then Rome to take
in the Vatican City and Colosseum; and ended
the trip with visits to the famous archeological
site of Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. Participants
discovered first hand some of the most important
hallmarks and history of modern western culture
and civilization and were encouraged to link their
discoveries to their scholastic studies. In addition,
participants gained a new awareness of and
appreciation for other cultures, characteristics that
are so beneficial to a well-rounded education and to
one’s capacity to function as a global citizen.
Group members included John Michael Broussard,
Ailena Davault, Dylan Quebodeaux, Kayla Stargel,
and Tyler Turpin (Moss Bluff Middle School
students); Clarity Thoreson, Wanda Cruseturner,
and Cyran Hounnou (MBMS French and social
studies teachers); Veronica Broussard and Melissa
Quebodeaux (parents); Marcus Bufford, Lindsay
LaBove, and Elise Quinn (LSU and McNeese
students); and Jeston Cruseturner (spouse) and
Susan Thoreson (parent).
Beta Winners
S.P. Arnett Middle School’s Beta Club won first
place with their wreath at the National Junior Beta
Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, in June. The
wreath was made by the sixth, seventh, and eighth
grade Beta students with hand-beaded flowers and
a guitar. The theme of convention was “Grand ‘Ole
Beta”. Nicole Hogan, Megan Ortego, and Taylor
Whitley traveled to Nashville to attend convention
and compete with the wreath. Beta Club sponsors
are Shelly Ellender and Alyson Chance.
Westwood Elementary students will recognize local
veterans by inviting a friend or relative who is a
veteran to eat lunch with them any day during
the week of November 5-9. Each guest veteran
will receive a card and a bag of homemade treats
prepared by our students. Westwood students are
collecting toiletries for the area homeless veterans.
BETA club members will sort and bag items to be
delivered.
— Karen Ashworth
Suddenlink, Partners in Education, donated
breakfast for the faculty & Staff at John J. Johnson
II, August 16, 2007. It was very tasty.
1st PTO Meeting and Open House was held on
Thursday, September 20, 2007. Officers Elected
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were; President, Linda Carrier, Vice President, M/M
Michael Bradley, Secretary, Shantel Stewart, Asst.
Sect. Diana Ceasar, Chaplain, Rev. Leonard Brown.
Title One Pack Representatives, at Johnson
Elementary are as follows: M/M Darol King School
Representative- Cynthia Stewart
Our Six Week Parenting Workshop “Supporting
Schools Success Workshops” continues every
Thursday for the next six weeks.
Quality In-service on September 25, 2007. Laura
Phenice gave our faculty a clearer understanding of
the concepts behind Quality classroom goals.
Specifically, the goals are for the student to take
ownership of their behavior and academics,
maintain quality processes, feel proud of their
achievements and strive to meet high standards.
The goals for teachers are to make students more
accountable, use data to guide decision-making,
create a student-centered classroom, and work
smarter, not harder. More information and many
great ideas about Quality can be found on CPSB
Blackboard. We have implemented the PATHS
(Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies)
curriculum. This program’s goal is to assist
our students by empowering them in the areas
of emotional development, self-regulation, and
social problem-solving skills. The Pre-K classes
of Theresa Hardy & Ethel Thibodeaux visited the
Pumpkin Patch in Sulphur, October 23, 2007.
Each student purchased a small pumpkin to take
home. The 2nd and 3rd graders are learning about
the parts of a plant in our Science Lab. They
have made a picture of the part of a plant and
are growing their own plants to see how a plant
grows from a seed. On October 2, 2007. Berard &
Griffith’s 5th grade classes went on a field trip to
Cameron, La. This was an educational field trip
with emphasis on the fact that children will view
first hand many of the concepts they are studying
in science and social studies. Fourth and Fifth
grade students are excited about the upcoming
Student Council elections. Noteworthy Cox, Cox,
Filo, Camel & Wilson, partners in education,
donated $10,000 to John J. Johnson II Elementary
School.
— Ethel Thibodeaux
by volunteers on weekends. The Career Center
students will help in the separation of these, also.
The McNeese Farm has several native grasses
planted in test fields.
— Cheryl Kibodeaux
Doris Lemonier Receives French Grant
Teachers in 6-12th grade mathematics,
kindergarten, and fourth grade are participants
in the 2007-2008 CBT Project. The purpose of
this program is three-fold: 1) to ensure every
district classroom teacher has at least one new
computer every four years for instructional use
with students, 2) to provide ongoing technology
integration professional development, and 3) to
provide classroom tools that support 21st Century
learning. The focus of the CBT Project professional
development is on differentiating instruction
(DI) with technology, creating activities and
lessons with DI strategies, and enhancing parent
communication through the use of a classroom
Blackboard website. The teachers attend three
face-to-face professional development days
which are enhanced with an online Blackboard
collaboration component. Upon completion of the
sessions, each teacher receives a new internetready, multimedia-capable computer with the
Microsoft Office Suite, a laser printer, and
Inspiration or Kidspiration. The equipment and
software is funded by district technology funds
and the professional development is a collaborative
venture supported by district, Title II, and
Enhancing Education Through Technology federal
funds.
— Diane Mason
A check for $1,154.75 was recently given by David
Marcantel, member of the Lafayette Richelieu Club,
to Doris Lemonier, French teacher at T.S. Cooley
Elementary Magnet School. The money will be used
to enhance the French program at T.S Cooley. She
teaches about 200 students in grades 2-5. Richelieu
International is a French-speaking service club
organization that has clubs throughout the world.
The Richelieu Club in Spa, Belgium held a
fundraiser to send money to help promote French
programs in Louisiana, especially in the areas
affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Pictured
with Doris Lemonier are David Marcantel and
Wayne Savoy, Superintendent of Calcasieu Parish
schools.
Seed Separation
Calcasieu Career Center students are helping the
Louisiana Native Plant Initiative group in their
effort to restore native prairie and grassland areas
to Louisiana. CiCi Richmond visited the Career
Center on November 1, 2007, with a PowerPoint
on Louisiana native prairie and grasslands. Ms.
Richmond also demonstrated techniques to
separate the seeds. The 32 students enrolled in
Family & Consumer Science and Environmental
Science classes separated the seeds from the stalks
and hulls. Rattlesnake Master is the first plant
for the Career Center to separate. These seeds are
stored in paper bags waiting for individuals and
groups with greenhouses to plant Louisiana once
had 2 ½ million acres of native habitats. Much of
this land is now rice, soybeans, and sugar cane.
The plants to be restored are found along unplowed
sections of old railroad tracks—approximately 200
acres. There is currently no commercial source
of native seeds. Native seeds are of interest as
they can survive our unique climate. Rattlesnake
Master is in the Yucca family. Stories of historical
interest are that the Indians wrapped their ankles
to protect against snake bites; the other is that
the plant was used as an anti-venom preparation.
The plant is an important pollinator. The flowers
in July and August have a slight honey fragrance.
Rabbits and deer feed on the young, tender
leaves. Rattlesnake Master may also be found in
south Texas. Other native plants are collected
Volume 32, Number 1
concerning the implementation of the TAP program
throughout the district.
— Darcy Oreilly
Eurpoean Tour
Contest Finalist
Congratulations to Hannah Rodriguez, a fi fth grade
student at Frasch Elementary. Hannah was a
finalist in the Adventure Cove Logo Contest.
On Wednesday, October 18, Henry Heights
Elementary held a Family Reading Night in
conjunction with the Fall Book Fair. The children
and their parents participated in many reading
based activities such as Phonics Bingo, Newspaper
Scavenger Hunt, Comic Strip Sequencing and of
course shopping at the book fair in the Library.
The favorite activity was the Book Character
Scavenger Hunt. The faculty and staff were dressed
as book characters and students had to identify
them by solving a clue.
Congratulations go to Jake Adaway and Samuel
Zahm for each placing 3rd in a chess tournament
at ICCS. Jake also placed 3rd in a tournament at
OLI in Jennings.
CITGO Fire Safety
CITGO provided E. K. Key with a Fire Safety
Awareness Program for all students. The students
received many goodies and an opportunity to
discuss fire equipment.
The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes were excited to
cast their ballot for the candidates of their choice.
The classed held a mock election on Friday, October
12th. They were able to compare the actual results
with the over-all result s of the classes.
— Pamela Bell, Curriculum Assistant
In June of 2007, a group of fifteen, including five
Moss Bluff Middle School students as well as
parents, teachers, and university students,
travelled to Europe for a twelve-day tour of the
famous cities of London, Paris, and Rome. The
group explored such places as St. Paul’s Cathedral,
Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge,
and Houses of Parliament in London; experienced
the Champs-Élysées, Louvre museum, Notre Dame
Cathedral, Versailles, and Eiffel Tower in Paris;
continued on to Florence and then Rome to take in
the Vatican City and Colosseum; and ended the trip
with visits to the famous archeological site of
Pompeii and the Isle of Capri. Participants
discovered first hand some of the most important
hallmarks and history of modern western culture
and civilization and were encouraged to link their
discoveries to their scholastic studies. In addition,
participants gained a new awareness of and
appreciation for other cultures, characteristics that
are so beneficial to a well-rounded education and to
one’s capacity to function as a global citizen. Group
members included John Michael Broussard, Ailena
Davault, Dylan Quebodeaux, Kayla Stargel, and
Tyler Turpin (Moss Bluff Middle School students);
Clarity Thoreson, Wanda Cruseturner, and Cyran
Hounnou (MBMS French and social studies
teachers); Veronica Broussard and Melissa
Quebodeaux (parents); Marcus Bufford, Lindsay
LaBove, and Elise Quinn (LSU and McNeese
students); and Jeston Cruseturner (spouse) and
Susan Thoreson (parent).
Say BOO to Drugs
LeBlanc Middle School participated in a Drug
Awareness Week. Homerooms decorated doors with
an anti-drug theme “Say Boo to Drugs.” Students
also wore red bracelets to show their choice to say
no to drugs as well as wearing Red Socks, Hats,
and Sunglasses on various days. Teachers took the
opportunity during Homeroom to discuss
Substance Abuse Awareness. Coach Judy Melancon
and Science Teacher, Michelle Ortego, tied for the
winning door decoration contest.
The Library Service Awards Winners are:
DeQuincy Elementary - 1st place in district for
total number of circulations: 82,727, Bell City
- 1st place for K-12 schools in total number of
library circulations (31,623) & average number of
books checked out by students (58), J.I. Watson
- 1st place for K-8 schools in total number of
library circulations (35,832) & average number of
books checked out by students (38), E.K. Key - 1st
place for elementary schools for average number
of library books checked out by students (159),
W.W. Lewis - 1st place for middle schools for total
number of library circulations (32,452) & average
number of library books checked out by students
(41), DeQuincy HS - 1st place for high schools for
total number of library circulations (17,139) &
average number of library books checked out by
students (51).
AA Nelson Elementary is a 2007 recipient of the
Innovation Grant from the Jordan Fundamentals
Grant Program. The Jordan Fundamentals
Selection Panel for your region and the
Jordan Brand in partnership with COMPASS
Consulting have agreed to award $2,500 for the
implementation of the Go for the Goal program.
The process was very competitive and you should
be assured that your submission was among one of
the best across the country!
Combre-Fondel was the proud host of State
Superintendent Paul G. Pastorek and TAP founder
Lowell Milken. Several schools were invited to
attend to participate in a round table discussion
Page 5
Congratulations
The Bayou Writers Group has chosen Sydney
Guidry, a junior at Sam Houston High School, as
the first place winner in the high school category
for her short story writing entry. Hannah George,
also a junior at Sam Houston, was given honorable
mention distinction. Sydney wrote a short story
intitled “Noises in the Night” and Hannah wrote
“In My Heart.” The selections were graded on
grammar/punctuation, style/flow, continuity/focus
and overall quality. Sam Houston is proud of these
students’ accomplishments.
— Doug McCullor
DeQuincy Middle School student, McKenzie Cooper,
was selected as Fox 29 Student of the Month for
October. McKenzie is an 8th grade honor student
and is a member of BETA, Student Council, the
school volleyball and track teams, 4-H, and the
school choir. McKenzie is also a participant in the
National Little Britches Rodeo Association and the
National High School Rodeo Association - Wrangler
Division.
— Adri LeBlanc
The Sam Houston High School Marketing
Department and Jamie Quattrone would like to
congratulate the following senior DECA students for
passing the National Retail Professional Customer
Service Exam. Sam Houston is the only area school
to gain certification in offering this exam. These
students will receive an endorsement in customer
service on their high school diplomas. Sam
Houston is proud of these students: Leslie Clark,
Brittany Barnhart, Eric Fontenot, Jason Fontenot,
Cassie Thornton, Morgan Hooper, Brittany McGee,
Tommy Singleton, Brittney Victorian, Lori Shelton,
Alexis Patrick, Jayce Harvey, Valerie Koonce, Jaclyn
Meigurg, Blake Mueggenborg, Allison Ballard,
Haley Trahan, Jessica Wright, Heyden Gay, Emily
Smythe, Winter Duhon, Justin Wong, Megan
McElroy, Leah Derks and Tristan Maben (a junior
in COOP education). Sam Houston thanks these
students for their efforts and hard work. They have
added to Sam Houston’s academic success.
— Jamie Quattrone
Irma Johnson, a senior student at the Calcasieu
Career Center, represented her school in the
10th Annual World’s Greatest Rice Cook Contest
sponsored by the Calcasieu-Cameron Rice Growers
Association held at the Port of Lake Charles on
September 20, 2007, during National Rice Month.
— Cheryl Kibodeaux
Congratulations to Vinton Middle School. Billy
White of BW Services has donated enough money
to purchase 15 multi-media computers for the AT
lab. The 25 Men of Distinction, a civic organization,
donated $250 dollars to purchase school supplies
for students in need. They also donated $300
dollars to the library. The Knights of Columbus,
Council 6103, donated $450 to our Special
Education department.
— Peggy Paige
Westwood Elementary Art teacher, Melinda Harrell,
has been selected to present at the state conference
for the Louisiana Art Educators Association in
November.
— Karen Ashworth
The following Westwood Elementary teachers
recently won a grant to receive a Promethean
ActivBoard for their classroom: Sissy Elliott,
Jessica Malveaux, Julie Turnage, Kaci Vinson, and
Joann Winfrey. The ActivBoards provide a fun,
interactive, hands-on approach to learning.
— Karen Ashworth
Lewis Middle School will be recognized as a school
of exemplary academic growth based on its School
Performance Score for 2006-07.
— Kathy Walsh
Gabby Higginbotham, Jayci Stutes, Laura
Lindgren, Allie Young, Kaci Dennis, Daniel Areno,
Landon Vincent, Austin Nelson, Hunter Forman,
and Michael Breaux are a select group of students
who auditioned for the privilege of participating
in the All State Chorus. These students travelled
to Baton Rouge on October 11-13. They spent two
days practicing with All State Chorus members
from across the state. On Saturday, October 13
the combined group of Louisiana All State Chorus
members performed a concert for the family,
friends, and community members.
— Trina L. Gann
St. John Elementary has two students who won 1st
and 3rd place in a statewide art contest. The art
contest theme was “Inclusion Equals Everyone”.
Darian Seago won 1st place and Randall Arabie
won 3rd place in the K-5 Division. We are so proud
of all our students who entered this contest. The
participants from St John Elementary were 4th
grade: Alacia Houston, Asia Ardion, Darian Seago,
Emmalee Nichols, Randall Arabie, Sydney Morales,
Page 6
Brianna Watkins, Bethanie Farber, Courtney
Couvillion, Gabby Garner, Madison Lafargue,
Rebecca Bernat, and Zachary Honeycutt.
The following St John teachers have won a Title
I ActiveBorad Grant; Tevya O’Quain, Nichole
Thibodeaux, Sonia Miller, and Countney Dressler.
LeBlanc Student John Hogg was chosen the Fox
29/Lake Charles Toyota student of the month for
the month of September. John was chosen by his
teachers for his outstanding attitude toward others
as well as his impressive academic standing. John
was then chosen by Fox 29/Lake Charles Toyota
among all candidates submitted. Congratulations
to John.
— Carla Craddock
Frasch Elementary was spotlighted at the United
Way luncheon/meeting in October for having an
88% increase in employee contributions this year.
— Katie Dupre
Dale Bernard salutes Oak Park Elementary 20072008 Teacher of the Year Venessa Livingston and
Support Person of the Year Felecia Louis. WalMart Grant winners – PreK teacher Karen Lee and
1st Grade teacher Kimbia Fobbs from Oak Park
Elementary.
Mac Delafosse congratulates the 2007-2008
Drew Grant Recipients for Oak Park Elementary
teachers – William Bundy and Audrette Metoyer.
Congratulations to Oak Park Elementary student
Klay Williams –2nd place DDC Inclusion Art
Contest Winner. Klay will be visiting the Governor
of Louisiana to receive this special award.
Art teacher at Moss Bluff Elementary, Sandy
Buteau, received an award from the Artsonia
website. She posted the students’ artwork on this
site, and because there was so much artwork and
fan clubs created from the artwork the school was
ranked 4th in the state.
— Sherina Snead
Ruthie Paris and Meg Reed, teachers at Moss Bluff
Elementary, entered lesson plan for the Technology
Department -Making Connections Two. Meg
Reed won a laptop and Ruthie Paris won a digital
camera.
— Sherina Snead
5th grader Malik Avery’s name was submitted by
principle Louana Brown for the Adventure Cove
Park’s drawing. Malik’s name was drawn and he
wrote an article published in the American Press
Newspaper. His article consisted of 100-150 words
about his ideas of how the park would look.
— Sheila Slaughter
Bell City High received the Library Service Award
recently. The school was first place for K-12 level
schools for the 2006-2007 school year.
— Elizabeth Armentor
The physical education department at the Calcasieu
Career Center received a grant from the Children’s
Miracle Network for $569.00 to help purchase
technology equipment to be used by the students in
that department.
Coach Coates, P.E. instructor, and the students
wish to thank the Children’s Miracle Network for
their generous grant.
— Marsha Coats
Lexie Reed and Kenneth Smith were nominated
from Moss Bluff Middle School to attend a Mayor’s
Luncheon with Randy Roach on Friday, October 19.
They were presented with a certificate and thanked
publicly for their contributions to the school and to
the community.
Mary Beth Glas and Katie Chantlin also attended.
— Molly Duhon
A school-wide assembly was held October 8, 2007
to hear the Milken Foundation representatives, and
their founder, Mr. Milken, present educator Sabra
Soileau with an award of $25000. The school
received a letter complimenting the behavior of the
students during the assembly.
— Molly Duhon
On Saturday, October 20, the following MBMS
students auditioned and qualified to participate
in the District V Honor Chorus: McKenzie Ball,
Darian Ewing, Zennah Landry, Taylor Livingston,
Kortney Loftin, Joshua Loftin, Bianca Orsot,
Rebecca Ramsey, Anna Rounds, Dylana Smith, and
Cheyanne Zirkle.
— Molly Duhon
The participants toured the port, met the owner of
Tony Chachere’s and met an international chef from
Mexico. The Moss Bluff club won $200 and many
other gifts.
— Molly Duhon
Congratulations to four E. K. Key teachers: Carmen
Brown, Angie Cancellieri, Martha Gary, and
Jennifer Sherrill. They applied and received an
ACTIVboard to be used in their classrooms.
— Carmen Brown, Joanna Grimes,Christie Flores
Congratulations to Kyle McComb, fi fth grader, for
winning the Golden Rule Award. The following
students were selected by audition to participate
in the Louisiana Elementary All-State Choir:
Marianne Alexis, Bradley Bryant, Daja Williams,
Taylor Marshall, Kelvin Henry, Carlie Walton,
Brooke Townsley, and John Trouth. They traveled
to Baton Rouge Oct. 11-13 to rehearse with the 190member choir composed of the most outstanding
singers from grades four, five, and six. The final
concert was at 1:30 p.m., October 13, in Baton
Rouge. Nine chess members from T.S. Cooley
competed at the ICCS Chess Tournament on
Saturday , September 15. Five students placed at
the tournament. K-2 Section winners were Jack
Dietz - 3rd Place; Trey Gregory and Zach Mercy
- 2nd Place and 3-5 Section winners were Gabriel
Osburn and Aaron Yen, both 2nd Place winners.
— Hanaiah M. - student
“How ‘bout those COLTS!” Two UNDEFEATED
teams walk the halls at SJ Welsh Middle School.
Colt Pride is easy to find at S J Welsh Middle
School this fall. The Varsity Girls VOLLEYBALL
team ended their season UNDEFEATED.
Congratulations to Coach Voight and her
assistants. To make winning at SJW even sweeter
– Tuesday night, October 23, at LaGrange High
School Stadium, the SJ Welsh FOOTBALL team
had the final word in CPSB Middle School Football.
The SJW COLT football players finished the
season UNDEFEATED. Congratulations to Head
Coach Brad Durio and his assistants. Colt fans
everywhere are looking for more victories this
school year. Bring on the basketball, golf and
track. Way to go COLTS!
SJW Art teacher, Julie Dallas’ artwork will be
displayed at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum during
LAEA state conference. The juried exhibits are
by art teachers in Louisiana. Way to go – COLT
teacher – Julie Dall as!
Special congratulations to SJW seventh grader,
Justice Fontenot. Justice was chosen to serve
on the Mayor’s Youth Partnership Council.
Congratulations to Justice!
This past summer was no exception for SJ Welsh
Cheerleaders and Colt Dance-line Kickers. Both of
these squads had team members named to the ALL
STAR TEAMS at their respective camps. Dedicated
cheerleader sponsor, Coach Christy Sonnier and
Colt Kickers’ Co-sponsors, Angela McManemin
and Rhonda Dixon (SJW librarians) work hard
throughout the year, including the summer, to
support these special athletes.
SJW Cheerleaders won First Place in Cheer
Division Award of Excellence and First Place in the
Dance Division Champions. They were awarded
the Spirit Stick all three evenings. All-American
Cheerleaders were Kristian Salvador, Kaylin
Quinn , Kelsey Fontenot, and Brandi Courville.
Charlesetta Victorian won First Place in the
Tumbling Contest and in the Jump-off Contest.
SJW Colt Kickers, Deven Stanley and Molly Jones,
were named UDA ALL-STARS while attending
dance camp with the Colt Kickers. Both girls
have the opportunity to perform in the Houston
Thanksgiving Day Parade.
— Teresa Chance
Ian James, a first grade student at College Oaks
Elementary School, won third place in a golf
tournament held in Houston, Texas.
— Arlene Hobaugh
Trudy Phelps, first grade teacher, received a Jordan
Fundamentals Grant for $10,000. Funds will be
used to purchase Palms for the entire first grade for
implementation of the “Math Masters Grant”.
Madison Cantu was named “Fox 29 Student of the
Month”. She was nominated by her second grade
teacher, Pat Fetter. Devyn Jones, third grader,
received the Kiwanis Golden Rule Award. He was
nominated by his teacher, Kate Valentine.
The MBMS Hospitality Team won 1st place in the
Port of Lake Charles Rice Cooking Contest. They
also won 1st place in the heart healthy category.
Jourdan Fruge, 8th grader, represented the club.
The competition included 19 schools in 3 parishes.
SHARE
Partners in Education
Sasol, Westwood’s Partner in Education, provided donuts
and juice to the fi rst six weeks Honor/Banner Roll
students and they also provided treats for those students
meeting their AR goals for the fist six weeks.
— Karen Ashworth
City Savings Bank has opened School Bank Days at
Lewis Middle where Lewis students may deposit money in
their own accounts monthly.
— Kathy Walsh
Our Partners in Education have gone above and beyond
in providing support and assistance since our school
year began. Targa visited our school with a much
appreciated $1000 donation which will be used for
technology and school supplies for our 567 students.
Global Industries made it possible for us to purchase
new and improved planners for the school year with
their very generous $1000 donation. In addition, Global
purchased McDonald’s After School Snack Coupons for
all of our VSE students. The children were delighted, not
to mention their parents! Cameron State Bank helped
us to implement an extra special Red Ribbon Week by
purchasing red “2 Smart 2 Start Drugs” wrist bands for
all faculty and students. Our Star Students for 20072008 will receive T-shirts provided to us courtesy of
Cameron Communications. This is always a very special
honor and we extend sincere thanks to this business for
its support. The Westlake Group helped our teachers
kick off the new school year by providing breakfast at our
Back to School in-service. This is a tradition that the
VSE staff enjoys and looks forward to.
— Pamela Fry
LeBlanc Middle School received a $500.00 donation from
Steamatic, Inc., its P.I.E. The school will use the donation
for various expenditures.
— Carla Craddock
Partners in Education provided breakfast and door prizes
for the Back to School inservice at Oak Park Elementary.
— Jaquetta Fontenot Oak Park Elementary Book Keeper
Bell City’s Partner in Ed. City Savings Bank, has started
a banking program at the school. The program involves
grades K-12 students. Bell City had over eighty students
who are participating in this program.
— Elizabeth Armentor
A big THANK YOU to Citgo, Partner-in-Education with the
Calcasieu Career Center!!!
Citgo gave each faculty and staff member a new red
school bag fi lled with school supplies during teacher in-
service days at the beginning of the 2007-2008 school
year.
— Liz Hoffpauir
Moss Bluff Elementary has received outstanding support
from the school’s partners. Beci, Sonic, State Farm
Melanie Perry, Jeff Davis Bank, Wendy’s, Service Tire and
Auto of Moss Bluff, Textbook Rentals, Verizon Wireless,
and A-1 Sewer have gone above and beyond to assist Moss
Bluff Elementary in any way possible.
— Sherina Snead
Dwight Law Firm, PIE for Moss Bluff Middle, honored the
students of the 6 weeks along with administrators Sabra
Soileau and Kendall Fontenot by going out to lunch on
Thursday, October 11. The students for the 1st 6 weeks
were Marieangelie Colon and Kenneth Smith from 8th
grade, Adam Chase and Taylor Livingston from 7th grade,
and Morgan Watson and Gabriel Hodges from 6th grade.
— Molly Duhon
The American Heart Association is holding its annual
Heart Walk November 10 at the Lake Charles Civic
Center. Moss Bluff Middle School’s Partner in Education,
Stephen Dwight (Dwight Law Firm) is this year’s
chairman. In an effort to show support for our PIE, the
school had an ice cream sandwich fundraiser in October.
The motto was “Beat the heat and help a heart!” We
raised over $150 to be donated by our teachers’ walking
team in November. Look for pictures of our team in the
next SHARE newsletter.
— Molly Duhon
W.W. Lewis would like to recognize and thank our three
Partners in Education.
Carl Vincent with State Farm Insurance – Carl spoils us
every year with a delicious back to school breakfast that
he cooks himself. His banner roll pizza parties and honor
roll ice cream parties have come to be much anticipated
events each six weeks. He has treated the faculty to ice
cream sundaes after school. And, he supplied homemade
cookies for our annual Parent Coffee meeting.
Dondra Hayes and Jeff Davis with City Savings Bank
(CSB) welcomed the staff back to school with insulated
mugs. They have implemented a new program called
Teach Children to Save in which students are offered the
opportunity to open and maintain savings accounts here
at school. A bank representative comes to school once a
month for students to make deposits. Students making
five or more deposits throughout the year will be treated
to a pizza party. CSB donated juice for the annual Parent
Coffee meeting. They treated the staff to a tailgating party
in their parking lot during the SHS homecoming parade.
In the Schools
The following Westwood Elementary 5th grade students
will be inducted into this year’s National Jr. Beta Club:
Kyle Langley, Brant Morton, Michael Reed, Morgan
Rosteet, Jacob Deranger, Kyle Griffen, Brennan Kelley,
Chance LaPoint, Alexa Mirchi, Jalen Thomas, Ryan
Buller, Ada Crochet, Michael Kee, Kayla Ray, Kayleigh
Abbott, Braiden Hardesty, Shannon Johnston, and Ryan
Racca. Beta recognizes those students with outstanding
achievement, social responsibility, and service
involvement in school and community.
— Karen Ashworth
Lewis Middle School dedicated its football stadium to the
memory of its fi rst principal by naming the stadium “Joe
Mount Stadium.”
— Kathy Walsh
Paulette Szymanski’s 3rd grade class read 100 books for
Scholastic’s Kids in Need. Because we read 100 books,
Scholastic will send 100 books to kids in need.
— Paulette Szymanski
St. John PreK and DDP students enjoyed a visit to the
pumpkin patch on October 16.
St John Quiz Bowl has been getting prepared for their
fi rst tournament which is January 29, 2008. They had a
practice against Prien Lake Elementary on October 22.
The Frasch 4-H Club is collecting food for the Care/Help
program this year.
— Katie Dupre
During the summer, the faculty of Fairview Elementary
attended the Kagan training held at the school. The
faculty learned cooperative learning and how to build
powerful learning teams in the classroom.
— Sheila Slaughter
Fairview Elementary held its Open House on October 2,
2007. The school had an enormous parental turn out. The
fi rst six-weeks report cards were also given out.
— Sheila Slaughter
Congratulations to Carrie Verret, Donna Ortego, Tiffany
Hill, and Esther Augustine on winning the promethean
ACTIVBoard for their classrooms! These teachers
were chosen by writing a grant about how they would
implement the use of the board in their classrooms.
— Sheila Slaughter
Volume 32, Number 1
Karen Alexander N.I.E. (Newspaper in Education)
Coordinator for the American Press came to visit the
T.S. Cooley Newsletter Class! She taught them how
newspapers are made. She also showed them a video
about the processes the editors, reporters, photographers,
and the printers go through everyday publishing the
newspaper. The fi rst and second graders had two ladies
read to them! They were trying to set a national record
by reading to lots of people! The Story of Ferdinand by
Munvo Leaf was read by Charlotte McCann of the Junior
League of Lake Charles, Inc. Hillary Nixon read that
book to the 2nd grade classes. Hillary Nixon chose this
project because her favorite hobbies are reading and
public speaking. She, also, loves children. The second
graders had another visit! Corporal Cheryl Leichliter
came to read to them! She really enjoyed reading to the
second graders. She read the books Not Afraid Of Dogs
and Franklin and the Thunderstorm. She started this
program because she loves children and when she was a
child she was treated very nicely by police officers. She is
going to go visit other schools, too. At the department, she
covers the traffic division.
T.S. Cooley would like to thank Chief Don Dixon of the
Lake Charles Police Department for supporting the
promotion of literacy through this wonderful reading
program.
— Daniela C., student
On October 12, 2007, the Lake Charles Fire Department
visited Fairview Elementary School. The students learned
about fi re safety and enjoyed touring the fi re truck.
— Sheila Slaughter
Nine DeQuincy Elementary Students were selected by
audition to participate in the Louisiana Elementary
All-State Choir. They traveled to Baton Rouge, La., on
October 11th-13th, to sing, and perform with the most
gifted students from across the state of Louisiana, with
guest clinician Paul Caldwell. William Clement is the
music director.
— Pam Martarona
Jackie Landry, paraprofessional at Moss Bluff
Elementary, received an HP Laptop computer from First
Financial in a parish wide drawing.
— Sherina Snead
Moss Bluff Elementary PTO did a great job of organizing
the schools annual cookie-dough fund raiser. The school
profited twenty-two thousand seven hundred twenty-five
dollars. Moss Bluff Elementary would like to say thanks
to all that worked so hard to make this a great success.
— Sherina Snead
Donna Richard and Chuck Grant with Chemical Waste
Management (CWM) has made their annual monetary
donation which is used to fund our Homework Hotline
telephone service and also pays for the student agendas
that each student receives at no cost. All three of our
PIE donated computer mouse pads to our computer
enrichment class.
— Connie O. Duffy
A PTW Volunteer has come through again. Ms. Fran
Sanchez, SJW Mom, coordinates the maintenance and
care of the Memorial Garden located in front of the
school. The colorful flowers and professional landscaping
reflects the community support by many businesses who
are friends of SJ Welsh. Special thanks to all our parent
volunteers and business partners for sharing their “COLT
PRIDE.”
— Teresa Chance
Our new Partner in Education, Tonya Griffith, Broker of
AG Edwards provided treats and ice cream sundaes for all
students that achieved Banner and Honor Roll for the 1st
six weeks. We are excited to have her as our Partner.
— Pamela Bell, Curriculum Assistant
T.S. Cooley’s Partner in Education, Sleep Disorder Center
of Louisiana, purchased recyling containers for each
classroom to encourage the students to recycle paper.
Kelly Rhodes, Nurse Practioner Assistant at the Sleep
Disorder Center of Louisiana and T.S. Cooley mother,
received a certificate of appreciation and recognition
from Team Green of Southwest Louisiana for the
center’s contribution to the recycling program at Cooley.
Barbara Monroe, President of Team Green of Southwest
Louisiana, spoke to the students at a school-wide
assembly explaining the importance of recycling. The
students were also encouraged to recycle old phone books
by bringing them to the Team Green trucks stationed
throughout the city. Team Green of Southwest Louisiana
contributed a large recycling bin at the school. Cooley
parent, Trish Botsko, suggested the recycling program
when she realized that there was not one at the school.
She has lived in various parts of the United States
where recyling was done on a daily basis and feels it is
important to teach children the impact they could make
on the environment by recycling. Cooley’s Junior Beta
Club members and janitorial staff are assisting with the
progam by emptying out the recycling containers on a
weekly basis. Cooley students and faculty would like to
thank Dr. Kaimal, the doctor at the Sleep Disorder Center
of Louisiana, for supporting this project at the school.
— Mary Lanier
Dolby Elementary welcomes two new partners in
education--Home Furniture Company and Saundra
Bridges Real Estate.
S J Welsh Middle School is taking on a different look. The
teachers and students are implementing THINKING MAPS
this year throughout the middle school curriculum. As
you walk through the halls and into classrooms, you
will see students’ work displayed everywhere. The use of
THINKING MAPS to increase student understanding of
the information teachers are presenting has been proven
to help students succeed. SJW teachers are always
anxious to learn new and innovative ways to engage
students in meaningful learning. “Hats off” to the GREAT
job our SJ Welsh teachers continue to do every year.
Jr. BETA members, Beverly Crawford (SJW teacher),
and parents volunteered to help build Adventure Cove
last Saturday. They got to paint, put soap on screws,
move and spread sand, mix and pour concrete, and meet
Mayor Randy Roach. Several of the parents were “skilled”
workers that cut and assembled parts of the playground
equipment. Mr. Gatti’s provided free pizza and drinks at
the end of the work day.
SJ Welsh participated in the Joint-Community Choir
Concert with Barbe High School and FK White Middle
School choirs. The choirs performed for a standing-room
only audience earlier this month. SJW teacher, Rebekah
Bernard directs the SJ Welsh choir. SING ON SJW!
— Teresa Chance
Kaufman Elementary was one of several of the parish
schools to host the Body Walk exhibit. Students were
able to walk through the simulated organs, muscles, and
tissues comprising the body while learning which foods
enhance their growth.
The Body Walk is coordinated by the LSU AgCenter and
sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Foundation.
— Marj Gustine
Creative thank-you posters decorated the halls and
cafeteria one recent October week to show appreciation
for M.J. Kaufman’s custodian, housekeeper, and cafeteria
worker.
— Marj Gustine
Students in Marj Gustine’s class were pictured in the
October 31 American Press displaying their learning
maps - Circle Map and Double Bubble Maps - following
storytime about a good witch and a bad witch.
— Marj Gustine
Page 7
Pumpkin Patch
On Wednesday, October 24, 2007, the Pre-k classes
at Vincent Settlement went to the Ward 1 Fire
Station, the Pumpkin Patch and Carlyss Park for a
picnic! Some of our family members came with us
and we had a ball!
Messiah Missionary Baptist Church
Dontates Supplies
Messiah Missionary Baptist Church dontated
supplies for the students at Brentwood Elementary.
Our students were truly blessed by their generosity.
Northrup Grumman Dontates Supplies
Northrop Grumman generously donated school
supplies for our students at Brentwood Elementary.
We appreciate their continued support.
School Supply Drive
Louisiana Counselor of the Year
TNT Conference
Billy Navarre Chevrolet recently donated a check
for $2000 to the Calcasieu Parish School Board for
their annual School Supply Drive. Billy Navarre
Chevrolet was the drive’s main sponsor. Pictured
left to right are Ryan Navarre, general manager of
Billy Navarre Chevrolet in Sulphur, Billy Navarre,
owner of Billy Navarre Chevrolet, Dolores Hicks,
administrative director of Calcasieu parish
elementary schools, and Jareth Navarre, Billy
Navarre Chevrolet sales manager.
Cassandra Austin, a counselor last year from
Combre/Fondel Elementary, was awarded the
Louisiana Elementary Counselor of the Year,
sponsored by the Louisiana School Counselors’
Association. She was recognized at a luncheon
last month in Baton Rouge at the LCA Conference.
Her principal last year was Harold Winey. She is
currently serving as 7th grade counselor at SJ
Welsh Middle school. Her current principal is Buzz
Sarver.
Organizers from the five-parish region held
their ninth annual Teaching aNd Technology
(TNT) Conference October 13, 2007 from 8 AM
– 3 PM at the Calcasieu Parish School Board
Technology Training Center and Reynaud Middle
School. This conference was open to educators
in Calcasieu, Cameron, Allen, Beauregard and
Jeff Davis parishes and was sponsored by the
Calcasieu Parish School Board Technology
Department, the Calcasieu Association of
Educators, Region V LACUE and Region V TLTC.
School Wins State Health Award
Veterans Honored
Blackboard Showcase Site
M. J. Kaufman Elementary School was selected
as a recipient of the annual School Health
Award for the 2006-07 school year. The School
Health Award was created to recognize activities
around the state that promote opportunities for
students to develop lifelong healthful eating and
physical activity habits The award is sponsored
by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education BESE the Louisiana Department
of Education and the Pennington Biomedical
Research Center. A reception was held in their
honor at the Claiborne Building in Baton Rouge
then the award was presented during the BESE
meeting.
Page 8
Recognition of War Veterans/Honorary High
School Diploma were Mr. Atlas James Johnson
and Mr. Dale Henry Smith
Dawn Hooper, a second grade teacher at Moss Bluff
Elementary, was selected by blackboard to have
her blackboard site show cased. Mrs. Hooper is
an excellent teacher with outstanding technology
skills.
SHARE
Noteworthy
Terri Johnson fi fth grade teacher at DeQuincy
Elementary presented at the TNT9 Institute Oct. 13, 2007.
A Kinetically, Innovative Novelty Session of homegrown
pumpkins with vines of technology harvest crops of
relishable learning.
— Pam Martarona
Westwood Elementary has received a special inviation
from the Louisiana Department of Education to
participate in the Louisiana Educators Kick Off Summit
in Baton Rouge on November 5, 2007. Westwood has
been identified as a “Pacesetter School” for meeting our
growth target for more than three consecutive years.
Representing Westwood at the summit will be: Phyllis
Hess, principal; Julie Turnage, 4th grade teacher; Sissy
Elliott, 5th grade teacher; and Frances Burgin, 3rd
grade teacher. They will share ideas contributing to the
consistent high achievement levels of students at our
school with educators from across the state.
— Karen Ashworth
Julie Richard and Libby Ford went to the LATM
conference in Lafayette on Oct. 11 – 13. They learned
new games to play in Math that costs little money and
they were also shown how the LEAP rubric works for
constructed response questions.
— Libby Ford
The following teachers won the Activboard Title I grant at
St. John Elem. Wanda Harrington, Courtney Dressler,
Nichole Thibodeaux, Sonia Miller, Tevya O’Quain, Sandi
Desadier, and Sid Barras.
Frasch Student Council members prepared gift baskets
for the cafeteria workers in recognition of School Lunch
week.
— Katie Dupre
Fairview Elementary held its annual Grandparent’s
Day luncheon on September 20, 2007. Several proud
grand parents were in attendance to see all the
accomplishments their grandchildren have made. They
were also treated to a delicious lunch.
— Sheila Slaughter
Fairview Elementary was proud to have 95% of its staff
attend the annual TNT conference held at Reynaud
Middle School and C& I. Fairview represented so well
that Roxann Clark, Judy Clark, Shun Clark, Ladoris
Politte, David Coffey, Betty Carrier, and Doris Hayes all
won door prizes.
— Sheila Slaughter
The faculty and staff of Fairview Elementary School
contributed more than $5,000 to United Way. Over 90%
of the staff participated. Way to go!
— Mary Cole
This year, DeQuincy Elementary did a wonderful job for
our local United Way! Our school averaged over $145
per person in donations, with 100% participation! Our
school received an award from Calcasieu Parish for our
increase in donation level. Congratulations to DeQuincy
Elementary and all of our United Way Heroes!
— Pam Martarona
Rachel Harmon, Lauren Giffi n, and Gloria Rasco attended
and presented sessions at the TNT9 Conference held in
Lake Charles recently. Rachel presented a Math Web
Quest; Lauren presented Activboards for Promethean,
and Gloria presented Activboards as a co-presenter
with the ASAP grant recipients.The grant provided a
Promethean board, laptop, and projector for Gloria
Rasco’s classroom.
— Molly Duhon
WAY TO GO 7TH GRADE COLT COUNSELOR,
CASSANDRA AUSTIN. Cassandra Austin was recently
named the Louisiana Elementary Counselor of the Year
in a special presentation during the LA State Counselor’s
Conference. Cassandra Austin moved to SJW from
Combre-Fondel Elementary in August. We are proud to
have Cassandra Austin as a new SJW COLT.
Leslie Brinkley and Norma Fruge of the LDE REGION V
office presented a Vocabulary Workshop to the newest
SJ Welsh faculty members. These LaTAAP teachers
are completing their requirements to fulfi ll Louisiana
teacher certification. REGION V serves the schools in
Calcasieu by providing valuable instructional resources.
We appreciate Stacey Smith, SJW LINCS Coordinator,
for arranging this in-service opportunity for our LaTAAP
teachers.
— Teresa Chance
Technology grants for Promethean ActivBoards were
awarded to the following College Oaks Elementary
teachers: Kathy Elliott, Penny Pentecost, and Maranda
Busby.
— Arlene Hobaugh
Kiara Cruz was the Kwanza winner for College Oaks
Elementary School. She also won a $100 gift card to
Wal-Mart for being named a winner in the Citgo Art
Contest.
— Arlene Hobaugh
Laura Church, Laurie Tate, and Nikki Welch, M. J.
Kaufman Elementary teachers, received Promethean
Boards for their classrooms through a grant with Title 1
and the Tech Center.
— Marj Gustine
Frieda Rigmaiden, Curriculum Coordinator, at J. D.
Clifton, received a Drew Grant award of more than
$9,000. The grant project is titled, Read to Succeed
and focuses on K-2nd grade reading success. The grant
purchased a wide variety of reading support tools. The
reading tools include Reading games, Geo Safari Phonics
Pads, Whisper phones, and K- 2nd grade libraries just to
name a few.
— Camella Hardy
Kristen Orndoff, fi fth grade teacher at T.S. Cooley,
presented a program called “If” at the TNT conference
held October 13 at the tech center. The session
demonstrated how to use Tech4learning Pixie and
WebBlender software to create projects in the elementary
classroom within a six weeks time frame using digital
cameras, web searches for pictures and clipart, and
incorporated language arts writing skills. She shared
some of the projects created by her own fi fth graders at
Cooley.
— Mary Lanier
The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students at Brentwood
Elementary were able to write, shoot, direct, and produce
their own movie shorts through our partnership with
the Digital Arts Alliance. The students have also been
able to communicate with students from Africa via
Nokia Video phone and Webcam. Our very own Peggy
Blanchard, Technology Coordinator, and Principal, E.
Brent Washington helped to make this endeavor possible.
We are all so excited about what is going on here at
Brentwood Elementary.
— Pamela Bell, Curriculum Assistant
Twenty-four Dolby teachers attended the annual
TNT Conference. Angela Ardoin, Shawna Dufrene,
Trudy Phelps, Lori Bertrand, Kathie Istre, and Pam
Quebodeaux made presentations at the conference.
Quality Corner
Welcome New Quality Mentor
Laura Phenice joined the Quality Department in
August. She has over fi fteen
years experience in the
elementary and middle
schools. She hit the ground
running and is anxious to
assist the district with her
Quality expertise. Laura
can be reached via email,
[email protected], or
by phone at 217.4130 Ext.
1106.
Webpage Redesigned
The Quality Corner website has been redesigned.
The Quality Mentors invite you to visit the site to
see what is new.
District Alignment
Alignment is defined as the arrangement or position
in a straight line or in parallel lines. When talking
about an organization it can mean a group of
people who work together for a common purpose.
Based on these two definitions, district alignment
within Calcasieu Parish School System requires
a common understanding of vision, mission, and
measures to support goals and action plans to
improve performance results.
In September, stakeholders from across the system
met to address the alignment issue. The meeting
which was facilitated by Tom Hatfield, Director
of Quality and Training at PPG, resulted in the
proposal of a vision and a mission statement. Four
focus areas and five core values were also decided.
Since that meeting, each department within the
CPSS has been meeting to develop a dashboard,
a key tool used to identify essential measures
for each focus area. Once the measures have
been identified, then a Goals Plan is developed
Volume 32, Number 1
outlining key action steps. The dashboards will
be posted outside each department as a method to
communicate the focus areas to stakeholders.
Quality Tool Spotlight
Plus (+)/Delta (∆)
The Plus/Delta is probably the most recognized and
improperly implemented Quality tool. As a result it
is often met with annoyance.
The purpose of the Plus (+) Delta (∆) is to improve
personal and team performance through targeted
development by opening lines of communication.
The evaluation can be customized to address
specific developmental needs of a particular
individual or a group. Participants are allowed
to answer individually and share collectively
to identify the right solution and determine the
appropriate course of action for continuous
improvement. Plus/Delta can be used with groups
of any size.
To be successful with Plus/Delta
•
Reinforce each suggestion in a positive and
constructive manner.
•
Keep focused on suggestions for improvement.
•
Be sure to reinforce the “pluses” and to act
upon the “deltas.”
•
Allow anonymous postings.
Once participants realize changes are being made,
the Plus/Delta becomes an effective quality tool
whose use will be met with enthusiasm.
When to use a Plus/Delta
•
End of the day, end of the week, end of the year
•
Close out a meeting, a project, a lesson, a test,
an observation
•
After completing any unit
Personal reflection of participants
•
What am I doing to improve my learning?
•
What do I need to do to improve my
•
learning?
Blackboard
•
•
Informal assessment
Variations of the traditional Plus/Delta
•
Assessment of a report, test, or project
•
Hand back with final grade
•
Provides better understanding of what
was done well and what improvements are
needed
•
Survey parents
•
Evening homework session
•
Project
•
School year (can be done several times
throughout year)
•
Open Houses, Meet and Greets, assemblies,
etc.
•
Ticket out the Door
•
Have sticky notes available for each
participant
•
One plus and one delta needed to exit class,
meeting, cluster, etc.
•
Identify Driving and Preventing forces (aka
Drivers and Preventers)
•
What are you doing to help you achieve
your goal? (Drivers)
•
What is keeping you from reaching your
goal? (Preventers)
•
Combine with Enthusiasm and Learning chart
•
Add a comment or “what next?” section to
the Plus/Delta then categorize using affinity
diagram
•
Evaluate field trips, reward activities, etc.
•
Assessing collaborative activity:
•
How do you feel about your partner problem
solving task?
•
How do you feel your group worked today?
•
Insert Activity Column and Plus/Delta each
activity
•
Plus/Delta/Rx asks for possible solutions to
address the Deltas
•
Have/Need
•
What do we have to be successful?
•
What do we need to be successful?
•
Stop/Start/Continue
•
What do we need to stop doing?
•
What do we need to start doing?
•
What do we need to continue doing?
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